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- Contributor & Community Editor BiosThe Saint Paul Almanac is a literary campfire around which the diverse Saint Paul community gathers to share their stories. An experiment in democratic publishing, the 2012 Almanac brought together a multigenerational team of 18 volunteer community editors to blind select from 400 submissions the 129 stories, poems, and recipes chosen to appear in the coming edition. Every story has a unique, individual voice which, when combined with other stories in the Saint Paul Almanac, becomes a chorus encompassing all the energy of Saint Paul today. High school students’ work appears alongside writing by grandparents, and first-time writers appear next to Saint Paul literary greats such as Garrison Keillor and Max Shulman. Want to join us for the 2013 edition? In this section
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- MapsThese beautiful hand drawn maps are included with the 2012 Saint Paul Almanac, available for $14.95 in bookstores or in our online store ($17.95 including S&H). The maps are available for $10 (including S&H) as a stand alone 18.75″ x 15″ sheet, printed in full color on both sides.
- Art Galleries*private (sell) AAW Gallery of Wood Art 222 Landmark Center 75 Fifth St. W. 651.484.9094 www.galleryofwoodart.org Sponsored by the American Association of Woodturners. Artist Mercantile* 24 West Seventh Place 651.222.0053 www.artistmerc.com An eclectic mix of art and gifts with a focus on Midwest artists. AZ Gallery* 308 Prince St., No. 130 651.224.3757 www.theazgallery.org A fine arts co-op in Lowertown. Catherine G. Murphy Gallery St. Catherine University 2004 Randolph Ave. 651.690.6644 www.stkate.edu/gallery Visual arts that support the mission of the university. Concordia Arts Center Concordia University 275 Syndicate St. N. 651.641.8230 www.csp.edu/art Showing local and national artists as well as juried student and senior exhibitions. CVA Gallery College of Visual Arts 173 Western Ave. N. 651.757.4080 www.cva.edu/gallery Balances academic and community priorities to showcase all disciplines at the College of Visual Arts. Echo Arts Northwestern Building 275 Fourth St. E., Ste. b.200 Enter through the back door on Wall Street. Evoke Gallery* 275 Fourth St. E., Ste. 260 612.839.3079 www.evokegallery.com A mix of fair trade and eco-friendly gifts, handmade jewelry, and fine art. The FrameWorks Gallery* 2022A Ford Pkwy. 651.698.3372 www.frameworksmn.com Includes an ongoing exhibition of works by…
- Bars & RestaurantsBrowse by genre 128 Café 128 Cleveland Ave. N. 651.645.4128 www.128cafe.net Upscale dining with a changing menu of fresh and seasonal ingredients. $$ Abu Nader Deli and Grocery St. Anthony Park 2095 Como Ave. 651.647.5391 Small deli serving falafel and other Middle Eastern delights. $ American Burger Bar 354 Wabasha St. N. 651.222.2123 www.americanburgerbar.com The ultimate handcrafted burger den. $$ Amsterdam Bar & Hall 6 Sixth St. W. 651.222.3990 www.amsterdambarandhall.com Opening on Wabasha in September 2011 $$ Aroma’s Pizza 350 St. Peter St. 651.293.9040 www.aromascafe.com Build your own pizza for dine-in or take-out. $ Axel’s Bonfire on Grand 850 Grand Ave. (651) 312-1299 www.axelsbonfire.com American and Southwestern cuisine with a creative bar service and live music. $$ Babani’s Kurdish Restaurant 544 Saint Peter St. 651.602.9964 www.babanis.com Authentic menu offers a Kurdish take on cuisine. $ Bangkok Thai Deli 315 University Ave. W. 651.224.4300 When you see the mosaic-tiled chimney, you’ve come to the right place (one of the publisher’s favorites). $ Barbary Fig 720 Grand Ave. 651.290.2085 www.thebarbaryfig.com Grand Avenue location with inspired Mediterranean cuisine. $$ Barrio Tequila Bar 235 Sixth St. E. 651.222.3250 www.barriotequila.com Meet across from Mears Park for…
- Breakfast & DinersBlack Bear Crossings on the Lake 1360 North Lexington Pkwy. 651.488.4920 www.blackbearcrossings.com Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner all year round in the historic Lake Como pavilion. $ Black Dog Coffee & Wine Bar 308 Prince St. 651.228.9274 www.blackdogstpaul.com Locally-roasted coffees, creative wines and beers, and tasty daily specials for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. $ Bon Vie 518 Selby Ave. 651.287.0112 www.apieceofcakebakery.net Breakfast and lunch café that serves up the good life with a changing monthly menu. $ Bonnie’s Café 2160 University Ave 651.644.3393 Grab breakfast before the train at this favorite “stop-and-eat” at the edge of Saint Paul. Café Minnesota Minnesota History Center 345 West Kellogg Blvd. 651.651.259.3000 www.minnesotahistorycenter.org Self-serve café open only for breakfast and lunch. Outdoor patio and free Wi-Fi. $ Caribe Caribbean Bistro 791 Raymond Ave. 651.641.1446 www.caribemn.com Colorful hot spot offering chef-driven fare from the islands for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. $ Chatterbox Pub 800 Cleveland Ave. South 651.699.1154 www.chatterboxpub.net All-day breakfast and extensive entrée menu. Play vintage Atari, Nintendo, and Sega Genesis games while you eat. Sunday brunch from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. $ Coffee News Café 1662 Grand Ave. 651.698.3324 Small, busy shop for the…
- Catering
- Classic Saint PaulBennett’s Chop & Rail House 1305 Seventh St. W. 651.228.1408 www.bennettschopandrailhouse.com A casual, West Seventh atmosphere with nightly specials. $$ Big Daddy’s BBQ 625 University Ave. 651.222.2516 www.bigdaddysbbq-stpaul.com Old-fashioned BBQ across from Rondo Library in the heart of Frogtown. $ The Blue Door Pub 1811 Selby Ave. 651.493.1865 www.thebdp.com Fun Americana décor and a menu featuring the Juicy Blucy. $ Cafe Latté 850 Grand Ave. 651.224.5687 www.cafelatte.com Cafeteria, bakery, and pizza wine bar; this Victoria Crossing landmark is three restaurants in one. $ Caspers’ Cherokee Sirloin Room 886 Smith Ave. S. 651.457.2729 www.cherokeesirloinroom.com Traditional steaks, seafood, and spirits; open every day. $$ Cecil’s Delicatessen, Bakery, and Restaurant 651 Cleveland Ave. S. 651.698.6276 www.cecilsdeli.com Committed to quality delicatessen fare for three generations; delivery available. $ Cossetta Italian Market & Pizza 211 Seventh St. W. 651.222.3476 Cafeteria-style classic Italian food and a gourmet grocery shop. $ Dixie’s on Grand 695 Grand Ave. 651.222.7345 www.dixiesongrand.com Casual dining and Southern comfort; live jazz and soul throughout the week. $$ Downtowner Woodfire Grill 253 Seventh St. W. 651.228.9500 www.downtownerwoodfire.com Classic cuts and vegetables grilled over oak for unbeatable home-cooked flavor. $$ Fabulous Fern’s 400 Selby…
- European & MediterraneanBarbary Fig 720 Grand Ave. 651.290.2085 www.thebarbaryfig.com A Grand Avenue location with inspired Mediterranean cuisine. $$ Black Sea 737 Snelling Ave. N. 651.917.8832 www.blacksearestaurant.com Offering fine Turkish cuisine from Ali’s hometown of Akçaabat, Trabzon Province. $ Caffe Biaggio 2356 University Ave. W. 651.917.7997 www.caffebiaggio.com Country favorites and family recipes from all over Italy. $ (lunch) $$ (dinner) Christos 214 Fourth St. E. 651.224.6000 www.christos.com Formal Greek dining or a weekday lunch buffet in a breathtaking Union Depot setting. $ DeGidio’s 425 Seventh St. W. 651.291.7105 www.degidios.com Famous for pasta and a red sauce made daily with ingredients imported from Italy. $ Glockenspiel 605 Seventh St. W. 651.292.9421 www.Glockenspielrestaurant.com Great chef specials and an exhaustive beer list at Saint Paul’s German restaurant. $ La Grolla 452 Selby Ave. 651.221.1061 www.lagrollastpaul.com Romance and garlic on Cathedral Hill; dine inside or on the patio. $ (lunch) $$ (dinner) Luci Ancora 2060 Randolph Ave. 651.698.6889 www.ristoranteluci.com Fresh and local gourmet Italian food prepared by traditional chefs. $$ Meritage 410 St. Peter St. 651.222.5670 www.meritage-stpaul.com Sustainable and seasonal New American cuisine that tends toward the French. $$$ Moscow…
- Food Trucks & Street Food
- Ice Cream ParlorsDari-ette Drive In 1440 Minnehaha Ave. E. 651.776.3470 Italian, American, and ice cream! Family-owned and operated from March to October for over 50 years. $ Dar’s Double Scoop 1046 Rice St. 651.489.2422 Over 40 tasty flavors of deluxe ice cream from dairies in Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as sandwiches and pizza. $ Grand Ole Creamery 750 Grand Ave. 651.293.1655 www.grandolecreamery.com A classic ice cream parlor and pizzeria. $ Izzy’s Ice Cream Café 2034 Marshall Ave. 651.603.1458 www.izzysicecream.com Artisan ice cream with inspired, quirky flavors. $ Snuffy’s Malt Shop 244 Cleveland Ave. S. 651.690.1846 www.snuffysmaltshop.com A popular neighborhood soda fountain. $
- Indian & South AsianCat Man Do 1659 Grand Ave. 651.528.7575 www.catmandorestaurant.com The owners of Everest on Grand present the next level of Nepali cuisine: curries, choyla, and momo. $$ Everest on Grand 1278 Grand Ave. 651.696.1666 www.everestongrand.com A mix of tastes, from spicy North Indian curries to Tibetan dumplings and noodles. $$ India House 758 Grand Ave. 651.293.9124 www.indiahousesaintpaul.com Try the lunch buffet from 11 to 2:30, or enjoy dinner with quality table service. $ Khyber Pass Cafe 1571 Grand Ave. 651.690.0505 www.khyberpasscafe.com Authentic Afghan menu, which combines the best of several Asian cuisines, with special attention to chutneys. $$
- Mexican, Latin & CaribbeanBarrio Tequila Bar 235 Sixth St. E. 651.222.3250 www.barriotequila.com Meet across from Mears Park for happy hour: tacos, enchiladas, seafood, chicken, ribs, or steak. $$ Boca Chica Restaurante Mexicano & Cantina 11 Cesar Chavez St. 651.222.8499 www.bocachicarestaurant.com Minutes from downtown in the District Del Sol of Saint Paul’s West Side; patio dining and mariachi music. $ Boca Chica’s Taco House 407 Wabasha S. 651.222.8226 www.bocachicatacohouse.com The fast food version of Boca Chica with the same great taste. $ Brasa Premium Rotisserie 777 Grand Ave. 651.224.1302 www.brasa.us Featuring local, slow-cooked rotisserie meats for dine-in or take-out. $ Caribe Caribbean Bistro 791 Raymond Ave. 651.641.1446 www.caribemn.com Colorful hot spot offering chef-driven fare from the islands for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. $ El Burrito Mercado 175 Cesar Chavez St. 651.227.2192 www.elburritomercado.com Shop and eat at this authentic Mexican taquería in the West Side Supermercado. $ Homi Restaurant Mexicano 864 University Ave. W. 651.222.0655 Chilaquiles, enchiladas, moles, empanadas, tamales, and caldos made from scratch. $ La Cucaracha 36 Dale St. S. 651.221.9682 www.lacucaracharestaurante.com Established family restaurant with an ambitious list of tequilas. $$ La Hacienda 2467 7th St. W. 651.699.3213 Stop by after…
- Middle Eastern & AfricanAbu Nader Deli and Grocery St. Anthony Park 2095 Como Ave. 651.647.5391 Small deli serving falafel and other Middle Eastern delights. $ Babani’s Kurdish Restaurant 544 Saint Peter St. 651.602.9964 www.babanis.com Authentic menu offers a Kurdish take on cuisine. $ Barbary Fig 720 Grand Ave. 651.290.2085 www.thebarbaryfig.com Grand Avenue location with inspired Mediterranean and Algerian cuisine. $$ Black Sea 737 Snelling Ave. N. 651.917.8832 www.blacksearestaurant.com Offering fine Turkish cuisine from Ali’s hometown of Akçaabat, Trabzon Province. $ Fasika 510 Snelling Ave. N. 651.646.4747 www.fasika.com Ethiopian fare with a variety of stewed, curried, and charbroiled meats (vegetarian entrées available). $ Flamingo 490 Syndicate St. N. 651.917.9332 Savory East African–Eritrean menu with specialty lamb and goat dishes. $
- Patios
- Pizza & ItalianAroma’s Pizza 350 St. Peter St. 651.293.9040 www.aromascafe.com Build your own pizza for dine-in or take-out. $ Black Sheep Pizza 512 Robert St. N. 651.227.4337 www.blacksheeppizza.com Coal-fired ovens and exceptional ingredients create an American “pizza pioneer” experience. $ Caffe Biaggio 2356 University Ave. W. 651.917.7997 www.caffebiaggio.com Country favorites and family recipes from all over Italy. $ (lunch) $$ (dinner) Cossetta Italian Market & Pizza 211 Seventh St. W. 651.222.3476 Cafeteria-style classic Italian food and a gourmet grocery shop. $ Dar’s Double Scoop 1046 Rice St. 651.489.2422 Over 40 tasty flavors of deluxe ice cream from dairies in Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as sandwiches and pizza. $ DeGidio’s 425 Seventh St. W. 651.291.7105 www.degidios.com Famous for pasta and a red sauce made daily with ingredients imported from Italy. $ Eden Pizza 629 Aldine St. 651.646.7616 www.edenpizza.com Create your specialty pizza with a gluten-free crust: dine-in, take-out, or delivery. $ Grand Ole Creamery 750 Grand Ave. 651.293.1655 www.grandolecreamery.com A classic ice cream parlor and pizzeria. $ Italian Pie Shoppe & Winery 1670 Grand Ave. 651.221.0093 www.italianpieshoppe.com Award-winning pizzas and pasta since 1976 with online and dine-in specials. $ La…
- Southeast AsianBangkok Thai Deli 315 University Ave. W. 651.224.4300 When you see the mosaic-tiled chimney, you’ve come to the right place (one of the publisher’s favorites). $ Cheng Heng 448 University Ave. W. 651.222.5577 A photo album menu of authentic Cambodian cuisine for those who are weary of Americanized Asian. $ Eastside Thai 879 Payne Ave. 651.776.6599 Delicious food in satisfying portions. $ Fuji Ya 465 Wabasha St. N. 651.310.0111 www.fujiyasushi.com A Japanese food experience for lunch or dinner with an extensive happy-hour menu. $$ Ho Ho Gourmet Restaurant 1985 Old Hudson Rd. 651.731.0316 Chinese buffet and à la carte items; memorable chicken wings and roast duck. $ Kolap Restaurant 601 Dale St. N. 651.222.2488 True Thai food in a warm and friendly space that is perfect for large groups. $ Krua Thailand 432 University Ave. W. 651.224.4053 Curries are a specialty at this BYOB restaurant. $ Lao-Thai Family Restaurant 501 University Ave. W. 651.224.5026 Traditional Lao-Thai cuisine like raw beef laab, yummy pad thai, and chicken wings. $ Little Szechuan 422 University Ave. W. 651.222.1333 www.littleszechuan.com Adventurous, eclectic Chinese dishes alongside traditional favorites. $ Mai Village 394 University Ave. W. 651.290.2585…
- Sports Bars & Brew PubsBilly’s on Grand 857 Grand Ave. 651.292.9140 www.billysongrand.com/ Grand location to watch the game. $ Burger Moe’s 242 Seventh St. W. 651.222.3100 www.burgermoes.com A relaxed outdoor patio and more than 60 beers from around the world. $ The Bulldog Lowertown 237 Sixth St. E. 651.221.0750 www.thebulldoglowertown.com Stop for lunch, after work, or on weekends for pub grub like Tater Tot Hotdish. $ Costello’s Bar & Grill 393 Selby Ave. 651.291.1015 www.costellosbar.com Cathedral Hill meeting place with a friendly environment. $ Eagle Street Grille 174 Seventh St. W. 651.225.1382 www.eaglestreetgrille.net Pre-event sports bar with a full menu and great views of downtown Saint Paul. $$ Glockenspiel 605 Seventh St. W. 651.292.9421 www.glockenspielrestaurant.com Great chef specials and an exhaustive beer list at Saint Paul’s German restaurant. $ Great Waters Brewing Company 426 Saint Peter St. 651.224.2739 www.greatwatersbc.com Award-winning brew pub and restaurant with a year-round patio. $ (lunch) $$ (dinner) Half Time Rec 1013 Front St. 651.488.8245 www.halftimerec.net/ New management, drink specials, and free parking. $ Happy Gnome 498 Selby Ave. 651.287.2018 www.thehappygnome.com Craft beers and culinary adventure. $$ The Liffey 175 Seventh St. W. 651.556.1420 www.theliffey.com Irish hospitality and an…
- Breakfast & Diners
- BookstoresCommon Good Books 165 Western Ave. N. 651.225.8989 www.commongoodbooks.com A nice local store to buy a book or two. Half Price Books 2041 Ford Pkwy. 651.699.1391 www.hpb.com/023.html Committed to promoting literacy and kindness to the environment. Hmong ABC Two locations: 217 Como Ave. and 1001 Johnson Pkwy. 651.293.0019 www.hmongabc.com Also sells handmade crafts, clothing, and jewelry. Micawber’s Books 2238 Carter Ave. 651.646.5506 www.micawbers.com Everyone’s neighborhood bookstore. Midway Books 1579 University Ave. W. 651.644.7605 www.midwaybook.com Rare, used, and out-of-print books and comics, and a wide array of memorabilia. Red Balloon Bookshop 891 Grand Ave. 651.224.8320 www.redballoonbookshop.com Independent children’s bookseller with a terrific selection of hand puppets. Sixth Chamber Used Books 1332 Grand Ave. 651.690.9463 www.sixthchamber.com A searchable online inventory and convenient on-street parking.
- Coffee Houses & Tea ShopsAi Hues Bakery and Deli 432B University Ave. 651.602.0231 Serving coffee and meals on the avenue during light rail construction. Amore Coffee 879 Smith Ave. S. 651.330.0570 www.amorecoffee.com Featuring award-winning coffee and authentic Italian gelato. Bars Bakery 612 Selby Ave. 651.224.8300 www.barsbakery.com Espresso, pour over, and brewed coffees along with made-from-scratch baked goods featuring local organic ingredients. Black Dog Coffee & Wine Bar 308 Prince St. 651.228.9274 www.blackdogstpaul.com Locally-roasted coffees, creative wines and beers, and tasty daily specials for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bread & Chocolate 867 Grand Ave. 651.228.1017 www.cafelatte.com/bread_chocolate.html Coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods, including their famous brownies. Cahoots Coffee Bar 1562 Selby Ave. 651.644.6778 Bohemian atmosphere, great coffee, and Middle Eastern–inspired foods. Claddagh Coffee 495 Seventh St. W. 651.600.3400 Welcoming “yogis, bikers, runners, and all cool people everywhere.” Coffee Bené 53 Cleveland Ave. S. 651.698.2266 www.coffeebene.com Organic beans from master roasters and yummy goods from the bakery. The Coffee Grounds 1579 Hamline Ave. N. 651.644.9959 www.thecoffeegrounds.net A friendly gathering place with a bridge club and creative beading group; ongoing open mic the first and third Sunday. Coffee News Café 1662 Grand Ave. 651.698.3324 Small, busy shop for the neighborhood college…
- Dance VenuesAbetto’s 560 Como Ave. 651.488.8588 www.abettos.com Third Saturday Tango Milonga and lesson. Celtic Junction 836 Prior Ave. 612.722.7000 www.thecelticjunction.com Third Saturday night céilí with the Twin Cities Céilí Band. Dubliner Pub 2162 University Ave. W. 651.646.5551 www.thedublinerpub.com First Saturday afternoon céilí (under 12 free). Half Time Rec 1013 Front St. 651.488.8245 www.halftimecajun.com Cajun and Zydeco every Sunday. Minnesota Music Café 499 Payne Ave. 651.776.4699 www.minnesotamusiccafe.com “Where the food’s great and the music’s cooking!” Oddfellows’ Hall 2380 Hampden Ave. 651.222.5475 www.wildgoosechasecloggers.com/local.html First Saturday night New England Contra dance. Señor Wong 111 Kellogg Blvd. E. 651.224.2019 www.senorwong.com Hold Tight DJ Saturdays with R&B, funk, hip-hop, remixes, classic and new jams. Wabasha Street Caves 215 Wabasha St. S. 651.224.1191 www.wabashastreetcaves.com Thursday night Swing dance. Wilebski’s Blues Saloon 1638 Rice St. 651.331.0929 www.wilebskiblues.com Hard wood floors and out-of-this-world blues.
- Deli Grocers & Food Co-ops
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