Download: December Is Here!
Vinai Gets National Honor, Bread Cafe Coming to St. Paul, Apple Valley Food Hall Launches, Jimmy Jam
DOWNLOAD DIALOGUE: HUMANITY
I never knew Brian Thompson, but his murder in New York City has hit me. CEO of United Healthcare, dad of two boys, one a Wayzata grad, one still in high school, high achiever, ambitious, half-dozen coworkers of his that I do know loved the guy. At the same time, there’s this intense and hateful reaction to his death. Some of this is just the usual cretins on social media being cretins. But there’s a real anger towards health insurers. Choosing empathy and humanity isn’t that hard of a choice. You also can have issues with the way we fund health care, or the way health insurers make obscene profits. We should talk about that. But my thoughts are with Brian’s family and friends and team. - Jason
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Jimmy Jam on my Podcast
Apple Valley Food Hall Emerged From Crisis
Chi-Chis? We want this?
Holiday Pop-up Reviews
Weekend Holiday Fun
CHI-CHIS IS COMING BACK: Yes, in the 70’s there were not Mexican restaurants everywhere. It’s 2024. Will nostalgia drive people back to white people Mexican food? We’ll see. Michael McDermott owns Rojo, he has one in West End of St. Louis Park, another in Maple Grove, he said he’s opening the first two Chi-Chis in Minnesota, I’m doing the math here and seeing a flip-o-roo. LAURA & I DISCUSS ON WCCO: https://fluence-media.co/49sB1xS
HOLIDAY GIFT CARD GUIDE: TONS of Black Friday deals at local restaurants. My bonus gift card guide at MNMO: https://fluence-media.co/4fUosgy
LAST CHANCE! BRUNCH WITH SANTA AT MARA
Last night Alyssa and I had an awesome dinner at Mara - great service, get the Chicken Tortellini with a cravable pho-inspired broth from chef de cuisine Thony Yang. Brunch with Santa is Sunday, December 8, 10am-2pm. RESERVE HERE: https://fluence-media.co/4hOgI1g.
And there’s still time to book a private meal in the log cabins on the Mara rooftop - I’m bringing my parents next week! NORDIC VILLAGE: https://fluence-media.co/3ZvLvJo
I love having Mara / Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis as a Download Partner!
BAR REVIVAL: I tried the beef and it’s excellent. Thomas & Nick from Revival has flipped their St. Paul Selby Ave location into more of a bar vibe. Thin, thin tavern style pizza (pro-tip: try the homemade red chili flake shaker). Beautiful Italian Beef - a 3 day process, with excellent homemade giardinara. MENU: https://fluence-media.co/41sSILo
VINAI NAMED ESQUIRE BEST NEW RESTAURANT: “Vang is adamant that Vinai is not “elevated” Hmong cuisine but rather Hmong cuisine presented in a culture that is finally putting some respect on its name.” ESQUIRE: https://fluence-media.co/3VoJyfg
APPLE VALLEY RESTAURANTS CHANGE AGAIN: Impressive acknowledgement by Tony Donatell that his south suburban restaurants have lost their way (Bourbon/Tequila Butcher, Whiskey Inferno). He’s trying again in Apple Valley with a food hall concept. My story in MNMO: https://fluence-media.co/4eVZLzx
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN DINNER FOR UNITY: Cool effort by Mecca Bos and her BIPOC Community Alliance to bring together black and indigenous flavors. Tuesday, December 10 at Union Hmong Kitchen. “An abundant buffet of Black + Indigenous flavors, plus dishes from special guests in the BIPOC food community, designed as a way for us to come together over a shared table and shared humanity.” TICKETS: https://fluence-media.co/3ZjERV0
HOLIDAY POP-UP REVIEWS:
Can vouch for Earl Giles’ Jingle Giles: it’s more lights than kitsch, but the impact of tens of thousands of lights is huge. Great vibes- lots of people dressed up in ugly sweaters and Christmas gear. Make a reservation - it was bumpin’ on a Friday night. https://fluence-media.co/3UTpgKq
Hotel Emery’s Down Through The Chimney: great themed rooms in the lower level of the hotel. They’ve dressed up all their usual conference/meeting rooms - and it still does feel like the lower level of a hotel - but the cocktails are service more than make up for it. https://fluence-media.co/4eKwrvI
Fair on Four at MOA: Cute but not over-the-top. Love the axe throwing/go karts/ video games vibe here. Genius option if you’re visiting the mall.
New holiday pop-ups being added as they, pop-up (Black Sheep, Hola Arepa and Longtrees in Alex entered the chat) My guide at MNMO: https://fluence-media.co/3CCqVOu
OPEN OR COMING SOON:
LOS OCAMPO: Opened Monday in Merriam Park, St Paul. https://fluence-media.co/3VeABFd
RAZAVA BREAD: More than a bakery - think savory foods, eventually beer and wine, opens next week. IG: @Razavabreadco
FARINA ROSSA KITCHEN: Third week of December next to Fair State Brewing (former Aki’s spot) per Sharyn in STRIB https://fluence-media.co/3Zi6a28
OG ZAZA to KING COIL DISTILLERY: Shakopee, Roseville, in Minneapolis this winter with a trailer at HeadFlyer, and coming to St. Paul: MNMO https://fluence-media.co/4imgWx6
DeRusha’s Bites is presented by Room & Board - see how they transformed my living room on my Instagram or read what pieces we bought at JasonDeRusha.com
LET’S GO! HOLIDAY FUN THIS WEEKEND
TINSEL TREE TOWN AT MALCOLM YARDS: Wreath and porch pot classes, Victorian carolers, Christmas tree farm, more - https://fluence-media.co/4ggrFYc
SAINT PAUL EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKET: Outdoor open-air market at Union Depot. 70 vendors, holiday train. https://fluence-media.co/4ePXt50
Minneapolis Chriskindl Market in North Loop: FREE! Friday 4p-9p, Saturday 11a-9p/ Sunday 11am-7pm Details at North Loop Green
The Dayton’s Market on Nicollet: I checked this out - GREAT vendor mix, better than ever. Open daily 10am-6pm (Sun. 5p) IG: https://fluence-media.co/48Oju2B
DERUSHA’S HOLIDAY GUIDES
New this week: My guide to holiday Experiences including:
MINNESOTA ICE FESTIVAL: TCO Stadium in Eagan becomes a Minnesota Ice maze, slide and rink. 30% off tickets right now https://fluence-media.co/3Zdzkkj
LUMINARY LOPPET TICKETS: Saturday, February 8 is the Twin Cities’ most magical event of the season. https://fluence-media.co/40T67fD
My ultimate holiday gift guide includes:
FOR THE FOOD LOVER
Eversharp has the best in-store selection of knives I’ve ever seen and it’s run by just the nicest family in the world. ONLINE
Umei: Home goods and stationary, just a treasure of a shop
And I love this guide to volunteering over the holidays
GIVE TOYS: Hennepin Healthcare Child Life Toy Drive
December 14, 10am-12pm, at the Clinic and specialty center. 715 South 8th Street, Minneapolis. New and unwrapped toys. Can’t make it: shop the Amazon list.
DRIVETIME PODCASTS ON DEMAND
JIMMY JAM on HIS DAD: Cornbread Harris is a legend; amazing story about how Andrea Swensson helped facilitate their reunion after 35+ years. https://fluence-media.co/3CWbSiM
LISA DEMUTH: What budget cuts does GOP want? https://fluence-media.co/3B6c4LT
IS CASH A GOOD HOLIDAY GIFT? Kate Raddatz wants it https://fluence-media.co/3VnbIXV
WHY DON’T WOMEN’S PANTS FIT + MY HELICOPTER DREAMS ON GULL LAKE: https://fluence-media.co/3BgjE6x
FOX 9 GETS CAMERAS IN A MURDER TRIAL: Paul Blume tells the story - it’s still tough. https://fluence-media.co/41fN2nZ
EATS PODCASTS: I’ve changed my food podcast to feature long-form interviews. ALMA owners Alex & Margo Roberts: https://fluence-media.co/3CCf2bm
MYRIEL owner Karyn Tomlinson: https://fluence-media.co/4fYGzlO
Search DeRusha Eats wherever you get podcasts.