Firemaking 101

Now, I'm by no means an expert, but I've lit enough fires to know something about how best to start one. Though not always possible, you're going to want to start with dry materials. Find some old newspaper, some branches that aren't soaked and get to getting ready to put the fire together.

 

See, all laid out, ready to burn.

 

 

Then start assembling the initial burn structure, this is what I call a "Lincoln Log" starter. You can also try a teepee structure, but just make sure there's room to burn... not all packed down so tight you can't see daylight through it.

 

 Fan or blow on the flames to get them going...

 

If the wood's good, the structure has enough air in it, and you have some luck, it will light right up.

 

A fire like this, with a red-hot bed of coals can almost burn anything. Find some driftwood along the shoreline and toss it on.

 

And then finish the firemaking and night outside by enjoying one of these...

 

 

ESPN's Going Home.

Watch "Members of the military return home to reunite with their families" on YouTube

Happy 4th, All.

Temperance River Trail, Tofte, MN

 

 

It seems like there's always something to do up on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Rainy mildly cold afternoon... no problem. Go for a hike at the Temperance River Trail and hike around while you wait for the sun to show.

 

Best part is that with all the precip this year, all the rivers are running pretty fast and full. It was great to check this place out... right off the side of the road. Don't pass it up next time, just swing off the road and get out of the car. I think you'll be glad you did.

 

 

 

 

Beaver Bay, MN

With the late, snowy winter and wet long spring, the rivers that empty into Lake Superior are flush with rich, coffee-colored water, foamy waves, and almost enough noise to drown out the sound of the highway. Stop for 5 minutes and check it out during the drive up north.

Tobie's Restaurant & Bakery, Hinckley, MN

You like donuts, right? You make the drive north every so often, right? Well in case you live under a rock, you should stop at Tobie's on your way up to Duluth. You can fill up the car, fill up your belly, and grab some fresh made donuts for the rest of the drive.

 

And don't think these are regular gas station donuts; these are proper , fresh, bakery donuts...like "they used to make". It's an awesome old-school donut experience. The Custard Bismark (aka, Boston Creme) was great and the Maple Long John was no slouch either. Solid  all around. Even the box they packed them in (to avoid in-car donut injuries) was a custom touch I'd never seen before.

 

Do yourself a favor/flavor and stop in.

MN Storm Damage, 06/21/2013

I think I would ask the arborist for a refund on these plantings.

Not only did this tree get uprooted, but it popped the sidewalk right out of the path too. The felled tree was two feet from the car.

Farfegnowineedanewcar!!!

Mill Valley Kitchen, Minneapolis, MN

 I had a chance to check out this somewhat new spot in Minneapolis recently. Overall, I would recommend it as a family and small-group friendly space, with interesting drinks, and mid-to upper level dinner offerings ($15-$30+ per entree). They even snuck a cool "Pope Room" in the corner of the place... it looked to be a great spot if you want to host a small group or have a small family event.

 

Reservations were easy on OpenTable and the front desk staff was on the ball.

 

Decent tap beer selection, but lots of wines and even smoothies for the healthy or tasty. I was surprised by how casual the bartenders (two women) were dressed. They appeared to have just come from a kick-boxing workout and were both, head-to-toe, in black spandex. I understand wearing black in the restaurant, but how about a button down from The Limited or something.... maybe some slacks.

 

Great pseudo-bonsai and real bonsai trees all around. 

 

Sea Bass with Red Quinoa... very good 

 

Really nice seating, generous size of the whole place, no feelings of crowding. 

  

Open and impressive kitchen... and magic comes from that oven. 

 

Try a few mini-desserts: great for sharing, makes you feel like less of a pig, and potentially cheaper.

 

They have much more nutritional info on their menu than I've ever seen - thanks! I think it's a proven fact or something that this kind of information helps people make healthier choices. 

 

Roasted Chicken Breast with Farro Mushroom Risotto, also very good.

(from top left around) Lemon Curd, Maple Panna Cotta w/ Smoked Salt (stir it in!), and Tiramisu - all very good and not at all too much at the end of the meal... just about perfect.