Archive for August, 2007

Today is the 10 year anniversary of the death of Lady Di. She was only 36 years old, Marilyn Monroe was also only 36 when she died. When someone dies so young it is hard not to compare and think about what they were able to do in such a short time. This year I turned 42, Elvis died when he was 42. The big one for me was turning 39 and knowing MLK was only 39 when he was killed. I am crazy or does anyone else think about this on their birthday?

My favorite memory of this day 10 years ago was waking up and watching the news with my roommate Kathy. She turned to me and said “What was that fat opera singer doing chasing Lady Di on a motorcycle?” It took me a second to realize she thought paparazzi was Pavarotti. Lucky for her she had a gay roommate that could explain to her what was a paparazzi. But, of course I still call to reminded her every year on this day.

MINNEAPOLIS (August 28, 2007) — Angel Foundation announces a very
special concert featuring gospel virtuoso Robert Robinson and the award
winning Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir (TCCGC) for an uplifting and
energetic afternoon of song. Proceeds from the Sept. 16 event will
benefit Angel Foundation’s financial assistance programs for families
touched by cancer.

DATE:              Sunday afternoon, September 16, 2007
TIME:              4:00 p.m. general seating; doors open 2:30 p.m. for a pre-event jewelry sale by Just Cause jewelry
LOCATION:      Hopkins High School Auditorium
2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka, MN 5530
RESERVATIONS:  612-627-9000 or events@mnangel.org
WEBSITE:             www.MnAngel.org

“To a family facing cancer, nothing is more important than hope—I can’t
think of a better way to impart that message than through the inspired
vocal excellence of TCC Gospel Choir,” says Angel Foundation Executive
Director Darolyn Gray, who is also the choir’s Board president. “Most
important, it’s an opportunity to raise money to improve the quality of
life for cancer patients and their families.”

Angel Foundation (formerly Minnesota Oncology Hematology Foundation)
was founded in 2001 as a charitable organization working to fulfill
unmet non-medical needs of cancer patients and their families. Angel
Foundation is a patient-focused non-profit organization dedicated to
its mission to improve the quality of life throughout the cancer
experience. While many organizations raise funds for cancer research,
Angel Foundation focuses on the personal day-to-day needs and
necessities of cancer patients. During the past six years, Angel
Foundation has blossomed into a vital community resource serving
hundreds of patients providing hope and stability through education,
support, and financial assistance.

I am back at work so you might see less of me at the cafe, but I was replaced by Joe (NOT Cup O’Joe). Joe is our new manager who comes to us with AWESOME qualifications. Be sure to introduce yourself to Joe.

Besides being back at work Dean and I had a huge scare this week. Ruby and Mac ate a large amount of pesticide: I use it on house plants I keep outside in the summer. So, they had to have their stomachs pumped and stay at the hospital overnight. Dr. Bailey gave Ruby a 50% chance of making it…but she DID!

Have a great weekend. We are now closing the cafe at 9pm on Sunday, but we will be open for Labor Day.

Last night was Norman Strizek’s last show on Fresh Fruit and I was luck to be his last guest.  Fresh Fruit is the longest running GLBT radio in the US.

You can stream the interview at: KFAI FRESH FRUIT 

Last night was the first night THE PARLOR was reserved. Spirit of the Lakes is a church on Lake Street. They are tearing down and becoming a church on the first floor and GLBT Senior Living on the floors above. This is the first in the Twin Cities and one of the few in the USA.
So, last night the planners met with people who have signed up and people who are interested owning a condo in the building.

More details for THE PARLOR will be ready next week.

Dean and I must thank our customers for helping get us through this rough time, the bridge and summer have taken their toll on our summer sales.  But, after I posted the 50% drop in sales on the BLOG our sales went back up and we are seeing more regulars back that lived in South Minneapolis.  THANKS.

Dean always gets my goat by saying “Nobody reads you BLOG.”

Well, this is proof that eyes are looking at this, in fact over 250 people read this blog every day.  I really try to include not only cafe events, but GLBT events, and neighborhood happenings.  Check out this article in the U Daily today.  Notice that quote on the bottom.  Community is a big deal to me.  We all need to feel a part of something.  I constantly introduce people at the cafe I think they should know.
If you ever have anything you think would be of interest to others please email it to me and I will try to post it.  Be sure to catch me on Fresh Fruit next Thursday night talking with Norman about the Twin Cities GLBT community.

Jeff has come up with two specials this week for you.

• Ensalada Caprese: fresh organic local heirloom tomatoes from Belliful Gardens
• Pasta Pomodoro: heirloom tomatoes with olive oil herbed mozzarella fresca fresh basil

Community Meeting Invitation: NE/SE Neighborhood Associations,

Senator Pogemiller along with Representatives Loeffler and Kahn would like to invite you to a community meeting to discuss the affect of the 35W Bridge Collapse on our neighborhoods.  We have invited the Met Council, MN Dept of Transportation, and the City of Minneapolis to the meeting to discuss issues such as the reconstruction process, transit issues and clean up issues.

Wednesday, August 15th
6 - 7:30 pm
Van Cleve Park - Gym

If you have questions please contact Hue Nguyen at 651-296-5311 or Lindsey Wollschlager at 651-296-7809

For the past three years one of our BEST customers has been Deb from Gopher Cleaners (35 W and 4th Street SE). She comes in daily for coffee for herself and her staff. In the year after we opening Deb lost her husband to cancer, but she always stayed positive. The LUNDS opened and she lost some of her business to them. Several months ago Deb found out she had to start chemo for cancer that was found in her. You think that would be enough for a small business owner to give up…not Deb. Then Friday night Deb got the call saying her business was in flames….ARUGGH!

Deb is still not giving up, knowing she can give better service than Lunds she wants to rebuild. So, if you live in the are PLEASE use Gopher Cleaners for all of your dry cleaning.

Some things to watch out for:

• We are bringing back the DAILY SPECIAL, at least we are calling it that…but really we will have it until we run out of it.  You will have to come in to the cafe or call to find out what the special for the day is.  Today we have a chicken salad in an heirloom tomato for only $8.  We found we have a lot of regulars who want change.
• Tom on KFAI 90.3 Fresh Fruit: on August 23rd I will be a guest on Norman’s Strizek’s Show at 7:30pm
• The Wilde Roast Cafe is going to be featured in the next issue of METRO.  METRO is like MPL St. Paul Magazine or Minnesota Monthly, but for a younger person.
• Because everyone wants to know…I go back to school on August 27th!
• The Parlor has some exciting news that we will reveal when it opens in September.  We do have some groups book for August, but I don’t think it will be completely ready until next month.