Download: Donate To Murdered Officer, Father's Day Gift Guide, Nashville Picks
We spent last weekend in Nashville for a wedding - it’s such an interesting city. Yes, it’s a crazy Bachelorette/Bachelor party scene, a burgeoning corporate headquarters, a non-stop live music emporium, and a really growing restaurant town. I’m mostly impressed at how loose zoning rules leads to restaurants and bars right next to homes. So many spots that I feel we’d community-hearing / listening-session to death. Read on to see some of my Nashville faves! - Jason@JasonDeRusha.com
BREAKING NEWS: Apostle Supper Club will donate 100% of sales to the family of fallen Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell, who was murdered Thursday afternoon while trying to give medical aid to someone, according to state investigators. Friday morning, owner Brian Ingram said he’d take his largest restaurant and the Summer BBQ they were planning for Saturday, and “give it all” to Mitchell’s fiancé. Noon-8pm, Apostle Supper Club, across from XCel Energy Center in St. Paul. INSTA: https://fluence-media.co/3yE2Ftf
TOO BUSY TO DOWNLOAD?:
Kowalski’s / Pizza Place Hits the Grocery Store
My Jakeeno’s Pizza Visit with Justin Sutherland
Picks of the week - Nashville
NEW: What I’m Excited About This Weekend
Father’s Day Gift Ideas
Great podcast links for the weekend
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WIN A TRIP TO LONDON TO WATCH THE VIKINGS: The Vikings asked me to help give away a trip for 4 to London to watch the Vikings play the NY Jets! WOW! Round-trip airfare, hotel and 4 tickets, ENTER TO WIN: https://fluence-media.co/3QYGyE3
DIALOGUE: Have we forgotten the neighborhood that’s forever been changed after the murder of George Floyd? Days after many marked the 4th anniversary of the encounter that helped change our community, Tuesday night, chef Justin Sutherland invited me to visit Jakeeno’s Pizza & Pasta. Jakeeno’s is at 35th & Chicago, just 3 blocks from the area that’s now known as George Floyd Square. It’s been a neighborhood pizza and classic Italian red sauce joint as long as I’ve been alive - since 1975.
The thin crust, square-cut pizza was terrific, the pasta combo with stuffed shell and spinach tortellini was cheesy, saucy goodness, and the owners Amy and Patty Keegan couldn’t be more dedicated to the city. They’ve just expanded with a full bar and a full liquor license, plus lots of new TVs, to create a sports bar/welcoming vibe. It’s important for those of us who love the city and had big talk of supporting businesses (myself included) to remember that these promises weren’t about one month, or one social media post. Ultimately businesses have to earn your business, no one survives on good intentions or altruism alone. AND, the way we spend our money is an expression of our values. So stop in at Jakeeno’s, have a pie, and let’s help that neighborhood finally move forward.
ANN KIM’S EMPLOYEES SEEK TO UNIONIZE: Next-level PR here from UNITE Local 17 as they invited a Star Tribune photographer and reporter to join them as they presented their petition to management at Kim’s Uptown. Kim’s company hasn’t responded to my request for a response. Workers want guaranteed hours (restaurant workers often get “cut” or sent home soon), they also feel the 18-21% service fee the company charges in lieu of tips hasn’t led to above-average wages for kitchen staff, and it’s led to lower pay for servers and bartenders. Minnesota’s new junk fee law will likely ban the service fee, so it’ll be curious to see how this progresses. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/3VjV8st
GRILL FEST: Minnesota Monthly’s GrillFest is Saturday and Sunday June 1 & 2 at CHS Field in St. Paul. Lots of food, tons of grills, lots of beer and CBD seltzer samples too. USE CODE JASON to save 25% on tickets: https://fluence-media.co/4brYmzN
McDONALD’S PRICES NOT RISING THAT MUCH: Interesting push-back from McDonald’s against a narrative that prices have gone up by 100% in some cases (including in this Star Tribune story: https://fluence-media.co/4bKe8Gw). “The average price of a Big Mac in the U.S. was $4.39 in 2019. Despite a global pandemic and historic rises in supply chain costs, wages and other inflationary pressures in the years that followed, the average cost is now $5.29. That’s an increase of 21% (not 100%).” McD’s STATEMENT: https://fluence-media.co/3KlZCbF
BEST HAPPY HOURS: Happy Hour is back, baby! I’ve gathered some great ones from different areas: downtown Minneapolis/North Loop, Saint Paul, Suburbs - check it out: https://fluence-media.co/4bsjOos
ROSE THIS WEEKEND & NEXT: I love rose. I’ve been spending a lot of time outdoors on my patio and deck, and a nice glass of pink just feels rigth.
1010 Washington: SATURDAY, 2-5pm, FREE. About 30 of the best Roses of the season open to taste.
Surdyk’s Liquor: Next Saturday, June 8, 12p-6p, FREE. More than 100 roses open to taste.
Solo Vino Bottle Shop: Next Saturday, June 8, 4-8pm, Kellogg Mall Park, St. Paul, VIP Tickets: $125 ( early admission at 3 pm) GA Tickets: $60. https://fluence-media.co/3Qoi9rk
PICK OF THE WEEK: Nashville edition! We spent just about two days in Nashville, and we’ve been there in the past, so we didn’t do the traditional hot chicken, or barbeque scene. Here’s what we did:
FOLK: Great vibe, seasonal menu, naturally leavened pizzas. Guided by acclaimed chef from another favorite of mine, Rolf & Daughters' Philip Krajeck. In the growing, trendy, East Nashville area.
AUDREY: Wow - this restaurant is gorgeous. Also in East Nashville from Chef Sean Brock (HUSK). Think cornmeal fried morel mushrooms with ramps, chicken & dumplinks - this is Southern meets Appalachian done at a very high level.
S.S. GAI: Thai fried chicken from a stall in an outdoor food hall called The Wash. We randomly ran into a bunch of friends in town for the same wedding here, which is a good sign. Christina Nguyen and Birk Grudem (Hai Hai/Hola Aprea) and Colin Stumbras (Smack Shack) also here.
THE LISTENING ROOM: We paid $12 for a show to see three songwriters tell stories and play their songs. Some brand new, some #1 hits, just an amazing experience.
CREMA COFFEE: The top coffee roaster in Nashville, absolutely beautiful beans and coffee shop.
KOWALSKI’S HITS THE MALL: Kowalski’s opened Thursday in Southdale in the former Herberger’s space, complete with my fave deep dish Pezzo Pizzeria (just like they have in Woodbury).
STAFF MEETING: The newest restaurant in Eat Street Crossing food hall is in soft open right now, official grand opening is Saturday. First 30 Ramen orders get a complimentary Mom’s Fried Rice, via their Instagram. https://fluence-media.co/3V6WqG5
COMING SOON Razava Bread Co.: will offer old-world sourdoughs, bagels, challahs, coffee and more. Family that founded Baldinger Bakery (the massive spot that makes McDonald’s buns) with a 136-year history in St. Paul, is opening later this summer at 685 Grand Ave. in St. Paul. The baker will be Omri Zin-Taimir -- formerly of The Bakery on 22nd Street, a fixture at local farmer's markets. Opening near Emmett's and Saji-ya, in the new building that used to be Dixie's on Grand.
MARGIE’S OF ANDOVER COMES TO MAPLE GROVE: It’s been a long time since the Wahlburger’s shut down, I’m told the landlord tried to get a couple national chains in there, it didn’t work (thankfully) so we’re getting a Grackle. Via FB: “ Like Margie’s, Grackle will feature a scratch kitchen, craft cocktail bar, and great service. We value an “elevated, yet approachable” vibe and we think you’re going to love what we’re cooking up for the Maple Grove community!🍽️🍸” https://fluence-media.co/4dYY2dr
FATHER’S DAY IS COMING: You have a couple weeks - but a couple spots I’d recommend you check out!
WATCHES: TC Time & Luxury: David Brenke has spent his career working in luxury watches, but his local, one-man, pre-owned watch business runs the gamut from gorgeous Rolex, Tudor and IWC to more entry-level Seiko. Tell David I sent you, he’ll give you an even better deal than normal! SELECTION: https://fluence-media.co/3ViIGJw
FRESH BY HOUSTON WHITE AT TARGET: Houston White is a Minneapolis entrepreneur (The Get Down Coffee Co) and his brand FRESH is an outstanding local gift! https://fluence-media.co/4aBe6PG
COFFEE SUBSCRIPTION: I’ve been a subscriber to Trade Coffee for 8 years or so now. You get 30% off your first month if you use my link. https://fluence-media.co/3w16Iyl
GQ SUBSCRIPTION BOX: I’ve subscribed to this box for several years - I get skin/hair care items, sunglasses, t-shirts, other things too. Use code SUMMER24 to save 40%. Works out to be about $45-$50/box for $90 worth of stuff. https://fluence-media.co/3OU40BF
WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS WEEKEND:
Eversharp 17th annual tent sale: find Wusthof knives at crazy discounts from 11am-5pm Saturday
Dinner at Myriel: Alyssa and I are celebrating her birthday as a couple at Karyn Tomlinson’s St. Paul spot. We haven’t been in awhile and we’re doing the full tasting menu.
Grill Fest: Going to CHS Field Sunday to check out the MNMO Grill Fest (link above for tickets)
Edina Art Fair: Friday, Saturday and Sunday - sort of the kick off of summer!
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