Reetsyburger's Refuge

Mix On, Mix Off - Longfellons Want to Know!

2008-07-24T04:30:00.005-05:00

The rumors running through our neighborhood about the former Molly Quinn's space and the possible opening of a new Thom Pham joint have had our heads spinning this past year.

On then off. Off then on. And so on.

The talk ceased temporarily, but recently, I read a comment on Zimmern's Chow & Again blog AND this piece by Nancy Ngo, both of which indicate that it's on.

"Thom Pham is playing it safer at his next restaurant venture. After recently closing his 1-year-old contemporary/hip Temple in Minneapolis, the restaurateur says his next project will be half trendy, half traditional.

Pham had planned to open an Asian fusion place called Mix in the former Molly Quinn's on Lake Street in Minneapolis.

Now, he has given the Lake Street project a tweak. This time, Mix will occupy only half of the space. The other half will become Thanh Do, a spinoff of Pham's traditional Asian restaurant in St. Louis Park.

'It's about still giving people high-quality food,' says Pham, who hopes to open before the end of the year. 'But making it more affordable.'

Meanwhile, Pham has finished remodeling Anemoni, his sushi restaurant next door to his fusion restaurant, Azia, on 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis. The menu also got an update."

[where: Longfellow, Minneapolis, MN 55406]

Deez Nutz: A Bedtime Story

2008-07-23T22:42:00.005-05:00

As told by someone on the internet, and then retold by Reetsy.........

Once upon a time, Dr. Dre was kickin' it Kansas City.
Dr. Dre was hungry, so he rolled in to the McDonald's drive thru.
He overheard a crucial conversation go down between the teller and the stooges in the car in front of him.

Stooge: "Yes, I hear the McRib is back. I'd like one of those with a milk."
Teller: "Is that all?"
Stooge: "Yes, and please add the Deez to that order, with a milk again."
Teller: "The what??"
Stooge:"The deez..."
Teller: "DEEZ???"
Stooges: "DEEZ NUTZ! DEEZ NUTZ! DEEZ NUTZ!"

Dr. Dre thought this ish was HILARIOUS, so he picked it up and used it in a rhyme.

And the DEEZ NUTS prank lived happily ever after.

Comic pulled from Married to the Sea: the champage of comics.

[where: 55406]

Our Minimoon in Stillwater

2008-07-23T12:51:00.008-05:00

Folks have been asking about our honeymoon.

Truth is, we didn't really have a honeymoon, yo.
We're waiting until the frigid winter hits, and then we're heading to the Bahamas. Major.

Instead, we had a minimoon! 3 days and 2 nights in Stillwater, MN.
There are scads of places outside of the Twin Cities I haven't explored yet. Stillwater was a first for me.

It was pretty much a last minute decision. A colleague recommended a getaway there the Wednesday before our wedding, and we headed there the Monday after the wedding.

We packed one backpack, strapped it to the back of the motorcycle and headed off to Stillwater on a sunny July afternoon. The weather was brilliant. So was the smoochin.

Highlights:
Riding the motorcycle over the lift bridge
Our cRaZy decked out "vault suite" at the Water Street Inn
Nacho Mama's nachos and big drinks
Sampling Schell's Freight House Pilsner, brewed exclusively for the Freight House Restaurant.

I wore green the whole time to celebrate my newly gained Irish heritage.

Check out our pics from our minimoon.

[where: Stillwater, Minnesota, Water Street Inn]

Reetsy Reviews: Batter Blaster

2008-07-18T11:46:00.011-05:00

On a sunny weekend morning in June at a cabin in Amery, WI, we finally did it.

We. Rokked. Batter Blaster.

What is Batter Blaster?

"With its unique, pressurized, patent pending process, Batter Blaster™ makes organic light and fluffy pancakes and light and crisp waffles in minutes! And while breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it’s also the most skipped meal. Batter Blaster is fast, easy and fun for the whole family. Batter Blaster makes breakfast a blast!"

Could batter blaster be the ultimate cure for cabin hangovers??

gerg found the Batter Blaster during an all important brat bun run to a grocery store in Amery, WI. He immediately grabbed the can and said, "Let's make Batter Blaster for breakfast tomorrow!!"

Batter Blaster doesn't blast dawg; it oozes out of the can, like Cheez Whiz.

Gerg discovered that it's better to swirl the batter blaster in circles for optimal evenness. Note the butter. You must butter your pan.

He even added blueberries!

They were totally A BLAST!!

Actually, they totally tasted like prepackaged pancakes. They were edible and crucial for people who might have had too much crunk juice on da boat the day before. *wink* However, we all concurred that while it's rad that it's organic, it's a total waste of packaging. We were trying to decide if the packaging defeated the purpose of it being organic, but we got distracted by trashy magazines.

Check out this video of Batter Blaster oozing in action!

MVI_6475
Originally uploaded by gergistheword

[where: Amery, Wisconsin, Batter Blaster]

Dilly Bar Showdown

2008-07-14T23:00:00.004-05:00

I used this French Barre Dilly box in honor of Bastille Day.

I'm wild for Heath Dilly Bars, and I can imagine how I would defend the honor of a Heath Dilly Bar to a Cherry loving so-and-so.

So I'd like to see where you all stand. Which Dilly Bar reigns supreme?

[where: 55406]

Dirty Feet, Done Dirt Cheap

2008-07-14T11:22:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I don't pay attention to where I'm going. Taking pics of my feet helps me remember where I've stood, sat, danced, walked, jammed, etc.

I made this flickr set to bring together my various foot photos.

I'm gonna geotag all of them eventually.

[where: 55406]

Robot Nightlife

2008-07-08T22:42:00.001-05:00

We now have two household robots!!!!

This one helps out in the kitchen by entertaining the ladies:

And this new one lights up those late nights in Longfellow:

Thanks for the fun wedding robot nightlight, Mr and Mrs Tricycle!

[where: 55406]

Here's To Me, Mrs. Flanagan....

2008-07-05T20:26:00.012-05:00

I've been absent from this blog cuz gerg and I totally got married, and we've been honeymooning! I'm back in full effect with a new last name.

Our wedding photos by the pros haven't arrived yet, but some friends and family took some pics and sent them.

My dad totally made me cry as soon as I started walking down the aisle. I had to look at the floor because everyone I looked at made me cry. I said to my dad, "Dad! I'm totally crying and I haven't even walked down the aisle yet!!"

For the record, I sobbed like a baby through the entire ceremony. I cried and cried and cried. Gerg thought it was cute. I thought it was amateurish, but then again, I've never gotten married before. Unfortunately, all of the photos of me from the ceremony and shortly thereafter are not fun cuz my face looks like a giant tomato. Of course, Gerg looks adorable, as usual.

People liked my polka dotted dress, which made me happy. The Betsey Johnsons almost killed my feet, so I slipped into my reliable pink satin pumps that I love so much for the remainder of the reception.

Apparently, the food was good. Gerg and I forgot to eat anything, aside from wedding cake, bacon wrapped water chestnuts, and celery sticks.

We had a blast. Scads of family and friends made the trip to the Heidel House Resort, and we made merry.

I'm officially a Flanagan. WORD.

The candid photos in this set from our wedding were taken by countless friends and family. 10 disposable cameras were available for people to capture images for us as well.

Post Script: We'll post the official photos to our official joint website: http://www.gregandmarieflanagan.com/

[where: 55406]

Bring Back 80's Speed Metal

2008-06-23T12:05:00.003-05:00

Sometimes, when it's 5 days before your wedding, and you're a TAD stressed out, a friend sends you something that TOTALLY F-ING RULES.

[where: 55406]

The Perfect Wedding Gift

2008-06-19T17:05:00.003-05:00

Just in case there's someone out there who wants to share in our wedding day magic by donating a non-refundable gift, here's something that would do the trick: a wheel of Beemster Classic.

[where: 55406]

Wedding Spoiler: The Wedding Rings

2008-06-18T11:19:00.009-05:00

First, I spoiled the handbag.
Next, I spoiled the shoes.
Then, I spoiled the orgy.

10 days until we're hitched, and I'm about to spoil the rings.

Possibly the most enduring memento of the occasion (besides our marriage) will be our wedding rings, which is why we wanted something cool enough to wear forever. We're pleased as punch with the design of our rings. Therefore, I'm going to SPOIL the rings with this blog post.

Fortunately, some friends were able to recommend Studio Vincent at Gaviidae Commons. We headed there on a breezy Saturday morning in March to select our rings.

THE GROOM'S RING
For his wedding ring, gerg selectged this piece by Patrick Malotki who interned at Muerrle & Heckler. Gerg was fascinated by the goofy joinery demonstrated in the ring. Being a handyfixitdude, gerg appreciates these kinds of details, and the joinery gives a nod to his woodworking sensibilities and the woodworking sensibilities of his father.

FOR DA BRIDE (c'est moi!)

Mine ring is by the amazing Niessing company out of Germany. I was charmed by the floating diamonds in this "Runway Ring." The channel in the ring has a wikked awesome feature; the cognac diamond physically glides through the channel, as though it was floating up and down the runway. Additionally, the cognac colored diamond matches my hair. WORD.

[where: 55406]

Fuzzy Mold? Pretty Pony Poop? Angel Droppings?

2008-06-11T17:09:00.008-05:00

Check out the snowstorm we had at our house this June.

KIDDING, but seriously what's with all the white fluff floating in the air in our neighborhood recently?

Have Pretty Ponies taken over our skies and started crapping mid flight?

I keep thinking it must be cottonwood, but how can the few cottonwood trees in our neighborhood produce this much fluff?

It's been extreme - so much so that the other day that I got spooked by it, and didn't want to eat on the deck. The angel turds kept falling in my food!

Seriously, my flowerbeds are coated in it to the point where they looked like they're covered in fuzzy mold.

[where: 55406]

Wedding Spoiler: The Orgy

2008-06-08T12:44:00.002-05:00

First, I spoiled the handbag.
Next, I spoiled the shoes.

Today, with 20 days left before the wedding bash, I'm spoiling the orgy.

The ORGY?! Yes.

Being raised in a household of musicians, and marrying a musician makes for interesting options...

We've booked the Jazz Orgy & Friends for our wedding music.

Jazz Orgy Key Players:
Steve Cooper - Saxophone
Mark Martin - Keys
Andy Mertens - Bass
Mike Underwood - Drums

"& Friends" includes an acoustical guitar performance during the ceremony, and a few talented friends who will be sitting in with the band during the reception.

Check out their sound on MySpace. They've got new stuff worth hearing.

[where: Jazz Orgy, 55406]

Gloria!

2008-06-06T17:27:00.002-05:00

I've memorized the entire song for my next karaoke opportunity. I haven't found the belt yet though.

I LOVE MARIE MARTIN

2008-06-05T17:01:00.003-05:00

I swear I had nothing to do with this.
However, I fully support the wearing of it.

[where: 55406]

Professional Rambling

2008-06-05T15:46:00.003-05:00

The Rambler recently contacted me about publishing a piece of my prose in their September/October issue.

They collected some personal information, apropos. They had only one question about my piece: "Is it fiction or nonfiction?"

I was tempted to write back, "You be the judge."

It'll be on the stands at Border's next fall.

[where: 55406]

Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives in Minneapolis

2008-06-02T13:51:00.007-05:00

I know that Guy Fieri and Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" crew have been in the Twin Cities on more than one occasion. I've seen Al's, Mickey's, and others featured on the program.

They're back in town. I spotted the film crew twice in the span of three days this week....once at the Town Talk Diner, and again two days later at The Wienery.

I took some not-so-stellar photos on my cell phone of the crew at The Wienery:

I was sitting inside at The Wienery counter when I took this photo. My bratwurst (served Warsaw style) was nothing to sing about, sadly, but my french fries were spot on. Prolly shoulda ordered a wiener!

The Wienery has a few tables, a diner-style counter with stools, and a beat up piano in the corner. Not much room for a film crew. Plenty of room to eat a wiener.

Guy's right hand lady asked Pat Starr, of The Wienery, to bag up a Hot Italian sammich for Guy after he read the menu taped to the window.

I took this photo as we were leaving. Not pictured: the black stretch limo next to the dude in the black tie. That's right - a limo parked outside of The Wienery! FANCY!

A big up yourself to my colleague, John, for the invite to The Wienery.

PS - I heard from one of the handsome servers at the Town Talk Diner that the episode would be aired "sometime in July?"

[where: The Wienery, Minneapolis, 55406]

Persepolis at the Riverview Theatre

2008-06-01T10:18:00.000-05:00

We checked out Persepolis at the Riverview Theatre this past weekend.
The movie is based on a graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi.

The film, like the graphic novel, unfolds chronologically as a flashback - an autobiographical account of a girl, Marji, who is raised against the violent backdrop of Iran during the Iranian Revolution.

Possibly my favorite aspect of the film was the animation philosophy - if such a thing exists. I'm no artist, FYI. See, the violence in the film is tamed because much was left in the shadows and to the viewer's imagination. The shadows are stunning in this film. Implied, horrifying acts become more horrifying when the act itself is not depicted, but rather the reactions of those who have witnessed the terror are dipicted. The act itself is left in the black of a shadow.

It is a sad story, with humorous moments interlaced. A little sappy, a little sentimental - imagine a punked out version Ramona Quimby dropped in the middle of the Iranian Revolution. No happy ending, no resolution - just a story.

English subtitles mean you'd better wear your glasses, or be fluent in French.

[where: Riverview Theatre, Persepolis, 55406]

Devil Horns

2008-05-31T10:57:00.004-05:00

Going through photos for the wedding, I stumbled upon this beauty.

This photo was taken the night gerg and I hooked up. It was Friday, October 14, 2005 in Oshkosh, WI - the day before my birthday. The expressions on our faces kills it.

Gerg plays drums for Dallas Orbiter, and they were in Oshkosh gigging out. I was out in my Halloween costume drinking with Eric, my beloved mermaid and partner in crime. I was supposed to be a lil' devil - thus, the red horns.

It was a hilarious night, for the record. I lost my pants at the Algoma Club, so I spent the night parading around downtown in lace ruffle boyshorts and fishnets.

My friend Eric's mermaid bra kept sliding off, and he singed the red wig later in the evening with a cigarette. The stench was God awful.

Jon (of Dallas Orbiter) borrowed my red and black cape and wore it during their show. Caped organ players are awesome.

I had the worst flu ever that weekend. Gerg ended up with the flu on Monday...He must've caught it from my devil horns. ; )

[where: Oshkosh, Reptile Palace, 54901]

Wedding Spoiler: The Shoes

2008-05-28T09:56:00.004-05:00

Wednesday, May 28, marks one month until our day o' nuptials. My oldest sister, Mary, sent me an email reminding me of this fact because she is the rad. I'm pumped about our wedding, and so is she.

Only a month away from today.
I’m so happy and excited for the two of you.
Please let me know if there is anything else I need to do to make your day run smoothly.
I LOVE YOU BOTH VERY MUCH!

Mary

Speaking of being pumped about the wedding, another wedding spoiler is in order to mark this special countdown day.

The shoes.....are da bomb.

[where: Betsey Johnson, Fran, Wedding Shoes, 55406]

Pipeline Construction - with Pistols!

2008-05-23T16:23:00.007-05:00

The other day we saw a work crew in our neighborhood.

It appeared they were stopping by to check on someone's pipes.

I paid special attention to them because I love blaze orange (for real) , and because they were completely willing to stand outside in the rain.

Nothing unusual, really, until I noticed something odd. One of the workers had handcuffs and, what appeared to be, a pistol strapped to his belt.
What up wit dat??

[where: 55406]

Tumbleweed Flirtation

2008-05-21T14:12:00.003-05:00

It was just outside of Denver. I was standing flat footed in the arid, flat, middle of nowhere, and had kicked off my pumps to absorb the warmth of the sun-soaked pavement through my toes.

Basking in the warmth of the arid heat, I tilted my face towards the sun.
As the dust of a giant bus choked me back to reality, I turned my gaze toward the dusty highway.

And then I saw it. It was speeding in my direction!

With my back against the wall of the Thrifty car rental building, I was stuck with nowhere to turn. To my right, the building, to my left, the parking lot!

I only had seconds to gather my plan to tackle and pin it!

But alas, the wind shifted and it tumbled on down the highway, paying me no attention.

I continued to watch it until it lodged itself on a fence; I thought to myself, "Tumbleweeds are cool."

[where: Denver, Colorado, Thrifty Car Rental]

Awesome Place - Mother Earth Gardens

2008-05-16T10:46:00.013-05:00

From our garden last year - a Honey Grape heirloom cherry tomato -
plant purchased at Mother Earth Gardens

Although I've rokked a Phish Show or ten, I wouldn't say I'm a hippie.

My mom? Totally thinks I'm a hippie cuz we're not getting married in a church, and cuz we're all about conservation and organic foods. But hey, lots of non-hippies are feeling that kind of stuff.

Another thing that doesn't make me a hippie - my patronage of Mother Earth Gardens. Since I've lived here, I've shopped for plants, dirt, pots n things at Mother Earth Gardens.

The awesome thing about Mother Earth Gardens is their total commitment to being AWESOME. Many other Longfellons agree that we're lucky to have them in the hood.

Awesome traits of Mother Earth Gardens:

First, they have fantastic plants. Big, juicy, buttery, glistening, melt-in-your mouth plants. They offer heirlooms, organics, even native species.

Second, they are all about organic and sustainable growing, and will take the time to answer your questions in these areas.

Third, they are the rad in terms of customer service. Because I'm not a hippie, I stopped at the garden center on my way home from work wearing a skirt and pumps. They gladly offered to help me load up my car, and didn't even roll their eyes at me, although it would have been totally precedented had they.

Fourth, when I buy stuff there, it doesn't die. Now, it could just be my crucial green thumb, but I'm not totally confident about that.

Fifth, they offer useful seminars such as: Summer Composting, Ornamental Edibles and Urban Vegetable Gardening.

I've always voted for them as the "Best Garden Center" for CityPages' annual "Best Of The Cities" contest. I'm not shocked that they've won the award for the past three years.

Plant some stuff.

Mother Earth Gardens
3738 42nd Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55406

[tags: Minneapolis, Green Gardening, 55406]

Busted in Longfellow

2008-05-12T14:47:00.011-05:00

BUSTED - KOTA DOG: For wandering away from the house without permission, and then wandering back home 15 minutes later with his tail between his legs.

I wrote this song to the tune of Spider-Man:

Kota-Dog,
Kota-Dog.
He's the craziest Kota-Dog.
Drives me nuts!
Makes me mad!
He can fetch;
that is rad!
Look out!
Here comes the Kota-Dog.

[where: 55406]

Breathing Easy on Earth Day

2008-05-08T14:40:00.003-05:00

To celebrate Earth Day this year, I headed out to the Harriet Alexander Nature Center in Roseville, MN.

I was oblivious to this place before I read about it on the web, grabbed the camera, and headed out, but I'm glad I made the trip.

They have a boardwalk that meanders out into the marsh so you can walk among the reeds, and the ducks glide right by as you try to make your footsteps lighter.

I swear I had no idea how loud my footsteps were until I tried sneaking up on some geese from under a dense cluster of marshiness. Apparently my sneakers aren't so sneaky after all.

Note the lack of goose portraits in my photo set.

[where: Harriet Alexander Nature Center, Roseville, Minnesota, Earth Day, 55406]