Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps are Seeking Tutors to Serve in Minneapolis for 2016-17

Our friends at ServeMinnesota asked us to spread the word on these Tutoring opportunities.

Looking for ways to get involved in the Riverfront? Support students at your local school!

Experience life-changing growth while supporting your local school. Become a Minnesota Reading Corps or Minnesota Math Corps tutor and be a hero to students who struggle with reading or math. Whether you want to explore a career in education, re-enter the workforce, or give back to your community, you can make a difference as a tutor. Last year, Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps tutors helped more than 35,000 children in more than 900 schools across the state.

In the Riverfront Neighborhoods, literacy tutors are needed at the following schools for the 2016-17 school year:
• Northeast College Prep Charter School
• Downtown YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center PreK
• Downtown YWCA of Minneapolis PreK
• Marcy Open School
• Webster Elementary

As a tutor, you'll see a student's progress as they gain new skills and as they light up with confidence and the satisfaction of knowing they can do it. No child wants to stand out because they can’t learn as quickly as their classmates. We’re helping more kids catch up and soar on their own. And you can be part of it.

Tutors receive extensive training and support from onsite coaches. Tutors are paid a living allowance, given federal student loan forbearance, and are eligible for an education award of up to $5,775 at the end of their service. Tutors 55 or older may gift the award to their child or grandchild. Full- and part-time positions are available. 

Here’s what a few tutors love about serving:
• “I give the children in our community the individualized attention they need to thrive in school. This is awesome work that makes Minnesota mighty!” – Sarah W., children’s book author and former PreK teacher
• “I absolutely love what I do! I get to come to school each day and see the kiddos I work with succeed.” – Andrea M., stay-at-home parent

Learn how you can get involved by visiting MinnesotaReadingCorps.org or MinnesotaMathCorps.org. You can also help by telling a friend or family member about openings in our community and statewide! Positions start in August for the 2016-17 school year. Send questions to recruitment@servemnaction.org or call 866-859-2825.

2016 Women’s Art Institute Summer Studio Intensive exhibition includes work by Susan Schaefer

Congratulations to Mill City Times' own Susan Schaefer, whose work is part of the upcoming 2016 Women’s Art Institute Summer Studio Intensive exhibition.

What

Group exhibition of 13 artists completing the Women’s Art Institute Summer Studio Intensive

When

July 11 – 29, 2016

Summer gallery hours are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Monday – Friday | Free and open to the public

Public Reception

Friday, July 8 | 5:00 – 7:00 pm | Regis East Lobby | Free and open to the public

Where

Quarter Gallery | Regis Center for Art (East) | University of Minnesota

405 21st Avenue South | Minneapolis MN 55455

Accessibility, Cost, and Parking

Parking is available nearby on the street, at the 19th and 21st Avenue South ramps, and at the 5th Street South lot; hourly or event rates apply. These parking locations and the Regis Center for Art are wheelchair-accessible. Exhibitions and related events are free and open to the public.

About the Exhibition

The Quarter Gallery at the Regis Center for Art presents the work of the artists in the just-completed 2016 Women’s Art Institute Summer Studio Intensive session: Ashley Alex, Bre Atkinson, Nancy Beatty, Chris Cinque, Marjorie Fedyszyn, Carol Elle Hettinger, Jill Johnson, Kristi Kuder, Sarah Kusa, Susana del Rosario Canteneda Quinteros, Susan Schaefer, Josie Winship, and Rebecca Zenefski. Twelve are Minnesota artists and one is based in Mexico.

About the Women’s Art Institute

The Women’s Art Institute Summer Studio Intensive is a studio art course located at St. Catherine University, St. Paul for contemporary women artists of all ages and backgrounds interested in refining their artistic process and exploring questions around women and art. Creating a community that shares, reflects and produces art in the context of questions raised by the participants, the Institute is a rich experience that offers intensive studio work and one-on-one coaching from faculty. The four-week program includes sessions Monday through Friday with some field trips and evening presentations from guest artists, critics and art historians. Participants have all-day access to the large, sunlit studios and shop facilities of the Visual Arts Building on the St. Catherine University’s beautiful campus. This innovative and rigorous program is designed for artists from a variety of disciplines who have mastered basic skills and are now seeking deeper levels of understanding and expression in their work. Women’s Art Institute Summer Studio Intensive Instructors: Anna Garski and Patricia Olson; Teaching Assistants: Zulma Davila and Annie Hejny.

About Patricia Olson

Patricia Olson, Institute director and associate professor in the Department of Art and Art History at St. Catherine University, has practiced painting and design for more than 30 years and is a founding member of the Women’s Art Resources of Minnesota (WARM). She received an MFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.   

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Sponsorship

The exhibition is co-sponsored by the Department of Art and the Katherine E. Nash Gallery at the University of Minnesota. The Women’s Art Institute is co-sponsored by the Department of Art and Art History of St. Catherine University and Minneapolis College of Art and Design.   

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Katherine E. Nash Gallery Mission

The Katherine E. Nash Gallery is a research laboratory for the practice and interpretation of the visual arts. We believe the visual arts have the capacity to interpret, critique and expand on all of human experience. Our engagement with the visual arts helps us to discover who we are and understand our relationships to each other and society. The Katherine E. Nash Gallery will be a center of discourse on the practice of visual art and its relationship to culture and community -- a place where we examine our assumptions about the past and suggest possibilities for the future. The Nash Gallery will play an indispensable role in the educational development of students, faculty, staff and the community.

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Pictured above: Patricia Olson, Self-Portrait at 60 [after Beckmann] 2011, oil on panel, 55 x 37 in.

In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

Why does downtown Minneapolis still have a lot of surface parking lots? It's complicated
What can the city do to rid itself of the acres of surface parking lots in and around downtown? While development activity has seen many of those lots disappear, many remain — too many, according to Council Members Lisa Goodman and Jacob Frey.

Illustrated history of Vikings stadium to go on sale
The Vikings and the Minnesota Historical Society Press teamed up to publish the 224-page book on the largest public-private project in state history.

Vikings win legal fight with Wells Fargo over rooftop signs
The Vikings have smacked down Wells Fargo in a dispute over "photo-bombing" signs near the new U.S. Bank Stadium.

Judge tells Wells Fargo to take down signs near stadium
U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank gave Wells Fargo 30 days to remove the signs, and ordered the bank to pay the Vikings' attorneys' fees.

Park Board hires Water Works design team
Park commissioners have hired a team to design a new riverfront park that would overhaul the downtown riverfront.

Wednesday Night | Trivia Night at Target Station

Come play trivia and win prizes at Target Field Station! Trivia night is back on Wednesday, June 29 at 6 pm. It's free to play and will include great prizes provided by Go 96.3 FM and Go 95.3 FM. Fulton Beer will be on hand as well as snacks and more. Trivia is part of the ongoing Go Outside With Hennepin County series.

Wednesday Outdoor Trivia is located right outside Target Field's Gate 6 on the Northwest side of the stadium. Parking is available on-street in the North Loop, underneath Target Field Station (335 N. 5th Street) or at Ramps A, B or C. The Light Rail platform servicing the Green Line from St. Paul and Blue Line from Bloomington are connected to the trivia area. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, find a space in the lawn and enjoy trivia on the big screen!

Scenes from the June 25 Mill City Farmers Market

June 25 was Brain Health Day at the Market.  In what has become an annual event, Market Sponsor American Academy of Neurology (AAN) gave away 1,000 bike helmets, along with other items. Look for a separate post about this event later this week on our Farmers Market blog.

New vendors debuting on June 25 were Dumpling & Strand and Shahiya Chitney. Look for separate posts later this week on our Farmers Market blog.

Chef Jenny Breen shops for ingredients for the Mill City Cooks demo.

Melanie Ebertz of ArtAndes shows a tapestry woven by Wilber Quispe's son.

The beautiful work of Joanna Buyert, Fringe and Fettle Ceramics.

Two businesses from the FOOD BUILDING, side by side at the Market: The Lone Grazer and Red Table Meat Co. 

The Meet Your Vegetables interns were back, demo'g a Citrus Beet Salad. Look for a separate post later this week on our Farmers Market blog.

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul was the June 25 Community Booth. Check out their programming and consider becoming a member!

The Wedge Community Co-op got into the spirit of Pride weekend. These cupcakes were popular!

Yes! Kids at the Market! :D

No silk purses for these pigs ears. They are doggie treats from Barkley's Bistro.

The goat!

Work at Washington Ave and 2nd Ave S begins Monday, June 27

Via a June 23 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

Starting Monday, June 27, utility crews will be working in the northeast corner of the intersection of Washington Avenue and Second Avenue South. As a result, there will be no right turns from westbound Washington Avenue onto northbound Second Avenue South. Motorists will be able to continue to turn left from westbound Washington Avenue onto southbound Second Avenue South.

Eastbound traffic will not be affected by this work.

This work is expected last approximately four weeks.

PinKU Japanese Street Food

Story and Photos by Julie Craven

PinKU Japanese Street Food doesn't fit neatly into a category. It's not casual, although you do order at the counter. It's not fine dining, despite the fact the food is beautifully presented. There are no reservations and no tipping. According to Xiaoteng Huang (X) and John Sugimura, partners and the founders of the restaurant, that's exactly how they planned it.

The same could be said for the menu. There's salmon, shrimp and tuna, but not in a predictable way. Japanese signature items, but with a twist. So how does a first time guest choose? “Pick what you like," John explained. "If you like salmon, you'll like it seared with rice cakes.”

I chose the Spicy Tuna Fat Roll and Crispy Pot Stickers. Doug and Noah went for the Jumbo Crispy Shrimp with Radish Noodles and more pot stickers. In the spirit of full disclosure, we ended up getting another order of pot stickers after that. The PinKU Elixir was summertime-yummy; sake, Champagne, orange liqueur, pomegranate and lime. We cleaned our plates, or should I say our very cool, shiny serving trays.

“We're a mom and pop shop, without being mom and pop," John explained.  "More typically, family operations did this by choice and that's an empowering part of our culture.”  A conversation at a sushi class was the spark for the idea between the two partners. The past two years they've had a laser focus on details large and small as they prepared for the launch. They perfected the menu with catering work for what they estimate was about 5000 people.

“We love how we have been able to tell the story of Japanese food, Japanese art and the Japanese experience in the United States,” X explained. The experience for both of them is unique - and it’s personal.

John is a second generation Master Sushi Chef, who is Minnesota-born and spent time in Japan. He may be starting a business from scratch, but his roots go deep in Japanese food - his grandmother was a sushi chef in the 1920’s. That alone is remarkable, as women for the most part did not have a shot at that coveted role in the culinary world.

She lost the restaurant when the family was sent from Sacramento to a Japanese-American internment camp at Tule Lake, California during World War II. She reopened the restaurant after the war, so John describes PinKU as the third round of a family restaurant. He smiled when he talked about how this venture helps his family rebuild and restore routines related to their culture.

"We're inviting you into our house,

that's the greatest compliment of all when

you are invited into someone's home."

X has a different story but with many parallels. “This is my American Dream. My parents came here to provide the best experience for me to succeed. I want to seize the opportunity.” He and his family came to Minnesota from China when he was 12 and his path followed a familiar track with college and a career in the corporate world. But he wanted to be an entrepreneur and leave his own legacy.

He left Target Corporation and went to work at Chipotle Mexican Grill. “I washed dishes and cleaned grills. I wanted to understand the entire restaurant experience, not just the taste, but how it works, what you hear, what you feel.”

Why this Northeast neighborhood for their location?  John described a checklist they had in mind. They wanted to walk to the bank, walk to the grocery store. They loved the sense of community. It's kid friendly, another item on their checklist (there's a section of the menu titled “kiddos” with ramen noodles and pot stickers). They've found both the neighborhood and the business community welcoming.

There's interest already in classes and events, but the partners agreed they want to walk first. They acknowledged they have hosted one birthday party in the short time since they opened, but they want to be thoughtful and focus on guest experience first.

So what has surprised them in the days since they opened the doors? “We're surprised that people are into what we're into. Trying to get the art, trying to get the food. They're embracing the story we have to tell. Everything here is what we're proud of, where we came from. We're inviting you into our house," John added, "that's the greatest compliment of all when you are invited into someone's home.”

Location: 20 University Avenue NE, Minneapolis MN  55413

Website: pinkujapanese.com

Julie Craven can be reached at julie@millcitymedia.org.

A Visit to the Riverplace Market

New to the Riverplace courtyard this year is the Riverplace Market, open 3p-7p Wednesdays thru September 28. It's a beautiful setting for an outdoor market - the cobblestone, the river, the water fountain. We wandered over there this past steamy Wednesday to check it out.  It's a good thing I brought a canvas bag with me.

There's a different food truck onsite each week. On June 22 it was Turbo Taco.

Musicians from McNally Smith provide background music each week.

We picked up a bag of Honeycrisp apple chips from Brand Farms out of Farmington. Great snack for the office.

Check out the cheeky names of these cheeses from The Lone Grazer Creamery.

I picked up some baby cukes from Untiedt's Vegetable Farm - the first of the season for me.  What a treat!

Creature Comfort Hot Sauce offers some fun flavors, including a sweet carrot-based version.

Roasted nuts from Isadore Nut Co. are a hit-the-spot snack or fun gift.

We were happy to see Dorothy of HeathGlen’s Farm and Kitchen. She's an award-winning master of jellies, jams, syrups and sauces. My favorite is Romesco - wow, just wow.  And, please, don't get me started on the Harissa!

Local artisans from the A-Mill Artist Lofts were selling natural sodas, designer cookies, sterling silver jewelry and sassy greeting cards (the best kind!).  I picked up some earrings by Lynn Soetebier of Wyrd Sisters Shop for Christmas, but they're so darn cute I don't think I can wait that long to give them as a gift.

We sampled oils, vinegars, and seasoned salts, peppers and sugars from Annona Gourmet. A jar of sweet onion flavored cane sugar came home with us.  I'm thinking it will work well with grilled veggies, or in a marinade or an Asian sauce.

Here's something you don't see every day (or ever, considering we're in the Midwest): Microgreens and pet grass grown with ocean water. According to Minnesota Microgreens owner Chad Martin, their GMO-free, organic greens are fertilized with pure ocean water - "Ocean Solution" - which contains every mineral in the periodic table. Chad's adorable son informed me that he likes basil. Love it!

Hard decision at the Curt’s Special Recipe booth - Salsa, BBQ Sauce or Bloody Mary Mix? BBQ Sauce won. Riverplace Market shoppers can take advantage of a Frequent Buyers Club card - get a stamp for each jar purchased, and once you hit six stamps you'll get the seventh jar free.

Sometimes you come across something you didn't know you couldn't live without. Dave fell in love with the Man Cave Craft Meats' "Buffalo Wing Style with Bleu Cheese" bratwurst.

Regrettably, we missed a few booths.  You'll just need to make a trip yourself - check out everything the Riverplace Market has to offer.  :)

Volunteers Needed for July 10 Open Streets Downtown

The Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition is looking for a few more volunteers for the July 10 Open Streets Downtown, including: Street Ambassadors, Planeteers, Breakdown Crew and Pop-up Protected Bikeway Ambassadors.

Volunteers are a crucial part of making Open Streets safe and fun, and it’s the perfect opportunity to get involved in the community, meet new people and support the Coalition’s work. Volunteers also get a FREE 2016 Open Streets Mpls T-shirt. Please sign up online for the position and shift you prefer.

Several Downtown Streets Closed for Pride Parade Sunday, June 26

On Sunday, June 26, the City will close several streets in downtown Minneapolis for the Ashley Rukes GLBT Pride Parade.

Beginning at 8:00am:
• Hennepin Avenue will close from Eighth Street to Ninth Street for the Pride Block Party. 
• Third Street South will close for staging of the parade from Hennepin Avenue to Portland Avenue. Cross traffic will be allowed at all times.
• Hennepin Avenue will close from Third Street to Spruce Place. Cross traffic will be allowed as normal until 10:30 a.m. 
• Some cross traffic will be restricted from crossing Hennepin Avenue. Traffic will be allowed to cross Hennepin at Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, 10th, and 11th streets.
• Spruce Place will close from Hennepin Avenue to Yale Place.
• Yale Place will close from Spruce Place to Loring Park.

All streets will reopen following the parade at about 3:00pm.

Road Closures Saturday, June 25, for Heartbeat 5000

The following roads will be closed from 8:30am-Noon on June 25 for the Heartbeat 5000:

Closed at SE Main Street to SE 6th Avenue to Stone Arch Bridge to West River Parkway - Portland Avenue N to Plymouth Avenue N to Sibley Street NE, East Island Avenue to Merriam Street, Merriam Street to SE Main Street.

Event Map

The Woonerf is Taking Shape!

The Woonerf is taking shape! When complete, we'll have a new option for walking and biking to the river.  Learn more about this project.  

One Block of 3rd Avenue in Downtown Closed this Weekend

Starting Friday, June 24, sections of Third Avenue South in downtown Minneapolis will close for construction. These sections are expected to reopen to traffic in time for Monday morning rush hour. All cross streets will remain open during the work. Drivers should follow the marked detours (see “detour routes map”).

From 7 a.m. Friday, June 24 to 6 a.m. Monday, June 27 crews will be removing the median on Third Avenue South between Sixth Street and Seventh Streets. During this time, one lane of northbound traffic will be open and all southbound traffic will be detoured at 6th street.

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Starting at 7 a.m., Monday, June 27, crews will begin restoring the pavement where the median was removed. Third Avenue South between Sixth Street and Seventh Street will have one lane of traffic in each direction. This work is scheduled to be completed by 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 28. For additional information, visit the project website.

ZeSa Fitness Now Open in the Mill District

There's a new fitness option in the neighborhood. ZeSa Fitness recently opened at 1024 Washington Avenue S, in the retail level of the Bridgewater Lofts.

Shanti Rainey, Creator of ZeSa, with Cindy Vavra, Partner and Studio Manager

Earlier this month ZeSa held an intimate Open House, and a Grand Opening celebration is being planned for later this summer.

My initial thought upon walking into the studio for the Open House was, "Are all those things hanging from the ceiling part of the decor, or part of the workout?"  I'm going to find out next week at a free intro class, which they offer Tuesdays at 5pm.

Products and services include (but are not limited to): 

- Interactive ZeSa Matrix and Planner for workout management

- Group Classes, including: ZeSa Yoga (incorporates unstable Activators),

- ZeSa Power (full body work out), and ZeSa Power Pro (advanced level)

- ZeSa-Rehab (for anyone in Rehab or wanting to avoid injury)

- ZeSa® Activator Training Platforms (pictured below)

ZeSa is different, and it's best to experience it first hand to understand how. You can try the free intro class (register online), peruse the website, or contact them with questions. Follow ZeSa on Facebook and Twitter.

Minnesota Center for Book Arts' Annual Unabashedly Bookish Bash is July 23

MCBA’s Unabashedly Bookish Bash, a benefit with a backyard barbeque twist! Saturday, July 23; 7-10pm General admission $25 Groove to live music from Cafe Accordian Trio, sip on retro drinks, enjoy delicious food from Pimento Jamaican Kitchen, shop the Art Mart (a one-night-only pop up gallery), and print your own commemorative letterpress postcard!    Get the VIP treatment $125 — includes an exclusive reception from 6-7pm, early access to the Art Mart, and a signature cocktail served in a commemorative glass. Come to one of our Art Mart creating sessions! We'll provide everything you need to create artfull altered book covers. Join us at our studios on Tuesday, June 28, and July 12; 6-9pm. Purchase tickets here or call The Shop at 612-215-2520! RSVP to our Facebook event to let us know you're coming!

In the News - News from Downtown & the Riverfront Neighborhoods

TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

Sherman’s pitch for Minneapolis site includes a Bartmann restaurant
Called the Mill District All-Day Place, the restaurant would be a “true all-day neighborhood spot”.

Two proposals submitted for vacant Mill District property
Two developers submitted proposals for a city-owned parcel in the Mill District of downtown Minneapolis, with both pushing for mixed-use development complete with housing, restaurant space and a dog park.

Downtown Commons takes shape near stadium
The green space known as The Commons is taking shape in a two-block area of downtown Minneapolis near the US Bank stadium. Backers have high hopes for the hybrid park and outdoor event center, which is part of the sweeping makeover of the Downtown East area.

Minneapolis riverfront tower plans clear City Council hurdle
Council overturns heritage preservation panel's objection to the 40-story development.

Office tower latest plan for Downtown East site near U.S. Bank stadium
Ryan Cos. plans to build a 17-story office tower near U.S. Bank Stadium on a site that has been the subject of several redevelopment proposals.

Federal tax credits are misused on costly artist lofts in Twin Cities
The historic Pillsbury A-Mill, on the Mississippi River in the St. Anthony Falls Historic District of Minneapolis, was renovated into apartments for low-income artists, along with shared studio spaces, a gallery and music practice rooms.

Upper Harbor developer search coming soon
The city of Minneapolis is expected to begin seeking a developer next month for the Upper Harbor terminal area, a 48-acre swath of land previously used as a shipping terminal in the northern part of the city.

Minneapolis, Downtown Council launch development website
New website for downtown visitors aimed at easing confusion in construction-filled streets and potentially drawing even more investment.

A downtown full of construction is good problem to have, Minneapolis leaders insist while kicking off Nicollet Mall redo
A new website will offer updates on at least 12 major projects downtown, including Nicollet Mall. Its redo was launched by the officials.

Viking ship sail goes up on U.S. Bank Stadium plaza
The videoboard sail is part of what the Minnesota Vikings call the Legacy Ship. It will eventually have a 160-foot-long Viking ship replica where fans can hang our before games, but that's not up yet.

'Let's play football!' is the cry as Vikings get keys to new stadium
The Vikings and the state took control of the new U.S. Bank Stadium from Mortenson Construction Friday, receiving an oversized, commemorative black key with the city skyline carved out and the date engraved.

Small but mighty PinKU brings “fine casual” Japanese street food to Northeast
John Sugimura and Xiaoteng Huang are just a week away from the opening of PinKU, their new restaurant across the street from Surdyk’s in northeast Minneapolis, yet they exhibit no signs of stress as they show off their almost-finished space. Curious passersby stop and peer through the window.

Scenes from the June 18 Mill City Farmers Market

In honor of the Father's Day weekend, it was Brews & BBQ day at the June 18 Market. Surly Brewing was on the plaza serving up samples for their tasty beers. Next to them was Mighty Axe Hops Farm, a supplier to local breweries. Chef Beth Jones added a can of Surly to a batch of Beth's Baked Money Beans during the Mill City Cooks demo (now THAT smelled fantastic!)

Dan "Squeeze Daddy" Newton

If you're serious about your flour, you might be interested in this Mockmill attachment for KitchenAid stand mixers, demonstrated by Darold from Sunrise Flour Mill at the June 18 Market. Stop by their booth to watch it turn wheat berries into flour!

One of many Market visitors to enjoy a Zula Juice during their visit.

Dragon soap from Denise of Olsen Naturals - it's magical!

The goat!

Come for the Barbeque, Stay for the Mini Donuts, at Chef Shack Ranch

Story by Julie Craven

When I asked our server Shevaun about her favorite menu item at Chef Shack Ranch she said she loves the brisket, and the burritos, and the pulled pork, and the mini donuts... When she finished her list she acknowledged, “I guess that's pretty much the entire menu!”

It's a bit more of a trek to get to Chef Shack Ranch this summer with both the Franklin Avenue Bridge construction and West River Parkway closure, but it is so worth the trip.  Across the street from Kimber Fiebiger’s fun and colorful Joan of Art Gallery, Chef Shack Ranch is actually a moveable feast. Between the food truck (affectionately referred to as “Big Red” by the staff) and the trailer, Chef Shack is making appearances all over the metro in venues ranging from farmers markets to grad parties. This location is one of two brick-and-mortar locations, the other is in Bay City, Wis. They’ve been at the Franklin Avenue location for 2 1/2 years in a spot that has housed everything from an Indian restaurant to a chocolate shop.

“In the past we've wintered the truck and the trailer, but this year was different," Shevaun explained. "We were at Bachman’s during part of the winter, as well as some Birchwood Cafe events.” The Chef Shack food truck/trailer can also be found at local breweries such as Dangerous Man Brewery and Bauhaus Brew Labs in Northeast (check location event schedules to see which food trucks are on site for which dates).

The Big Boy Plate has an option for one or two.  Pulled pork, smoked brisket, bacon sausage, beans, biscuits, potato salad, pickles and slaw. Everything is made on site except the brats, they're from Fischer Family Farms.

The beans are colorful and tangy, a combination of red, black and chickpeas.

The burger and sandwich options looked yummy as well, but the most intriguing was the Tempeh Reuben. It's made with Minneapolis-made organic tempeh (a soybean-based product), which has been marinated, griddled and topped with sauerkraut, cheese and a special sauce. It's sourced from Tempeh Tantrum, one of those brand names that makes you grin just saying it.

Wines and beer by the glass are available. Favorite Minnesota brews like Surly and Fulton are well represented. A great iced summertime Sangria in a jelly jar hit the spot for me. On this visit, Sweetland Orchard Cherry-Rhubarb Hard Cider was also available.

Let's talk about those organic mini donuts.  After a moment's hesitation about whether to get the donuts (it was a very short moment) Shevaun made the case for dessert, “almost everyone gets the donuts.”  Done! Crispy and soft and the kind of delicious where you are counting the remaining donuts and counting the number of people you're sharing with and you start dividing them up in your head!

There will be two reasons to celebrate come September. The bridge will reopen and Chef Shack will celebrate its 10th Anniversary - owners Carrie Summer and Lisa Carlson's celebration plans are already in the works!

Location:  3025 E. Franklin Avenue,  Minneapolis, MN

Website:  chefshackranch.com

Julie Craven can be reached at julie@millcitymedia.org.

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Editor's note:

I love the funky mix of old stuff adorning the place.  It was a trip down memory lane for me - from the crazy wood birds with metal wings to the farm-related magazine covers to the re-purposed, weathered building material that makes up part of the bar. For an hour I got to channel my inner 8-year-old farm kid while devouring a fantastic Tempeh Reuben and salad.  Kim :D

Man, that was good!

Mill City Museum Exhibit ‘Up and Down: The H.H.H. Metrodome Portfolio’ Opens July 26

Photographer Mark E. Jensen’s Work Chronicles the Metrodome From Construction to Demolition

As the Minnesota Vikings and football fans alike eagerly await the opening of U.S. Bank Stadium this summer, visitors at Mill City Museum can view an exhibit exploring the history of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

Exhibit: “Up and Down: The H.H.H. Metrodome Portfolio”

Date: July 26-Nov. 6, 2016

Place: Mill City Museum, 704 South Second Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Cost: Free, does not include museum admission of $12 adults, $10 seniors and college students, $6 children ages 5-17, free for MNHS members

Hours: Tues-Sat, 10 am-5 pm; Sun noon-5 pm

Home to the Vikings from 1982 to 2013, photographer Mark E. Jensen documented the Metrodome’s construction from 1980-1982 using a large format field camera patented in 1898. Then in 2014, he photographed the stadium’s demolition.The resulting pairs of black and white photographs chronicle not only the Metrodome’s life, but more than 30 years of change in downtown Minneapolis.

Mill City Museum will celebrate the exhibit’s opening with a public reception and remarks from Jensen on July 26 at 7 p.m. "Up and Down: The H.H.H. Metrodome Portfolio" is located in the museum’s Mill Commons, and is free and open to the public during regular museum hours. It will be on view July 26-Nov. 6, 2016.

Football fans can also mark their calendars for  “Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame” at the Minnesota History Center, Sept. 24, 2016-Jan.15, 2017, and the MNHS Press book “U.S. Bank Stadium: The New Home of the Minnesota Vikings,” coming out November 15.

ABOUT MILL CITY MUSEUM

Built within the ruins of the Washburn A Mill, a National Historic Landmark, the award-winning Mill City Museum chronicles the flour milling industry that fueled the growth of Minneapolis. The story comes to life through the eight-story Flour Tower, Water Lab, Baking Lab and other hands-on exhibits.

The museum is located at 704 S. Second St. in Minneapolis. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays and noon to 5 pm Sundays. The site is also open Mondays 10 am to 5 pm in July and August. For more information, call 612-341-7555 or visit www.millcitymuseum.org.

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. The Society collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, the Society preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history.

The Minnesota Historical Society is supported in part by its Premier Partners: Xcel Energy and Explore Minnesota Tourism.

2016 Northern Spark by the Numbers

Census by Annicha Arts, Northern Spark 2016; Image by Max Haynes

Number of attendees: More than 34,000
Number of projects: 43
Individual minutes spent in the Night Library: 36,000
NorthernSpark.org page views: 113,579
#nspk16 and #northernspark images on Instagram: 1,784
Length of thunderstorm: 2:26 AM - 2:53 AM
Food vendors: 24
Colors in the sunrise: See above picture!

The producers of Northern Spark would like to know, "How was your night?"
Here's a link to their anonymous audience survey.