the beat issue two

T A K E A B I T E

Grand Forks, North Dakota

ISSUE 2

2 THE BEAT | SPRING 2016

INSIDEart / culture / food / drink

Cover designed by Whitney Oberg: Whitney is an aspiring world traveler and artist who can’t resist laughing, even at a dumb joke. She graduates from UND in Spring 2016 with a degree in Graphic Design and New Art Media and a minor in Art History.

Empire Staff:Emily Montgomery, Executive DirectorMackenzie Teepen, Development & CommunicationsWhitney Oberg, Graphic Design Intern

3CULTURE

4THEATRE

6LINEUP

This Grand Forks’ hidden gem is not to be missed | pg 11

Grand Forks native Michael Marcotte makes a return to the local stage| pg 4

8LIT

9ART

10NOSH

UND professor and students prepare to launch traveling cabaret | pg 5

The Beat is a publication of the Empire Arts Center. Find out more about the Empire by visiting www.empireartscenter.com. Have an idea for a story? Contact us at [email protected].

Affordable advertising opportunities are now available for upcoming issues of The Beat. Ask about our nonprofit rates. Email [email protected] for more

information.sponsored by

FEB 4 - 6 & FEB 11 - 13 7:30 PM / Tickets: $15-$20

FALSET TOS

SPRING 2016 | THE BEAT 3

You know you are in for a good night of karaoke when you hear the tribal sounds of “Ooga-Ooga

Ooga-Chaka” coming from the speaker and everyone in the bar is belting out the chorus of Blue Swede’s song “Hooked on a Feeling.” No one would probably peg Grand Forks, North Dakota for its hot karaoke scene, but surprisingly there is a following and that group of people are passionate about the art of song. By going to a few karaoke locations around town, I discovered there is nothing better to warm you up on a 35 below night then to go drink a beer and jam out to the hits from the past revitalized by the local citizens who perform them.

Karaoke nights are different from your average musical performance—anyone can be a star and everyone is supportive of the performer on stage. I’m uncertain whether this accepting atmosphere comes from the beverages consumed or just the pure good nature of the audience, but it doesn’t really matter. Everyone should have his or her fifteen minutes of fame.

Through my research (and by the way, I love that I get to use the terms research and karaoke in the same article), I found there are very specific types of karaoke performers. One of my favorite types are the “best buds”—those who are too afraid to let their freak flag fly by themselves so they perform together, often giggling their way through the song as if it were one long inside joke. There is the “rap master,” which in Grand Forks, is usually a person of Scandinavian decent who shocks their audience with their ability to lay down some sweet rhymes to “Rapper’s Delight.”

After you are amazed by the “rap master” then the “too drunk to function guy” takes the microphone and tries to tackle “Werewolves of London,” but only

manages to excel at the howling-at-the-moon portion. There always seems to be the “tone deaf diva who doesn’t realize they are tone deaf” who sings ten songs in one evening and basks in the glory of the kind and polite appreciation from their audience. From what I observed, the sounds of Sia, Ellie Goulding, and even some Whitney Houston are popular with this type of performer—you know, the songs that really provide a moment where the register is high and a person can really belt it out.

And lastly, there are the “musical theater actors” who usually come into the karaoke bar after their theater performance at the Empire or Firehall with their stage make-up still on. These performers usually wow the entire bar and sing very dramatic and well-choreographed renditions of Phantom of the Opera’s “All I Ask of You” or Little Shop of Horror’s “Suddenly, Seymour.” After that, karaoke night becomes cabaret night. Just kidding…but really.

Whether you are a rapper, diva, or even just an excellent audience member, it’s worth giving karaoke nights a try in Grand Forks. Even though there may only be one or a couple of performers at the microphone at a time, karaoke is truly a community experience. Many of the tunes people choose bring you back to yesteryear and make you think about what you were doing when that song was popular. There is definitely a transformative power in karaoke nights. In a moment, you could be in 2016 with Adele’s “Hello” and then back to 1981 with Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Even in the audience, you may find yourself singing along to the music, tapping your foot to the beat, or even telling a story to your friends about what this song brings to mind for you. The Japanese translation of karaoke is “without orchestra.” But who needs an

orchestra backing up your vocals when you have an entire bar singing along and dancing with you?

Emily Hill is an Instructor for the UND Honors Program, Co-Creator and Editor of Voices of the Valley, and a UND Educational Foundations and Research PhD student. In her spare time, she sings alto in Grand Forks Master Chorale, reads voraciously,and has intellectual conversations with her dog, Mr. Gatsby.

ARTS & CULTURE

CULTURE

Diva vs. Scandinavian Rapper: A Study of Grand Forks KaraokeBy Emily Hill

GET YOUR KARAOKE ON

Brick & Barley Bar & Restaurant Tuesdays

El RocoThursdays and Fridays

O’Really’s Irish PubFridays

Rhombus GuysWednesdays

Shotgun Sally’s Rock N Roll Saloon Thursdays

ConcertsArtistic Director: Alejandro Drago

The Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra2015-2016 Season

“World Symphonic Soundscapes”

Empire Arts Center*unless otherwise noted*unless otherwise noted

Concert III: Spring ConcertSunday, March 6, 2016 2:30pm

Concert IV: First Exposure for StudentsWednesday, March 9, 2016 10:00am

*Red River High School

Concert V: The Music of Argentina - Season FinaleSunday, May 8, 2016 2:30 pmSunday, May 8, 2016 2:30 pm

www.ggfso.org


ARTS & CULTURE

THEATRE

Something Old, Something New March 12, 3 pm Empire Arts Center Hollywood through the Ages $5 • 12 & under free April 10, 1-‐4 pm All Seasons Music in Bloom Fundraiser Event $10 in advance; $15 at the door Raffle tickets $5

www.novyo.org

www.novyo.org

courtesy of michael marcotte

Michael Marcotte is a Grand Forks native who has made a name for himself nationally through music theatre performance. He’s returning for a special engagement with the Empire Theatre Company, and The Beat got the opportunity to sit down and talk with him.

Michael, you just performed in the New York premiere of the exciting new opera Dog Days. Tell us about the experience.Well, it was simply incredible to work on this dystopian masterpiece with composer David T. Little and librettist Royce Vavrek, not to mention director Robert Woodruff, who directed 1979’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Buried Child. It really felt like the best acting lesson of my life. That the cast was flush with luminaries such as Marnie Breckenridge, performance artist John Kelly and Tony-nominated Lauren Worsham made for world-class artistry. I’ve never felt more emotionally raw while at the same time safe to trust and play onstage, and I know that I’ve never grown more as a performer with a single project in all my life. It is an opportunity that will stay with me always and one for which I will be forever grateful.

What have been some of your other recent performance highlights?I made my LA Philharmonic debut in 2013 with the world premiere of Strip Mall, by Matt Marks & Royce Vavrek; my New York Philharmonic debut with Carousel in 2013; my New York City Opera debut in 2011 with Séance on a Wet

Afternoon by Stephen Schwartz; and I had the honor to appear in the City Center Encores! production of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, with my very first cast album solo to boot!

How has your Grand Forks background impacted your artistic life?Having such amazing teachers, peers and opportunities here in GF while growing up gave me the most important tool I could’ve ever hoped for in this crazy business we call show: confidence. Without that, you’re dead in the water—you need it at all levels from basic audition technique to working with stellar casts to holding an audience of 3,000 in your intent and delivery of a song or text. Confidence is fundamental, and my excellent education in Grand Forks and the surrounding area provided that in loving bounty.

What do you miss most about ND when you’re in NYC? Vice versa? This may sound obvious but I miss my family most when I’m not here—not being able to see my grandma and play card games & dice with her is a simple pleasure sorely missed when I’m in the Big Apple; also my adorable nephews and cousins who are growing up so fast and for whom I miss crucial childhood achievements while I’m off chasing my dream. The only thing I ever miss about NYC is the energy—the kinetic and potential energy that makes that city hum. I thrive on that energy, and it wholeheartedly demands and evokes the very best of and in me.

What advice would you give to a young person hoping to break into show business? Diversify! In this day and age, one needs to be comfortable in front of the camera, selling a song (and dance—though I never have been much of a dancer I’d highly recommend young performers soak up as much movement as possible), and representing oneself as a businessperson. From a polished resume and headshot to agency interviews to social media, only one person-you-can be the driver of your professional career. Everything and everyone else can only add to what you bring to the table. And for survival jobs, gain experience wherever possible, from restaurant jobs to office jobs—it’s all called upon in order to ‘make it’ in the city that never sleeps!

Well, what brings you back to town?Falsettos! February 4-6th; 11-13th at 7:30pm. Performing with Darin Kerr is an opportunity I would never turn down—come see us starring opposite each other, not to be missed!!

And finally, do you have any favorite Grand Forks eateries?It used to be Sanders, but while I’m here I’ll have to check out Sky’s as well as the Old Metropolitan Opera House’s new tenant: Rhombus Guys Brewing Co. Brewpub—it looks very enticing, and I’m excited to see that historic landmark utilized in such an exciting new way!

Q & A with

Michael MarcotteSEE YOUR AD HERE

S inging, dancing, burlesque something or another…that’s cabaret, right? To some, perhaps, but there is also

another side to cabaret: an intimate, captivating, transformative side that is not only entertaining but also mesmerizing.

In the words of cabaret diva Andrea Macovicci, cabaret is “an evening of song and stories in an intimate space that shatters the fourth wall...At its best, cabaret can amuse, entertain, and inform...it can dazzle you, catch you unawares and make you weep...”

Derived from the French word meaning “wine cellar,” (implying the intimate nature of the art form) cabaret has evolved over the centuries. In America, early cabaret was often performed at speakeasies starring jazz-influenced performers. Most sets were made up of pieces from the Great American Songbook which includes composers like George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin.

So, why are we talking about cabaret? Well, it just so happens a hint of cabaret-fever is soon to sweep the state. Dr. Suna Gunther, in her first year as voice professor in the UND theatre department, took a look at the programming for her students and decided they needed something more. With no musical scheduled for the spring semester, Gunther decided to coordinate a traveling cabaret show with her students at the center.

Performing a cabaret is “a significant part of being a musical theatre student,” said Gunther. Unlike musicals or straight theatre, cabaret requires the performer to be fully themselves, instead of a character.

After applying for and receiving a grant from the university, Gunther began contacting the students’ high school and middle school alma maters. One of her intentions with the project was to reconnect students with their previous musical communities, and in doing so, encourage the next generation of students

that music is a realistic and worthy career to pursue.

Twelve students will create three individual cabarets, comprised of four performers each. These three cabarets will be presented in several cities around the region including Bismark, Crookston, Minneapolis and our very own Grand Forks. The students, alongside Gunther, will hold master classes with local students in addition to each cabaret performance.

You can catch these rising stars in action in a joint cabaret on May 4 at 7:30pm at the Empire Arts Center.

From left to right: Jeremy Lindemann, Brandon Wetch, Tyler Folkedahl, Michelle Stahlecker, Joe Picardi, Karter Dolan, Caleb Van Ornum, Hannah Diers, Jacqueline DeGraff, Daniella Lima, Ashley Restemayer, Dr. Suna Gunther, and Bethany Springs.


ARTS & CULTURE

Cabaret gets its start in Grand ForksTHEATRE

By Mackenzie Teepen

Broadway and cabaret star Chester Gregory gets intimate in his cabaretcourtesy of the cabaret at the columbia club | credit: mark sheldon

credit: staff photographer


MUSIC1964: THE TRIBUTE Feb. 6Chester Fritz Auditorium 701.777.4090

DUO CANTABILE Feb. 22Piano and cello duo ND Museum of Art 701.777.4195 / ndmoa.com

RANDY MCALLISTER Feb. 26Blues musician Empire Arts Center randymcallister.com

SUNDAY CONCERTS IN THE GALLERIES: CELLIST AMIT PELED

Feb. 28ND Museum of Art 701.777.4195

WOMEN IN SONG Mar. 4Presented by UND Music Department Empire Arts Center 701.777.2818

SPRING CONCERTMar. 6Presented by Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra Empire Arts Center ggfso.org

NVYO SPRING CONCERT Mar. 12Presented by Northern Valley Youth Orchestras Empire Arts Center 701.757.3009 / novyo.org

JOEL FAN Mar. 29PianistND Museum of Art 701.777.4195 / ndmoa.com

JAZZ VIBES FT. JIM POPEJOYApr. 9Archives Coffee House 701.777.3555

WIND ENSEMBLE & VIVO CHAMBER CHOIR Apr. 21 Presented by UND Music Department Chester Fritz Auditorium 701.777.4090

DUELING DUO Apr. 22 Brick & Barley brickandbarleygf.com

MOZART’S REQUIEM MASS IN D MINOR Apr. 23Presented by Grand Forks Chorales Chester Fritz Auditorium701.777.4090

UNIVERSITY BAND & GRAND CITIES CHILDREN’S CHOIRApr. 26UND Memorial Ballroom Presented by UND Music Department 701.777.2818

THEATREFALSETTOSFeb. 4-6 & 11-13 Presented by Empire Theatre CompanyEmpire Arts Center 701.746.5500 / empireartscenter.com

FLASHDANCE THE MUSICAL Feb. 28Chester Fritz Auditorium 701.777.4090

THE FLICK Mar. 24-26 & Mar. 30-Apr. 2Presented by Empire Theatre CompanyEmpire Arts Center 701.746.5500 / empireartscenter.com

THE NORWEGIANS Mar. 31-Apr. 3 & Apr. 7-10 & Apr. 14-16Firehall Theatre701.746.0847 / ggfct.com

HAMLET Apr. 19-23Presented by UND Theatre Department Burtness Theatre701.777.2587 / theatre.und.edu

CENDRILLONApr. 30 & May 1 Presented by UND Music Department Empire Arts Center

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FEAST OF NATIONS Feb. 6Presented by University of North Dakota Alerus Center 701.777.3057 / feastofnations.und.edu

GIVING HEARTS DAY 24 Hour Online Give-a-thonFeb. 11 Presented by Impact Give Back impactgiveback.org

ALLEY ALIVEFeb. 13 Presented by Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals Downtown Grand Forks

BEER + CHOCOLATE = LOVE Feb. 13 Beer and chocolate tasting Brick & Barley Bar & Restaurant701.757.4012

FROSTY BOBBER WINTER CARNIVAL Feb. 13 Presented by Greater Grand Forks Young ProfessionalsCabela’s East Grand Forks

TEDXGRANDFORKSFeb. 20 Empire Arts Center 218.230.0525 / tedxgrandforks.com


ARTS & CULTURE

OUTSIDE THE LINES Feb. 8 Adult Coloring Class Grand Forks Public Library 701.772.8816 / gflibrary.com

“HEART TREE” PAINTING Feb. 9 Presented by Bright Brushes The Boardwalk brightbrushes.com

FIFTEEN SECOND FILM FESTIVAL Feb. 11Presented by The Guild Daktyl Tattoo Gallery 218.779.0879

CO-LAB: LIVE PAINTING TO ORIGINAL MUSIC Mar. 3Presented by The Guild Daktyl Tattoo Gallery 218.779.0879

ARTWISE 23RD ANNUAL ART SHOW Apr. 5-7Presented by ArtWiseAlerus Center 701.787.4260

OUTSIDE THE LINES Apr. 11Adult Coloring Class Grand Forks Public Library 701.772.8816 / gflibrary.com

BIKECICLE Feb. 21 Presented by Northern Star Cycling Club Blue Moose Bar & Grill 218.791.8673

GARDENING SATURDAY Apr. 9 Presented by Grand Forks Horticultural Society and the NDSU Extension Service Alerus Center 701.792.1200

DANCING FOR SPECIAL STARS Apr. 12 Presented by Special Olympics North Dakota Empire Arts Center 701.746.0331

CHAMBER SHARK TANK Apr. 14 Presented by The Chamber of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, and Region Empire Arts Center 701.772.7271 / gochamber.org

DOWNTOWN DAYApr. 19Presented by GF Downtown Development AssociationEmpire Arts Center downtowngrandforks.org

HOME DESIGN & GARDEN SHOW Apr. 1-3 Presented by Forx BuildersAlerus Center 701.792.1200

46TH ANNUAL UNDIA TIME-OUT WACIPIApr. 22-24Presented by UND Indian AssociationHyslop Sports Center 701.777.2234

CULTURE

ARTS

credit: billy tibert

Earth is our home. This observation is universally shared, save for in the realm of science fiction. No writer

has done more to realistically imagine the development of human life on other planets than Kim Stanley Robinson, whose landmark hard science fiction series, the Mars Trilogy (1993-1996), probes the biological and political ramifications of terraforming (literally “earth shaping”) our red neighbor into a viable ecosystem. What’s most interesting about Robinson’s latest novel, Aurora (2015), is how he revises this original problem. The Mars Trilogy concerns itself mostly with the question of whether humans should transform barren rock into a living, breathing world. Aurora, on the other hand, questions whether humans could even live anywhere but Earth.

The plot of Aurora begins in the 26th century, one hundred and sixty years into a multi-generational space voyage. A small group of pilgrims have boldly embarked to a nearest possibly habitable planet, an Earthlike moon they name Aurora. For this epic journey the colonists require more than just a starship; they require an ark. Indeed, their vessel is a planet unto

itself, carrying the 200 colonists, a wide variety of plants and animals, and a small replica of each biome (tundra, savannah, etc.) found on Earth in which these beings can reside: A miniature Earth, complete with bacteria, insects, and microflora, nurtures the colonists on their way to their new home.

Things fall apart when the pilgrims finally reach Aurora, midway through the book. Humans cannot inhabit the seemingly lifeless moon for reasons I can divulge without spoiling the plot. Here the colonists start to second-guess their choices, even though all of the living colonists were born on the ship. A sage character reflects “by the time life gets smart enough to leave its planet, it’s too smart to want to go.”

Aurora is more Interstellar than Star Wars. If you approach this book expecting laser sword duels, warp drives, or English-speaking aliens, you will be sorely disappointed. If you come to this book looking for a broad and deep articulation of some of the most vital conundrums facing humanity in the future, on other hand, you will be consistently rewarded. The hard problems Robinson engages in this book run the gamut: from physics to philosophy, environmental decline to “Fermi’s paradox,” the contradiction between the high probability of extraterrestrial life and the lack of hard evidence for it.

Despite its heavy themes and often pessimistic conclusions, I would argue that the novel still adopts a hopeful vision of the future. Robinson insists that science fiction fantasies of colonization and the dream of extraterrestrial contact stem from the shortsighted assumption that all other things and beings must be like us. By stressing our unbreakable and unique connection with our homeworld, Robinson challenges us all to take responsibility for it.

If we can live nowhere besides Earth, then all must find a way to protect and heal it. If there’s no escape, there is also no excuse.

In all, Robinson’s ambitious, heady, and satisfying novel advocates what I would call a responsibility to collaborate. Fittingly, Aurora’s pragmatic message mirrors the mission of the 2016 University of North Dakota Writers Conference “The Art of Science,” at which Robinson will be a featured speaker. By transforming interstellar space travel into a holistic problem, one not just of the physics of speed of light travel, but of genetics, computation, totalitarianism, group psychology and, yes, even narrative, Robinson’s novel models the kinds of collaborative troubleshooting we all need to start envisioning. We writers, artists, scientists, inventors, farmers, salespersons, readers, citizens, and Earthlings can no longer afford to simply dream up escape from our many problems. Robinson’s prodigious imagination offers an urgent reminder we, like the colonists of his novel, are all stuck on a single massive starship.

We call this starship Earth. And we can only continue to call it home by imagining our shared future. Together.

Kim Stanley Robinson will speak at 8:00PM on Thursday, April 7 in the ballroom of UND’s Memorial Union. For more information about the conference, please visit <http://und.edu/orgs/writers-conference/current-conference/index.cfm>

Aurora by Kim Stanley RobinsonOrbit Books, 2015. pp. 480.

Dave Haeselin teaches in the English Department of the University of North Dakota. Contact him at [email protected].

2016 UND WRITERS CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

All readings and panels will be held in the Memorial Union at the University of ND. All events are free and open to the public. Wednesday, April 610:00 AM - Public Readings12:00 PM - Panel: “The Two Cultures” (Brian Greene, Katharine Coles, and Allison Leigh Holt)2:00 PM- Community Workshop: Poetry (Katharine Coles)2:00 PM - Film: Semiconductor, Worlds In Flux4:00 PM - Presentation: Allison Leigh Holt6:00 PM - Film: Andy Goldsworthy’s Rivers and Tides: Working with Time8:00PM - Presentation: Brian GreeneReception to follow at the North Dakota Museum of Art, featuring a new art installation by Allison Leigh Holt Thursday, April 710:00 PM - Public Readings12:00 PM - Panel: “Other Worlds” (Brian Greene, Kim Stanley Robinson, Allison Leigh Holt, and Dr. Frank Huyler)2:00 PM - Recording of Prairie Public’s “Main Street:” “How to communicate science to a popular audience” hosted by Doug Hamilton with Brian Greene4:00 PM - Reading: Katharine Coles6:00 PM - Reading: Voices of the Valley8:00 PM - Reading: Kim Stanley Robinson Friday, April 810:00 AM - Public Readings12:00 PM - Panel: “The Butterfly Effect” (Tania James, Katharine Coles, and Dr. Frank Huyler)2:00 PM - Community Workshop: Fiction (Dr. Frank Huyler)2:00 PM - Film: Countdown to Zero4:00 PM - Reading: Tania James6:00 PM - Film: Touching the Void 8:00 PM - Reading: Dr. Frank HuylerReception to follow at the North Dakota Museum of Art

The responsibility to home: a review of Kim Stanley Robinson’s Aurora

By Dave Haeselin

courtesy of hachette book group

LIT

ARTS & CULTURE



“What happens as an immigrant? Everyone gets to define you, except you.” Adam Kemp’s words give a preview of what gallery-goers can expect from his next piece of artwork, which will explore the themes of immigration and more at an interactive exhibit through the month of February at the Third Street Gallery. Titled “Welcome New Americans, Old Americans, and You” or simply “Welcome,” the art will be on display continuously through the end of February, with a public reception on February 18 from 7:00-9:00pm.

“Welcome New Americans, Old Americans, and You” is an interactive art exhibition by award-winning artist Adam Kemp. For one month, the exhibit will be featured at the Third Street Gallery with opportunities for all visitors to participate

in the creation of the artwork. There will be two events specifically geared towards community participation: “Art-parties” will be held at the gallery on February 6 and February 13 from 1:00-4:00pm to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to not only view the artwork, but also contribute to it. All are welcome at these gatherings, and food will be provided.

According to Kemp, the goal is to use art and food as “social lubricants” to allow connections to be made and relationships to develop. He cited food as a common language of welcome that transcends social divides. Kemp relates this concept to the responsibility of host countries to provide a welcome to all. The events are a key part of the main intention of the exhibit:

to introduce those that are often isolated, such as immigrants and senior citizens, to other community members that might not normally have the opportunity to interact with them. Kemp, an immigrant who has lived in several different countries, hopes that all participants will check their expectations and baggage at the door. “There’s a more abstract element to immigration than most people think about,” he says.

Immigration isn’t the only topic the exhibit addresses. Its full title mentions “old americans,” and Kemp labels that as a reference to senior citizens. The U.S. Census predicts the senior population in North Dakota to dramatically increase by 2020, making it more urgent than ever to find ways to include that group in the day-

to-day life of our community.

A nonprofit art gallery founded by artists with the intention of increasing opportunities for regional and local artists, the Third Street Gallery is located in downtown Grand Forks at 310 Kittson Avenue. In addition to the public events listed earlier, the gallery is open to the public from 4:00-7:00pm on Thursdays and Fridays and from 1:00-4:00pm on Saturdays, or by appointment. “Welcome” was funded by the Knight Fund from the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, and Region. Kemp also gives a special thanks to Hanna Saagge, “whose tightly edited drawings have shown me the way more than once how to paint my way out of a corner.”

ARTS & CULTURE

Welcome new Americans, old Americans and you

ART

credit: adam kemp

By Emily Montgomery


It was spring of 2006 when the Toasted Frog opened its doors in downtown Grand Forks. Nearly ten years, two

additional locations, and likely millions of fried cheesy pickles later, the establishment is still a local favorite. The Toasted Frog has remained a consistently popular choice among those in Grand Forks who seek an eclectic atmosphere, a modern menu, and broad beverage selection.

In fact, one of the things that sets the Toasted Frog apart is their wide range of excellent drinks. Aside from consistently solid yet limited tap beer selections, the

restaurant has a fully-stocked bar and decent wine list. An extensive martini menu has always been a staple of the Frog’s drink menu, featuring dozens of options with frog-inspired names like “Tropical Tadpole.”

On a recent visit to the Toasted Frog, it was the craft cocktail menu that drew The Beat’s attention. A more recent addition to the restaurant’s already-expansive drink selections, this menu features ten classic cocktails and was added about nine months ago. It was from this menu that we sampled the Egg White Sour on bartender Jessie

Thorson’s recommendation. The Toasted Frog’s egg white sour features traditional ingredients with a modern twist: Maker’s Mark bourbon, angostura bitters, egg whites, simple syrup, and lemon juice. The drink is finished with a Bordeaux cherry. The result is a lovely blush-colored cocktail topped with a delicate layer of white foam.

Egg white sours have an especially unusual frothiness from the egg white that isn’t usually found in a cocktail. However, some may balk at the use of raw egg. Not to worry, though, because according to our knowledgeable bartender, the acid of the lemon juice effectively kills any harmful bacteria in the egg whites when they are shaken together. Those who don’t normally enjoy bourbon or whiskey may also instinctively stay away from a drink like the Frog’s egg white sour, but that would be a mistake. A surprisingly complex drink, it starts off strong with a bright bite; yet, its finish is smooth and sweet. The angostura bitters provide a subtly spicy undertone, making it a drink with something appealing for everyone. Through it all, the frothy texture provides a pleasant and unusual canvas for the egg white sours’ intricate flavors. Even the rich flavor of the Bordeaux cherry complemented the drink, as opposed to a traditional maraschino cherry.

The Beat recommends the Toasted Frog’s egg white sour if you are craving something classic yet complex. Thorson recommended pairing this cocktail with the Frog’s delicious lemon cake, which is served with raspberry infused chèvre. Whether you take our recommendation or not, know that you will always have plenty of options at the Toasted Frog.

EGG WHITE SOURMaker’s MarkAngostura BittersEgg WhitesSimple SyrupLemon JuiceBordeaux Cherry

FOOD & DRINK

By Staff Writer

DRINK

A classically complex cocktail

$4.50 domestic draft pitchers 8p - close

Happy Hour drink specials 9p - close

$8 domestic draft pitchersall day

$4 Ceasars & Bloody Marys,$2 domestic bottles, $2.50 domestic pounders all day

1/2 price large pizza 8p - midnight

$1.50 slice of pizza with drink purchase9p - 11p

$3 You Call Its 10p - close, KARAOKE

$2 off draft mugs, $1 off draft pints, $1 off single shot drinks3p-6p, M-F

THUR

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DRINK SPECIALS

RHOMBUS GUYS PIZZA321 Kittson Ave701-787-7317

We know you love a good deal. Who has your favorite special? Let us know at

[email protected]

SPONSORED CONTENT


A hidden hometown hero

Del’s Restaurant does not have a website. Their Facebook page is rarely updated, with only a few

hundred likes. Their storefront is hidden within the dilapidated Grand Cities Mall, and there are no billboards or TV commercials advertising their food. Yet, on a recent Tuesday at 2:00pm, it was difficult to find a seat at Del’s.

For more than forty years, Del’s has been a fixture on the Grand Forks dining scene. Traditional breakfast choices, including their signature stuffed hashbrowns, anchor a menu that also features soup, sandwiches, burgers, chicken or meatloaf dinners, and much more. Some highlights are their traditional chicken dumpling soup, the “Winnipeg Gas Station Special”, and their famous pies.

On Tuesdays for a limited time, you can enjoy the benefit of two local restaurants in

one: “Kegs Day” at Del’s features specials from the Kegs Drive-In in Grand Forks, which is currently closed for the season. These specials include the Kegs’ signature cherry, lime, or vanilla cokes and sloppy joes.

On a recent visit, a craving for pie was fulfilled at Del’s. Our server, Alice Nelson, helped us choose pecan and lemon meringue from approximately half a dozen choices. Not offered that day but an often popular option is their sour cream raisin pie, a uniquely decadent Midwestern staple. Although this restaurant is off the beaten path, its longevity and popularity speaks for itself. Del’s Restaurant can be found inside the Grand Cities Mall and is open seven days a week. For more information and hours, you can reach them at (701) 772-3377.

FOOD & DRINK

FOOD

Planning a dinner?See us for the perfect pairings

www.happy-harrys.com

GRAND FORKS2702 Gateway Drive2051 32nd Avenue South

FARGO1125 19th Avenue North

1621 45th Street SW4001 53rd Avenue South

By Staff Writer


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