EDINA NEWCOMERS

A note from our President…..

Brrrrr!  It’s cold out there! But I’m always happy when the sun is shining. We’re heading to Florida next week, and I’m afraid their temps aren’t much better than here! In this winter full of surprises, who knows what March will bring—let’s hope it’s spring!  While you’re waiting—come out and join us for some fun this month.

Coffee Break—savors goodies from the Midtown Global Market’s Salty Tart

Luncheon Bunch—celebrates St. Patrick’s Day at the Edina Grill at 50^th/France

International Night—keeps the St. Paddy’s day party going at Cooper

Bon Appetit—checks out Caio Bella for great Italian fare

Bookclub—discusses “Rainlight” at Sally’s

Wanderers—goes back for Bach at St. Paul’s Landmark Center.

Ladies Night Out—does Happy Hour at the new Lucky’s 13 Pub

See you there!

Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org

ACTIVITIES

COFFEE BREAK: Wednesday, March 10th^th, 9:30AM Departure–– The Salty Tart

Midtown Global Market, Chicago Ave. at Lake Street, Mpls.

Pastry chef Michelle Gayer is one of the most acclaimed pastry chefs in the country—nominated for a James Beard Award for her work at Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago. She currently does pastry for two of Minneapolis’s best restaurants, La Belle Vie and Solera in addition to running her own bakery at the Midtown Global Market—an internationally-themed public market featuring fresh and prepared foods, restaurants and a selection of arts and crafts from around the world.  Plan to take home one of her famous sandwiches, too. Meet us there at 10:00AM or join the carpool leaving Edina at 9:30AM.

RSVP by Saturday, March 8th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org

LUNCHEON: Wednesday, March 17th, 11:30AM – Edina Grill

5028 France Ave. S. (just south of the intersection of France Ave. and 50th Street)

Whether you’re Irish or not – don a little green and do a little jig on over to the Edina Grill for lunch with the rest of us Leprechauns. They will have some Irish favorites and other great choices. Free parking available in ramp.

RSVP by Saturday, March 13th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org

INTERNATIONAL NIGHT: Thursday, March 18^th, 6:00PM Departure — Dinner at Cooper

1607 Park Place, St Louis Park, 612-252-1606 (across from Home Depot)

It’s a rule! You’re allowed to celebrate your inner Irish all month long—not just St. Paddy’s Day!.  This is one of the hot spots in St. Louis Park’s new West End Development. The owner also operates the very popular Local, Kieran’s Irish Pub and Liffey.

Meet the group there 6:30PM or, join the car pool leaving Edina at  6:00PM.

RSVP by March 15th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org

BON APPETIT: Saturday, March 20^th, 6:30PM — Dinner at Ciao Bella

3501 Minnesota Drive, Bloomington, MN 55435,  952-841-1000

Join us as we welcome in Spring.  Pronounced CHOW BELL-ah, this contemporary Italian restaurant is located just east of France Ave. overlooking #494. The Italian accents, sleek wood lines, vaulted ceilings, warm color palette and art create a beautiful space. It’s dramatic, comfortable, welcoming and delicious. Many well-priced options to enjoy: salads, pizza, small plates, and the usual entrees, all well priced. This is a not-for-couples-only event. Singles welcome—along with their guests if they wish!

RSVP by  Tuesday, March 16^th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org

BOOKCLUB: Tuesday, March 23^rd, 7:00PM—-Rainlight by Allison McGhee

at the home of a member

Even in a small town people have secrets, including how much they really mean to each other. In this haunting debut novel, a tragic event sparks revelations from nine-year-old Mallie, her mother, her grandfather, a waitress, and Mallie’s father’s ex-lover. They discover long-hidden truths and forge new bonds in this unforgettable, heartbreaking novel about parents, children, and love.

RSVP by Saturday, March 20^th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org

WANDERERS: Thursday, March 25th, 11:00AM Departure — Courtroom Concert

Courtroom #317, Landmark Center, 75 West Fifth Street, St. Paul

The Courtroom Concert Series, is hosted by the very informative and entertaining Randall Davidson, a locally-based composer. Co-sponsored by Minnesota Landmarks and The Schubert Club, it features local performing artists of the highest caliber from the Twin Cities and surrounding metropolitan area, as well as occasional musical newcomers to the area.  The March theme is “Bach and the Keyboard” and this concert will showcase Paul and Paula Kosower’s dual cellos. The audience is welcome to bring a lunch or purchase a sandwich at Anita’s Cafe on the ground floor of Landmark Center. Complimentary coffee is served.  After the hour-long concert, we’ll visit the newly re-curated Schubert Club Museum which is also located in the Landmark Center.

Meet us at noon at the Landmark Center, or join the carpool leaving Edina at 11:00.     See www.landmarkcenter.org for a list of nearby parking garages.

RSVP by Wednesday, March 24th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org

LADIES’ NIGHT OUT: Monday, March 29th, 5:15PM — Happy Hour at The Lucky’s 13 Pub

1800 American Blvd. West, Bloomington, MN 55431 (952) 405-2213   (#494/Penn Exit)

This new restaurant (by the former owners of the popular Axel’s in Mendota Heights) is located near Toy’s “R” Us, behind Southtown in Bloomington—in the former Bennigan’s location. Happy Hour is until 6 p.m.

RSVP by Saturday, March 20th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org

A Note from our President –

February is the time for love—and who deserves it more than ourselves? So, love the one you’re with 24/7!  Indulge, comfort, educate,  and celebrate the tiger in her this month—ENC is here to help.

Coffee Break—checks out Rustica’s new location near Lake Calhoun

International Night—Chinese New Years celebration at the famous Rainbow

Ladies Night Out—come on, get happy at Crave!

Bon Appetit—creates a Chinese New Year party at Sally’s

Wanderers—provides to a low-cal Valentines treat at the Mpls. Institute of Arts

Lunch Bunch—heads to McCormick and Schmick’s for great seafood and more

See you there!  Sally

FEBRUARY ACTIVITIES

To RSVP just click on the blue email addresses

INTERNATIONAL NIGHT— Tuesday, February 9th, 5:30 Departure—Dinner at Rainbow Chinese Restaurant

2739 Nicollet Ave. Minneapolis  612-870-7084

This restaurant has been offering special Chinese New Year dinners for many years, and is highly recommended. Join us for a fun evening.

A carpool will leave Edina at 5:30, or meet us at 6:00PM.

RSVP by Sunday, February 7th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org

COFFEE—Wednesday, February 10th, 9:30AM Carpool Departure—Rustica

3220 Lake Street, Mpls. (Calhoun Village)

This popular bakery/restaurant has moved to new “digs” near Lake Calhoun. We’ll go check out their new ambiance and have our monthly “catch-up” time. There are lots of shops nearby to investigate as well.

A carpool will depart at 9:30 from Edina.  Or, meet us at Rustica at 10:00AM.

RSVP by Sunday, February 7^th to Sally@Edinanewcomers.org

Directions: Hwy. 100 North to Minnetonka Blvd. Exit.  Left (East) on Minnetonka to Calhoun Village (on your left—entrance near Burger Jones.) Rustica is between Punch Pizza and Barnes and Noble.  Ramp parking available.

LADIES NIGHT OUT—-Monday, February, February 15^th, 5:15PM—Happy Hour at Crave

3520 West 70^th (in the Galleria) 952-697-6000

Until 6PM we can take advantage of the great appetizer prices from their $3/$4/$5 Happy Hour menu, along with select beers for $3 and wines for $5.

RSVP by Friday, February 12^th to Sally@Edinanewcomers.org

BON APPETIT: Saturday, February 20^th, 6:00PM—Chinese New Years Party

at the home of a member

Celebrate the year of the Tiger—with two tigers! Spouses or friends are invited. Guests will be assigned an easy-to-make dish from the menu below to prepare in advance and bring to the party.  All expenses will be divided equally—keep track of your expenses.

RSVP by Saturday, February 13^th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org

Menu

Baked Hoisin Chicken Buns

Spinach and Sesame Salad

Thai Coconut Lime Soup

Lime, Apricot, and Soy Sauce Chicken Wings

Spicy Spareribs in Black Bean Sauce

Vietnamese Style Spring Rolls

Thai Roast Beef and lettuce Rolls

Dried Fruit Poached in Port and Spices

WANDERERS: Wednesday, February 24th, 12:15PM  Departure – MIA Tour

2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis

The Mpls. Institute of Arts is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a daily, free, docent-led tour entitled “Love and Scandal”.  The museum has selected pieces it hopes will inflame your passion for art by exploring the victories and vicissitudes of love. We’ll see works that tell intriguing stories of marriage & devotion, the sexual exploits of gods & goddesses, or the hurtful scandals that sometimes come with affairs of the heart!

A carpool leaves Edina at 12:15PM or meet us at the museum’s Information Desk just before the 1:00PM tour begins.

RSVP by Tuesday, February 23^rd to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org

Directions: to the MIA and parking information can be found at www.artsmia.org.

LUNCHEON—Thursday, February 25^th,  11:30AM—McCormick and Schmick’s

3203 Galleria – located in the Westin Hotel

This is a wonderful restaurant chain that originally started in the Northwest. They’re famous for their quality seafood, but all their food is great.

RSVP by Monday February 22^nd to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org

Directions: From France Ave go east on 69th Street toward York. The Westin will be on your right.  Plenty of free parking in ramp behind the hotel.

COMING  UP

READING AHEAD FOR BOOKCLUB:

March 2010 Bookclub discussion—Rainlight by Allison McGhee

Even in a small town people have secrets, including how much they really mean to each other. In this haunting debut novel, a tragic event sparks revelations from nine-year-old Mallie, her mother, her grandfather, a waitress, and Mallie’s father’s ex-lover. They discover long-hidden truths and forge new bonds in this unforgettable, heartbreaking novel about parents, children, and love.

May 2010 Bookclub discussion—–Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

“This graceful, assured first novel tells the remarkable story of the long-lived affair between Frank Lloyd Wright, a passionate and impossible figure, and Mamah Cheney, a married woman whom Wright beguiled and led beyond the restraint of convention. It is engrossing, provocative reading.” There’s a wait at HCLib.org—reserve your copy now!