DeRusha Download: Hello From Portugal!
No weeks off! Mickey’s; Pazzaluna and Holidazzle are all back plus a new GiN Bar
Hello from the future! I’m six hours ahead of Twin Cities time, currently in Lagos, Portugal on the Algarve coast. Just finished a boat tour with amazing becahses and rocky cliffs, grottoes and caves! The natural beauty here is amazing - and the food in Portugal is next level. I’ll have more about my trip when I get back this week! Reach out anytime at Jason@JasonDeRusha.com
Only $50 a year gets you exclusive subscriber-only posts! Also a way to say THANKS JASON for putting this together each week. Thank you for reading!
CHEF’S TABLE AT MARA: A BARGAIN FOR A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
OFF-MENU SPECIALS! CHEF’S TABLE AT MARA: Sit down, make no decisions, enjoy. I love how Mara just launched an incredibly unique experience that I see auctioned off at charity events for tens of thousands of dollars - for just $135/person every Thursday and Friday. The Chef's tables at Mara give a unique peek into the inner workings of Mara's kitchen. Lots of activations and interactions with the chefs. Book at 5 or 8pm, reservations for 2, 3 or 4.
RESERVE: https://fluence-media.co/3XYMWPw
Proud to have Mara as a DeRusha Download partner.
TOO BUSY TO DOWNLOAD:
AMAZING chili cookoff in honor of my friend, the late chef Jack Riebel
a Gin Bar comes to Eat Street
Many new openings!
Pazzaluna to Pop Up; Mickey’s Diner is back
How does the STRIB’s food critic keep in shape?
DOWNLOAD DIALOGUE:
I never thought group travel would be my bag, but let me tell you there’s something delightful about having someone else do all the work. Hop on a bus, a guide shares info, you enjoy or you nap. Can’t do that when you’re driving all over! We’ve had a great time talking with our fellow travelers (almost 40 through a WCCO Radio trip to Portugal - lots of empty nesters and retirees). We’ve done bar and restaurant research, trying to guide the group too in Lisbon, Evora, Algarve and Cascais on our trip. Can’t wait to share some of our experiences with you in the Download. You can follow along on Instagram and Facebook too! And maybe come with me to Greece next year!!! INFO: https://fluence-media.co/3Y9gsCm
CHEF JACK’S CHILI BOWL: NEXT SUNDAY October 13! Join me and a bunch of awesome local chefs (Nat Moser/Dahlia; Thomas Boemer/Revival; Tommy Begnaud/Mr. Pauls; Kate Romero/Oro by Nixta; Jametta raspberry/House of Gristle; Steven Brown/Tilia; Torrance Beavers/Brunsons Pub) who are making their version of chili to raise money for culinary students at St. Paul College. 3pm on campus. BUY TICKETS: https://fluence-media.co/3TK4FYy
NOW OPEN:
Heathers in Minnetonka, second location for this South Minneapolis favorite. 10a-10p weekdays; 9a weekends. Full bar. https://fluence-media.co/4erpHUk
My Burger in Eagan
Hope Breakfast Bar, North Loop - the first of a couple Brian Ingram spots in the North Loop Green
Moonwater gin bar: on Eat Street next to Luna & The Bear, Pop Hanson (formerly of O’Shaughnessy) created the menu. (i love gin, very excited about this) INSTAGRAM: https://fluence-media.co/4ezbUej
PAZZALUNA IS BACK: Sort of. I got a tip last week that the Pazzaluna sign was back up in what used to be Memento. Indeed, Pazzaluna is doing pop-ups in October 10-12 and October 17-19. $55 prix fixe menu: four courses of Tuscan-style favorites. RESERVE: https://fluence-media.co/3BvUIb7
MICKEY’S DINER IS BACK: According to Bob Ingrassia via X, “OPEN sign is lit!” Soft opening was Wednesday! https://fluence-media.co/3BuWCIY
HOLIDAZZLE IS BACK ON THE MALL: Good job Adam Duininck! December 18-22 from 6th to 11th Streets on Nicollet Mall. No parade but Light & art installations, Holiday shopping pop-ups featuring Minneapolis Craft Market, Dayton’s Holiday Market, Chameleon Shoppes and Minneapolis Vintage Markets. Two entertainment stages, Free Roller Skating and Minne-Golf and visits with Santa.
ELOISE SETS OPENING DATE: The Grocer’s Table opens next week, Friday, October 11. Table service, cocktails, small, a more elevated Wayzata experience. Can’t wait! RESERVE: https://fluence-media.co/3TUZSnh
NEW VIDEO SERIES: My friend Matt at WCCO Radio is helping me produce an ongoing video series called “3 Things You Should Eat at:” ________. Our first stop is Lynette in Minneapolis: https://fluence-media.co/3XEYF4B
PAID SUBSCRIBER FEATURE
Extra: Is Wine Back? New Cool DeRusha-Approved Spots To Hang!
Wine is back! At least those who love wine are back at it, trying to get us drinking cool stuff again. So many interesting dynamics at play:
WEEKEND PLANNER:
FALL ARTISAN HOME TOUR: What do you want to see in the most luxe homes? For me it’s kitchens and wine storage, duh. Friday/Sat/Sun https://fluence-media.co/4eGTYho
FRI: ST. PAUL FALL ART CRAWL: 30 gallery locations across ten St. Paul neighborhoods https://fluence-media.co/3BfiuYz
SAT: Travail / Nouvelle Oktoberfest: German-style food stations, stein hoist competition, live music by Dr. Keilbasa, https://fluence-media.co/3XiH5mV
SAT: Earl Jam: Celebrating their anniversary an Earl Giles has live music, food, drinks, kid and pet-friendly, starting at 11am. FB EVENT: https://fluence-media.co/3zk7clb
DRIVETIME WITH DERUSHA ON DEMAND
ONE-HIT WONDERS: Paul Fletcher, me, and Electric Fetus rank you very much https://fluence-media.co/4ejVUg2
BUDDY BOWL HISTORY: Great chat with JD Hoyt’s owner (former line cook) Pat Monague: https://fluence-media.co/3XGac3I
SUBSCRIBE TO THE DRIVETIME WITH DERUSHA PODCAST!
Apple Podcast https://fluence-media.co/3xTkkNu
Spotify: https://fluence-media.co/3VUtph4
STRIB FOOD CRITIC’S SECRET TO FITNESS: it is tough to stay in shape and write about food, but I had to chuckle at how Jon Cheng talked about it in his latest Q&A. “As a voracious eater, I often find ways - and excuses - to prime my body, so I can eat more. This is why squash appeals so much to me. It's a year-round sport that brings fun, energy and athleticism. Forbes once called it the "healthiest, fittest" sport.” https://fluence-media.co/3TU0nhA
SEE YOU NEXT WEEK! The partners make it possible for me to do this — so do you! Thank you for reading!! I love seeing your feedback - so please share thoughts and news tips to Jason@JasonDeRusha.com.