Once in a while, guys have to leave the ladies at home and enjoy some time in the testosterone-infused side of the Twin Cities! I've scoped out where to take your "bro" for boys-only debauchery.
The Haberdashery
The Haberdashery is a one-stop shop for all things old-fashioned and testosterone-infused. Located in the heart of downtown St. Paul inside the historic Hamm building, this business is an oasis of style for the distinguished gentleman.
Treat yourself to a traditional shave with hot towel wrap and straight razor shave, stock up on cigars in the store’s humidor and shop for your next three-piece. The store’s clothing line is sourced from Montreal and can be purchased on a made-to-order and made-to-measure basis. In 2009, they launched a Hunt & Travel department.
For those craving eye candy, the Haberdashery presents Cabaret & Stage shows featuring local performers, singers, magicians and dancers. Seating is available for 85-100 people. Fashions shows are also a regular occurrence at the shop; clients can preview the Spring and Autumn Collections during trunk shows and on Haberdashery’s own runway.
Ax-Man Surplus Stores
Money burning a hole in your pocket? Missing a crucial part for your modern art masterpiece? Simply feel like adding another googly eye to your collection? A trip to Ax-Man is in order. This University Avenue staple (now with additional locations in St. Louis Park and Crystal) is filled to the brim with thing-a-ma-jigs, doo-dads and other assorted tinker toys for grown-ups. Yes, you’ll have to sift through barrels of crap, but one man’s junk is another man’s treasure and the hnt is half the fun. Like snooping through your grandpa’s workshop, Ax-man is rich with gadgets and whatchamacallits you never knew you needed. It’s also a bargain hunter’s paradise with the Ax-man Dozen (13 whatevers for the price of 12!), so gather your like-minded buddies and have a shopping spree. Have junk to unload? Ax-Man also buys and sells your stuff. Stop in and chat with the friendly staff or visit their website for more info.
Ryan Traster
Though Ryan Traster might not be the first name you pull out of your hat when you decide to hit the music scene with your crew, there’s a thirteen-year history behind the moody crooner and his right-hand man, Michael McGarthwaite.
Traster is a Minnesota bred singer-songwriter-guitarist who splits his time between The Big Apple and The Mini-Apple. Nomadic in spirit, Traster’s music is grounded with twangy instrumentation, swoon-worthy tenor and mournful Americana melody.
Aside from his instrumental support (on electric guitars, pedal steel, and banjo), McGarthwaite acts as an anchor for Traster’s wandering ways.
“We were separated for a while,” Traster says. “It was painful. Without Mike, I wouldn’t be here. I’d be…in a bad place.”
“And without Ryan,” McGarthwaite echoes, “I would be just another boring suburban guy.”
These two musicians are the epitome of opposites attracting. McGarthwaite is a straight-laced, wholesome Midwesterner who married his high school sweetheart and has a day job as a teacher.
“When I’m not rocking out or recovering from a hangover,” McGarthwaite says. “I do yard work.”
The one wild side (literally) of McGarthwaite--and a shared passion of the BFF’s--is a love of ink, though even then, the tat covering the right side of McGarthwaite’s ribcage is not so naughty; it’s his grandmother’s portrait.
In addition to McGarthwaite, Traster relies on Marc Perlman (of The Jayhawks) for assistance on bass, Peter Anderson (of The Honeydogs, Polara, Golden Smog) on drums and percussion and Jim O’Neill on keyboards. The band’s latest EP, The Tourists, was recorded at Flowers Studio in Minneapolis and produced by Ed Ackerson. Traster and company play the 7th Street Entry on July 31st.
Los Campeones
A Twin Cities staple for twenty-seven years, Los Campeones is one of the few locally owned gyms in the state. Boasting two levels, 7700 square feet and access 365 days a year for circuit training, boot camp, boxing and supplement shopping, you can’t beat this body-building haven.
Stella’s Fish Cafe
There's nothing fishy about Stella's; this trendy Uptown fish cafe is the place to put the “fun” in your TGIF celebration. Friday's special is the Oyster Orgy Happy Hour: fresh oysters are 69 cents a piece and bar beverages are 2 for 1. The much-buzzed-about rooftop patio is open until midnight, so bring your all your brothers-from-another-mother and hit the deck. Surrounded by the city’s sexiest singles, chances are you won’t be going home with the boys.
Ducati
Feed your need for speed at Ducati Minneapolis! Aside from a flashy stock of drool-worthy crotch rockets, the store features a plethora of gear, knowledgeable salespeople and regular organized rides for all levels of motorcycle enthusiasts.
The next upcoming events on Ducati’s calendar are at the Dakota County Technical College track on Friday, July 29th and Friday, August 12th. Riding begins at 4:00 PM and ends at dusk. Register in person at the store’s Uptown location or by phone (612-746-5116). Walk-up registration at DCTC is welcome only if space is available.
Metro Gun Club
Few activities get a guy’s blood pumping like shooting a firearm. The Metro Gun Club in Blaine is open seven days a week, year-round and does not require a membership. The club features Trap and Skeet fields, a 75-foot Duck Tower, four different 5-Stand Sporting Clays courses, Wobble Trap and Wobble Skeet fields. The 50-foot pistol range has 14 lanes to accommodate different calibers of pistols and every experience level, from beginners to expert marksmen.
Skinner's
Skinner’s is a neighborhood hole-in-the-wall whose word-of-mouth recommendations have spread across the state. Belly up to the blue collar bar on a Monday and get a large one-topping pizza and an 8-piece box of chicken for $16.50. Wednesday is Steak Night: starting at 5:00 PM, an 8-ounce sirloin, soup or salad, potato, vegetable and bread are yours for only $9.95. Thursday features “Mugaritas” plus free chips and salsa. If your buddy happens to be pint-sized, stop by on Sundays between 5:00 and 9:00 PM, when kids eat free from the kids menu. Make any other day of the week special with Skinner’s beloved Reuben sandwich.
Urban Assault Ride
Grab two wheels, a partner and go!
The Urban Assault Ride™ is the biggest bicycle scavenger hunt series in the nation. On July 31st, Twin Cities participants will embark in pairs on a city-wide quest for checkpoints. Bikes are abandoned at each checkpoint as participants complete an obstacle course, then it’s time to remount and find the next checkpoint. Riders choose the order of their stops and the duo that finishes fastest wins! Post-race, New Belgium Brewing Company will host an after-party and raffle.
Each participant receives a t-shirt, zip pouch by Green Guru Gear, Jack Link's beef jerky, Clif Bars, UAR stickers, New Belgium beer, snacks and raffle tickets. Proceeds benefit MORC and MOCA.
The Soundtown Music Festival
Hit the road, Jack, and head for the Somerset Amphitheater in Somerset, Wisconsin, where the first ever Soundtown Music Festival is taking place August 19th and 20th. The jam-packed line-up features national acts like the The Flaming Lips, New Pornographers, DeVotchKa and Delta Spirit alongside local darlings Solid Gold, Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons, Heiruspecs, Roma di Luna and Pink Mink, among many others. Rock out during the day; sleep under the stars at night. The beer will be flowing as freely as the Apple River, where tubing is also an option.
Published on Metromix Twin Cities in July 2011
11 GUILTY PLEASURES: CABIN FEVER
They say there are two season in Minnesota: winter and construction. While both are unavoidable, at least with winter there are endless sources of distraction from the misery; in fact, there are so many quirky, creative events and activities happening around town this time of year, it may well become your favorite season! Okay, maybe that’s too optimistic, but rest assured; though the weather outside is frightful, there’s tons of fun to be had in the Twin Cities, even in sub-zero temps. Goodbye, winter blues!
Young Adult
Diablo Cody, the Minnesotan writer who burst onto the Hollywood scene when she won an Oscar for the little indie film that could, “Juno,” is back and better than ever with “Young Adult.” Academy Award winning actress Charlize Theron plays Mavis Gary, a teen lit author who returns to her hometown in the hopes of winning over her now married high school sweetheart (Patrick Wilson). Chaos ensues as Mavis grapples with leaving all things adolescent in the past and embracing adulthood. Jason Reitman (of “Up in the Air”) directs the film, which is already collecting praise from the likes of Marie Claire and Time magazine.
Art Shanty Projects
Add some color to the seemingly endless string of gray days by attending the Art Shanty Project on Medicine Lake. This event, now in its ninth year, challenges artists to think outside the box (err…make that “gallery”) and transform their creations into accessible, engaging displays that even the least savvy of Minnesotans can warm up to. In addition to the homemade eye candy housed in ice-fishing shacks, past exhibitions have included fun and games like karaoke, the world's largest cribbage board, puppets and dancing.
Johnny Michaels
Johnny Michaels in the Twin Cities’ own celebrity bartender. A bona fide cocktail connoisseur, Michaels is more than mixologist; those who drink the magic potions from his tumblers consider him a savior. When winter’s got you down, stop in to La Belle Vie and let Michaels lift your spirits with one of many signature drinks. Then pick up a copy of his new book, “Northstar Cocktails” (published through the Minnesota History Center) and learn the tricks of the trade for yourself!
Cause's Chili
Crock pots are awesome…if you’re the kind of person that plans ahead. For the rest of us, there’s Cause, where you can walk right in, sit right down and tuck into a heaping bowl of chili without much forethought at all. Though this dish is vegetarian, we have it on good authority that it’s hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest meat eaters. You should also sample any number of other new items on the menu, which was recently reworked by Cause’s cook “Brooklyn Mike.” After you’ve had your fill of comfort food, move into the adjoining room and rock out to whatever local bands might be on the stage ‘til you forget it’s winter.
The Beer Dabbler
Though the Saint Paul Winter Carnival has been around for 125 years, the Beer Dabbler is a relatively new addition to the festivities. 2012 marks the third go-round for the alcohol-infused reverie which features craft and micro-brew tasting, live music and food truck grub. New additions the event include Leinekugel’s Silent Disco, games and a Jumbotron that will stream a live feed of the celebration. With a venue change to the St. Paul Farmer’s Market, the biggest cold weather beer festival in the state just got hotter! Advance tickets are highly recommended as the Beer Dabbler has a reputation for selling out early.
The U.S. Pond Hockey Championships
Believe it or not, there are a few Minnesotans who welcome winter. Those people play hockey and the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships are what weather like this was made for. Now in its seventh year, this event packs Lake Nokomis with well-equipped pros and die hard sports fans of all ages for icy face-offs. Register online to partake in Open Division, 40+, 50+, Women’s, Rink Rat (for those with more passion than skill) or Boot Hockey games. Not the athletic type? Bundle up, grab a brat and take in the sights rink-side.
The Past Is A Grotesque Animal
Mario Pensotti is an award-winning theatrical, cinematic and visual artist from Buenos Aires who brings his latest production, The Past is a Grotesque Animal (named after Of Montreal’s song of the same name) to the Walker Art Center in Jan. This live theater performance takes place on an enclosed, rotating round stage where four actors explore the concept of identity as a narrative construct. In other words, is who we are a result of the stories we tell, or vice versa? The performers both enact the scene and narrate it simultaneously, verbalizing the objective event and their subjective thoughts. (Did we mention it’s all in Spanish? No worries; there are “supertitles.”) Yes, this production might make your brain hurt, but it might also wake you up from that hibernation stupor you’ve been in for months. Get out of the house and your comfort zone at the same time!
Meshell Ndegeocello
Considering that her latest release is entitled “Weather,” it’s no surprise that ten-time Grammy nominee Meshell Ndegeocello chose one of the most bone-chilling months to return to the Twin Cities. Ndegeocello, with her funky, soulful, R&B sound, is sure to get your blood pumping, so grab your sweetie and your warmest sweater and head down to the Dakota Jazz Club for comfort food and a heartwarming concert.
Cat On A Hot Tin Roof
Baby, it’s cold outside, but the Guthrie’s going to be burning up the stage with its production of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize winning tale takes audiences inside a plantation home in the Mississippi Delta where tycoon Big Daddy Pollitt wrestles with his relationships with his son, Brick, and daughter-in-law Maggie (the “Cat”). Themes of greed, desire and death are woven throughout the storyline, ensuring you’ll be on the edge of your seat as the actors turn up the heat.
The Boat Show
Just around the time most Minnesotans would hop on a plane, train or automobile to anywhere but here, the Minneapolis Convention Center opens its door for the annual Boat Show. Now in its 40th year, this four day event gives nautical enthusiasts an opportunity to fantasize about forthcoming summer fun. New features for 2012 include an Antique & Classic Boat display; Fred’s Shed, where visitors can take part in DIY seminars; and the Marina & Yacht Experience, where attendees can browse boats in the water and nosh on eats from Seven Sushi & Steakhouse.
Pho at Quang Restaurant
Sometimes the only way to warm up is from the inside out. A steaming serving of Pho never sounds more enticing than it does in the arctic tundra months. Quang Restaurant, a local staple for Vietnamese cuisine on Eat Street, dishes up one of the best bowls the Twin Cities has to offer. The Pho Thap Cam is packed with sliced beef, tendon, brisket, tripe and meatballs; swallow it down and you’ll be insulated from Mother Nature for the rest of day. Your belly will thank you.
