|
 |
September 26th, 2008
There are a number of things we’ve successfully deluded ourselves about, like our chances of winning an Academy Award (our acceptance speech is ready and waiting), of somehow morphing into a smaller size by reading about exercise rather than actually doing it, and the granddaddy delusion of ’em all: uniting in holy matrimony with one Mr. Johnny Depp. Yep. We’re the Queens of Misguided Reality. Perhaps that’s why we told ourselves it was a good idea to go out for a Cosmo (or three) while at the same time breaking in the most stunning pair of heels we’ve ever laid our pretty peepers on. We knew that drinking and teetering stilettos could be a recipe for disaster, but we fooled ourselves into thinking that our sheer fabulousness would deter any major mishaps. We were wrong. Our evening of fun ended with two severely bruised knees and three broken toes. Talk about a reality check. Do you like surprises? Forward this issue to five friends and cc: picks@minneapolispicks.com and we’ll send you one in the mail! |
||
Minneapolis Picks: |
|||
| 1 | La Dolce Vita We studied abroad in Firenze, Italia (a.k.a. The City of Fire). It was a complete Under the Tuscan Sun experience: gorgeous Guidos, finely chiseled artwork, flavorful house wine, rolling vineyards and to-die-for fashion boutiques on quaint cobblestone roads. Sadly, our experience abroad was over quicker than you can say Ferragamo. We’ve never stopped swooning over Italian-inspired style or ambience, so “bella!” escaped our lips when we saw the new downtown St. Paul location of Il Vostro boutique. Inspired by the owner’s love of Italian culture, “Your Boutique” brings the native experience to the St. Paul hood. Humming along to the tunes of Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra, we found couture cocktail dresses from lines like Yoana Baraschi, trendy tops from Hale Bob and Johnny Was, and Level 99 denim wear. Sprinkled amidst the old-style salon décor was a chic selection of Tano leather handbags, Espe wallets, colorful scarves, leather gloves, and sophisticated jewelry. A dolce vita experience, truly. All we need now is a glass of Chianti and a Pavarotti sing-along! il Vostro Boutique |
|
|
| 2 | Japan, Minus the Jet Lag We’ve had our fair share of horrible dates over the years, including one chap who showed up with his parents in tow, and then proceeded to spend the evening commenting on our wine consumption while scratching his ears with a fork (thank you, Pinot, for making that night bearable). But we do credit that obnoxious and socially awkward doofus for one thing: introducing us to Japanese cuisine. And lately no place can tantalize our taste buds like Obenta-Ya. Their menu features a precise selection of authentic Japanese delights, including delectable grilled or fried skewers, Udon noodle soup, and our personal fave: the fabulously delish Bento Plates that are as divine in taste as they are in appearance, and available in a myriad of combos, making Obento-Ya an eatery where veg-heads and meatatarians can unite. And their California Rolls are a true sensory delight, setting the bar sky-high for every sushi experience we have going forward, and at a mere $6.50, the price can’t be beat! Toss in their hip décor, laid-back attitude, and spectacular service and you’re left with one thing: perfection! Obento-Ya |
|
|
| 3 | Mad About Maude We’ve had many a fabulous masseuse, esthetician, and stylist whose contact information we’ve kept to ourselves. It’s not that we don’t want to see someone who rocks at their job succeed or that we want to look that much better than our pals (okay, maybe we want that a little), we just want to be able to nab an appointment without a major advance booking. So at the risk of never again being able to get in, we have one word for you: Maude. Located in a nondescript warehouse in northeast Minneapolis, you might never know an uber-hip, above-average salon awaited inside. Tastefully decked out with cool retro furniture, original art, exposed brickwork, and eclectic tunes (old school Aerosmith anyone?), it’s immediately apparent that you won’t be leaving with some tired old ’do. Maude’s exceptional, Aveda-educated stylists can masterfully create a wide range of stylish cuts from hot bobs to killer Mohawks, and their top-notch coloring skills can easily transform you into a saucy redhead or electric pink vixen. No matter where your tastes lie, Maude’s got you covered. Maude |
|
|
| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Get Inked Regardless of what others might say about us, we are not difficult to please. So what if we swoon over all things unique and kitschy? We’re just suckers for the delightfully hip and obscure. Case in point: the crazy cool artwork of Don Carney. Painstakingly illustrated by hand using ink and an eye dropper (you heard us right), these intricate yet sweetly odd drawings are strangely alluring and begging to be hung on our wall. |
 |
|
| 2 | Pretty in Pink One of our best friends loves the color pink, and by love we mean borderline obsessed. From her pink laptop to her pink Hello Kitty kitchen décor, this chick is head-over-heels for the sweet shade. That’s why when we saw the cute (and pink) Feminine Spunk card set we snatched it up, and quick! These beautifully patterned papers are delicately sewn together and adorned with handmade embellishments for a look that is simply chic—and sure to inspire oohs and aahs from our pal. |
 |
|
| 3 | Ring-A-Ding-Ding Recently we were out cocktailing-it when we spied the coolest, toughest, looking ring ever gracing the hand of a colleague. As our mouths fell agape and our eyes glossed over with lust, we quietly took an oath to find an equally divine bauble to adorn our own hand with. After much searching, we discovered Anne Maa. This designer creates some of the fiercest, freshest, hand-candy we’ve seen. It masterfully walks the line between organic and chic. www.annemaadesigns.com |
 |
|
Hip Happenings: |
|||
| 1 | Film Lovers Unite We’ve always wanted to hit one of those fancy-schmancy film festivals so we flipped when we found out that The Manhattan Short Film Festival was doing a screening right in our own backyard. Films from all over the world are yours to enjoy, and at the end of the night you can vote for your fave. What: The Manhattan Short Film Festival |
 |
|
| 2 | Art a la David Lynch The first time we saw a David Lynch movie we were weirded out (to say the least) while at the same time completely mesmerized. The man just has a knack for delving into the deepest, darkest corners of humanity, so we’re intrigued by an entire art exhibit displaying works inspired by this dark and creative genius. What: Tales from the Blacklodge |
 |
|
| 3 | Hangin’ With the Fam Tell your kids to get lost! Kidding! Totally kidding (kind of). Just take them to Severs Corn Maze for some good ol’ family fun. This kid-centric classic is sure to induce smiles with its youthful entertainment, including hay rides, an exotic petting zoo, and magic acts. Don’t forget the sneakers—the maze is ginormous. What: Severs Corn Maze and Fall Festival |
 |
|
Don’t forget to forward this issue to five fashion-savvy friends! We love giving presents; it just makes us all warm and fuzzy inside. |
|||
Be sure to visit www.MinneapolisPicks.com and check out past issues in our archives. If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to check out www.MinneapolisPicks.com and subscribe for free! It's easy--there's a box in the upper left to enter your email address. If you would like to make a suggestion, please email us at contribute@MinneapolisPicks.com. Share your favorite ideas for Picks, tell us about terrific products or services, announce a sale or event, or let us know what you think of Minneapolis Picks! Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com. |
|||
