Upcoming Events and Area Activities!

There are quite a few events and activities available in Stillwater in the next two weeks, just in time for Valentine’s Day! If you have yet to make romantic plans for the holiday, take a look at the list below. To see more upcoming events, visit our Current Events page!

Friday, February 5th & Saturday, February 6th

“The Mystery of the Purple Puma” at Luna Rossa

We are proud to announce “The Mystery of the Purple Puma” will be performed this January and February at the Luna Rossa!  Duck Soup Players are returning to our Joseph Wolf Brewery Caves for this performance, in the style of the Pink Panther, the “Mystery of the Purple Puma” won’t disappoint with mystery, comedy and intrigue! The performance is Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., the weekend of February 5 & 6 in time for an early Valentine’s celebration! Individual and Dinner packages available starting at $12 – $34 per person.

Call Luna Rossa Trattoria & Wine Bar directly to make your reservations for the package at 651-430-0560 or if guests want to purchase only the tickets to the show, they can call the Duck Soup Players directly at 651-433-4039.

Friday, February 5th, 7:30pm

Cantus: Elemental

Church of St. Michael, 611 3rd St. S, Stillwater
Come experience the energy of the elements as Cantus explores how we connect to the Earth. The critically-acclaimed voices of Cantus will blossom in the wonderful acoustic of The Church of St. Michael.

Saturday, February 6th, 11:00am – 7:00pm

Open House at Brick Alley Studio of Massage & Bodywork

Brick Alley Studio would like to invite you to join them for their Open House: Brick Alley Studio, Saturday, February 6, 11 – 7 p.m.  We will have free massages, samples of products, drinks, appetizers, coupons, and drawings for great prizes. Come see our studio, meet our staff, bring your friends, and relax!

For More Information, Please contact orlando@brickalleystudio.com

Monday, February 8th, 6:00-9:00pm

Movie Night Monday with River Market

Watch the movie “Fresh” by Ana Sophia Joanes, a Swiss-born documentary filmmaker whose work addresses pressing social issues through character-driven narratives. For more information about the film, visit freshthemovie.com. Popcorn and snacks provided by River Market. The screening will be followed by a discussion. Please preregister at River Market. Free!

The classes are held at the Loft, unless otherwise specified. The Loft is located at 218 North Main Street, on the second floor above Images of the Past and Present, directly across Main St. from River Market.

Wednesday, February 10th, 7:00-8:00pm

Wine 101 with Northern Vineyards

Come to the Northern Vineyards store and learn the basics of their wine making process. Cassie McLemore, the store manager, will explain the general wine and food pairings and will give you a tour of the winery. Wine samples will be offered with cheese and crackers from River Market. Please pre-register at River Market. The class will be held at Northern Vineyards, 223 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN. The class fee is $20 for River Market members, $25 for non-members. Call 651-430-1032 for directions. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Please pre-register in-store at River Market, phone (651) 439-0366 or email Ola at education@rivermarket.coop. Payment due at registration.

Friday, February 12th- Sunday, February 14th

Valentine’s Weekend with Luna Rossa

Friday, February 12, 7 – 10 p.m. swing dancing in the cave – hosted by Belle Ballet
$5 per person or $10 per couple. Live Italian music performed by Pietro Saturday and Sunday Evenings. In addition to their regular menu, their Chef’s will be preparing a special three course and five course menu.

Also featuring – Joseph Wolf Brewery Cave Tours Friday, Febuary 12,  1 – 6 p.m., Saturday, February 13, 1 – 9 p.m., and Sunday, February 14, 1 – 8 p.m. for $5/guest

Friday, February 12th – Sunday, February 20th

Photography of Ann Meyers: Show & Reception

ArtReach St. Croix, 224 N. 4th Street, Stillwater
Exhibit of photography by regional artist Ann Myers in the St. Croix Galleries of ArtReach St. Croix. Join together for a reception Friday, Feb. 12 from 5-7 pm.

Saturday, February 13th, 6:00-10:00pm

Valentine’s Day Wine Dinner at Rivertown Inn

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart at Rivertown Inn. Featuring a five-course dinner with wine paired to each course. Room/dinner packages available.

For More Information, Please Call (651)430-2955.

Saturday, February 13th, 6:30pm

“Playing for Change: Peace Through Music” Film Screening

Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater
Musicians and artists of the St. Croix Valley are invited to view and discuss the film “Playing for Change: Peace Through Music” as part of Trinity Lutheran’s St. Croix Valley Compassion Film Series. The film is hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church.

Contact Jody for more info @ 651-439-7400, ext. 119 or jthone@trinitylc.org. Thanks for bringing music to the St. Croix Valley!

 

Chef Ray on Twin Cities Live

Chef Ray was on Twin Cities Live again this week to show everyone how to home-smoke fish and make a fabulous warm potato salad, perfect for winter.

Click Here to Watch the Video

 

Warm Potato Salad

Potato salad is a common food for summertime picnics but there are ways to enjoy it even in the winter.  Chef Ray Wyatt with Rivertown Inn, has a warm winter version of the summertime favorite. Ingredients 1 1/2 Lbs Small red potatoes, cut in quarters 3 Slices of good smoked bacon,  Thinly sliced 1 celery stalk cut in small dice 3 green onions, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon Wholegrain Dijon Mustard 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1/4 cup Champagne vinegar 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock 1/4 Teaspoon of smoked Paprika (optional) 1/2 Cup Light Olive Oil 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian Parsley 1 Vine ripened tomato cut in small dice Directions Cook the potatoes until tender either by steaming or boiling. Cook bacon in large skillet until crisp. Stir in the sugar and cook for about 2 minutes, stir in the mustard, stock and the vinegar.  Bring to a boil and pour in to a blender, add the paprika if using and turn the blender on medium. Whilst the blender is running, slowly add the oil util a smooth vinairette is formed. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the cellery, green onions, tomatoes and parsley.  Combine warm potatoes with vinaigrette and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Home Smoking Fish

Home smoking fish is fairly easy and you can gauge the amount of smoke flavor by the amount of time you smoke your fish. Keep in mind that smoke is strong so if you intend on smoking indoors have a good hood vent or be ready to have the whole house smell like smoke for a few days.You can buy smoking units or you can use an old grill for outside and for inside all you need is a big old pan an old sieve or perforated pan, woodchips and foil.It is a good idea to salt your fish for at least one hour before smoking to reduce the water content and to season it slightly. Simply cover your fish generously with kosher or sea salt and leave at room temperature for one hour. If you are intending on salting for longer, use less salt and place in the refrigerator. Soak your wood chips overnight in water.To smoke, place a layer of drained wood chips in the smoker or in your saucepan and heat until they begin to smoke. Turn down the temperature to a low heat.Rinse off the salt from your fish and dry with paper towel. Place into the sieve, perforated pan or smoker.Cover with foil or lid and slow smoke for desired time. For a lighter flavor, smoke for about 15-20 minutes and finish your fish in the oven or on a pan.

 

Chef Ray’s Recipe of the Month: Italian Lamb Stew

Italian Lamb Stew

This is a very simple and tasty lamb stew. Perfect for the cold winters and a delight served with crusty bread. With the addition of fresh orange and vinegar we add a classic Italian combination and a unique flavor profile.

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds of boneless shoulder of lamb cut in cubes

1/2 cup of flour

6 tbsp of virgin olive oil

½ Cup Red wine vinegar

8 cloves of garlic chopped

8 sprigs of fresh rosemary

1 red onion slice thin

1 Orange, quartered

3 carrots peeled and cut into circles

2 red bell peppers,cut into slices

5 small red potatoes unpeeled and cut in half

1 28oz can of chopped tomatoes

2 ½ cups of beef stock or broth

1 1/2 cups of red wine

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

In a large bowl or zip-loc bag, dredge the lamb in flour.

In a large pot heat the olive oil and once it is very hot add the lamb and brown well.

Once browned, add the garlic, onion and rosemary and sauté for 4 minutes.

Add the vinegar and cook for 2 minutes

Add the carrots, potatoes, peppers, squeeze in the orange and throw in the segments, finally add the tomatoes.  Stir well and cook for 3 minutes.

Now add the wine and cook and bring to a boil, simmer rapidly for 7 minutes and then add the stock or broth. Bring to a boil and cook and a simmer until the meat is tender, about 1 ½ hours.

Season and serve with crusty bread and polenta.

 

2010 Culinary Events

Our last regularly-scheduled five-course wine dinner was held on December 10th, 2009. Though we are sad to see them go, we are excited to offer all new culinary events for 2010! We are pleased to announce our new bi-monthly Wine Tastings and Food & Wine Events  presented by our talented European Chef Ray Wyatt.  These promise to be truly amazing culinary experiences!

Wine Tastings

We are happy to announce that due to their popularity in 2009, we are making our wine tastings a bi-monthly feature in 2010. These casual yet elegant events allow you to sample six wonderful wines from a region or select vineyard served with a tasty and carefully-paired small bite, all whilst taking in the beautiful surroundings of Rivertown Inn. $30 per person. Advance reservations required.

Friday, March 12 French

Friday, May 14 Italian

Friday, July 16 Wine of the Americas

Friday, September 17 Spanish

Friday, November 12 Featured Wine Maker/Vineyard

Food & Wine Events

We are excited to introduce a new Food and Wine Event feature to Rivertown Inn in 2010. Every other month, we will host a themed evening serving up some fantastic food with equally great wines. These events will be casual, social and elegant, creating an opportunity to view the house and grounds, and an opportunity to meet fellow food and wine enthusiasts. Served buffet-style. $50 per person. Advance reservations required.

Friday, April 16 Tapas Evening

Friday, June 18 Organic Foods and Wine

Friday, August 13 Farmer’s Market Inspired Evening, Minnesota-grown Products and Produce

Friday, October 15 Food of the Mediterranean

Friday, December 10 Champagne and Seafood Evening

To Make a Reservation, Please Call Rivertown Inn at  (651)430-2955.

Please Note:

In addition to our regularly-scheduled culinary events, private dinners of 12 or more can be arranged on select dates. Please speak to our Chef or to a member of our staff for more information at (651)430-2955.

Off-site catering and classes may also be arranged with Chef Ray Wyatt through his website, www.wyattculinary.com