Friday Night:

Electric Fetus Benefit at First Avenue

Cloud Cult opened the show, meaning that it was packed from the start. It was my first time seeing them live and it lived up to my expectations. Such a great band. Konrad singing a song with Trailer Trash was another highlight, but the crowd had emptied out quite a bit, which was too bad. They just didn’t seem to fit the crowd, which was a lot younger than a typical Trailer Trash show.

Caroline Smith and The Good Night Sleeps show in the Entry was also great. We had to leave Jeremy Messersmith’s performance early, but good thing we did, because there was a line waiting to crossover, and once we did get in, it was as packed as I’ve ever seen it. And it was so worth it, such a great show. She really owned the room and put on an amazing performance.

pics from Meredith Westin
review from City Pages

Saturday Night:

Had wine/dinner at Solera with friends, followed by cocktails and dessert at Bradstreet Crafthouse, and then beers and Big Buck Hunter at Mackenzie’s. I think I’m still hungover.

Sunday Afternoon:

USA vs Canada for the Gold! It wasn’t quite the Miracle game, but close. The USA fans came into the Olympics with very low expectations, but the team shocked everyone with a wonderful win against Canada in group play. The gold medal game lived up to the hype, with one of the better hockey games I’ve ever seen played. And when Zach Parise scored to tie the game with 25 seconds, I really felt this was a team of destiny and they would win in OT. But I respect Sidney Crosby, so I was happy when he scored the winner, even though I really dislike Canadian hockey and their arrogant fans (esp the way they look down on college hockey).

If DeRusha can do it, so can I. :)

1. Hot Plate: Grand Marais Scramble (eggs, trout, cream cheese) is my go to brunch item at my favorite place in town. I just love the paint by number paintings that line the walls, and I have a great story about a time we watched a couple argue in their car out front for 20 minutes, leave, come back, argue some more, and finally the guy comes in to eat while she stays in the car. But I miss the Eric Estrada.
2. La Chaya Bistro: Eggs Benedict (Poached Eggs on Avocado with Melted Cheese and Green Salsa served on English Muffin) makes my mouth water. And the Chorizo Molletes were great. Super friendly staff, and amazing food.
3. Longfellow Grill: I’ve been eating brunch at both the Highland Grill and the Longfellow Grill for so long that it has to be on my list. Blueberry French Toast is my usual, but best if split with someone else’s order to balance it out.
4. Stabby’s: It’s called Stabby’s. They have biscuits and gravy. Done.
5. Bad Waitress: I like anyplace where I don’t have to deal with servers. Nothing against them, but I love being able to order when I’m ready, and leave when I want to without waiting for a check. The pancakes are great, and I love the superhero table cards and the B movie posters on the walls.

• A Baker’s Wife’s Pastry Shop: Doesn’t matter what you get, it will be good, but I usually just get a plain cake donut or three. That’s all I need. Even better now that Angry Catfish serves up a great cup of coffee just a few doors down. (honorable mention for not being a restaurant)

DeRusha gets bonus points for actually going to places all over the Twins Cities, while my list is basically just South Minneapolis, and most are within a few miles of my house.