According to The New York Times, the 81-year-old Delta Queen riverboat will be grounded if it is not granted an exemption to operate under the 1966 Safety at Sea Act.
Blog
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Relax! – the Food's Still Yummy
I got this sinking feeling the other day when I drove past one of my favorite Chinese restaurants, the former Yummy at 25th and Nicollet, and discovered a new sign above the door. The sign said Relax, which made me worry that the place had been turned into a sauna/ massage parlor, until I read the rest of the sign, which promises Exotic Chinese Cuisine. My doubts returned when I saw the restaurant’s new menu, whose cover promises authentic Chinese cuisine, but features two hula girls in grass skirts and bikini tops (actually, one wore only a lei), undulating under palm trees. Has Yummy gone Polynesian? Will I find pu-pu platter on the menu?
Luckily, it turns out that not much has really changed. Employees told me that the former owner, Mr. Chang, moved to Florida and sold the restaurant to his head chef, Jackson Liu. The menu has added a few new dishes, not including a pu-pu platter, but it’s basically the same as when the restaurant was Yummy. The food has actually improved, the employees insisted: the new owner has hired a professional dim sum chef from New York, whereas Mr. Chang used to make the dim sum himself. I tried a few of the dim sum yesterday for lunch (they’re available every day, but the selection is bigger on weekends), and I don’t know if they are any better than before, but they were quite good, and very reasonably priced.
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Karma Karma Karma Karma Karma Chameleon
You think you know, but you have no idea. This is the true story of when Mercedes-Benz stopped making toys and started getting real with the GL 550. A bit dramatic, maybe- but MB’s top of the line SUV is no joke. They were looking to tap into the market that is dominated by Range Rovers, Navigators, and Escalades- but instead they blew the door wide open.
Even with the photo stretched you feel the presence of the GL550The GL 550 is just as big as its competitors in the SUV market, yet it still handles like its luxury sedans brothers and coupe sisters. Mercedes-Benz says that this is a result of the GL 550 being the only full-sized SUV to have been built with what they call uni-body construction. This special type of construction is supposed to make the car ride smoother, handle better, and weigh less than a comparable full-sized SUV. I have no idea what this uni-body business is all about, but I have to say that what ever it is, it works.
The GL 550 is a little less flashy than its competitors, due to its design being more rounded. It doesn’t look massive from the outside, however 7 people can fit comfortably in it. And if that last row is necessary, just push a button, because the third row powers up and down automatically. And tell whoever complains about getting into the backseat to stop complaining and enjoy the car’s second sunroof, which is conveniently located over the third row.
The car has it all for everyone: Standard leather, premium audio, and a trendy look from the front for the flashy crowd; eight airbags, heated front and middle row seats, and a built in first aid kit for the soccer moms.
The GL 550 is worth your time and then some, and this Karma Karma Karma Karma Karma car is certainly a chameleon. Figure out what you want it to say about you and visit Sears to test-drive both luxury and power.
CW. The Road Rakette
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Sir Ian & Brenda v. CJ: The Final Bell
RYBAK: It’s so hard to keep up with the folks on DishZilla C.J.’s shit list: it just keeps growing all the time. This week she trashed respected KSTP reporter Bob McNaney–not really for remarks he made at the Midwest Emmys, as she wrote in her column– but because he never makes remarks to the Strib gossip. And as people who really don’t want to deal with C.J. know–like an elephant, she never forgets.
Evidently, another person on her "must trash" list is Twin Cities’ star restauranteuse Brenda Langton (Cafe Brenda, Spoonriver), who was the focus of a big C.J. "scoop" a few weeks back because her restaurant allegedly turned away actor Ian McKellen–then appearing at the Guthrie as King Lear–because he came before the restaurant opened, or didn’t want to sit at a table–or who the hell knows why, given C.J.’s convoluted copy.
We were subsequently shocked, SHOCKED to learn that Sir Ian held a different view of that column item, as evidenced by his handwritten note on a faxed copy of the October 10 column. "Don’t believe a word you read in the Star Tribune," it reads.
Skeptics might be further assuaged by this picture of Sir Ian with Brenda and and Lear co-star Jonathan Hyde, who played the Earl of Kent.
The Strib has steadfastly ignored complaints about C.J., preferring instead to praise her regular appearance as one of the top columnists (on and off line) at the paper (not really that hard to do if you’re writing about media, gossip or sports, three of the reading public’s favorite topics/guilty pleasures).
Why would this change just because one of the world’s greatest living actors thinks she sucks (and, now, the paper as well)?
Perhaps the Pioneer Press’s marketing department (if it still has one) should give the McKellen note a look…it could make a dandy billboard, don’t you think?
LAMBERT: I called Ms. Langton, a.k.a. Brenda, this morning to get a little better idea how this CJ classic actually went down. I mean, the clear inference from the Oct. 10 column was that Brenda’s clueless, rube-like people had snubbed the great actor and … uh, maybe … we might imagine … McKellen was miffed. Right? (Again, hard to tell from the column.)
"It was just so stupid," Brenda remembers. "She [CJ] called up and was just so super nasty. She had this tone. And she’s saying things like, ‘Do you have weekly meetings?’ Uh, yes, CJ, we have staff meetings. What’s your point? ‘Well, don’t you think you might want to put up pictures of all the famous people in town so your staff recognizes them if they come in?’"
Brenda’s response was a steely, "No." She explains — and I freely admit we’re deep into This Has Nothing to Do With the Price of Rice territory — that she spotted McKellen looking at a Spoonriver menu one afternoon as she was on the phone, coincidentally enough, to the Guthrie. By the time she got off, the aged, rumpled McKellen, who doesn’t exactly have the same recognizablity quotient as, say, George Clooney, had left. Brenda asked her staff what happened, and they explained that, it being 5 p.m., they didn’t have a table free right then and McKellen didn’t have time to wait. No volcanic outrage on the great man’s part. Busy restaurant. Tight schedule. Can’t make it today. It happens.
Long(ish) story short, Brenda calls her Guthrie pal to tell them to tell McKellen she’s very sorry and she’ll find a spot for him. Word gets back that McKellen was not at all offended but couldn’t make it back that day; he would however try again. Still, at this point, no harm, no foul, no snubbing, no nothing — except the insinuation in the area’s largest newspaper that the provincial Midwest chowderheads bungled an opportunity to serve a lion of the theater.
Such a nice, light touch.
Anyway, according to Brenda, McKellen, true to his word, stops in a few days later. Again at 5. The restaurant is full. But this time Brenda jumps in and offers him and fellow actor Hyde "executive dining" in her tiny kitchen office. McKellen likes the idea. "Mah-velous! Mah-velous," he says. Lear must eat! Brenda tosses on a crisp white tablecloth, and the two men enjoy a fine meal before posing for a picture and heading back over to the office.
"They were both wonderful," says Brenda. "Ian went around and greeted everyone in the kitchen."
At some point, someone mentions CJ’s column to McKellen, and Hyde cracks something to the effect, about how, in general, "You can’t trust these papers." Off that cue, Sir Ian merrily autographs a Xerox of CJ’s Oct. 10 opus, which Brenda might well-consider framing by the front door. It’s a terrific reverse-barometer review, in a way.
"Famous people have been coming in for years," says Brenda. "Joe Perry of Aerosmith came back to talk to (the kitchen staff) one time. Elvis Costello comes in every time he is town. So does k.d. Lang. But I’m not about to pounce on people. You know?" (She says she hasn’t done the Sardi’s or Carnegie Deli thing and framed pictures of her famous clientele, but may start. "I’m 50 now. So what the hell, right?)"
She says CJ — who is nothing if not relentless — comes around frequently demanding to know, as opposed to "asking" — who has been in. (That velvet touch thing is so overrated, you know.) "She’s mad because I don’t tell her who has been in."
Brenda says she didn’t send CJ a copy of the autograph but did kick over a copy of the group photo you see here. "She didn’t see the humor in it. She called and asked if someone was playing a practical joke on her."
If there’s a bottom line to this "issue" it’s an almost pathological deficit of humor. But that’s not news, is it?
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A Moment of Silence for Wellstone
Five years ago: U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., was killed in a plane crash in northern Minnesota along with his wife, daughter and five others, 1 1/2 weeks before the election.
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Hurrah for Heidi's
The real test of a chef’s talent isn’t what they can do with foie gras or fresh black truffles. Those ingredients can make any chef look good, and the less you do with them, the better. The real test is what you can do with more mundane ingredients like beets, brussel sprouts and beef short ribs.
By that standard, Stuart Woodman’s work at Heidi’s (named after his wife and co-chef) is impressive. An appetizer billed as beet variation 13 combines a beet sorbet with roasted beets, topped with fennel and shallots, scented with juniper. The originality of the combination commands your attention, and then the subtlety of the flavors rewards it. Another appetizer, seared ahi tuna, breathes new life into the most over-exposed ingredient currently to be found on local menus: Woodman serves it over a thin slice of marinated roasted eggplant, and tops the fish with fried leeks, creating a delightful interplay of textures.
Woodman built his reputation at two high-end restaurants, Restaurant Levain and Five, both now out of business. Heidi’s, in the former Pane Vino Dolce space, is a much more modest venture, with minimal decor, and entrees priced from $9-$19. You can get a decent glass of wine for as little as $5 (a rarity nowadays), though the list of wines by the bottle ranges all the way up to $109, for a 2005 Justin Isosceles Paso Robles.My favorite dining companion, who doesn’t eat meat, was delighted to find four acceptable options on the entree list: barramundi in a mussel broth; steamed halibut with kale, artichokes and fingerling potatoes; turnip ravioli with brown butter and pea greens; and (her choice) a vegetarian bolognese with firm, al dente pappardelle and an intensely flavorful mushroom chard sauce.
Lots of restaurants serve a pretty standard version of the molten chocolate cake, but Heidi’s version (actually made by Heidi, unless I miss my guess) adds a flavorful seasonal twist: a hint of gingerbread spice.
My only gripe is about the decibel level. I only went to Pane Vino Dolce once, though I liked the food, because I found the decibel level painfully loud – like being trapped inside a steel drum. It’s much better at Heidi’s, but there is still room for improvement.
Heidi’s Minneapolis, 819 W. 50th St., Minneapolis, 612-354-3512.
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A Broad Spectrum of Music and Dance
BENEFIT
A Toast to the CedarFor 18 years, the Cedar Cultural Center has been bringing us great music and dance from across the globe. And while our fair city isn’t lacking in venues, this one certainly contributes immensely to our rich cultural terrain. Sure, the best way to show your support and ensure they stick around for another 18 years, is to simply go to their shows. But tonight there’s a little more you can do as well. Zipp’s Liquor and The Seward Co-op bring you their bi-annual Wine Show and Tasting benefit for the Cedar. Sample over 150 wines, unique spirits, and beer, while you do our city some good.
6:30 p.m., The Cedar, 416 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-338-2674; $25.
MUSIC
Music for EveryoneIt’s a great night to go out and enjoy a live music show — no matter what your taste.
Rock
Better late than never. Each Thursday this month The Plagiarists have been playing at The Nomad, and tonight is their final show. If you’re a Band of Horses fan — and maybe even if you’re not — you’ll enjoy The Plagiarist’s catchy synth pop.9 p.m., The Nomad World Pub, 501 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-338-6424.
Folk
Hailing from Texas and New York, Ana Egge brings her lulling vocal stylings to the Twin Cities this evening. You’ll enjoy the perfect simplicity of her songs delivered by her beautifully haunting voice. Hell, even Lucinda Williams was impressed by her song-writing skills. Opening for Egge this evening is Mother Banjo (Ellen Stanley on banjo and vocals) and Gabe Barnett (with the spirit of Dylan inside).8 p.m., 400 Bar, 400 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-332-2903; $8.
Soul & Funk
Average White Band is no doubt among the best soul and funk bands in the history of music. And frankly, at this point — after more than 35 years in the music industry — they pretty much embody the history of soul and funk. I mean, they were number one on the Billboard Pop and R&B Album Charts all the way back in 1975. “Pick up the pieces, uh, huh. Pick up the pieces, alright. Pick up the pieces, uh, huh. Pick up the pieces, whoo!” It must have been the lyrics. “Pick up the Pieces” was a worldwide hit, receiving a a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Instrumental Performance. This was just the beginning, as many albums, hits, and Grammy nominations followed through the years. Sure, they disbanded for five years in the ’80s, but this was short lived, and they certainly made up for the lost time with six albums and a concert DVD since then. This is a must-see show for soul & funk lovers. And you’re in luck, as they’ll be playing through Saturday.8 & 10:30 p.m., Rossi’s Blue Star Room, 80 9th St. S., Minneapolis; 612-312-2828; $45 dinner show, $20.
Jazz
With thirteen solid albums under her belt, Claudia Schmidt has indeed achieved national success. We tend to overlook what’s right in our backyard at times, but tonight just count your blessings as you make your way to the show. Sure, you could sit at home and listen to one of her many albums, but you’ll miss out on her fabulous energy, which is best experienced live.7 & 9:30 p.m., Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-332-1010; $30 & $20.
Classical
World-reknown Russian violist and principal conductor of the Symphony Orchestra of New Russia Yuri Bashmet will be performing works by Shostakovich, Raykhelson, Skrowaczewski, Takemitsu, and Schnittke this evening with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. The Schnittke piece, Larghetto for Viola and Strings from Concerto for Three, was in fact written specifically for Bashmet, with violinist Gidon Kremer and cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. Enjoy the show this evening at Temple Israel, tomorrow evening at Wooddale Church, or on Sunday at the Ordway Center. 8 p.m., Temple Israel, 2324 Emerson Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-377-8680; SPCO 651-291-1144; $10-$25.
THEATER & PERFORMANCE
Le Chat Noir: A French Cabaret
Minneapolis takes on shades of Paris this evening, courtesy of Ballet of the Dolls. The company has been working its inventive and often wacky brand of dance theater for twenty-one years now, most recently with a take on the outer-space sex odyssey Barbarella. Artistic director and former Parisian Myron Johnson choreographed this latest show as a series of vignettes set to music both classic and funky — think along the lines of Erik Satie remixes. In true cabaret form, patrons are invited to hiss, boo, and imbibe freely during the performance — and no two performances will be alike. –Danielle Kurtzleben, photo by Desiree Olson8 p.m., Ritz Theater, 345 Thirteenth Ave. N.E., Minneapolis; 612-436-1129; $25.
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No, Thank You!
Just wanted to send a quick compliment about the short story by Scott Wrobel, "Storage" [October]. Stellar work, keep the great selections coming!
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Bush Decries Fictional Gay Marriages
According to Huffington Post writer Andy Borowitz, Bush is seeking to ban gay marriages between fictitious characters. For crying out loud!
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Time to Revisit Net Neutrality
According to MSNBC, Comcast blocks some internet traffic, hence not treating all net traffic equally — a slap in the face to the issue of net neutrality.