March Restaurant Roundup: THC dinner party and Animales Barbeque Co. returns

1 big thing: A hearty helping of restaurant news

2. The Spoon: The cold never bothered them anyway

Illustration of a spoon of alphabet soup spelling out "The Spoon" 

Aldi's "Gear Collection" merch is selling out in the Twin Cities

3. 😎 One outfit to go: Grocery store swag

🌤 Weather: Signs of spring are coming. Partly sunny all weekend, with highs in the mid- to low-40s. 

Situational awareness: The University of Minnesota men's hockey team will take on St. Cloud State tonight for a spot in the NCAA Frozen Four. (Details via MPR)

🫱🏽‍🫲🏻 Support our growth when you become an Axios Twin Cities member! Plus, you’ll get exclusive perks from our local team.

This newsletter is 496 words — a 2-minute read.

Thanks for reading! As always, hit reply to send tips/thoughts/if you’d wear the Aldi merch. 

🤐 If you need me, I'm not telling you what I'm doing. I tried to go there last week and it was too busy — I'm determined to get in this time.

Twin Cities

Picture of the Twin Cities skyline with MSP written across it.

Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporter Torey Van Oot.

Axios Twin Cities

St. Paul panel recommends property tax hike to pay for preschool for low-income families

1 big thing: Preschool for all in St. Paul 

Illustration of a wooden bead and wire child's play set with a dollar sign created from the twisting wire 

Hackers post Minneapolis schools data

2. 🧑‍💻 Hackers post Minneapolis schools data

Illustration of a fish hook surrounded by multiple cursors

3. The Spoon: UnitedHealth's HQ for sale 

Illustration of two spoons with text reading "Twin Cities" that changes to "MPLS" and "St. P."

4. ⛳️ Mini golf and cocktails coming to North Loop

A new career is waiting for you

5. 📚 Quote du jour: Take a (banned) book, or leave one

A red little free library box with titles banned by other states

6. Gophers hockey looks to break the drought 

6. 🏒 Gophers hockey looks to break the drought 

Partly sunny with a high of 38 today. Knock on wood, but we could see 50s within a week. 

☪️ Ramadan Mubarak! The holiest month of the Islamic calendar begins today and lasts until Eid al-Fitr in late April. 

Several restaurants across the metro have specials for those breaking fast at the end of the day.

Today's newsletter is 878 words, a 3.5-minute read.

🏋️ Torey's long read of the week is Mark Leibovich's The Atlantic profile of Arnold Schwarzenegger at 75.

🗞 As a former community newspaper reporter, Nick thoroughly enjoyed this New Yorker story on the drama over a Greenwich Village rag. 

👀 Audrey, also a former community newspaper reporter, now needs to reactivate her New Yorker subscription and read it. 

This newsletter was edited by Ross Terrell and copyedited by Carlin Becker. 

How 1 Twin Cities businessman hopes to become the Suni Lee of pickleball

1 big thing: Scoring big in the business of pickleball

a group of young people in athletic clothes holding bright green pink and blue paddle balls in front of a court

2. 🩺 Mapped: Primary care coverage 

3. The Spoon: A new weather record 

Illustration of a spoon and cherry, both with arms and legs, walking. 

4. 🏗️ A big redevelopment in Edina  

Take your career to the next level

5. 🏍️ Speeding through the skyways 

Weather: 🌥️ There's a slight chance of snow midday and a high of 41 today. That's not bad, but still cooler than the normal high for March 21. 

🙏🏽 Thank you to our members for supporting our newsroom! Join them.

Today's newsletter is 892 words — a 3.5-minute read. 

🪴 Audrey is repotting her houseplants until it's warm enough to garden.

🏕 Nick started Season 9 of "Alone" and is wondering why there hasn't been a Minnesotan on the show since Season 2. 

🍪 Torey scored a box of Raspberry Rally Girl Scout cookies without paying the eBay premium.

1 big thing: Naughty plates banned from the road

Illustration of Minnesota license plate with symbols implying a swear word.

2. 💰 Charted: Lobbying spending soars 

3. The Spoon: Mark your calendar for free park days

4. ⛏️ Stauber vs. Biden on Twin Metals 

New jobs to check out

Twin Cities Weekend Guide: "The Price Is Right," circus shows and more events

5. 😎 What to do this weekend

6. 🔥 Hot home: A turn-key Tudor in Fern Hill

a tan tudor home with stone around the green and snow

And the forecast looks good for more melt. Sunny with highs in the mid-4os, per NWS. 

Situational awareness: Xcel Energy is temporarily shutting down its Monticello nuclear plant after it discovered another leak. The company says the radioactive water remains contained onsite. More via Star Tribune.

Today's newsletter is 888 words, a 3.5-minute read.

🥩 Nick is getting his grill back out. 

📺 Torey is excited that "Succession" is back on Sunday. 

🎭 Audrey wishes the UMN journalism school had a dedicated theater troupe like the law school. She spent her time moonlighting as a dating advice columnist. 

1 big thing: Renaissance Festival's uncertain future

Fairgoers at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.

2. 🏀 Getting the wolf pack together again 

3. The Spoon: No strike for city workers in St. Paul 

Illustration of the Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture with a smiling emoji imposed on the cherry.

4. 💸 A big step in the state budget debate

Illustration of the Minnesota State Capitol with lines radiating from it. 

On the job hunt?

5. ☃️ Contest: Guess the snow melt date! 

🐪 Happy Hump Day! Forecast says cloudy with a high of 38. Better than more snow. 

Today's newsletter is 896 words, a 3.5-minute feast.

👀 Pssssst. Are you an entertainment/lifestyle journalist in the Twin Cities? We're hiring! 

👩‍🍳 Torey made this delicious cauliflower salad and is pleased to report that it's even better for leftovers the next day. 

🧗🏻‍♀️ Audrey is digging the snow out of her shoes after climbing Mount Prairie. 

🏀 Nick is going to the Wolves game. Who needs Ant and KAT when there's Prince?

This newsletter was edited by Ross Terrell (Go Hawks!) and copyedited by Carlin Becker. 

Yia Vang's restaurant portfolio will expand again on Wednesday with Mee-Ka, a new pop-up serving Hmong American comfort food.

The James Beard-nominated chef turned the former Uptown Mucci's into Hilltribe MN — a space to experiment with new pop-up restaurant concepts like Mee-Ka.

Its menu incorporates Hmong ingredients and traditions into classic American dishes — like ramen noodles instead of spaghetti, with meatballs made of Hmong sausage. 

Note: That means today is the last day for Slurp, Vang's pop-up noodle shop currently in the space. Mee-Ka will run through early summer.

🚗 Twin Cities taqueria Centro launched Hippo Pockets, a new-concept "cloud kitchen" that operates out of its existing Eat Street restaurant. The catch: It's only available on delivery services.

Centro's Highland Park location is still set to open this spring, a spokesperson told Axios.

🍃 Smack Shack is hosting a "THC Dinner Party" on April 20 in Bloomington. Each course is paired with a different THC seltzer-based cocktail; by the end of the night, a diner will drink about 10 milligrams of THC. Tickets are $100.

🍖 Following a temporary shutdown by Minneapolis over its outdoor smokers, Animales Barbeque Co. will reopen for the season at Bauhaus Brew Labs on April 1.

🍷 Pinoli, a new Italian place by restaurateur Kim Bartmann, quietly opened in the Amore Uptown space this week.

🍕 Mezcalito Butcher in Apple Valley permanently closed March 19, but the operators plan to introduce Pizzeria Social and Curiouser Coffee in the same space, according to a Facebook post.

🔨 Modist Brewing is getting a makeover. The North Loop brewery just began a $2 million renovation to add a two-story event space, offices and brew lab; see the renderings on our Instagram.

The menu items at Mee-Ka. Photo: Lauren Cutshall

Restaurants

Yia Vang&#x27;s restaurant portfolio will expand again on Wednesday with Mee-Ka, a new pop-up serving Hmong American comfort food.<ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard-nominated chef" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/02/24/twin-cities-chefs-james-beard-semifinalist-nods" data-vars-content-id="077005b5-063f-47e3-84d0-781d3424d193" data-vars-headline="March Restaurant Roundup: THC dinner party and Animales Barbeque Co. returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/02/24/twin-cities-chefs-james-beard-semifinalist-nods" target="_self">James Beard-nominated chef</a> turned the former Uptown Mucci&#x27;s into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hilltribe MN" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/hilltribe_mn/" data-vars-content-id="077005b5-063f-47e3-84d0-781d3424d193" data-vars-headline="March Restaurant Roundup: THC dinner party and Animales Barbeque Co. returns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/hilltribe_mn/" target="_blank">Hilltribe MN</a> — a space to experiment with new pop-up restaurant concepts like Mee-Ka.</li></ul>

Food and Drink

Axios Twin Cities, anchored by Torey Van Oot, Nick Halter and Audrey Kennedy, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard

A Shakopee native hit 74 miles per hour racing an electric bike through the downtown Minneapolis skyways during February's big storm.

Professional Aaron Colton was granted special permission to ride through some of the elevated walkways and buildings, like IDS Center, the Dayton's Project and Orchestra Hall.

Other stunts included wheelies, trick shots and an attempted ride down an up escalator. Sponsor Red Bull claims it was the first time a motorcycle was allowed in the skyways.

Reality check: Don't try to beat his record. The sections were closed to the public during filming, and wheeled transportation isn't allowed indoors, the city confirmed.

"The Skyway Advisory Committee advises against those activities," a spokesperson told Axios in a statement.

Professional stunt rider races motorcycle through downtown Minneapolis skyways

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool/Chris Tedesco

Minneapolis

A Shakopee native hit 74 miles per hour racing an electric bike through the downtown Minneapolis skyways during February&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big storm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/02/21/national-weather-service-twin-cities-winter-storm" data-vars-content-id="ad3a1c19-052a-4b5b-818c-f745fe3d3d6a" data-vars-headline="Professional stunt rider races motorcycle through downtown Minneapolis skyways" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/02/21/national-weather-service-twin-cities-winter-storm" target="_self">big storm</a>.<ul><li>Professional Aaron Colton was granted special permission to ride through some of the elevated walkways and buildings, like IDS Center, the Dayton&#x27;s Project and Orchestra Hall.</li></ul>

Sports

Scott County is giving the Minnesota Renaissance Festival 10 weeks to come up with a traffic and parking management plan, or else officials will shut down the event.

Context: Traffic to get into last year's festival in Shakopee was often backed up for miles — blocking major area roads and frustrating fairgoers and Scott County residents.

The county threatened in December to pull its operating permits in 2023 if changes weren't made. Last year, the festival saw more than 300,000 visitors.

What's happening: An amendment approved at a Scott County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday requires, among other things, that operator Mid-America Festivals Corporation:

Create and present a transit and traffic management plan for approval on June 1.

Secure bussing options, potentially including park and ride lots, and encourage patrons to take the bus.

Hire a professional parking company to manage the site.

Implement a real-time messaging system to show if lots are full.

Plus: A date-specific parking voucher will be required for each vehicle, and 5,000-7,000 will be issued per day, depending on if the other requirements are met.

Reality check: Neither county staff nor the festival could share details on what a potential traffic management plan would look like. A festival spokesperson said at the meeting that "the plan will come later."

The other side: Several commissioners added that they didn't want to shut down the festival and had hope for the future.

"I wish it didn't have to get to this point, but I think we've got something better that's worth going forward with," board chair Tom Wolf said.

What we're watching: Mid-America Festivals Corporation will present its plans to the board on June 1. The Renaissance Festival can't operate unless the proposals are approved.

It's scheduled to run this year on weekends from Aug. 19-Oct. 1, Labor Day and Sept. 29. 

Minnesota Renaissance Festival given 10 weeks to  address parking and traffic issues or shut down

Traffic to get into last year's festival was backed up for miles.

Fairgoers at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Photo: Bruce Bisping/Star Tribune via Getty Images

Minnesota

Scott County is giving the Minnesota Renaissance Festival 10 weeks to come up with a traffic and parking management plan, or else officials will shut down the event.Context: Traffic to get into last year&#x27;s festival in Shakopee was often backed up for miles — blocking major area roads and frustrating fairgoers and Scott County residents.

News

Things to Do

🤑 Come on down for "The Price Is Right Live!" at Mystic Lake Casino this weekend. The traveling stage shows aren't hosted by Drew Carey, but lucky attendees can win prizes. Technically $29+, but legally, no purchase is required to enter.

🎪 Acrobats, aerialists, clowns, animals and more will perform at the Osman Shrine Circus in St. Paul. Tickets for one of the weekend's eight shows start at $20.

🚢 The Theatre of the Relatively Talentless, a performing arts group made up of University of Minnesota law school students, debut their parody musical "TORTanic" on Friday and Saturday at the U. Tickets start at $12, and Friday's are almost sold out.

🍸 Sample locally made liquors, mixers and THC seltzers from over 20 distilleries at the Made in Minnesota spirits tasting in Minneapolis on Friday night for $60.

🎉 The Minneapolis International Festival Saturday afternoon spotlights music, dance, art, food, exhibits and more from over a dozen locally represented cultures. Free.

💧Welcome the warm weather at Sunday's Härdsmälta Pond Skim and Festival in Bloomington, where brave participants try to ski or snowboard across a melting lake. Free admission if you bring three nonperishable food items to donate.

Sample locally made liquors at the Made in Minnesota spirits tasting.

Weekend

Illustration of posters and flyers with emojis on them, stapled to a telephone pole.

🤑 Come on down for &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Price Is Right Live" data-vars-click-url="https://mysticlake.com/shows-and-events/the-price-is-right-live" data-vars-content-id="b9866fa7-7a94-4436-a78b-d358b2a9f325" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities Weekend Guide: &quot;The Price Is Right,&quot; circus shows and more events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mysticlake.com/shows-and-events/the-price-is-right-live" target="_blank">The Price Is Right Live</a>!&quot; at Mystic Lake Casino this weekend. The traveling stage shows aren&#x27;t hosted by Drew Carey, but lucky attendees can win prizes. Technically $29+, but legally, no purchase is required to enter.🎪 Acrobats, aerialists, clowns, animals and more will perform at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Osman Shrine Circus" data-vars-click-url="https://osmancircus.com/" data-vars-content-id="b9866fa7-7a94-4436-a78b-d358b2a9f325" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities Weekend Guide: &quot;The Price Is Right,&quot; circus shows and more events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://osmancircus.com/" target="_blank">Osman Shrine Circus</a> in St. Paul. Tickets for one of the weekend&#x27;s eight shows start at $20.

Thanks to my mom, I snagged a few rare pieces from this season's hottest clothing line: The Aldi Gear Collection. 

I'm not kidding. Aldi dropped a merch line on Wednesday, and from what I'm hearing, it sold out almost immediately at many Twin Cities locations. 

In true Aldi "fashion," every item — including windbreakers, pullovers, hats, shoes and socks — is $10 or less.

Zoom in: The items are so hot, they're already being listed on eBay at up to five times the sticker price. 

Tip: According to my sources, bucket hats, baseball caps and tumblers are well stocked. 

I'm still on the lookout for the joggers. Email me (audrey.kennedy@axios.com) if you know where I can find them. 

In true Aldi "fashion", every item — including the windbreakers, pullovers, hats, shoes and socks — is $10 or less.

My outfit at any future Axios Twin Cities events. Photo: Audrey Kennedy/Axios 

Groceries

Thanks to my mom, I snagged a few rare pieces from this season&#x27;s hottest clothing line: The Aldi Gear Collection. <ul><li>I&#x27;m not kidding. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aldi dropped a merch line" data-vars-click-url="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/back-by-popular-demand-aldi-unveils-its-largest-gear-collection-to-date-301766375.html" data-vars-content-id="d829ddf9-64ed-4a16-b023-b5b472923432" data-vars-headline="Aldi&#x27;s &quot;Gear Collection&quot; merch is selling out in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/back-by-popular-demand-aldi-unveils-its-largest-gear-collection-to-date-301766375.html" target="_blank">Aldi dropped a merch line</a> on Wednesday, and from what I&#x27;m hearing, it sold out almost immediately at many Twin Cities locations. </li></ul>

Audrey Kennedy

Stories

March Restaurant Roundup: THC dinner party and Animales Barbeque Co. returns

Aldi's "Gear Collection" merch is selling out in the Twin Cities

Twin Cities Weekend Guide: "The Price Is Right," circus shows and more events

Minnesota Renaissance Festival given 10 weeks to address parking and traffic issues or shut down

Professional stunt rider races motorcycle through downtown Minneapolis skyways

Newsletter editions

🔥 Hot Aldi drop

🚗 Naughty plates rejected

💵 Paying for preschool

🏀 Wolf pack's (almost) back

🏗 Edina is booming