Drinking and Thinking Water in Northeast Minneapolis

Just when Northeast Minneapolis was running out of corners locals have a new watering hole where they can gather to guzzle, gaze and gab in unique environs.   The Water Bar & Public Studio, (http://www.water-bar.org/calendar-2/?category=Water+Bar+%26+Public+Studio) is opening soon at 2516 Central Avenue NE, just North of Lowry. The Water Bar & Public Studio is a unique gathering spot with a serious mission – “to create a welcoming and generative social space around the life-sustaining, precarious, communal activity of drinking water” These visionaries see the space as “an art and sustainability incubator for Northeast Minneapolis and the Mississippi River watershed.”

A free and open preview happy hour is set for Thursday, May 5 when it’s Neighborhood Night, 5:00-7:00 PM at the Water Bar & Public Studio. Councilman Kevin Reich, Holland Neighborhood Board members, and other recognizables will be on hand to serve local tap water and brews. Though much has been written about the Northeast newcomer, here’s the chance to grasp the goal and to parse the action plan.

The Official Opening of The Water Bar & Public Studio is set for Art-a-Whirl, May 20-22. AAW event hours are Friday, 5pm-10pm, Saturday, 12pm-8pm, and Sunday 12pm-8pm

Promotional materials describe the Water Bar & Public Studio as “a collaborative public art project” led by Colin Kloecker and Shanai Matteson (http://www.water-bar.org/artists) of Works Progress Studio (http://www.worksprogress.org) in partnership with the Holland Neighborhood Improvement Association (http://www.hnia.org).

The Northeast Water Bar is just one of several projects these creative folks are launching this season in the Twin Cities. To follow the action at this vibrant initiative, including their penchant for pop-ups,  you’ll want to check out the website at http://www.water-bar.organd get on the mailing list.

 

 

 

 

Hot Dish Revolution Rocks Northeast Minneapolis

Residents of Northeast Minneapolis, especially the Holland Neighborhood, shared a knowing nod last week when the mainstream media heralded the fact that Representative Tim Walz (1^st Congressional District) took first place honors at the Minnesota Hotdish competition.   This is the fourth annual competition initiated by Senator Al Franken “as a way to give members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation a chance to mingle without the usual political sniping.”

With all due respect to their elected representatives, Northeasters know that, while Representative Walz’ Turkey Trot Tate Tot” hotdish may go down in history, the Inside The Beltway competition pales by comparison with a time-honored Northeast tradition.  Even as the solons rest on their laurels, Northeast residents are busily testing their culinary expertise for a local tradition that long pre-dates, and definitely sets a pace,  for the Congressional chefs.

Holland Neighborhood and all of Northeast will be turning out on Sunday, April 6, for what is, in fact, the tenth annual Hotdish Revolution, sponsored by the Holland Neighborhood Improvement Association.

The legendary Hotdish Revolution features actually categories – Spice, Vegetarian, Tater Tot Excellence, I Made It? (kids), Darn Good (beef, pork, other) and Fins and Feathers.   And then there’s the jello competition that defies categorization.

Hotdish-toting neighbors will gather at 4:00 on Sunday afternoon at St Maron’s Cedars Hall, 602 University Ave Northeast, prepared to face a distinguished panel of celebrity judges.

Dining for all begins at 4:30.  ($5 for entrants, $10 for others, $5 for kids 5 and under)

To complement the feast there’s beer tasting sponsored by the esteemed brewers of the Northeast Brew District.  ($10/flight)  Indeed Brewing, and Barley John’s Brew Pub will be joined by the folks from Sociable Cider Werks  and others to provide choice libations.

Music and, yes, you guessed it – Haiku!  The Friends of Northeast Library are sponsoring a hotdish/jello themed haiku competition judged by MinnPost columnist –about-town, Andy Sturdevant.

Revolution hotdish style

Jello too and beer

Haiku adds a lyric touch.

Follow the Holland Hotdish Revolution on Facebook or contact the Holland Neighborhood Association:  612 781 2299 or Holland@HNIA.org.