Cuckoo Clocks that Rock

I'm not sure when I started liking cuckoo clocks. I know my grandma had one when I was a kid, and I always got a charge out of it.

In case you weren't aware, cuckoo clocks have come a long way, baby.

I'm particularly fond of The Kalimero design by Barbero Design of Italy:


The cuckoo and clockface are confined behind plexiglass, and walnut-finished back gives a nod to the tradition of wooden cuckoo clocks.

Check out this blog post of some of the most boss interpretations of cuckoo clocks.

[where: Minnesota, Food, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55406]

Punch n' Surly

Surly is now on tap at Punch Pizza.

Get a free Surly pint at Punch Pizza, with coupon!

Offer expires June 18!

[where: Minnesota, Food, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55406]

Let's Measure Some Native Big Trees

Do you have a giant tree in your yard?
The DNR in Minnesota wants to know all about it!

Everyone is invited to join the search for Minnesota's native champion big trees.

Minnesota's Native Big Tree registry is a listing of Minnesota's 52 native trees judged to be the largest in the state.

A nominee is judged on three measurements:

1. Circumference, in inches, of its trunk at 4 ½ feet above the ground.
2. Its height in feet.
3. One-quarter of its crown spread in feet.

The total of these measurements is the points awarded to a particular tree. A champion tree has accumulated the most points.

How does one go about measuring a giant tree? A hypsometer, of course. But just in case you don't own one, here's how.

We've got a huge ash tree in the back yard that might be giant tree worthy. It's giant, I tell you, GIANT.

[where: Minnesota, Food, Minneapolis, big trees, Twin Cities, 55406]

Mayslack's: A Veritable Agglomeration of Beef and Jus

Have you ever eaten at Mayslack's Music Lounge in North East?

I hadn't until this past weekend.

In fact, I wasn't even aware of their legendary roast beef sandwich or their motto: "Nobody beats Mayslack's meats! Nobody beats Mayslack's meats!"

Here's what I learned:

Back in 1955, the former pro-wrestler, Stan Myslajek started making gigantic roast beef sandwiches at Mayslack's. Today, Mayslack's is still serving gigantic roast beef sandwiches, While they offer other items like wings, pizza, and salads, the roast beef sandwich is their most popular menu item, according to our server. They even cater their famous roast beef sandwich for $14/lb.

Here's how they describe the Orignial Mayslack's roast beef sandwich on their menu:

The storied sandwich that only Stan Mayslack could make popular. A sandwich piled so high with roast beef. Slow roasted for 8 hours in garlic & other juices so the beef just melts in your mouth. Served with onions, banana peppers, coleslaw & some of that awesome au jus.

Mayslack's offers variations of the classic, including an Italian Beef, a Cheese Steak, and a French Dip, etc.

No matter which you order, a loaf is sliced down the middle, and then it's piled high with tender, sliced roast beef that has been soaking in garlicky jus. You might be able to pick it up and eat one bite, but be prepared for a veritable agglomeration of beef and jus. Soon, the sandwich on your big, ceramic plate will cease to exist, and you'll have a close encounter with a heap of roast beef and jus-soaked bread. You might need to seek out a fork, napkins, and eventually a take-home container.

It's a dimly-lit dive bar, but outdoor seating is available.

The portions were mighty (split portions of The Original are available for $2 extra). Gerg aptly reminded me, "Well, the whole thing was started by a pro-wrestler."

Touché!

Au jus!

Adieu!

Mayslack's
1428 4th St
NE Minneapolis, MN 55413
(612) 789-9862

PS - Here is a bad photo of our sandwiches at Mayslack's, which I took on my phone.

[where: Minnesota, Food, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55406]