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Northeast Minneapolis Venues Present Artistic, Quirky Vibe

By Maura Keller

FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, Northeast Minneapolis has been a unique, eclectic locale, housing diverse options for meetings and events. From trendy restaurants to revitalized studios and galleries to large warehouse buildings teeming with character, NE Minneapolis offers a unique option for events of all types.

In the heart of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, Chowgirls Killer Catering is an award-winning Minneapolis catering company with a commitment to truly delicious food made with local, organic and seasonal ingredients. Chowgirls owners Heidi Andermack and Amy Brown built their business around responsible sourcing and sustainable practices and will celebrate their 10th anniversary this year.

Chowgirls Parlor shows a regularly rotating exhibit of the Twin Cities’ most talented artists on its walls and features a cozy vine-covered courtyard accented with local sculptures. “A versatile space, the parlor can host a business lunch, rehearsal dinner, anniversary celebration, or any special occasion,” says Maryjo Vickers, office manager at Chowgirls Killer Catering. All catering, as well as full bar service, is provided exclusively by Chowgirls, and an on-site kitchen can accommodate any service needs-from continental breakfast to plated dinner service, buffet lunch to butler-passed appetizers. Tables, chairs and linens are also provided at no additional cost. The parlor can accommodate up to 60 people for a seated dinner.

“Chowgirls looks forward to the next decade of business with a renewed commitment to comfort food made from carefully chosen ingredients, eco-savvy business practices and farm dinners,” Vickers says. “Chowgirls does it with confidence and flair.”

Speaking of flair, 301 on Main, formally the Ukrainian Event Center, has been home to more than 1,400 events since opening more than 30 years ago. Thanks to its Grand Ballroom, the event center can accommodate up to 400 guests for weddings, corporate events, holiday parties, community events and more. “301 on Main also works with exceptional vendors,” says Renee Bell, event manager. “From the food menu to the entertainment, we have all of the information you need to make your event a success.”

301 on Main offers complimentary parking and is conveniently located near beautiful parks, downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi River. Meeting planners can also utilize the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA), where attendees can enjoy various events as well as visit the abundance of excellent restaurants and brewpubs in the area. Anna Becker, office assistant with the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association, calls Northeast Minneapolis a vibrant, diverse and economically healthy community because of the artists who live and work there.

NEMAA hosts two major events annually: Art-AWhirl and the Fall Fine Arts Show. Art-A-Whirl will take place the third weekend of May (16-18) and is the largest open studio art crawl in the country. The Fall Fine Arts Show showcases the work of NEMAA members in the third-floor gallery space of the Solar Arts Building in Northeast Minneapolis.

For more casual events, Crescent Moon Bakery, home of the football pizza, offers a classic, renovated banquet hall featuring mirror balls, bridal dressing rooms, catering and a state-of-the-art sound system. The hall can fit 175-180 seated. Centrally located, Elsie’s Restaurant, Bar and Bowling Center is also a favorite venue for corporate parties and events with seating for up to 150 guests and an outdoor patio for 40 attendees. For a little added fun, include a bowling package in a party or event.

Perhaps one of the most unique places to host an event in the area is Uppercut Boxing Gym. Offering hourly contracts, Uppercut Boxing Gym is open to all caterers and offers approximately 13,000 square feet of space with an attached courtyard. “We are very flexible with what renters want to do with the space,” says Lisa Bauch, founder and owner of Uppercut Boxing Gym. “Northeast is a little on the low-key side, but still offers a great historic side with its small, quaint bars and small businesses. And it’s only five minutes from downtown.”

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