Terzo / T3RZO Winebar, Minneapolis, MN

Another gem from the Broder family and this one seems particularly jewel-like, not only for the size of the intimate and well-appointed space, but also for the care they take in the dishes. Don't forget the drinks - they have small batch tap beers that constantly rotate and 50 wines by the glass, plus 1,000 bottles in the cellar. Not just having something for everyone, but finding *your* perfect pick is clearly something they take seriously.

Knowing only how busy the pasta bar is on weekends, I would recommend first trying T3RZO on a weeknight (as I did). It will serve as a great break in your week.

One of the most artistic back-of-menus I've ever seen

They have some really great lighting fixtures throughout the space... see those clear glass ones way back?

No shortage of wines at a wine bar, smart

I'll take a $8, 10oz. pumpkin beer, thank you very much (get off my back, it's Fall!)

Roasted fall squashes, goat chees flan, basil foamy thing, crispy prosciutto = damn good

Café Levain, Minneapolis, MN

I'm not sure I've had a better, heartier, Italian-American comfort food meal in the Twin Cities...and not anywhere else in a long-time either. I would highly recommend this place for a special night or as a special treat.

Mmmm, nothing tastes like fall like roasted brussel sprouts and cauliflower

A deceptively simple wedge salad with fresh tomatillos, very unique and delicious

Something like a short-rib beef stew with a horseradish creme fraiche, very hearty and comforting

Garlic attack! Roasted chicken with creamy garlic polenta - so good!

Vanilla Panna Cotta with dried cherries and toasted granola - almost too much after the items above

Pumpkin Power Saw (?!)

Has this power tool been created because Americans are too lazy to even cut up a pumpkin once a year? Or do some people carve so many pumpkins they need the cutting implement powered up? In any case, it's cheap enough to find out for yourself.

This was spotted at an Omaha, NE Hy-Vee (that means grocery store)...

Nebraska University Football, Game Time

On to the game itself.

NU's stadium holds a close knit 91,000 of your closest friends. It is 12th largest football stadium in the US, and, I was told, just added some more seats after last season. No doubt, it is a big stadium and holds a lot of rabid football fans.

In spite of that large mass of people, every NU fan that talked or interacted with us the whole day was nothing but nice. Many "good lucks" and high-fives were sent our way during the tailgate an even in the stadium. It was a great reception for the Illini faithful. 

And the stadium, while very packed in, seems to have it down to a science in terms of entry and egress. At half-time, you're even allowed to scan your ticket to go back to your tailgate, just be back in the stadium before the 4th quarter begins.. very "progressive" (plus, I suspect if you spend thousands of dollars on a tailgate parking space, you want to get your money's worth in the 6-8 home games per season).

Highway to the danger zone

More red than a blood bank

Pretty great seats for about $50/ticket. I'm sure you could pay a lot more too

No denying that NU has a rich and storied football tradition, long before being a member in the Big10

These look like the cheap seats, to some extent, but boy does the "horseshoe" afford a lot more seats for revenue

Well done, Sir. Well done (and another Illini fan)

Nebraska University Football, Pregame

The beginning of cool weather and shorter days make many Americans think of one thing, football!!! I happen to enjoy a good tailgate and drinking beer in the morning (on occasion), so when my brother invited me to the University of Illinois @ Nebraska football game on October 5th, I jumped at the chance. 

Of course, before attending any Big10 football game, since the stadiums have been mostly dry since their inception (not true any longer on all campuses), a tailgate is a requirement... heck, it's America! Luckily for us, Nebraska doesn't have an NFL team and most of the state's football efforts are concentrated on the NU football team and its tailgating season.

People start early. Parking lots are reserved just for tailgating activities, and fenced in to keep randoms out. Parking spaces are reserved (and paid for) in advance for an entire season, which means you go to the same place each gameday. They set-up some pretty amazing assortment of options and the requisite accouterments for the activity, behold:

Begin the day with a healthy breakfast

Grab something packed with vitamins and minerals to wash it down

One of the many SUVs and trucks used as the foundation for a great tailgate parking space. Wisely, this tailgater has set-up the back of his/her SUV with a full bar. What happens if they're ever pulled over? I have no idea, but it can't be a fun stop

Grill, meet Hitch. Hitch, meet grill. Viola! (in the NU colors of course)

Tailgate paddock, Partner. And a great use for an old bus, I might add...

I'm going to presume that you can buy a hotdog station like this one at CostCo now.

And now it's time to venture into the "enemy's lair"... NU's Memorial Stadium.

Northeast Brewery Tour, Minneapolis, MN

If you ever have an open, rainy, gloomy Saturday afternoon on your hands, you might want to fill it with a local brewery tour. Three of us whiled away all of a Saturday afternoon and evening doing just that. You can follow this route, or modify it to suit.

 

Dangerous Man Brewery
Indeed Brewery
612 Brewery

From left to right it's Dangerous Man, Indeed, 612...

All three are relatively close to each other, which makes doing this by bike very simple and can add extra safety for everyone involved. Of course, by car or by foot are also possible, depending on your group.

 

I was pleasantly surprised to find great places and great beers in each location. Not only that, but each was doing brisk business with plenty of people out and about. You also don't need to be worried about food, though these breweries don't serve any, they all have restaurants nearby or food trucks on-site to help curb any I'll effects of an afternoon of "sampling".

Wow, a great chocolate stout on a Saturday afternoon

Dangerous Man also does some pretty hoighty-toighty sodas, but damn if this Ginger-Black Currant wasn't awesome too

Wow, Indeed's Sweet Mamma Jamma, made with sweet potato... surprisingly good and an even better mouth feel with the Nitro pour

A couple of our Ocktoberfests at 612 - great this time of year. Is it time to hibernate yet?

Shoes I didn't buy...

...but sort of wish I had.

 

Didn't have my size left... but at $15, who wouldn't do ecto-plasm green?!

This is a Derrick Rose signature model... but those ain't no Bulls colors I've ever seen

Kind of funny that this pair from UnderArmor maybe the most innocuous of the three