Driving in any direction out of Minnesota, witnessing the endless rows of swaying stalks, it’s easy to get the feeling that corn is ubiquitous. You have no idea. The other night I got a sneak peek at a movie that will change how you feel about that drive. King Corn is a documentary film about … Read more
This from Patty Brand, the Maven of the Friends of the St. Paul Farmers’ Market: Many of you may know that there was a groundbreaking ceremony for the Indoor Market Hall/Market Flats Project in mid September. Since then work has progressed on digging the hole. We have waited considerable time for this to happen and … Read more
big shoulders and good hot dogs I’m feeling old. I’m headed down to Chicago with some of my brood for a college visit/tour. My daughter is looking at Loyola and University of Chicago and I have to go along and ask all the right questions: how recently was the dining hall renovated? can she access … Read more
Last spring brought a nasty shock. I was walking down a leafy side street off Como Avenue, hoping to admire in passing the jolly gingerbread woodwork around the eaves of the tumbledown duplex where my POSSLQ and I shared our first Minnesota home. The place was in pretty poor nick when we rented it twenty … Read more
What could be your key to fame and glory, the secret to a happy marriage, and the only way to make it through the entertaining season with grace and aplomb? Why, it’s the cocktail party, dahling. Libations aside, the best reason for hosting this type of gathering is that success doesn’t depend on a mass … Read more
lottalotta couscous Sometimes I get ahead of myself. Getting all wound up with the protein and veg portion of the meal, I end up rather conceding the starch. God, not another pot of mashed potatoes, boring and blah no matter what cheese/herb/sauce is added. Oh, another loaf of bread warmed in the oven? Sure. What … Read more
It’s true that I dream of opening a shop (or maybe just a booth at the Fair) that sells large, wearable pretzels. Simply loop around your neck and snack as you go. Sie sind toll! Maybe next year. This year, for a different kind of Oktoberfest where you might not find a boot-swilling lederhosen-clad hottie … Read more
What’s a girl to do when she’s snacky for a quick samosa? Sure there’s the appeal of a buffet lunch at one of the all-stars … but then there’s the pre-schooler and his crankiness level and the crunch of time that doesn’t allow for full-service AND an on-time arrival at school. Thank goodness I was … Read more
I have an undeniable craving for salty sweet. It may be more intense during certain times: when I feel defined as a chauffer, when I’ve been bickering with the hub, when the days are so crammed with everyone else’s business there’s no time to breathe. Salted caramels, a pretzel stick jammed into a pint of … Read more
The forecast may be dreary, but that’s nothing a little golden slice of warmth can’t cure. Going out this weekend? Venturing through a corn maze? You may want to stop by the sausage garage sale at 229 Upton Ave S in Bryn Mawr. This Saturday from 10am – 2pm, the Sausage Sisters will be closing … Read more