Happy Labor Day Weekend!

The pace in our neighborhood slows down on Holiday weekends, and we like to take advantage of that by kicking back at a few of our favorite casual spots.  

While it's fun to try new things, like the beer flights at Town Hall Brewery (above), we never tire of the dishes at Zen Box.

 

 

And what's a summer stroll without a scoop of gelato from Wilde Roast?  On our last visit I tried a 1/2 scoop of cherry mixed with a 1/2 scoop of licorice.  That was goooooooooooood.  (No picture - it disappeared too fast!)

Guthrie Theater Features New Mill District Video

The Guthrie Theater is featuring the Mill District Neighborhood Association video on it's website:

http://www.guthrietheater.org/visit/dining_attractions_and_accommodations/local_attractions

Also hosted on YouTube, over 500+ people have already watched this tribute to our neighborhood:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdBbmCHF2-Y

Thanks again to Peter Zenner for underwriting and producing this gem!

NCED's Sip of Science Series Returns September 12

Here's something cool to check out. The National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics (NCED) will resume their monthly Sip of Science series on Wednesday, September 12, at the Aster Cafe.  :)

September 12th SIP Of SCIENCE:

A "Monkeyface" mussel, native to Minnesota

Freshwater mussels are one of the most endangered animal groups in North America, but the role of these mollusks in freshwater ecosystems, including our own Mississippi River, is vital to the survival of other animals and to the stability of the food chain. Freshwater mussels improve water quality in rivers and streams, allowing greater light penetration for algae and other organisms to grow, and they act as excellent indicators of environmental changes. Mussels have mutually beneficial relationships with many species of fish, providing them with nutrients that benefit other animals and humans who eat the fish.

Join mussel researcher Mark Hove in a discussion of these aquatic creatures, including the curious strategies native mussels employ to successfully reproduce, how mussels help not only rivers but people, the anthropogenic impacts on mussels, and mussel conservation.

About our speaker:

Mark Hove learned about mussels while getting his MS in Fisheries Science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and his recent research has focused on freshwater mussel conservation and habitat, as well as approaches to identifying juvenile freshwater mussels recovered from infested fishes. He currently works as a malacologist at the University of Minnesota and Macalester College.

A SIP OF SCIENCE bridges the gap between science and culture in a setting that bridges the gap between brain and belly. Food, beer, and learning are on the menu in a happy hour forum in which researchers pair with musicians, artists and storytellers to put science in context through storytelling.

This talk takes place during happy hour at the Aster Cafe ||  Food and Drink Available for Purchase

A SIP OF SCIENCE - The Surprising Life of Native Mussels

Dr. Jessica Kozarek, Research Associate, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota

Wednesday, September 12th, 5:30p.m.   Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main Street, St. Anthony Main, Minneapolis, No cover 

The Blast Blow Dry Bar Experience

Blast Blow Dry Bar recently opened at 940 Washington Avenue South, next to Mens Dept. on the retail level of Aloft.

Below are Co-Owner Kristin Neafus, Receptionist Maureen and Stylist Stephani.

Blast is not a cut/color/mani-pedi salon.  What it is is a cool place to go for some pampering, either by yourself or with friends.  Services fall under three main categories:  Hair, Wax Bar (facial only) and Makeup & Lash Bar. 

Dave's daughter Brianna served as the model for our visit, enjoying 'The Blowout' service.  The Blowout begins with a consult with your stylist, during which you'll review style options and discuss any special needs.  Next, your stylist creates custom-mixed shampoo and conditioner incorporating your selected ingredients.  A scalp massage enhances the relaxation of the comphy lounge chair.  Stylists use hydrating styling cream during the blow out and style.

Here's a slide show of Brianna's experience with stylist Tiffany:

Unique to Blast is miXx, a custom in-house line of shampoos and conditioners.  Owners Kristin and Steven are both pharmacists, applying the same compounding skills used in formulating dermatological prescriptions to the beauty industry.  Everyone has different scalp, hair, style, and scent preferences.  With miXx, you have a personalized product made in front of you to match your personal needs and taste.  Blast's miXxologists and stylists are trained to help you chose the right ingredients.

As part of the group experience, there's a VIP Lounge.  Clients can bring in refreshments, or food can be catered in.  An ice bucket and glasses are provided for guests who bring in bubbly as part of their celebration.  Use of the lounge is free to parties of 6 or more.  Blast also has umbrellas on hand so they can provide a covered walk to your car to assure your new style isn't ruined by rain/snow.

Blast has a full makeup station, featuring Mirabella products and a fun selection of lashes. For a flawless look, try a custom-blended professional air brush application (will cover scars, burns, etc). 

A full line of MoroccanOil, KEVIN.MURPHY and other products are available for purchase.

 

In addition to a personal appointment, consider Blast for a girls night out, bridal party, or a little girl Princess party.   Their menu of services, packages and membership options is available online.  Contact Dre Barthel, Events Coordinator for Blast, at 952-807-4982 to discuss your party needs.  Her email is dre@blastdrybar.com.

Kristin and her staff are excited to meet their new Mill District neighbors, and are hosting an Open House on Thursday, September 13, from 5:00pm-7:00pm.

Follow Blast on Facebook, Website and Twitter.  Questions?  Call 612-424-5762.

Blackhawk Helicopters on Military Training Exercise over the Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront

We caught some nice shots of the military helicopters buzzing around our neighborhood - from the Stone Arch Bridge, Mill Ruins Park and our balcony.  There were a few freaked out people on the bridge!  They hadn't read the Star Trib article explaining how these are just routine training exercises.

Week 16 at the 2012 Mill City Farmers Market

Every visit to the Market is a new learning experience.  Take these beautiful specimens, for example.  We thought they were tomatoes, but found out they are Turkish Eggplants:

Cast your vote for the Mill City Farmers Market in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest by clicking here.  The Eagan and St. Paul Markets are currently in the lead, with MCFM a (very) distant third.

Don't forget - the 2nd Annual MCFM Baking Contest is September 22.

Road Closures for August 26 Minneapolis Duathlon

Time: 5:00am - Noon

The following parkways will be temporarily closed on Sunday, August 26, for the Minneapolis Duathlon:

West River Parkway, Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, Stone Arch Bridge, and Main Street

A complete list of parkway closures through December 2012 is available online.

Mark Your Calendars for Sanctuary's 5th Anniversary Party this Sunday, August 26

Naomi, Roger, Michael and the staff at Sanctuary the restaurant, 903 Washington Avenue South, invite you to celebrate their 5th Anniversary!

Drop by any time between 4:00pm-9:00pm to mix, mingle, dance, eat and drink with the staff, neighbors and friends of Sanctuary.  Food and beverages are complimentary, but cold beer, wine and some special cocktails will be available to enjoy at Happy Hour prices.  DJ Shannon Blowtorch will be back spinning the music.

Check out these pics from last year's party:

Best viewed in full screen mode.

Izzy's Ice Cream Breaks Ground in the Mill District

Construction started yesterday on the new Izzy's Ice Cream Parlor & Headquarters.  Works is scheduled to be completed next summer.  Follow the progress on Mill City Times.

Tonight - Music in the Park at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Father Hennepin Bluffs Park (East Bank of the Stone Arch Bridge)

Tonights entertainment:  Mankato Symphony Orchestra - With the Maza Kute drum group

What to bring: Blanket or chair, sunblock and bugspray, picnic basket.

Reminders: Watch our facebook or twitter page for weather cancellations of the evening festivities. Post photos on our facebook page of you enjoying the concerts. Support the artists by picking up a CD or other merchandise.

Enjoy Music and Movie combo nights:
Tuesdays at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park
Fridays at the Lake Harriet Bandshell (beginning June 9th).

Questions or comments? Email us at concerts@minneapolisparks.org

Music & Movies in The Parks is produced by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board. Enjoy more than 250 FREE concerts and movies in Minneapolis parks this summer!

Week 15 at the 2012 Mill City Farmers Market

Oh glorious day - Sonny's abfab sweet corn ice cream appeared at the August 18 Market.  :)

Cast your vote for the Mill City Farmers Market in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest by clicking here.  The Eagan and St. Paul Markets are currently in the lead, with MCFM a (very) distant 3rd.

Don't forget - the 2nd Annual MCFM Baking Contest is September 22.  I'm going to start testing possible entries this week, with a goal of incorporating as many Market ingredients as possible.

Personal Safety Workshops Offered to the Entire Downtown Community

The 1st Precinct and DID have teamed up to offer these free classes. 

Tonight - Vikings vs. Buffalo Bills (Preseason Game)

Time:   7:00pm (CST) at the Dome

• TV: NBC KARE - 11
• Radio: KFAN (FM 100.3)

Additional information is available at vikings.com.

Mark Your Calendar / Unmasking Homelessness Gala - September 22, 2012

Join host Jason DeRusha of WCCO for an unforgettable evening, topped off by enchanting jazz from The French 75 Band led by Maud Hixson and Tony Balluff.

Tonight - THE ULTIMATE MASTER OF WORDS! at The Loft

Time: 
6:30pm  Doors open — grab a drink at the bar and a good seat.
7:00pm  The tournament of literary destiny commences.

Location: The Loft at Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue South

Join The Loft for this epic tournament of wits and words.

12 contestants concoct fake definitions to bizarre words, 3 judges prognosticate, but YOU decide who is truly THE ULTIMATE MASTER OF WORDS!

Featuring

Emcee: Jeff Kamin

Judges: 
Marianne Combs, Lorna Landvik, and Anatoly Liberman

Contestants: 
Peter Bognanni, Dennis Cass, Chris Cloud, Sierra DeMulder, Sally Franson, Jay Gabler, Martin Kihn, John Munson, Maggie Ryan Sandford, Hersi Shirwa of Poet Nation, Andy Sturdevant, and Emily Weiss

Tickets: $10 ($5 discount for Loft members)

Tickets are available for purchase at the door or online at loft.org/ultimatemaster or by calling Hannah at 612-215-2582.

All proceeds from this event will benefit the literary programs of The Loft Literary Center.

Tonight - Stone Arch Patio Party at The Depot

Party on in the Mill District:

Tonight - Mill City Live: Melismatics at the Mill City Museum

Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Location:  Mill City Museum, 704 South 2nd Street

Mill City Live: Melismatics

Fee: $5, includes museum admission from 4:00 to 9:00pm

Set in the museum's dramatic open air Ruin Courtyard, Mill City Live features four evenings of outdoor music every Wednesday night from August 8 through 29.

The Melismatics have been winning fans with their live shows since they released their debut album "Postmodern Rock" nearly a decade ago. Their 2012 release "MANIA!" was produced by Jon Auer of The Posies and Big Star, along with Ed Ackerson (Motion City Soundtrack, Golden Smog, The Replacements) and was mixed by John Fields (Jimmy Eat World, Rooney, Har Mar Superstar, etc). Grammy-winning songwriter Dan Wilson co-wrote one of the tracks.Visit Mill City Museum before or after the show, the $5 concert fee includes admission to the museum from 4 to 9 p.m. Food and drink is available for purchase by D’Amico Catering.

Media Sponsors: 98.3 The Current and Vita.mn

Tonight - The Soap Factory Common Room Tour

Time:  Tour will depart from the Common Room sign at The Soap Factory’s front dock at precisely 6:30pm.

Location: Soap Factory, 514 Second Street SE

For the fourth year, Sergio Vucci and Andy Sturdevant will be leading Common Room, a series of artist-led tours originating at The Soap Factory and heading by foot, bicycle and mass transit into Minneapolis, seeking to activate public spaces and redefining our relationship with our surroundings.

Common Room began as a month-long series of interactive art events, out of a refurbished art deco office at The Soap Factory. Since 2011, Vucci and Sturdevant have taken the Common Room concept outside the four walls of the Soap Factory and into the city.

Tonight - Music in the Park at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Father Hennepin Bluffs Park (East Bank of the Stone Arch Bridge)

Tonights entertainment:  Johnny Smith & Friends - Country music and more!

What to bring: Blanket or chair, sunblock and bugspray, picnic basket.

Reminders: Watch our facebook or twitter page for weather cancellations of the evening festivities. Post photos on our facebook page of you enjoying the concerts. Support the artists by picking up a CD or other merchandise.

Enjoy Music and Movie combo nights:
Tuesdays at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park
Fridays at the Lake Harriet Bandshell (beginning June 9th).

Questions or comments? Email us at concerts@minneapolisparks.org

Music & Movies in The Parks is produced by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board. Enjoy more than 250 FREE concerts and movies in Minneapolis parks this summer!

Tonight - Books & Bars Series at Aster Cafe

Times:

Social - 6:00pm dinner/drink specials
Discussion - 7:00pm-8:30pm

Location: Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main Street

Book: Ready Player One, Author Ernest Cline

Books & Bars isn’t your mother’s book club. We provide a unique atmosphere for a lively discussion of interesting authors, fun people, good food and drinks.

Reservations - 612-379-3138