Best of Minnesota is out. Today's entry: BEST BRUNCH
We are going to spotlight some of the finer posts from this years "Best of Minnesota" in the Star/Tribune this week. Get out and try some of these gems that are right here in your backyard. The Bachelor Farmer was made for lazy Sunday mornings (and early Sunday afternoons). This is no eggs-any-style setup. For starters, chef Paul Berglund puts a morning spin on his signature smørrebrød — artfully created toasts — before moving on to such swoon-worthy dishes as rye spaetzle topped with pastrami and a caraway hollandaise and divine brioche French toast smothered in cherries. A cute (please, it’s the Bachelor Farmer, of course it’s adorable) rolling cart boasts house-baked pastries and desserts, and service is so sweet you’ll expect an invitation to the staff’s Secret Santa gift pool. The one downside? No reservations. 50 2nd Av. N., Mpls.; 612-206-3920, thebachelorfarmer.com (https://www.thebachelorfarmer.com/) Get more of the Best of Minnesota issue right here: https://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/bestofmn/ (https://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/bestofmn/)
Special Presale opportunity for Michael Buble at the Xcel Energy Center
Grammy Award-winner Michael Bublé is coming to Xcel Energy Center for one night only on September 11. Touring in support of his new No. 1 selling release, “To Be Loved,” Michael Bublé has been called “one of the most likeable performers on Earth.” His previous Crazy Love Tour sold out in 80 US cities and was seen by over two million fans worldwide. His stage show is propelled by a string of smash hits including his current single “It’s A Beautiful Day,” “Haven’t Met You Yet,” “Home,” and “Everything,” along with Michael’s distinctive interpretations of classics like “You Make Me Feel So Young,” “Young at Heart,” and “You’re Nobody ‘til Somebody Loves You.” (https://click.tmclient.ticketmaster.com/?qs=5fb254081c3677df74691db3bf03a9c6076676109f00b586e149423a855eb8ccacda547f09bfac5a) PRESALE BEGINS Wednesday, May 15 at 10 a.m. PRESALE ENDS Thursday, May 16 at 5 p.m. TICKET PRICES $112, $76.50, $56.50 TICKET LIMIT 4 PASSWORD LOVED2013 ON SALE DATE Friday, May 17 at 10 a.m.
Summer Movies are here! Which ones are you going to see
Once you get into May you start to see a summer blockbuster movie coming out every week. We've put together the schedule of when you favorite movies will be coming out. - May 15 (https://www.movieinsider.com/movies/may/2013/15/) Star Trek Into Darkness (https://www.movieinsider.com/m5959/star-trek-sequel/) , Becoming Traviata (https://www.movieinsider.com/m11485/becoming-traviata/) - May 17 (https://www.movieinsider.com/movies/may/2013/17/) Star Trek Into Darkness (https://www.movieinsider.com/m5959/star-trek-sequel/) , Erased (https://www.movieinsider.com/m11337/erased/) , The English Teacher (https://www.movieinsider.com/m9573/the-english-teacher/) ,Black Rock (https://www.movieinsider.com/m9855/black-rock/) , State 194 (https://www.movieinsider.com/m11564/state-194/) , An Oversimplification of Her Beauty (https://www.movieinsider.com/m11191/an-oversimplification-of-her-beauty/) ,Augustine (https://www.movieinsider.com/m11490/augustine/) , 33 Postcards (https://www.movieinsider.com/m11551/33-postcards/) , Stories We Tell (https://www.movieinsider.com/m11153/stories-we-tell/) , Pieta (https://www.movieinsider.com/m11254/pieta/) , Frances Ha (https://www.movieinsider.com/m10859/frances-ha/) - May 22 (https://www.movieinsider.com/movies/may/2013/22/) 3 Geezers! (https://www.movieinsider.com/m11553/3-geezers/) , Plimpton! (https://www.movieinsider.com/m10927/plimpton/) - May 23 (https://www.movieinsider.com/movies/may/2013/23/) The Hangover: Part III (https://www.movieinsider.com/m9156/the-hangover-3/) - May 24 (https://www.movieinsider.com/movies/may/2013/24/) Fast & Furious 6 (https://www.movieinsider.com/m6838/the-fast-and-the-furious-6/) , EPIC (https://www.movieinsider.com/m3739/epic/) , Only God Forgives (https://www.movieinsider.com/m9000/only-god-forgives/) , Before Midnight (https://www.movieinsider.com/m11064/before-midnight/) ,Penguins 3D (https://www.movieinsider.com/m11375/penguins-3d/) , We Steal Secrets: The Story of Wikileaks…
Mother's Day brunch ideas part 5: It's not a quiche it's a breakfast tart!
One of the best ideas for a big family get together is a breakfast tart or what you might assume is a quiche. The difference here is the use of a crust underneath but the overall idea and ingredients are the same. This is much easier to make than you may think. Also, if you can't find pancetta or do not want to use it you can try regular bacon or ham. Ingredients Butter, for the pan Flour, for the pan 1 9-inch unroll-and-bake refrigerated pie crust 1 large egg white, lightly beaten 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 3 ounces pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch pieces 5 large eggs, at room temperature 1/2 cup (4 ounces) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded gruyere cheese 3 scallions, white and pale green parts, thinly sliced 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Directions Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter and flour the bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Unroll the pie crust and gently press into the bottom and sides of the pan. Trim any excess from the top. With the tines of a fork, prick the bottom of the pastry. Using a pastry brush, brush the crust with the beaten egg white. Put the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, until the egg white has set. Let cool 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring frequently, for 6 to 8 minutes, until browned and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. In a medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Whisk in the mascarpone, gruyere, scallions, salt, pepper and the pancetta. Pour into the cooled crust and bake for about 18 minutes, until the mixture has set and the top is golden. Cool the tart for 10 to 15 minutes and then remove from the pan. Cut the tart into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.
Mother's Day Brunch Part 3 : Let's talk cocktails
No great brunch can be truly great without a fantastic cocktail. Try this one out this weekend. It's a Peach Ginger Bellini and it is fantastic. Ingredients For the ginger simple syrup: 1/4 cup sliced fresh ginger, with skin 2 cups granulated sugar 2 cups cold water For the peach puree: 10 ounces semi-frozen peaches 1/2 cup ginger simple syrup For serving: Ice cubes 1 bottle Champagne Directions Begin by making the ginger simple syrup. Peel and grate the ginger. Add it together with the sugar and cold water to a saucepan. Bring it to the boil and stir until the sugar dissolves. Cover and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain, discard ginger pieces and set simple syrup aside. In a blender add frozen peaches and ginger simple syrup. Blend until completely pureed then place into the refrigerator to cool. For serving: Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker and fill half way with peach puree. Top off with Champagne and shake vigorously to combine. Pour into Champagne glasses and repeat process as needed.
More Mother's Day brunch ideas
With the Mother's Day weekend approaching this weekend let's take a look at another great brunch recipe for French Toast. Get more great ideas from the Food Network website (https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/mothers-day-breakfast-and-brunch-recipes/pictures/index.html) today. Total Time: 30 min Prep 10 min Cook 20 min Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk 4 eggs, 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or milk, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon sugar and a pinch of salt in a shallow bowl. Heat 1/2 tablespoon butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, dip 6 thick slices white bread, challah or brioche in the egg mixture and cook in the skillet until golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side, adding more butter as needed. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake until puffed, 8 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in the same skillet until browned, about 5 minutes. Drizzle the French toast with the browned butter and maple syrup.
Make a homemade Mother's Day Brunch
We have put together a few ideas for you if you are more the type of person who wants to make something special for mom and home versus jumping onto OpenTable.com (https://www.opentable.com/) and head out for brunch. We will be spotlighting a few great ideas that we found over at the Food Network (https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/mothers-day-breakfast-and-brunch-recipes/pictures/index.html) . Today we are looking at some delicious Maple-Pecan Scones. Ingredients For the scones: 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled 1/4 cup pecans, plus more for sprinkling 1 large egg 3/4 cup heavy cream For the icing: 1 pound confectioners' sugar 1/4 cup whole milk 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted Splash of strongly brewed coffee Dash of salt 2 teaspoons maple flavoring or maple extract Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut the cold butter into small pieces. Cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles crumbs. Now finely chop the pecans and stir them into the flour mixture. Mix the egg and cream together. Add the mixture to the bowl and stir until just combined. Turn the mixture onto a cutting board. The dough will be very crumbly, but do not let your heart be troubled. With your hands, push the mixture together into a large ball. Do not knead or press too much; you want to leave that gluten alone! With a rolling pin, very gently roll out the dough into a 10-inch round, about 3/4 inch thick. With a sharp knife, cut the round into 8 equal-size wedges. Transfer the wedges to a baking sheet lined with a Silpat baking mat. (Or just spray the pan with cooking spray; either one will work!) Bake the scones for 22 to 26 minutes, until they're just barely starting to brown. Do not allow the edges to become dark or the Red Coats will come and get you.…
Live at the MN Zoo July 8th : Great Big Sea
Great Big Sea Monday, July 8 @ Weesner Family Amphitheater, Apple Valley, MN Doors 7:00 | Music 7:30 | All Ages Ticket Price: $38.00 (Reserved) & $50.50 (VIP Box Seat) On-Sale: Saturday, April 27 @ 10:00 AM An Evening with Great Big Sea Hailing from Newfoundland, Great Big Sea is best known for performing energetic rock interpretations rooted in the melodies, rhythms, and timbres of Newfoundland traditional music. They’ve received a number of Juno Award nominations, including Best Roots & Traditional Album, Best Video, Group of The Year, and Entertainer of the Year. While musical fashions have come and gone, Great Big Sea has maintained an unswerving commitment to the original ideas – a belief that a marriage of their own creativity and the joyous folk music of their home in Newfoundland would be an unbeatable combination. To celebrate the band’s 20th anniversary, Great Big Sea have personally compiled XX, an amazing box set that captures the many highs in a storied career that has produced ten full- length CDs, two DVDs, and thousands of energetic and entertaining performances. TICKET INFORMATION Ticket Prices: $38.00 (Reserved) & $50.50 (VIP Box Seat) Plus applicable fees, includes $2.00 venue facility feeTickets available at the Electric Fetus in Minneapolis, allTicketmaster locations, by calling 800.745.3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com www.greatbigsea.com
Live at the MN Zoo July 7th : Los Lobos / Los Lonely Boys
Los Lobos / Los Lonely Boys Sunday, July 7 @ Weesner Family Amphitheater, Apple Valley, MN Doors 7:00 | Music 7:30 | 18+ Ticket Price: $56 Reserved Seating / $68.50 VIP Box On-Sale: Saturday, April 27 @ 10:00 AM Since Los Lobos released their debut album Just Another Band from East L.A. in 1978, they’ve repeatedly disproved that title, consistently evolving artistically while never losing sight of their humble roots. Grammy- winning Los Lobos is an eclectic band in the best sense of the word, drawing equally from rock, Tex-Mex, country, folk, R&B, blues, and traditional Spanish and Mexican music. A rare example of longevity in a volatile music world that stresses style over substance, Los Lobos’ lineup has remained the same since 1984, when saxophonist/keyboardist Steve Berlin joined original members Louie Pérez, David Hidalgo, Cesar Rosas and Conrad Lozano, each of whom had been there since the beginning in 1973. Hailing from San Antonio, Los Lonely Boys are a sibling trio whose music draws equally from rock, blues, Tex-Mex, conjunto, and tejano. Their self-titled debut album, recorded in 2003 at Willie Nelson’s Pedernales Studio, produced a multi-chart gold single Heaven, sold millions of albums, won a Grammy and racked up reams of critical acclaim. They even went on to open for The Rolling Stones. After proving themselves as a musical success story in the last decade, Los Lonely Boys are now carving out their legend with their fourth studio album, Rockpango(a made-up Spanish word that the band translates to English as “rock party”. And that’s what Los Lonely Boys provide in concert – a full scale Tex-Mex American roots rock party.TICKET INFORMATION Ticket Prices: $56.00 (Reserved) & $68.50 (VIP Box Seat) Plus applicable fees, includes $2.00 venue facility fee Tickets available at the Electric Fetus in Minneapolis, allTicketmaster locations, by calling 800.745.3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com www.loslobos.org www.loslonelyboys.com