UPDATE:
A lot has changed in my life since September. I had a loss in my family, left my job, sold all of my belongings and moved to NYC to pursue new opportunities in life and open myself up to the world. I've also started writing extensively on Yelp.com where I share reviews of places across the country...including many in the Twin Cities. My goal is to continue to blog, but to revolutionize the format of Just Add Hot Sauce to reflect my progression in life. I hope that anyone that reads and enjoys my writing comes along for the journey. I promise to post frequently and with engaging material as soon as I am settled into this crazy new situation I've thrown myself into. Thanks to all of you for stumbling onto here and happy holidays!
Monday, December 08, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Extra! Extra! My debut.
It is a little known fact that the Minnesota Timberwolves aren't the only ones producing NBA advertisements in their home city. It is better known, that Minneapolis is a top 5 mecca for advertising and marketing activity in the nation, so it comes as no surprise that a local agency would be responsible for a team other than the Wolves. That team happens to be the Detroit Pistons and the agency is Olson & Company.
Olson is a feel-good story of an ad guru (John Olson) that leaves one of town's top agencies to create an up-start innovative agency that would establish a new precedent for advertising in the Twin Cities. The Pistons took notice of John's quick success, and hired Olson and his chums to produce award-winning content that would drive fans back in the seats during the early 2000's. That relationship began prior to the Pistons championship run and the Pistons were so impressed with the efforts of Olson's creative team and their campaign (that called fans to come to work with the team) that when the team did win their championship rings in 2004, they awarded several rings to Olson & his crew too.
That relationship stands strong today, and this week an open-casting call (Craigslist) for extras brought me to the streets of Minneapolis to film a TV spot for the Pistons. It was an eye-opening experience for someone that has friends who make a living in film/tv and has heard many stories of what being an extra involves. The shoot took place over several hours at and around Emerson Immersion school near Eat Street.
Our tasks as extras involved being a part of a mob that flocked to a street ball court. I won't disclose the rest of the plot, but the shoot called for us to run up and down street blocks many times, had several individuals climbing fences and all in all took over 4 hours for what will likely be 10 seconds of footage.
Having worked in the ad industry, it is not surprising that it took so long to capture so little. It was cool to be a part of the experience and the crew was extremely polite. I had a great time getting to know the other extras, who came from all walks of life, and have an itch to begin doing more work of this nature in the future...hopefully with luck I'll get paid the next time.
Look for the commercial at Pistons.com this fall.
It is a little known fact that the Minnesota Timberwolves aren't the only ones producing NBA advertisements in their home city. It is better known, that Minneapolis is a top 5 mecca for advertising and marketing activity in the nation, so it comes as no surprise that a local agency would be responsible for a team other than the Wolves. That team happens to be the Detroit Pistons and the agency is Olson & Company.
Olson is a feel-good story of an ad guru (John Olson) that leaves one of town's top agencies to create an up-start innovative agency that would establish a new precedent for advertising in the Twin Cities. The Pistons took notice of John's quick success, and hired Olson and his chums to produce award-winning content that would drive fans back in the seats during the early 2000's. That relationship began prior to the Pistons championship run and the Pistons were so impressed with the efforts of Olson's creative team and their campaign (that called fans to come to work with the team) that when the team did win their championship rings in 2004, they awarded several rings to Olson & his crew too.
That relationship stands strong today, and this week an open-casting call (Craigslist) for extras brought me to the streets of Minneapolis to film a TV spot for the Pistons. It was an eye-opening experience for someone that has friends who make a living in film/tv and has heard many stories of what being an extra involves. The shoot took place over several hours at and around Emerson Immersion school near Eat Street.
Our tasks as extras involved being a part of a mob that flocked to a street ball court. I won't disclose the rest of the plot, but the shoot called for us to run up and down street blocks many times, had several individuals climbing fences and all in all took over 4 hours for what will likely be 10 seconds of footage.
Having worked in the ad industry, it is not surprising that it took so long to capture so little. It was cool to be a part of the experience and the crew was extremely polite. I had a great time getting to know the other extras, who came from all walks of life, and have an itch to begin doing more work of this nature in the future...hopefully with luck I'll get paid the next time.
Look for the commercial at Pistons.com this fall.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Through Fire & Ice: Maxwell's Returns
It has been a whirlwind year for Twin Cities' bar Maxwell's, located at 1201 Washington Avenue S in Minneapolis. When an electrical fire ripped through the drinking hole in February the area staple for wings, beer and conversation was left looking as many describe, ' like an ice castle'. Freezing temperatures and fire fighter's water blasts coated the establishment with dangling ice daggers that took a tragic scene and turned into something of beauty. That site to see melted in the spring thaw and crews quickly went to work on rebuilding Maxwell's.
It's been less than a week since the bar reopened to the public, but I've already made two return trips to reconnect with the venue that once hosted many of my favorite casual nights out with roommates in college. There are a few subtle changes to the interior that may stand out for those that frequently visited the pre-fire bar. For one, a stark white wall stares at you when you enter. This once hosted larger banners with food/drink specials. Side-by-side picture frames hang above the bar; one showing the old Maxwells and one capturing the 'ice castle' era. There are also brand new plasma TVs where the old models once hung.
Trough lovers will be disappointed to see that the bathrooms have been completely updated. I for one can't stand the concept of a trough, so I welcome the brand new individual/locking restroom areas for men and women that feature their own hallway instead of the former setup of sharing a hall with the wait staff.
On the subject, the wait staff has also transformed somewhat. Several veterans and favorites of regulars still have shifts several nights a week. As expected, others have moved onto new gigs. New staff is training-in and has a lot of work cut out for them to uphold the reputation of the always appreciated staff of the good old days. If you've dreamed of being a part of this well-respected staff, now might be the time to apply.
More Info:
Phone: 612-354-7085
Happy Hour is 4:00-6:00 and after 10:00 during the week.
Mondays: $3 burger night
Tuesdays: $2 boneless wing plates
Thursdays: $0.25 wings
Monday, August 25, 2008
Dance Band
Eclectic funkadelic hyper-speed hip-hop. I realized after their show that an odd new genre in music takes center stage in the Twin Cities when Dance Band performs (they describe it as Geek Funk). Think of a Bloc Party/Weezer/Beastie Boys hybrid sound. Geek Funk is fitting, considering their lyrics were likely conceived while viewing Sesame Street re-runs set to back beats.
Still, the catchy nature of such simplicity is undeniable. Consider that one hit track 'Countdown' has the singer counting down from 10, 9, 8 etc. with such rapid intensity that you are out of breath trying to keep up. Then toss in another tune in which sing-a-long participants are required to spell out Mississippi and yet another utilizing the always boogie-inducing phrase, 'stop, drop and roll' and you have a Dr. Seuss book full of Dance Band hits. Mix in a few step-by-step instructional dance moves for songs like 'Stagger Slide' and you're guaranteed to have fun seeing this group. Others agree: the readers of City Pages voted Dance Band best live Artist in 2007.
My virginal experience with Dance Band was several weeks ago at the MMofA's (see pic) outdoor music series. A $7 cover put me a top the museum's roof to pay witness to the hyped musical orgy of synthesized digital beats (powered by a Mac of course), infectious bass lines and an exhaustive microphone styling that instantly showcased Dance Band's knack for engaging crowds with an interactive experience.
Like Oingo Boingo in the 80's, Dance Band is not afraid to explore the realm of digital electronica and sheer quirkiness in their set list. Hipsters love 'Peddle Power' and the band's stage attire of overalls and flannel too. More exciting is the fact that Dance Band has enough original material for a short performance in a small venue, but back it up with unique interpretations of Radiohead songs and other requested covers to fill a full concert.
Catch Dance Band for yourself at the Kitty Kat Club on September 13th or
Listen & Learn More HERE.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
TWIN CITIES BURGER BLISS: The NOOK
The Paul Molitor Burger: An enormous seasoned patty of beef filled with creamy, melted pepper jack cheese and topped with fried onions, pickle & ketchup all on a grilled bun. The single greatest cheeseburger I've placed in my mouth. Little did I know that this juicy lucy masterpiece could be found at Casper & Runyon's Nook in Saint Paul, MN.
Recently profiled on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins & Dives, this tiny bar/grille on the corner of Hamline Ave S and Randolph is a gem that has garnered praise across Twin Cities publications in years past and now deservedly has hit the national stage. Despite my propensity for learning all there is to about Minneapolis and Saint Paul original restaurants, the Nook had never come into my life. It wasn't until the Food Network came to town, taping a special episode on hole-in-the-wall burger joints, that it was brought to my attention...by my out of town parents. Their viewing of the show spurred a late night phone call simply asking, "Hey- why haven't you taken us to this burger place yet!?". My answer: I'd never heard of it. My life-givers next visit meant a planned trip to see what the buzz was about.
It doesn't seem like the exposure has gone to anyone's head at Casper & Runyon's. A poster of Diners, Drive-ins & Dives host Guy Fieri is the only sign that the Food Network was there, and even it was mixed in with the rest of the cluttered memorabilia blanketing the walls. Despite their humble unwillingness to exploit their 15-minutes of fame, there's no doubting that the place is popular. On my first visit, a Friday afternoon around 2:30 PM, every table was taken. A family was even dining on the edge of the pool table tucked at the back of the restaurant.
Wall-to-wall people in a relatively unflattering atmosphere is usually a sure sign that the cooks in the kitchen are frying up something above average. The menu is loaded with food options from pizza, wings and sandwiches to a full page worth of burger creations. Not all the burgers are juicy lucy in style, but the famous filled variations carry the most mouth appeal after reading their menu description. My choice of the Molitor burger was an easy one given the pepper jack cheese center. A root beer and shared orders of fries and beer battered onion rings completed my order.
The wait was a bit longer than expected, but worth every second. These burgers are crafted with personal attention and care by the young late twenty-something owner friends who are said to (on the show) just really like beer and burgers and wanted a place to share their passion.
While my anticipation for trying these hyped all-beef patties in their full-glory, I contemplated the best burger I've ever had. There was no question that it came from Solly's Grille in Milwaukeee; a tiny 50's style counter top diner on Port Washington Road. Their use of a 1/4 stick of butter on every burger, onions fried to perfection and crispy cut fries has always been a sublime eating experience that I recommend to friends and family in the area. Their burgers have also been profiled on the Food Network and were once listed in USA Today's "10 Best Burger's in America". Could the Nook really top Solly's? I had high doubts...
First bite...satisfaction. The meat...juicy, tender. The cheese... rich and creamy with a touch of peppery zest. The onions and ketchup... oozing out from the edges of the toasty bun. Seasonings dance across the tongue and shear joy dominates the senses. This burger is phenomenal. No time to talk, no time to reflect. Just need another bite...and another...and another...
I downed the huge burger in under 5 minutes. I was stuffed, but still picking at fries and onion rings, which were also extremely good when I realized how badly I wanted another. It was that incredible. Luckily, I calmed my cravings and avoided dropping another calorie-bomb into my stomach. You must try these burgers...
Specials and more information are listed on their Myspace page. Of particular interest might be their $1 burger nights on Mondays. You can also find this amazing food at Shamrock's on 7th, just West of Xcel Energy Center. The Nook owner's recently acquired this much more spacious bar/restaurant where they also feature their award-winning burgers on the menu.
The Paul Molitor Burger: An enormous seasoned patty of beef filled with creamy, melted pepper jack cheese and topped with fried onions, pickle & ketchup all on a grilled bun. The single greatest cheeseburger I've placed in my mouth. Little did I know that this juicy lucy masterpiece could be found at Casper & Runyon's Nook in Saint Paul, MN.
Recently profiled on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins & Dives, this tiny bar/grille on the corner of Hamline Ave S and Randolph is a gem that has garnered praise across Twin Cities publications in years past and now deservedly has hit the national stage. Despite my propensity for learning all there is to about Minneapolis and Saint Paul original restaurants, the Nook had never come into my life. It wasn't until the Food Network came to town, taping a special episode on hole-in-the-wall burger joints, that it was brought to my attention...by my out of town parents. Their viewing of the show spurred a late night phone call simply asking, "Hey- why haven't you taken us to this burger place yet!?". My answer: I'd never heard of it. My life-givers next visit meant a planned trip to see what the buzz was about.
It doesn't seem like the exposure has gone to anyone's head at Casper & Runyon's. A poster of Diners, Drive-ins & Dives host Guy Fieri is the only sign that the Food Network was there, and even it was mixed in with the rest of the cluttered memorabilia blanketing the walls. Despite their humble unwillingness to exploit their 15-minutes of fame, there's no doubting that the place is popular. On my first visit, a Friday afternoon around 2:30 PM, every table was taken. A family was even dining on the edge of the pool table tucked at the back of the restaurant.
Wall-to-wall people in a relatively unflattering atmosphere is usually a sure sign that the cooks in the kitchen are frying up something above average. The menu is loaded with food options from pizza, wings and sandwiches to a full page worth of burger creations. Not all the burgers are juicy lucy in style, but the famous filled variations carry the most mouth appeal after reading their menu description. My choice of the Molitor burger was an easy one given the pepper jack cheese center. A root beer and shared orders of fries and beer battered onion rings completed my order.
The wait was a bit longer than expected, but worth every second. These burgers are crafted with personal attention and care by the young late twenty-something owner friends who are said to (on the show) just really like beer and burgers and wanted a place to share their passion.
While my anticipation for trying these hyped all-beef patties in their full-glory, I contemplated the best burger I've ever had. There was no question that it came from Solly's Grille in Milwaukeee; a tiny 50's style counter top diner on Port Washington Road. Their use of a 1/4 stick of butter on every burger, onions fried to perfection and crispy cut fries has always been a sublime eating experience that I recommend to friends and family in the area. Their burgers have also been profiled on the Food Network and were once listed in USA Today's "10 Best Burger's in America". Could the Nook really top Solly's? I had high doubts...
First bite...satisfaction. The meat...juicy, tender. The cheese... rich and creamy with a touch of peppery zest. The onions and ketchup... oozing out from the edges of the toasty bun. Seasonings dance across the tongue and shear joy dominates the senses. This burger is phenomenal. No time to talk, no time to reflect. Just need another bite...and another...and another...
I downed the huge burger in under 5 minutes. I was stuffed, but still picking at fries and onion rings, which were also extremely good when I realized how badly I wanted another. It was that incredible. Luckily, I calmed my cravings and avoided dropping another calorie-bomb into my stomach. You must try these burgers...
Specials and more information are listed on their Myspace page. Of particular interest might be their $1 burger nights on Mondays. You can also find this amazing food at Shamrock's on 7th, just West of Xcel Energy Center. The Nook owner's recently acquired this much more spacious bar/restaurant where they also feature their award-winning burgers on the menu.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Literal Translation
When a restaurant takes the risk of naming itself 'Yum' they might as well send invitations out to critics to test the validity of their claim (read a critic's review). On the fringe of west Minneapolis and St. Louis Park (On Minnetonka Blvd near the split of Highways 5 & 7), the catchy name represents the expressive nature of diners.
Nearly everything Yum Kitchen & Bakery serves is made fresh, on-site. From fine pastries to inventive egg dishes, salads and pastas this spacious cafe is a regular destination for casual meals or rushed to-go orders. The staff is well-prepared for such hurried take-out requests too. If you have the time to rest your feet, the atmosphere at Yum provides a multi-purpose setting for a romantic date, lively social gathering or important business meeting (they also offer a large private party/meeting space for big groups).
Floor to ceiling windows on two walls invite the sun's rays to naturally light the space by day, while contemporary lightning brightens the area in the evening. The open kitchen environment makes Yum feel as vast, but well placed divides, wood and metal adornments keep the space comfortable. A splash of cherry red mixed across the restaurant and modern stylistic elements give Yum an image that would better compliment SoHo than Lake of the Isles.
Then there's the food. The crucial factor in owner Patti Soskin's bold name. Does it stand worthy of 'Yum!'? A resounding yes is my take. This food is original, flavorful and impeccably presented. The image shows a full-breakfast I ordered for $8.50. The sausage patties are a spicy bison meat, which were less greasy, less fatty and far more tasteful than the average link. The eggs were airy and light, but rich and creamy all at once. Then the bread...oh the bread. With fresh fruit preserves to top it off, this toast is unforgettable. If there was a weak spot on the plate, it was the predictable potato medley that could have just as easily come from a frozen bag, but is the frozen stuff ever really bad?
Other items on the menu include their mammoth fruit bowl (pictured), roast chicken, macaroni & cheese, gourmet soups & salads, pizzas, paninis, scones & cakes. The menu offers choice and best of all comfort. This is the type of food that you'll find family's serving at home, but with the quality and craftsmanship that makes it worth paying for. So, what will you pay? Not as much as you'd expect. There isn't an item for sale that is more than $13. On average you'll get your fix for as little as $8-$10. Wine, coffee and juices are offered to wash it all down.
A calculated risk that passes the test. Visit Yum.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
A Better Beer for Mother Earth
The buzz surrounding Fat Tire didn't come from overconsumption last summer, but from the
Colorado produced beverage's arrival into Twin Cities bars and liquor stores. The debut of New Belgium brewery's signature Amber Ale was met, at the time, with anticipation by Minnesota beer enthusiasts. Quickly, Fat Tire was available on tap everywhere you looked. Still, in-store availability limited the release to 22oz bottles of strictly Fat Tire, neglecting the 8 other brews on the New Belgium roster as well as their 4 seasonals. So, when I went to MGM off Lake Street tonight and saw the 'Folly Pack' display, I was rather excited.
Not only was Fat Tire available in 12oz bottles, but the sampler included the 1554 Enlightened Black Ale, the Mothership Wit Organic Wheat Beer and the
Mighty Arrow Pale Ale- the brewery's latest release. Rather than down 4 brews on a depressingly cold/wet April Thursday, and trying to review them all, I've opted to review them one at a time.
Tonight the first cap that came off was that on a bottle of Mothership Wit. You might wonder, does 'organic' really make it a better wheat beer? To be honest, I haven't a clue...but I did really enjoy the light and crisp taste of this subtly citrus and mildly hoppy concoction. Unlike other wheats, this one wasn't too fruity in flavor and was able to avoid being overly bitter. Without question, it's one of the better wheat beers I've had. The 'organic' approach is not a play on current trends either. New Belgium Brewery's popularity comes as much from it's business practices and culture as it does it's ability to make quality beer.
The company was founded in 1991 and has since added 300 employees that all have a vested interested in the business. That's because at their one-year anniversary employees are given a stake in ownership as well as a pretty sweet bike. The ownership model, organic beer and bike all relate to founder Jeff & Kim's devotion to sustainability.
Expect reviews of the other 3 beers in the 'Folly Pack' in the coming days!
NEW BELGIUM BREWERY WEBSITE
The buzz surrounding Fat Tire didn't come from overconsumption last summer, but from the
Colorado produced beverage's arrival into Twin Cities bars and liquor stores. The debut of New Belgium brewery's signature Amber Ale was met, at the time, with anticipation by Minnesota beer enthusiasts. Quickly, Fat Tire was available on tap everywhere you looked. Still, in-store availability limited the release to 22oz bottles of strictly Fat Tire, neglecting the 8 other brews on the New Belgium roster as well as their 4 seasonals. So, when I went to MGM off Lake Street tonight and saw the 'Folly Pack' display, I was rather excited.Not only was Fat Tire available in 12oz bottles, but the sampler included the 1554 Enlightened Black Ale, the Mothership Wit Organic Wheat Beer and the
Mighty Arrow Pale Ale- the brewery's latest release. Rather than down 4 brews on a depressingly cold/wet April Thursday, and trying to review them all, I've opted to review them one at a time.Tonight the first cap that came off was that on a bottle of Mothership Wit. You might wonder, does 'organic' really make it a better wheat beer? To be honest, I haven't a clue...but I did really enjoy the light and crisp taste of this subtly citrus and mildly hoppy concoction. Unlike other wheats, this one wasn't too fruity in flavor and was able to avoid being overly bitter. Without question, it's one of the better wheat beers I've had. The 'organic' approach is not a play on current trends either. New Belgium Brewery's popularity comes as much from it's business practices and culture as it does it's ability to make quality beer.
The company was founded in 1991 and has since added 300 employees that all have a vested interested in the business. That's because at their one-year anniversary employees are given a stake in ownership as well as a pretty sweet bike. The ownership model, organic beer and bike all relate to founder Jeff & Kim's devotion to sustainability.
When it came to their workers, they knew to hold onto good people they had to treat them as such. Giving each a piece of the pie showed them they were valued and keeps everyone interested in the long-term success of the brand. The organic beer and bike riding relates to New Belgium's passion for the environment. The best example of this came in 1999 when they became the first Brewery to be fully-powered by Wind. From their packaging on down, this obsession with being 'green' makes the company one of the most environmentally aware outfits in any industry. 
For even more on these admirable practices, check out this clip:
For even more on these admirable practices, check out this clip:Expect reviews of the other 3 beers in the 'Folly Pack' in the coming days!
NEW BELGIUM BREWERY WEBSITE
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