October 2009 Newsletter
Monday, October 19th, 2009
A Note from our President
We’re finally getting the August we deserved! Autumn in Minnesota means being prepared for anything. So, get prepared for a fun month ahead with ENC.
Wanderers–enjoy a last look at the Arboretum’s beautiful garden
International Night–savor the best Vietnamese food on “Eat Street”
Bon Appetit—fabulous fall flavors are awaiting us at award-winning Heidi’s Minneapolis
Coffee Break—treat yourself to a great breakfast with a little shopping on the side
Ladies Night Out–-try comfort food like mom used to make at McCoy’s
Lunch Bunch—everyone’s Irish at Kip’s Pub
See you there! Sally Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org
ACTIVITIES
WANDERERS: Thursday, October 1st, 9:45AM Departure—Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska MN 55318
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is part of the U’s Dept. of Horticultural Science and features 1,000+ acres of magnificent gardens, model landscapes, and natural areas—from woodlands and wetlands to prairie–with extensive collections of northern-hardy plants. We’ll take the 10:30AM Arboretum Highlights Tour—an hour’s walk through the gardens closest to the Visitor Center—guided by one of the Arboretum’s volunteers. Later we can investigate “Waterosity: Go Green with a Splash”, their summer program which closes October 4th. It brings together the voices of artists, scientists and horticulturalists to celebrate this most precious resource through thought-provoking and playful installations and exhibits. Admission to the Arboretum is $9 per person for non-members—no additional charge for the walking tour.
A carpool will leave Edina at 9:45AM, or meet us just before the tour at the info desk in the Visitor Center’s Great Hall.
RSVP by Wednesday, September 30th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org For further information and directions consult www.arboretum.umn.edu.
INTERNNATIONAL NIGHT: Wednesday, October 7th—6:00PM Departure—Quang Restaurant
2719 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. 612-870-4739
As a follow-up to our September presentation we’ll visit one of the Twin Cities’ most popular Vietnamese restaurants. Their authentic Pho—a huge comforting bowl of soup that’s a meal in itself–is only $6.25. Or, order off the extensive menu at www.quangrestaurant.com.
Carpools will leave Edina at 6:00PM, or meet us at the restaurant at 6:30PM. Email S@EdinaNewcomers.org if you plan to carpool.
RSVP by Monday, October 5th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org
Directions: I-35W North to Lake St. exit 15. Turn LEFT onto E Lake St. and RIGHT onto 1st Ave S. Turn LEFT onto Cecil Newman Lane and RIGHT onto Nicollet Ave S. There is a parking lot in front of the restaurant, as well as street parking. Do not park in the lot just north of the restaurant, as you may be towed.
(NEW!) BON APPETIT: Saturday, October 10th, 6:30 PM—Dinner at Heidi’s Minneapolis
819 West 50th Street (at Bryant Ave.) 612-354-3512
Saturday nights are back by popular demand! After a hiatus of several years, we are reinstating and combining ENC’s former Twin Cities Cuisine and Gourmet Club. On alternating months we will dine at the Twin Cities’ best restaurants or experiment with fun, new recipes at in-home dinner parties. Couples and singles (and their guests) are invited. We’ll kick off the year with a visit to the winner of City Pages’ Best Restaurant of 2009. Internationally renowned chef/owner, Stewart Woodman, is offering our group (LIMIT 12 people) the following fixed priced menu for only $33.00/pp+tx+18%tip:
Mixed greens salad with acai vinaigrette and crispy yams
Choice of:
Arctic char served with chive-dill gnocchi, Savoy cabbage, bacon – beet – red wine sauce
or
“Sweet and sour” chicken in paper, rutabaga mostarda, zucchini, shallots
or
Petite filet of beef tenderloin seared, potato mille feuille, mushroom-roasted garlic and beef tongue sauce, Brussels sprouts
Choice of:
Maple poached pear with ginger ice cream and a sesame snap
or
Chocolate and coffee baba, orange cream and sorbet
**Seating is limited to only 12 guests, so RSVP ASAP! Info/Directions at HeidisMPLS.com
RSVP by Friday, October 3rd to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org
COFFEE BREAK: Wednesday, October 14th, 9:30AM Departure—The General Store
14401 Highway 7, Minnetonka (952) 935-2215
This wonderful gift store’s café serves made-on-premises, quiche, scones, oatmeal, and breads, and the menu changes daily. Christmas will be “blooming” there already, so be ready to spend some time looking, if not buying. Bring a list of hard to please names. A carpool will leave Edina at 9:30AM.
RSVP by Sunday, October 11th to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org Please indicate if you plan to carpool.
Directions: Crosstown #62 WEST to #494 NORTH to Hwy. 7 Exit. Turn LEFT (WEST) onto Hwy. 7 and travel 1 mile to Williston Road. Make a U-Turn heading back to the store.
LADIES NIGHT OUT: Monday, October 26th, 6:30PM—Dinner at McCoy’s Public House
3801 Grand Way, St. Louis Park (off of Excelsior Blvd.) (952) 224-9494
Located in the heart of the Excelsior and Grand district, McCoy’s specializes in classic American comfort foods with a creative twist. Their mac & cheese, Rueben and burgers get rave reviews. See menu at www.wkcrestaurants.com
RSVP by Saturday, October 24th, to Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org
LUNCH BUNCH: Wednesday, October 28, 11:00 AM Departure—Kip’s Irish Pub
Marriott Hotel, 9970 Wayzata Blvd, St Louis Park, MN 55426, 952-367-5070
Although located in the Marriott, Kip’s food is superior to the usual “hotel restaurant” fare. Their huge menu, of course, includes Irish specialties, and lots of other choices. They feature 10 lunch items for $10 and portions are generous.
Carpools will leave Edina at 11:00AM or meet us at their at 11:30AM. If you plan to carpool. please
email Sally@EdinaNewcomers.org
RSVP by Sunday, October 25th to Sally@EdinaNewcomes.org
Directions: North on #169 to Betty Crocker Drive/Shelard Parkway Exit. Turn LEFT and follow Shelard Parkway ¾ mile to hotel located on your left.
COMING UP
BOOKCLUB: November DATE TBA— In Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight, Alexandra Fuller remembers her African childhood with candor and sensitivity. Though it is a diary of an unruly life in an often inhospitable place, it is suffused with Fuller’s endearing ability to find laughter, even when there is little to celebrate. Fuller’s debut is unsentimental and unflinching but always captivating. In wry and sometimes hilarious prose, she stares down disaster and looks back with rage and love at the life of an extraordinary family in an extraordinary time.
January 2010 discussion— ‘Tis the Season by Lorna Landvik
At once heartfelt and witty, ‘Tis the Season bears good tidings of great joy about the human condition—that down and out doesn’t mean over and done, that the things we need most are closer than we know, and that the true measure of one’s worth rests in the boundless depths of the soul. Lorna Landvik shines in this delightful holiday novel of redemption and forgiveness.
March 2010 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 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