Siegel to step down as Hospitality MN CEO

Published by mmitchelson August 25th, 2010 in Announcements and Current Events. 0 Comments

Dave Siegel resigned as CEO of Hospitality Minnesota, the umbrella organization operating the Minnesota Restaurant, Lodging, and Resort & Campground associations. He is taking the top job at the Builders Association of Minnesota. His last day is September 10. Obviously, for Foodservice News‘ purposes, we dealt with him for matters involving the Restaurant Association. Siegel’s knowledge of the legislative landscape was broad, and that will be missed.

But, with every leadership change, there is opportunity. For the Restaurant Association, that opportunity should involve looking hard at its relevancy to the industry, and how it can provide value to current and potential members. Stay tuned…

—Mike Mitchelson, editor, Foodservice News

Closer look at SOS at the Guthrie

Published by plindquist August 22nd, 2010 in About town. 0 Comments

. . . .with a few fun flashbacks for the SHARE OUR STRENGTH event which brought out at the talented chefs & mixoligists that made us smile with tasty food tidbits & and flashy cocktails. I caught a few of their smiles too in this heavenly, sunny setting at the Yellowbox Theater high above it all overlooking the mighty Mississippi at the Guthrie Theater.  (see details in my AUGUST Tidbits column)  Now home to James Beard Award winning Chef Tim McKee’s SEA CHANGE, his team was joined by dozens of other local chefs as well as the new 2010 MN Beard Award winner Alex Roberts of Brasa and Alma fame.  AND, for sweet tooth fans the Diva of Desserts—the one and only Michelle Gayer of the Salty Tart Bakery in the Midtown Global Market “joined  this “good-old boys” mix to give us some female glamour. She has the prestigious honor of being the only Minnesota chef nominated in the national pastry category at this year’s James Beard awards as well.

Village Farmer’s Market, Chef Shack, etc.

Published by mmitchelson August 17th, 2010 in About town. 0 Comments

Every day I would read updates on The Chef Shack and other food trucks distributing their goodies at locations nowhere near where I work, which is in an awkward spot in St. Anthony, sandwiched between Northeast Minneapolis, New Brighton and Roseville.

Phone-ChefShack08161645 But then I got a “Tweet” (yes, I’m hip now) saying that Chef Shack would be in my neck of the woods! Like, a half mile away, in the parking lot of a strip mall I only knew existed because Tea Source is there. See, every Monday afternoon, the Village Farmer’s Market sets up and, well, in come some food trucks. I did not know about this, despite working in the area for nearly five years. I like to think I’m aware of things. But, ya. Missed this.

I Phone-SHERoyal08161646 drove down at about 4:30, and there was the Chef Shack truck, but also the Magic Bus Café and SHE Royal Deli, the mobile offshoot of SHE Royal Coffee on Hennepin Avenue (co-owner Samson Benti was in the truck).

So, thanks for the notice, Chef Shack folks. I sampled the goat and summer squash curry tossed with a bit of the mango chutney. I’ll swing by again for more samplings from all the vendors.

—Mike Mitchelson, editor, Foodservice News

Phone-GoatCurry08161636

Mpls. firefighter benefit at Seven Skybar/Ultralounge

Published by mmitchelson August 12th, 2010 in About town and Announcements. 0 Comments

City Hall, business community and professional sports teams rally behind the two brave men who are recovering from their serious injuries.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The outpouring of support for Minneapolis firefighters Jake LaFerriere and Dennis Mack is picking up steam as the Minneapolis African American Professional Firefighters Association (MAAPFA) and members of Local 82 of the International Association of Fire Fighters put the finishing touches on a major downtown benefit.

First, the latest health reports for Firehouse 11’s LaFerriere and Mack, who each suffered serious burns on July 3 in fighting a fire atop a three-story home in south Minneapolis: Both are now finally home and engaged in intensive rehabilitation. LaFerriere still must visit the Hennepin County Medical Center every day to have his bandages changed.

Second, the benefit on Monday, Aug. 16 is bursting at the seams with participants: Silent auction and raffle items are piling up, ranging from restaurant gift certificates to hotel rooms, golf outings to sports apparel, I-pods and I-pads. Supporters include Minnesota’s professional sports teams and their friends and colleagues.

Third, mayoral proclamations on behalf of LaFerriere and Mack will be announced on the day of the benefit in recognition of their dedication and commitment to serve the citizens of Minneapolis.

Firefighter Jake LaFerriere has been with the department for nine years and is newly married. He suffered third-degree burns on both hands. Capt. Dennis Mack is a 19-year veteran. He suffered third-degree burns on both forearms.

ABOUT THE BENEFIT:
The event  at SEVEN’s SKYBAR and Ultralounge 700 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis 55403….on Monday Aug. 16 is open to the public and will run from 7 to 10 p.m. It will feature food and beverage stations. The evenings highlight will be having firefighters Mack and LaFerriere on hand for the festivities. There also will be items available for a silent auction. A firefighter’s boot will stand ready and hungry for financial donations.

CONTACTS:
For more details about Aug. 16 event logistics, or information on how to make a donation contact ; Charles Rucker 612.695.0022 or Firehouse 11 Captain Tony Kuczek 612.382.8866.
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August FSN online, tasting dinner at Park Tavern

Published by mmitchelson August 6th, 2010 in About town and Announcements. 0 Comments

Yes indeed, the August issue of Foodservice News is on line. Not all of it, of course—get a subscription if you want to see all the fun stuff, like Server Speak, commentary on the tip-credit hoo-ha and other industry news.

And, here’s a perfect example of how much good cooking is going on at a wide variety of venues: Daniel Cleary has been the exec. chef at Park Tavern for…as long as I’ve been at the helm of FSN, and is probably one of the most underrated guys out there. Park Tavern is a worthy destination, and here’s a chance to see what Mr. Cleary can do: he’s turning out a seven-course wine dinner for 25 bucks on August 21. Info right here.

—Mike Mitchelson, editor, Foodservice News

Events Calendar

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Authors

Mike Mitchelson
Foodservice News Editor
mmitchelson@foodservicenews.net

Nadine Kasel
Foodservice News Advertising
nkasel@foodservicenews.net

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