Northeast Restaurant News, Cheap Dinners & Shopping Deals

Columbia Grounds in Northeast is closed for some reason.  At first I was thinking it was just the garden center next door, but it appears the coffee shop is closed, as well.  Anybody know how I can get my hands on the six-foot chicken outside?  I'm dying to surprise my parents with it on Christmas morning.

The Front, as in the bar attached to Ground Zero, will be reopening in the next two weeks as The Front Cafe.  Looks like it'll be a full-service bar and restaurant with bistro-type fare.  No word yet on if they'll be serving late to accommodate the area's bar crowd.

Second Debut is celebrating their third anniversary tomorrow the 8th, with discounts like $5 off a $50 purchase, $10 off a $75 purchase and $20 off a $100 purchase.  Second Debut is the Goodwill's "boutique" that sells better donated fashions for women and men.  They also have a large separate area dedicated to framed art and prints.

Also tomorrow the 8th, the grand opening party of Belle Reve women's boutique in Northeast.  Food and cocktails, plus a first peek at the newest shop in town.  Belle Reve is right next door to GH2, every girl's favorite place to get discounted and consignment high-end designer clothes, shoes and accessories.

Open Table is running quite the promo: the Appetite Stimulus Plan.  Walk into any participating restaurant during their hours of participation (lunch, dinner or both) and get a three-course meal for $24 or $35.  The promotion starts on the 17th and runs through the 21st, and you also earn double Reward Points for taking advantage of the deal.

The Sequin for Badgley Mischka jewelry sample sale is coming up on November 20th through the 22nd.  Samples will be 50-80% off retail prices and payment will be cash only.  International Market Square, 275 Market Street; Thursday November 20th 4pm-8pm, Friday November 21st 10am-7pm and Saturday November 22nd 10am-3pm.

The press release I got also included a couple of photos but if you Google around a little, you'll get a much broader idea.

Comments

[Jen]

I was really sad to see that Colombia grounds closed. My Dad used to play there on the occasional Saturday mornings with his band. It was a great place to grab some coffee and sit outside near the water fall.

[Mom]

So now the chicken is not a surprise.

[Jerry]

The Giant Chicken, Barley Johns on cty rd D (The old A&W in New Brighton) the same guy that sold at Columbia Grounds sells there also.
They Coffee Shop is reopening under the name of Lily's - I think opening soon. I am not for sure the sculptures with still be available there.
Worth a look at A!

[Alexis]

I also saw a giant chicken at the State Fair but stupidly did not write down the name of the woodworker who makes them. I'll find him when the time is right. Thanks, Jerry!

The big chicken was too big of a surprise to hold inside any longer. When I can finally buy him, I'll be so f**king excited.

[Matthew]

One of dem chickens sits at the farmrs market on Lyndale

[Alexis]

Yes! I have seen my big chicken there, too. He lurks all around the Twin Cities, he's everywhere all at once, he watches you while you sleep. He's like Santa, really.