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Photos by John James Wallace

This past Monday and Tuesday at the Xcel Energy Center were definitely nights to remember, as thousands upon thousands of fans converged to see the biggest pop star of 2010 perform live. And the Lady certainly did not disappoint. Through over 14 costume changes and numerous set reconfigurations, Gaga wowed the audience with her creativity and flair for the uber-dramatic.

After getting gussied up at the beautiful Saint Paul Hotel, where we had a suite for the evening, we strolled over with a handful of friends to the Xcel. And talk about a spectacle! As you’ll see in the photos below, attendees went all-out. From fishnet body suits to beanie baby get-ups and just about everything else in between, Gaga’s fans were loud and proud and not messing around.

Opening act Semi Precious Weapons

Thanks to our friend Emma Berg, who made Xcel’s personal gift to Gaga – a Lady Slipper-inspired jacket – we got the royal treatment: a box suite in which to watch the show, which also featured openers Semi Precious Weapons. Chocolate fountains and a make-your-own martini bar aside, getting to comfortably experience an arena show without having to be crushed in the crowd was pretty spectacular. The show itself was mind-blowing, with Gaga strutting and preening for the sold out arena, taking time to point out fans in the crowd and comment on their wild looks and their hand-made signs, all the time reiterating her genuine appreciation for their love. A gracious hostess if there ever was one.

Emma Berg jacket created for Lady Gaga

After the show, we retired with friends to the Saint Paul Hotel for champagne and recapping into the wee hours, and as we snuggled into our million thread-count sheets and downy pillows, visions of Gaga danced in our heads. All in all, a fantastic night in Saint Paul.

Want to see more of John’s photos from the show??? Click HERE for pix of Semi Precious Weapons, click HERE for more pix of Lady Gaga, and click HERE for more fan pix!

Content shared with l’etoile magazine

Lady Gaga is bringing her over-the-top stage show to St. Paul for a whopping two-night stand at the Xcel Energy Center on Monday and Tuesday. Little monsters, it’s time to get geared up for a Capital City night of epic proportions!

Lady Gaga's Monster Ball tour

A Night of (Little) Monster Proportions

After the shows on Monday and Tuesday nights, you have plenty of opportunities to party. First hit up the Lady Gaga after parties at Camp Bar happening both nights after the concert. (There will be happy hour specials for ticket holders before the concert, too.) Expect a Gaga-rific soundtrack and hot dance floor, drinks specials galore (including a $5 Gaga-tini all day and a dollar off anything else with your ticket stub, 2-4-1s on taps and rails from 4-6 p.m. and midnight-2 a.m.), plus tons of people-watching opportunities! (490 Robert St. N., St. Paul, 651-292-1844, camp-bar.net‎)

At that point, you’ll probably want to make a night of it and stay at one of St. Paul’s many hotel options – but the only one fit for a queen of Gaga’s stature is the historic Saint Paul Hotel. Hang out in their swanky hotel bar or hop over to the Saint Paul Grill located within the building. Take in the decadent architecture and accoutrements, as well as the impossibly glorious view. (Saint Paul Hotel, 350 Market St., St. Paul, 651-292-9292‎, www.saintpaulhotel.com)

If you still haven’t gotten tickets, there are still a few available for the Tuesday night show. Tickets are priced from $51.50 to $177 at Ticketmaster, livenation.com, the Xcel box office and 1-800-359-2525.

Local Connection

Emma Berg's Lady Gaga jacket sketch

The Xcel Energy Center usually gives its visiting celebs and performers a Wild hockey jersey or something similar, but in the case of Lady Gaga, they’ve gotten a bit more creative.

The Xcel has commissioned local fashion designer Emma Berg to create a custom, one-of-a-kind fashion piece for the pop icon and we can’t think of a better match. Berg’s own distinctive, over the top personal style and fashion design skills make her a natural choice for such a project. The piece (pictured in the above sketch) will be a white swing-style jacket with a tall collar, in white satin with black and pink accents, inspired by the state flower: the ladyslipper.

Dress the Part

A Gaga superfan (Via TheMidwasteland.com)

Gaga’s show-goers are known to really go all out when it comes to their outfits. Though you probably can’t afford her custom couture or designer swag, you can find ways to DIY if you’re creative.

Hot Topic has a knockoff version of Lady Gaga’s Jeremy Scott/Linda Farrow flip-glasses she wore in the “Paparazzi” video for only $12.99. Or get some big flat-top shades and glue on a bunch of gems for her The Fame cover album look. Claire’s and For Love 21 have lace bunny ears, akin to Gaga’s Maison Martin Margielas, for under $10. (Or you can make your own.)

Gaga's Viva Glam! lipstick

Bold hair and makeup is a Gaga trademark. Dye your hair in pink or yellow streaks like Gaga’s via Manic Panic hair dyes – or wrap them up in makeshift Diet Coke can curlers a la the “Telephone” video. You can still nab her powdery pink Viva Glam! lipstick at MAC for about $15.

Big shoes are a must. Try Forever 21 or Heartbreaker for some platform shoes – or hit up Hot Topic for some goth monsta-stompas. If you are really daring, take a trip to the local stripper store for some sky-high pumps. Sounds scandalous, but you really aren’t going to get taller shoes anywhere else.

DIY Gaga studded jacket

Entrepreneurial spirits will want to craft their own Gaga goods. Buy a cheap faux-leather cropped motorcycle-style jacket (Forever 21 has one for $34.80) and hot-glue on your own studs (which you should be able to find at any craft store).

Underneath, a glittery, shiny or see-through bodysuit will do – and try layering tights or leggings underneath if you’re feeling a bit body-conscious. American Apparel is the obvious go-to for bodysuits, but they’re popping up everywhere lately, from Urban Outfitters to Hot Topic to Forever 21.

We are back with a little trivia to spice up your Thursday!  Unfortunately, we did not have a winner last week, so we wanted to propose the question one more time.

The luxurious Saint Paul Hotel has accommodated the most discerning business and leisure travelers from all over the world.  For today, please name the person on the list who has NOT visited The Saint Paul Hotel.

-Theodore Roosevelt

-Gene Autry

-Dennis Hopper

-Bob Hope

-Pavarotti

-Jack Lemon

-Walter Matthau

-Russian President Gorbachev

Please e-mail stacy@capcitypartnership.com your answer. The first person to answer the trivia question correctly wins a CRAVE Guide Minneapolis/Saint Paul.  Thank you to Becky Sturm and her fabulous StormSister Spatique for the generous donation.  Y0u will find StormSister and many others in this sassy guide, which features everything you CRAVE about the Twin Cities!

Good luck!

We have our winner! Sara has won the CRAVE guide.  The correct answer is Dennis Hopper.  Dennis was the only one of our Saint Paul Hotel guests that has not actually visited the hotel.  Thanks for playing!

If we celebrated our birthdays this long, we’d be called self-absorbed, self-obsessed, narcissistic and the like. But in the case of the iconic St. Paul Hotel, a year-long b-day party is fully necessary. After all, 100 years as one of the state’s most legendary hotels and architectural landmarks isn’t exactly something to take lightly.

To make things more official, Mayor Chris Coleman will declare this Monday, July 12th “Saint Paul Hotel Day” — how cool is that? And of course, the grand Saint Paul Hotel plans to celebrate in old-timey style, with a charming ice cream social across the street in beautiful Rice Park. Take an early afternoon siesta by the park fountain and cool off with $1 scoops of Kemp’s ice cream (proceeds go to benefit the downtown St. Paul based Listening House). You’ll also be treated to an performance by the Capital City Wind Ensemble headed by Mary Livingston as part of St. Paul’s “Music in the Park” series. Kind of the perfect way to kick off boring old Monday, if you ask us!

The event runs from 11:30am to 1pm in Rice Park. In case of rain, the event will be held in the Saint Paul Hotel Ballroom.

For more info visit www.saintpaulhotel.com

You know it. You love it. It’s a historical landmark that is the epitome of old world elegance. It’s the Saint Paul Hotel. Located on the picturesque corner of Market & 5th Street, mere steps from charming oasis that is Rice Park, this beautiful hotel caters to Saint Paul’s elite as well as visitors from around the globe. A magnificently preserved architectural marvel, the lobby alone is enough to transport you back in time with its grandiose furnishings and sparkling chandeliers. It’s hard to believe this epic hotel has been in full-throttle operation for 100 long years. And in true legendary form, the Saint Paul Hotel plans to celebrate the best way it knows how: with an elaborate soiree on Saturday, April 17th!

Throwing back to the hotel’s early days, you’ll be enticed by historical vignettes including a roaring ’20s speakeasy (complete with moonshine!); a 1930s depression-era soup and bread line (a gourmet version, of course); and a foray into 1940s Hollywood glam with a jazz group playing big band favorites for your swing dancin’ pleasure. And that’s not all. You can chow down on fries, burgers and ice cream sodas in the 1950s diner; disco dance your way through the ’60s and ’70s while eating fondue; and end your night in the Promanade Ballroom where fancy decor and a black-tie mood will accompany music, dancing, passed cocktails and appetizers.

The “Party of the Century” takes place on Saturday, April 17th at 7pm. Tickets are going for $100 a pop (and when you factor in all the food/drink/extras we tend to think it’s totally worth it!) and the dresscode is black tie optional or era themed. For more info and for special room rates call 651-228-3860 or visit www.saintpaulhotel.com.

I may be a “picky eater,” but one thing I’m not is a picky drinker. I’ll pretty much sample any alcoholic concoction placed before me, and the holiday season is a great time to merrily imbibe, sans guilt. Saint Paul is home to about a bazillion awesome bars and restaurants, ranging from seedy dives to classy-as-all-get-out establishments. In this week’s article, I’ll list off some of my favorite bars in the St. Peaz, complete with suggestions on the appropriate cocktail to order while patronizing them. Happy holidays!

The Turf Club

Saint Paul’s seminal rock club has definitely seen its fair share of raucous, booze-soaked shenanigans. The iconic venue has been a local staple since the 1940s, when it was known as country two-steppin’ hot spot. Decades wore on and the bar adapted to the times, finally finding its niche in the local indie rock scene sometime in the late ’90s. Since then, the Turf has become Saint Paul’s answer to CBGB’s; a divey watering hole that slings a stiff drink and turns up the speakers way too loud when the Twin Cities’ hottest bands grace its stage. Lined with year-round Christmas lights and cracked vinyl bar stools, the Turf is regularly peppered with a broad spectrum of patrons that range from skinny-jeaned hipster kids to blue collar workers looking for a cold brewski. Bonus: The kitschy basement “Clown Lounge.”

Suggested drink: Rock out with a Whiskey Coke, and expect it to be mostly whiskey.

Turf Club, 1601 University Avenue, St. Paul

Camp Bar

A relatively new addition to the Saint Paul landscape, Camp Bar opened on Robert Street in Mid-2007. This stylish gay bar that has two big, well-stocked bars, a dance floor, a lounge area, and great entertainment just about every night ranging from DJs to cabaret. Camp is one of my favorite spots in town when I’m looking to drink a sassy cocktail with equally sassy friends. Separated into two spacious, connected rooms, you can choose to kick it old school on a stool in the casual yet contemporary front bar, or head to the back room for a more nightclub-esque feel, complete with mezzanine lounge, dance floor and flashing lights. The best thing about Camp is its inventive fleet of bartenders, who are happy to shake you up a unique specialty drink that will almost always knock your socks off.

Suggested drink: Bartenders’ choice, just ask for something “fancy” and watch the magic happen!

Camp Bar, 490 Robert Street N., St. Paul

The Dubliner Pub

This sparse, roadhouse-style bar is a mecca for stereotypical Irish rowdiness and foot-stompin’ live music. While there’s not much that’s special in the pub’s design, it’s the patrons that make this spot a consistently rollicking good time. On any given night, a merry band of ruddy-cheeked drinkers can be found downing pints and exchanging lively tales. A steady stream of Irish musicians such as Tom Dahill, The Langers Ball, and The Wild Colonial Bhoys regularly get the joint jumpin’ with traditional tunes. The Dubliner is most definitely a major St. Patrick’s Day destination as well, with a tent erected in its parking lot and a huge, all-day lineup of musical acts especially for the occasion.

Suggested drinks: Keep it real with Guinness or Jameson if you know what’s good for ya.

Dubliner Pub, 2162 University Avenue, St. Paul

The Saint Paul Hotel

Forget the jeans and t-shirts, people. The Saint Paul Hotel bar is a reason to put on a slinky dress on a Tuesday (or any given day). The hotel itself is one of the most beautiful architectural landmarks in the city and its decadent interior is equally as charming. Belly up to the swanky marble bar in the Saint Paul Grill — the hotel’s upscale in-house restaurant — and indulge in a myriad of perfectly mixed cocktails served by dashing, impeccably groomed bartenders. The ambiance screams (eloquently of course) of old money and relaxed luxury; one may imagine oneself in an sparkly beaded flapper gown, smoking a slim cigarette from a long gold stem whilst leisurely sipping a cocktail. The Saint Paul Hotel is the best upscale bar in the city, hands down.

Suggested drinks: Something classic; a Martini, a Manhattan, or if you’re feeling bubbly, a glass of champagne.

Saint Paul Hotel, 350 Market Street, Downtown St. Paul

Downtown St. Paul at dusk. Image by Chase Turner.

There’s not a more magical, classic setting to the holiday season in Minnesota than our capital city. Being surrounded by St. Paul’s historic architecture like the neoclassic Landmark Center, the St. Paul Hotel, and the Fitzgerald Theater seems to inspire some sense of childlike wonder, particularly when trimmed with fresh snow and twinkling lights. For the first time last weekend, I had the chance to experience the best the city has to offer during the holidays.

Beet carpaccio salad at Pazzaluna. Image by Chase Turner.

After checking into the St. Paul Hotel, we headed across the street for cocktails and a four-course dinner at “urban Italian” restaurant Pazzaluna (360 Saint Peter St. 651-223-7000). Classic crooner tunes – think 1950s Sinatra and Dean Martin – played overhead as we sipped a couple of Pazzaluna’s specialty cocktails: the delectable “Sophia Loren” (Grey Goose L’poire, amaretto, fresh lemon juice) and the “Mad Hatter” (maraschino- and clove-infused Maker’s Mark bourbon, Italian sweet vermouth, cherry juice), a delightful twist on the classic Manhattan ($8). For the first course, we settled on the beet carpaccio salad. A beet lover myself, I found the beets to be especially rich with flavor and thinly-sliced to perfection, and the strong flavor was balanced with the mild combination of sliced endives, capra sarda cheese, and white balsamic ($8). (continue reading…)

This past Thursday, downtown Saint Paul scored major glamour points as hundreds of the Twin Cities most fashionable residents took over the Saint Paul Hotel and the Landmark Center for l’etoile magazine’s red carpet premiere of fashion design reality show, Project Runway. Two of the show’s contestants, Ra’mon-Lawrence Coleman and Christopher Straub who both have local ties were in attendance, adding to the excitement of the event.

Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman & Christopher Straub

Dual screenings were held; one for the public in the beautiful Landmark Center, and a private screening for media, fashion industry insiders, and the designers and their close friends and families in the Saint Paul Hotel’s lavish ballroom.

Screening at the St. Paul Hotel's Ballroom

The Saint Paul Hotel’s program kicked off about 8:15 with a welcome to the crowd of hundreds from the event producers and a big thank you to all the sponsors (one of them being our own Capital City Partnership, creators of this very website!) followed by an exuberant speech by Mayor Chris Coleman, who declared “I can safely say this is the best-looking crowd I’ve ever seen in St. Paul” and went on to talk about the growing fashion scene in the Twin Cities.

Ra'mon, Christopher and their families

Next up, was a surprise fashion show by Ra’mon-Lawrence, who gave the audience a sneak peek of his new line, which will be shown this September at New York Fashion Week. Then, both Christopher and Ra’mon bounced over to Landmark Center to greet the public audience of 300+ people and invite them to a post-party at the hotel following the screening.

Part of Ra'mon's fashion show

When the lights went down, the crowd cheered wildly, and each time Ra’mon or Christopher appeared on-screen they cheered some more! In a surprising turn of events, our two local boys ended up being the top two in the first episode’s design challenge. Christopher was announced the winner for his edgy, textural red carpet-inspired dress (which he said he designed with the VMA’s in mind), with Ra’mon’s sophisticated midnight blue gown coming in at a close second. The guys jumped up and hugged each other happily while the crowd went crazy!

Ra'mon and Christopher address the crowd

Next up was the post-party in the Saint Paul Hotel’s lobby, where the public and private events finally merged for cocktails and a special trunk show by Christopher Straub, who signed his own designer t-shirts, handbags, and accessories for fans. An after-after party was held at Camp Bar, where both designers danced the night away with their new fans, friends and families. All together, a fabulous night in St. Paul!

For 200+ photos from the event click HERE.

For my official recap on l’etoile/thank you list click HERE

For more info on Project Runway, and to watch the first episode for free click HERE

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!

Whether your drink of choice is wine or tea, St. Paul has you covered this Saturday afternoon.

The serious tea drinker best put on her white gloves and head to the venerable St. Paul Hotel, whose high tea – served most Saturdays throughout the year – is the most authentic in the Twin Cities. Served in its elegant lobby, the five-course afternoon tea includes a wide array of loose-leaf teas, scones and pastries. For the connoisseur, the hotel also offers etiquette classes so you can learn how it’s done. (3-5 p.m. $27 per person. 350 Market St. RSVP required to 651-228-3860.)

Other St. Paul establishments that serve high tea:

· Lady Elegant’s Tea: Classical music and vintage china in a Victorian-English styled dining room. (2230 Carter Av., 651-645-6676.)
· Cedarhurst Mansion: 9 and 11-course afternoon teas served Tuesday through Thursday, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (6940 Keats Av. S., 651-769-8918.)
· Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park: Periodic afternoon themed teas. (1225 Estabrook Dr., 651-487-8240.)
· Café Latté: Afternoon tea served daily noon to 5 p.m. (850 Grand Av., 651-224-5687.)

Wine more up your alley? Then check out the Rosé Tent Tasting event today at W.A. Frost put on by St. Paul independent wine shop Solo Vino. The shop, which was named the Best Wine Store in the Twin Cities by City Pages this year, will be offering tastings of more than 100 wines from 10 different countries with a focus on what’s new and tried-and-true for summer, paired with food from W.A. Frost – known for its great patio. (2-5 p.m. $20. 374 Selby Av. RSVP to 651-602-9515.)

If you can’t make it to the event, we highly recommend you hit up the shop when you get a chance. The shop’s selection of wines, focused on Spanish and Portuguese varietals, is all handpicked by its knowledgeable staff of seven. Best of all, they’re always happy to help you pick out the perfect wine, whether you’re a novice or a connoisseur.