Wednesday, 2/8: MPLS.TV Video Highlights of 2011

Want to catch up on the hippest things going on in Minneapolis these days? Then come down for the 2011 Highlights in local video, hosted by MPLS.TV at the Red Stag. They'll be showing videos with members of Bon Iver, Poliaca, and many others they captured over the year. They'll also be showing the new website design off during live music of Lizzo & The Larva Ink. Who, if you haven't seen yet, makes you so 10 minutes ago:) They are a unique local band that are mashing Electro-Pop, Soul, and Hip Hop to great dance tracks. 
All this AND happy hour, means you get $3 Bells or Fulton (or many other great taps) for only $3 and a great bar menu, which, most people will think you're crazy when you order the kettle corn over the other choices, but you secretly know is one of the best menu items in the city!

Friday, 2/10: Frite Night @ 7th Street Entry

If you're in to the electronic scene, then you should RSVP now and reserve your spot! (and save $5, with RSVP = $5, without = $10) Redbull Music Academy Tour hosts a night in the 7th Street Entry with Starkey, NastyNasty, B.Bravo, Distal, and the Moon Goons.  Which, gives you an up-front and personal experience with some of today's hottest electronic producers and DJ's.

The year of the Dragon is the only animal in the zodiac that is legendary; the luckiest year! So where should you celebrate it this month?  Here are ThriftyHipster's favorite authentic Chinese Restaurants. Please feel free to add your favorites in the comments below!

Mandarin Kitchen

8766 Lyndale Avenue South
Bloomington, MN  55420
-Website-  952-884-5356

Well known for it's great Dim Sum brunch, which is always jam packed on the weekends. This is one of the few places to get a truly authentic experience and cuisine.  Dumplings are their specialty, but the House Special Duck is to die for.  They also have lots of seafood and specialty items you'd never find anywhere else.  Most entrees in the $12-14 Range.

Rainbow Chinese

2739 Nicollet Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN  55408
-Website-  612-870-7084

Rainbow Chinese is one of the original and best authentic Chinese restaurants in Minneapolis. Located at the end of Eat Street, it has received less attention than it deserves lately.  If you're looking for a chef-inspired New Years Celebration (of the Dragon of course) then this is the place! The chef even put together a special menu for the occasion.

 

Little Szechuan

422 University Avenue West (they also have a West End location)
St. Paul, MN  55103
-Website-  651-222-1333

Right at where all the construction begins on University Avenue us one of the Twin Cities best authentic Chinese restaurants from the Szechuan region of course! The best part of Little Szechuan is the way they really highlight their region, with spice and garlic.  Add the smoky-spice and fried garlic to any dish to make it amazing.  Kung Pao, large-slab pork, and green beans are the top picks; all running at around $8.  The spicy/crispy fish is also amazing, crunchy and simple with salt, garlic, spices, and scallion, it's a must try (though my favorite is still the Spicy/Crispy squid at Peninsula).

Ahh, Halloween in the twin cities.  The greatest time of the year in many peoples’ opinions! Corn-mazes, falling maple leaves, and fun activities to keep you busy every day. Now that the Zombie Pub Crawl is over, we thought we’d give you some ideas to stay in the spirit of things.  Here is a list [...]