Recommendations
Alpine ski referral
Looking to change up the ski scene a bit and am wondering what’s worth a 6-8 hour drive from Duluth? Or with that limitation, should one stick with Lutsen or Giant’s Ridge?
“When all is said and done, more is said than done.” – Alan Page
Sure the Packers won (another) super bowl victory tonight. Congratulations, I guess. But hey, for those of us that are Vikings fans, we may not have a gillion Lombardi trophies like Green Bay does, (we don’t have one even, Packer fans will be sure to tell you), but we’ve got something even better than the Packers:
A state supreme court justice. SO there.
Here’s MN Supreme Court Justice and former Viking great Alan Page talking about education, transcending politics, and the importance of strong families last week on MSNBC
“When all is said and done, more is said than done.” – Alan Page (more…)
Hey brewers of the Midwest, we like what you are doing. Keep up the good work.
Surly Abrasive Ale
Double Oat IPA
8.8 percent alcohol by volume
On tap at Beaner’s Central and maybe other places
Bell’s Hopslam Ale
American Double/Imperial I.P.A.
10 percent alcohol by volume
Available in bottles at Beaner’s Central, Zeitgeist Arts Cafe and maybe other places
And congratulations to the amazing Dave Hoops and the folks at Fitger’s Brewhouse. Their Bourbon Barrel Edmund Imperial Stout took first place in the Strong Porter/Stout category at the eighth annual Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer in Chicago in November.
What are you drinkin’?
Frost/Nixon opens at the Play Ground
Frost/Nixon, starring Jason Page and John Schmidt, runs Feb. 3-5, 10-12 at 7:30pm at the Play Ground in the Tech Village. Tickets at the door are $10.
Duluth Electricians
My kitchen is dark, and I don’t like it. I need an electrician. It’s a small job (hopefully). Any recommendations?
Thanks. My underdone chicken thanks you, too.
What America Needs: Minneapolis Film Maker at UMD
Tuesday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m.
UMD’s Bohannon Hall 90
Free admission
Minneapolis videographer Mark Wojahn will be presenting his film, What America Needs, and discussing his work following the film.
From the film web-site:
Travelling by train from N.Y.C to L.A, a documentary videographer asks more than 500 people from dozens of different communities:
“What do you think America needs?”
Collectively, their answers relate an unexpected story of hope.
What America Needs invites you to share your thoughts and feelings on our country by participating in our dialogue.
Easiest ski trail in the Duluth area
In a land of steep hills and deep valleys, where can a beginning cross-country skier in Duluth go without fear of hills and spills? Check out the new trails and new parking at Boulder Lake on my blog. Now we just need Slim Goodbuzz to check out the adjacent Island Lake Inn.
Art Needs You!
The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council is currently accepting applications from individuals wishing to serve on its Board of Directors. There are currently openings for the following two Board positions: an At-Large representative and a Student Ad-Hoc representative.
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Rank Duluth
After a great showing in the still ongoing Google fiber campaign Duluth has another chance to “Cheer” for ourselves in the “We Hear You America” contest from Reader’s Digest.
I guess the contest has been running for a few months, but I’m not much of a Reader’s Digest Reader so I just found out about it yesterday. I “cheered” and I encourage other PDDers to play along. Yeah, I’d love for us to get the $5 million bucks or whatever it is, but I also like the idea of people mobilizing to be positive about our town. It has been fun to do with Google Fiber and this should be no different. (more…)
Dr. Martin Luther King Through Kindergarten Eyes
I meant to post this last year, but I forgot. This is a picture that my daughter made in kindergarten. I found it in with some papers when I was cleaning her room and it just struck me right between the eyes. First, I thought it was all wrong: “What is that school teaching my daughter about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr? I mean, she took away his whole essence, she’s stripped away his race, she’s missed the whole point …”
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Duluth Snowshoe-buying Advice
I’ve become a true Minnesotan — I went snowshoeing for the first time this past weekend. We checked out Lester Park and Park Point. I enjoyed snowshoeing so much I’ve decided to buy a pair with some gift money my generous in-laws gave me. Does anyone have any recommendations on where to buy snowshoes in Duluth? Any recommendations regarding brands also?
Favorite Jungle Places?
Nothing throws salt in the eye of minus temperatures more than a week long furlough to some remote jungle destination. Are there any favorite south of the border places sans condos you’ve discovered? I know a Duluth native who drove through Mexico once and discovered a cooler full of beer and ice on the road in the middle of nowhere, they grabbed it and drove off. Stories/Favorite Unknown Palapas?!?! I was partial to Barra De Navidad in the the State of Colima, and heard nice things about Ecuador.
Duluth Christmas Tree Disposal
It’s about that time to take down the tree and we are looking for a place to dispose of it. Does anyone know of any organizations or businesses that aid in this? Burning isn’t an option.
Duluth Meal Deals and Happy Hours
I took a lot of heat from friends for always going to Green Mill for Happy Hour. $5 apps that make me think of college, you know.
But it made me think about meal deals around town for happy hour. What do you got?
1. Green Mill, $5 apps
2. Midi: Is this right? Buy one, get one entrees?
3. Blackwater: $5 pizzas? How big are these pizzas?
4. Thai Krathong: All you can eat Pad Thai Tuesday? Does it include beef/shrimp/chicken?
5. Sammy’s Woodland: All you can eat pizza buffet Tuesdays?
and
1. Lunch at Saigon Cafe, buffet for $5.99?
What else can you add to this list? I want to eat out in new and exciting places this week!
The Ongoing Tom & Jerry Batter Issue
So, perhaps you have been following along with the recent comments on last year’s PDD Gift Guide regarding Connolly’s Tom And Jerry Batter. The news that came out there is that Upper Lakes Foods, which owns the Connolly family recipe, no longer has a manufacturer to produce it. The supply ran out shortly after Thanksgiving, leaving consumers with the choice of either buying inferior brands or making the batter themselves.
The folks at Heavy Table took up the topic today with a little history of the fine tradition of applying sugary frosting to one’s booze, along with a recommended recipe.
Hopefully Connolly’s will be back on shelves next year. (As Baci noted in the old post, perhaps a PDD army will have to step in and rent a kitchen to crank it out if need be.) It’s been a popular fixture in these parts for over 60 years, having originated at Connolly’s Bakery on Belknap Street in Superior. Other brands simply don’t compare.
Chester Bowl ski lift fixed
People with kids may have been following the progress of the chairlift repair at Chester Bowl this week. Monday night, hydraulic fluid was shooting out of the top motor and the hill was closed. There was some concern about fixing the equipment and getting parts which dated back to 1974 or earlier.
Just in time for winter break, the announcement was made by Thom Storm that the lift has been fixed.
“As of this afternoon, the new chairlift clutch is installed, & the lift will be open again on Dec. 26th at 11am. A huge thank you to the city of Duluth Fleet Services & Park Maintenance staff, and Tom Kasper, for their extra efforts in getting the lift running for Christmas vacation.”
Total Eclipse
We’re to expect a total lunar eclipse sometime in the late evening/early morning of Monday/Tuesday.
It’s almost worth it enough to wake the kids up for. I think I will.
Duluth librarian writes book
From a Duluth Public Library Facebook posting:
Librarian writes book! Not quite as unusual as man bites dog, but it’s big news around here. Forgotten Duluthians, a book that profiles 39 people from Duluth and their accomplishments, was written by David Ouse, the library’s manager of reference services.
Included are actors and actresses, dancers, philosophers, writers, space scientists, diplomats, artists, Garfield the Cat (voice of), and Joe DiMaggio’s first wife. Forgotten Duluthians is available for purchase now at the Main Library Circulation Desk and … at both branch libraries.
The cost is $14.95 plus tax. The book can also be purchased on the library website (look at the Gift Shop page. All proceeds from sales go to the library. (And, of course, you can use your library card to check it out as well.)
Duluth Pharmacy Recommendations
My pharmacy is closing and I need recommendations for a new one. I live in Lakeside and will not use Walgreens. I would prefer to go to the ER before having another prescription filled by them.
The whole story:
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Guitar Painter in Duluth?
Over the past two months I’ve been collecting parts for a Telecaster I’m building. I finally had acquired everything and made sure all the parts were compatible with each other. Now I’m ready to paint my body and realized it is a bit chilly to be painting (and I don’t have a heated garage or patio). So my question … does anyone know of someone who could paint my blank guitar body locally? I’m incredibly anxious to play this guitar and don’t want to wait until March when the weather would be much more cooperating.
PDD Gift Guide 2010
One way to feel good about taking part in the hyper consumerism of the holiday season is to shop locally. That’s why your pals at Perfect Duluth Day have again compiled a gallery of gifts produced by the hands and brains of your friends and neighbors. Click on the pics for details about each item.
Just like the 2009 guide, the fabulous showcase below is by no means comprehensive. List your own suggestions in the comments. (more…)
Thanksgiving 2010
What is open in Duluth on Thanksgiving? We used to travel to the TC to go to Dunn Bros. for coffee (they were open until noon), reading the Black Friday ads, then down to a casino for a magnificent dinner buffet.
Where can I snag some coffee and dinner in Duluth on this most Thankful of Days?
Coffee with a Lakeview
I have been thinking lately about how much I miss Lakeview Coffee House in Fitgers. It was an awesome spot to spend an hour on a cold, blustery day watching the lake with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. It was pleasant and unrushed.
So, where is a good place to go now with a decent view of the lake where you can get a warm beverage and wile away a couple hours? I’ve tried Va Bene, but it’s a heckuvalot more expensive and they aren’t keen on you lingering. Dunn Bros. lost its lake view after the construction of Edgewater. Thoughts?
A Winter Downpour Nov. 5 at Lucé
Rock music Nov. 5 at Pizza Lucé with Duluth’s A Winter Downpour and Minneapolis’ Red Label.
Duluth mentioned in film Trumbo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCA179Pqsn8
Dalton Trumbo was one of the “Hollywood Ten.” Duluth is mentioned in passing in the documentary Trumbo. And judging from his description of the weather he must have been here.