Xpos and Experiences
The first annual Minneapolis Indie Xpo was a smashing success, despite the oppressive heat and humidity. It was steamy hot inside The Soap Factory, which threatened to melt the frosting off The Donut Cooperative’s tasty offerings, but it didn’t seem to keep the crowds away. We visited with many friends and acquaintances from in and out of town. It was a full house, exhibitor and attendee-wise. I walked away with some most excellent swag – prints, posters, t-shirts and comics – though I spent a bit more than I’d intended. There was SO much to look at but my favorite tables of the day were from Sam Hiti, BT Livermore, Zak Sally / La Mano, Uncivilized Books and Cathy Camper (I’m sure I missed some great stuff but I was totally overstimulated). My son was too but he mostly enthralled by the aforementioned donuts, Ghostbusters’ ghostmobile and indoor swing anyhow. Overall an excellent way to spend a Saturday!
On Sunday The Homegrown Experience was held at the Nicollet Island Pavilion. It was organized with a “focus on sustainability, connecting people to the land and providing healthy and enjoyable experiences” and featured demonstrations by chefs, local restaurants, farmers, CSAs, co-ops, food producers, local vintners and brewers. We enjoyed many excellent food and beverage samples – iced Peace Coffee! tea sandwiches! crostini! oysters! chocolates! cheeses! more! – before ambling over to St. Anthony Main’s adorable Aster Cafe for a spell.
The Great Minnesota Get Together
It’s MN State Fair time and local bloggers are abuzz about all the new offerings and old standards. I have my own personal favorites, food and attraction-wise. My son and I spent a solid seven hours there Friday and yet I still missed a few things. We skipped the Midway entirely, I forgot about the photo booth in the Grandstand, and I never did locate the potato tornado. A return visit may be required this week.
Blueberry Almond Vegan Goodness
On this Earth Day I’d like to give another shout out to the lovely Sheela Namakkal, the Cupcake Lady, and her vegan-friendly offerings. Her goods are available around the Twin Cities but last weekend she launched a new, all-vegan Cupcake Saturday right in my backyard. Well, technically at Eco-Tique on St. Paul’s Grand Avenue, but close enough.
My Sweet Tooth
I have another busy weekend ahead of me but there will be time for cupcakes. Because there must be! Tonight the lovely Daley will be providing some at Eclipse Records, for the TEVS 4 Release Show with The Blind Shake, The Chambermaids and Seawhores. And I am mightily tempted by the prospect of Sheela’s blackberry lime numbers tomorrow, at Mitrebox in the Warehouse District of Minneapolis.
I shouldn’t post photos of food when I’m hungry
But I just can’t help myself. I’m long overdue for a visit to Midori’s Floating World Cafe. In their new location at 2629 East Lake Street (just kiddie corner from their original spot).
I’ll tell you what I want. What I really, really want.
Not to offend my dear Sheela, good friend and maker of many delicious things, but the all-vegan Sweetpea Baking Company in Portland, OR is a mighty fine place. And I find that Portland is on my mind today as it’s been nearly a year since my son and I vacationed there. Unfortunately we can’t afford to do so this Spring break, which is right around the corner. Instead I am trying to come up with fun alternatives closer to home.
