Rainbow Foods UNLIMITED double coupons -pocketyourdollars
It is true. I thought it was too good to be. But, it is really true.
Rainbow foods did unlimited double coupons last Wednesday and will again this Wednesday. Shhhhh. It is not being adversitsed by Rainbow at all. Thanks to another local blogger and fellow Bennie I was able to save a bunch of money. See the final tally at the end of this post.
Okay what does unlimited double coupons mean? It means that Rainbow will double unlimited coupons. There are a bunch of rules to this but it still means saving a bunch of money.
Why should you care? It doesn’t take that much time to get coupons together and you can save a bucketload of money.
As someone who had only watched extreme couponing on T.V. and used coupons to save money but not really to get things free I was sceptical. Carrie Rocha was on a local news station telling me that she got all these groceries for a few dollars. I thought to myself …what a load of bull.
Sure, I didn’t walk out of there with 1,256 dollars worth of items free but I did save over what I paid. I am going to count that as a score. Plus, all the items I purchased I will use. Unlike buying 50 bottles of mustard. (Please extreme couponers, give that crap away)
How I saved money was by using a list that I printed off of pocket your dollars and collecting the coupons that I could print from online. This was key because I don’t get any of those coupons from the papers. But, I might start buying a Sunday paper if Rainbow continues unlimited double coupons.
It really was that simple. Select only items from your list, make sure the product matches the list and the coupon, and during check out confirm they are being doubled.
So, thank your local blogger, Carrie Rocha. You rock!
I suggest you click HERE to get to PocketYourDollars and start your list for this week. PocketYourDollars is a local couponing blog. Couponing blogs are blogs that make money by referring you to use coupons. It seems like a win win win to me.
I saved $39.88 and spent only $31.56. This purchase included mini Baby Bell cheese for $1.00, Morning Star breakfast “sausage” for $1.00 and a few free items.
because mplsgossipgirl saves money like a boss.
@mplsgossipgirl
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*disclaimer: make sure you check on pocket your dollars to see if the unlimited coupons is still going on and verify with your local store. Unfortunately, these promotions change all the time. Doesn’t everyone wish Rainbow would do this every Wednesday?
Secrets of Minneapolis- One of the Best Happy Hours no one knows about – Gather at The Walker
Looking for a secret spot for happy hour on a Thursday night? Try Gather at The Walker.
It is one of the best happy hours in the city that no one knows about.
- 5 dollar small plates
- 5 dollar special drinks and wines (this past week it was a mango martini)
- 3-5 dollar beers
It only happens on Thursday night, when The Walker opens its doors for free Thursday nights. That is right, you do not have to pay to get into The Walker on Thursdays. So, after you eat you can go explore all the wonderful modern art that The Walker has to offer.
Why I call this one of the secrets of the city is because when I was there last Thursday only about half of the tables were full. Normally, I equate this to either bad service or overpriced foods. That is not the case with Gather. My best guess is that people think you have to pay to get into the Walker to eat in the restaurant. Not true. Plus, it is a bit hard to find in the building but if you get lost ask one of the Walker staff.
You need to try this place because the service is excellent. The staff is always trying to make this the best experience for their guests. I even overheard a staff member trying to make a childs nonalcoholic drink fancier and extra special. They go the extra mile. Plus, you can tell the staff enjoys working with each other.
Another reason this place is wonderful is that you can watch the chefs work. When I looked over at them they were smiling and having a great time. Good food comes from happy chefs.
This would be a great place to take a date; the ambiance and low lighting create a romantic atmosphere. This space in the Walker has really nice views. My advice: when making a reservation ask for a spot near the window. It is also a great place for a birthday, they have room for a group of about 8. I suggest sharing a bunch of the small plates.
My favorite small plates are the grilled cheese, fish tacos, bahn mi, and the fries with the aioli. Also, each week they usually feature two dishes from a local chef. Those usually are wonderful as well. They are a great way to try something that you might never try otherwise, such as frog legs. Plus, if you go on the first Thursday of the month the dishes from the local chef are free to try.
The trio of grilled cheeses differ with what cheeses are served. The ones that I had this week were a cheddar, brie with fig jam, and another one with herbs and mushrooms. All of them were different and fun.
I also had the fish tacos, a little bit spicy but very fresh. I liked the lime flavor of the slaw that tops the fish.
All of the food at Gather is locally sourced with much from family farms. Which makes the menu smaller but it only contains dishes that are necessary. Two items on the menu that I want to try next time are the Buttermilk marinated chicken and the beet dish with asparagus, pistachio, and orange.
Gather came out with a new menu, so the menu on their website may not be reflective of what is really on the menu now. I am very excited about some of the drinks on the new menu. They are flavors of fall and winter. The Harvest Grog with red wine, cider, whiskey, and maple syrup will warm the heart. Yum! Who comes up with these drinks?
I heard a rumor that in December, Gather will be open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and will be serving British fare to celebrate the British Ad Awards. I also heard a rumor that the next guest chef has a restaurant near The Walker.
Take a look at Gather’s website HERE.
because I like secrets.
@mplsgossipgirl
Restaurant Week MN 2012 – Saffron
It is that time again. It is Restaurant week.
My pick for Fall Restaurant Week 2012 was Saffron. I picked Saffron because of the menu. They had starters that sounded fresh, entrees that were adventurous (more so than the steak, chicken, and fish options), and dessert that sounded delectable. I also liked the option of the add on wine pairing and the suppliments. I would suggest the wine pairing because it is worth the cost and the tables around me all ordered it.
I am glad that I chose Saffron because I had never been there before and it was an excellent meal. Saffron serves contemporary mediterranean and middle eastern cuisine. Every dish is full of spices and made with quality ingredients.
The night started out with a bit of a mess. Saffron is not the easiest place to get to. We pulled into the parking lot that was closest to Saffron and it was 10 dollars to park there with no valet. Holy Crap. So, my first bit of advice is to take public transportation there.
That made me a bit cranky, but when I walked into Saffron I was quickly greeted and seated. The atmosphere of Saffron is romantic, dimly lit (as you can tell by my pictures) and plush. This restaurant has a calming nature to it. None of the servers were rushing around and they let you take your time.
The first course was the salad course. I had both selections on the restaurant week menu; the blood orange salad, and the greens salad with figs and blue cheese. Both were very different and good.
The blood orange salad was fresh and bright. I liked the salty feta with the sweet orange and then the bite that comes with the olive. I almost thought it was going to be too summery but suprisingly the olives added a deeper tone. It was a really great start to the meal.
The green salad was also fresh and had spiced almonds on it. Whatever those almonds had on it, I wanted a plate of them. It was dressed perfectly and had blue cheese and figs.
As a supplement I had the additional plate of assorted traditional spreads. Supplements are add ons that can be purchased for 10 extra dollars, I would suggest getting this. My favorites included hummus and the spicy goat cheese. But, do not discount the other spreads such as the baba ganoush which was smokey and deep and the lentil spread with spices.
Then came the entrees of Arni Youvetsi (lamb) and Bouillabaisse. They were full size.
The lamb dish was heavy and savory. It was spiced and was served with orzo and reminded me of a fancy Minnesota hot dish. It was a little salty for me but I believe it was because of the combination of the bread crumbs and the cheese that was over salted.
The Bouillabaisse was excellent and had the taste of the sea. I was impressed by the ingredients that were used in the dish; Harissa shrimp, clams, mussels, and a few types of fish. They also added a toasted piece of bread with a sauce on it which was excellent when dipped in the broth.
The only low point of the meal came during dessert when the pear tart came. Although, this picture makes it look beautiful, it had clearly been made awhile beforehand and sat in a fridge until served. This caused the pastry part of the dessert to be hard and stale. The pear could have used a bit more spice. I liked the ice cream that topped it and the sauce on the plate but it couldn’t make up for the hard pastry.
The other dessert was great. It was a salted caramel trifle. It was rich and creamy. It was cold and had a crunch to it with the cookie on the bottom and the brittle on top. It was the highlight of the meal. Even when I was full, I kept eating this.
My suggestion for next restaurant week is that the chef does a trio of trifles. I would love to see what kinds Saffron would come up with.
The service at Saffron was great. I appreciated the calmness of the staff and the quiet of this restaurant.
If you have not made reservations yet, try Saffron. It was delicious. I would order either salad, the suppliment of spreads, the lamb entree, and the trifle for dessert.
You can read my eariler post about how to participate in restaurant week HERE and see my picks for fall restaurant week 2012 HERE.
because I love good food.
@mplsgossipgirl
disclosure: I have not been paid to provide endorsement for either the restaurant or promoters of restaurant week. These opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for posting them.
Restaurant Week MN – My Picks
Restaurant Week Minnesota is coming up on October 21st-26, 2012. Do you have your reservations yet?
If you don’t know what Restaurant Week is, you can read my earlier post HERE. It details what you need to do if you want to participate.
When deciding where I am going to go for restaurant week I take a look over all the menus and then decide what I think looks best. These are my own opinions and I am not paid for my endorsements or criticisms.
Here are my picks:
Good:
Bradstreet Crafthouse: Very good drinks and a delightful atmosphere. Plus, the lamb sliders are yummy.
Cafe and Bar Lurcat: AMAZING! If you have never been to Lurcat, you need to make this your pick. I reviewed this awhile ago HERE and loved my meal. My helpful hint: Ask your server what items they like on the menu. They have tried them and know what is best.
Capital Grill: This is the place you go if you like meat. They have fantastic steaks and it is the perfect place to have a fancy night out with complementary valet. Make sure you come dressed up.
Corner Table: I haven’t been here before but the menu excites me. This one might be a leap of faith. How can you go wrong with Pots du Creme with gingerbread?
FireLake Grill House: Chosen because they are using local ingredients. I like the idea of the lunch menu with a salad and a sandwich.
Haute Dish: What a great way to try some of their different menu items. People love the mac and cheese with king crab and the tator tot hot dish.
Heidi’s: If you haven’t had a chance to get here yet. You must. This is an excellent restaurant and I can’t believe they are even participating. I have had the lamb shank before and which is perfect. If I were to go here I would try the dungeness bisque.
Highland Grill: One of the only restaurants who figured out how to use the $15 dinner correctly. What a great way to try many of their menu items like the fundito dip.
The Oceanaire: The grilled swordfish, enough said.
Saffron: The whole menu looks delicious. I love how they offer add on’s of wine pairing and also supplements. I don’t know if I would be able to decide between the entrees.
Technique: This is at the chefs school which makes me excited. Not only are these chefs trying some new things, they are most likely being “graded” on their performance. Although this is new I think that the prices are great, 3 courses for 15 dollars. I wish they could have more spots open for reservations. The meatloaf sounds like bunches of fun.
Vincent A: This is one of my favorite places to go during restaurant week. They make really great food and the atmosphere is fancy. Go on a date and order both of the entrees, you will be impressed. I wish they would offer their Pots Du Creme for the dessert though.
Maybe:
Aji Japanese: $10 all you can eat sushi for lunch! This intrigues me. But, I am not sure of the grade of sushi being used or what types this includes. It looks promising.
Campiello: I have never been here but the menu looks promising. I think they would be better off trying a $15 dollar dinner and seeing if they can get some new customers trying their food.
Copper River Fish and Chop House: I might try this place sometime. The menu looks pretty good on their website and they have fresh fish. Hopefully, they can cook it well.
Cosmos at the Graves: I find it interesting that they put directly in the menu that tax and gratuity are not included. The menu looks promising and a few friends said they liked the restaurant week items here. I am just not sure about it yet. The lunch menu looks like a good deal to me.
Dakota: Why did you just put one option? The Dakota would have been one of my top picks if they would have given more options. They have some talented chefs there who are going outside the box. My suggestion is to give a few fun and exciting options and at least one safe option.
Fogo de Chao: I heard this is a great deal and my guy friends love this place. I have never been here since I am not a meat, meat and more meat kind of person. If I did go here I would go during a special like Restaurant Week.
Joe’s Garage: I haven’t been here and that is the only reason why it is not in the Good category. They have a great menu with lots of options and anyone who serves Poutine is cool in my book.
Longfellow Grill: Could be good. Not really sure on this one.
The Lowry: I have heard that people like this place but the menu doesn’t look all that great. Although, it might surprise me.
Masa: I always walk by this place and wonder why it isn’t busy. That makes me hesitant to go there. But the menu looks good and I think lunch here would be great. I love a good torta.
Parma 8200: The melon salad sounds good. I could give this place a try.
RedRossa Italian Grille: Gorgonzola sauce, I need to find out what this is. It sounds yummy.
Rosa Mexicano: I am a fan of flan. Yes, I may be the only one.
Scusi: The scallops sound really great. I haven’t been here before but this might be a good time to try it for the first time.
Sea Change: This restaurant is great and I wish they would have offered a special dinner along with the lunch. If you can make it here for lunch you will not be disappointed. I think this place is intimidating for some people and I would love to see a special that would get this place some new fans.
Stella’s: Wow that lunch special looks great. I like the options and think that it would be a fun place to catch lunch with a friend.
Twisted Fork: Lavender Creme Brulee, sounds great. I think they have a good menu and would consider going here on a relaxed night out.
Urban Eatery: I have heard this place is good. It was right on the edge of making it to my favorite places. The pumpkin dessert looks great!
Wildfire: I have not been here before, but I like how many options they gave on the menu.
I wouldn’t recommend:
Amore Victoria: I have had horrible service here and cannot recommend it even though the food is good. The choices of the Pumpkin, Osso Buco, and Chicken Parmesan sound delicious but coupled with the service I can’t do it. See my review HERE.
Blue Point Restaurant: Not that impressed with the menu. Give us the good items that you serve and I might think about stopping by.
Chez Daniel: The reviews are mixed. I have never been here but the menu seems over priced for being in a hotel and out of the city. They do groupon specials which makes me hesitant that the food cannot stand alone. I might try if the price was more reasonable.
Damico Kitchen: I am bummed about the horrible service that I got here last time. Read my review HERE. But, the food and the menu is good, so if you are willing to bet on the service you could give it a try.
Edina Grill: Why are you doing a $30 dinner. Try the $15 dollar dinner next time.
Forepaughs: A waldorf salad really? For 30 dollars. The other parts of the menu looked okay but, it makes me wonder how good it can be if they would actually serve a waldorf salad. Are we going to a funeral?
Jimmy’s Food and Cocktails: I wish they would have included what the exact choices would be. Could be good.
Kincaid’s: Not wow’ed by either locations menu.
The Lexington: Could be fun to go here. The desert looks good but I am not that excited about the rest of the menu. But, I think it would be fun to take my Grandma here.
The Melting Pot: It screams cheesy romantic valentines day date for high schoolers to me. I just can’t get on board with it. Plus, melted cheese freaks me out a little bit.
Sanctuary: It could be good. I am just not sure about it.
Seven: They have a decent menu with Jumbo Prawns on it. But, I feel like they already have the marketing budget and not sure why they are doing this.
Woolley’s Steakhouse: That Kielbasa Mac and Cheese does not sound appetizing.
Don’t go here:
3 Squares: They do not have anything over $15.00 on their regular menu. Why would you spend $30? My suggestion, please make your menu a $15 dollar dinner.
Chiang Mai Thai: They didn’t put their best item the Pad Thai on the menu. I haven’t been impressed with this place lately and it is not worth the price. I reviewed them recently HERE.
Crave: What a lousy menu. I think you could do better than that Crave.
Huberts: Why would you go here? It is bar food. Which I am sure is delicious but I am not sure why it is on the restaurant week menu. If you are looking for a greasy hang-over spot or a place to get a hang-over. Maybe you should try this place.
Indian Zayka: The menu is not posted, but there are pictures of people using a buffet. Not sure why this is on restaurant week. But, I love Indian food so I wish the menu was posted.
Loring Kitchen: Horrible service and a bad restaurant week menu as well. This place is not my favorite. See my review HERE.
Samba Taste of Brazil: heard this place was good. The menu does not reflect that.
Woodfire Grill: A burger is an entree that you can get for a $30 dinner? That is crazy. That burger must be unreal. Most likely it is just a rip off though. Please prove me wrong.
During restaurant week watch for my posts on the places that I go and my reviews.
Please also leave me comments or tell me about your experience at the different restaurants. I would especially like to hear about any that were rated lower on my scale but that you thought were really good.
because I love food.
@mplsgossipgirl
Rustica
I can’t remember the last time I had something with currants in it. So, naturally when I saw this currant scone on the menu at Rustica I had to get it. If you don’t know, currants are a small berry fruit that is dark purple in color and very tasty.
In the strip mall across from the Whole Foods in Uptown, Rustica is not what it looks like from the outside. Honestly, it looks shabby from the outside but once you get inside you are transported to a whole new world of coffee and bread. This bakery and coffee shop looks like it should be housed in an old brick building with ivy growing on the outside and a local bookseller next door who sells leather-bound books. Although, its outside is blah, it is in a great location and is fairly easy to get to if you live in Uptown, Minneapolis.
Despite it’s less than glamorous outside, Rustica is always busy because it has fantastic food. I have had several bakery items there and each has been delicious. including this scone. Once you have had one it will be hard to go back to any other scones especially the ones from Caribou. They get baked goods at Rustica. This scone was perfectly cooked with the right amount of browning and had this sugar-coating on the outside which makes a huge difference.
The breads are great and most of the time the coffee is exceptionable. This last time I had a very bitter cup, which must have been made incorrectly. But, I could have cared less since I was busy snacking on this scone.
The staff always is able to point out their favorite items that have been freshly made. So, take their advice. They know what is good and can point you to items that you might not normally try.
It looks like they also make sandwiches there and I am looking forward to having a day off where I can sit in Rustica and drink coffee, eat a sandwich, and write about my adventures in the Minne-apple.
because sometimes you need an escape to the old world.
@mplsgossipgirl.
Chiang Mai Thai
Chiang Mai Thai is one of those restaurants that I really want to like. But, unfortunately don’t. It has the potential to be great, in a good location, ambiance created by the theme, and a busy foodie scene, but it doesn’t measure up. The food just is not very good and either is the service. I haven’t given up on it and I will be back at some point. But, right now I don’t think the cost of the food is worth it.
As you can see above they do Pad Thai well. Mine was fairly good and tasted better the next day. What was lacking was everything else. I literally have disliked everything else that I have tried on the menu. I have had salads, several of the fried rice combinations, and the basil fish, all of them not very good. I did get a suggestion to try the Massaman Curry the next time I go there from an employee at the Kitchen Window. I trust her opinion and will be trying this dish.
I had by far the worst Spring Roll that I have eaten in a while. Presentation was great with the wrapping of it but, the taste was not good and the wrapper was really hard to bite into. The dipping sauce was off. I think they were trying to do a spin on the normal by adding some mint extract to it. But, it was overpowering and did not compliment the dish. I couldn’t tell if it was a mistake or if it was intentional.
The service we had was strange. Our server came to our table only 4 times during the meal but he did a lot of standing around. Many of the servers looked like they had nothing to do and were doing the same. It should have been busy because it was a weekend night during peak hours but, there was no one there. I felt bad for our bored server.
If you are looking for Thai food, I would head to Sam Thai in White Bear Lake. It is half the price and twice as good. If you are looking for ambiance you should go to Chiang Mai Thai. It is really beautiful, order the Pad Thai and that is it.
because you may have all the tools just find a new way to use them.
@mplsgossipgirl
Restaurant Week Minnesota – Fall 2012
It is that time again! Restaurant week for Fall 2012 is October 21-26. For those of you who have never participated I will answer your burning questions and get you ready to start attending Restaurant Week.
What is Restaurant Week?
It is a week where restaurants put on a special promotion and offer Lunches and Dinners at a “discounted” rate.
Does Restaurant Week only happen in Minnesota?
No, many large foodie cities like New York and Chicago do them as well. They may not line up at the same times as ours do. I know that some people even travel to those cities during restaurant weeks to try the food at restaurants that they normally would not be able to afford. Contact Open Table if you want to make a trip of it sometime.
How do you find out about Restaurant Week?
Well, word of mouth, blogs (like this one), reading MSPMAG or being part of Open Table. Now, that it is becoming more popular I think they will start using the same weeks during each season.
Follow my blog… right up there in the right corner and you will see my picks for each Restaurant Week. Otherwise follow me on my new facebook page Mplsgossipgirl by liking the page. It is NEW so be one of the first people to like it!
What the heck is Open Table?
It is great! It is an online service where you can make FREE reservations and earn points towards dining certificates.
They also offer special events and even more events when you are a V.I.P. You become a V.I.P when you help review the restaurants that you have visited. This week I received an email promotion about visiting a few restaurants Monday-Wednesday and receiving a gift card for your next visit (some of them were $25)
Plus, it is a great way to give direct feedback to the restaurant and help you remember the places that you liked or disliked.
They are a sponsor of restaurant week and usually most of the restaurants on the list are restaurants that you can make reservations for on Open Table.
I have been using Open Table for years and love being able to use this FREE service. They do send you emails every so often about different restaurants in the area and deals. But, you cannot beat getting free dining checks from them and the other offers when you become a V.I.P.
How do I pick the restaurant I want to go to?
Read REVIEWS. More importantly, read my blog all of my past reviews are posted. Some of the restaurant week promotions are not “deals” at all.
Look at the menus that are posted by MSPMAG. If they are offering a $30 dinner when their entrée’s are usually only $10 on their regular menu. That is usually a red flag.
Also, decide what type of food you want. Do you want a steak dinner? Choose Capital Grille. Want to try something new? Try Cafe Lurcat. Want to go to Uptown? Choose Heidi’s.
Unfortunately, it always takes FOREVER to get the menus on the website. So, I suggest taking a look at the normal menu at the restaurant to decide if you want to make a reservation. Some reservations go fast.
Okay I picked my restaurant, now how to I get a reservation?
All you need to do is click on the make a reservations link on left side of the website next to the restaurant you want. If you do not have an Open Table account you will need to create one.
There are some restaurants that do not require reservations.
This is awkward, what do I say at the restaurant so they know I am there for restaurant week?
First, you can put it in the reservation under the special requests. You can just type Restaurant Week and then the restaurant will get that note.
Also you can let them know when you sit down that you are here for restaurant week. Most places are good at offering both their restaurant week menu and their regular menu.
Is wine included in the meal?
No, any drinks are separate. Although, some restaurants offer wine pairings with their menu with an additional charge.
Do I need to tip?
Yes. Please tip your waiter or waitress. It is not included in the price of the meal.
What is fun about Restaurant Week?
It is a reason to go out and try a restaurant that you have never been to before.
Once I saw a group of friends who schedule a fancy dinner on the Wednesday of every Minneapolis Restaurant week. Each person gets a chance to pick the restaurant and they each order different menu items and share.
They love the excuse to get together, dress up, and enjoy a fancy meal.
Where is mplsgossipgirl going this Fall Restaurant Week?
Look for future postings on my “Best Bets” for this Restaurant Week and during the week of October 21-26th to see where I go.
Here are my past postings:
Check out the MSPMAG for Restaurant Listings: HERE
Get an Open Table Account: HERE
because I love food.
@mplsgossipgirl
MN Blogger Conference
Are you a blogger? Do you live in Minnesota? Then you have to attend the MN Blogger Conference next year. No if’s and or but’s about it.
I happened upon this conference by fate when I added @MNBlogCon on Twitter. I then started to see posts about the conference and knew that I had to get a ticket. Since I am pretty new to blogging, it was a chance to see what blogging really looks like in Minnesota. I had no idea what an awesome community we have here.
The MN Blogger Conference is a gathering of bloggers and professionals who work with blogging products or with bloggers. The best part is that it is FREE. Yes, Free. Thanks to the many sponsors. (Allina Health, Pioneer Press, National Camera Exchange, Strother Communications Group, Mall of America, Plum District, Sleep Number, Padilla Speer Beardsley, Glimpses of Soul Photography, Art House, Muddy Paws Cheesecake )
Not only is this a great networking opportunity, this is a place where you can learn new skills to enhance your blog. I can say that I learned invaluable information at this year conference and met people who are helping me on my blogging journey. (Thank you Mykl Roventine, Grant Landram, Elan Karpinski, and Jen )
Whether you are a new blogger, a seasoned blogger, or someone who loves to write and is thinking about starting a blog, there is something here for everyone.
The first session I attended was Behind the Scenes: Brands and Blogger Relations by Lauren Melcher of Weber Shandwick. This presentation was about blogger relation programs. For Bloggers, it was a chance to see what these programs can look like and for industry professionals it was a view into what bloggers think about these programs. Lauren shared her knowledge and made me think about what I want to do in the future with my blog and what I should be doing professionally (Please hire me Weber Shandwick).
The next session I attended was about how to avoid being sued with Steve Aggergaard. It was very informative about steps you should take but left me with a lot of questions. I think next year we need a question and answer session with a lawyer. But, Steve’s presentation was a great introduction for someone who is just starting a blog.
Lastly, I attended Mykl Roventine’s 15 Essential WordPress Plugins- and 5 that will blow your mind. My mind was officially blown. I learned a lot about plugins and which ones to choose. Overall, it was great advice for someone who has been researching which plugins to use and can’t decide.
The keynote speaker was by Rick Kupchella who is now working on bring me the news. A new local news source. It is interesting how they are adding to the local news scene here in Minnesota.
Overall, this conference was something I can look back on and say that I am truly blessed to have a chance to be part of. I learned about how to further my blog, met wonderful people, and now have the confidence to move forward with my dream of reaching out and helping other Minnesotans with my blog.
I started my blog because I wanted to force myself to get out and try new things and encourage others to do the same. It is the best thing in the world to see others benefit from one of your posts and see local businesses and products gain new customers (contact me on twitter @mplsgossipgirl if you would like to be featured). I wanted to thank all of the fellow bloggers who have supported my efforts and sent me new readers.
The Minnesota Blogger Conference is something that I will be attending for many years to come, in hope that one day, I can be one of those people who helps a new blogger gain the confidence it takes to keep blogging.
http://mnbloggerconference.com/
because Minnesota Bloggers are amazing!
@mplsgossipgirl
Rudolphs Bar-B-Que
Now who would think a Bar-B-Que place would have a great Mediterranean Platter, but Rudolph’s does. I had to share this with you because I love this dish, it is spicy and unexpected. If someone hadn’t told me to try this Plate, I never would have ordered it off a menu that is mostly meat focused. Who goes to a BBQ place and orders a Mediterranean Platter?
This girl!
On this plate they have spicy feta dip, hummus, and this green stuff called tyrosalada. I have no idea what the green stuff is but it is AMAZING! My best guess is some sort of jalapeno feta dip.
You might not know that Rudolphs was first opened in 1975 by Jimmy Theros. During this time period there were many BBQ “joints” but not restaurants. Jimmy wanted to open a place where BBQ was elevated and enjoyed with a touch of class, because we are classy in Minneapolis. After traveling around and trying BBQ from all around the country, he finally decided on a recipe of his own.
If you are new to Minneapolis, Rudolphs is a place in the middle of uptown and downtown on Franklin and Lyndale with the huge neon rotating sign. They have a happy hour that lasts until 7PM Monday – Friday and a great beer list.
Also a great place to go for a diverse late night crowd if you are no into the whole cowboy bar fad.
because “green stuff” is yummy.
@mplsgossipgirl
mplsgossipgirl 