New Summer Treat

For more ideas or to find out more about Joia All Natural Soda click here: Joia

Tilia

Recently I met up with my friend Leslie Davis for lunch at Tilia in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis.  Not only was this my first visit to Tilia, it was my first time meeting Leslie.

Leslie and I chose seats at the bar where we were immediately greeted by Tony the bartender.  Not only was Tony not bad to look at, he made recommendations that were spot on!

We decided we would order two dishes and share them.  Leslie chose the Fish Taco Torta Sandwich ($10). Not only had my friend, and fellow food blogger Keane Amdahl recommended it to me the evening before; but Leslie had heard Adam Richmond (Best Sandwich of America, Man v Food) picked it as his sandwich to represent the Twin Cities. Tony also recommended it. My thought was "Uh oh- I am not a fish eater." I had to be game to try it. When the sandwich arrived Leslie cut it in half and said "Here you go."
I thought, "Oh I just want a little taste, not half the sandwich. I don't eat fish, what if it is fishy and ..." Leslie interrupted my thought with "Oh this is wonderful. It doesn't taste like fish at all."  Yeah I have heard that before in my dislike of fish.  Ok, I need to try it. Not only had my new friend Leslie said it was good, I trust Keane's pallet, Adam Richmond has good taste in food, and the handsome bartender Tony says it was excellent. I cautiously bit into my half of the sandwich. One word -AMAZING!! In that one bite I knew that I would willingly order the Fish Taco Torta Sandwich again.  The sandwich included a peppadew pepper slaw, cilantro, lime and tortilla chips on the Brioche bun.  Did I mention I loved the sandwich?  You know a fish sandwich is great when a non-fish eater loves it. (Even my mom can't get me to eat fish) When you go to Tilia order it!!




My choice was the Cavatelli Pasta ($12) with spring peas, pancetta, oyster mushrooms, and truffle sauce. The large portion was perfect for sharing. The creamy flavor was complimented by the smokiness of the pancetta and earthy touch of the mushrooms with a pop of freshness of the spring peas.  This dish would pair well with a nice white wine (ask Tony for a recommendation)

Sensing Leslie and I needed something else with our meal, the handsome  Tony also recommend the Brussels Spouts on the back of the menu.  The Brussels Sprouts were caramelized with toasted walnuts. Leslie and I agreed we both could have eaten the entire small plate ourselves.

Leslie and I are planning a trip back to try a few of the 21 beers they have on tap and enjoy more food.   When you go to this Linden Hills neighborhood gem know that parking is available on the street (free). 

I need to also give a shout out to my pal Isiah for his GREAT SERVICE!!

To find out more visit:
Tilia http://www.tiliampls.com/
Keane Amdahl  (http://foodstoned.com/ and http://www.abovetheburner.com/) 

Crossed off 11.12 on the 12 in '12 List!

Crossed off 11.12 on the 12 in '12 List! I couldn't have this list without Geoff.  He would be one of  the long shot on my list because he lives in Portland, OR (though I never let a little travel stop me). 

I know him through my work at Supervalu.  He was one of my favorite vendors to call.  During a conversation we found out we were both Catholic and then started talking about Rome; I told him about my trip in 2000 and encouraged him to take his wife and daughters.  (I would be happy to back too).  

Geoff contacted me last week and told me he was coming to town for work with his new company; I was excited and was going to make this work.  I figured even if I had to meet him at the airport and carry his bag our meeting was going to happen.  Geoff and I met for lunch at B52’s in Inver Grove Heights. He too is an avid hockey fan, so I made sure Geoff didn't leave the state without a Minnesota Wild hat. He said he would probably get to come back again I told him he needs to plan his next visit around Minnesota State Fair time or have enough time where he can bring his wife and daughters to shop. 

11.2 Is Officially Crossed Off!

Photo Courtesy of Adam Grim Photography

Photo Courtesy of Rocket Club

11.2 on the 12 in '12 List was to meet Chris Hawkey. During the week you find Chris producing and co-hosting  KFAN's The Power Trip. When he is not at KFAN you find him singing  vocals in the band  Rocket Club. 


Chris often will ask for Friday KFAN requests on his Facebook status. I usually request something from Caribou.  For some reason, Chris actually wants song requests...I figured he should be more specific(just kidding).  He would often respond that he was on his way, but then along the way he drank my coffee so he had to turn around. (Ha Ha!)


Recently Chris asked his Facebook friends who liked Caribou--ME! His question was a teaser to announce that Caribou Coffee would be the official retailer for Rocket Club's new CD North Country.  If you haven't picked on up yet, you should! ($9.99)  This was a perfect time to ask Chris about meeting; this time I would bring HIM Caribou.  He invited me to join The Power Trip in studio on May 27th. Because the running bit with Chris and I is Caribou coffee I made sure I came prepared with a large Americano for him and a large one for me.


I started my visit by sitting in the studio with Chris and John(if you want Twins information he is your guy http://twinsgeek.com/)  and then moved into the larger studio with Corey, Mike and Meatsauce (aka Paul). We were joined in the studio by Viking's Tight End Kyle Rudolph, and then later by Cities 97 Keri Noble. 


It was a great behind the scenes experience!   Wow, radio sure has changed since my DJ days in college.  I appreciate Chris and the guys welcoming me in for a visit. 

Cory, Chris, Me, Mike, Meatsauce

Check out more of my friend Adam Grim's work at Adam Grim Photography

Why Jump Out of a Perfectly Good Airplane?

I figure it is better than jumping out of a bad one!  

I keep seeing people posting on Facebook about going sky diving.  They usually talk about being afraid or saying "I have always wanted to but..." But what?? Get out and live!!  I say the same thing "GO DO IT!" Until the first time I jumped I was the same way; I kept saying "I have always wanted to sky dive" so I put it on my list of 40 Things to do Before I was 40. My opportunity came when Crispin Cider hosted their first Crispin Adventure.  It was the way to make the commitment to get it done.  I did it and I loved it! I want to do it again.  Because I wanted to do it again  it is #7 on the list of 12 Things to do in 2012.  I am looking for people to go with me on jump #2.  


Questions I get asked?
Why did you jump out of a perfectly good airplane? I figure it is better than jumping out of a bad one! I wouldn't want to learn to jump out of a plane when it is going down, besides they usually do not have parachutes on board.


Were you scared? I have a slight fear of heights, but I never was scared.  You go through a class and I did a tandem sky dive which meant you jumped with an expert.  My jump master happened to teach the class, his name is Gene and he has over 6,600 jumps and is a pilot.  


Is it expensive?  It depends where you go.  It is about $200.  Worth every penny!!


Would you do it again?  In a heart beat!


What was the best part? When you put your feet out the door of the plane and realize there is nothing below but sky for about 13,000 feet. 


If you are interested in finding out more information check out Sky Dive Twin Cities