Recommendations Posts

The Ongoing Tom & Jerry Batter Issue

Dec 24, 2010 11 Comments

So, perhaps you have been following along with the recent comments on last year’s PDD Gift Guide regarding Connolly’s Tom And Jerry Batter. The news that came out there is that Upper Lakes Foods, which owns the Connolly family recipe, no longer has a manufacturer to produce it. The supply ran out shortly after Thanksgiving, leaving consumers with the choice of either buying inferior brands or making the batter themselves.

The folks at Heavy Table took up the topic today with a little history of the fine tradition of applying sugary frosting to one’s booze, along with a recommended recipe.

Hopefully Connolly’s will be back on shelves next year. (As Baci noted in the old post, perhaps a PDD army will have to step in and rent a kitchen to crank it out if need be.) It’s been a popular fixture in these parts for over 60 years, having originated at Connolly’s Bakery on Belknap Street in Superior. Other brands simply don’t compare.


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Chester Bowl ski lift fixed

Dec 23, 2010 No Comments

People with kids may have been following the progress of the chairlift repair at Chester Bowl this week. Monday night, hydraulic fluid was shooting out of the top motor and the hill was closed. There was some concern about fixing the equipment and getting parts which dated back to 1974 or earlier.

Just in time for winter break, the announcement was made by Thom Storm that the lift has been fixed.

“As of this afternoon, the new chairlift clutch is installed, & the lift will be open again on Dec. 26th at 11am. A huge thank you to the city of Duluth Fleet Services & Park Maintenance staff, and Tom Kasper, for their extra efforts in getting the lift running for Christmas vacation.”


Outdoors, Recommendations, Sports

Total Eclipse

Dec 19, 2010 10 Comments

We’re to expect a total lunar eclipse sometime in the late evening/early morning of Monday/Tuesday.

It’s almost worth it enough to wake the kids up for. I think I will.


Outdoors, Recommendations

Duluth librarian writes book

Dec 19, 2010 6 Comments

From a Duluth Public Library Facebook posting:

Librarian writes book! Not quite as unusual as man bites dog, but it’s big news around here. Forgotten Duluthians, a book that profiles 39 people from Duluth and their accomplishments, was written by David Ouse, the library’s manager of reference services.

Included are actors and actresses, dancers, philosophers, writers, space scientists, diplomats, artists, Garfield the Cat (voice of), and Joe DiMaggio’s first wife. Forgotten Duluthians is available for purchase now at the Main Library Circulation Desk and … at both branch libraries.

The cost is $14.95 plus tax. The book can also be purchased on the library website (look at the Gift Shop page. All proceeds from sales go to the library. (And, of course, you can use your library card to check it out as well.)


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Duluth Pharmacy Recommendations

Dec 07, 2010 31 Comments

My pharmacy is closing and I need recommendations for a new one. I live in Lakeside and will not use Walgreens. I would prefer to go to the ER before having another prescription filled by them.

The whole story:

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Guitar Painter in Duluth?

Dec 05, 2010 9 Comments

Over the past two months I’ve been collecting parts for a Telecaster I’m building. I finally had acquired everything and made sure all the parts were compatible with each other. Now I’m ready to paint my body and realized it is a bit chilly to be painting (and I don’t have a heated garage or patio). So my question … does anyone know of someone who could paint my blank guitar body locally? I’m incredibly anxious to play this guitar and don’t want to wait until March when the weather would be much more cooperating.


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PDD Gift Guide 2010

Nov 22, 2010 21 Comments

One way to feel good about taking part in the hyper consumerism of the holiday season is to shop locally. That’s why your pals at Perfect Duluth Day have again compiled a gallery of gifts produced by the hands and brains of your friends and neighbors. Click on the pics for details about each item.

Just like the 2009 guide, the fabulous showcase below is by no means comprehensive. List your own suggestions in the comments.

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Recommendations ,

Thanksgiving 2010

Nov 09, 2010 14 Comments

What is open in Duluth on Thanksgiving? We used to travel to the TC to go to Dunn Bros. for coffee (they were open until noon), reading the Black Friday ads, then down to a casino for a magnificent dinner buffet.

Where can I snag some coffee and dinner in Duluth on this most Thankful of Days?


Recommendations ,

Coffee with a Lakeview

Nov 05, 2010 11 Comments

Lakeview Coffee House viewI have been thinking lately about how much I miss Lakeview Coffee House in Fitgers. It was an awesome spot to spend an hour on a cold, blustery day watching the lake with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. It was pleasant and unrushed.

So, where is a good place to go now with a decent view of the lake where you can get a warm beverage and wile away a couple hours? I’ve tried Va Bene, but it’s a heckuvalot more expensive and they aren’t keen on you lingering. Dunn Bros. lost its lake view after the construction of Edgewater. Thoughts?


Recommendations, Restaurants

A Winter Downpour Nov. 5 at Lucé

Nov 03, 2010 1 Comment

A Winter Downpour w/ Red Label // 11.05.10 at Pizza Luce

Rock music Nov. 5 at Pizza Lucé with Duluth’s A Winter Downpour and Minneapolis’ Red Label.


Events, Music, Recommendations

Duluth mentioned in film Trumbo

Oct 31, 2010 2 Comments

Dalton Trumbo was one of the “Hollywood Ten.” Duluth is mentioned in passing in the documentary Trumbo. And judging from his description of the weather he must have been here.


Recommendations, Videos ,

Dear Press Release Writers:

Oct 28, 2010 6 Comments

Please do not include the day’s date when making a press release. I know what day it is. My email tells me the date received. The file will even tell me the creation date, if I’m that interested. It is anachronistic, and it is superfluous information.

Some other modern press release style notes I made for a friend after the break:

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Great New Restaurant – Clearwater Grille

Oct 28, 2010 23 Comments

A few days ago, my wife and I went to check out the new Clearwater Grille, in the old Lakeview Castle building up the north shore (Here’s the map).  We always like to get out and see the new restaurants in town, of which there have been a lot over the past several years. 

We were both very happily surprised when we got there.  The new owners of the Clearwater Grille have done a lot of work and the bar and dining room are very nicely redone compared to the state they had fallen into over the past few years at this iconic building.  The bar looks great; very classy.  They replaced the nasty carpet with oak hardwood.  It’s all been painted of course and there are new tables and chairs.  They whole atmosphere is elegant without being pretentious, which some of the recent north shore restaurant additions are leaning toward.  But I enjoy them also when I’m in the mood.  This place is more approachable.

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Recommendations, Restaurants

Carnival this weekend

Oct 28, 2010 1 Comment

There’s a carnival  from 11 until 3 on Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth, 835 W. College Street. Free admission and some free activities. Games, cake walk, fortune telling, Vasili the Clown, caramel apples, lunch items, and more. Open to everyone.


Events, Recommendations

Looking for Hobby Wood Species

Oct 21, 2010 7 Comments

So I’ve got a couple of winter projects that I’d like to begin tackling soon. I’m looking to build an entertainment center and a hutch. I’ve been to Home Depot and Menard’s, and the only species I’ve found for hobby projects are pine and red oak. This leads me to a couple questions.

1. Where can I find a variety of wood species at a reasonable price?

2. I’ve considered using cherry for these projects (I haven’t found any…) mainly because I’ve seen it used in other projects and have liked the grain. Does anybody have experience with cherry? Would you recommend it or would you recommend another species for said projects?


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