Don't know what you're talking about with Cossettas but they just ran a story on KSTP that showed completely empty tents and tables, they're losing business for this thing as are most restaurants near X that didn't have private events. And you can wait two hours at Cossettas when there is a Wild game but at least there are no fences or Storm Troopers then. And don't tell us you weren't on the invite list for half those "Private Parties" Andrew. Please.

I've eaten at restaurants in Minneapolis every night this week and all of them were empty.

Every business on West 7th outside the security fence is struggling. The delegates are either heading back towards Rice Park and the restaurant row there or bused back to the Minneapolis area. Regulars are staying away to avoid the traffic. I've had two restaurant/bar owners on that strip tell me they are losing their shirts this week.

BTW: Barrio is totally worth the time. Crab empenadas (forgive spelling, rushed) were my favorite. Having Tim McKee bring the dishes to the table was also a pleasant surprise. That guy works HARD and deserves all the good that comes to him.

Unfortunately to many people are thinking the way you are thinking and believe me our guests from all over this great nation felt it. They have not been treated with the Minnesota nice, but rather with Minnesota Ice. It is a shame that people can’t get over themselves for a short five days in order to give our city the glowing recommendation it deserves. Instead they are going back to their home towns with the bitterness they have felt in stores, restaurants and from locals that turn their nose up rather than giving warm welcomes and friendly directions. What a shame, I’m embarrassed.

From Tuesday's PiPress:

"Cossetta's Italian Market and Pizzeria manager Ray Vanyo was mad that it was outside a security perimeter around the Xcel and not easily accessible to delegates. Vanyo described business as 'dismal.' Others agreed."

You're busted, Andrew.

Other then a few private parties we have been slow. There is a definite "Police Presence" in Minneapolis, almost to the extent of it feeling like downtown is under Martial Law. As far as Minnesota Ice, the delegates and convention goers we have had here, and also the occasional thirsty protestor, have had nothing but rave reviews about the Twin Cities. Saying that everyone has been nothing but nice and accomodating.

the cities are always a ghost town for this week of Labor Day, and I'm guessing that even most of the places that have been quiet relative to their neighbors this week are doing better than they did over this week last year. I don't listen to anyone's sob stories unless they want to show me some P&Ls.

Agreed...and everyone i spoke to that is open late, serves booze, and is able to serve customers has been doing outsized business this last week, from the St Paul Grill, to Manny's, to The Local, to The Liffey....and when I went to Cossetta's there was a line out the door....Delegates can walk through the perimeter i guess, but whatever you say Marlys...:)

So Andrew, you are saying that the Pioneer Press, Gita Sitaramiah, and the manager of Cossetta's are all lying?

http://www.twincities.com/ci_10366323?IADID

To use a line from "The Shawshank Remdemption", "Andrew, I do believe you're talking out of your rear!"

Folks, can you take the sniping over to the Star Tribune where they enjoy that sort of thing, and leave those of us who want to have a CONVERSATION in peace?

How is your dining experience related to our "no name" experience? Since they know you, or know you are coming, how does that relate to an average diner's meal?

How is your dining experience related to our "no name" experience? Since they know you, or know you are coming, how does that relate to an average diner's meal?

Andrew, you really are disappointing me.
You are the last person I expected to get involved with partisan politics. Stick to food, that is why we love you.

It was disappointing as the Twin Cities didn't seem to embrace the opportunity to show the country that we are a small cosmopolitan city that can accommodate conventions.

Several of my clients and guests at a few of the events I handled last week commented that when the RNC was in NYC four years ago, they were welcomed with open arms (and that is a very BLUE city). They didn't necessarily feel that here.

I have to applaud the security / police / secret service for their fast work and keeping the public relatively safe. Eight years ago, protestors shut down Philly as the police weren't prepared for them.

The last time the RNC was in Minnesota was in 1892. Regardless where you stand on the political spectrum, it was amazing to be part of something that will only happen in our state once in our lifetime.

Geri...I heard the same "we don't feel welcomed with open arms" comment from a big RNC planner. but it was also without explanation of what that meant. we went out of our way to be hospitable, but specifics on what NYC did that MSP didn't would have been much more instructive than a statement of emotion.

On three separate occasions, my clients were met with rolled eyes in restaurants when asked if they were in town for the RNC. On one occasion, a server told a client of mine that they weren't open and under her breath she said, "Damn Republican." Shockingly, the restaurants involved are highly thought of in Minneapolis. I was embarassed to have that be among the first Minneapolis experiences of my clients.

The planners found pricing in Minneapolis considerably higher than NYC (in some cases to the point of being laughable), perhaps showing a lack of convention sophistication.

When the RNC was in NYC, the streets were lined with flags welcoming the convention-goers. Lots of the businesses had welcoming signs in their windows.

That's what I mean when I say being "welcomed with open arms."

Geri perhaps when the convention was in NYC there was also a tremendously different climate with NYC just happy to have any business after 9/11 and people not so angry with the current administration, did you think about that factor? I think you should compare the reception to that of the DNC in Boston where I heard nothing but anger and complaints from residents and businesses about the convention there. I'm not excusing any poor reception that your clients received and I hope you reported the server with the comment to restaurant management as they should be disciplined, but keep in mind the climate differential, the two situations cannot be compared. We didnt need the convention as much as NYC and there certainly isn't the level of patriotism as there was there.