DeRusha Download: New Bar, New Winners, Are you into NEW NEW NEW?
What 5 restaurants are on your roster? Can Excelsior Support all this new stuff?
Summer in September: It’s the best. Windows open this weekend, a couple lovely and hot sunny days, the farmers’ markets are exploding with local produce and it’s just about apple picking season. I love this time of year. And while we’re seeing so many restaurants opening - two national publications remind us that some of the real excellence is happening in places that may be new to you: Oro by Nixta and Myriel. Substack seems to be working well for most people - I’ve seen lots of new subscribers each week - welcome! 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 smashing the subscribe button!
TOO BUSY TO DOWNLOAD:
Karyn Tomlinson & Oro get major love
Robb Jones (Meteor) opening a “fancy bar bar”
Why did Barrio Lowertown Suddenly Close?
Wells Roadside is Open - and very busy!
Fhima Coming to Excelsior - why?
DOWNLOAD DIALOGUE: CHASING NEW vs. VISITING FAVORITES.
I met with Marquette University’s dean of the College of Communications, Sarah Feldner this week at The Butcher’s Tale (killer new Iberico pork dish) and we talked about the curse of writing about food: always chasing new spots. She asked me if I had favorites - and frankly, it’s difficult to have a favorite. I m ourn that sometimes: I want to be a regular! I think most of us keep a roster of about 5 favorites and then rotate in special occasion spots, or adventurous spots. Sarah is part of a dinner club with friends where they go somewhere new and rarely come back. Her coworker Stacy visits maybe 2 new spots a year. What’s on your restaurant roster? The top 3-5 places you visit most? Hit reply to this newsletter or email me: Jason@JasonDeRusha.com.
KARYN TOMLINSON HONORED BY FOOD AND WINE: You know how I feel about Karyn, she’s one of our most gifted chefs & a delightful human. Great to see her in the class of 2024 Best New Chefs: https://fluence-media.co/3Zirh60
ORO BY NIXTA HONORED BY BON APPETIT: More amazing humans - Kate + Gustavo Romero’s Oro by Nixta named to the Best 20 New Restaurants list: https://fluence-media.co/4ghY3ue
ROBB JONES OPENING A NEW BAR WITH TRAVAIL: Steph March had this news first - Meteor-owner Robb Jones is opening Stargazer, next to Vinai in the hottest restaurant zone in Minneapolis. Robb told me it’ll be a “fancy bar… with real cocktails.” Most of the best cocktails are in restaurants right now, I’m pumped. MSPMAG: https://fluence-media.co/4e3hkOk
LOWERTOWN IS DEAD: Saint Dinette likely to leave when the lease expires in spring 2025. Barrio suddenly closed this past weekend. Why? No one is around. “We were able to survive for a while despite low sales in the hopes that St. Paul would revive itself, but that day hasn’t come yet and it was untenable,” Ryan Burnet said. MORE FROM ME in MNMO: https://fluence-media.co/3ze43TY
EXCELSIOR? I’m nervous about this little restaurant explosion we’re seeing in Excelsior. Axios Twin Cities reports that David Fhima bought 3 commercial buildings including the former Red Sauce Rebellion space. He’s planning a Sicilian version of Maison Margaux. Aaron Switz’ Layline (the Daniel del Prado menu) is doing ok as far as I can tell, but it’s not bumpin’. Jester is opening a Parlour plus two other concepts. Is there enough business? I hope so!
THE SMASHBURGER SMASHER: Cool technology, great recipe, experienced operators - lots to be excited about with Wells Roadside now open in the former Galaxy Drive-In in St. Louis Park. I’ve seen huge crowds this week. MY FIRST TASTE in MNMO: https://fluence-media.co/47n94Xd
Glad to have Warners’ Stellian as a Download partner! Shop at their website and check out my Instagram reel to see me and Alyssa shopping with The Appliance Whisperer!! Great service + family here.
MY GUIDE TO NYC: My favorite bagel, pizza, coffee, cocktail and restaurants in New York City. Free subscribers got a preview in their email - here’s a direct link https://fluence-media.co/4dWdhmX
YELLOW RIBBON RIBFEST & CAREER FAIR: I’m hosting a Career Fair/Ribfest at the National Guard readiness center in Arden Hills next Saturday. Minnesota Building Trades from Noon-2pm, Rib Tasting Competition from 3-5:30pm. Live music, kids play area, https://fluence-media.co/4dRc8NF
WEEKEND PLANNER:
My weekend: Saturday I’ll be at a Fall Harvest Dinner at Wise Acre Eatery, Sunday going to the Vikings Game [pregame at Hotel Emery’s Warmup Beer Garden?] Tonight dinner at Lynette with friends - I wrote about it in this paid subscriber post:
2 Non-State Fair Spots Worth Your Time
Once a month paid subscribers will get some personal recommendations from me - one new spot and one underrated spot. At least that’s my plan. If you have categories you’d like me to recommend - comment with your suggestions!
FALL PARADE OF HOMES: I love the Parade of Homes! Check out the trend I saw last weekend in IG https://fluence-media.co/3B50XT2. My partner Custom One MN has 3 homes on the tour - including a bargain in Savage, a beauty in Wayzata, and an entertainers dream in Credit River / Lakeville - https://fluence-media.co/4cNwo1i
DRIVETIME WITH DERUSHA ON DEMAND
I LOSE MY MIND ABOUT TARGET’S RETURN BEING NEWS: Which turned into a talk about Saint Paul https://fluence-media.co/3ZnRFM6
JUSTIN MORNEAU: On career transition https://fluence-media.co/47rw5YL
KAMALA HARRIS WON THE DEBATE, TRUMP WON THE NIGHT: huh!? I explain with Chris Cillizza https://fluence-media.co/4gpBHqw
NEW EXEC DIR OF SAHAN JOURNAL: Vanan Murugesan https://fluence-media.co/4cY4bVy
DAMMIT DAVE GROHL: Why celebs should get vasectomies https://fluence-media.co/3Ts4Ojh
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E-MAIL ME!! HAVE A GOOD QUESTION? WANT TO PARTNER?
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