Welcome everybody and welcome Katie Holley of @RestoreHealing for today’s @MNMOmag Twitterview. Lets get things rolling!

Katie:    Hi Joel! Happy to be here in virtual land.

Tell us a little about yourself Katie. What’s your role so that we understand your perspective?

Kaite:    I’m the marketing & social media director for Restore – an online community who supports conscious living in the TCs.

Okay good. So explain then what kinds of things are offered.  Are they from you or partnered companies?

Katie:    Restore is a resource guide. We promote our members – the best in local health and wellness businesses.  restorehealing.com/

We do that with consistent education through social media, blogging, weekly deals, events – offerings vary from…

acupuncture, organic facials/haircare/beauty, ayurvedic massages, eco-friendly apparel, chiropractic – the best local

That’s awesome! So share some of the history. When did it start and why was it deemed important to start?

Katie:    Restore began as a holistic event, our founder, Pam LaBelle, saw there was a need to build a bridge from the general..

…public to credible, high integrity health and wellness practitioners and businesses in the Twin Cities. With her…

Masters in Holistic Health from St. Kates, her passion was to increase exposure to the best of the best. The event…

tripled in size and has evolved into a consistent online community – that’s when I became involved- to help be a voice

I love the immediacy of social media. I also really enjoy being able to connect our members to their target markets.

What would you say are the TOP 5 services/products that you feature to your community?

Katie:    It’s difficult to give a top 5 – since we have almost 80 FABULOUS members…but, we are a feature in itself…

We offer a vetted community to the general public. People can be hesitant to try new healing modalities. That’s why..

Restore features quality products and services right in the Twin Cities’ backyard. Online research is the 1st step…

for most people when it comes to healthcare. Our space provides experiential opportunities and education through…

our quality weekly deals, blogs/vlogs, resources http://bit.ly/SH3qWS , and offline events. http://restorehealing.com

To someone new to your community that wants to start slowly, how do you recommend they begin?

Katie:    Visit us online, follow us here, Like us on FB https://www.facebook.com/restorehealing , and check out our Weekly Deals – IN FACT…

…we have a promo just for your viewers. Get $10 off your first Weekly Deal http://www.restorehealing.com/deals.html  code: joelcarlson

Good through 12/31/13! Get an organic facial, massage, acupuncture, etc. Or buy eco apparel, green products and more!

To see some of the great work our members are doing, check out @hammsevent, @chowgirls Valentine’s event,

Free yoga at @sparkwellnessmn this Sat, plus our pop up Restore events throughout the year. @JGrunewaldHNC telesummit!

Joel:    Nice! :) Thanks Katie and Pam for helping create a healthy environment for Minnesotans! Enjoy yourday!

Katie:    SUCH a pleasure! We love TCs and staying connected to people like you – thanks for taking SM to the next level!

Thanks @MNMOmag for the opportunity to connect online with you today. WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!! -Katie & Pam

Hello, and welcome to today’s Twitterview of @MNMOmag Senior Food Editor, @rachel_hutton. Lets begin!

Rachel:    Good morning, @JoelECarlson! Ready for your questions!

Good morning! To start off with, share a little bit about your background. Where did you grow up and go to school?

Rachel:    I grew up in the Twin Cities, went to college at Stanford, and then spent a couple years in New York before returning to Minnesota.

What did you study in school, and what helped develop your interest in writing about food?

Rachel:    Well, I’m the only food critic I know with an engineering degree, which sounds a little less weird than it sounds if I explain

My degree is in product design, and I found that the first part of that phase–the design research, to understand the product’s user

was my favorite. Turns out that such ethnographic research and hanging out with subjects, understanding their world

isn’t so different from reporting. So after a couple years at a design consultancy I got into magazine writing @MnMomag

I started out as a general interest writer–business, arts, travel, profiles–but I always liked cooking, had served at restaurants

Long story short, the previous critic left, all the other staff were doing @weightwatchers, so I volunteered myself for the food gig.

How did your experience as a server go?

Rachel:    Long story short, the previous critic left, all the other staff were doing @weightwatchers, so I volunteered myself for the food gig

In fact, the three restaurants that employed me all shuttered within a year or so of my tenure there…hoping I wasn’t the cause!

How long did you handle the @MNMOmag food writing responsibilities? What were some of the things you wrote then?

Rachel:    A couple years, doing reviews and features, including one on @SlowFoodMN back before, well @MnMoMag had online archives

i.e. before I felt like I wrote the words “local” and “sustainable” every other sentence–I consider this repetition a good problem

After @MNMOmag, where did you go, and has your writing style and food critiquing changed at all over the years?

Rachel:    I was at City Pages for about four years between my first stint at MnMo and my current one. At the weekly, I had more space

for writing “scenes” into my reviews, which I think can give a piece more energy. The more I learn about who’s doing what in the

local food arena, the more I have a sense of what’s truly interesting. More than writing change, I’d say my idea curation is pickier.

I also understand that you’ve branched out into bathroom decorating for restaurants. Care to elaborate?

Rachel:    Ha! Yes, I did buy a new toilet seat for the Nicollet Ave Barrio—theirs was “worn”—but I’d consider that less decor than function!

Here’s further explanation:   Article

I see. To close, what can we expect from you over the next few months, topic wise?

Rachel:    More reviews, both brief and extensive, of new or changed restaurants, including a couple of great destination spots near Brainerd.

plus trends in food and beverage… Two art directors just walked into my office so I had better skedaddle, but thanks very much!

Joel:    Thanks for you time and comments today. Welcome back to @MNMOmag!

Rachel:    Enjoyed our coversation, @JoelECarlson!

Jen Sinkler is a very successful fitness and athletic minded and active person  She’s the Editorial Director of Fitness Content for Experience Life magazine. Owned and operated by the Lifetime Fitness chain. She has played rugby at many levels, and even after ending her participation, she still keeps up on how to stay fit through exercise and eating right.

When she’s not working out, pumping iron, running and staying in shape, what kinds of things does Jen like to do with her time?  Even though she is very health conscious, does she have any weaknesses when it comes to food?  With the craze of Apps, does she have any that she uses to help herself with keeping track, monitor or improving her activities?

In this 3-part series of interviews, get to know more about Jen, her personality and what drives her to do what she does.

In part 1 of the Jen Sinkler interview, Jen talks about how she became interested in rugby and built up her interest in fitness. She then shares what some of her favorite fitness brands are and her thoughts on fitness apps.

In part 2 of Jen’s interview, she talks about her diet, her exercise regiment what she feels about lifting weights for women.

In part 3 of Jen’s interview, she talks about some of her interests outside of fitness. Where she’d like to travel to and what her favorite animals.

Good afternoon everyone! Today’s Twitterview with @DeRushaEats is about to begin. Get your laptops and taste buds ready!

Q – #1    Welcome @DeRushaEats (Jason)! For those that missed the video – (BELOW)  how did you get started as a reviewer?

Jason:    In my job as a WCCO-tv reporter I was asked to judge the @MNMOmag first Local Chef Challenge at the Food and Wine show

I judged with @deardara and when the magazine expanded its omnivore section, she asked me to write and blog 2 years ago

Q – #2    I see. When it comes to your palate, what kind of foods do you prefer, sweet or savory?

Jason:   I’m more of a savory guy – I find more complexity in those flavors. But I wouldn’t kick sweet stuff off the plate!

Q – #3    Okay. Lets say then you’re in a restaurant doing a review. Do you ask for their “top dish or dishes” or what you want?

Jason:    I look at the menu ahead of time and try to have a strategy for a printed review that will go in @MNMOMag.

I do “quick bite” reviews of suburban restaurants. 1 visit. Usually with my wife + another couple, maybe with my kids.

I try to order a broad sample of the menu. 3 apps, 2 salads, 4 entrees. Or 3 small plates/2 entrees

Often I ask the server “What shouldn’t I miss?” They too often tell me “The xxx is popular.” I want the BEST stuff!

But it’s different for places I write up for the #DearDara blog. I’ll order what I want or what a server suggests

Q – #4    Ah. So planned eating. With you being a reviewer then, is going out in general tougher with that “label”?

Jason:    No it’s easy to go out with me! I just tell everyone what we’ll be ordering!

Q – #5    I meant by that question, do restaurant staff maybe treat you differently because of being a known restaurant critic?

Jason:    In city restos: often I’m recognized + I’m sure the kitchen knows about it. In suburbs: I’m rarely recognized by staff.

Q – #6    A restaurant “saturation” question. What style of restaurant do you feel there are too many of? Which one not enough of?

Jason:    Right now everyone’s opening gastropubs/brewpubs. They’re great for neighborhoods, bad for reviewers.

it’s very difficult to write about places that are fine. Not great – but not bad. Our brewpubs fall in that category.

We need more high quality suburban places! Preferably near my Maple Grove house.

Q – #7    Are there certain areas of the Twin Cities that need more variety or options?

Jason:    There are – but customers have to support them. It’s tough with a small, local spot in Eden Prairie. High rent

It’s changing – but the best food in this metro will always be in the urban core. People can drive to S. Minny.

Q – #8    What’s one menu item you wish was on the menu more? Fried Chicken? Pasta? Fish?

Jason – I’d like to see more Fried Pickles.

Q – #9    FAVORITES: Appetizer, dessert, wine selection, kid friendly, your comfort food of choice.

Jason:    Fave Dessert: Frozen custard from @Kopps in Milwaukee! Locally: Anything from @TheSaltyTart or @Pastrydiane

Wine Selection: @HeidisMpls has a great list, @SeaChangeMpls has the best white list in town.

Fave Kid Friendly: Brasa, @pizzarialola, @MidtownGlobal

Fave comfort food: Foie gras. OK- paella. Or any kind of braised meat.

I eat out too much to pick any one favorite…

Q – #10    What’s one of the best things you feel a restaurant can do to make kids feel welcomed and parents happy?

Jason:    Don’t charge me $6 for Kraft Mac + Cheese and then $2 for apple juice.

Coloring books, books are helpful. Places like @TiliaMpls also create thoughtful menus for kids. That helps too.

I find most restaurants are kid friendly- but I don’t bring my kids to nice places after 7pm.

Q – #11    Wow! Adult prices for kid appetites. If you could open your own restaurant, what would it be and why?

Jason:    I always wanted to open a place called “What’s for dinner?” One dish. One price. Changes nightly. Like @AdHocYountville

Q – #12    Going beyond the Twin Cities & suburbs, what other towns/cities have good cafe/restaurant options?

Jason:    Just got back from NYC -obvi a great food town! I’m from Chicago, the restaurants are amazing. Milwaukee is underrated.

Madison has some good food: Graze + The Old Fashioned are wonderful.

Q – #12    Do you get interested in food trends like cupcakes, pies, moon pies etc.?

Jason:    No. I think it’s all silly. Has that “year of the pie” thing really worked out in 2011? Nope.

Q – #13    Something for foodies to chat about right? :)  To close, what’s your #GoodQuestion tonight on @wcco?

i’m off fridays -but I’ll have a “DeRushaEats” segment on @moderncafempls on WCCO Saturday AM. That show starts at 8.

@JoelECarlson – That’s right. My mistake. :) Thank you very much Jason for your time and all of the work that you do. Have a great wknd!

Jason – my pleasure!

@JoelECarlson – Happy Friday to everyone, and welcome to a Twitterview of @SarahKayHoffman. Lets get the party started!

Q – #1   So @sarahkayhoffman – Where did you grow up? Where did you go to High School? What have you done from HS up to today?

A:   I attended the University of #MN #twincities. I’m a #Marketing #Advertising English major.

After college I held various #corporate positions. AE, Sales, Marketing & ultimately Marketing by way of Social Media.

And here I am today, #tweeting with you @starbucks

Q – #2   So what caused the momentum for you to leave MN and move to CA?

A:   We moved from #MN to #CA for my husband’s job. He works for #Viracon based out of Owatonna. Been here 3+ years.

Q – #3   Having been in CA for 3yrs, is there anything about MN you miss? Have you found CA different from the midwest?

A:   I miss something about the #midwest nearly daily. I miss the people. And family. And friends.

People are different here than they are in #mn. Life seems so much more simple back in #mn

But, to make a positive, the weather is gorgeous. I am 2 hours from ocean, mountain, snow and/or sun.

There is a lot to be thankful for in #CA, but when the opportunity presents itself, I’d love to go back to #mn

Q – #4   We will get to your Social Media work, but don’t you have some fitness/exercise interests too?

A:   It actually all kind of meshes for me – Social Media + health/fitness/food & an overall passion for life.

I aim to take what I love & help others – http://bit.ly/skhhealthydeal And shared all via Social Media.

I also have several #food intolerances. So I relate to so many out there struggling with it.

I was also a #nike @humanrace ambassador last year – http://bit.ly/aQrBg I had a fabulous team of running #piedpipers:)

Q – #5   What kinds of things have you done with SM to show your concern & talents for things that interest you?

A:   I would say the biggest (& most recent) thing I’ve done is the Campaign #HireHoff – http://bit.ly/hirehoff

I have also utilized my #blog via http://bit.ly/b824m9 to showcase others! Kind of like your #twitterview

Q – #6   #HireHoff has nothing to do with your worries over David Hasselhoff right?

A:   Funny you mention #thehoff because in the beginning of my presentation I have a #youtube video of his!

#thehoff says, “see it. believe it. live it.” My 3 keys to success are different. I have 3 nonetheless:) #soalike!

Q – #7   So who are some people that influence your SM skills? 5-10 ppl you follow that inspire, educate or entertain you?

A:   My social media inspiration/education @prsarahevans @skydiver @jakrose @digitalroyalty @mattsingley

My #sm entertainment @blakeshelton @joshgroth @missdestructo @nik_nik @chuybravo

But honestly, I learn from so many people on #twitter. There is a ton of intelligence out there.

ps. I am totally inspired, motivated & entertained by Ms. @nikisnotes & @laurasholtz – you should follow them!

Q – #8   FAVS time! – What is your favorite: restaurant, offline store, online store, summer activity & techie gadget?

A:   Favorite Restaurant. Love @axelsbonfire in #mn & @wentecc in #ca

My favorite offline store? @target I could spend all day in there. Never gets old. And it’s #mn-based!

My favorite online store? Soon-to-be #opensky @opensky Currently – I enjoy @amazon & @ebay.

Fav summer activity? BBQ’s! #running outside! Hiking. Taking our dogs on nightly walks. And of course visiting #MN!

Fav techie gadget? Honestly, just my #macbook Pro. I love it so much! But would love the new #iphone!

Q – #9   If you could invite any 1 person dead/alive to dinner, who would you ask and why?

A:   If I could invite 1 person dead/alive to dinner it would be @reba (McEntire). And here is why….

@JoelECarlson - I’m not quite sure what happened to our guest – @sarahkayhoffman, hopefully just a tech glitch. Everyone have a great day.

@sarahkayhoffman – Oh no! Have a great day all! Make sure to join us for the #minneapolis #tweetup Love to meet you!- http://bit.ly/chG6P0