 |
 |
|
| |
MINNEAPOLIS PICKS™ |
| |
life + style in the Twin Cities
|
|
|
May 2nd, 2008
Mothers rock, and we’re not just saying that because we are one, we really mean it. Come on, think about it … no one but a Mom could craft a school costume, clean up a juice box, and make macaroni art, all while looking fabulous and doing Olympic-worthy back flips through the air (in a pair of killer heels.) Okay, so we may be exaggerating (about the flips), but you get what we’re saying.
If your mom is the peppermint to your patty, then show her some much-needed and well-deserved love by gifting her with a token from one of the stellar places in this week’s issue.
Want more incentive? Forward this issue to five friends and cc picks@minneapolispicks.com , and you could score “The Greatest Love, Being an Extraordinary Mom,” an inspired new book by Lori Slocum, about the extraordinary gifts of motherhood. So perfect for Mom that you’re sure to garner thank yous and brownie points. (Take that, little brother!) |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Minneapolis Picks: |
|
| |
1 |
Our Favorite Color
Frilly antiques, yellowed books, country-kitschy crafts that our crazy, cat-lady aunt forces upon us at year after year... Stillwater used to be the perfect shopping destination for these types of items. Fortunately, the oldest town in the state has caught up with the times and now boasts a variety of trend-worthy storefronts, including our new favorite, Local Color on Main.
This spot-on boutique carries all that we crave, including our recent passions: one-of-a-kind earrings and offbeat yet classic clutches. Top sellers in this hip haven include local accessories brand Le Glitz, and luxe leather bags from Latico (try saying that five times fast). The ultra-friendly owner also takes the time to hand-select unique scarves, clothing, bath, and body products and gifts. All super cute stuff—we swear (think vintage-inspired kitchen towels, not Longaberger baskets)!
No matter what fabulous find we seek, Local Color on Main delivers, offering up sheer perfection for everyone on our list, including us. Shop now, and receive 10 percent off (mention Minneapolis Picks)!
Local Color on Main
312 Main St S, # 3
Stillwater, MN 55082
651.351.0558 |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
2 |
Embrace Your Iron Chef
We admit it … we harbor fantasies of hosting swank dinner parties in gourmet kitchens. We subscribe to cooking magazines, we watch cooking shows (Hell’s Kitchen, anyone?), and we want to be fabulous chefs, or at least look fabulous while pretending to be chefs. Thankfully we have Cooks of Crocus Hill to help us realize our dreams.
This Grand Avenue mecca plays host to a variety of exceptional professional kitchen goods, including chic barware, fierce cutlery from Wusthof-Trident (our husband’s must-have, per his sous-chef training), as well as cookware, bakeware, and gadgets aplenty from on-par brands like Viking and Cuisinart. A selection of earth-friendly, organic linens rounds out the mix. We flipped for the wine chiller, and we love the bamboo cutting boards so much we bought two (one’s a gift), and at only $15 each we’re able to indulge ourselves and splurge on the Le Creuset stoneware we’ve been eyeing since Christmas.
Oh, and did we mention they have a culinary school? Well they do, and we’re letting them help us find our flair for fish.
Cooks of Crocus Hill
877 Grand Ave.
St. Paul, MN
651.228.1333
www.cooksofcrocushill.com |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
3 |
Stag Party
Truthfully, we aren’t huge meat eaters. Yes, the “meat on a stick” options at the State Fair get us every year (really, who can resist gnawing on a pork chop, on a stick, in public?), but our day-to-day restaurant selections tend to lean to the veggie/fish side of the menu. So we were pleasantly surprised at our first visit to Red Stag Supper Club.
The menu is meat-focused (Elk Stroganoff, anyone?), but there are also tasty fish and vegetarian options, sourced from local and organic farms. We loved the appetizers and sides: the French fries are the size of Lincoln Logs, triple-deep fried, and 100% satisfactory. The smelt fries were a hit, too (trust us), and the braised brussel sprouts made our night. With a wine selection that fits our taste (fancy), and budget (not so fancy), and their LEED certification (learn it, love it, live it), we may have to tackle meat more often than once a year.
Make a reservation today, check out their warm-weather options, and tell them Minneapolis Picks sent you!
Red Stag Supper Club
509 1st Ave. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612.767.7766
www.redstagsupperclub.com |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Chick Picks: |
|
| |
1 |
The Gift of Organization
We’re currently surrounded by a bevy of cute, pregnant, friends. Luckily we can score cool baby goods for all simply by shopping Sofia Bean.
This kid-centric site is bursting with fabulous gear, including cute blankets and sweet little shoes. Our pick for our pals? The gift box with an exclusive Sofia Bean onesie and bib, and the Pronto Diapering Kit by Skip*Hop. Sleek, sturdy, and packed with diapering essentials, this kit is a must-have, making it a perfect gift.
www.sofiabean.com
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
2 |
A New Spin On Old Classics
Our Mom used to wax poetic about her first ride: a cherry-red Mustang that purred like a kitten, so we nearly fainted when we discovered the handbags by Kim White.
This ultra-creative designer handcrafts fabulous handbags and totes out of unused vintage automotive fabrics. The result? Wildly alluring bags that exude a luxe vintage vibe. We snagged one for ourselves and Mom. It may not be a Mustang, but it’s destined to elicit oohs and aahs.
www.kimwhitehandbags.com |
 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
3 |
There’s Something About Jewelry
Ever since we talked our dad into that third earring hole, jewelry has just been our thing. Fortunately the passing of time has brought better taste, and better taste has led us to Glamoramapuss.
This fashion-forward local designer presents a sweet selection of eye-catching necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that easily lend an embellished charm to any ensemble. We’re in love with the dead-gorgeous Black Widow earrings, perfect for adding an edgy-elegance to anything we wear.
www.glamoramapuss.com |
 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Hip Happenings: |
|
| |
1 |
Be Still, Our Beating Art
On-the-verge art is our new favorite thing. That’s why the offbeat artistic style of Steve Matthews caught our eye. This utterly original artist gives us an up-close look at one version of reality, while at the same time capturing our imaginations. A truly unique show that can’t be missed.
What: Paintings and Constructions by Steve Matthews
When: May 6–May 24, opening reception Friday, May 9, 6–9 pm
Where: Homewood Studios, 2400 Plymouth Ave. N., Minneapolis
Contact: 612.587.0230
Visit: www.homewoodstudios.com |
 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
2 |
Handcrafted Cool
Local artists and crafters are showcasing their custom-made creations at The Handmaiden Spring Fling. More than 50 talented vendors will be vying for your attention, offering up chic leather bags, beautiful jewelry, knitwear, and more! Insiders tip: They’re holding a raffle. Be sure to enter for your chance to score cool original goods!
What: Handmaiden Minneapolis’ Spring Fling
When: Sunday, May 4, 10 am–5 pm
Where: James Ballentine VFW, 2916 Lyndale Ave., Minneapolis
Visit: www.the-handmaiden.com |
 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
3 |
The Perfect Shade of Green
Broaden your horizons and green up your life by attending the Living Green Expo at the state fairgrounds. Packed with a plethora of earth-friendly information, the Living Green Expo offers up a slew of exhibitors, featuring everything from sustainability plans and workshops to kid-friendly activities and an eco-fashion. Being green just got easier!
What: The 7th Annual Living Green Expo
When: Saturday May 3–Sunday May 4, 10 am–5 pm
Where: MN State Fair Grandstand,
1755 Dan Patch Ave, St. Paul
Visit: www.livinggreen.org |
 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Do you love The Picks? If so, tell us! We shamelessly love adoration. Email us at picks@minneapolispicks.com with your comments, and of course, any scoops you might have for cool new spots in the Twin Cities. And thanks for spreading the shop local vibe—you all rock! |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| |
Log onto www.minneapolispicks.com and check out past newsletters (archives). If you like what you see, forward
to a friend and encourage them to log onto www.minneapolispicks.com and become a free subscriber.
If you would like to subscribe or contribute, please email us at Contribute@minneapolispicks.com
Please share your favorite picks, announce a sample sale, refer a friend,
subscribe, or let us know what you think.
Website and Newsletter maintained by Studio Ridge.com
Help or Report problems |
| |
|
|
|