Meeting Jeff Roemhildt (11.9)

In my life I have know two guys named Jeff Roemhildt (kind of scary for such an uncommon last name.)  One I met in 7th grade and we have been friends ever since.  The second I knew only through Supervalu and Facebook.  The Jeff  I had not met works at our Northern Region office. The Jeff's had actually contacted each other on Facebook while searching for their name.  They had sent a couple messages, but never met. After having conversations with both Jeff's I found out they were actually related. I figured my 12 in '12 List was the perfect excuse to get together.

I decided that it was time that Jeff and Jeff met, and I met Jeff.  I arranged for us to meet on August 16th at The Lowry in Minneapolis.  We sat out on the patio and instantly all connected.  Before high school friend Jeff arrived, work Jeff and I talked about the work week at Supervalu. Then when high school friend Jeff arrived, the Jeff's discussed their family connection and found out they spent time at some of the same family places. It was interesting listening to them have the conversation.  I am sure there will be more conversations about family history between the two of them. 

Me and Jeff

Jeff and Jeff

We all enjoyed dinner and a drinks at The Lowry and discussed plans for getting together again soon.  I must add there was one more Jeff in my evening; my friend and The Lowry Assistant GM Jeff Rogers; it made introductions really easy. 

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

I am officially 1/4 of the way into my 12 in '12 list; Time for an update.

#3. Have a drink made by all the bartenders in book Northstar Cocktail by Johnny Michaels.  I suppose I should list them so I can cross them off as I have one of there stellar cocktails. So for tracking purposes here is the list (I will highlight who had made me drinks):

Johnny Michaels	Chad Larson
Megan Arts	Tim Leary
Jourdan Gomez	Garrett Nitzchke
Birk Grudem	Dan Oskey
Pip Hanson	Michael Rasmussen
Adam Harness	Richy Rivera
Jesse Held	Christat Robinson
Rob Jones	Jeff Rogers
Shawn Jones	Sonya Runkle
Gina Kent	Peder Schweigert
Nicholas Kosevich	Thea Sheffert
Ira Koplowitz	Geoffrey Trelstad
Collin Lace	Andy Truskolski

Jeff Rogers

As a member of the North Star Bartenders Guild I am privileged to spend time with some of the bartenders who contributed to Northstar Cocktail. The Guild has hosted two events in the past three months that have allowed me to enjoy cocktails by some of the bartenders above.  I could technically cross off, Jourdan, Adam, Jesse, Rob, Shawn, Nicolas, Ira, Chad, Richy, and Jeff.   I think, however, I will still visit them at their bars. It is nice to chat with them and then have them sign the book. (The things I will do to cross items off my list) 

Adam Harness

I have enjoyed drinks from behind their own bar with Jeff Rogers (The Lowery) and Adam Harness (Cafe Maude). The drink Jeff created was not on the menu and is called "Moon Bear." Adam used me as a guinea pig for a drink that is coming out on his new drink menu.  



#4. Run 12k - I bought myself a pair of running shoes and have been walking and doing a little running on my treadmill.  With the weather turning nicer I am excited to get outside and hit the payment. 


#6.Lose 30 lbs. (and not find it again).  When I started the year I was 208 lbs.  As the of post of this blog I am at 195 lbs.  My goal is set at 2.5 lbs per month.  I am happy to say I am exceeding that goal. I think the combination of using my treadmill, giving up meat for Lent, and be conscious what I eat has all contributed to being 13 lbs down.

#8. Try 12 new restaurants - I have had no trouble finding new places to try.  I will be adding posts and photos from my experiences.

Chicken & Waffles from Hash House

1. The Lowry (Minneapolis, MN) -My Visit -The Lowry
2. Swirl (Afton, MN)
3. Hash House A Go Go (Las Vegas, NV)
4. Eat Street Social (Minneapolis, MN)
5. The Town Hall Tap (Minneapolis, MN)
6. Create Catering (Minneapolis, MN)
7. Porter & Frye (Minneapolis, MN)
8. Cafe Maude (Minneapolis, MN)

#10.  New Job - It's not for lack of trying, but I have been sending out resumes and cover letters.  I try not to let not getting a response back frustrate me; unfortunately it seems to be the norm with companies to not respond.  I did however start doing some contract work  for Bob Curtis at the Bob Curtis Agency in Lakeville, MN. 


#11.  Meet up with 12 people I know only via Facebook, but have never met.  Wow!  I am surprised I have only crossed one name off on this list.  Yet there has been  communication via Facebook in the last 3 months.  I should do a quick recap of the names: 

1. Nate Anderson     
2. Chris Hawkey
3. Adam Vickerman 
4. Leslie Davis
5. Tim Kanaley
6. Dave Sniadak
7. Nick Koppy 
8. Scott Pampuch     
9. Jeff Roemhildt 
10. Rick Reichert     
11. Danny Klecko

I met Tim Kanley, he is a friend of my friend Mitch Nelson. We have chatted a few times on Facebook Chat but never have met.  I figure if he knows Mitch he can't be all bad.  We decided to meet for dinner and a cocktail at Porter & Frye in Minneapolis.  I found out during my conversation at dinner I think I know Tim better than Mitch does.  The evening was fabulous and the conversation flowed like we had been friends for years and dinner was a regular occurrence. 

#12. This will be the Year of the Kitchen!  I am going to say this now...There have not been enough people in my kitchen!  I have been fortunate to have friends stop by. My guests have included an evening of gross cheese (Ross believes I was trying to kill him...hmm...hasn't he heard of murder mystery dinners?), wonderful wine & cocktails,  great conversation and an impromptu dinner with Ross Sveback & Mitch Hildman.

You know it was a good time when the kitchen a mess!

Adam Warner came by for another impromptu dinner that got cut short due to other schedule conflicts.  Even though we had about an hour we enjoyed a healthy meal of Sauteed Vegetables with Soba Noodles and a touch of Parmesan cheese. 


What is next? Get through #11 Meet up with 12 people I know only via Facebook, but have never met.  I am already working on a list of more people to meet that I know only via Facebook.  As with any of my lists like this there may be things added....ok, that is pretty much a guarantee.  I will continue to update my blog with how I am doing with the 12 in '12 list. Sign up to follow my blog and you can be kept up to date on how it is going.

The Lowry

(Note: Numbers indicate items on the 12 in '12 List on my blog) 

Tonight I ate a my first new restaurant of the new year (#8)- The Lowry in the Uptown area of Minneapolis. Parking was available in a private lot and also on the street.  Upon my arrival I was immediately greeted by the hostess staff and manager, Jeff Rogers.  Jeff was the reason for my visit to The Lowry this evening. He is one of the contributing bartenders in the book NorthStar Cocktail (#2)

Jeff Rogers & Me at The Lowry

Jeff signing my book

Knowing it was my first time visiting Jeff presented me with the drink menu. I asked for Jeff's recommendations on food as well.  He recommended for light foods (appetizers) the Tuna Poke, which is a raw tuna with soy, green onions, ginger, wasabi, and wonton crackers. The Tempura Green Beans with Plum Sauce Jeff said were a basically tempura green beans, but the plum sauce is what makes them delicious. The Jalapeno Cheese Curds served with Blueberry Ketchup was his final recommendation.

Cocktail by Jeff

The Lowery has an impressive list of tap beers ranging from local craft to imports.  Their wine list has a reasonably price list of wine varieties, many can be purchased by the glass or bottle. The cocktail list includes craft style cocktails, many created by Jeff.  My first drink was not on the menu, but a drink Jeff created for me called the Moon Bear. 

When seated my waiter, Lucas, asked it this was my first time dining at The Lowry - it was. He offered drinks (Jeff was already getting me one). I asked him for recommendations. His first question was "How hungry are you?" I told him I had had a salad earlier in the day. He made the same appetizer recommendations as Jeff (I knew they would be good).  Lucas then made recommendations from each section of the menu. Steak & Pierogies; Fish Tacos; Mac n Cheese under the entrees.  Under Breakfast he suggested the Spinach Frittata and Cakes, Eggs & Links if I wanted something more traditional.  Acknowledging that I had a salad earlier in the day, he also told me the Steak Salad was popular.

I took the advice of Jeff and Lucas and tried the Jalapeno Cheese Curds served with Blueberry Ketchup, but then I also chose the Deviled Eggs with bacon, arugula, garlic aioli for appetizers. Both appetizers exceeded my expectations. The Jalapeno Cheese were flavorful, not greasy; and the Blueberry Ketchup I wanted to take the rest home with me in my purse. Don't worry I didn't put it in my purse (that would have caused a mess), however I did keep it for the fries I had coming later. The Deviled Eggs had the smoky bacon flavor with a hit of pepper from the arugula.  The The Lowry also has oysters and burgers. I chose the Buffalo Burger Special that came with guacamole, pickled onions, and greens. It was served with a choice of fries or cole slaw; I went with the fries, no salt.  When the burger arrived I was excited to see it wasn't a mammoth burger; it was the perfect size. The greens were arugula which added the perfect peppery taste to the burger.  KUDOS for use of arugula.

With my dinner I tried a cocktail on the the menu that intrigued me from the first moment I saw it; Battle Cat. Named after the large green tiger, with yellow stripes that He-Man rode; the Battle Cat includes vodka, orange curacao, lemon juice, cranberry juice, simple syrup,and beer. If you leave the beer out it is called Cringer (Battle Cat's alter ego in the cartoons). In this drink you can tastes the layers of ingredients beginning with the vodka and orange, then ending with the beer.  It was unique, I would order it again.

To finish off the evening I had to try one of The Lowry's homemade desserts.  I chose the Strawberry Mousse Cheesecake. It was the perfect way to end the meal. I was light and fluffy strawberry mousse on a graham cracker crust. It would be a perfect dessert for one or two share at the end of a dinner date.

Overall I enjoyed every aspect of my visit to The Lowry. The food came out in a timely manner. The atmosphere is comfortable and the noise only came from the people around me. It was nice to not have loud blaring music so I could enjoy the conversation.   I was told they have a wonderful brunch on the weekends that is very popular so there may be a wait. I look forward to coming back for breakfast one morning (you can get breakfast items anytime). I think it would be a great place for date night.

The Lowry does not take reservations, however they do accept calling ahead to put your name on the waiting list.

Open Daily 6:30am until 2:30am

2112 Hennepin Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55405

612.341.2112

Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building.

http://www.thelowryuptown.com/

Twitter: twitter.com/TheLowryMN

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheLowryMN

Thank you to Jeff, Lucas & the Entire Staff at The Lowry!!!

Getting honest about losing 30 lbs.

The Christmas holiday has now past. Though I didn't over indulge during meals, I felt like I snacked too much. I set a goal to lose 30 lbs in 2012, I want to use the last five days of this month to refocus on good eating and exercise habits.

I brought my breakfast, lunch, and because I work at my part-time job tonight, my dinner today. I am reconnecting with FatSecret.com, a free online food journal, to track what I eat, including everything from my morning coffee to any snacks, and what exercise I am getting. One thing I wish I would have remembered today is my pedometer.

So where am I at? Well here is where honesty comes in and it gets a bit personsal. I am comfortable sharing because maybe it will inspire someone else and it professing it publicly helps keep me accountable.

I am a single woman balancing full-time work life with full-time personal life. Awesome at keeping commitments to others, but I often forget to take care of myself. I have always been the heavy friend, the thick girl & the girl who guys overlook I feel because of my weight. I saw the word “obese” in my medical file. I don’t feel “obese”, but according to medical guidelines I am. I want to be a woman that continues inspires others. I want guys to ask me out. I want to wear a sassy cocktail dress.

In July of 2009, I went in for my annual physical. Because I was one year away from 40 my doctor and I started talking about baselines for things like mammograms (which I had when I was 35), bone density and because I was born with one kidney, she thought it would be best to have a baseline on that. To make a long story a bit shorter, I had a scan done at the clinic and the results of that lead me to seeing a kidney specialist because of some concerns. I had a kidney stone that measured ¼” x 1 ½”, a constricted urethra tube and possible reflux between the urethra tube and bladder. Again there is more to the story, but the protection of the kidney and prevention of further stones was the goal. The specialist referred me to a dietitian. I met with her on January 13, 2010. We discussed how and what I ate, exercise (or lack there of) and what changes we were going to make. I went in very honest and even told her I canceled my gym membership the week before; part of the reason was not making time to go, the other part was the expense. I told her at that point my goal is to have a treadmill at home so even if it is 15 minutes in the morning or while dinner is cooking I can walk. The dietitian gave me some foods to eliminate from my diet and we discussed portions and food servings. I was told during my first meeting with the specialist that I was to drink a MINIMUM of 3 liters of water a day (just short of 1 gallon).

I love to cook so I make sure I am making healthy meals for myself. I might sound cliche, but I find it saves money. I watch the ingredients I add; using a many fresh ingredients as I can and finding ways to cut fats and sodium. Quit adding salt to everything people!!

When I first saw the specialist in September 2009 I was at 221 lbs. I was not happy. Three months laterI had a pre-op physical and I was at 219 lbs.  I hovered between 210 and 219 for the next 2 years. As of last night I am at 208 lbs.  If..NO..WHEN I lose the 30 lbs in 2012 I will be at 178.