The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

Okay, as a restaurant news item, this is a bit of a stretch, but I hear they have great tacos at the 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. N.E., Minneapolis. And tonight, the Twin Cities Daily Planet and Minnesota Independent are hosting an election-night party at the 331.(The Daily Planet is published by the Twin Cities Media Alliance, where I work when I am not busy eating,

This is not a fundraiser, and there is no cover charge - but you do have to buy your own beer. (Unless you can find me, in which case, introduce yourself, and I will buy you a beer. Offer limited to the first 25 takers.) I'll be running from party to party, but I should be around for a while. Tap beers and wines by the bottle are half-price, with premium beers for $1.50, margaritas for $2.50, and Raleigh's famous Texas tacos for $3 a piece. Also sponsored by the 331 Club, and the publishers of GoodnightBush.

At the other end of the gastronomic spectrum, chef Ryan Aberle of NorthCoast in Wayzata reports that he still has a few seats left for his Presidential Wine dinner this Saturday night (November 8), featuring wines served at the White House. Courses include:

a starter of Monkfish Medallion with Gingerbread Crust, Kiwi & PineappleCarpaccio, and Nutmeg Beurre Blanc with Schramsberg Blanc de Noir;

Sweet Potato, Bacon & Sage Bread Pudding, Diver Scallops, Blood Orange Gastrique and Camambert Crisp with 2007 Etude Carneros Pinot Noir Rose;

Olio Verde & Red Pepper Tuna Sous Vide with Braised Pork Belly Dumpling, Sweet Corn Chowder and a 2006 Renwood Lodi Viognier;

Black Pepper Seared Duck Breast, Duck Confit Cake with Foie Gras Mousse Center, Pomegranate-Mint Explosion and 2006 Saintsbury Carneros Pinot Noir;

Veal Osso Bucco and Cherry “Wellington,” with French Onion Soup Ribbon, Pan Seared Brussel Sprouts and a 2004 St. Supery Napa Élu;

and for dessert,

Four Ice Cream Cones: Smoked Coconut Ice Cream, Butter & Sea Salt Frozen Custard, Caramel Gelato, and range Blossom Tea Sorbet, accompanied by a NV Merryvale Napa Antigua Muscat.

Cost is $75, plus tax and gratuity; call the restaurant at 952-475-4960 for reservations or more information.