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

SPECIAL EVENT
Fête de la St. Jean-Baptiste

Join in on this celebration of the summer solstice at Fête de la St. Jean-Baptiste, a French-Canadian holiday in honor of St. Jean-Baptist, the patron saint of of Quebec. For Quebecians this holiday is sort of like our 4th of July - minus the ridiculous number of fireworks related injuries. While Minneapolis may be quite far removed from the distant northeasterly province, it doesn't mean we don't know how to party like Canadian Frenchies. Tonight the Historic Sibley House in Mendota hosts outdoor family-friendly festivities that will include live, old-fashioned folk music, a traditional bonfire, and French-Canadian history and culture up the wahzoo.

6:30-8:30pm, Sibley House Historic Site, 1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota, Free

FILM
Je Ne Sais Quoi

Je Ne Sais Quoi is the first feature flick written and directed by local filmie John Koch, who is (for now) more widely known as owner of the fantastic foreign and independent DVD rental store, Cinema Revolution. Since moving his store from it's location near Lyndale and Franklin to a new spot on East 26th Street, Koch has apparently been up to very big things. This new film stars Dave Andrae as Paul, a neurotic loner who takes up with Anna, his more spirited neighbor from across the hall. Je Ne Sais Quoi weaves an honest and witty tale of relationships, life, and, well, settling for less. Local cinematographer Greg Yolen helps Koch's clever film shine with his creative vision in this subtle, yet beautifully crafted (and surely soon-to-be award-winning) picture. If you can't catch tonight's world premiere, don't fret - the film runs through July 3rd at the Ritz!

7pm, Ritz Theater, 345 13th Ave. NE, Northeast Minneapolis


WINE & DINE
Heures Joyeuses

In keeping with today's fancy French theme, I thought it might be appropriate to call out one of the Twin Cities most delightful downtown hideaways. Vincent, a bright and modern spot located on Nicollet and 11th is the brainchild of worldly chef Vincent Francoual, a master of contemporary French fare. Happy Hour at Vincent is amazing, and not just for the $3 wine specials, but for the delectable little menu that goes along with them. Sample savory snacks such as the cute sounding "Petits Plats à Partager" which includes seared chicken morsels marinated in coconut milk and served with macadamia nuts, or the flavorful flat bread with smoked chicken, caramelized onions, bleu cheese and red grapes. And when French Fries are called "Les Patates", they're ten times more delicious, simply because everything French is just a little bit sexier.

Happy Hour: 4:30-6:30 Mon-Fri, Vincent, 1100 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis