things to do

So this is where the cool kids hang out. It seems like every time we’ve stopped in Lolito in downtown Stillwater, we’ve run into top Twin Cities chefs and brewmasters during their off time. We can see why industry folks want to hang out here, not to mention the masses, the space is contemporary and the vibe is fun and energetic but laid back. The menu has a variety of tasty Latin-American bites and a serious bar program to boot. And the place always seems to be packed. Brought to you by seasoned restaurateurs Brad Nordeen and Joe Ehlenz, Lolito is the follow-up to their wildly successful LoLo American Kitchen and Craft Bar just down the street. Chef Nordeen has created a Latin America-themed menu based on a cuisine he loves plus keeping the street-food theme of their other restaurant. The food menu is succinct, yet covers a lot of ground with tacos, burrito bowls and burgers as well as more formal grill items such as chops, steak and fish. We were especially enamored with … [Read more...] about Lolito brings unique Latin American flavors to Stillwater

Hundreds of thousands pool into Minneapolis-St. Paul this weekend (June 21-23) to celebrate Twin Cities Pride. Is it expected to rain? Don’t worry about it—this parade marches on. Specifically, the 2019 Ashley Rukes GLBT Pride Parade. On Sunday, June 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the parade will follow a new route, since Hennepin Avenue is under construction. So take your folding chairs to Second Avenue South in Minneapolis. The parade will start at Third Street South, go around the Convention Center, and funnel into Loring Park. (Actually, just look at this parade map.) There, in Loring Park, Twin Cities Pride Fest will once again feature more than 400 exhibitors. They cover six zones (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple—as seen in this beautiful watercolor map of Loring Park by illustrator Gina Glynn for Twin Cities Pride Magazine). In red, you’ll find arts and culture. In orange and purple, two beer gardens. Food courts in yellow, blue, and purple. … [Read more...] about What to Know about Twin Cities Pride 2019

MOVIES OPENING IN THEATERS > Friday, June 21 “Toy Story 4”: The gang goes on their fourth journey, with a new toy named “Forky” along for the ride. PG-13 “The Proposal”: Documentary follows artist Jill Magid’s quest to retrieve the late Mexican architect Luis Barragan’s work from a Swiss bunker. Not rated “Woodstock: Three Days that Defined a Generation”: Documentary commemorates the 50th anniversary of the legendary concert with never-before-seen footage. Not rated “Echo in the Canyon”: Laurel Canyon’s influence on rock ‘n’ roll — particularly the California sound — is plumbed. Not rated MOVIES AVAILABLE FOR HOME VIEWING > Tuesday, June 18 “Us”: Writer-director-producer Jordan Peele’s sophomore effort is more straight-forward horror than the Oscar-nominated “Get Out,” but there’s still plenty to chew on. R 3 stars “Wonder Park”: An … [Read more...] about It’s playtime with ‘Toy Story 4,’ this week at the movies

Bootstrap Coffee has opened a bricks-and-mortar coffee bar and retail site on St. Paul’s West Side. The company has been roasting coffee in St. Paul since 2014, but this is its first coffee bar. The location on South Wabasha Street is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The 2,800-square-foot space includes a coffee bar that features four coffees all day along with espresso beverages, made with house-made syrups and sauces, and flights. There is also cold brew on tap and single-origin espresso available. There is also a rotating selection of bakery items from local companies like PJ Murphy’s, Sift Gluten Free, T-Rex Cookie and Don Pancho’s Bakery. Bootstrap owner Micah Svejda has 15 years of experience in the coffee industry, including appearances in the United States Barista Championship. Bootstrap Coffee: 432 S. Wabasha St., St. Paul; bootstrapcoffeeroasters.com. … [Read more...] about Bootstrap Coffee opens location on St. Paul’s West Side

They may not need 76 trombones leading the big parade — with 110 cornets close at hand — but dozens of musicians are needed for Afton’s July Fourth parade and celebration. Musicians of all ages and skill levels are invited to join this year’s Afton Schooner Band, which is celebrating its 44th year. Rehearsals will be from 7 to 9 p.m. July 1, July 2 and July 3 at the Afton Historical Museum. Participants should bring a music stand. The band will gather at 10:30 a.m. July 4 for a short rehearsal and to decorate the band’s float; the parade starts at 12:30 p.m. For more information or to get music to practice in advance, contact McAllister at [email protected] or call 651-436-5150 and leave a message. For more information, go to www.aftonparade.com. … [Read more...] about Musicians needed for Afton’s Fourth of July parade