2023 Warehouse District Live Recap

Thank you to mpls downtown council and Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) for sharing this information on the 2023 Warehouse District Live initiative. 

Photo credit Tony Nelson Photography via Mpls DID

Downtown Minneapolis had a big summer with more than 1,500 events from mid-May through the end of September. Warehouse District Live added to the experience of patrons spending weekend evenings downtown. Sponsored by the City of Minneapolis and produced by the Mpls DID, Warehouse District Live took place from 7pm–3am each Friday and Saturday from Memorial Day through October 15. It was an enhanced pedestrian zone that featured food trucks, tables and seating, restrooms and various activities throughout the summer and fall.

Programming:

• Food trucks
• Late night seating
• Basketball sport courts and games
• Live music
• Karaoke

Special dates:

• June 23-24: Taylor Swift/Pride weekend karaoke and activities
• Sept. 15-16: SeptemberFest live music sets
• Oct. 6-7: Life Time Minneapolis Pickleball Experience + special classes
• Oct. 13-14: Dance Agenda Beats 

Key focuses and outcomes:

• 42 Friday and Saturday night activations
• 350 hours of free public resources (activities, entertainment, food trucks restrooms)
• 24% increase in visitors to the neighborhood compared to 2022
• 150 hours of public karaoke and 30 hours of sets by local DJs
• Visits to the entertainment district returned to 2019-levels in 2023, a 25% increase over 2022 and a 70% increase over 2021
• Collaborative efforts with Hennepin Theatre Trust, Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, Minnesota Vikings and Life Time all activated WDL
• Collaborative efforts by MPD, traffic control agents, street outreach workers, security and more all helped create a vibrant experience and positively impacted late-night safety

Photo credit Tony Nelson Photography via Mpls DID

Small Business Sneak Peak: Bom Dia Treats, Coming to the North Loop January 2024

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Dennise MejiaBom Dia Treats will open next month in the North Loop's McKesson Building at 251 N 1st Avenue. Co-Founder Dennise Mejia spoke to us about the inspiration for the business, the science behind Bom Dia Treats and the variety of good eats we’ll find there. I cannot wait to try the Viking Bowl! The business is set to open at the end of January.

Q:  How did the idea for Bom Dia Treats come about, and what inspired you to start this business?

A:  The idea came from my business partner, Mauricio Berti and I, while we were in the COVID-19 pandemic. One time during a cold winter day we were really craving an authentic acai bowl like the ones you find in South America. Unfortunately, we only found a couple of places with this kind of food alternative and did not taste the same as the ones we tried in the tropical areas. Ever since that day, we started making our own smoothie bowls and creating different healthy recipes that we could eat every day. We used to make smoothie bowls for friends, which they loved so much because of all the health benefits they provide. After a little while, we thought of the idea to start a small business where we could sell healthy and tasty products for everyone. Mauricio and I were inspired by the love and social responsibility we have for our most vulnerable communities and some families going through bad health conditions in need of a regular healthy snack or treat.

Bom Dia Acai Breeze

Bom Dia Blue Shake

Q:  You have a background in molecular biology and chemistry. How did your education and experience help in the launch of Bom Dia Treats? 

A:  One of my biggest passions in life is helping others and advising people about their health, which is the reason why I decided to study Biology and Chemistry. During my career in the healthcare industry, I decided to go back to school at St. Thomas to do my masters in Regulatory Science where basically I learned why it is so important to help improve quality of life, care about patient safety and the protection of human health. I found it so rewarding to work in my field because it impacts peoples’ lives. This was the main reason to create Bom Dia Treats, where our goal is to make healthy products that are positively impacting the health of so many people in my community. We make real food products with low sugar and less calorie content, in recipes that people with specific health conditions could still enjoy. Research studies have suggested acai berries may help boost cognitive function, protect heart health, and prevent cancer. I would like to contribute to this research study as I want my business to promote health awareness for a better future when it comes to eating habits. 

Q:  You worked with the Latino Economic Development Center to launch your business. Please tell us about that experience.

A:  Yes, LEDC helped us in all the processes to expand our business into our first standalone store. They have an amazing team that has supported us since day 1 in our business development, technical assistance, coaching and access to capital. They made our dream possible after so many months of looking for the right place, planning all the project deliverables and timelines.

Vikings Bowl

Q:  What is a must-try menu item when we visit your shop? 

A:  Definitely the Vikings Bowl - which was created in honor to the Minnesota Vikings football team. People love the combination of toppings with the acai base and peanut butter. 

Q:  What sets your treats apart from other similar businesses with healthy bowl offerings? 

A:  We offer antioxidant-rich treats that are handcrafted and prepared with quality foods like gluten-free granola, fresh produce, and natural sweeteners to provide a healthy and natural source of vitamins and protein without artificial additives or preservatives.

Bom Dia Treats is different from other similar places as we have three motivations that are the drivers of our daily effort: (1) Offer healthy nutrition without sacrificing good taste for the exquisite; (2) Promote the resocialization of farmers of our Amazon region, by presenting them with a worthy work alternative, planting acai in exchange for others crops, and (3) Contribute to the recovery of the Amazon by reforesting the forests with crops of acai, a plant native to the region and without the use of agrochemicals, and totally organic fertilization.

Q:  Sounds like a solid business plan. How may we follow your news?

A:  You can check our Instagram and Facebook pages to check updates/news of our products and new location.

Toys for Tots Drop Off Sites

The Canopy is just one of many Toys for Tots drop off sites. Using this link, you can locate a site near you by simply entering the applicable zip code: https://minneapolis-mn.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/donate-toys.aspx.

311 and the Minneapolis Service Center closed December 19 for Staff Training

Minneapolis 311 and the Minneapolis Service Center will be closed Tuesday, December 19, for a one-day training. Staff will gather to reimagine service delivery to Minneapolis residents and how they can continue to provide exceptional service.

They will resume regular business hours Wednesday, December 20.

How to get information when 311 services are closed:

You can get City information and make reports online whenever 311 is closed, or leave a message for a call back.

• Find information about City topics or departments on the City website.
• Tell the City about issues from barking dogs to graffiti using an online form.
• Dial 311 or 612-673-3000 and leave a message for a call back when business hours resume.

As always, call 911 for emergencies.

The 311 Service Center offers City information and services online on the City website, over the phone at 311 or 612-673-3000, and in person at 505 4th Avenue S, skyway level.

Small Business Spotlight: Modist Brewing Co.

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

The North Loop is home to Modist Brewing Co., one of the most innovative craft beer producers in the country. We talked to Daniel Paul Wellendorf, Co-Owner and Head of Marketing about the brewery’s start, creative approach to new products and the fun community events held in their space. Plan a visit to 505 N 3rd Street – or better yet subscribe to their calendar to avoid missing any of the fun or flavors. 

Daniel Paul WellendorfQ:  What is the history of Modist Brewing Co.?

A:  Modist was started by three friends from Delano, MN and myself. We opened in the North Loop neighborhood in April of 2016 aiming to push past traditional brewing to create unconventional beers through unconstrained experimentation. Utilizing the region’s only mash filter-powered brewing system, Modist has risen to become one of Minnesota’s most well-recognized and fastest-growing breweries. In our brief history, Modist has received a multitude of awards including the Best New Brewery in Minnesota by Growler Magazine, BeerAdvocate’s list of The 50 Best Breweries in the United States, Most Innovative Brewery by the MN Craft Brewers Guild, and one of the Brewbound Rising Stars of 2022.

Q:  I saw this in a ViaTravelers.com article: "Modist is an experimental brewery that emphasizes creativity. Modist starts to develop a recipe by identifying the flavor or experience they want to bring to life. The head brewmaster, Keigan, takes this concept and “works backward” to determine how best it can be achieved: he starts with the desired flavor and then works backward to brew something extra special." How often are experimental brews put in place? Have you ever had to nix a recipe that seemed too far out of the norm?

A:  We are constantly experimenting with beer and now THC beverages, but still enjoy making traditional beers as well. We release something new weekly!

And we’ve nixed plenty of ideas that were probably too far out there, but we always have more ideas than we have tanks to put them in - so if something doesn’t land while we’re bench testing it, there’s always an idea to back it up. Check our drinks list on our website for what we’re currently serving.

Cherry Vanilla THC Seltzer

Q:  You mention THC-infused beverages. Have your customers embraced this product line?

A:  Absolutely. We produce almost as much THC beverages as we do beer now, and it has been a game changer for us and Minnesota as a whole.

Q:  Your taproom has always held some wonderful events: Pilates and Puppies, Maker's Market, Pastries and Pints, etc. How do these events come about?

A:  Our Events Manager, Connie Mrotek, is always dreaming up something fun. We always want our events to be an echo of ourselves and our brand, and they’re always more about providing a fun experience than they are about making money. The vibes are always good. Check our calendar for upcoming events.

Modist event space

Q:  How do you stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in the craft beer industry? (Perhaps you are the trend maker?)

A:  We definitely have always taken pride in our ability to innovate, and we have a lot of like-minded industry friends to share ideas with. The craft beer industry is pretty collaborative, and we’re always bouncing ideas around.

Q:  Where may we purchase your products?

A:  We’re pretty saturated in the Twin Cities Metro between bars and restaurants and liquor stores. In greater MN we deliver to Rochester, Mankato, and Duluth. Outside of MN, we can be found in the major metropolitan areas of Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois, and New York.

Q:  How do we stay current with your news?

A:  Please do follow all our socials @modistbrewing, and subscribe to our newsletter at modistbrewing.com

North Loop Winter Market - December 16

Don't miss out on the opportunity to support local businesses and discover hidden gems. Come join the Minnesota Farmers' Market Association at the North Loop Winter Market, a fantastic in-person event where you can find a variety of amazing goodies! Whether you're looking for unique gifts or simply want to indulge in some local delights, this market has it all.

December 16, 10am to 4pm, 501 Royalston Avenue

zAmya Theater Project announces: Yule See, Yule Remember, Dec 20 at Central Library

Free Christmas performance at Central Library, Pohlad Auditorium, 300 Nicollet Mall - December 20, 6pm

zAmya Theater Project announces Yule See, Yule Remember - a free theater performance sure to rekindle your holiday spirit and your spirit for housing justice. 

Yule See, Yule Remember was written by zAmya Troupe Member Caroline Mannheimer and other members of the cast, all of whom are participants in zAmya’s weekly Creative Expression Session workshops. The text incorporates personal stories and holiday memories gathered from workshop participants, many of whom have lived experience of homelessness, for a unique holiday show that is funny, heartfelt, challenging and uplifting. Yule See, Yule Remember encourages us to find joy in each other and our stories as a way to honor the season during tough times. 

Members of the creative team include Maren Ward and Esther Ouray as Co-Directors, with music by Dameun Strange and other members of the cast.  

Tickets are free and advance registration is not required. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time. The show runs 90 minutes, and ASL interpretation will be provided. $10 gift cards are available for people bringing the lived experience of homelessness.

Creative Expression Sessions are weekly drop-in theater workshops for individuals looking to learn about performance, working together, and creative play. People who have experienced housing instability are especially encouraged to attend. These workshops are a space where participants, often unhoused, build creative skills while processing their experiences. Each workshop session runs for 7+ weeks in winter/spring, summer, and fall. Workshops are produced in partnership with Hennepin County Library and have been offered since 2018. This program is funded in part through Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Workshops culminate in a “Shareformance” (sharing/performance) process, in which participants can collaborate with zAmya staff and Troupe Members to develop an original performance using the ideas and techniques they have honed throughout the workshop residency. Learn more.

Since 2004, zAmya has been changing hearts and minds through performances and workshops across Minnesota with partners including: Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District, Hennepin Theater Trust, Southwest Minnesota Housing Project, Guthrie Theater, Edina Realty, Salvation Army, Thrivent Financial, Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless Annual Conference, Basilica of St. Mary, Augsburg College, and more.

zAmya Theater Project believes theater can change the narrative of homelessness. Their performances grow from stories lived by participants and crafted by their core artistic members. They share these stories because they know that if we want to unravel this crisis, we have to unravel the story. Informed by experienced advocates and direct service providers, zAmya is led by professional artists, and employs a core group of actors who’ve experienced homelessness to create the plays and guide the direction of the company.

Yule See, Yule Remember is being held the night before the Winter Solstice, which is on National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day (December 21). Cities across the country organize local events around this time. In the Twin Cities, the 39th Annual Homeless Memorial will be held December 14, 5pm, at Plymouth Congregational Church. Every year, hundreds of community members come together to honor the memories of individuals who passed away in 2023: people who died while experiencing homelessness, who were previously homeless, or who were advocates. At the vigil and silent march, the name of every person is read and a candle is lit for each. This year the names will be read by Shannon Kemp, one of zAmya's longtime Troupe members.

Wintertime in Minneapolis

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

This time of year is known for its cold days and long nights, but it’s nothing us Minnesotans can’t handle. In order to pass the time and make the most of this chilly season, we have to be creative, and there has been no shortage of that in the Mill City. Throughout history, wintertime in Minneapolis has been a time of celebration and fun, so let’s take a look at how Minneapolitans thrived during this frigid season.

The Gateway Park Holiday Tree

From the city’s establishment through the milling boom, the center of town was Gateway Park, where Hennepin and Nicollet Avenues once met. In December of 1913, newly elected mayor of Minneapolis Wallace Nye proposed that a giant evergreen tree be placed in Gateway Park and illuminated with lights, along with other festivities taking place, such as caroling, live music, and outdoor motion pictures. Soon after, a 50-foot tree from Frazee, Minnesota was placed in the middle of the park and 3,000 colorful lights were wrapped around it.

The 1925 edition of the Christmas tree lighting ceremony was quite an exciting one, too. Standing in the White House, President Calvin Coolidge was given a signal and flipped the switch to turn on the tree’s lights from across the country to kick off the festivities. That part of downtown saw a lot of change in the 1960s and 70s, so there’s no more Christmas tree in Gateway Park, but that was one of the first citywide holiday traditions in Minneapolis.

Gateway Park with its Christmas tree circa 1930s.

Holidazzle

In the summer of 1992, a group of businesses in Downtown Minneapolis were worried that the small national recession the year earlier, combined with the opening of the Mall of America coming up in October, would be disastrous for them during the holiday shopping season. A plan needed to be made to keep shoppers in Downtown.

As different ideas were being tossed around, they finally settled on hosting a parade. Inspired by the daily extravagant parades at Walt Disney World, the new Holidazzle parade would run along Nicollet Mall four nights a week from the Friday after Thanksgiving to Christmas. The first year saw only eight floats, but it was an instant success. Shops were full, the sidewalks were packed, and everyone was happy. The eight floats in the parade quickly grew to twelve, and at its peak, the parade featured over 350,000 lights and 300 volunteers in costumes. 2012 was the last year the parades were put on, and the Holidazzle transformed into a holiday winter market with most activities taking place in Loring Park.

Circus train float in the Holidazzle parade

The Christmas Card Queen

It happens every year, you flip through your address book to see who to send your yearly holiday cards to. It can be tiresome yet rewarding, and it sure helps if you have a fancy card to show off. That’s where Mary Moulton Cheney comes in to play.

Born in 1871 in St. Anthony, a year before it was annexed by Minneapolis, Mary Moulton Cheney was an extraordinary artist and teacher. She studied at the University of Minnesota, the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and Harvard University. In 1897, when she came back to Minneapolis after her studies, she organized and taught the first class on design for the Minneapolis School of Fine Arts, now known as the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD). She would later become the principal of the design department, the Dean of Women, and then the college’s president. After her tenure at MCAD, she taught at Vocational High School.

Back in 1897 when she returned to Minneapolis, she opened her own studio and printmaking shop called The Artcraft Shop: Sign of the Bay Tree. Working with her business partner Mary Marsh Smith, they made calendars, tags, personal bookplates, and a plethora of cards, from greeting cards to Christmas.

Here are some of my personal favorite Christmas cards of hers.

Minneapolis Diamond Jubilee

After the holiday season when things calm down, the weather gets colder and time seems to slow. Social gatherings and parties are a great way to help the time pass and keep spirits up, and the year of 1928 was no exception. On February 5th of that year, the City celebrated the seventy-fifth anniversary of the naming of Minneapolis with a Diamond Jubilee Ball at the Minneapolis Auditorium, which opened the year before. While the name was made official in 1853, the Minnesota Territorial Legislature didn’t recognize Minneapolis as a town until 1856, nine years before it was incorporated.

When celebrating the diamond jubilee, attendees ate cake, danced the night away, and more importantly, crowned a winter princess. Mary Ellen Selden was the lucky winner and was given a beautiful crown as she sat on her throne and polar bear rug. I think it’s time to bring this tradition back.

The North Commons Ice Carnival

Outdoor gatherings were also quite popular during wintertime such as the North Commons Ice Carnival. It was put together by the West Broadway Commercial Club and Northside Commercial Club, and some say it was better than Saint Paul’s Winter Carnival! Pictured below is the newly chosen queen of the carnival, Phyllis DuLac, on January 25th, 1936 in front of a snow sculpture of the famous City Hall sculpture Father of Waters.

The Best Sledding Hill in Minneapolis

One of my favorite wintertime traditions is to go sledding and enjoy a cup or two of hot chocolate afterwards. Minnesota is the fifth flattest state, but that’s okay; the bigger the hill, the quicker you’ll run out of steam trying to climb back up. Everyone has their go-to sledding spots that they think is the best, but I’m here to tell you that Columbia Park is thee best spot in town to dust off the ol’ saucer and snow pants. Honorable mentions go to Theodore Wirth Park and Powderhorn Park.

Above, women enjoying the sledding at Columbia Park in 1925. Below, the Powderhorn Park toboggan run in 1910.

What are your favorite wintertime traditions?

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About Michael Rainville, Jr.

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

Michael is a historical interpreter at the Minnesota History Center and has been a lead guide at Mobile Entertainment LLC, giving Segway, walking, and biking tours of the Minneapolis riverfront for 9+ years.

 

He can be reached at mrainvillejr@comcast.net

Celebrating New American Cuisine: Breva Bar & Grill

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A discussion with Culinary Director Ron Rosselli and Beverage Director Tony Edgerton

Breva Bar & Grill, 1115 2nd Avenue S, opened in October inside Hotel Ivy. People are raving about the elevated comfort food and New American flavors coming from the kitchen and the bar. We talked to Culinary Director Ron Rosselli and Beverage Director Tony Edgerton about what we can expect when we visit. I have my eye on Walleye Dip, with house made potato chips and a Wild Rice Negroni – how about you?

Ron RosselliRon Rosselli

Q:  You’ve been a professional chef for 20+ years, in a wide range of venues. How did you approach putting together a menu for Breva Bar & Grill. 

A:  We approached the menu development in a couple of ways. First, we leaned into the name Breva (fig in Spanish) and wanted to make sure we had something on the menu with a fig component. Our chicken dish has a jus finished with mission figs that have been rehydrated in balsamic and red wine vinegar. While the dishes may not be Spanish in origin there are a few that lend themselves to European flavors. We also looked at what local ingredients were available in Minneapolis and neighboring region. The wild rice is a Midwestern product, the cheese on the menu is local from The Humble Goat and Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, our bread comes from Baker’s Field Flour & Bread, who are known for their stone milled flours. Lastly, we will be changing our menus with the inspiration of each season.  

Q:  What trends do you see in the culinary world right now and are they reflected on the Breva menu?

A:  I think sustainability is something we continue to see in the culinary world, responsible use of ingredients, and how that affects our carbon footprint. I've become a big fan of plant-based cooking so there is always at least one vegan dish on the menu. I believe utilizing the entire product in smart and creative ways can add flavor, textures and little to no waste. For instance, we use Swiss chard in a dish but instead of discarding the stems we pickle them and fold them into our wild rice for a pop of acid and crunch.

Suya Honey Chicken Wings

Roasted Beet Salad

Pan Seared Salmon

Q:  Your online teaser page encourages us to come for a taste of the Midwest – what does that mean to you in terms of the menu? 

A:  It means seasonality and local ingredients. Our opening menu represents the fall and winter with some heartier dishes that feel comforting during the harsh Minnesota winters.

Q:  What are some must-try dishes when we visit? 

A:  Braised Short Rib is a dish that came together last minute that is flavorful and perfect for the season. We braise the short rib with warm, dried Mexican chilis (flavorful but not spicy) served over a creamy polenta with brightness from shaved onion and pickled radish. The Suya Honey Chicken Wings are something that was inspired by the West African population. It's always exciting to discover new ingredients and our flavor profiles and this was something we dove right into. Suya is a type of spice rub that is traditionally found on chicken or beef, that is grilled and served as street food. We took the spice blend and layered it throughout the cooking process, in our cure, our breading and in the honey we glazed the wings in to finish. Then Roasted Chicken highlights the season, the wild rice from the Midwest and connects the dots to the restaurant name with the figs. And of course, our Smoked Walleye Dip with walleye sourced from Lake Superior.

Tony EdgertonTony Edgerton

Q:  A Forbes article mentions that future cocktails will seek to elevate the experience and focus on pleasure for the customer – serving tiki drinks, classics with intensive flavors, caffeine laden tipples, even incorporating virtual reality to transport the consumer to exotic locales. What are your thoughts on the future cocktail experience? 

A:  From my perspective, some of the great bar programs in every market have been utilizing these immersive tools for years in order to elevate the guests' experience from a creative mindset. What is really refreshing to see is that these efforts are becoming more and more standard throughout the industry. Guests are appreciative and honestly craving new and fresh experiences. It's up to us to provide that for them. I consider it both a privilege and a responsibility. The future cocktail experience, in my opinion, is a firm foundation in the techniques and standards that have brought us to where we are today. While at the same time continuing to push the boundaries of new and exciting experiences for our guests. One avenue that I have focused on in my career is the blending of cuisine and cocktail making a cohesive experience between food and beverage. Beverages such as an Elote Margarita, or a tequila-infused gazpacho soup as an amuse bouche. I love using culinary techniques in cocktail work.

Q:  I saw another article that mentions that mixologists will curate relationships with farms to grow ingredients for cocktails – that will work so well in Minneapolis! Can you talk to us about that idea and if it is on your radar? (We know lots of local farmers!) 

A:  It's funny you ask, something that I have always been on the forefront of in my career, is the "Farm to Bar'' concept. I would say that there are few things as rewarding or fulfilling as designing a menu around seasonality, discussing ingredients that are fresh and having a real relationship with the farmers and families that are growing these ingredients. This also consequently ties into the question above. A focus on seasonality and grown ingredients that directly translate to the guest glass. The freshness is unmatched! 

Q:  What should we try on the Breva Bar & Grill drink menu to experience your philosophy? 

A:  At Breva Bar & Grill of course we focus on seasonality as well as freshness. Our cocktail list is a blend of classic cocktail variations that focus on local ingredients. Two examples and recommendations are the Wild Rice Negroni, a subtle use of Minnesota wild rice stirred into a classic well-made Negroni. The rice is added only at the time of stirring. It leaves behind a subtle wild rice earthiness, but more so, a slightly rounded and softened texture to the traditionally sharp and bitter cocktail. The second is a refreshing fig and black berry cobbler. Served in a tall cooler glass, this cocktail is both refreshing and seasonal. It's also aptly named Breva (fig in Spanish) and it's a perfect pairing with the oven roasted chicken entree, that also cross utilized fig reduction as well as Minnesota wild rice.

Minnesota Grown Receives National Mississippi River Parkway Commission Award

MN-MRPC Vice-Chair John Anfinson (R) presents the MRPC Stewardship Award to Paul Hugunin (L) and Christina Iliev (C) from the MN Department of Agriculture’s Ag Marketing and Development Division.

The National Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC), made up of ten state commissions, awarded its esteemed Stewardship Award to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Minnesota Grown Program during its annual meeting in Collinsville, Illinois. The award was presented to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at the Minnesota MRPC quarterly meeting at the Minnesota State Capitol on November 16.

The MRPC Stewardship Award recognizes a person, community or organization for its track record of enhancing environment, recreation, agriculture and transportation along the Mississippi River corridor. Minnesota Grown received the award for its efforts to promote agritourism venues and experiences, in big and small communities, along the Minnesota Great River Road.

Minnesota Grown significantly enhanced the relationship Great River Road travelers have with Minnesota’s agritourism locations and communities through its “Follow the Great River Road to Fall Harvest Fun” campaign highlighting farms, markets, farm-to-table restaurants, parks, scenic points, and lodging options along the Mississippi River, especially in Greater Minnesota. The campaign successfully increased local and tourist engagement with agriculturally linked activities throughout the state. There are over 200 Minnesota Grown locations within 5 – 10 miles of the Great River Road, the network of roadways with access to the Mississippi River from the headwaters to the state’s bluffs region. https://minnesotagrown.com/great-river-road/

Background:

Minnesota’s Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MN-MRPC) is a statutory Commission, recognized in 1963, whose mission is to...To preserve, promote and enhance the scenic, historic, and recreational resources of the Mississippi River, to foster economic growth in the corridor and to develop the national, scenic, and historic byway known as the Great River Road. The MN-MPRC is part of the larger 10-State National MRPC organized in 1938 to celebrate the Mississippi River by developing the Great River Road Scenic Byway. The 10 states include: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

The Minnesota Grown Program is a statewide partnership between the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Minnesota producers of specialty crops and livestock. It was created over 35 years ago by specialty crop growers to differentiate their produce from produce grown elsewhere. Minnesota Grown connects Minnesotans directly to farmers, farmers’ markets, and other producers. (You will see this logo a lot at the Mill City Farmers Market!)

Two Delicious December Events with Chloe by Vincent

Chloe by Vincent is special anytime, has they have two events happening this month that are extra special!

Dinner and a Concert with STRINGenius, December 18

On Monday, December 18, guests at Chloe by Vincent can enjoy a free concert by STRINGenius. The quartet, who has played with a variety of musicians, from Prince to Andrea Bocelli, will be playing a mix of contemporary and classical music from 6 to 8pm. Because we all know music is good for your soul, the special that night will be Sole Meuniére, the dish that made Julia Child fall in love with French cuisine.

Dinner and a Play on New Year's Eve

Looking for a unique and safe way to spend New Year's Eve? Chloe by Vincent has just the ticket for you! CbV is pairing with the acclaimed Jungle Theater for a dinner/play package with transportation. The 4-course meal and wine pairing is inspired by the 1-hour play which is based on the hilarious Dinner for One, a European holiday tradition. Transportation is provided to and from the restaurant starting at the theater at 3:45pm, so there's no parking dilemmas or safety issues and participants will still be home hours before the ball drops from Times Square. For more information and to make reservations, call the Jungle Box Office at 612-822-7063 Tuesday-Friday, 4-7pm.

Tickets are $145 and include the dinner, wine pairing and transportation. Available through December 20 by calling the Jungle Theater Box Office at 612-822-7063.

Small Business Spotlight: The Cookie Cups

I received a press release about The Cookie Cups earlier this week. I wasn't familiar with this company, so I checked them out online. What fun! I immediately placed an order.

The press release announced the launch of their Baking and Cooking Kit Collection on ShopHQ, a premier online retail platform committed to offering exceptional products. These kits are designed specifically for kids, and offer a fun and educational experience for young culinary enthusiasts. ShopHQ provides an interactive shopping experience that allows families to explore The Cookie Cups' kid-friendly collection, learn insider tips, and embark on a culinary adventure without leaving home. 

Per Nicole Pomije, CEO & Founder of The Cookie Cups, "We're overjoyed to bring the magic of baking and cooking to children through our partnership with ShopHQ. Our Baking and Cooking Kits are crafted with the same dedication to quality and creativity that our customers have come to love. Now, families across the country can enjoy the experience of creating delicious treats together in their own kitchens."

The Cookie Cups' Baking and Cooking Kits on ShopHQ include carefully curated assortments featuring premium ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and reusable, kid-friendly kitchen supplies all tailored to capture the imagination of young chefs. Whether it's crafting whimsical cookie cups or experimenting with tasty, kid-approved savory dishes, these kits cater to diverse tastes and skill levels.

Our little granddaughter loves dinosaurs and helping in the kitchen, so this was the perfect gift for her.

The Cookie Cups baking kits for kids all come with an apron, ingredients and supplies to make your at-home baking and cooking experience memorable. Whether you're baking unicorn cookie cups, pizza, pretzels, rainbow ravioli, dinosaur chocolates, caramel rolls, homemade bread, cocoa bombs or lollipops - you, your kids and grandkids will enjoy being together in the kitchen. The Cookie Cups is a certified minority-owned business and has been seen on Good Morning America, Today Show and The Drew Barrymore Show.

A few examples of other kits:

Here's a video of a little one having fun with the Rainbow Ravioli Making Kit:

Local Rising Star: Bella Glancy as Belinda Cratchit in A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Bella GlancyThe Guthrie Theater’s A Christmas Carol is something we look forward to year after year. Charles Dickens included many children in his timeless story – Tiny Tim and the other Cratchit children, Ignorance and Want (under the robe of the Ghost of Christmas Present) and the rag tag carolers in the opening scenes. The Guthrie’s 2023 production has 18 main cast members and 12 child actors. We talked to one of this year’s child performers – Bella Glancy – who plays the role of Belinda Cratchit. Bella just turned 11 and in our interview, she gave us insight into auditions, balancing school and acting obligations and future plans in the performing arts.

Q:  Congratulations on being cast in the Guthrie Theater’s A Christmas Carol. Please tell us about your audition.

A:  I think my audition went well. We were given some lines to memorize and some songs to practice. They prepared us well before we went in front of the judges. It was a very positive experience.

Bella as Belinda Cratchit, with Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim - photo credit Dan Norman

Q:  Please tell us about your character.

A:  Belinda Cratchit is a very well-mannered, but fun character to be around in the show. Even though her family is poor, they are happy. She tries to do her best to help and to have fun with her family even though they don’t have a lot of money.

Q:  Do you have any special makeup or costume for your role? If yes, how does that feel when you’re ready for the play?

A:  While I don’t have any special makeup, wig, or hairpiece that I wear, it is very fun to dress up in the different time periods and to not be in 2023 anymore. The costumes are beautifully designed and accurate to the period. I do get to wear a pretty cool dress and add a bonnet and cape for different scenes.

Q:  How do you balance your schoolwork and other activities with your acting commitments?

A:  Well, I do my homework digitally so I can bring my iPad to rehearsal and work on it sometimes there or in the car or during downtime in tech. We also have Mondays off so I can use that as a catch-up day.

Q:  What would you tell other kids who are interested in acting in a play?

A:  I would say it is really fun. If you are nervous, I say just do it - you’ll get over your nerves. It’s fun and once you get into the show it’s something you just want to keep doing. Be yourself and show the directors who you really are and have fun!

Q:  I can’t wait to see you in the play. What are your plans for the future? Do you want to continue as an actor?

A:  Yes, I would say I want to continue as an actor and I also want to do singing and vocal work. I want to be a performer and maybe perform on Broadway.

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A Christmas Carol is on stage at the Guthrie through December 31 – get your tickets here.

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In partnership with The Food Group, the Guthrie is hosting a food drive throughout the entire run of A Christmas Carol. Donations will be collected on Level One of the building.