Superior, WI – Keyport Lounge Review

On Belknap (“bell-nap”), one of the main drags in Superior, WI,  two blocks west of the other main drag, Tower Avenue, you’ll run into one of the area’s largest liquor stores, the Keyport, which has an attached bar and grill of the same name.  If you’re driving around looking for it, it’s in the outlot… Continue reading Superior, WI – Keyport Lounge Review

An Open Letter to Restaurants Using Groupon and Similar

As a consumer, I totally get Groupon, Living Social, Amazon Local, and the host of other services like this.  I get a good deal (if I ever actually redeem the coupon) (I have a bundle of expired ones), I am (hopefully) introduced to someplace new, and will (hopefully) return again and spend real money. Does… Continue reading An Open Letter to Restaurants Using Groupon and Similar

Ginos East Frozen Pizza Review

Jon Stewart, the witty host of TV’s “The Daily Show” took off on Chicago deep dish pizza last week, as a postscript to a story about the new World Trade Center being named the tallest building in America.  Seems Mr. Stewart’s opinion of the 2nd city is less than favorable, and his pizza rant took… Continue reading Ginos East Frozen Pizza Review

Maestro Dobel Tequila – The New Holiday Quaff of Choice

The holiday season is approaching, and as usual, it can be fraught with social crises – what to give as a present to the special client, relative, or BFF. How to impress when invited to holiday open houses, or hosting parties? Should you bring the same old bottle of wine you have year after year?… Continue reading Maestro Dobel Tequila – The New Holiday Quaff of Choice

Duluth, MN – Grandma’s Free Vet’s Meal

Among the many restaurants honoring past and current troops today, was local Duluth eatery Grandma’s Saloon and Grill.  Vets and actives could chose one of seven specials for their complimentary feed. Our favorite group of Duluth vets descended upon Grandma’s Restaurant and went with the “Clubhouse Wrap”, which the menu describes as thick-cut bacon, smoked turkey,… Continue reading Duluth, MN – Grandma’s Free Vet’s Meal

Scanlon, MN – Rendezvous Bar Review

Preliminary visit in advance of Todd Eckart show this Friday nite.  The Rendezvous has a new chef, new menu, and might be the perfect night out for out-of-towners hitting Spirit Mountain, or visiting Duluth for the Beargrease Sled Dog race. Sampled the Vous Dous wings, (their hottest!), excellent, with house-made blue cheese dipping sauce.  Lots… Continue reading Scanlon, MN – Rendezvous Bar Review

Veteran’s Free Lunch – Texas Roadhouse

The Texas Roadhouse chain was one of many eating establishments that participated in the free feed for active miltiary and vets this year; the event takes place annually on Veteran’s Day in November. Minnesota Burger Bureau Chief Kawika and his fellow Vietnam era veterans headed to the local outlet for lunch.  The group enjoyed a… Continue reading Veteran’s Free Lunch – Texas Roadhouse

Taipei, Taiwain – Belgian Beer Cafe Review

Nestled in the heart of Taipei, within eye shot of the 101 Tower, one of the newer outlets of the Euro chain Belgian Beer Cafe gets  raves for their brews and grub.  The 50+ outlet chain, with locations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and now in North America, celebrates the quaffs and food of… Continue reading Taipei, Taiwain – Belgian Beer Cafe Review

Duluth, MN – Taste of Saigon Review

A popular street food in Vietnam, Pho (which can be pronounced a number of ways, don’t let anybody tell you different!) is a soup consisting of broth, linguine-shaped noodles, herbs, and a variety of meat choices, primarily beef, chicken, or shellfish. The geographical origin and timing of its origin is subject to debate. When i… Continue reading Duluth, MN – Taste of Saigon Review

Oscar Mayer “Bun Size” Smokies Review

I’m so old, “Little Smokies” weren’t around when I was a little smokie.  Yet Hormel ‘full size” smokies were a regular part of my family’s weekend breakfast. Saturday breakfast was a big event at our house, my dad often cooking, and it was such a spread that kids often slept over on Friday nite to… Continue reading Oscar Mayer “Bun Size” Smokies Review