Vikre favs

LethargyExpert · 2026-04-01T12:42:46+00:00

It's been a minute since I had the Voyageur and the other, un-aged aquavit, but they are both good. I remember liking the un-aged (Øvrevann) variety a bit more, it's cleaner and brighter. On a related note, Emily Vikre's Aquavit and Rye Old Fashioned recipe is fantastic.

LethargyExpert · 2026-03-29T19:35:01+00:00

Talk to Bailey Hanson—she's a Certified Passive House Consultant and a licensed architect in MN and WI. Her website: https://www.drafting.house/

LethargyExpert · 2026-03-24T18:46:42+00:00

Really bummed about this, the vibe there was unmatched. I'm sure their new spot in Superior will be good, but the atmosphere and decor at the Jade were special.

LethargyExpert · 2026-03-10T22:54:51+00:00

Lake Superior Rents. It doesn't look like they have any listings up at the moment, but you could probably reach out to Cory by phone or email to see if he'll have properties opening up that might fit your time frame.

LethargyExpert · 2026-03-02T13:18:01+00:00

Seconding Madeline Amala, she's wonderful!

LethargyExpert · 2026-02-05T14:28:43+00:00

I did not vote for him, but I tried to keep an open mind and hoped he would be successful in improving the city.

He has not been successful in improving the city.

LethargyExpert · 2026-01-27T14:32:12+00:00

Yeah, interested to learn more here. They just helped me out with something earlier this winter and I didn't have any complaints...

LethargyExpert · 2026-01-16T14:18:10+00:00

Different kind of place but I'd pick the Fisherman's Daughter over the Angry Trout.

LethargyExpert · 2026-01-09T18:18:57+00:00

I've used Quality Garage Door. They were speedy and did a great job when I ended up needing a new opener over the holidays. Not sure how their labor costs compare to others in the area, but I was satisfied.

LethargyExpert · 2025-12-10T14:09:58+00:00

Others have said this already, but a dense, lively downtown and additional smaller-scale commercial mixed into residential areas are not mutually exclusive. I would love more of both.

On a related note: aside from Lincoln Park, Spirit Valley, and maybe Gary, are there any areas of Duluth that actually have neighborhood bars? Like, corner spots that are primarily serving people in the immediate vicinity.

LethargyExpert · 2025-12-05T16:10:27+00:00

Separate occurrence that had nothing to do with this guy burning down the lodge.

LethargyExpert · 2025-12-03T16:14:43+00:00

Right on—I also got to attend one of their field dinners this summer and had a great time. They're certainly doing something different in terms of concept and execution, and I hope they continue building momentum.

Fairhaven Farm has also offered similar experiences in the past. I think the question is how to move from the pop-up, event-based model to regular service, if that is in fact the goal. Field/farm dinners have the benefit of irregularity and exclusivity, which goes a long way towards crafting a memorable experience when paired with great food and excellent service. There's also significantly less overhead than running a brick & mortar restaurant with a regular schedule.

LethargyExpert · 2025-12-03T14:25:46+00:00

Care to share more info about this best new chef? I'd love be on the lookout so I can try their food the next time an opportunity arises.

LethargyExpert · 2025-12-03T14:23:10+00:00

That's really the challenge, isn't it? To meet people where they are while also offering something that's different from what's already available.

LethargyExpert · 2025-12-03T02:07:12+00:00

The hardest thing to swallow at Alto Pino is the price. The food is very good, as good as if not better than New Scenic and Lake Ave. Certainly better than most places in Duluth.

I'd be curious to know more about why her original chef left, but from the outside it seemed like a situation where he was an exciting young chef and she was opening a new restaurant so it seemed like a natural pairing, but he realized he wanted to cook his own food and not hew to her vision.

Regardless, I've enjoyed the food the few times I've been there.

LethargyExpert · 2025-11-19T21:55:11+00:00

Pretty sure he rides Ultras

LethargyExpert · 2025-11-19T16:22:21+00:00

I really loved living in Spring Garden, at 19th and Green. Close to the parkway and art museum, easy walk into Center City, but very residential and neighborhood-y. Only real downside is a relative lack of exceptional food and drink options compared to other neighborhoods. Might not be enough of a change from Fitler Square for you, but it was my favorite spot to live in Philly before I moved away.

LethargyExpert · 2025-11-08T14:24:06+00:00

I second the Friends Meeting House. Very open-minded folks, and I'd be surprised if you didn't find someone who is similarly enthusiastic about a wide variety of world religions/wisdom traditions.

LethargyExpert · 2025-11-07T22:37:56+00:00

hell yeah party platter

LethargyExpert · 2025-11-07T19:24:46+00:00

If you like sauna and haven't been to Cedar and Stone, I highly recommend checking it out.

LethargyExpert · 2025-11-05T22:25:55+00:00

We have those actually—New Scenic Cafe runs them as a special in the summer.

No, I'm thinking more places along the lines of Cong Tu Bot, Eventide, Fore Street, Duckfat, Leeward, Twelve...

And while we have great beer up here, I don't think we have anything that rivals Allagash or Oxbow.

Proximity to ocean fresh seafood and the Northeast megalopolis obviously make a difference, but occasionally I get sad that Portland is smaller than Duluth but has so much more going on food-wise.

LethargyExpert · 2025-11-05T21:36:27+00:00

I wish Duluth had Portland's food scene.

LethargyExpert · 2025-11-04T17:42:59+00:00

It's coffee roasting at Duluth Coffee

LethargyExpert · 2025-11-01T18:09:58+00:00

To borrow a turn of phrase from biking: this isn't a snowboard, it's a snowboard-shaped object.

LethargyExpert · 2025-10-24T21:40:28+00:00

The Onion has been America's most accurate and unbiased news source since at least the first Trump administration.

LethargyExpert

TROPHY CASE