Moose Lake, MN – Gampers Family Fun Center

When I was a kid, “Moose Lake” only meant one thing – that’s where the state loony bin was.  Today the facility is a medium level prison for men.  I guess there are probably some loonies there still.   Located 44 miles south of downtown Duluth, (110 miles north of Minneapolis) on I-35 (and US… Continue reading Moose Lake, MN – Gampers Family Fun Center

St. Paul, MN – Smashburger Review

Kawikamedia and the Minnesota Burger Posse stopped into a Smashburger in St. Paul.  They were impressed with the quality and service. Smashburger has a “localized” special burger at many locations, and Kawika went with the “Twin Cities”, which Smashburger describes as “layers of melted cheddar cheese, aged Swiss cheese and garlic grilled onions with lettuce,… Continue reading St. Paul, MN – Smashburger Review

Duluth, MN – A & Dubs (Review)

If you’re as old as dirt, as I am, you’ll remember Duluth prior to the major fast food franchises coming in.  We had a select number of local burger houses, most noticeably, The London Inn, at 17th Avenue East and London Road, a beloved high school hangout and purveyor of most excellent onion rings, and… Continue reading Duluth, MN – A & Dubs (Review)

Duluth, MN – Little Angie’s Cantina and Grill

Mickey Paulucci, spawn of Jeno Paulucci, self-described “peddler’ and ‘not a nice guy’,  started the Grandma’s, restaurant empire over 30 years ago, in Canal Park, Duluth, MN, across the street from his father’s office. The original Grandma’s became known for quality food, ample servings, and fun ambiance, and grew to be a statewide mini-chain, but… Continue reading Duluth, MN – Little Angie’s Cantina and Grill

Burger Niece Hits Minneapolis X 2

Heard from Burger Niece yesterday, who was in Minneapolis to check out a few burgers and dogs (yes, it’s genetic). She hit up the Smashburger outlet in Golden Valley, then trekked a little further north to hit Uncle Franky’s in Plymouth. She reported satisfaction on all counts, and was pleased with Smashburger concept, service and… Continue reading Burger Niece Hits Minneapolis X 2

Duluth, MN – JJ Astor (Radisson Hotel)

John Jacob Astor was the first billionaire in the US, amassing a fortune in fur trading, real estate, and exports to China. He also created the first trust. At the time of his death, he was the wealthiest person in the US, and, using 2010 dollars as an equivalent, he ranks as the 4th richest… Continue reading Duluth, MN – JJ Astor (Radisson Hotel)

Duluth, MN – Nick’s Burger King “Revival”

OK, follow the bouncing ball, as this story can be confusing! Once upon a time, in downtown Duluth, MN, there was a venerable institution called ” Mr. Nick’s Burger King” – (Home of the famous Char-burger). Nick’s operated for years, with that name, until an upstart franchise burger joint who currently has a very scary… Continue reading Duluth, MN – Nick’s Burger King “Revival”

Duluth, MN – Duluth Grill

Hot on the heels of Guy Fieri’s visit, Kawikamedia and the Minnesota Burger Posse stopped in at the Duluth Grill to see what all the hubbub was about. One of Duluth’s few 24 hour eateries (this town has no Dennys!), the Grill is ensconced in the industrial section of the city, next to a service… Continue reading Duluth, MN – Duluth Grill

Cloquet, MN – Diners, Drive-ins, and Dive, Dive, Dive!

Gordy’s Hi-Hat, Cloquet, Minnesota, is one of those”local legends” that the media seems to love, it’s been open since 1960. It was started, and is still operated by the family who owned one of Duluth’s (30 miles to the NE) first, and beloved drive-ins, the “London Inn,” a local high school hang out. Duluth teenagers… Continue reading Cloquet, MN – Diners, Drive-ins, and Dive, Dive, Dive!