Lavender Issue 371
Lavender Issue 371
Lavender Issue 371
LavenderMagazine.com
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August 14–27, 2009
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Contents | [ Minnesota's Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual-Transgender Magazine ]
16 46 58
THINK
NORTH
Ms. Behavior Wins Jane Chambers Award
• St. Paul Creates Domestic Partner
Registry
36 Bartender Spotlight
19 Bar: Casey
38 Minnesota AIDS Project Hosts
Twin Cities BAR AIDS
MINNEAPOLIS COVER FEATURE Event Parallels Dining Out for Life
16 Gayborhood of the Year 40 Lush Food Bar
North Minneapolis Debuts in Northeast Minneapolis
NEWS & POLITICS 42 Leather Life
IML Says Bye Bye Barebacking
24 Big Gay News
National and World News 43 Bar Calendar
Plan Your Bar Outings
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
26 On the Townsend CUISINE
Disordered (Thy Name Is Teenager) • Rag 46 Off the Eaten Path
Nouveau: Turath Wa Jadid • The Syringa Vic’s
Tree • When We Are Married • Whatever 50 Word of Mouth
Works Muddy Paws Cheesecake
28 The Page Boy 52 Dining Guide
Blue Jesus • The Greeks & Greek Love: A Food for Every Mood
Radical Reappearance of Homosexuality
in Ancient Greece • Harry Wild Jones:
August 14–27, 2009
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Contents | [ Minnesota's Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual-Transgender Magazine ]
LavenderMagazine.com
New Lavender Digital Edition, Weekly
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Volume 15, Issue 371 • August 14–27, 2009
Editorial
Managing Editor Ethan Boatner 612-436-4670
Associate Editor Russell Remmick 612-436-4671
Copy Editor George Holdgrafer 612-436-4672
Podmaster Bradley Traynor 612-436-4669
Contributors Kolina Cicero, Meryl Cohn, Carla Continenza,
Julie Dafydd, Chad Eldred, Heidi Fellner, Lawrence Ferber,
Terrance Griep, Ed Huyck, Steve Lenius, John Michael Lerma,
Charlene Lichtenstein, Jennifer Parello, Sara Rogers, Darin
Schwinkendorf, Vince Sgambati, Carisa Sibbet, Elizabeth
Stiras, John Townsend, Carla Waldemar
Advertising
Sales & Advertising Director Barry Leavitt 612-436-4690
Senior Account Executive Suzanne Farrell 612-436-4699
Account Executives Jonathan Halverson 612-436-4696,
Michael Ladzun 612-436-4697
Sales & Advertising Traffic Coordinator
Linda Raines 612-436-4694
Advertising Associate George Holdgrafer 612-436-4672
Sales & Advertising Intern Chris Wood 612-436-4695
Classifieds Suzanne Farrell 612-436-4699
National Sales Representative Rivendell Media
212-242-6863
Creative
Creative Director Hubert Bonnet 612-436-4678
Creative Assistants Carisa Sibbet 612-436-4677,
Mike Hnida 612-436-4679
Photographer Sophia Hantzes
Cartoonist Rodro
Lavender Studios Hubert Bonnet, Mike Hnida
Administration
Publisher Lavender Media, Inc.
President & CEO Stephen Rocheford 612-436-4665
Vice President & CC Pierre Tardif 612-436-4666
Chief Financial Officer Carolyn Lima 612-436-4664
Administrative Assistant Austin Lindstrom 612-436-4661
Founders George Holdgrafer, Stephen Rocheford
Inspiration Steven W. Anderson (1954-1994), Timothy J. Lee
(1968-2002), Russell Berg (1957-2005), Kathryn Rocheford
(1914-2006)
Entire contents copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Publication of the name or
photograph of any person, organization, or business in this magazine does not
reflect upon one’s sexual orientation whatsoever. Lavender® Magazine reserves
the right to refuse any advertising. This issue of Lavender Magazine is available
free of charge during the time period published on the cover. Pickup at one of our
distribution sites is limited to one copy per person.
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Community Dialogue > A Word in Edgewise [ by E.B. Boatner ]
12
Passing |
[ Scott R. Kyle ]
1961-2009
S
cott R. Kyle, 48, passed away unex-
pectedly on July 27 at his apartment
in Minneapolis. He was born June
25, 1961, in New Richmond, Wisconsin.
Kyle was well-known for his ath-
letic achievement. He spent the past 25
years playing competitive softball in the
Twin Cities Goodtime Softball League
(TCGSL), as well as in leagues and nation-
al tournaments sanctioned by the North
American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance
(NAGAAA). Among his greatest softball
accomplishments, he was a key player on
the A-level team that represented the Twin
Cities and took first place at the 1987 and
1988 NAGAAA World Series. He was a
member of the same team that also took
second place at the 1992 World Series,
and third place three other years.
At the 2009 World Series, which takes
place August 31-September 5 in Milwau-
kee, Wisconsin, Kyle’s stellar softball
career will be honored when he will be
inducted posthumously into the NAGAA
LavenderMagazine.com
Hall of Fame.
A local memorial service for Kyle is
being planned for early October.
13
Queer As Folks |
>
popular column appears in Lavender—has won the Jane Chambers Award. She captured it for her play
The Siegels of Montauk, which focuses on three adult Jewish sisters who—together with their mother—
close out the family’s Montauk beach house in the wake of their father’s death. The play, one of 140
entries, won after three rounds of adjudication by 16 feminist scholars and artists. Presented since
1984, the Jane Chambers Award, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is given by the
Women and Theatre Program of the Association of Theatre in Higher Education. The award is named
in memory of famous lesbian playwright Jane Chambers, author of My Blue Heaven, Last Summer at
Bluefish Cove, and Kudzu.
Photo by Jennifer Shannon
>
partner registry. Hours earlier, the St. Paul City Council had passed a resolution to recognize same-sex
partnerships by a 6-0 vote. It made St. Paul the third city in Minnesota to do so, behind Minneapolis
in 1991 and Duluth this past May. During the public hearing on the measure, no one spoke against it.
Coleman said, “Equality is equality is equality—you can’t have equality for some, and not for others.”
Though the St. Paul ordinance is a step in the right direction, many gay-rights supporters still noted
that state law prohibits governments from extending health-care benefits to unwed couples, including
same-sex couples.
Photo by Sophia Hantzes (From left) Council Member Dave Thune, Mayor Chris Coleman, OutFront
Minnesota Executive Director Amy Johnson, Council Member Lee Helgen.
August 14–27, 2009
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August 14–27, 2009
16
> Cover Feature
OF THE
GAYBORHOOD
YEAR
north minneapolis
[ by Elisabeth Stiras ]
T
he revitalization of North Minneapolis, once a neck of the woods considered
sketchy and possibly dangerous, has made it a community on the rise, with fresh
neighbors and new locally owned businesses.
Behind the wider impact are the grassroots efforts of Joel Breeggemann and
Michael Pristash. When the couple moved to North Minneapolis seven years ago this Sep-
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... [Gayborhood of the Year]
North Minneapolis’s growing reputation as a Holiday on 44th celebration, now in its 12th year, is held the first Friday of December.
GLBT-friendly sector—or“gayborhood”—of Photo Courtesy of Duane A. Atter Jr.
19
... [Gayborhood of the Year]
Rounds. She also enjoys spend- of Steamworks in 2008. “From day one, we’ve felt wel-
ing time at local restaurants. Christina Jenkins enthuses, come in this community, both
Pristash points out, “There “The GLBT community that we in a business sense and on an
are absolutely flourishing busi- have been able to meet and serve interpersonal level.”
nesses along this strip,” refer- has been incredible. They have The NOMI brand—the very
ring to 44th Avenue, starting at proven to be a nice, loyal commu- term itself, as well as the logo—
Osseo Road. nity who recognizes and appreci- are the creation of Desiree
Papa’s Pizza and Pasta serves ates hard work, entrepreneurship, Fernandez, who had developed
Italian-American dishes, hoa- and a damn good cup of coffee.” the concept independently.
gies, Philly cheesesteak sand- Steamworks hosts GLBT- A number of neighborhood
August 14–27, 2009
wiches, and owner Mick (Papa) and NOMI-themed events. groups had passed on it before
Brogan’s signature tomato pie. The owners play on the NOMI Breeggemann and Pristash met
Jeff and Christina Jenkins own Kickball Team, founded by her at a Pride several years ago.
Steamworks Coffee. The couple Breeggemann and Pristash, The brand, first used to pro-
moved to North Minneapolis in which is largely GLBT. mote the home tour, has taken
Steamworks Coffee. Photo by Hubert Bonnet 2006, and took over ownership Christina Jenkins recounts, on a broader meaning.
20
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... [Gayborhood of the Year]
Pristash explains, “It connotes
an area that’s up and coming.”
While the foreclosure cri-
sis has left a trail of victims in
its wake, it also has made pos-
sible a bump in first-time home
ownership.
Pristash comments, “We
thought foreclosure would be
a bad thing [for the neighbor-
hood]. We thought it might be
the death of North Minneapo-
lis. But it provided an opportu-
nity for young upstart profes-
sionals, young families, and the
GLBT community in particular
to come in here and find homes
at an affordable rate.”
Home ownership has gone
up, and rental properties have
been able to attract more in-
vested neighbors. Heritage Day, held the last Saturday of
September at North Mississippi Regional
Warren-An Artist Habitat event. Photo Courtesy of Duane A. Atter Jr. According to Pristash, Park. Photo Courtesy of Duane A. Atter Jr.
August 14–27, 2009
22
“Even if they’re just buying a sense of community. There are
rental, they’re buying into the so many people doing so much
neighborhood.” to improve NOMI, and it feels
Jamie Nabozny and his great to be a part of it. We feel
partner, Bo Shaefer, found their this is not just a place to live, but
home after taking the NOMI it’s the place we call home.”
Home Tour. Breeggemann and Pristash
Nabozny remarks, “We have stepped back from the
were excited by the sense of home tour to devote their en-
community and positive energy ergies to further develop the
that was coming out of North NOMI brand.
Minneapolis, so we decided Breeggemann boasts, “It’s
to attend the tours to find out exploded more than we ever
what all the buzz was about.” anticipated it to.”
The information provided In seven years, the attitude
on the tour, as well as the in- of North Minneapolis has re-
teraction Nabozny and Shaefer versed course, and shows no
had with their future neighbors, signs of looking back.
were pivotal in their decision to As Breeggemann puts it,
buy their new home. “I’ve noticed a true pride in
Nabozny observes, “This is people who live here. We love Workhouse Theatre Company that works out of
the first neighborhood in Min- where we live. We’re proud of Warren-An Artist Habitat. Night Mother, starring
Miriam Monasch and Muriel Bonertz, directed by
Farmers Market. Photo Courtesy of Duane A. Atter Jr. neapolis where we feel a real where we live.” Richard Jackson. Photo Courtesy of Duane A. Atter Jr.
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Big Gay News >
[ Written & Compiled by Bradley Traynor ]
NATIONAL NEWS
WISCONSIN DOMESTIC
PARTNER REGISTRY
TAKES EFFECT
24
Census Bureau will release publicly gay
marriage data reported in next year’s census.
The decision follows a legal opinion from
the Commerce Department that argued
the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act does not
prohibit the Census Bureau from publicly
releasing the data. This is contrary to the
opinion of the Bush Administration.
WORLD NEWS
BURUNDIAN HOMOSEXUALS
SUFFER UNDER NEW
ANTIGAY LAW
According to Human Rights Watch,
gay men in Burundi have suffered in-
creased discrimination and fear following
a law passed in April criminalizing homo-
sexuality. International organizations and
foreign governments criticized Burundi
after it passed the law. Boris Dittrich, head
of homosexual rights advocacy at Human
Rights Watch, which actively worked
against the law’s passage, says that his
group has not given up its efforts to have
the criminalization repealed.
AMSTERDAM MAYOR
MARRIES AMERICAN GAY
COUPLES ON CANAL
Amsterdam Mayor Job Cohen married
five American-Dutch gay couples, accord-
ing to Reuters. He performed the cer-
emony on a cruise around the city’s canal
during Amsterdam’s Gay Pride Festival.
He made additional history eight years
ago when he presided over the first legal
gay marriage in Holland. Ira Siff, an opera
professional from New York who married
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Arts & Entertainment > On the Townsend [ by John Townsend ]
sa. Usually, this is done in the spirit of great mance is launched through the eyes of a child When We Are Married. Photo by T. Charles Erickson
humor and satire toward the opposite sex.” during Apartheid in South Africa—Apartheid
Lauded Lebanese violinist Georges is the term for systematized racial division. J.B. Priestley’s bright 1938 comedy,
Lammam and his acclaimed ensemble ac- This box office hit, for all its hard political When We Are Married, may not appear to be
company, with lighting by ever-evocative content, has a magical way of appealing to a as socially conscious a play as his best-known
Jeff Bartlett. mainstream audience with vulnerability, ten- work, An Inspector Calls. But in John Miller
26
Stephany’s always historically savvy direc-
torial hands, we are placed in full presence
of the rigid class structure and strict mari-
tal protocols of the 1908 Northern English
setting of When We Are Married. It’s an
often-staged popular classic in the UK.
Three couples of wide-ranging degrees
of stuffiness suddenly must grapple with
the likelihood that they actually were not
married by a legitimate man of the cloth.
Hence, they tailspin into identity crisis,
social-register panic, and primal doubt
about whether they really love the one they
wedded a quarter century earlier. Sure, it’s
hilarious, but it’s quite reflective, too.
Barbara Bryne and Maggie Chestovich
delight with rowdy wit as two servants
who show two couples up to be the pomp-
ous phonies they are (echoes of An Inspec-
tor Calls). Icons from past Guthrie decades
also shine: Helen Carey, Patricia Connol-
ly, Peter Micahel Goetz, Sally Wingert—
and, of course, Bryne.
WHATEVER WORKS
AREA CINEMAS
27
Arts & Entertainment > The Page Boy [ by E.B. Boatner ]
Blue Jesus The Greeks & Greek Love: Harry Wild Jones: Holman Hunt and the
TOM EDWARDS A Radical Reappearance American Architect Pre-Raphaelite Vision
ACADEMY CHICAGO PUBLISHERS of Homosexuality in ELIZABETH A. VANDAM CATHERINE LOCHNAN
$16.95 Ancient Greece NODIN PRESS & CAROL JACOBI, ED.
JAMES DAVIDSON $39 ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO
PHOENIX $55
$27.99
A neat mix of the obvious— This sprawling, diffuse, and This beautifully crafted book This volume, which accompa-
people who are “different” fascinating volume seeks to is a double pleasure to read. nies the current exhibition at
often are treated badly; the reset the thinking of the past Local author Vandam not only the Minneapolis Institute of
facts—there are blue people couple of millennia on the presents architect Harry Wild Arts (MIA), Sin and Salvation:
(ethemoglobinemia); and a subject of the phrase “Greek Jones (1859-1935) as a vibrant, William Holman Hunt and the
predictably odd rural Southern love” (comprising mostly male talented, personable human Pre-Raphaelite Vision, is a valu-
community in the 1960s. After homosexuality). At one end of being, but also shows us how able work of art history in its
his mother’s death, 11-year- the spectrum is the Victorian much of his existing work can own right. The images and the
old (gay) Buddy Dean moves intellectualization and sanitiza- be seen here today. Educated 10 essays offer a rare glimpse
to Comfort Corners in North tion of the mechanics of such in the East, Wild and his wife into the life and work of Hunt
Georgia to live with his grand- activity, while at the other moved to Minneapolis, building (1827-1910) and his Pre-
mother. He becomes friends end, Davidson gives us Sir their residence, Elmwood, in the Raphaelite brothers, including
with Early Finch, a boy from a Kenneth Dover (born 1920), Washburn Park area, now Tan- John Everett Millais and Dante
local blue-skinned, “blue trash” who sees Greek love as more gletown. Prolific and protean, Gabriel Rossetti, whose work
family. The two find a dead purely the performance of Jones designed homes, com- also is represented. Hunt was
baby discarded in the town physical acts. Davidson points mercial buildings, and churches influenced heavily by his read-
dump. By laying his hands on, out that Greece was a widely throughout the continental ing, and many of his paintings
Early brings it back to life, be- scattered collection of city United States, Hawaii, even Bur- were drawn from literature:
coming, with Buddy, the focus states, separated geographi- ma. Perhaps the jewel in Jones’s The Lady of Shallot (Tennyson);
of the townsfolk’s cauldron of cally, socially, politically, and architectural crown remains the Claudio and Isabella (Shake-
emotions. As the very enter- so forth, producing a wide Lakewood Cemetery Chapel in speare’s Measure for Measure).
tainingly told story builds to variety of approaches to sexual South Minneapolis. Vandam’s Hunt added his own interpreta-
its climax—Early, apotheosized conduct and etiquette. He descriptions—“Surrounding tions to the original narratives,
from town pariah to Blue Jesus, does not write in standard, dry the chapel’s sixty-five foot dome and rendered his subjects in
a highly marketable com- academish, which is a selling are twenty-four Art Nouveau exquisite detail, using light and
modity for his ne’er-do-well, point for the lay reader, but he Style stained-glass windows shadow, key objects, placement
abusive father—the subtext of does have a tendency to a bit serving as a sundial of masterful of figures (right=good/left=bad)
friendship and loyalty becomes jokey, and to expatiate on top- proportions.”—spur one to visit. to convey his intent. This book
stronger and more poignant. ics that are not at the fingertips This volume, which has a list is a rich read and a splendid
August 14–27, 2009
Early finally agrees to be the of the nonacademic. However, with addresses of all Jones’s edi- holiday gift. The exhibit, which
centerpiece of a revival, but Davidson does, on the whole, fices, is profusely illustrated with offers more than 60 works,
only under the condition that argue his points persuasively. A photographs and drawings. Van- runs through September 16 at
white, blue, and black alike are thought-provoking and chal- dam is the author of The Doors of the MIA. Visit <www.artsmia.
welcome to attend. lenging read. Tangletown: A Historical Reflection org>.
of Washburn Park (2002).
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Arts & Entertainment > Books [ by Carisa Sibbet ]
M
ale/Male (M/M) romance follow his punishable love? perhaps because of what is trendy, new, and
novels are not all that strange The question remains: Why do straight fresh to young straight women.
a niche, particularly to the women write and read M/M romance novels? Are these straight writers trying to even
GLBT reader. But when you One reason could be that if one man is the score?
have a straight woman writing them, and sexy, two men just make it even sexier. You Maybe they want to get the message across
the books are geared toward other straight have heard that many men enjoy the idea of that all love is the same, whether it is male/fe-
women, you reach a whole new dimension. two women being together. Well, surpris- male (M/F), female/female (F/F), or M/M.
Live Journal, an online journaling com- ingly—or perhaps unsurprisingly—a large Women were put into a box for so long
munity, currently has more than 300 com- number of women enjoy the thought of two throughout history. Now, they have the same
munities for M/M romance. Works of this men together. opportunities as men, and they are voicing
type written by straight women are a grow- Another reason is that M/M relationships their opinions. They can write what they
ing market. do not have the same gender stereotypes as want, and for whom they want, and it doesn’t
In April 2009, Running Press published straight relationships. There can be much have to hew to the prevailing social norm.
two books in this genre: Transgressions, by more to these characters, and they don’t Thus, many people might argue, “Why
Erastes, and False Colors, by Alex Beecroft. need to fit into typical female and male roles. not?” Being a straight, married woman is a
Both have all the aspects that fans of such The story really can go anywhere, with no life many of these writers and readers cur-
fiction will love—prohibited love, mysteri- social or expected boundaries—enticing to rently live. Been there, done that. To write
ous locations, and sexy leading men. both the writer and the reader. or read about something completely for-
Transgressions, set in the Civil War era, M/M fiction is edgy. It’s new. It’s hip. eign to one’s own experience is an escape,
tells a tale of a father who brings home a young Is it? and let’s face it: Isn’t that why most people
man to help his son work the family forge. The You be the judge. read fiction in the first place?
August 14–27, 2009
son’s reaction to this new, handsome stranger The success of the movie Brokeback Moun- One question remains: Will gay men
is not one his father would approve. tain and the show Brothers and Sisters could start writing about M/F relationships? Will
In False Colors, set in the 1700s, a lieu- fit into this category. M/M relationships are straight men start writing about F/F rela-
tenant of the British Royal Navy falls hope- becoming more acceptable to the younger tionships?
lessly in love with his new captain. Will he generation, and even some older generations, Anything is possible.
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Bar Advertiser Guide > Twin Cities
08
12
E
N
e.
l Av
a
ntr
Ce
05
11 02
06 03
09
01
13
07 10
26th Ave. S.
04
> Regional
IA The Blazing Saddle, Des Moines WI Scooter’s, Eau Claire David, Sioux Falls
SD
416 E. 5th St., (515) 246-1299 411 Galloway St., (715) 835-9959 214 W. 10th St., (605) 274-0700
Buddy’s Corral, Des Moines My Place, La Crosse
418 E. 5th St., (515) 244-7140 3201 S. Ave., (608) 788-9073
The Garden, Des Moines Players, La Crosse
112 SE 4th, (515) 243-3965 218 Main St., (608) 784-2353
August 14–27, 2009
32
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Enjoy THE NEW HAPPY HOUR BAR!
• Stone Work
• Cherrywood Paneling
• Rustic Copper High Ceiling
• Custom-Designed Carpeting
• State-of-the Art LED Lighting
• Video/Satellite and Sound System
• 10 Large HD Display Screens
• Cushioned Swivel Bar Stools
34
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Bar Scene > Bartender Spotlight [ by George Holdgrafer ]
WHO
Casey
WHAT
Recipe: A Cappella
4 parts Stoli Vodka on the
rocks
WHEN
CASEY Thu.-Sat. • 9 PM-2 AM
WHERE
19 Bar
19 W. 15th St., Mpls.
(612) 871-5553
WHY
“Indie meets mainstream.
Bear meets twink. Ely meets
NYC. ‘No message could’ve
been any clearer—if you
wanna make the world a
better place, take a look
at yourself, and make a
change.’—MJ”
August 14–27, 2009
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Bar Scene | [ by Chad Eldred ]
B
ottoms up! hot summer day/night.”
Whether you enjoy a drink According to Knapp, MAP plans to start
(alcoholic or not) or two, or small this year to prove the BAR AIDS
simply seek an evening out model works in the Twin Cities, with the
on the town socializing, the eventual hope of expanding the event in
Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP)’s newly years to come.
launched fund-raising campaign in the Knapp explains, “In future years, we
Twin Cities has something for everyone. hope to grow the event to be a significant
On August 27, MAP is hosting Twin six-figure type of fund-raiser. We were very
Cities BAR AIDS. About 25 bars, as well as excited that almost every venue we con-
other drinking and eating establishments, tacted was extremely eager to participate.
will be donating a portion of their sales that We had a strong showing of support from
day to benefit MAP. both gay and straight bars throughout the
Participating establishments include 19 community.”
Bar, Bali, Bulldog NE, Camp, Dakota Jazz That strong response is surely a good
Club, Eli’s, Gay 90’s, Joe’s Garage, Living sign for the more than 6,200 people who
Room Lounge, Minneapolis Eagle/Bolt, are HIV-positive currently living in Min-
Rumours/Innuendo, Saloon, Solera, Town nesota, along with the estimated 2,500
House, and Ugly Mug. United States. Cities such as Las Vegas, residents who are HIV-positive but do not
The event is similar to the Twin Cities Providence, Reno, and San Francisco al- know it yet.
Dining Out for Life event held each year in ready have signed on. Minneapolis and St. Knapp remarks, “We will be raising
late April, only this time around, bubbling Paul now have joined that list. BAR AIDS funds to help the Minnesota AIDS Project
beverages will be the main draw for dona- traditionally has been conducted on the in its mission to stop HIV in Minnesota
tion dollars. fourth Thursday in August, as it will be in through advocacy, prevention education,
Nondrinkers need not worry, for a va- the Twin Cities, too. and basic services.”
riety of coffee and juice bar venues have Ambassadors from MAP will be sta- To ensure as much safety as possible,
come on board to support the fund-raising tioned at every venue, handing out stick- MAP has contacted a few sober cab busi-
effort, so guests will have a slew of dining ers and HIV/AIDS information. They will nesses to participate. Town Taxi Services
and drinking options. provide referrals to testing centers, and and Dry Drivers will be on hand to take
MAP Special Events Manager David will be available to answer questions about participants home—even in their own car.
Knapp says, “BAR AIDS involves bars and HIV/AIDS. They also will be selling raffle Now, you really have no excuse not to
alcohol-free venues throughout Minne- tickets for prizes. spend an evening out with friends, and help
apolis and St. Paul. Its purpose is to create Knapp notes, “BAR AIDS is an excellent a good cause while doing so.
an atmosphere where people can socialize model for an HIV fund-raiser, because it is
August 14–27, 2009
for a good cause, and increase awareness a win-win [situation] for everyone. Twin
about HIV. The event is a community-uni- Cities residents learn which bars are most
fying opportunity that everyone can enjoy, interested in giving back to the community BAR AIDS
whether they prefer lagers or lattes.” in which they live, and the customers get AUG. 27
VARIOUS VENUES
BAR AIDS got its start in Chicago in to do what they would probably want to do <WWW.TWINCITIESBARAIDS.COM>
2003, and since has expanded across the anyway, which is socialize with friends on a
38
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Bar Scene | [ by George Holdgrafer ]
Lush
Debuts in Northeast
Minneapolis
L
ush Food Bar, the newest Twin lot of people who would rather not fight the Patrons will find plenty of fun activities
Cities GLBT club, debuted crowds and traffic of Downtown Minneap- to keep them coming back to Lush.
July 31 in Northeast Minneap- olis. Lush gives them a nice alternative.” Hoffman relates, “We plan to offer a
olis. It’s across the street from The owners of Lush aim to attract a variety of types of entertainment, including
Tickles, which opened last No- diverse clientele, as Hoffman shares: “We live music, and some drag shows eventually.
vember. Lush is the brainchild of owners love the Abby in West Hollywood, and had We also will have mixing artists spinning at
Ty Hoffman and Kelly Phillips, who are life it in mind. They bring in a great mix of gays various times in the week. We plan to offer
partners as well. and lesbians, with a nice mix straight folks an eclectic array of entertainment.”
Hoffman says, “We wanted to create on the side. We are very straight-friendly.” Food is a major component of Lush, so
an open, fun environment. The old Healy Lush’s ambience certainly lives up to the hungry patrons will enjoy the creations of
Spring Company building, with high ceil- bar’s name. Chef Karla Schmitt.
ings and bay garage door openings, provid- Hoffman notes, “The exterior is, frank- According to Hoffman, “We are starting
ed the opportunity to do the open feel with ly, a rather squat, ’70s-era brick building with a more limited menu. The kitchen is
the glass garage doors. We want ‘Lush’ to that originally housed a truck repair shop. small, but efficient. We have a number of
describe the experience—rich, sumptuous! But there was also a real beauty in the sim- different salads and appetizers, plus Angus
We want to get people out a little earlier, plicity of the building. The main room of burgers and a few other sandwiches. We
enjoy a few drinks and a bite to eat with the restaurant/bar is in the large, three-bay have a brunch menu on Saturday and Sun-
friends, and then see where the night goes room where the trucks were put on lifts for day from 10 AM to 2 PM, featuring various
from there.” repair. egg dishes, French toast, and sandwiches.
Lush and Tickles, along with nearby “The room, with 24-foot ceilings, is an- We also have a bottomless Champagne
Wilde Roast Café, definitely make North- chored by a large bar in the middle. Mod- Mimosa menu brunch both afternoons for
east a destination spot for the GLBT com- ern Italian chairs/tables circle the bar, and $20. It’s a great deal!”
munity. retro wood booths salvaged from a bowling Nonprofit fund-raising will be a major
Hoffman explains, “We really like being alley line the outer walls. It is has a mod- focus of Lush, and Hoffman states, “We are
a part of Northeast Minneapolis. We live a ern/industrial feel, but the trio of Chihu- very committed to both the GLBT com-
few blocks away, and are really committed ly-esque chandeliers over the bar lends a munity and the neighborhood. We will be
to the neighborhood—we wanted to invest softer, alluring element. The large, 20-foot hosting various fund-raising events for both
in it. We also think that, like us, there are a high glass garage door is usually open, giv- communities—that is really very important
ing the whole place an out- to us.”
door feel.” What does the future hold in store for
Speaking of outdoor, Lush?
Hoffman adds, “The exte- Hoffman puts it this way, “As is the case
rior is coming together. We with all new independent venues, this is
have a small, covered patio a work-in-progress. We will be continu-
area right off of the main ally fine-tuning the interior elements. The
room. We plan to expand menu will expand, and we’ll get to the live
that with a larger, more performances very soon. Right now, we’re
elaborate patio, with more happy to be open, but we definitely have
plants, trees, flowers, and many more things to add. Oh, and the pa-
August 14–27, 2009
Lush owners Ty Hoffman (left) and Kelly Phillips. Photos by Sophia Hantzes.
40
Bar Scene > Lavender Lens [ Photos by Sophia Hantzes ]
OPENING NIGHT
JULY 31
LUSH
LavenderMagazine.com
41
Bar Scene > Leather Life [ by Steve Lenius ]
42
Bar Scene > Bar Calendar
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
Minneapolis Movie Bears
Bar Night
7 PM. Rumours.
Total DiscTraction
9 PM. Town House.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
Golf Tourney
Saloon
Booby Trap
Bolt Underground
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16
Singles Pool Tournament
4 PM. 19 Bar.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19
Foam Underwear Party:
DJ Red Richard
9 PM. Annex. Gay 90’s.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
Project Runway Season
Opener Kickoff Party
7 PM. Rumours.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
Dragged Out
LavenderMagazine.com
43
... [Bar Calendar]
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
North Country Bears
Bear Bar Night
8 PM. Bolt Underground.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
Lure: Ultimate Lesbian Party
9 PM. Rumours.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
MisMatch-ed Game
Benefits MarryMeMinnesota.org
8 PM. Bolt Underground.
Lake Calhoun Boys Party & Fund-raiser
9 PM. Rumours.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30
A Tribute to Gary Hinze
Triangle of Hope Benefit for Clare Housing
5 PM. Town House.
ONGOING
MONDAYS
Game Night
9 PM. Innuendo.
Karaoke with Dana
9 PM. Town House.
Men’s Night: Male Dancers
9:30 PM. Town House.
Karaoke with Killer B’s
10 PM. Gay 90’s.
Hard Monday
Saloon
TUESDAYS
Mega Bingo
Benefits MS Society
6:30 PM. Gay 90’s.
Team Trivia
7:30 PM. Innuendo.
Karaoke with Killer B’s
9 PM. Saloon.
Karaoke with John
9 PM. Town House.
Diamond Diva Drag Show
10 PM. Gay 90’s.
Fiesta Latina
10 PM. Saloon.
WEDNESDAYS
Bango with Mother Pearl
Benefits The Aliveness Project
5:30 PM. Saloon.
August 14–27, 2009
Debbie Duncan
8 PM. Camp.
Encounter: Male Dancers
9 PM. Innuendo.
Drag Show
9:30 PM. La Femme Show Lounge. Gay 90’s.
44
... [Bar Calendar]
Karaoke
10 PM. Bolt.
Hump Night: Male Dancers
Saloon
THURSDAYS
Trivia with Carl
Saloon
Mega Bingo
Benefits MS Society
6:30 PM. Gay 90’s.
Progressive Bingo
Benefits The Aliveness Project
8 PM. Bolt.
Chamber
9 PM. Bolt Underground.
The Girls (1st Thu.) or Lori Dokken &
Guest
9 PM. Town House.
Drag Show
9:30 PM. La Femme Show Lounge. Gay 90’s.
Pumps and Pearls Drag Revue
10 PM. Town House.
Karaoke with John
9 PM. Innuendo.
Boys Night Out
Saloon
FRIDAYS
Gary Collins
5 PM. Tickles.
Erin Schwab
6 PM. Camp.
Red Carpet
with Candi Stratton
9:30 PM. La Femme Show Lounge. Gay 90’s.
Male Dancers
10 PM. Gay 90’s.
Mineshaft
Bolt Underground
Wet! Male Dancers
Saloon
SATURDAYS
Open Mic Cabaret with Jeff Olson
8 PM. Tickles.
Drag Show
9:30 PM. La Femme Show Lounge. Gay 90’s.
Male Dancers
10 PM. Innuendo/Rumours.
Male Dancers
10 PM. Gay 90’s.
SUNDAYS
Showtunes
5 PM. Bolt.
Karaoke with John & Trover
7 PM. Lounge. Town House.
Mia Dorr
8 PM. Camp.
Karaoke with Jamie & Jeremy
9 PM. Innuendo.
Pumps and Pearls Drag Revue
9 PM. Town House.
Drag Show
LavenderMagazine.com
45
August 14–27, 2009
46
Cuisine > Off the Eaten Path
VIC'S
[ by Heidi Fellner ]
erhaps it is the destination of all modern cities to forget aspects of their sidewalk traffic is scant. Even the dolled-up carriage
horse looks like she’s itching for a customer.
heritage—a necessary sacrifice on the road to modernization. If this is
I, too, had neglected St. Anthony Main, and I can’t
so, then the Twin Cities may have had to turn away from its lovely riv- for the life of me explain why. Its contemplative cobble-
er—and the bustling industry it generated—so that both metropolitan stones and river breezes are such a welcome respite.
centers could come into their own. However, when you look out onto Vic’s patio is the perfect way to enjoy it all, with
that majestic Mississippi, its slow and steady waters winding their way from these its rustic wood and Prussian blue rails, along with the
P
northern lights down to the Big Easy, you feel a tremendous sense of nostalgia. compelling smells emanating from the kitchen. But
if that’s not enough to entice the Downtown throng,
perfectly. Vic’s has decided to take things a step further: Bottled
It is a feeling that I have yet to put into words, as “I think people have forgotten about this area,” she wine now is sold at cost. I blink when I am told this,
I sit on Vic’s lovely patio on St. Anthony Main, which says with a sigh, as she opens a bottle of Santa Mar- as the hefty markup on wine keeps most restaurants in
offers one of the best river views in town. Our server gherita Pinot Grigio ($16.97). the black. But after eating at Vic’s, I know that this is a
follows my gaze outward, and articulates my thoughts It’s not as if Vic’s lacks a healthy patronage, but the brilliant move. The wine will bring you to its patio,
and the food will remind you to return.
Lump Crab Cakes. Photos by Hubert Bonnet
LavenderMagazine.com
47
My dining partner and I sim- ous platter of oysters, breaded
ply can’t resist Executive Chef conch, Cajun grilled shrimp, cal-
Doug Pittman’s recommendation amari, sea bass, salmon, and two
of the Flatbread Blue appetizer snow crab claws, with a choice of
($11). Its crisp crust is spread potato and fresh sautéed vegeta-
with fresh basil and toasted pine bles. Overall, the specials at Vic’s
nut pesto, rotisserie chicken, are absolutely fantastic, and this
Roma tomatoes and Amish blue platter is no exception.
cheese. I expected the cheese to The 16-ounce T-bone ($28),
stick out, but it was a very happy however, is newer on the regular
marriage, and one of the stand- entrée list, and it may need a bit
out tastes of the evening. of time to perfect. Its mushroom
Next, the Calamari, which and red wine sauce is absolutely
are lightly breaded, and sautéed delectable, but by the time it
with marinated peppers ($11). arrived at our table, the meat,
The peppers give the dish a wel- ordered medium rare, was more
coming and uncommonly bright medium well. Whether that was
flavor. I don’t quite understand because of a miscommunication,
my own love affair with calamari, or the science of cooking the
but love is not a rational act. I’ve thinner-cut T-bone so precisely
eaten calamari almost every way and then running it out to the
one can have it, and I think I patio, I don’t know, but I do have
have a new favorite. Only a few faith that Pittman will make the
forkfuls were left when it came necessary adjustment.
time to clear plates, but we in- Our server surprised us with
sisted on taking it home anyway. one last taste of loveliness: the
If you are a foodie, and boxing Key Lime Meringue. Another
calamari sounds like a clear sign bit of business-minded bril-
of derangement, have some at liance is the size options on Vic’s
Vic’s, and then come join me in dessert list. For just $1, you can
my padded cell. get a few spoonfuls of key lime
We sucked down a few oys- decadence served atop a graham,
ters ($2.50 each). My dining walnut, and pecan crumble;
partner and I are members of or for $6, have a dessert large
the horseradish oyster cult, but enough to split.
it was very interesting to taste After our sweet little amuse
the difference in flavor between bouche, as I was sitting there,
the James River and Blue Point looking out on this forgotten
oysters, as these are served au view, I had one final thought. I
naturel. can’t place our cities’ progress
Pittman also recommends on an abstract timeline. In the
the soup du jour ($5), which is grand scheme of things, I don’t
beer cheese, and the house salad know what developmental phase
($13). The soup is simply spec- we’re in, or where we’re headed.
tacular—buttery, dreamy, and But I do think it’s time that we
decadent, topped with popcorn rediscover our lovely river, and
and black pepper. The salad is I know of no nicer way to do so
an eclectic combination of fruits, than right here at Vic’s.
cheeses and greens, all tied to-
August 14–27, 2009
48
LavenderMagazine.com
49
Cuisine > Word of Mouth
Muddy
Paws
Cheesecake
[ by John Michael Lerma ]
I
first met Tami Cabrera, owner of Mud-
dy Paws Cheesecake, in November
2005. We both were setting up our dis-
play tables at the Calhoun Coffee Fes-
tival. My first cookbook had just been
released. I had baked several items from my
new book to display, including my Chocolate
Truffle Cheesecake.
Once we had completed setup, my partner,
Chad, and I walked around to see the other
vendors. That’s when I encountered Cabrera.
She had a cornucopia of cheesecakes covering
a beautiful tablecloth, with antique cake plates
holding some of the most exquisite and unique
creations I ever had beheld. She was extremely
busy, but immediately smiled, introduced her-
self, and asked if we wanted to try some sam-
ples. We have been friends ever since.
When I recently visited Cabrera’s new
location in St. Louis Park, she told me that
she has been spending a good deal of her time
focusing on weddings, unions, and anniver-
saries. With Iowa having legalized same-sex
marriage, Minnesota shouldn’t be too far be-
hind. Now, Chad, I know a place for unbeliev-
able GLBT wedding cheesecakes!
When I arrived for our chat, Cabrera and
her assistant, Amy, had just baked a ton of Tami Cabrera. Photo by Hubert Bonnet
cheesecakes.
Cabrera told me, “Our ovens can bake up
as we always do—14 of our most indulgent ond shop eventually opened in Maple Grove.
to 28 cheesecakes at a time. Our bake days are
cheesecake flavors, including Blueberry Cran- Then, Cabrera and company decided to make
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The
berry Pistachio, Coconut Mango, Banana a large jump to a retail restaurant on Henne-
opposite days are cutting days. The cutting of
Split, Black Forest, and Crazy Carrot. And pin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis.
our cheesecakes actually takes as long as the
with the cakes baking safely in the ovens, I Cabrera explains, “But due to the econom-
baking.”
went on to design one of my signature wed- ic climate, taking care of a special-needs child,
As we walked into the Bridal Consulting
ding cakes: a Three-Tier Raspberry Swirl and my sincere desire to focus on our wedding
room, I noticed a wall covered with accolades
Cheesecake with Lady Fingers, Ribbon, and business, we decided to close the Hennepin
that Cabrera and Muddy Paws Cheesecake
Fresh Raspberries.” location, and move to our current surround-
had received through the years. The one that
Cabrera began her cheesecake venture ings in St. Louis Park. Now, I can focus on
stood out was a visit from Al Roker of the To-
while working for an architecture firm back our wedding and GLBT union production,
day Show and the Food Network.
August 14–27, 2009
in 1994. It had 60 employees, and she would plus our online ordering trade. It was the right
As Cabrera recounts, “On November 18,
bring her homemade cheesecakes to the office move.”
2003, NBC weatherman Al Roker dispatched
for testing. The orders started pouring in, and Cabrera and I looked through the Muddy
his Food Network Roker on the Road film crew
she incorporated the business in 1999. Paws wedding books filled with photographs
to our St. Paul, Minnesota, kitchens. Upon
The first Muddy Paws Cheesecake was of the most extraordinary cheesecakes I ever
their arrival, I welcomed them, and spent the
on North Snelling Avenue in St. Paul. A sec- have seen.
next 10 hours creating from scratch—just
50
According to Cabrera, “All these cheese-
cakes are from scratch. They are Chicago/
New York-style, made with cream cheese,
eggs, vanilla, and cream. I haven’t given in to
mass production, or using fillers such as add-
ing flour to make them look bigger. There
are no additives either—pure cheesecake.”
We perused pictures of stacked cakes, rib-
bons around cake edges, cake toppers, cakes
with fresh flowers, square stacked cakes, spe-
cial bride and groom cakes separate from the
main wedding cake, mini or petite cakes on
multitiered stands, and cute bride and groom
designed strawberries.
Muddy Paws also offers cheesecake with
sauces, so guests can top their own. It pro-
vides 13 different sauces to enhance your
cheesecake experience.
Cabrera shares, “We also offer an anni-
versary discount—as long as you stayed mar-
ried! We give you an anniversary discount
on your cheesecake to celebrate that special
day.”
If you intend to serve cheesecake rather
than regular cake at your wedding or union,
Cabrera recommends contacting Muddy
Paws at least six months out to help you plan.
For made-to-order cheesecakes, let the shop
know at least 10 days out.
Cabrera remarks, “We’re the only cheese-
cake bakery that offers that service that let’s
you create your own flavor.”
You can order online, and have your
cheesecake delivered anywhere in the nation.
Muddy Paws also offers a delivery service
within the Twin Cities.
When I asked Cabrera what she would
like Lavender readers to know about Muddy
Paws, she replied, “We’re locally owned and
female-owned.”
So, for the best cheesecake experience of
your life, check out Muddy Paws. Stop in,
and pick a couple up from the list of 222 fla-
vors, check it out online, or call to plan your
special day.
As Cabrera puts it, “Life is short. Eat
cheesecake!”
51
Dining Guide Listing |
AVERAGE PRICE OF A TYPICAL ENTREE
$ LESS THAN $15, $$ $15-$25, $$$ MORE THAN $25
ANDY’S GARAGE $
American
Classic American diner serving burgers, fresh-cut fries
and malts.
Lunch, Dinner
920 E. Lakes St., Minneapolis (612) 886-2602
Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 8 PM, Sun: 11 AM – 6 PM
HELL’S KITCHEN $$
American
In the heart of downtown Minneapolis, appropriately
located in a beautiful underground space, you’ll dis-
cover Hell’s Kitchen, a chef-owned restaurant known
for its damn good food.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
80 S. 9th St., Minneapolis (612) 332-4700 • 310 Lake St.
S., Duluth (218) 727-1620
Mpls: Mon – Fri 6:30 AM – 10 PM, Sat – Sun 7:30 AM
August 14–27, 2009
– 10 PM
Duluth: Sun – Thurs 8 AM – 9 PM, Fri – Sat 8 AM – 10
PM (closed Mondays except during summer)
KINDEE THAI $
Thai
This isn’t your traditional everyday Thai restaurant.
Lunch, Dinner
719 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis (612) 465-8303
52
Mon: Closed • Tues – Thurs: 11:30 AM – 9 PM • Fri:
11:30 AM – 10:30 PM • Sat: 11 AM – 10:30 PM • Sun:
11 AM – 9 PM
MANNY’S TORTAS $
Mexican
Gourmet Mexican sandwiches and fabulous desserts.
Lunch, Dinner
1515 E. Lake (Mercado Central) (612) 728-5408
Daily: 8 AM – 8 PM
2700 E. Lake (Coliseum Building) (612) 728-1778
Mon – Thurs: 10 AM – 10 PM • Fri – Sat: 10 AM – 11
PM • Sun: 10 AM – 4 PM
920 E. Lake (Midtown Global Market) (612) 870-1820
Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 8 PM, Sun: 11 AM – 6 PM
SUSHI TANGO $$
Japanese
Exciting and eccentric mix of Japanese cuisine and
Uptown attitude.
Lunch, Dinner
Calhoun Square, (612) 822-7787
Mon – Wed: 5 PM – 1 AM • Thurs – Sun: Noon – 1
AM
53
> Lavender Lens [ Photos by Hubert Bonnet ]
54
LavenderMagazine.com
55
Lavender Lens >
[Photos by Sophia Hantzes ]
56
LavenderMagazine.com
57
Sports & Leisure > Get Outta Town
[ by Carla Waldemar ]
S
G20 in September. How to im-
press the heck out of a bunch
of genteel European heads of
state? New York? LA? Vegas?
Nah. You invite ’em to “American’s most
livable city”: Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh—also voted a Top Pick for
Culture Junkies (New York); One of the
Top 5 Cities for Creative People (Kip-
linger); and among the World’s Top Ten
Cleanest/Greenest (Forbes).
Huh? The city whose coal-belching steel
mills caused cars to need their headlights at
high noon? Well, that was then—before the
Pittsburgh
’80s—and this is definitely now
▲
Obama chose Pittsburgh to demonstrate
that turnaround. Come for the skein of walk-
ing trails along the downtown’s juncture of
three rivers, spanned by 440 designer bridges.
Come for the abundance of pocket parks. But
especially, come for its diverse neighborhoods.
Mr. Rogers’s was just one of 89, each with its
own rich flavor.
And stay for the art: collected by steel mill
baron Andrew Carnegie, and now on display
in the splendid Carnegie Museum of Fine Arts
(plus the adjoining Museum of Natural His-
tory, boasting his film set-worthy collection of
dinosaur skeletons); Heinz Hall, home of the
Pittsburgh Symphony, among 57 varieties of
performers; the culture-nailing Pop Art in a
museum dedicated to another homeboy, Andy
Warhol, brimming with his androgynous por-
traits, and lifestyle; and the August Wilson
Center for African American Culture, debut-
ing in September to honor the works of the
Pulitzer-winning playwright who captured the
soul of his Hill District, where our own Pen-
umbra is invited to perform.
Maybe the place to start is just where
August 14–27, 2009
58
LavenderMagazine.com
59
Come for the skein of walking trails
along the downtown’s juncture
of three rivers, spanned by 440
designer bridges. Come for the
abundance of pocket parks. But
especially, come for its diverse
neighborhoods. Mr. Rogers’s was
just one of 89, each with its own
rich flavor.
served invitingly cool in the center “Pittsburgh Bars include the 941 Saloon, Images, Pegasus,
blue.” Squirrel Hill, a Jewish enclave, sports House of Tilden, and There, lining the 900 walking tour Burgh Bits & Bites to discover
chic shopping. Meanwhile, the working-class block of Liberty Avenue downtown; Law- food finds known only to the locals, includ-
North Side is home to the city’s new ballpark renceville’s Blue Moon or Cattivo; and Shady- ing Mancini’s Bakery, famous for its pepperoni
and casino (plus the beyond-avant Mattress side’s Spin Bartini Ultra Lounge. roll; Labad’s, launched by a Syrian family who
Factory, host to edgy installation art). The Strip, a mile-long stretch, was once know how to make hummus, all right; Parma
60
Sausage, to sample homemade salami and
prosciutto; and Penn Macaroni, the old-
est business down here, hosting a heavenly
cheese shop and deli. Interlaced are funky
wonders like Big Mama’s House of Soul—
Big Mama addresses her many barbecue fans
as “baby”—alongside fashionable Lidia’s, an
altarpiece of an Italian cucina, where unlim-
ited pasta is heaped tableside from sauté pans
by trios of smiling waiters.
Eleven, the city’s consummate hangout
for locovores, has food finds like a smoked
lamb taco with tomatillo, local goat cheese,
and refried lentils, followed by striped bass
paired with calamari, hot Italian sausage,
couscous, fennel, and sundried tomatoes.
SixPenn, back downtown, is a high-style
haven for cosmo creations, like shrimp with
popcorn grits and negro mole sauce; cracklin’
pork shank with sauerkraut-bacon mashed
potatoes and serrano applesauce; or black
cardamom lamb with curried fennel potato
cake and ginger purée.
Two more “only in Pittsburgh” food phe-
noms.
A Catholic church-turned-brewery ac-
commodatingly was christened Church Brew
Works, where saints in stained glass win-
dows stare down on an altar space filled with
gleaming tanks. From those spout the likes
of Pipe Organ Pale Ale, Celestial Gold, and
Pious Monk Dunkel, to mix and match with
the pierogi of the neighborhood’s Polish
roots, in traditional plumpings of potatoes
and cheese, or contra-trad, humming with
jerk chicken.
Oh, yeah: Don’t forget to visit Oh Yeah,
where ice cream is considered a breakfast
staple, topping waffles filled with your choice
of a hundred add-ins, ranging from mango,
habaneros, and Lucky Charms to bacon, can-
died ginger, and peanut butter—and those
are just the staid old numbers.
Here’s why Obama’s visitors will feel wel-
come: The city is not only clean and safe, but
also super-friendly. I only had to unfold my
map, and sidewalk traffic ground to a halt
LavenderMagazine.com
61
Out in the Stars |
[ by Charlene Lichtenstein ]
62
LEO (JULY 24-AUGUST 23)
Proud Lions should expend greater-than-average en-
ergy into volunteering for a good community cause.
Build up the karma points, and spread the benefits on
all areas of your life. If you feel like a rat on an ever-
speeding treadmill at work, don’t despair. The god-
desses have a way of rewarding even the mangiest of
well-intentioned rats in a big beautiful way now.
63
Sports & Leisure |
[ by John Townsend ]
T
he Black Pride celebration is
coming up. Some of the most
luminous local GLBT talents
of color will showcase vari-
ous performance pieces in Lift Every Voice
and...BE!, a fund-raiser on August 15 that
will lay the groundwork for HIV/AIDS
consciousness-raising at Pillsbury House
Theatre in Minneapolis. Performers so
far include Khalid Adams, Andrea Jenkins,
Alphonso Morgan, and Sol. And the list
is growing.
Twin Cities Black Pride Chair Earnest
Simpkins, says, “Many of the local LGBT
artists who are in the lineup for the show
are community members that I not only
know personally, but whose life force has
inspired my own journey, as I continue to
strive to bridge the gaps between all my
identities as a black gay man raised in the
Twin Cities.”
If you don’t track the local African-
American performance scene, the Twin
Cities has one or the richest talent-of-
color pools in the nation.
Directing Lift Every Voice and…BE! is
Harry Waters Jr., who played the origi-
nal Belize in the Broadway production of
Tony Kushner’s Angels in America. Waters
wowed audiences in the area premiere of
Stage Directions, the first full-fledged gay-
themed production staged at St. Paul’s
Penumbra, the nation’s flagship African-
American theater company.
Waters calls the Pillsbury House show
“an event to celebrate black LGBT voices,
particularly those marginalized, and often
overlooked and intentionally underrepre-
sented, within the [larger] gay community.
August 14–27, 2009
64
Harry Waters Jr. Photo by Tom Borrup
65
The Network Business Profile |
[ by Heidi Fellner ]
Accounting_________ Computer Services___
Center for
Astrology__________ Funeral Services____ Courageous
Living
Barbers___________
Financial Services___
Business Services____
I
don’t know if it’s simply an American
cultural phenomenon, or if our foray
into the digital age has made a univer-
sal enemy of human emotions, but some-
thing in what Dr. Ron Frederick told me
certainly resonates. He believes that many
of us have been conditioned to shy away
from our emotions—to make them our
adversary, trusting only logic.
Anger, fear, and even love are dragged
through the mud. After all, which of us
haven’t thought ourselves to be utter fools
for experiencing any or all of them? How-
Chiropractors_______ ever, we are creatures of emotion, and
when we make them our most hated foe,
the war we wage is fought within our own
66
The Network
LavenderMagazine.com
67
The Network
Home Services______ Home Services______ Brief |
68
The Network
Calendar | Insurance__________ Pet Services________
[ LavenderMagazine.com ]
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
Lights Camera Action. Sponsored by Phillips Com-
munity Television, a group of five young teens created
a documentary film about gay teen relationships. It
focuses on the story of a young girl who is dealing
with her identity as a lesbian. The five behind the
project hope people walk away with more knowledge
and understanding of GLBT teens. 3:30 PM. Minne-
apolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. (612)
821-3938.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
The Breast Party in Town. Mixing fun with a good
cause, this fund-raiser for the Breast Cancer Aware-
ness Association will include entertainment all night,
along with live music, a fabulous silent auction, amaz-
ing food, and an after-party that will let you unwind.
5 PM. Reservations required. Epic Entertainment
Center, 110 N. 5th St., Mpls. (763) 548-1306. <www.
Psychotherapy______
bcaamn.org>.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
Christine Rosholt. Called a “winsome retro pleaser”
by the Star Tribune, singer Christine Rosholt will be
pleasing the Duluth crowd with The Jazz @ the Toga
Quartette. 3-7 PM. Club Saratoga, 331 Canal Park, Du-
luth. (218) 727-7865.
Real Estate_________
Pet Services________
69
The Network
... [Calendar]
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
Sopranorama: Divas of a Different Feather. Three
divas together on one stage are good for more than
drama. Enjoy irresistible sopranos Mario Jette, Janis
Hardy, and Molly Sue McDonald, as they perform mu-
sic from the sublime to the downright silly. The Star
Tribune said, “It’s about voices and musicianship and
that almost tangible delight in seeing a performer
get it just right….” Aug. 28-30. The Southern Theater,
1420 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. (612) 340-1725. <www.
southerntheater.org>.
ONGOING
Africa! Join the Minnesota Zoo, as it continues to
carry guests away in the endless sea of grass that is
the Africa exhibit. Catch a glimpse of majestic gi-
raffes browsing succulent treetops, as well as herds
of gemsbok and zebras, as they graze on the sweet
new shoots. Through Sept. 7. Minnesota Zoo, 13000
Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley. (952) 431-9217. <www.mnzoo.
org>.
Kathy Wismar.
Photo Courtesy of of Traffic Zone Center
70
Backtalk > Lavender Lens [ Photos by Sophia Hantzes ]
71
Community Connection
Community Connection brings Art Galleries Historical
visibility to local GLBT-friendly non- Minneapolis Institute of Arts Minnesota Historical Society
profit organizations. To reserve your Enjoy Masterpieces From All Over The The best of Minnesota comes to life with fun,
listing in Community Connection, call World And Every Period Of Human History. hands-on exhibits and signature programs.
612-436-4698 or email advertising@ Free Admission Daily! 345 Kellogg Blvd
lavendermagazine.com. 2400 3rd Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN W., St. Paul, MN
(612) 870-3000 www.artsmia.org (651) 259-3000
www.mnhs.org/historycenter Neighborhood Associations
Neighborhood Development Center
Landmark Center (NDC)
Beautifully Restored Old Federal Courts 663 University Ave. Suite 200
Building, Housing Arts Events, Gangster St. Paul, MN 55104
Tours, Museums, Café, Gift Shop! 651-291-2480
Addiction Info & Treatment 75 West 5th St.
Hazelden St. Paul, MN Powderhorn Park Neighborhood
Providing comprehensive treatment, (651) 292-3225 Association / Powderhorn Art Fair
recovery solutions. Helping people reclaim Community Activism www.landmarkcenter.org Bringing together diverse residents of the
their lives from the disease of addiction. Project 515
A focused initiative to ensure that same sex neighborhood to enhance the physical,
P.O. Box 11 economic, housing, cultural environment.
15251 Pleasant Valley Rd Center City, MN couples and their families have equal rights
and considerations under Minnesota law. 821 E. 35th Street
(800) 257-7800 www.hazelden.org Minneapolis, MN (612) 722-4817
P.O. Box 50143 Minneapolis, MN
(612) 246-3885 www.project515.org www.ppna.org
www.powderhornartfair.com
72
Community Connection
Performing Arts Pets Religious & Spiritual Social Organizations
The Minnesota Opera Animal Humane Society Mount Olive Lutheran Church Imperial Court of Minnesota
America’s Most Exciting Opera Company Buffalo: (763) 390-3647 Ours is a welcoming parish, rich in music, P.O. Box 582417
Now Has a New GLBTA Group “Out at the Coon Rapids: (763) 862-4030 liturgy and opportunities to serve the Minneapolis, MN
Opera!” Golden Valley: (763) 522-4325 community. www.impcourtmn.com
620 N. First St. St. Paul: (651) 645-7387 3045 Chicago Ave. Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, MN Woodbury: (651) 730-6008 (612) 827-5919
(612) 342-9550 www.mnopera.org www.animalhumanesociety.org www.mountolivechurch.org
Home Furnishing
COTTAGE HOUSE • An Occasional
Market • Next sale: FRENCH COUNTRY! •
Employment SEPTEMBER 16. 17, 18, 19, 20. Wednesday:
1 - 8pm. Thurs-Fri 10am - 8pm, Sat-Sun: 10am
- 6pm • 4304 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis,
MN.
Home Services
CARPENTER - 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE.
Integrity, quick turn around. Kitchens,
Bathrooms, WINDOWS, DOORS.
Remodeling, Rehabs. Tile work, fine finishing,
custom decks & siding. NO JOB TOO
SMALL. (612) 247-0691. Portfolio, Referrals.
House Cleaning
The Maids Home Services gives you the
healthiest, most thorough housecleaning,
guaranteed! Supervised teams, bonded,
insured, environmentally safe cleaning
products are why Nobody Outcleans The
Maids.® Free estimates (952) 929-6243. www. Roommates
maids.com.
Discover what “clean” really means. Our Looking for non-smoking housemate to rent
services are personalized, detailed and bedroom in beautiful Minnehaha Parkway
focused on your satisfaction. Best products home. Biking paths and Creek outside the
and supplies available in the market. Organic front door. Offstreet parking. $500/month.
available. (612) 990-9876. No pets. Available Sept. 1st. (612) 578-3687.
T. THOMAS LIDDELL, Residential cleaning.
Dependable - Honest. Excellent references.
Events Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, flexible schedules.
Spa Services
Listed on Angie’s List. tliddellcleaning@
yahoo.com. Call Terry: (612) 710-9157.
THE SPA by [email protected]. 2736
Hennepin, UPTOWN. 612.986.4929 Catering
to the Beauty Rituals for all Men and Women.
Psychotherapy Handcrafted Natural Facials. Body and
Brazilian Waxing and Trimming. Manicures.
IRENE GREENE, MSEd, Psychotherapist: Pedicures. Massage.
24 years experience. Individual, Couples
Counseling, Mediation. Life changes,
relationship, gender, sexuality, parenting, Therapeutic Massage
anger, anxiety, depression. Coming Out,
Sexual Abuse, DID Groups. Sliding fee.
August 14–27, 2009
74
Therapeutic Massage
FULL BODY MASSAGE. Warm relaxing atmosphere,
Minneapolis. Hour Massage $60.00. Shower Available. (612)
219-6743. 7 days a week, 10 am - 10 pm. Therapist: 5’10, 167#,
32 waist.
Stressed? Overworked? Sore Muscles? Find relief & get
$20.00 OFF regular price. (Reg; $60 hr, $70 1.5 hr). Swedish,
Deep Tissue, Relaxation. 2-10:00 PM. Doug, CMT: (612) 229-
0415.
Deep Relaxing Massage, 1 hour $60.00. Over 20 years
experience. Call Stephen: (612) 875-6677.
Massage by JR. Loring Park Area. (612) 870-4181.
GOT ME? I’ll do your body good. Swedish, Deep Tissue,
Shiatsu & Tui Na. Downtown location. In/Out. Call anytime.
Kurt, CMT: (612) 338-3329.
Travel
APOSTLE TRAWLERS - Unforgettable charter from Bayfield
into the Apostle Islands. Trawler with most comforts of home,
sleeps up to four. Captain Jeff runs the boat... you relax. (651)
485-8989. www.apostletrawlers.com.
LavenderMagazine.com
75
Ms. Behavior© |
[ by Meryl Cohn ]
Desperate Woman
Dear Ms. Behavior:
I’m in a monogamous relationship with
a woman I love, but I’m in a predicament.
I want to make out with someone else—or,
I’d settle for touching her body a bit. If
I were to ask my friends for advice, most
of them would say, “End the relationship
you’re in first.”
But isn’t it stupid to jump to that con-
clusion when it may not be necessary?
Couldn’t making out with someone else
be just an experience, maybe even a one-
time thing?
My friend, Emily, just died, and she
was only 40. I know she and her partner
weren’t getting along. So, now I’m think-
ing, if Emily had had the chance to have
someone take her breath away for five
minutes, to make her wet, to make her
words quiver, don’t you think she would
have (maybe even should have) enjoyed
the moment?
What’s with all this morality crap any-
way? Where does it get us?
No one among my immediate friends
wouldn’t judge me, so I’m asking you, Ms.
Behavior: Would it really be so bad just to
kiss someone, or hold her for a few minutes?
—Desperate Woman
76
your jeans, because they’re chafing you.
Nothing’s wrong with hugging while
you’re in your underwear, right?
Your hugs are so wholesome and sweet
that a thin cotton barrier is really all it takes
to keep your chastity intact. Her slight
gasps and hard breathing only indicate that
she hasn’t been hugged in a long time. And
then, that thin cotton barrier is somehow in
the way, and suddenly, you’re both naked.
What a surprise!
Depending on your personality, it can
take anywhere from 10 minutes to a whole
year to go through all these steps, but Ms.
Behavior predicts that if you kiss this woman,
your damp underwear eventually will end up
on the floor, entwined with hers, as you lie on
the bed, basting in each other’s juices.
Soon, you wonder: How did all this
happen?
Poor dead Emily has caused a crisis,
hasn’t she?
If only she’d gotten to make out with
someone before she died, she would have
died a happier woman. Or maybe not. But
that’s what you’re imagining in this mo-
ment, coinciding with the awakening of
your libido—which feels like the opposite
of being dead.
The message you’re getting from your
psyche (or maybe your clit) is one of long-
ing. Maybe you’re longing for another
woman because you and your partner
aren’t connecting well right now, or be-
cause you’re in a fallow phase of your rela-
tionship. Or maybe it’s just that you’re hu-
man, and it’s totally normal to experience
an occasional intense attraction to some-
one else, even if you’re monogamous.
Your feelings, of course, aren’t the
problem. The problem is that you want to
have your attraction, and eat her, too.
Mainly, you have a commitment to
your partner, which you’ll be breaking if
you act on this attraction without letting
her know that you intend to do it. No one
likes a liar or a cheat.
So, you either can be honest with your
partner, or decide not to act on the attraction.
It may help to talk it through with a friend
or a therapist. Whatever you do, don’t hide
your lustful feelings in a dark closet, where
they only will grow large and strange.
Of course, you may decide to kiss or
touch this woman anyway—and it doesn’t
mean that you’re a terrible person—but
it’s not likely to lead to a healthy outcome
or a happy wife.
LavenderMagazine.com
77
August 14–27, 2009
78
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Before you book your next male massage appointment,
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LavenderMagazine.com
79
August 14–27, 2009
80
Yellow Pages > Advertiser Index
Adult Computer & Internet Gabberts Design Studio & Fine Optical
1-800-GayLive .............................. 77 DeskTech ....................................... 66 Furnishings ............................... 23 Maple Grove Eye Clinic .............. 56
Déjà Vu .......................................... 80 Meefers.com ................................. 10 Lussuria Lini.................................... 15
Dream Girls ................................... 78
FindFred.com................................. 79 Dating Services Organizations
Simply Introduced......................... 44 Home Services Human Rights Campaign ............. 4
Hennepin Avenue Adult Boutique78 Abbott Paint & Carpet .................. 55
Interactive Male ............................ 76, 79 Bauer Floor Covering ................... 68
Megaphone .................................. 75 Education Bluestem Construction .................. 67 Pet Products & Services
Squirt-PressNet .............................. 75 Metropolitan State University ...... 13 Boe Plumbing ................................ 27 Animal Humane Society ............. 7
Bretts True Quality Homes ........... 24 Ark Pet Hospital ............................ 69
Larpenteur Animal Hospital ......... 56
Apparel & Accessories Events
Current Affairs Electric.................. 68
EM Contracting............................. 68 Pampered Pooch Playground ...... 69
STYLEDLIFE-styledlook.................. 5 AIA Homes by Architects Tour ..... 9, 11, 13 Garlock-French Roofing .............. 55
Lavender First Thursday................ 42 Glacier Concrete & Masonry...... 68
Arts & Entertainment Summer of Pride............................ 31 Political
Good Stuff Moving ...................... 68 Council Member Barbara
Camden Music School................. 19 Grout Professionals ....................... 67 Johnson .................................... 22
Halloween Haunt at ValleySCARE15 Halet Remodeling & Renovations 67
Hennepin Theatre Trust ............... 29
Financial Council Member Don Samuels ... 22
Boyer, Daniel................................. 66 Handyman-Herb ........................... 67
Northside Arts Collective ............. 19 Home Valu Interiors ...................... 21
Moltaji, Roya ................................. 9
Univ. of Minn. Theatre Arts &
Palm, Karen ................................... 11 Hopkins Carpet One .................... 63 Real Estate & Rentals
Dance ....................................... 29 Jeff’s SOS Drain & Sewer Abele, David ................................. 70
ROR Tax Professionals.................. 66
Workhouse Theatre ...................... 19 Services .................................... 57 Blue by Greco ............................... 63
US Bank ......................................... 21
Larry R. Opelt Architecture & Bowman, Jennifer.......................... 70
Wells Fargo Bank ......................... 7
Design ..................................... 68 Groff, Wayne ................................ 69
Automotive
Matt’s Tree Service ....................... 68 Lakes Area Realty ......................... 69
LaMettry’s Collision ...................... 65
Floral & Garden Natural Organizing...................... 19 Launert, Malinda .......................... 21
TerraVista Landscape & Design .. 15 Personal Pride Construction ......... 67 Leviton, Ann ................................... 70
Bars & Clubs Ryan’s Tree Care .......................... 68 Marquette Place and One Ten
Twin Cities Bar Advertiser Guide 32 Sage Building & Remodeling ...... 68 Grant ........................................ 10
19 Bar ............................................ 39 Funeral Services Soderlin Plumbing, Heating & McGee, Michael .......................... 56
BAR AIDS ...................................... 84 Funeral Consult ............................. 66 Air Conditioning ...................... 61 New Home Store Realty .............. 61
Camp ............................................. 43 Solum Fine Flooring ...................... 67 Park Plaza ..................................... 19
Gay 90’s ...................................... 33, 34, SOS Homecare ............................ 67 Richardson, Beth ........................... 11
Gifts
........................................................ 35, 83 Stoneman Masonry ...................... 61 Ruzick, Amy & Johnson, Kay ....... 70
Eyes of Horus ................................ 66
LUSH Food Bar ............................. 44 Summit Construction ..................... 67 Sherman Associates ..................... 57
Fantasy Gifts ................................. 55
Minneapolis Eagle/Bolt ............... 36 The Tile Shop ................................ 12 Sohre, Steve .................................. 59
Max’s ............................................. 56
Rumours/Innuendo ....................... 39 Trademark Tile & Remodeling ..... 67 Walker, Nancy ............................. 10
Saloon ........................................... 37 Universal Windows Direct ........... 59
Tickles ............................................ 43 Grocery Stores Vujovich ......................................... 65
Restaurants
Town House ................................. 41 Midtown Global Market .............. 49
The Bad Waitress .......................... 9
Insurance Boca Chica Restaurant and
Beauty & Relaxation Health, Wellness & AAA Minneapolis Insurance Cantina..................................... 52
Barbers on Bryant ......................... 66 Recovery Agency ..................................... 57 Broadway Pizza ........................... 19
Garden of Eden ............................ 59 3 Bears Chiropractic .................... 66 American Family Insurance.......... 62 Dancing Ganesha ........................ 53
Juventus MedSpa & Laser C........ 15 Burns, Steve ................................... 61 Arens, John .................................... 69 Fuji Ya ............................................ 51
Carrillo, Dr. Thomas P. .................. 69 Baldwin, Davina ........................... 69 Hell’s Kitchen ................................ 49
Herr, Cindy .................................... 68 KinDee Thai Restaurant ................ 52
Beverages Complete Body ............................. 67
Wagner Insurance-Financial Midtown Global Market .............. 49
Budweiser ...................................... 45 The Firm A Workout Studio .......... 19
Full Potential Personal Training .... 66 Services .................................... 68 Papa’s Pizza and Pasta ................ 19
Heffelfinger, Kate .......................... 69 Whitesong, Therese ...................... 69 Park Tavern Bowling &
Business Services inSPOT ........................................... 64 Wolfson, Steve .............................. 69 Entertainment Center .............. 49
Rapid Refill Print Solution Sea Change .................................. 49
Klausen, Paul DDS ....................... 10
Superstore ................................ 66 Sushi Tango ................................... 52
Mayfield Chiropractic .................. 11 Legal Toast Wine Bar & Café ................ 51
Pride Institute ................................. 14 Cloutier & Brandl .......................... 29 Tootie’s on Lowry .......................... 19
Coffee & Tea Rainbow Health Initiative ............. 2 Dean, Jeff ...................................... 5 Uptown Diner/Calhoun Grill/Louisiana
Spyhouse Coffeeshop .................. 9 Stolz, James................................... 69 Dunlap Law Office ....................... 9 Café/Grandview Grill ............ 53
Steamworks Coffee & Tea University of Minnesota, Heltzer & Burg .............................. 25 Wilde Roast Café ......................... 51
Company ................................. 19 Infectious Diseases .................. 3 Hoffner Law Firm .......................... 7 Zen Restaurant .............................. 52
Moshier, Becky ............................. 11
LavenderMagazine.com
81
Backtalk > Consider the Source [ by Julie Dafydd ]
quired: “Are you people completely insane? hundred photographs to be shared at a fu- Aunt Ebba’s potato salad.
Why not just drive through the bowels of ture family gathering during which I will be Roll eyes here, and just consider the
Hell, and condemn our souls to eternal forced to say: “Yes, Aunt Marta. That is a source.
damnation?” very unusual leaf. It looks nothing like the Bye for now.
But as we pulled up to the nature center, other 52 pictures of identical green things Kiss, kiss.
it was clear I was way off base. A trip to Hell with stems.”
82