The Ford Bridge Drive-in Then and Now

I used to drive by this place and think it was an old gas station. Until just recently the building was still there and was being used as the offices for a tree care services. Somebody had big plans for a condo project, but something stalled and fell through so now the neighborhood is stuck with a big unfinished hole. And so it goes…  Read More

Jumping off the Bridge

Bridge over the Lagoon between Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake, 1960's Dear Mounds, You should have been there! Greenjeans and I were jumping off the bridge on the west side of Lake of the Isles. It was probably ninety degrees and the water felt so good! After about a dozen jumps we saw the PARK POLICE car coming around the lake and one of the cops said don’t jump, but... Read More

Lake Nokomis Refectory Then and Now

Then Lake Nokomis refectory and picnic shelter in 1936 In 1929 the park board began construction of a picnic shelter on the north shore and added a refectory to the west shore. Construction was completed in 1930, one of the park board’s last construction projects approved before the Great Depression. Very few improvements were made to any city parks from then until after World... Read More

The Canteen Cafe Then and Now

The Canteen Cafe used to be open 24 hours where the Embers Bridgeman’s is today. I don’t remember ever eating there and I only occasionally remember the Embers these days. Don’t go to the Embers looking for “atmosphere.” You won’t get it. If your looking for a fine burger try the Emburger Royale. They’ll bring you a large mound of fries,... Read More

Mayor R. T. Rybak proclaims May 22 Minneapolis Farmer’s Market Appreciation Day.

The City of Minneapolis, through its Homegrown Minneapolis initiative, is advancing healthy, sustainably produced and locally grown food. The Minneapolis Farmers Market with its 230 vendors is a key asset in achieving the goals of Homegrown …Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Farmers Market makes the crucial connection between area growers and Minneapolis residents, said Mayor... Read More

The Angry Catfish Now and Then

They finally put the finishing touches to the Angry Catfish Bicycle + Coffee shop and the place is doing a brisk business. The bikes are beautiful and the coffee is pretty darn good. I usually brew mine at home and rarely purchase anything that doesn’t come in a big old can, but all the Chicago slicksters I know say Intelligencia is the way to go. I mixed a bag in with what... Read More

Downtown Smells Delicious

The Minneapolis City Council is relaxing rules to allow more food carts downtown On Friday the council voted and passed Lisa Goodman’s proposal to allow anyone who rents commercial kitchen space to prepare and serve food from a cart downtown. Before Friday’s vote, the city restricted carts to selling hot dogs, pizza, popcorn and packaged foods. The new rules are designed... Read More