The Precast Parthenon is now surrounded by an ugly chain-link fence, which is never a good sign. What's to become of what is now known as 20 Washington? It's been empty for several years. How about turning it into a Prince museum? Those white columns would look great bathed in purple light.

Sad to hear that Neiman Marcus is closing its flagship store in downtown Dallas, a retail destination since 1914. Goodbye, Zodiac Room, one of the country's great department store restaurants.

Here's what you should be making tomorrow when the temps hit in the -15 neighborhood. Best wild rice soup, ever. And so easy to prepare. From a 2019 @startribune.com story: www.startribune.com/how-to-make-...

How to make the best Minnesota wild rice soup with these easy tips

The now-classic soup first appeared in the Star Tribune's Taste section four decades ago.

startribune.com

Joann is closing stores in Woodbury, Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Apple Valley, Elk River and Shakopee, part of a bankruptcy reorganization. Shrugs ensue. If the company was closing a downtown Mpls store, the torches-and-pitchforks crowd would be no doubt be shouting "DFL leadership!" "crime!" "DEI!"

Fascinating profile in @newyorker.com on architect Norman Foster. His firm, Foster + Partners, is building its first Minnesota project at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Find the story here: bit.ly/3PSSQwR

My Breakfast Sandwich Obsession continues: Head over heels over the bacon-egg-cheese at Black Duck in northeast Minneapolis. Excellent focaccia (from Patisserie 46) and bacon (via Peterson Craft Meats). Can't believe that it's just $10. Only downer: It's reserved for weekend (Sat-Sun) brunch.

I've never seen these wax-dipped bulbs before. Amazing. And, beautiful. Just what I needed on this frigid January day.

Yum! Kitchen and Bakery is celebrating the new year with popovers. I heartily approve.

I'm going to go with "No." Written 47 years ago by the late Jim Klobuchar, @startribune.com columnist and dad to @amyklobuchar.com.

Pre-refrigerator days on the Mississippi: Chopping ice near St. Anthony Falls, 1899. Brrrrrrr.

Missing this view (circa 2012) from the Skyroom at The Store Formerly Known As Dayton's. Missing the Skyroom. Missing Dayton's.

Really enjoyed checking out the Dayton's Holiday Market at The Store Formerly Known As Dayton's in downtown Minneapolis.

It was a lot of fun to be in the @mprnews.org studio and talk cookies with @angeladavismpr.bsky.social.

Angela Davis MPR@angeladavismpr.bsky.social · 2y ago

Tuesday at 9am on MPR News, tune in as I talk with the co-authors of an updated book filled with the best cookie recipes from the The Minnesota Star Tribune holiday cookie contests over the years. It's called "The Ultimate Minnesota Cookie Book.” www.mprnews.org/episode/2024...