The651.com

Good morning everyone!  The651 is back with our wacky trivia question.  The first person to email stacy@capcitypartnership.com the correct answer wins, a FACES mears park gift card!  FACES mears park is one of Lowertown’s newest restaurants; they use local, organic, and sustainably farmed ingredients to produce their food.

For today’s question, please tell me what the meaning is behind these words.  Hint:  they all have to do with Saint Paul!

1)  Byki – a FREE language learning tool offered online at the Saint Paul Public Library

2)  Stone Soup Feeds the World -A new SteppingStone Theatre production opening October 22nd.

3) Asian Chicken Class – a new poultry judging contest with Asian chicken breeds at the Minnesota State Fair.

4)  Markisa – An Orangutan at Como Zoo who recently had a soap named after her.

GOOD LUCK!

Congrats to Matt!  He will soon be enjoying a dining experience at FACES mears park.

The Asian Chicken Class was probably the most confusing one for many, but I hope everyone had fun guessing anyway.

Thank you for being a fan of the651.com! See you next Thursday at 9 am.

Great service and cheap food at Kelly's.

Saint Paul’s bar scene runs the gamut from complete dive like The Spot Bar to ritzy high end places like Barrio and everything in between.  One of those in between joints is Kelly’s Depot Bar located across the street from Union Depot.  This is a working man’s, neighborhood establishment.  You won’t find a fancy website for it but you will find some great reviews online!

Walk into this place and the decor will underwhelm you.  Decorations range from neon beer signs to old model cars to beer steins.  Grab a seat at the bar or at a table (high or low) a few feet from the bar.  The place is a shoebox so you better not mind being close to people.

The place has all the amenities you could ask for with four nice sized flat panel TVs, an electronic jukebox, pull tabs, Silver Strike Bowling arcade, pistachios, cashews and Hot Tamales for $.25 and an ATM.

The bar has eight beers on tap including Summit EPA and Fat Tire.  Drinks are cheap and free flowing.

If you think the above is good, I haven’t even gotten to the food yet.  Kelly’s kitchen is just an extension at the far end of the bar producing some of the best greasy spoon food around.  The soup is always homemade and delicious.  I had turkey vegetable wild rice when I visited and it hit the spot on a cold rainy day.  The menu is full of tasty sandwiches and salads.  My favorite is the bacon cheeseburger basket for $6.50.  The burgers are simply delicious!  They also have coneys–I recommend having two with fries for $6.   Stop in Wednesday for the spaghetti special and ask for Susie.  She waits the floor while sister Renee works the bar.  Susie just celebrated 25 years with the USPS and she is anything but postal.  Sweetest lady you’ll ever meet.

Save room for a bite sized homemade dessert.

My favorite feature is the tupperware full of homemade desserts that Susie brings over after the meal.  They are tasty and a staple at Kelly’s Depot.

Even the folks from Minneapolis like it evidenced by this online review from Michael M in Minneapolis:

“As an avid dive bar fan, I’m always on the hunt for a good hole in the wall.  I stopped in here back in April on recommendation from one of my friends that has an art studio down the block.  It’s a perfect place for an after-work beer or catching up with some friends.  The service was great and the prices were spectacular!  Also, how many dive bars have Fat Tire on tap these days?  After sitting there for about 3 hours with friends, we all ended up owing about $10 (which might have been a record.)

I stopped by here again after the Irish Fair again this weekend and had a similar experience.  The prices have gone up a little on the Fat Tire, but it was still a great time.  The jukebox was pumping various 90s tunes all night and the waitress was extremely attentive despite having a reasonably full set of tables.

If I lived in Saint Paul, I’d be a regular here.”

Come on down to Kelly’s Depot and formulate your own opinion on this fun spot.

241 E Kellogg Blvd
St Paul, MN 55101
(651) 298-0099

Admit it: whether it’s Rihanna or Zeppelin (or both – good for you!), there are songs that put you in a summer state-of-mind. This is also the time of year your iPod looks at you longingly for some love, so we’ve recruited some of the Twin Cities’ foremost music gurus to share their Saint Paul summer playlists with us. (You should probably comment with your summer songs too….) We linked their picks directly to iTunes, so you’re just a couple clicks away from jammin’ it up on the beach.

Summertime Soundtrack by Jill Riley and Steve Seel, hosts, 89.3 The Current  

1)Belle and Sebastian: “Legal Man”

Where else to start besides a song that orders you to “get out of the office / and into the sunshine”? Plus, you get bongos and “ba-ba-ba’s.”

2)Camera Obscura, “French Navy”

Sweetness and strings, it sounds like the wind rushing through your hair as you drive a convertible too fast down a country road. Actually, most Camera Obscura songs conjure this same effect.

3)XTC, “Summer’s Caldron/Grass”

Steve’s personal favorite. “Drowning here in summer’s cauldron / under mats of flower lava / please don’t pull me out, this is how I would want to go.”

4)The Sundays, “Summertime”

Steve says, “I still haven’t decided if this song has aged well or not. Still, it’s about summer, it’s sung by Harriet Wheeler (one of the sunniest voices in rock), and it’s got a big brassy horn part.”

5)Calexico w/ Iron & Wine, “He Lays In The Reins”

You gotta have one tune for summer *nights*, and this one – combining Sam Beam’s breathy voice and Calexico’s Tex-Mex instrumental textures – will have you envisioning starry skies and colored paper lanterns on a terra cotta patio as you waltz with your sweetie.

6)Big Brother and the Holding Company, “Summertime”

Jill says “You know that feeling when you wake up in a tent on the last day of weekend music festival? You’re tired, hot, dirty and dehydrated. This is what I hear in my head when I’m in that situation, but in a good way.”

7)The Small Faces, “Itchycoo Park”

Gather your friends for a campfire and/or BBQ and put this tune on.

8)The Flaming Lips, “Buggin”

Warm, breezy summer nights. You’ll even welcome a few mosquitoes to dine on you.

9)The Hold Steady, “How a Resurrection Really Feels”

The line “The Saint Paul Saints they waved me through” will inspire you to head to an afternoon Saints game and let the sun shine on your face.

10)The Little Ones “Lovers Who Uncover”

This song sounds like summer all year round.

Jill Riley and Steve Seel can be heard every weekday morning from 6:00 – 10:00 on The Current (89.3 FM in the Twin Cities, online anywhere at www.thecurrent.org) The Current - Every Day Deserves A Soundtrack.

I’m not one of those people who often enjoys the luxury of a vacation. My “freelancer” status usually prevents me from doing much aside from running around like a chicken with its head cut off, meeting deadlines, managing events and basically working seven days a week. I am constantly in “panic mode” and have become pretty much used to it. The last “real” vacation I took was in 2001. I went to Las Vegas to visit a friend, and as luck would have it, 9/11 happened while I was there, putting an obvious damper on anything “vacation” related. That’s just the way my life rolls.

Since then, aside from business trips, I’ve attempted a few weekend excursions that have always proven more distressing than relaxing, and the urge to jack back into my laptop to continue working has always been a sick addiction that I can’t quite kick. This weekend, however, I tried a grand experiment. I grudgingly left my laptop at home and made a leap of faith — I was going to try to relax.

This past Saturday I went all out, Saint Paul style. A STAYcation in the truest sense. My day started out at the Details Salon Spa in the Lowry Building in Downtown St. Paul. Greeted by a fleet of pretty girls and the charming salon owner, Brian, I was turned over to resident esthetician, Jodi, for a “refreshing facial.” Being the tightly wound beast that I am, it took a minute for me to let my stress-guard down, but eventually I succeeded, for the most part anyway. Jodi did a number of relaxation techniques on me that included massage and aromatherapy. She applied two masks to my skin, one for exfoliation and one to tone down the uneven redness that my pale, Irish complexion has a propensity towards. All in all, a calming experience that I came out of smelling wonderfully — as Details uses Aveda products almost exclusively.

Feeling refreshed and smooth skinned-ed, I strolled across the street to check into the historic Saint Paul Hotel. One of the most opulent hotels in the Twin Cities, The Saint Paul Hotel has an air of sophistication and old-timey charm that the newer, more contemporary hotels just can’t compete with. After an easy check-in, I made my way to the room which featured a big, plush bed, and a classic selection of decor (think dark woodwork, elegant patterns, and decadent fabrics) — not to mention, Aveda products in the bathroom.

After settling in, I ordered up a delightfully unhealthy lunch of room service from the St. Paul Grill, complete with an open faced steak medallion sandwich smothered in sautéed onions and bleu cheese, fries and a Coke. I ate less than half, and, acting like the rich person I was pretending to be for the day, I unceremoniously put tray back out into the hallway to be taken away. $26 well spent.

Next up was a spin through Rice Park to take in the Flint Hills Children’s Festival, which was positively teeming with, you guessed it, children. I milled around the plaza, listening to world music while dodging strollers and rampaging kids decked out in face paint. There were interactive arts activities galore going on all around me, and the adults seemed to be enjoying it as much as the children were. I was due back at the salon for a manicure so, I dipped out of the park, but not without feeling a bit of nostalgia for the good old days, when screaming at top volume in public was deemed “cute,” not “crazy.”

A hand massage and a few coats of dark burgundy polish later, I headed back to the hotel to meet my manfriend, who was to be my escort for the evening. We freshened up and hit the American Burger Bar just a couple blocks away. Still on my unhealthy, meat-fueled mission, I ordered the “Juicy Klucy,” the Burger Bar’s cheese-stuffed (and cheese-covered) half pound burger. My date went with the “Sliders,” a fancy platter of mini-burgers that included a selection of Angus and Kobe beef burgers and a shrimp burger displayed prettily on an oblong white plate along with a heaping basket of fries. The service was quick and friendly, and the burgers were delicious, though again, I wasted more than half of my huge meal — but hey, I was on Staycation, and Staycations don’t have time for doggie bags.

We met another friend down at the Northern Warehouse to take in a new art exhibit entitled Grey. Green. which featured artists Tim Armato, Mitchell Dose, Aaron Dysart, and Andrew Lange. The exhibit was an interesting, minimal blend of mixed media work and video art. One piece featured a white pedestal from which a bare tree branch sprouted, casting a shadow on the wall behind it. A projector was cleverly aligned with the tree’s shadow, projecting little animated leaves that would fall when you shook the actual tree branch. Other standouts included colored glue sculptures fashioned into logs and branches, and a 5 lb bag of sugar with neon green string tied around it that extended out of the window to a light pole across the street. Weird stuff to be sure, but weird has always been a favorite of mine.

A few blocks away, the Back Alley Gallery was having an opening for the collaborative exhibit, Naturally, featuring the art of longtime friends Dwitt and Christopher Bowman. A tromp down the stairs into the basement of the cool old building in which the gallery is housed brought us to a bright, colorful space jam-packed with hip art lovers and wall to wall paintings, prints, illustrations and mixed media work. Immediately grabbing a price list, we were pleased to see that all the work (over 180 pieces) was priced at $250 or less, much of it under $50. My manfriend picked up a couple signed, limited edition art prints at a mere $15 a pop while we mingled with the friendly patrons and partook in some wine and a few handfuls of gummi worms and spiders — an apt treat to go along with the whimsical and vibrantly-hued show. Naturally will be open this coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 5 p.m. as well, so stop in and catch a deal on some of this awesome art! Want to know more? Check out my interview wit Dwitt last week, HERE.

We decided we needed a few drinks to cap off the evening so we made our way to Camp, the newish gay bar on Robert Street. It was still relatively early for the crowds, being that it was only around 10 p.m., but we hunkered down in the back room where flashing lights and 80s videos were being projected onto a wall. Our bartender, Nate, was a true delight, creating specialty drinks for us that he had invented himself. One featured a pineapple juice, cranberry, vodka, and Triple Sec, and tasted nothing at all like alcohol, though we were assured the drinks were 75% vodka. Nate had been recently featured as Lavender Magazine’s “Bartender of the Week” and was happy to show off his drink mixin’ skills for us. He is also the only bartender at Camp who will let patrons do body shots off of him, as was proven when a shrill bachelorette party over-ran the bar around 11. Having heard enough drunken screeching from the contingency of 20-something girls, we headed back to the hotel. Along the way we ran into a very nice couple who had also been at Camp, and were, coincidentally enough, also on a Staycation AND staying at our hotel. Score for Saint Paul STAYcation!

Upon our safe return the hotel, we were surprised to find the lobby packed with exuberant, well dressed, (and well lubricated with alcohol) people, including a trio of costumed fairy-women. The piano bar was in full swing and people were merrily chattering and cheek-kissing all around us. After a day of not seeing a single person I knew, I was happily surprised to spot the one and only Robyne Robinson, Fox 9 News anchor and jewelry designer du jour. We had her up to our room for a night cap and some late night Pizza Luce delivery, and after she left, we fell asleep buried in high thread count sheets — and the warm, fuzzy feeling that only a successful day of relaxation and fun can bring.

All in all, my St. Paul STAYcation was a good time that I am eager to repeat, and that I encourage all of you to experience. See your city with a new set of eyes! We’ll be filling you in on all manners of fun activities and custom itineraries all summer, so check back often!

Matt Thomas (right) and Joe Mauer (left) are probably talking about Saint Paul in this picture

As much fun as we have doing things together as a family, St. Paul offers us a chance to have some fun when just hanging out with friends , without having to leave the area. For me, I rarely even need to leave Grand Avenue.  It’s a street that I consider the perfect locale for a “Split up Session”.  My guy friends and I can find a game on TV at one of the great bars and restaurants.  Or sometimes we just enjoy a beverage on one of the pub patios while our wives check out the what they call “too cute” shops all along Grand.

Matt Thomas and Family

Since St. Paul is my neighborhood, here’s by “Best of” list for spots around town:

Best burger joint-  The Nook

Best place to go have a beer and strike up a conversation at the bar-  Groveland Tap

Best get dressed up and have dinner place-  The Lexington

Best breakfast served til 2:30pm-  The Grandview Grill

Best street to go take the kids for a walk- Along Mississippi River Boulevard

Best place to go sledding-  on the huge hill across from the Town and Country Country Clubhouse

Best summer programs-  St. Paul Parks and Recreation Urban Tennis

Best arena-  Xcel Energy Center (I’ve been to over a hundred different arenas in the country and this is one of the best)

Best way to enjoy the river-  Paddleboat ride from Harriet Island

Best Mom/Dad overnight trip away from the kids-  Saint Paul Hotel with a do not disturb sign

-Matt Thomas is the primary host of Twins baseball coverage on AM1500 KSTP. Listen to him on AM1500 as you drive to the stadium. Look for him broadcasting live from the plaza when you head into the ‘dome.

There’s no better excuse than the annual RetroRama fashion show to get dressed up in your best vintage. For this year’s show, subtitled “Fashion Comes Full Circle,” you have even more options – they’ve expanded beyond the usual ‘50s theme to include the 1920s through 1960s in a nod to the brand-new Minnesota History Center exhibition, “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation.” Five top Twin Cities designers who regularly incorporate historical references into their clothing, including Max Lohrbach, Ivan Idland, Calpurnia Peach, Sarah Holm and Abigail Caperton, will each provide their take on a different decade, and Transmission DJ Jake Rudh will be providing stylish beats to the Anna Lee-produced fashion show.

Best of all, the show will take place under a tent on the Minnesota History Center grounds – just like a real fashion show. There will also be mixologists from Bradstreet Craftshouse mixing classic cocktails, live music from A Night in the Box, and vintage pop-up boutiques by Via’s Vintage Wear and Swank Retro. (7-11 p.m. Thu. $12-15. Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul. 651-259-3015.

But many of you may be wondering, where is one to shop? Fortunately, one of St. Paul’s greatest strengths is its vintage shopping.

Women:

The key for you is picking a decade and making sure your hair, make-up and accessories complete the look with at least some degree of historical accuracy. If you don’t have a favorite decade, you’ll probably have the best luck with a ‘50s or ‘60s look. It’s the most flattering on a variety of body types, and it’s an accessible look (be inspired by your favorite “Mad Men” character).

If you need some tips or are looking for something specific, there’s no better place to go than Lula’s Vintage Wear, which will be providing some of the clothing seen on the runway at RetroRama. Its owner Hayley Bush is a venerable expert of all things vintage. Either way, she’s got you covered, and Lula’s has some of the finest (and reasonably-priced) vintage offerings in town. (1587 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-644-4110.)

Men:

If you give her a few days advance notice, chances are Hayley should be able to find some great things for you in her off-site warehouse of goodies. Lula’s Vintage Wear is probably your best vintage shopping option if you’re a guy. And guys, be sure to shop early – vintage can be a tough fit, so you’ll want to allow a few days for last-minute alterations.

Though it’s not at vintage, a well-tailored suit from Heimie’s Haberdashery is sure to stay in your wardrobe long enough to become vintage one day. While you’re there, get a shave and haircut and you’ll be ready to go out on the town. (400 St. Peter St., St. Paul. 651-224-2354.)

More St. Paul vintage shopping destinations:

Up Six Vintage: 157 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul. 651-917-0470

Succotash: 781 Raymond Ave., St. Paul. 651-603-8787

Sophie Joe’s Emporium: 453 W. 7^th St., St. Paul. 651-224-1357

Go Vintage: 1560 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-646-4455

Everyday People: 1599 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-644-4410

My Sister’s Closet: 1136 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-2819

As I looked forward to summer in Saint Paul this year, I thought back to last June around Mears Park during the summer solstice weekend. It was one of the most eclectic and entertaining weekends.

It began on a Thursday evening, with Martin Devaney and Little Man playing Music in Mears Park, a free Thursday night concert series. That morphed into Ravi Coltrane in Mears Park on Friday evening as part of the Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Then, a block away from the park on Saturday was the Pride Celebration Kick-Off Block Party. And, throughout the whole weekend ending that Sunday was the Solstice Film Festival at Galtier Plaza.

It was the kind of weekend people travel to other cities for, but all was here and most for free.

Summer in Saint Paul is a great season. While I play no favorites as I like skating and skiing, the City takes on a different persona, especially over the last three years as we have reclaimed the Mississippi River as the lifeblood of the city, opened new parks, and welcomed new music festivals.

Even everyday activities can take on a different life on the banks of the Upper Mississippi. A morning run through Harriet Island and Lilydale Park turns into a nature outing, with bald eagles flying overhead and the occasional sighting of a fox or coyote in the distance – all within view of Saint Paul’s skyline.

Finishing up the run at the Farmer’s Market in Lowertown provides a well-earned reward. Grabbing a coffee and grilled – yes, grilled – bagel makes the cool down a treat as you walk among the tables of locally produced fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses. Grab a baquette, some cheddar, tomatoes, basil, and some meat, and lunch in the shadows of the river bluffs at a newly redesigned Raspberry Island in the middle of the Mississippi.

There is so much to look forward to doing this summer in Saint Paul, it is hard to single any one thing out. From wine on the patios of one of the restaurants on West 7^th Street to welcoming the new Barrio (coming in mid-June) next to the Bulldog in Lowertown; going to the third Concrete and Grass Music Festival and enjoying one of our many neighborhood parades; seeing great theater productions; tailgating at a Saints baseball game; experiencing the Titanic exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota; golfing on one of the city’s championship golf courses … this may require a vacation.

We don’t often take the time to appreciate what we have. I say, though, plan a long weekend, forget the chores, leave the yard, and live like a tourist in your city. The memories will be long lasting without having to take a long trip.

- Mayor Chris Coleman