Walkin' Around Checkin' Stuff Out. #88

Jun 29, 2025

Community. It’s a dorky word that gets overused…as in: “We need to build community.” But it’s true, and dorky sounding or not what it stands for is more important today than it’s ever been. Places like coffee shops, bars and restaurants are places were we build that community…where we see and meet people, get off our screens and get out in the world and talk to people. I keep hearing how we have more in common with each other than our political differences suggest, and I agree.

Shortwave Coffee.

“Community” is such an over-used dorky word, but what it means is everything. Coffee shops are one of those things that create community...people coming together, hanging out and getting to know each other. Shortwave Coffee is a couple blocks from our house and it’s our weekend hangout and now I guess we’re part of the cast of characters we see often...getting to know some by name, others by head nod. Community is a pretty cool thing, especially these days.

Grandma Did Her hair.

I saw this woman one night at the Bandshell. She got dialed-up to see a show. There was some volume and lift in that lid...even had a little barrette to fancy it up.

Cruiser Bikes.

I saw a couple cool old cruiser bikes locked-up in Linden Hills. The cruiser bike is the best...no gears, no fancy tech...just pedals and big ass comfy seat.

Old Dude Around The Lake.

Back to “community” for a minute. The lakes are an amazing place for seeing people...all types of people. The city planners did the coolest thing ever when they designed the lakes for everyone. The walking/biking paths are incredible and the mix of people is fantastic. All ages, colors, backgrounds...you see it all. And just like the coffee shop I see regulars and have met so many people...many with just a knowing nod. Nice to see this old dude getting out and just kickin’ it on a bench watching the world go by.

International Travelall.

This things laughs in the face of all the SUV’s on the road and looks cool doing it.

Travelall is right...this thing was about a half a city-block long. Seats a family of 9, 2 dogs, a cat and everything a family could pack for 10 days. Sorry, no video monitors in the seatbacks.

Triumph TR3.

This beauty belongs to Bill Phelps. We were hanging out in Linden Hills and he rolled-up with Chef Steven Brown, did a u-turn and parked in a spot barely big enough for a bicycle. Back to community again. Linden Hills has a couple great bar/restaurants and there are a lot of regulars that hangout. Harriet Brasserie has live music on the sidewalk and people hangout between there and Tilia. It’s a killer vibe and we’ve met some pretty interesting characters (See, I’m warming up to this community word.)

Diane’s Place.

A lot of buzz around this joint...which usually leads to a letdown. Not this time. We stopped in and had a couple of items...the steamed pork rolls were so good I’ll dream about them. And this red curry coconut soup brought so many subtle layers of flavor I didn’t know what hit me. I love it when a place actually lives up to the hype.

Chances Place.

East St. Paul’s answer to Cheer’s...everyone definitely knew each other’s name (and what they were drinking). There was lots of shit-giving, ribbing, laughing, fist bumps and hugs. It’s like a coffee shop with booze. There it is again...community.