Local Talent: Dan Israel

Singer/Songwriter Dan Israel describes the songwriting process through a pandemic. He treats us to a performance of Pandemic Blues.

The 1893 Nicollet Island-Northeast Fire

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

August 13th, 1893 was not a good day for the city of Minneapolis. It hadn’t rained for two months, the breeze was hot, and clouds were sparse. Just past 1:00pm, the infamous fire started when a few boys decided to have a quick smoke near the southwest side of Nicollet Island. The first building to catch fire was the Lenhart Wagon Works, and it didn’t take long before the Cedar Lake Ice House and stable and the Clark Box Factory were ablaze as well. Because of the arid conditions, the Minneapolis Fire Department did not want to take any chances. While they had crews fight the fires on the south side of the island, they also made sure to have a crew patrol the north side to quickly put out any embers and debris that floated away on this windy day and landed in the area. 

When reinforcements were crossing the Hennepin Avenue bridge, they noticed a towering inferno at Boom Island, growing larger by the second. At the time, Boom Island was the heart of the log milling industry in Minneapolis, or in other words, the least desirable place for an uncontrollable fire. Now, how did a fire on the south side of Nicollet Island leap to Boom Island? As previously mentioned, it was a windy day, and when fires grow, the energy created can create even more wind. That seems like a sufficient explanation. However, there’s a rumor floating around that some of the log mill owners who lived on the northern part of Nicollet Island bought insurance plans for their companies a few years prior to the fire. Sure, the lumber industry was rapidly declining, and insuring your company would have been a smart move, but come on! Embers from a fire jump over half an island where log mill owners just happen to live, leap a river channel, and land where there’s dozens of acres of mills and lumber stacks? I’ll let the conspiracy theorists take over from here.

The fire spread north from Boom Island and was rapidly approaching residential areas, so the St. Paul Fire Department was called in to help fight the blaze. The plan was to stop the fire at Marshall Street from spreading east, and at 13th Avenue from spreading north. Thankfully, the fire itself did not take any lives, but roughly 24 square blocks of Northeast Minneapolis were reduced to rubble. It could have been a lot worse, but the brand-new metal and brick brew house of the Grain Belt Brewery, then known as the Minneapolis Brewing Company, stopped the fire dead in its tracks.

It took a long time for that area to recover, but since then, businesses moved back, homes were built, and trees sprouted from the ashes. When walking on the new, beautiful park trail from Sheridan Memorial Park to Boom Island Park, it’s hard to believe that Minneapolis’ biggest fire ravaged the area over 100 years ago. 

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About Michael Rainville, Jr.

A 6th generation Minneapolitan, Michael Rainville Jr. received his B.A. in History from the University of St. Thomas, and is currently enrolled in their M.A. in Art History and Certificate in Museum Studies programs.

Michael is also a lead guide at Mobile Entertainment LLC, giving Segway tours of the Minneapolis riverfront for 5+ years.

He can be reached at mrainvillejr@comcast.net.

MSP Int'l Film Festival Announces Minnesota Made Films and Outdoor Screenings

Via a recent e-announcement from MSP Film Society:

MSP Film Society is thrilled to announce the first slate of films for the 40th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF40): the Minnesota Made films! Representing the abundance of talent and diversity of vision in local filmmaking, the Minnesota Made program is always a highlight at MSPIFF, and this year offers another exciting mix of fiction and documentary films from Minnesota-based and Minnesota-native filmmakers.

“MSPIFF has an impressive track record of lifting up Minnesota filmmakers by presenting their films alongside some of the greatest filmmakers from around the world,” said Susan Smoluchowski, Executive Director of the MSP Film Society, parent organization of MSPIFF. “We are honored to be able to continue to offer Minnesota filmmakers our full support, including compensation for their participation in MSPIFF again this year, when filmmakers are facing even more financial challenges than ever before.”

MSP Film Society continues our commitment of year-round support to Minnesota filmmakers in multiple ways, from waiving submission fees to MSPIFF, to highlighting the selected films in MSPIFF’s publicity efforts, and offering weeklong theatrical runs and one-off screening opportunities at St. Anthony Main Theatre for festival favorites. Most recently, we have begun to offer our virtual platform so filmmakers can securely screen their films to audiences throughout Minnesota.

MSPIFF is Minnesota’s largest film festival and, at 40 years running, a Minnesota cultural institution. MSPIFF40 will present 150+ films from both veteran and emerging filmmakers from around the world.

MSPIFF40 will take place Thursday, May 13 through Sunday, May 23, 2021 as a hybrid festival, with most of the films screening virtually to audiences throughout Minnesota, panels and filmmaker Q&As available for free throughout the US, and special in-person outdoor screenings in both Minneapolis and St. Paul.

MSPIFF Opening Weekend – May 13/14/15 – will take place at the Como Lakeside Pavilion, 1360 Lexington Parkway North in St. Paul.

MSPIFF Closing Weekend – May 21/22 – will take place at a pop-up drive-in at Bohemian Flats Park, 2150 West River Parkway in Minneapolis.

The complete MSPIFF40 lineup, along with info on how to purchase tickets to the outdoor screenings, will be announced on Thursday, April 22, 2021.

MINNESOTA MADE FEATURE FILMS AT MSPIFF40

After America - Directed by Jake Yunza, USA, 2020, Fiction In 2019, director Jake Yuzna put out an open call in Minneapolis to criminal justice de-escalators to explore, through performance, the failures they saw in their work and in daily life. The result is an unconventional and eye-opening look at policing in America.

After Antarctica - Directed by Tasha Van Zandt, USA, 2021, Documentary In 1989 Will Steger travelled across Antarctica, the longest and most treacherous crossing of the continent in history. Now, over 30 years later, director Tasha Van Zandt follows him again across the continent, which is slowly coming apart due to the global warming crisis.

The Co-Op Wars - Directed by Deacon Warner, USA, 2020, Documentary Today, Co-ops are multi-million dollar businesses, so successful they’ve prompted mainstream grocery stores to stock organic food. But in the 1970s, it almost ended before it began, as internecine battles and even hostile takeovers threatened this burgeoning movement.

Hollywood Fringe - Directed by Megan Huber & Wyatt McDill, USA, 2020, Fiction Samantha and Travis have been trying to break into movies for years. When their dream project is finally green-lit, the producers want Travis for the male lead, but a younger actress for the female lead. What is Samantha to do but resurrect her “Alien Play” for the Fringe Festival?

Wet House - Directed by Benjamin May, USA. 2021, Documentary Benjamin May’s compassionate documentary pulls no punches nor casts any aspersions as he explores a residential facility for aging alcoholics, where they’re allowed to drink and ride out this last refuge in an unending storm of neglect, self-abuse and despair.

...and over 30 Minnesota Made Short Films, including:

Say His Name, Five Days for George Floyd - Directed by Cy Dodson, USA, 2021, Short Documentary The incomprehensible police killing of George Floyd on May 25th, 2020, sparked a global uprising. Director Cy Dodson captures an immersive observation of unrest in the days between the police killing of George Floyd and the charges filed against police officer Derek Chauvin.

Festival Passes are on sale now at mspfilm.org. All-Access Passes for MSP Film Society Members are $200. All-Access Passes for Non-Members are $250 and include a 1-year MSP Film Society core membership. Film Industry and Student Passes are available for $99.

MSPIFF40 is presented by the MSP Film Society, a dynamic 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to fostering a knowledgeable and vibrant appreciation of the art of film and its power to inform and transform individuals and communities. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Thai New Year at Sawatdee

Supenn and Cyndy Harrison, the mother and daughter leadership team of downtown Thai restaurant Sawatdee, sit down with Brianna Rose to talk about Thai New Year and what's new at Sawatdee.

Dandelion Day at Historic Ard Godfrey House set for May 16

32nd Annual Dandelion Day Celebration

at the historic Ard Godfrey House

Minneapolis’ Oldest Surviving Wood Frame House

Sunday, May 16, 2021  1:00 - 4:00 pm

Masks are Required

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The Woman's Club of Minneapolis invites you to the 32nd Annual Dandelion Day Celebration at the The Ard Godfrey House. Built in 1849, it is located at the corner of University and Central Avenues SE in Chute Square. Here are the details:

 Dandelion Day celebrates Harriet Godfrey’s introduction of dandelion seeds to the St. Anthony Falls area.

 Learn how to make dandelion necklaces, bracelets and crowns, just as Helen Godfrey did as a child.

 Take home a complimentary recipe booklet which includes recipes for dandelion coffee, tea, salad, etc.

 Free Godfrey buttons for the kids.

 Enjoy a guided tour of the charming Ard Godfrey House with docents dressed in 1850s period costume.

 Admission is FREE, donations are welcome, Reservations necessary.

 Reservations available at Eventbrite. For more info, call Kevin at 612-813-5324. 

 Restored by The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, the House has been open to the public since 1979. Dandelion Day marks the beginning of the summer tour season at the Ard Godfrey House.  

 The Ard Godfrey House is partially wheelchair accessible on the main floor, but has the restrictions of a historic home. Please call Muriel (612-781-8791) two weeks in advance to make arrangement for guests with special needs.

 Private group tours may be arranged year-round for a fee by calling 612-781-8791.

Metered street parking available. Off-street parking in River Place Ramp, with entrance on 2nd Street SE, off East Hennepin Avenue, or at St. Anthony Falls Public Ramp, on 2nd Street SE off Central Avenue.

Please note: the Third Avenue Bridge will be closed when this event takes place.

Local Leader: Diane Hofstede, President, The Great River Coalition

Article by Becky Fillinger

Diane at the Mill City Farmers Market, photo providedThe 51st Anniversary of Earth Day is April 22nd. Locally, The Great River Coalition is celebrating the 6th annual Earth Week 5K Bee Run/Walk/Bike event virtually! We talked to Diane Hofstede, President, about the logistics of this year’s event and dressing for success for the popular pollinator fun run.   

Q:  What’s different with the 5K event this year?

A: Many events continue to be postponed with the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re going forward with a virtual version of the 6th Annual Earth Week 5K Bee Run/Walk/Bike! Participants may run our traditional route originating at Boom Island Park and through the only National Park offering scenic views of the Mississippi River, or choose your own route. You can complete your virtual event any time during Earth Week, April 17-24, 2021.

We’re encouraging participants to bring family members and friends along on your virtual Run/Walk/Bike. Please be creative with pollinator costumes and post pictures to our Facebook or Instagram sites! Each paid participant gets a tech t-shirt, a Mill City Running 20% discount and a chance to win big prizes! Register here: https://register.chronotrack.com/r/60015.

Q:  Why is this event necessary? 

A:  Pollinators, throughout the world, are suffering declines in population due to loss of habitat, chemicals, and changes in climate. Please join us in our efforts to save one of the most important and valuable creatures on earth! Interested in doing more? How about being on our board? Board openings are available for consideration by sending an email to diane@greatrivercoalition.com.

Q:  You collaborate with St. Catherine University for this event. How did this partnership come about?

A:  We have many wonderful partners, one of which is St. Catherine University. One of Great River Coalition board members is a St. Catherine University graduate, and she suggested we invite the University to join us as we expanded the event and our mission to protect and provide additional pollinator gardens. St. Catherine’s is a natural fit because the University campus has developed pollinator gardens, installed bee hives on the roof of one of their buildings and produces the honey for sale to support their gardens, and the bees. Additional gardens are being planned for the University campus and the Minneapolis side of the river this spring from the donations for the event. More information will bee available soon! Also, the Apparel Merchandising Design students at St. Catherine University created wonderfully inspiring costumes to celebrate this year’s Earth Week.

Q:  Participants are encouraged to dress in pollinator costumes. Will you select winning costumes? 

A: We anticipate that selecting costume winners will “bee” tough! Great River Coalition has a group of volunteers, students and board members who have agreed to be the judges. GRC welcomes anyone who would like to participate in the judging to send an email to diane@greatrivercoalion.com. Too be eligible for prizes, compete as the winning costumes, register for the Earth Week week-long event at https://register.chronotrack.com/r/60015.

Donations from the registration will be used to expand pollinator gardens. We can’t wait to see you and your costumes on our social media!

Last Chance to Check out the Virtual Minneapolis International Festival!

The virtual International Festival will be coming to a close next week. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the many different cultures in the City of Minneapolis and surrounding communities with music, dance, art, food demos AND MORE. All activities accessed through the event website.  

This event has typically taken place the first Saturday in December at Central Park Gym. The event has grown in popularity with more than 2,000 people in attendance in 2019. 

Art
We have artists representing Latin American cultures, African cultures and Native American cultures as well. 

Music
Talented musicians and performers from Brazil and Thailand are on display. 

Food
The Sioux Chef will be offering demonstrations of local indigenous foods. 

Learning Opportunities
There are chances to learn about Ethiopian Culture, learn Origami or visit the beautiful country of Croatia are all available to you! 

For additional information, visit the website.

April 17 Nature's Way Artist Reception at Kolman & Pryor Gallery

Via a recent e-announcement from Kolman & Pryor Gallery:

Work by Kolman & Pryor Gallery Artists

Inspired by Nature

April 10 – June 19, 2021

Artist Reception: Saturday, April 17, 7:00–9:00pm

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Over the past year we've found solace in the outdoors and in the natural world. To celebrate the balm and calm of Nature and the sense of discovery and refreshment that it gives us, Kolman & Pryor Gallery announces its Spring exhibition, Nature’s Way. Curated by gallery co-founder, Patrick Pryor, with works by gallery artists, Betsy Ruth Byers, Kate Casanova, Jil Evans, Kelly Jean Ohl, Jodi Reeb, Julie Snidle, and Cameron Zebrun; and guest artist, Abby Mouw, the exhibition begins April 10 and runs through June 19, 2021. An artist reception will be held on April 17, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. during Northrup King Nights (6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.), the Northrup King Building’s quarterly open studio evening. Nature’s Way is available now to view online  as well as in person in the gallery.

Becoming II by Betsy Ruth Byers

Nature is a theme and a passion shared by Pryor and gallery co-founder, Anita Sue Kolman. “Every few years we revisit this theme,” Pryor says, “as it brought Anita and I together. Through our shared passion for nature-inspired work, we selected the gallery artists we’ve worked with for the past 10 years. We’re thrilled to show fresh work by our artists through the lens of nature.”

Jil Evans’s new abstract works, Kolman says, “are infused with found light, whether the light has streamed in through her windows or she’s experienced light and shadow shifting while on a walk. The work is bright and light-infused.” In contrast, Kelly Jean Ohl’s sculptures, made with such natural elements as clay, water, and fire, “resemble something you might pick up on a beach, or in a forest like pinecones, seedpods, or sticks.” 

The small conceptual sculptures assembled by Kate Casanova “express our connection to nature and our physical bodies, with a combination of synthetic and biological materials,” Pryor explains. Teetering between the abstract and the representational, with shapes bulging and flowing with color, the work of Betsy Ruth Byers may be “rooted in the tradition of landscape painting,” he continues, “but addresses the materiality of paint to examine how our relationship with water and ice is changing.” 

Gold Beach by Julie Snidle

Other gallery artists in the exhibition include Cameron Zebrun, who infuses layers of carved wood with images of northern Minnesota woods and water; and Julie Snidle and Jodi Reeb who work with beeswax.

In addition to enjoying individual artworks, visitors to the exhibition “can look forward to experiencing the ways in which these works will connect with each other,” Pryor says. Adds Kolman, “The works are in dialogue with each other, not overtly, but through a shared sensibility grounded in the artists’ gratitude and appreciation for nature.” 

For a preview of the show, please contact Anita Sue Kolman at anita@kolmanpryorgallery.com or 612-385-4239 or Patrick Pryor at patrick@kolmanpryorgallery.com or 612-280-7812. 

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Nature’s Way begins Saturday, April 10, 2021, and closes Saturday, June 19, 2021.

Artist Reception: Saturday, April 17, 2021, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Kolman & Pryor Gallery is located in Studio 395, Northrup King Building at 1500 Jackson Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413. For more information, please call: 612-385-4239 or 612-280-7812 or email: anita@kolmanpryorgallery.com or patrick@kolmanpryorgallery.com or visit kolmanpryorgallery.com.

Hennepin History Museum Events for April 2021

Racism & Housing Event Series:

Two virtual events are being held in partnership with Hennepin History Museum, Plymouth Congregational Church, Alliance Housing, and Align Minneapolis and sponsored by the Minneapolis Foundation and Pohlad Family Foundation:

Cost:  Pay as you can – Advance registration required for:

Looking Back to Move Forward:  The Housing Crisis

Thursday, April 15, 7-8:30 pm

Local historians and housing experts discuss historical roots of today’s Twin Cities housing crisis. Moderated by Chandra Smith Baker of the Minneapolis Foundation.

The Color of Law

Wednesday, April 21, 7-8:30 pm

Richard Rothstein will discuss his award-winning book The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America, followed by a question/answer session for participants.

Mutual Aid Community History Workshop

Saturday, April 24, 1-2:30 pm

How can history help us build racial futures? Join History for the Future in a workshop to explore local histories of radical community care through personal memory, storytelling, and digital mapping.

Cost:  Free

For more information or to register for events, visit:  www.hennepinhistory.org

Contact:  Rosella DePietro, (952) 334-4629, rosella.depietro@hennepinhistory.org

The Mill City Times Interview: DID Ambassador: Essie Simpson

Article by Becky Fillinger

Essie Simpson  Photo Credit: Kurt Moses Photography via of Mpls DID

The Downtown Improvement District (DID) is staffed by an amazing group of Ambassadors. Meet Essie Simpson, an exemplary Ambassador. Interested in being an Ambassador? The DID usually hires in the spring time for the busy summer season with 75-80 Ambassadors on the street in the summer months. 

Q:  Why did you become a Downtown Improvement District Ambassador?

A:  I love being downtown and helping people. Being a DID Ambassador seemed like a natural fit for me.

Q:  What is a typical day on the job like for you?

A:  I start my shift with a briefing on the day’s events, and then I head to my zone within the District to begin my patrol. Throughout my shift, I am focused on helping anyone who may be in need. I also look for safety concerns or situations and communicate with the DID Safety Communications Center to provide the best next steps in assisting the situation.

Q:  How many days per week do you work?

A:  I am on the job five days a week.

Q:  Do you have a territory - a particular set of streets or a neighborhood where you work?

A:  We are assigned to a new zone on a daily basis. Each zone is as specific area within the Downtown Improvement District area.

Q:  What improvements would you recommend to strengthen the Ambassador program?

A:  More Ambassadors! The more people we have on the street the more people we can help. I think the program is a success - I love the program and being able to help people on a daily basis.

Q:  Thank you Essie! How may we follow your news?

A:  The best way to follow the DID news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also find more information on www.mplsdid.com.

The Mill City Times Interview: Dr. Michael Osterholm, Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP)

Article by Becky Fillinger, Photo by Ackerman Gruber

Dr. Michael OsterholmLocal infectious disease expert, Dr. Michael Osterholm, recently sat down with us to talk about how his life has changed in the last year and how we can all become more resilient. Did we mention he’s very humble? He’s the very best of neighbors.  

Q:  You've become a public health rock star. How have demands on your time changed in the past year? 

A:  There’s an old song about the difference between heaven and hell - I’m not sure which side we’re on right now. I did learn one thing, though, when you're going through the gates of hell don't stop just keep going.

Q:  Just like the wartime advice of Winston Churchill?

A:  That’s right. March 11 was the one-year anniversary of my last airplane flight. Prior to that, I was flying an average about 150,000 miles a year with all my international travel and work. I’ve not been in a plane since then. Instead of doing 150,000 miles a year in the air, I now do about 1500 hours of Zoom meetings. I have the same tank of gas in my car that I had three months ago. 

Q:  What's it like to have your name on T shirts and mugs, especially the WWOD (What would Osterhold do?) merchandise?

A:  You know, it's a bit uncomfortable. I’ve been in the public eye for 40 years - 45 years since my time with the Minnesota Department of Health. And you know it's always been about the issues, about the team. The thing I’m most proud about, for example, is the senior leadership team at CIDRAP. We've all been together now for 36 years or more. They left the state department and came with me to start the Center, so it's never been focused on me. It's always been about the team. They say there is no I in team and that’s very true with CIDRAP. It’s one of reasons why our Center has been so successful – because of the team effort.

Q:  What’s a typical work day for you at this time?

A:  I typically get up early in the morning to make sure I catch up on everything - so it's not unusual for me to be up at 4:30AM or 5:00AM. I’m often doing morning shows, those are scheduled from around 6 AM to 8AM. Then I’m on Zoom meetings nonstop during the day – or other media events. And oftentimes, I’ll be on late night television. Earlier this week, I finished with Brian Williams at about 10:45PM. Then it starts all over again at 4:30AM.

Q:  This a question from one of your fans - how many times may I use an N95 mask before it loses its effectiveness?

A:  It all depends on the conditions under which you use it. If you use it where you're not getting it otherwise soiled, you can reuse it many times. You know we are unfortunately in a period when we've had a shortage of N95 masks for healthcare workers. Healthcare workers have a system where they bad them after a day of use and the virus activity, if it's present, will be greatly reduced after 5 days. They have five masks which they rotate through during the week.

Q:  We’ve been socially isolating for a year and we all hear the daily totals of COVID-19 infections and deaths. Do you have advice on how we can fight compassion fatigue?

A:  Compassion fatigue is really an oxymoron. It shouldn't exist. It actually doesn’t exist. It's like love, the more you give away, the more you have. Compassion operates the same way - the more you give, the more you have. It doesn’t drain your tank – it refills it.  

Q:  Thank you so much for speaking with us. How do we follow your news?

A:  We’re on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and if you visit our web page, you can catch up on a lot of the news on infectious diseases.   

Small Business Spotlight: Sawatdee

Article by Becky Fillinger

Mother and daughter leadership team, Supenn and Cyndy Harrison, run the Sawatdee empire of deliciousness. The story is one of grit, determination, innovation and adaptability. We talked to Cyndy and Supenn about the early beginnings, famous fans and what’s on the horizon.

Cyndy and Supenn Harrison

Q:  We like to tell the immigration origins of our local small business success stories. When did Supenn immigrate to the US? Did she come to Minneapolis right away? When did she become a citizen?

Supenn:  I came to Minnesota in 1972 to go to the U of M to attend graduate school for my Masters of Arts in Education. In 1974, I graduated and didn’t know what to do with the degree and my life. I met my husband at the U and we married in 1973. We went to Thailand to settle there after graduation, but it didn’t work out and we returned to Minneapolis. I had a hard time getting a job so I worked a manual labor janitorial job at Abbott Northwestern. I brought egg rolls to my colleagues there and they loved them so much they encouraged me to sell them. So, I opened a small food booth at the Minnesota State Fair in 1976. I also became a US citizen that same year. I was the first in the family to move to the US and I applied for my brothers and sisters to emigrate here too. In 1979, I opened the first Thai restaurant in the state, which evolved into what is now Sawatdee Thai Restaurants.

Egg roll stand at the Minnesota State Fair

Siam Cafe, 1981

Q:  Your website mentions that part of Sawatdee’s success is attributable to “Supenn’s knowledge and understanding of her target market.” How do you stay up to date in understanding the customer? Is the customer different in each of your brick and mortar locations?

Outside the Washington Avenue location, 1990Cyndy:  In the beginning, we were the only one in a five-state region offering Thai cuisine, and many people did not know what it was. We tended to have a clientele that were familiar with Thailand (either originally from SE Asia or having traveled to the area). We also educated guests regarding what Thai food is. The Twin Cities only had American, Chinese and Mexican food at the time. Since then, Thai food has become a more common ethnic food category and our target market has expanded significantly.

Our brick and mortar locations are all similar and offer the same classic recipes, but there are differences (i.e., we are not franchised with pre-made sauces). We cook in the traditional Thai method that doesn't use measuring tools and no pre-made sauces. Every dish is mixed with the spices and ingredients as requested by the customer. For example, if a customer orders Volcanic Hot, the amount of sugar, salt, garlic, etc. may change to create the balance needed with that level of spice. Additionally, a Volcanic Hot in our St Paul location will be hotter than in our Maple Grove location since we are adjusting to the local taste buds. We have locations in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Maple Grove, St. Cloud and Bloomington – the spice mix is different in each location for our dishes based on customer preferences. 

Q:  Your website mentions that Supenn’s cooking added to the Rolling Stones’ waistlines. What is the backstory to this sentence?

Supenn:  In December 1994, the Rolling Stones ordered catering from Sawatdee to the concert venue. Then again in 1999, we catered to the concert venue and they later ordered take-out for the plane ride. They even put our "Thai it, You’ll like it" sticker on their guitar cases. It was so much fun to feed them and so many other celebrities, including Prince, who loved our shrimp fried rice, Neil Diamond, Amy Grant, Dave Winfield, Kurt Russell and more!

Q:  How has Sawatdee navigated through the COVID-19 restaurant shutdowns in the last 10 months?

Cyndy:  We have stayed open throughout the shutdowns, offering take-out and delivery. We have also created the Sawatdee Safety protocols to enhance the COVID-19 safety of our restaurants. This includes enhanced sanitizing protocols, employee health screenings and temperature checks, mask wearing, social distancing, medical grade air purifiers and more.

Socially distanced tables

Q:  Is there a dish on your menu that you wish more people would try?

Cyndy:  I love Toam Yum. It is a traditional savory soup with amazing flavors of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and galanga. It's wonderful especially if you feel under the weather.

Toam Yum

Q:  Supenn – you have mentored many area chefs and restaurant managers. What are your thoughts on launching so many careers?

Supenn:  I've been doing this work for over 40 years and I've trained and mentored so many wonderful people. In the beginning, I partnered with several people to open new locations. But several others also branched off and created other Thai restaurants. It's so wonderful that the Twin Cities has become a mecca for Thai food with so much innovation and variety. And I'm so proud and grateful to be part of that legacy.

Q:  What’s new with Sawatdee in 2021?

Cyndy:  Our Minneapolis location at 607 Washington Avenue S just completed a facelift to our dining room. New paint, flooring, lighting, entry doors, host area, and entrance to the party room. That's been an exciting project that was two years in the making. We used the second shutdown as the time needed to complete the project while staying open for take-out and delivery and the staff could continue to work.

This year we also hope to get back to our catering. We have always offered full service catering including weddings, private parties and corporate events, but we have been focused on expanding this business over the last three years, including marketing, wedding shows, partnering with venues, purchasing necessary rentals and more. COVID-19 has completely stopped the catering business from full service weddings to small corporate drop-offs. We hope these will resume in earnest in the fall when some staff return downtown and into 2022.

Q:  How may we follow your news?

Cyndy:  On our website at www.sawatdee.com and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Come and see what we’ve done with the renovations!

"Thai it, You’ll like it."

Small Business Spotlight: Patricia Wall, Co-owner and Developer, The Market at Malcolm Yards

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided by Elise Bartlett, FrameAndStudio.com

John and Patricia Wall

Get ready for a fabulous new addition to local eating – The Market at Malcolm Yards. Located at 501 30th Avenue SE and opening next month, we will have so much to explore and taste and savor. We spoke to Patricia Wall, co-owner and developer, of the new business. There’s so much to love here – renovation and repurposing of a historic structure and the bringing together of innovative food makers. 

Q:  How did you pick the location for your new food hall? 

A:  My husband, John Wall, has been buying parcels of property in Prospect Park since 1999. His goal was to develop a Biotechnology Research & Development park. Eventually we pivoted towards developing the land as a new live, work and play community. As part of the development, we will have residential and office too. 

The Harris Machinery Building is a historic brick and timber industrial structure from the 1800's. We decided to restore the building and turn it into a food hall due to the neighborhood's increasing density and the neighboring Surly Brewing, the U of MN and the Prospect Park Green Line stop in front of the property. The food hall will serve as a neighborhood gathering hub for those who live in the area and the greater Twin Cities community. 

Boxcar Bar will offer a mix of classic and specialty cocktails.Q:  How is Malcolm Yards different from other food halls? 

A:  The Market at Malcolm Yards will consist of nine chef-owned and operated kitchens, a 32 tap self-pour wall and the Boxcar Bar with innovative cocktails, beer and wine. Guests at the Market will be able to order from any of the nine creative, fast casual kitchen concepts, grab a beverage and dine inside or outside. The Market will differ from other food halls in the area by having a very unique location in Minneapolis in a new development with lots of events, and entertainment while surrounded by public art. 

Q:  Was your culinary background helpful in bringing the concept to fruition?

A:  Yes. Having a background in the food service business, I knew this would be a wonderful destination spot for guests, and an excellent opportunity for chefs to open a kitchen with lower risk and more traffic than a brick-and-mortar location. I was looking for the right opportunity to work around food and events again, and this was a great way to combine my real estate experience and passion for great food.

Q:  What can we look forward to in Malcolm Yards' cocktail innovations? I know this will be wildly popular.

A:  We will be crafting flavorful, seasonal cocktails featuring local distilleries. We are working on fresh ideas to appeal to a variety of tastes for our guests. A variety of wines and craft beers will also be available.

Q:  How many food vendors are signed up at this point? Can you tell us what foods they will offer?

A:  We have all of our nine kitchens filled. The offerings will include charcuterie, empanadas and lomitos, fresh daily made pasta, Detroit-style pizza, burgers and eclectic ice cream, traditional Indian and Nepali offerings such as momos and dosas, an innovative vegetable-forward eatery and sushi.

Michael Shaughnessy of Advellum Vegetable Eatery

Avocado Toast from Advellum

Bebe Zito's owner Gabriella and Chef Ben Spangler

Bebe Zito Burger

Josh Hedquist of Joey Meatballs

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Q:  How may we stay current with your news?

A:  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and our website.

Community Leader: Joan Brzezinski, Executive Director, The University of Minnesota China Center

Article by Becky Fillinger 

Joan BrzezinskiWould you like to learn more about our Chinese neighbors – locally and globally? Curious about the history of the University of Minnesota and China? Meet Joan Brzezinski, Executive Director of the U’s China Center. You might be surprised that the links go back over a hundred years. The China Center offers programs we may all engage in and learn from – to become better global citizens. 

Q:  What sparked your early interest in studying East Asian History at Hamline University? Did you think as an undergraduate that you could have a career focused on China?

A:  I first found myself drawn to the Chinese language. The beauty of the characters and expression of language and culture through the characters was fascinating. The opportunity to study Chinese at the undergraduate level, particularly in a private college, was rare at the time. I was fortunate to spend a year in an academic exchange with Peking University in 1982, which was a life changing experience for me. Upon returning to Hamline, I decided to change majors and pursue a degree in East Asian History with the intent to work in a field that had some connection with China. I wanted to find a way to bridge the Chinese and U.S. peoples and cultures.

Q:  What Twin Cities universities have connections to China?

A:  The University of Minnesota has the oldest Chinese language program in the Twin Cities. It is also the home of a Chinese language Flagship program, which is a federally-funded partnership between government, education, and business that promotes superior-level fluency in a critical language. The University's program attracts highly qualified undergraduate students from diverse disciplines to achieve superior-level Mandarin Chinese proficiency and promotes their success as global professionals. There are a number of undergraduate Chinese language programs at private and community colleges in the Twin Cities. Additionally, Minnesota has one of the largest number of Mandarin programs at the K12 level in the U.S. There are more than 13 Mandarin immersion programs for K-12 building a pipeline to college level study.

Q:  Please tell us about the China Bridge Challenge. Are the results of the challenge shared with your counterparts in China?

A:  In the absence of study abroad and international student mobility during this pandemic, the China Bridge Challenge competition was developed to help undergraduates connect cross-culturally and collaborate on providing solutions to the important issues faced by China and the U.S. Our college partner was the College of Design led by Professor Juanjuan Wu. The first-ever China Bridge Challenge was held in February and featured six strong proposals addressing shared problems faced by the U.S. and China under the theme of Building Sustainable Cities and Communities. We were delighted by the students' ideas and their excellent presentations. The winning proposal, "Fostering Cross-Cultural Understanding through a Fun Competition: Virtual Diplomacy for the 21st Century," introduced a "CultureScape" challenge which highlighted how people in the U.S. and China are embracing sustainability. We have shared the students’ presentations and the results of the competition with our supporters, which include alumni and friends both here and in China.

Q:  The first Chinese students enrolled at the U of M in 1914. Today, the U of M community includes more than 3,000 students and scholars from Greater China. The China Center now has an office in Beijing. Thousands of alumni live throughout China. Why was the U an early leader in inviting Chinese students to enroll? What are the beneficial outcomes of having a robust China Center in Minneapolis and in Beijing?

A:  The University has always had strong academic programs in areas that were of interest to Chinese students. In the early 20th century, it was agricultural sciences and mining, in the mid-20th century, it was engineering, and in the late 20th and early 21st centuries it is health sciences and business. The University's China Center and our office in Beijing benefit from a vibrant network of Chinese alumni and the University's network of institutional and educational partners that strengthen the faculty research collaborations, student exchange and cultural programs.

Q:  What are the priorities of the China Center for 2021?

A:  The China Center's priorities are to continue to develop meaningful programming for our campus and Minnesota communities. As the pandemic endures, and intolerance, suspicion and hostilities have grown in the U.S.-China relationship, the China Center has strived to offer new programs and opportunities to explore issues and provide a platform for dialogue. We will continue to look for opportunities to connect students and foster greater understanding about China and its peoples and cultures.

Q:  How may we as the general public engage in your programming?

A:  We would be delighted if your readers would join us for our monthly webinars in the "Considering China" series. You can find more information at https://chinacenter.umn.edu/. In the coming year, we will host a "Bob and Kim Griffin Building U.S. China Bridges Lecture," a Chinese New Year celebration, and the next "China Bridge Challenge." More information about these events will be available at a later date at this same website address. One can always join our mailing list and we will send you an invitation. Please look for information on joining here: https://chinacenter.umn.edu/about-us/contact-us. We’re on social media too.

March 2021 by the Numbers from Cynthia Froid Group

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

Local Celebrity: Patric Richardson, The Laundry Guy

Article by Becky Fillinger

Patric Richardson is a very big deal now – he has a new book release and television show starting this week.  Before Mona Williams, Richardson’s boutique at the Mall of America, his first storefront was at 18 University, across from Surdyk’s. Given his busy schedule, we were lucky to speak to him about his influences and get some laundry tips.

Patric Richardson

Q:  I met you a few years ago at your Mall of America Laundry Camp. We talked about your childhood in Kentucky and some of the culinary delights there - including the famous Dairy Cheer hotdog. I also grew up in Appalachia and understand that differences are not always celebrated. How did a young man with a flair for fashion fit in and thrive? 

A:  I did grow up in Northeastern Kentucky and we did have a Dairy Cheer in Ashland. Delish! I don't know that I fit in, but I had wonderful women around me that celebrated all my personality and allowed me to explore my curiosity. 

Q:  When did you realize that most people had no real knowledge of how to 'do' laundry? 

A:  I originally realized it when I had so many people ask me questions. I should have also realized it when I saw how much I didn't know at the University of Kentucky where I received my degree in fashion merchandising, apparel and textiles. After learning so much from mom and granny, and obtaining my degree, I had a lot of knowledge to share. 

Q:  Who do you credit with giving you the appreciation that laundry is a household 'art'?  

A:  Definitely my granny and my mom. My mom always ironed everything and kept an immaculate house, and my granny used to let me "help" her with laundry which is how I started learning. 

Q:  What one tip could you share with our readers that would make a world of difference in their laundry outcomes?  

A: I am actually going to give a couple of tips. First, you can wash everything! Don't be afraid to try handwashing with soap. Second, use less soap than you think you need. Third, wash everything in warm on the express cycle and...buy the book and watch the show! You never know what you'll learn! 

Q:  You have a book coming out this month - Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore (hint to our readers - perfect wedding gift, new home gift, first time moving away from home gift, etc.). Congratulations! Will you have a book tour? Events in the Twin Cities? 

A:  Current circumstances sort of prevent groups, but the book is in all local bookstores and hopefully we can do something later when we resume laundry camps. I also have copies at Mona Williams at the MOA.

Q:  Your TV show, The Laundry Guy, also recently first aired. How did the Discovery Network discover you?

A:  A producer from Committee Films came to laundry camp. She reached out to me and we stayed in contact for several years, and last summer we shot a pilot. From there, as they say, the rest is history.

Q:  How may we follow your news?   

A: The easiest way is to follow The Laundry Evangelist on Facebook or follow me @laundrypatric on Twitter and Instagram. Also, my show is on HGTV.