tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57275009285341647072024-03-13T16:47:24.884-05:00Rate My DQ: The Dairy Queen BlogA weekly review of Dairy Queen stores in the Twin Cities area.Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-62381780906721685432015-07-25T07:37:00.001-05:002015-07-26T08:59:30.122-05:00Rogue Dairy Queen - Moorhead MN from Star Tribune<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<figcaption class="tease-photo-author" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: 'Benton Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65385em; letter-spacing: 1px; margin: 0px 0px 4px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;">DAVE KOLPACK, ASSOCIATED PRESS</figcaption><figcaption class="tease-photo-caption toggle-photo-caption" style="-webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-line-clamp: 3; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; display: -webkit-box; font-family: 'Benton Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.1px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 24px; max-height: 63px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; vertical-align: baseline;">The Dairy Queen restaurant in downtown Moorhead, Minn., opened in 1949.</figcaption><br />
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(Original: <a href="http://www.startribune.com/downtown-moorhead-dq-makes-up-own-rules-for-ice-cream-treats/318293061/" target="_blank">Star Tribune</a> 7/23/15 - <strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: 'Benton Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">By <a data-linkname="DAVE KOLPACK" data-linktype="author" data-modulename="Article" data-moduletype="zone1-content" data-position="0-1-author" href="http://www.startribune.com/downtown-moorhead-dq-makes-up-own-rules-for-ice-cream-treats/318293061/" rel="author" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(29, 120, 175); background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="DAVE KOLPACK">DAVE KOLPACK</a> </strong><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Benton Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px;">Associated Press )</span></div>
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MOORHEAD, Minn. — The Dairy Queen in downtown Moorhead has been thumbing its nose at corporate HQ pretty much since it opened in 1949, despite some efforts from the home office to have the store mind its Ds and Qs.</div>
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And it's a recipe that seems to be working for one of the few DQs in the country still operating under a 66-year-old contract that allows them to dish up throwback treats alongside the standard corporate-approved items, a combination that turns Main Avenue and 8th Street into a hopping, slightly retro summer hangout.</div>
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Though the restaurant shuts down in the winter and unlike newer shops has no indoor seating and no drive-thru, customers gladly line up on the sidewalk for frosty treats no matter what the weather. Two years ago at least 1,200 people showed up on opening day, March 1.</div>
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The temperature was 11-below.</div>
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Why do they do it? Tradition, generous portions, reasonable prices and treats you just can't get at most other shops help. And in an era of corporate ubiquity, it's a subtle reminder that sometimes different can be delicious.</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: -0.300000011920929px;">Diann Mikula, 78, has been visiting the shop since the year it opened. And along with her husband, she continues to make almost daily pilgrimages there, even though there are other DQs across the river inFargo, North Dakota, where she lives.</span></div>
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"They don't even need an inside place to eat like they have in Fargo," Mikula said. "They are good to their customers. They are so generous with their product. They don't skimp on what they put in your treats." <span style="letter-spacing: -0.300000011920929px;">While newer contracts stipulate adherence to strict corporate guidelines, messaging and menus, the Moorhead shop still operates mostly under the terms of a contract signed in 1949. And that allows owners Troy and Diane DeLeon the freedom to dish out what might be considered rogue menu items.</span></div>
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There's the Mr. Maltie, a chocolate malt on the stick; the Monkey Tail, a chocolate-covered frozen banana; and of course the Chipper Sandwich, which is vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies and dipped in chocolate.</div>
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The DeLeons also offer unique toppings, some of which have been discontinued by headquarters, as well as non-corporate approved food items, including barbecue sandwiches and Polish sausages. And the ice cream cakes? Let the other shops take HQ's premade cakes; Troy DeLeon assembles his himself.</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: -0.300000011920929px;">"If we changed to the new corporate way, virtually all our food items would be gone," said Troy DeLeon, who took over the store in 1995 from original owner Bob Litherland, who also was considered something of a company maverick. "The corporate way is everything exactly the same."</span></div>
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DeLeon has said that corporate would like for his store to melt away, which drew a chuckle and a "no comment" from company spokesman Dean Peters. The Minneapolis-based chain — which launched in 1940 — values all of its more than 6,500 locations, Peters said, and it "understands and appreciates" the heritage and popularity of the downtown Moorhead Dairy Queen.</div>
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However, Peters said the company cannot promote the store "as a brand and a system," and added that most DQ lovers are looking for uniformity and the indoor dining experience provided by the company's newer DQ Grill and Chill restaurants.</div>
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"That's what our fans are telling us they want and that's what we are trying to provide them with," Peters said.</div>
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Mind you, the Moorhead store still plays the corporate game. To a degree. The lineup of typical DQ treats is featured on the window. But nearby is a "Local Menu" sign that includes a Nathan's-brand hot dog for $1.50, a bowl of chili for $2, a large Polish sausage for $2.75 and the super chili cheese dog for $4. Another poster promotes a "Curly Shake," which is advertised as a shake with a sundae on top, for $3.25 $3.25.<iframe frameborder="0" height="250" id="google_ads_iframe_/7932/website/web_variety/web_variety_dining/inline_article_4" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/7932/website/web_variety/web_variety_dining/inline_article_4" scrolling="no" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: -0.300000011920929px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom;" width="300"></iframe></div>
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Peters said a small percentage of Dairy Queen stores around the country have contracts dating back to the 1940s. He said those contracts allow for "very limited" products to be sold that are not available at most locations.</div>
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Customers at the DeLeons' restaurant are welcome, if not encouraged, to order treats just the way they like them. For example, Moorhead Mayor Del Rae Williams said her son likes the Crunch Blizzard, but substituted with chocolate ice cream.</div>
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"We'll do whatever. It doesn't take any longer," DeLeon said.</div>
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Said Williams, "People feel like it tastes differently and they give better service. Where else would you mind standing in line? It has become an experience in our community. It's very personalized and people know it."</div>
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DeLeon said he has been encouraged by corporate lawyers to enter into a new contract, but there "aren't enough zeroes" that could convince him to dump the flavors and feelings customers like Diann and Leroy Mikula have enjoyed for decades.<iframe frameborder="0" height="250" id="google_ads_iframe_/7932/website/web_variety/web_variety_dining/inline_article_5" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/7932/website/web_variety/web_variety_dining/inline_article_5" scrolling="no" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: -0.300000011920929px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom;" width="300"></iframe></div>
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"They come here almost every day, like a lot of customers," Troy DeLeon said. "We want people to take a step back in time and experience something they don't get a chance to experience very often."</div>
<br />Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-26016706605868818302010-05-25T16:45:00.005-05:002010-05-25T18:28:59.946-05:00Minnesota's Oldest Dairy Queen to be Demolished?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglH4UQWTFWQG_tDVl0KnXj9j5Gz5PZPxKx3K-7sU9ddgfh7wGQDt-dkbH0shhKO6wWxA0AibTjL56-iRPkDPVX4XJ6VpBFnUoNp-kHsIp3prC68kF2vemM-QBJDr4qJhDFm3zjLz084ss/s1600/102_1245sm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglH4UQWTFWQG_tDVl0KnXj9j5Gz5PZPxKx3K-7sU9ddgfh7wGQDt-dkbH0shhKO6wWxA0AibTjL56-iRPkDPVX4XJ6VpBFnUoNp-kHsIp3prC68kF2vemM-QBJDr4qJhDFm3zjLz084ss/s400/102_1245sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475328218898358754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mike on his birthday enjoying a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DQ</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MN's</span> oldest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DQ</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It seems that the owner of <a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/2008/05/dq-double-review-lake-st-then-lexington.html">Minnesota's oldest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DQ</span></a> thinks he needs more space than this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DQ</span> can handle. Don't change a thing? Has an "improvement" to an iconic structure ever improved the structure?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">See the <a href="http://blogs.citypages.com/food/2010/05/minnesotas_olde.php">City Pages</a> article.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hate to say it, but if the owner can't keep up the demand for cones in this prime location, maybe he should consider raising his prices. With a small cone at $1.40 (last time I checked) there is some room for an increase in the prices before being priced out of the market.</div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-89789573929920787472009-07-12T18:05:00.004-05:002010-05-26T06:26:37.223-05:00The 2009 Best Dairy Queen in the Twin Cities - White Bear Lake<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b><a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/2008/08/white-bear-lake-dq-hwy-61-small-cone.html" target="1">White Bear <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lak</span></a>e</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">With <a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/search/label/White%20Bear%20Lake%3A%20Cup%20and%20Cone">Cup-n-Cone</a> just down the road keeping prices down, it is no wonder that White Bear Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DQ</span> remains the lowest priced Dairy Queen in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mpls</span> / St. Paul metro area.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Blaine <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DQ</span> raised its prices <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">considerably</span> and now<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> White Bear Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">DQ</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">has bumped them the the best in the Twin Cities slot (At least when it comes to prices).</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Small Cone: $1.09</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Med Cone: $1.59</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Large Cone: $1.99</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Peanut Buster Parfait: $3.79</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Aggregate Cost: $8.46!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Personally, I would much rather go to <a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/search/label/White%20Bear%20Lake%3A%20Cup%20and%20Cone" target="1">Cup-n-Cone</a>. They have not raised their prices either and it is located in the center of town in a little park-like area. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">WBL</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">DQ</span> is located behind a fertilizer plant on Hwy 61--not much appeal for the destination <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">DQ</span>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, that's not what this blog is about. If you want to know the lowest price <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">DQ</span> in the Twin Cities metro area right now it is in White Bear Lake.</div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-28409444746445233272009-06-28T10:05:00.004-05:002009-06-28T10:17:54.001-05:00Blaine DQ - Hwy 65 - Raises its Prices. Is it still the least expensive in the Twin Cities?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KfFDEQu81CdaDezQFNi5v8QXsTu9WZ0B7yMR4qHYESPcsY8QPUTMJEnlv9Kt-Ssxwjvv6jk44bvW2L5tFFgl2kCA_UIWjSdTjQVmXv-jC4RKd-j2Udxl8ZOuHnaB5MFxqkgCjwWMQ_A/s1600-h/102_1482.JPG.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KfFDEQu81CdaDezQFNi5v8QXsTu9WZ0B7yMR4qHYESPcsY8QPUTMJEnlv9Kt-Ssxwjvv6jk44bvW2L5tFFgl2kCA_UIWjSdTjQVmXv-jC4RKd-j2Udxl8ZOuHnaB5MFxqkgCjwWMQ_A/s400/102_1482.JPG.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352395669727515042" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Dairy Queen - Hwy 65 - Blaine</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Last year's winner for the least expensive/highest quality Dairy Queen in the Twin Cities might no longer be the best value anymore. The reason--an increase in prices across the board.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Small Cone: $1.39 ($1.19 last year)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Medium Cone: $1.79 ($1.49 last year)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Large Cone: $2.29 ($1.99 last year)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Blaine has just fallen into the slightly better than average camp. I'll have to check out <a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/2008/08/white-bear-lake-dq-hwy-61-small-cone.html" target="1">White Bear Lake</a>, last year's runner up, to see if a similar price increase has taken place.</span></div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-51893934980249393422009-01-07T21:49:00.004-06:002009-08-22T07:19:50.023-05:00The Best DQ in the Twin Cities (Mpls/St. Paul area)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguZbuaBHMtKRhtAzNUbJENV0QeTfookrShnJaP6rlp0vNI3u0Iux-jb4Thslm1h5mAwpSlfXPv4wwqaS3Mcnsy7qr941J1PiPAEUiwUOHIkjuC6t5UrjmbxFeAaNAzx4CUiSW87mUo1c/s1600-h/102_1482.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288896145563789618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguZbuaBHMtKRhtAzNUbJENV0QeTfookrShnJaP6rlp0vNI3u0Iux-jb4Thslm1h5mAwpSlfXPv4wwqaS3Mcnsy7qr941J1PiPAEUiwUOHIkjuC6t5UrjmbxFeAaNAzx4CUiSW87mUo1c/s400/102_1482.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">And the Best <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(least expensive)</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DQ</span> in the Twin Cities is...<br /></span></span></div><div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/search/label/Blaine"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Blaine</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"> </span>(Hwy 65, north of Hwy 10)</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Total cost for a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sm</span>+med+large cone + Peanut Buster Parfait= $8.06 </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Average price after <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">reviewing</span> 27 Dairy Queens is $9.48. ($1.42 cheaper than average)</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">--Runners up: Rice at Arlington ($8.26), 37<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> St and 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> Ave S in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mpls</span> ($8.36)</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Cheapest Small Cone...</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(204,0,0)"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)">White Bear Lake</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal">(Hwy 61 north of 694)</span></span></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Cost: $1.09 </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Average cost: $1.52 ($.43 cheaper than average)</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">--Runners up: Blaine ($1.19), 37<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> St and 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span> Ave S ($1.29), Rice at Arlington, Rice at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Phalen</span>, New Brighton, Hwy 88 in New Brighton, W. 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span> St in St. Paul (all at $1.39)</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><br /></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">--</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Most Expensive: </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Robbinsdale</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"> ($1.89), </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Edina</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">/Hwy 100 Grill and Chill ($1.79)</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Cheapest Medium Cone...</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span class="Apple-style-span">Blaine</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Cost: $1.49 </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Average cost: $1.90 (About $.51 cheaper than average)</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">--Runners up: White Bear Lake ($1.59), Rice St at Arlington ($1.59),New Brighton ($1.69)</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><br /></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">--Most Expensive: </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Robbinsdale</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"> ($2.29), Crystal Grill and Chill , </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Edina</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"> Grill and Chill, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">EP</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"> by Dunn Bros, Highland Park(all $2.19) , </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Snelling</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Lakeville</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">, Lake Josephine (all $2,09)</span></span> </span></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Cheapest Large Cone...</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Tie!</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Lake Street and 44<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">th</span> Ave</span> (Close to the St. Paul border)</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Cost: 1.88</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">th</span> St and 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">th</span> Ave S </span>(South Minneapolis)</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Cost: $1.89</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Average cost: $2.24 (About $.35 cheaper than average)</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">--Runners up: All at $1.99-- W 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">th</span> St in St. Paul, Blaine, White Bear Lake, Rice at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Artlington</span>, Rice at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Phalen</span>, New Brighton, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Lowry</span> Ave in NE <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Mpls</span></span>.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><br /></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">--Most Expensive: Crystal Grill and Chill and </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Edina</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">/Hwy100 ($2.69), Highland Park, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">EP</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"> by Dunn Bros ($2.59)</span></span></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Cheapest Peanut Buster Parfait...</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Tie!</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Rice Street at Arlington</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Cost: $3.29</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Lake Street at 44<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">th</span> Ave</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Cost: $3.31</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Average cost: $3.80 (about $.50 less expensive than average)</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">--Runners up: Blaine ($3.39), 37<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">th</span> Ave and 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">th</span> St ($3.49), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Minnehaha</span> ($3.59)</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">--Most Expensive: Crystal Grill and Chill, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">EP</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"> by Dunn Bros, Highland Park ($4.19), </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Robbinsdale</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">, Lake Josephine ($4.09)</span></span></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Most Expensive Dairy Queen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Tie!</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Robbinsdale</span>-- &-- Crystal Grill and Chill</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$10.76 for a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">sm</span>+med+large cone+<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">PBP</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Average cost: $9.48 ($1.28 over average)</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">--Runners up: Eden Prairie by the Dunn Bros ($10.66), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Edina</span> Hwy 100 Grill and Chill ($10.46), Lake Josephine ($10.36), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Snelling</span> ($10.16)</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div></div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-33995590853228250802008-10-02T07:30:00.002-05:002008-10-02T07:30:00.451-05:00Lexington and University DQ - 2nd Chance!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydXGopTiMRe1q1I-xO8gtT7jJb4TUjOdVvyDigKVrnf96Zt9oa83341hIv2n4FBGbRVNYmecOKXjLI38lahl5op4n1yiCmlAK4UHDxrt6CRHi5eFgZu9QfcyyGasmMOGvbDTP5YKeXlw/s1600-h/102_1341-1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydXGopTiMRe1q1I-xO8gtT7jJb4TUjOdVvyDigKVrnf96Zt9oa83341hIv2n4FBGbRVNYmecOKXjLI38lahl5op4n1yiCmlAK4UHDxrt6CRHi5eFgZu9QfcyyGasmMOGvbDTP5YKeXlw/s400/102_1341-1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251631725226291778" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">University and Lexington --Revisited</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I mentioned the first time I reviewed this <a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/search/label/Lexington%20and%20Univ%20-%20St%20Paul" target="1">Lexington Ave Dairy Queen</a>, it was one of my favorites. I liked the owner who knew that on special <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">occasions</span> that I switched to the Chocolate Dip Cone. We'd chat when times were slow. It was a pleasant association.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I also predicted that the owner must have sold the place since the teenagers who were running the place were completely unfit for customer service. Tonight, I went back to see if perhaps folks were having an off day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was encouraged to find that the owner that I knew from years ago was working the window. Could it be that things were just like they were in the good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ol</span>' days? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">No! These are not the good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ol</span>' days. The owner gave me a floppy, over-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">marshmellowy</span>, wussy cone. I almost said to her, "Are you serious? What happened to you?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I swear I saw that she recognized me from before and her expression seemed one of apology. Apology accepted and I hope you can turn things around.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the plus side, Pumpkin Blizzards! I will try one before the month is out.</div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-55781339227647246962008-09-29T20:56:00.003-05:002008-09-29T21:11:01.273-05:00Rice Street -2 stores - By Phalen and by ArlingtonSorry about the lack of identifiers for this post, but it was kind of a drive by experience. My friend, <a href="http://www.gregoryapage.com/gregoryapage_site/MyVisualArt.htm" target="1">Greg Page</a>, said there were a couple <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DQs</span> on Rice Street, that might be worth a look. <div><br /></div><div>The one closest to the Capital on Rice St, just south of Arlington is a cute little walk-up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DQ</span>. Cute except for the packing tape over the cracks in the front window. Not really the nicest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DQ</span> in the system, but it is the one closest to the Capital! This must be where the Governor goes for his DQ. I bet I know which White Castle he goes to as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Price:</div><div>Small cone - $1.39</div><div>Medium - $1.59</div><div>Large - $1.99</div><div>Peanut Buster Parfait - $3.29</div><div><br /></div><div>The cone was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">overfluffed</span> and had none of the awesome <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DQ</span> consistency. I ate it quickly in my car, disappointed, but not unexpectedly so--they didn't really take care of their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">DQ</span>. Points off for not respecting themselves.</div><div><br /></div><div>I kept driving north on Rice St to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Phalen</span> neighborhood. This <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">DQ</span> was decked out with a nice drive <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">thru</span>, but I don't think it was a Grill and Chill. Prices were slightly higher:</div><div><br /></div><div>Small Cone - $1.39</div><div>Medium - $1.79...higher</div><div>Large - $1.99</div><div>Peanut Buster Parfait - $3.69...higher.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know what their cones are like. I just had one 4 minutes earlier and I was on my way to dinner in an hour or so. So they missed out. I bet it would have been awesome. They took much better care of their store.</div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-87365466735075909442008-09-18T22:07:00.002-05:002008-09-18T22:18:17.104-05:00Edina--An Unexpected Deal?There is a Dairy Queen by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DQ</span> headquarters in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Edina</span>, MN (77<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> and Hwy 100). I'm usually not a big fan of this store since it is a training store and service is inconsistent. My coworkers go there for breakfast, which I also think is weird, but their bacon and eggs look pretty good.<div><br /></div><div>I went there twice this week. I haven't been trying new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DQs</span> and had some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">withdrawal</span> symptoms (crabbiness, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">weight loss</span>), and needed my some soft serve.</div><div><br /></div><div>On Monday there was a bit of a mix up with whether or not my medium cone was "for here or to go." Since they were not going to put it in a bag, I didn't think there was any difference in my options. Anyway, blah, blah, blah--I get a large cone instead of a medium. Saw-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">weeet</span>! </div><div><br /></div><div>I figured this was because the trainee was giving me a hard time and the manager wanted to make things cool. It worked.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wednesday, still symptomatic, I stop by again, this time just for a small cone. The same manager gives me a medium? I know because I was watching which cone <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">dispenser</span> she pulled from.</div><div><br /></div><div>Is this a gem of a find, does someone there think I'm too cute to get only what I paid for, or does someone know I blog about my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">DQ</span> experiences for the world. I'm okay with any of these options.</div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-1804071058930654742008-09-14T17:07:00.002-05:002008-09-14T17:12:45.614-05:00Blaine DQ - sm cone still $1.19, still awesomeI went back to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DQ</span> in Blaine on Hwy 65 this week. They have the lowest prices of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DQs</span> I have reviewed so far and I am going back frequently to see if they are still awesome.<div><br /></div><div>They are. Excellent cone. Excellent service. Excellent price.</div><div><br /></div><div>But don't get a hot dog there. They microwave the dog after you order it and microwave it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pre-mustarded</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pre</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bunned</span>. That negates the reason why you have a bun in the first place--to be able to hold onto to something that is hot.</div><div><br /></div><div>I suggest sticking with Frankie's on Broadway Ave in NE <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mpls</span> for your hot dog needs. Or Super America. I've had a good dog or two there as well.</div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-8710073924566761832008-09-08T20:40:00.003-05:002008-09-08T21:04:32.154-05:00Lake Josephine DQ - Lexington Ave $1.69 sm coneThe Dairy Queen on Lexington Ave across from <a href="http://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/store-details/1231/" target="1">Lake Josephine</a> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Roseville</span> is a destination <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DQ</span>, like the <a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/search/label/Minnehaha" target="1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DQ</span> by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Minnehaha</span> Falls</a> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mpls</span>. You go there because it's right by where you are at anyways.<div><br /></div><div>It's probably good that it is right across from this beautiful lake, because this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">DQ</span> was not very good on this particular night. I was not there because of the beach. </div><div><br /></div><div>I went there at about dusk, and it is only about 50 degrees, but there were other people at the beach this night. There was a young couple walking and holding hands, and there was a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">pedophilish</span> looking overweight adult on the swings, killing time. There was even a few people fishing off the dock.</div><div><br /></div><div>This <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">DQ</span> has a drive <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">thru</span> and an enormous parking lot and quite a bit of outdoor seating. Nice place.</div><div><br /></div><div>The boy who took my order seemed a bit rushed. He tossed together a small, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">mis</span>-shaped, over-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">marshmellowy</span> mess of a small cone and practically dashed away to do something I couldn't see. My guess is that it was an off day on many counts and that a visit this weekend would give me a perfectly normal cone. But this is my blog and they only get one shot since they won't be in the running for best <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">DQ</span>. </div><div><br /></div><div>The prices break down like this:</div><div>Small Vanilla Cone: $1.69</div><div>Medium: $2.09</div><div>Large: $2.49</div><div>Peanut Buster <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Parfait</span>: $4.09</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, prices are above average. The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">aggregate</span> cost for one each is over $10.00--less than 30% of the stores reviewed so far cost more than $10.00 for one each of the review items.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just to compare: <a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/2008/06/blaine-lowest-price-small-cone-119.html" target="1">Blaine</a> (Hwy 65) charges only $8.05 for three cones and a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">PBP</span>. Lake Josephine <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">DQ</span> charges $10.36. </div><div><br /></div><div>Shop wisely, and avoid panic buying.</div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-18088475338394965232008-08-30T11:10:00.004-05:002008-09-01T08:40:40.708-05:00Lakeville DQ - Kenwwod Tr - sm cone $1.59After a lovely visit to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Northfield</span> for the day, I and my lovely wife, <a href="http://alreadypretty.com/" target="1">Sally</a>, drove back home to the Twin Cities. This was part of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">anniversary</span> fun we had planned for the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">weekend</span>. It is out 6 year anniversary and certainly must include <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DQ</span>.<div><br /></div><div>Saw, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DQ</span> sign from Hwy 35 and made my stop. I liked this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">DQ</span>. It had a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">sun room</span>, kinda like the old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Rax</span> restaurants used to have. In the display case against one wall, I saw little plastic cones and dilly bars. I don't know if this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">stuff</span> is in kid's meals, but if it is, I may soon be pretending I have a screaming little one in the car demanding a bit of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">DQ</span> for the road.</div><div><br /></div><div>Service here was good. The cashiers joked around with each other as they did some prep work. People seemed happy. (Is anyone at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">DQ</span> not happy? It is hard for me, as an outsider, to image so).</div><div><br /></div><div>Prices were average to a bit expensive.</div><div><br /></div><div>Small Vanilla Cone: $1.59</div><div>Medium: $2.09</div><div>Large: $2.49</div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Peanut</span> Buster Parfait: $3.79</div><div><br /></div><div>The cone was standard in regards to size but had the perfect flavor. Long after I was done eating did I comment to my brain, "Damn, that was a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">fiiiiine</span> cone!"</div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-68470838279625779262008-08-24T18:48:00.007-05:002008-08-25T06:16:56.614-05:00White Bear Lake: Cup and Cone<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawdhKPc5zvFaZPuO-8byDV7ZAaSx4tQvq6u9buqHgJqTTU9LGn8icukbckUANLBJPryHrIK2sINyYFGxlfOprrz-KAR_ByuTLG1ulaxJQitI8IzO3XHnSYljC-6ayVNMS3eaUs9hGPvw/s1600-h/cupandcone.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawdhKPc5zvFaZPuO-8byDV7ZAaSx4tQvq6u9buqHgJqTTU9LGn8icukbckUANLBJPryHrIK2sINyYFGxlfOprrz-KAR_ByuTLG1ulaxJQitI8IzO3XHnSYljC-6ayVNMS3eaUs9hGPvw/s400/cupandcone.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238259725648055666" /></a><br />Why did I not know about this place? The Cup and Cone is located on 4th St, West of Hwy 61 in the Center of DT White Bear Lake. It is a DQ rival that really gives DQ a proper challenge.<div><br /></div><div>The <a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/search/label/White%20Bear%20Lake%20DQ%20-%20Hwy%2061" target="1">White Bear Lake Dairy Queen</a>, has the cheapest small cone that I have found so far--$1.09--and now I know why: A small cone at Cup N Cone is $.94!</div><div><br /></div><div>Cup and Cone Stats:</div><div>small vanilla/choc/lemon cone: $.94</div><div>Medium: $1.41</div><div>Large: $1.71</div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to these fabulous prices, they will blend Oreos, Butterfingers, and other typical Blizzard toppings right into your soft serve and make you a cone. I think this costs an additional $.25 for a small cone.</div><div><br /></div><div>I ordered two items on my trip there this weekend (for the sake of research). First, I tasted the lemon soft serve. It tastes a bit off, but children might like it for its novelty. Then I ordered a plain vanilla cone. It was a huge cone, at least the size of a typical medium DQ. Texture and consistency was excellent, but the flavor was not quite as good as a DQ cone when DQ is on it's game (see previous posts about cones being too icy or too marshmellowy). Overall, though it was an excellent cone.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.alreadypretty.blogspot.com/" target="1">Wife Sally</a>, ordered a chocolate ice cream with carmel sauce. The carmel is better than DQ--not as sweet--and the chocolate ice cream tastes more chocolately. Too bad for DQ.</div><div><br /></div><div>Third, from the previous paragraph, I went back and ordered a vanilla Oreo dipped sundae. The Oreos were whipped into the vanilla ice cream and then dipped into a chocolate like a DQ dipped cone, but the chocolate froze and was actually a bit hard to eat. Points off for the chocolate dip which was nowhere near the excellent quality of the DQ dipped cone, but plus points for the Oreo whipped into the ice cream without my having to order a Blizzard. It was a fun experience.</div><div><br /></div><div>What also made it a fun experience was the fact that all of the people who waited on me were some of the friendliest and helpful people I have ever met getting a cone. Server #1 gave me recommendations and promised things would be better than DQ. Everyone else seemed equally happy to be there. I felt good being there myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>Weirdly enough, I then went back to the order window to order a submarine sandwich. It was okay. They used sub-par bread. Jimmy John's still rules in this category.</div><div><br /></div><div>In conclusion, White Bear Lake is the place to go for ice cream. It has an inexpensive DQ (The <a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/search/label/Robbinsdale%20DQ%20-%20%24%24%24" target="1">Robbinsdale DQ</a> is still the most expensive small cone in the system at $1.89), and it also has the wonderful Cup and Cone which I highly recommend. The town is cute and on the weekends seems very shopper friendly--lots of restaurants and non-chain clothing stores. Check it out for yourself. </div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-84725078843379086072008-08-17T20:51:00.007-05:002008-08-18T06:16:18.285-05:00Blaine DQ Follow up and New Coon Rapids Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGI5HEFx7Yno9hYeZ4JMtmqi0PDZudkHmytheU7fPIEK0pK3H4Onlk1iSkkxY5DHhFCv_ecKPPcH604jXbflUNmQ9y1kAynvEiRBgDxZPg3roW-Hkz4xd8RP20oqLg1TwTaVZV2Wuyek/s1600-h/102_1482.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGI5HEFx7Yno9hYeZ4JMtmqi0PDZudkHmytheU7fPIEK0pK3H4Onlk1iSkkxY5DHhFCv_ecKPPcH604jXbflUNmQ9y1kAynvEiRBgDxZPg3roW-Hkz4xd8RP20oqLg1TwTaVZV2Wuyek/s400/102_1482.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235670101335383234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I went back to the <a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/2008/06/blaine-lowest-price-small-cone-119.html" target="1">Blaine <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DQ</span></a> on HWY 65 because it is in the running for best <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DQ</span> in the Twin Cities Metro Area. The small cone is $1.19, which is more expensive than the <a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/search/label/White%20Bear%20Lake%20DQ%20-%20Hwy%2061" target="1">White Bear Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DQ</span></a> at $1.09, but the aggregate cost is still less.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My cone was a bit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mal</span>-formed, but delicious, just the right blend of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">icy</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">marshmellowy</span>. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuN1zRuBWig-8DhH7-rx2CnLl4xRtdEUsZglcNTZv6HOtNTJctuxaaofFkfBKJ-hqRVI9yI_lpjzqdJtZvGb3iy20AsQQkEtuYMRDhGMIVw70difECp5RhqMag3P9VdI0p-xV-xWVJC8/s1600-h/102_1481.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuN1zRuBWig-8DhH7-rx2CnLl4xRtdEUsZglcNTZv6HOtNTJctuxaaofFkfBKJ-hqRVI9yI_lpjzqdJtZvGb3iy20AsQQkEtuYMRDhGMIVw70difECp5RhqMag3P9VdI0p-xV-xWVJC8/s400/102_1481.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235813451701784514" /></a><br /><br />The small cone was average sized, so, no points lost or gained.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Later in the day I went to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">DQ</span> on Coon Rapids Blvd in Coon Rapids with my parents. Small cones here are Free! Actually, my dad paid, which is very cool.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Small vanilla cone: $1.59</div><div style="text-align: left;">Medium: $1.99</div><div style="text-align: left;">Large: $2.39</div><div style="text-align: left;">Peanut Buster Parfait: $3.79 (Though they are on sale this month for $2.49!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My cone was on the small-to average size, not very impressive. My mom ordered a chocolate dipped cone, but got a chocolate ice cream cone instead--there may have been some confusion in the ordering--but they made everything right by giving her a new cone and not charging her the increase in price.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My dad had a banana cream pie Blizzard and was a bit surprised that it came with whipped cream. Both said their ice cream delights were good. Mine was good, too. I just was not impressed with the volume of ice cream in a small cone.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Coon Rapids Dairy Queen is one of those old barn-style <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">DQ's</span>, which I totally dig for my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Brazier</span> stores. The interior had those really tacky duck paintings on the wall, which I really think is inexcusable for any type of decor. Anywhere.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhec_pSNcpT_gW2HiX2qZxAz4FNKFwSxRgBxv5KcERdQa6m7J9RBjqS7VTBz8Kim7xrrQccQb4-_6vretPiHjhTWzwbmcy_fSBPH1vsLgkh63yI3TjF84e0nc6dLt1QrlE6qmL2wJUaQQw/s1600-h/bl_dq.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhec_pSNcpT_gW2HiX2qZxAz4FNKFwSxRgBxv5KcERdQa6m7J9RBjqS7VTBz8Kim7xrrQccQb4-_6vretPiHjhTWzwbmcy_fSBPH1vsLgkh63yI3TjF84e0nc6dLt1QrlE6qmL2wJUaQQw/s400/bl_dq.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235813451836649026" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Blaine <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">DQ</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDemxyvZdMMO_2fkOpT21YAq1h3EWKM1ZGJGIp5ulE9iup_kXdzQiaQlCdR-fLdXfi8QzCiSe-hltVHWzshTxdAJxp5EPUx0WLwo2N2D7in2f8sR6FTTq4VjulmW_pTzbdToeht0VlsA/s1600-h/cr_dq.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDemxyvZdMMO_2fkOpT21YAq1h3EWKM1ZGJGIp5ulE9iup_kXdzQiaQlCdR-fLdXfi8QzCiSe-hltVHWzshTxdAJxp5EPUx0WLwo2N2D7in2f8sR6FTTq4VjulmW_pTzbdToeht0VlsA/s400/cr_dq.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235813459674672882" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Coon Rapids <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">DQ</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">An interesting thing to note is that both the Blaine and Coon Rapids <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">DQs</span> have similar signs. One point goes out farther than the other. There are differences, as you can see--one is a solid color, and one has a white edge--but they are similar enough that I think it is an exciting coincidence.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Also, if you have not seen your local <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">DQ</span> reviewed here, please let me know, I want to review your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">DQ</span>, but have hit almost all the ones I find and I go about my life. I also welcome quest reviews--just be sure to get the prices for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">sm</span>/med/large cones and a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">PBP</span>. Thanks for your continued interest and support. - Mike</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-9274146038085683932008-08-10T18:32:00.005-05:002008-08-11T06:09:01.021-05:00Forest Lake DQ - Hwy 61 - Sm Cone $1.49<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqfjlj85oxc6jyHKRquSjsbRybAqx3TWOzUY2L1iIflBUgq1-mI_9T_BFClMM1GOe0rhPyQdTyDYy-zVWJhKfRNhRR9xfNVckaFGke1Z3dwkdAps6-7FjGu8N4_OJaWZrXy0Vq7PImf4/s1600-h/102_1459flsm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqfjlj85oxc6jyHKRquSjsbRybAqx3TWOzUY2L1iIflBUgq1-mI_9T_BFClMM1GOe0rhPyQdTyDYy-zVWJhKfRNhRR9xfNVckaFGke1Z3dwkdAps6-7FjGu8N4_OJaWZrXy0Vq7PImf4/s400/102_1459flsm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233036476736000210" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Forest Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DQ</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My grandparents lived in Forest Lake, so there was no extended visit that took place without a trip to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DQ</span> about a mile south of their home. I remember this being a tiny <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DQ</span> that had a wooden porch or something in from of it. Perhaps it did 35 years ago, or I am combining this memory with the porch in front of the house where <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Navin</span> Johnson lived before he made his way in the world in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jerk" target="1">The Jerk</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This was a big <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DQ</span>, large enough to accommodate a softball team or two. It's a Brazier store, which I like more than Grill and Chills. Grill and Chills seem too much like a <a href="http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3DBurger%2BKing%26fr%3Dyfp-t-501%26toggle%3D1%26cop%3Dmss%26ei%3DUTF-8&w=198&h=148&imgurl=trishwilson.typepad.com%2Fphotos%2Funcategorized%2Fcreepy_burger_king_head.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Ffeministblogs.org%2Ftag%2Fweird-shit%2Fpage%2F2&size=14.1kB&name=creepy_burger_king_head.jpg&p=Burger+King&type=JPG&oid=3c5d8278e2acccb2&no=6&tt=131,197&sigr=11epdu8s3&sigi=1284eapm8&sigb=131v9ar0k" target="1">Burger King</a> to me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My done was a good size, a bit taller than average. It was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">icey</span>, but well within the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">acceptable</span> range of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Icey</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Marshmellow</span> Continuum. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My wife, <a href="http://www.alreadypretty.com/" target="2">Sally</a>, is a bit sick of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">DQ</span>, and she requested some non-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">DQ</span> ice cream before we left town. There was a tiny, fancy looking ice cream shop a bit closer to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">DT</span> Forest Lake, but it was closed. Also, the relatively new and fancy ice cream shop next to the lake in the center of town is out of business--making way for a Snap Fitness of all things. I only hope that it was put out of business by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">DQ</span>. This other ice cream shop was the site of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Skateland</span>, the roller rink my grandparents owed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyways, please keep ice cream alive in Forest Lake and shop at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">DQ</span>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Small Vanilla Cone: $1.49</div><div style="text-align: left;">Medium: $1.99</div><div style="text-align: left;">Large: $2.39</div><div style="text-align: left;">Peanut Buster Parfait: $3.79</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">(And for the family who might be reading...the grandparents' home, cottage, and even <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">GG's</span> home is gone and landscaped over. There is no sign of the old place. It's rather sad).</div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-42055360025284038422008-08-10T17:39:00.004-05:002008-08-10T18:15:18.222-05:00White Bear Lake DQ - Hwy 61- Small Cone $1.09<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMB8kykknvXEXJIbhFW9vGsNSPY5pAUeRxequTZRMOe1oQbEeQ4M7RAD8j-mT-dbBq7EfFf55LH3Hh01qiARGFiLhBrDfBC-8IDKOYfmNYOwj7ID8sjLfQo8fd4MD1GLY-ai7w_rCETxg/s1600-h/102_1443.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMB8kykknvXEXJIbhFW9vGsNSPY5pAUeRxequTZRMOe1oQbEeQ4M7RAD8j-mT-dbBq7EfFf55LH3Hh01qiARGFiLhBrDfBC-8IDKOYfmNYOwj7ID8sjLfQo8fd4MD1GLY-ai7w_rCETxg/s400/102_1443.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233025317583990850" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Can anyone beat a $1.09 Small Dairy Queen Cone?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That's right! $1.09 for a small <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DQ</span> cone. And look at the size of that cone. It looks as big as their sign. It's not really, but it is easily as tall as some medium or even large cones in the Twin Cities metro area. It was a bit overly fluffed, not quite the right moisture content, but if the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nd</span> and 3rd visits give me a cone that has a bit more ice content, then this is a good contender for best cone in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DQ</span> system for the price.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Small Vanilla Cone: $1.09</div><div style="text-align: left;">Medium: $1.59</div><div style="text-align: left;">Large: $1.99</div><div style="text-align: left;">Peanut Buster Parfait: $3.79</div><div style="text-align: left;">(Did you know that during August, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">PBP</span> is only $2.49 at all stores?)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I like this store, in part, because when you drive up is it surrounded by tall white tanks used for some unknown purpose. You'll see what I mean when you go there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The White Bear Lake Dairy Queen also offers an individual sized <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DQ</span> Cake which they call a cupcake. $2.99 for this one and is the same as their full sized cake, but to scale.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If this is your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">DQ</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">choice</span>, I'd be interested in your feedback as to whether or not this should be the best <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">DQ</span> in the system, Was it just an off day that my cone was too fluffy?</div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-24074440759903042312008-08-09T18:16:00.001-05:002008-08-10T18:26:34.314-05:00New Brighton - 4th St and Old HWY 8 - Scam AlertNo photo with this post because I don't want this store to get any additional sales from having an attractive image on my blog. I ordered the small cone for $1.39 - an excellent price- except that THEY GAVE ME A KID'S CONE INSTEAD!!!!!!<div><br /></div><div>It was a good sized cone, but they used the smaller and narrower cone. I felt cheated. I don't know if the cones are one step too small up the line, but if you live near to this store, make a trip down Hwy 8 to <a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/2008/07/hwy-88-st-anthony-village-dq.html">St. Anthony</a> for a much better <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DQ</span> experience.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kid's Cone (small): $1.39</div><div>Medium: $1.69</div><div>Large: $1.99</div><div>Peanut Buster Parfait: $3.49</div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-91003122006228124602008-07-27T07:39:00.004-05:002008-12-10T11:23:59.843-06:00U of M DQ - Washington and Oak St. - $1.69If I was going to the University of Minnesota, I'd eat my meals at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bona</span> Vietnamese, and have dessert at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DQ</span> a block away on Washington. For those who cannot tell, I like the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DQ</span>.<div><br /></div><div>This is a no frills <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DQ</span>--just a place to stand to give your order, maybe one or two tables, and that's about it. When I ordered, The music was loud and appropriately alternative, most likely channeling <a href="http://www.thecurrent.org/" target="1">The Current</a>. The workers were cleaning stuff up and took a few moments before they noticed me. In the meantime, I noticed that they served personal-sized <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DQ</span> cakes. This is a magical idea. Keep the gel frosting off it and I'm buying one regularly.</div><div><br /></div><div>I ordered my usual small cone ($1.69) and watched the server lady make my cone. The cone machine sputtered out white fluff. My cone ended up being the oddest shape:</div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCty21aDmHYDlqWQkuU5krJV47HG6kaG9TM4A_6DnSJXVMGGNLrv8w2PpKmCqV1pxIsRjKxxb4vvn7wo7ag3AyZLu9KDZ-wQPPRpcdA3cJjIFe1wGKDHSZRaEmfL68CG1Y11BQJ3GEG40/s1600-h/uofmdqsm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCty21aDmHYDlqWQkuU5krJV47HG6kaG9TM4A_6DnSJXVMGGNLrv8w2PpKmCqV1pxIsRjKxxb4vvn7wo7ag3AyZLu9KDZ-wQPPRpcdA3cJjIFe1wGKDHSZRaEmfL68CG1Y11BQJ3GEG40/s400/uofmdqsm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228218462212771106" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The Cone Artist asked if I wanted my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">mal</span>-formed cone or if she could try again. I took the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">mal</span>-formed cone because it was funny looking and wanted to take a picture. It was a pretty bad cone--too fluffy. In talking to my father about my reviews, he said he doesn't like when the ice cream doesn't seem cold--that's what was going on here. There was not enough moisture content for the appropriate chill. I don't know why this happens, but I'd prefer it didn't.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, If I were a U of M student, I'd give them a second chance to do things right.</div><div><br /></div><div>Small vanilla cone: $1.69</div><div>Medium: $1.99</div><div>Large: $2.29</div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-25171700775725023362008-07-21T19:54:00.006-05:002008-12-10T11:24:00.372-06:00DQ on HWY 55 near HWY169 - $1.79<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdgV4T_60l11f-slptkB-d6511o80QldMrHbmnza-F6Hm4JqU6T_F8OYs-apmhYPGfON2pKmy8_YOFN7KnJl5JhxOw9QYnPsYtFPJrrA-7sQIGXlYp3On0hWS41UPvTXfEIvcDGxGHjk/s1600-h/102_1405sm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdgV4T_60l11f-slptkB-d6511o80QldMrHbmnza-F6Hm4JqU6T_F8OYs-apmhYPGfON2pKmy8_YOFN7KnJl5JhxOw9QYnPsYtFPJrrA-7sQIGXlYp3On0hWS41UPvTXfEIvcDGxGHjk/s400/102_1405sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225635726103653442" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Hwy 55 East of Hwy 169 in Golden Valley</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe because it was a seriously hot day, or maybe because it was a weekend and I really like weekends, but The Dairy Queen on Hwy 55 in Golden Valley in the little strip mall near the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pancheros</span> and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Starbucks</span> had some excellent ice cream cones. Both <a href="http://www.alreadypretty.com/" target="1">Wife Sally</a> and <a href="http://www.michaelmcgraw.info/" target="1">I</a> commented how it may have been the best cone we've had.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've reviewed 19 stores since May, and sometimes I go to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DQ</span> just for fun and not review at all. It takes a really good cone for me to say, "This is a really good cone."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What made it so good? I don't know because I don't know how they are made. But it was dense--something I appreciate on a hot day. It wasn't too <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">marshmellowy</span> nor <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">icey</span>. I was a good enough size to not feel cheated.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have not been to any strip mall <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">DQs</span> before. I know there is one by the U of M, but that review is coming later. I like how they look. Lots of metal and white walls. Some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">DQ's</span>, like the <a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/2008/05/crystal-dq-grill-and-chill.html" target="1">Crystal Grill and Chill</a>, go for a nostalgia with old photos of old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">DQs</span>. The metal and white layout is a nice change of pace and gives me the chance to pretend that I am having a small vanilla cone in the future, but far enough in the future that its retro design gives the feel of 2008.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCm24l52-hedjDJRueCDkCniIp4K9u7zMGcSCR3Jqak0JrwYfVyeO-ZUGCi5UnIsW9_aRoEjgvij8kfMipqbDMn_NjpSimphKdolefReYQqlj2EeRZZT6P4Ih_bswcihabqyXVFVSP04/s1600-h/102_1402.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCm24l52-hedjDJRueCDkCniIp4K9u7zMGcSCR3Jqak0JrwYfVyeO-ZUGCi5UnIsW9_aRoEjgvij8kfMipqbDMn_NjpSimphKdolefReYQqlj2EeRZZT6P4Ih_bswcihabqyXVFVSP04/s400/102_1402.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225641397966261234" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Small Vanilla Cone: $1.79 (Ouch. A little pricey)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Medium: $2.09</div><div style="text-align: left;">Large: $2.39</div><div style="text-align: left;">Peanut Buster Parfait: $4.09</div><div style="text-align: left;">$10.36 Aggregate cost</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And When you are done with your cone, head down the road a couple blocks to the <a href="http://www.natcam.com/Default.asp?USID={37C44312-4690-4578-BDF9-DD741B13E2B3}" target="1">National Camera Exchange</a>. You won't be sorry for long!</div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-52669669814320379622008-07-20T17:43:00.004-05:002008-07-20T18:18:03.749-05:00DQ Double Post: Fridley and Excelsior/Hwy 100 - $1.69<div>(Read the end of this post for follow up reviews for the Heights Theatre and W 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> St in St. Paul)</div><div><br /></div>Both the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Fridley</span> and the Excelsior Ave <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DQ</span> stores have the same price for their core items:<br /><br />Small vanilla cone: $1.69<br />Medium: $2.19<br />Large: $2.59<br />Peanut Buster Parfait: $4.19<br />Aggregate: $10.66<br /><br />Both of these stores are also the fancy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DQ</span> Grill and Chills. I went to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Fridley</span> first. This store is on Osborne Road between East River Rd and Central Ave. The main thing it has going for it is that all of the outside picnic tables are in the shade in a grassy area--That's how you want to eat your Dairy Queen cone!<br /><br />The prices are a bit high, but I am now expecting that from my Grill and Chills (Though you should still notice that the most expensive <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">DQ</span> reviewed so far is the stand-alone shop in <a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/search/label/Robbinsdale%20DQ%20-%20%24%24%24" target="1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Robbinsdale</span></a>).<div><br /></div><div>The cone was average, which is to say "Excellent." but there was nothing remarkable about it. It wasn't too small or too large, too icy or to fluffy. Just a good ice cream cone.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Excelsior Ave (Hwy 3) Store is next to the strip mall just East of Hwy 100. It's a fancy Grill and Chill. It seems fancier than some of the others. Their outside area was in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">fenced</span> off section of the parking lot, which is fine, but picnic tables in the grass is better, no?</div><div><br /></div><div>They had a huge line the whole time I was there. They must be doing something right.</div><div><br /></div><div>I broke with my tradition of getting a small cone and instead got a chocolate sundae. <a href="http://www.alreadypretty.com/" target="1">Wife <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sall</span></a>y got the caramel sundae. Do you people have any idea how sweet a caramel sundae is? I could not <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">tolerate</span> it. The chocolate sundae was good and had a base of fine quality ice cream.</div><div><br /></div><div>At this point I have been eating enough <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">DQ</span> cones now that I know when a cone meets or fails to meet the standard for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">DQ</span> cones (as determined by me). I love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">DQ</span> cones and am usually quite pleased with what is served to me. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also know that there are a lot of factors which go into making a good cone. Watch for future posts with a former <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">DQ</span> employee for the inside scoop. I also know that any store can have an off day.</div><div style="text-align: center;">----------------------------------------------------------</div><div>For instance, the highly rated <a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/2008/04/w-7th-dq-south-of-xcel-center.html" target="1">W 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">th</span> St. Paul <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">DQ</span></a> received high marks this spring for their awesome cone; this weekend, my cone there was much too soft and they would have received low marks this time around.</div><div><br /></div><div>For another instance, The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">pooooorrrrrlllyy</span> rate <a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/2008/06/heights-theatre-dq-and-37th-st-and-13th.html" target="1">Heights <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">DQ</span> on Central Ave</a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">previously</span> served me a cone that barely meet the criteria for being a cone, it was so mushy, let alone the criteria for a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">DQ</span> cone. But this weekend they served my up an excellent cone with friendly service to me and the people in front of me.</div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-37949124367871131642008-07-13T16:57:00.003-05:002008-07-21T23:07:28.069-05:00Highland Park-Ford Parkway - $1.69 sm coneThis DQ Grill and Chill is pretty new. It used to be a really <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">skanky</span> Burger King where I once got sick off a bad Whopper Jr. Now, it is a beautiful Dairy Queen store. It even has a flat screen TV showing the baseball game. They have the Orange Julius here, too. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and it has a drive-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">thru</span>. Off to a good start, but then they <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">stumble</span>.<div><br /></div><div>The place where you order, and the place where you pick up your order is, basically, the same corner of the restaurant. People stand around wondering if they are in line or if they are hanging out with the people <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">waiting</span> for their orders. A simple velvet rope to keep people to one side when they come in would help.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, the kitchen seemed too small for the number of people in it. They should do something about that, too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Small vanilla cone: $1.69</div><div>medium: $2.19</div><div>Large: $2.59</div><div>Peanut Buster Parfait: $4.19</div><div>Chocolate soft serve? Yes</div><div>Aggregate Cost: $10.66 </div><div><br /></div><div>Cone size was average--just like the picture on the wall of the small cone, actually. Fine. I'll accept an average cone, but the whole idea behind this blog is to find the best deals. Highland Park <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DQ</span> is not it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The cone had good flavor, nicely balanced between <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">icy</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">marshmellowy</span>. When I finished eating I felt it was a satisfying cone experience.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I suggest you do when here, and every <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">DQ</span>, is see if they have the 2for$3/3 for $4/4 for $5 meal specials, which are great if you are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">making</span> your own combo meal, but even better if two or more of you are there for an ice cream cone.</div><div><br /></div><div>I forgot to get the price of the small chocolate dipped cone, but I am sure it was at least $2.09. With the 2 for $3 special, you can save over $.50 on each cone.</div><div><br /></div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-44506220483565134222008-07-06T08:11:00.005-05:002008-12-10T11:24:01.200-06:002612 Hwy 88 - St. Anthony Village DQ<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0UeQTW_K43nWPFCXtaUP01ewQx8cJlzOWbb2CiwP_9Qn1w4bwrP2-j7ySAFfq7qhayO_Jz3avkAh4pvYAg4Blpls-o6ud9Itl3jWjlSDSAynNKP-k6BGBWKynVwFzrGcXhlO57pDYko/s1600-h/hwy88dq.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0UeQTW_K43nWPFCXtaUP01ewQx8cJlzOWbb2CiwP_9Qn1w4bwrP2-j7ySAFfq7qhayO_Jz3avkAh4pvYAg4Blpls-o6ud9Itl3jWjlSDSAynNKP-k6BGBWKynVwFzrGcXhlO57pDYko/s400/hwy88dq.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219945186852632978" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Hwy 88 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DQ</span> on my phone</div><div><br /></div>This review was a special request from one of my readers, and I am glad to say that this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DQ</span> was a good find. Mainly because it is an interesting looking Dairy Queen. It is in the middle of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">stripmall</span> parking lot and has a concrete fence around its own patio area forming a little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DQ</span> oasis. There are plenty of tables and seems to get plenty of business.<div><br /></div><div>Small Vanilla Cone: $1.39</div><div>Medium: $1.89</div><div>Large: $2.19</div><div>Peanut Buster Parfait: $3.79</div><div>Aggregate: $9.26</div><div>Chocolate Ice cream? Yes</div><div><br /></div><div>Prices for the small and large cone are better than average. The medium cone is average in price, as is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">PBP</span>. The cone had the good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">marshmellowy</span> taste that I look for and was the normal size.</div><div><br /></div><div>Service was a bit odd. They had a lot of staff working--because it is a busy place--by since they are all teenagers, there was a bit of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">dickin</span> around when hey should have been taking orders. Amusing to watch, but service could have been faster.</div><div><br /></div><div>A new thing I am making note of is whether or not the Dairy Queen has chocolate soft serve. <a href="http://www.alreadypretty.blogspot.com/" target="1">Wife Sally</a> loves it. I think it takes like the shakes they offered as a lunch alternative at my high school. The Hwy 88 St. Anthony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">DQ</span> DOES have chocolate soft serve, and that's good to know.</div><div><br /></div><div>(Don't confuse this DQ with 409 Old Hwy 8, review to come)</div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-73170472120350897802008-07-02T20:13:00.004-05:002008-12-10T11:24:01.321-06:00Lexington and University - St. Paul<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkvARFbHaf3E4Fu16ruGsJt_koESoUtoIOL3pMYenujj26jmpvbfHXE-et3HRye6pCFKdCD6KrafCKzGQ6ojp66cRDSuNScOdAnlSSOJil9tkMOzZ-ywYMQdLnisfaPAi5RuflO17V9M/s1600-h/102_1341.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkvARFbHaf3E4Fu16ruGsJt_koESoUtoIOL3pMYenujj26jmpvbfHXE-et3HRye6pCFKdCD6KrafCKzGQ6ojp66cRDSuNScOdAnlSSOJil9tkMOzZ-ywYMQdLnisfaPAi5RuflO17V9M/s400/102_1341.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218616522751719762" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Such sadness and disappointment. I was saving my review of this St. Paul store since it has always been one of my favorites. When I worked in St. Paul, I went there all the time. It is, after all, across the street from White Castle.<div><br /></div><div>I was one friendly terms with the owner who knew of my love of chocolate dipped cones. Prices were good and it was never as busy as the <a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/2008/06/snelling-ave-st-paul.html" target="1">Snelling Ave DQ</a>. I bet that in the 4 years since I've worked near there, the store is owned by someone else.</div><div><br /></div><div>The two teenagers working the store were tattooed and pierced (not that I have anything against <a href="http://gugeo.blogspot.com/2008/06/mike-at-bobs.html" target="b">that</a>). And they had the attitude. After waiting at the window for 5 minutes, I poked my head in and one of them snarked, "I'm making somethin', I'll be right with you." The other girl was just standing there. Maybe she didn't even work there. I can't say.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, I saw this totally blinged out dude who let me cut in line, He was wearing a fake Rolex that was so cheap it didn't even have a back on it. It was fabulous!</div><div><br /></div><div>Topping it off, the cone was crappy like the <a href="http://ratemydq.blogspot.com/2008/06/heights-theatre-dq-and-37th-st-and-13th.html" target="d">Heights DQ</a> was crappy. It was extra whipped, too fluffy and could barely support itself under its own weight. It melted immediately and nearly totally. I had to scarf it down before it dripped away. Sure, it is 80 degrees out today, but it is no excuse! Make a good cone, dang it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Small Vanilla Cone: $1.49</div><div>medium: $1.89</div><div>Large: $2.29</div><div>PBP:$3.49</div><div><br /></div><div>Skip this one. No need to have a bad DQ experience.</div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-72213849731181456282008-06-28T13:41:00.005-05:002008-06-29T19:34:21.749-05:00Heights Theatre DQ and 38th St and 13th Ave S - Double ReviewThis week I went to two <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DQs</span> that were mentioned in a post by <a href="http://gugeo.blogspot.com/2008/06/mike-at-bobs.html" target="n"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gugeo</span></a>. A couple <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">commenters</span> said that their favorite <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DQs</span> were not reviewed yet. I got right on it.<div><br /></div><div>I have not been to the walk up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DQ</span> in South <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mpls</span> at 38<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> and 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span>. I can see why people like this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">DQ</span>--it's in the middle of a residential neighborhood, lots of table seating, and the prices are cheap!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">38</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">th</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> and 13</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">th</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> Ave - 3747 13th Ave S</span></div><div>Small Cone: $1.29</div><div>Medium: $1.69</div><div>Large: $1.89</div><div>Peanut Buster Parfait: $3.49</div><div><br /></div><div>All prices are well below average. Only the Blaine (Hwy 65) store is lower at the time of this review ($1.19).</div><div><br /></div><div>The cones were average in size and average in flavor. I was hoping that it would have that perfect <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">marshmellowy</span> flavor I a looking for so this store could be cheap and perfect. I was annoyed by some teenagers at the table next to me, but I am sure that they are their all the time.</div><div><br /></div><div>As an odd note, <a href="http://www.alreadypretty.blogspot.com/" target="n">Wife Sally</a>'s ice cream in a dish was not as large as how the other stores make them, though it seemed the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">equivalent</span> to the small cone, like it should. Sally thought her ice cream tasted funny. My cone was fine. This is just the excuse I need to return for a second review.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Review #2: Central Ave and 37</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">th</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> N,next to the Heights Theatre.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>There is certainly an appeal to this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">DQ</span> as well. It is owned by the people who own the <a href="http://www.heightstheater.com/" target="n">Heights Theatre</a>, which is probably the most beautiful in the twin cities. It is a single screen theater and they have a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Wurlitzer</span> Organ that they use to play instead of "the 20." They do <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">silent</span> pics here, too, because of the organ, and even 72 millimeter print showings of Lawrence of Arabia. Best of all, you can take your Peanut Buster Parfait into the theater with you!</div><div><br /></div><div>Prices:</div><div>Small cone: 1.59</div><div>Medium: $1.79</div><div>Large: $1.99</div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">PBP</span>: $3.49</div><div><br /></div><div>Totally average prices. They can get really busy around show times, so plan accordingly. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the catch--------------My small cone was the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Worst Cone</span> I have ever had. This cone was the largest small cone, perhaps even the size of a large cone, but it was completely shapeless. It was shapeless, perhaps, because it was more like whipped milk rather than iced milk. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">The ice cream was so fluffy that it could barely maintain a cone-like shape. The first attempt at making me a cone flew onto the floor when the server moved to fast.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Side by side with any other Dairy Queen cone and you was have guessed it came from some know-nothing competitor. Heights <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">DQ</span> should be embarrassed.</div><div><br /></div><div>I ate my cone, though. For the sake of research.</div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-49687521633343871662008-06-25T22:19:00.002-05:002008-12-10T11:24:01.627-06:00Blaine - The Lowest Price Small Cone! - $1.19<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AdT2afEvhZ8/SGIvw9qzo3I/AAAAAAAAAD8/4sMFRKUGBRk/s1600-h/102_1305.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AdT2afEvhZ8/SGIvw9qzo3I/AAAAAAAAAD8/4sMFRKUGBRk/s400/102_1305.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215783836682789746" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>The Blaine <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DQ</span> is on Hwy 65, North of Hwy 10. It is by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Aquator</span> Park where all of my little league tournaments were played. Because of this, this is where I had all of my last game <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DQs</span> that the coach would by for the team. Nothing but good memories at this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DQ</span>.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Now I have another reason to return to this </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">DQ</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">--Small Cone: $1.19!!!!!!!!!!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>This is the lowest cone price I have found so far.</div><div><br /></div><div>Small $1.19</div><div>Medium: $1.49</div><div>Large: $1.99</div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">PBP</span>: $3.39</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">This is also the lowest aggregate cost at $8.06 for 1 each.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The only down-side is that the cone was smaller than usual. It falls into the cheapskate category, but might be the place to go if you have smaller children who can't eat as much or if you want fewer calories. (I'm Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Brightside</span> today).</div><div><br /></div><div>This <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">DQ</span> has plenty of inside seating. It is one of those stores that looks like a barn. It has a drive through and the staff is friendly.</div><div><br /></div><div>One thing to note: Take a look at the sign in the picture...It is not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">symmetrical</span> like the other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">DQs</span> I know about. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Does anyone else know of a </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">DQ</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> like this?</span></div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5727500928534164707.post-72452295799912757702008-06-22T20:28:00.005-05:002008-12-10T11:24:01.961-06:00Mike Doughty Loves Soft Serve<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhuBaW6HV8-arbD5BCaxbZ5a-pPbbXK8OqsVI2MO2309heEWHcgFlmKCu5_3Rg_kii_8yMCGmmO_zX39g4QYmNjOqWJSM6oQkOl8nzy2WKwH9nHnnuLlY3UHjJuSJ58Q545P19-VZu0o/s1600-h/IMG_2984sm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhuBaW6HV8-arbD5BCaxbZ5a-pPbbXK8OqsVI2MO2309heEWHcgFlmKCu5_3Rg_kii_8yMCGmmO_zX39g4QYmNjOqWJSM6oQkOl8nzy2WKwH9nHnnuLlY3UHjJuSJ58Q545P19-VZu0o/s400/IMG_2984sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214888875857837362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6bHSGyad1NzRRuMnL5SnvvlwycSVe7Zeggt2gpsIN0EETie5GUWl5c5xZuWOwy0wNFNnz-b6WxqIvHOMXYaJwUF_whLy7Whs7AN0srdd8Bvp9M-TZB8FNKIcSlk1-PxDzSCGMP1f9k4/s1600-h/IMG_3010sm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6bHSGyad1NzRRuMnL5SnvvlwycSVe7Zeggt2gpsIN0EETie5GUWl5c5xZuWOwy0wNFNnz-b6WxqIvHOMXYaJwUF_whLy7Whs7AN0srdd8Bvp9M-TZB8FNKIcSlk1-PxDzSCGMP1f9k4/s400/IMG_3010sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214888598820845234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mike Doughty and Aaron <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Arntz</span> at Taste of Randolph St</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>This weekend I was in Chicago to see the in-laws and check out the <a href="http://www.mikedoughty.com/blog/archives/000750.html" target="blank2">Taste of Randolph Street</a>, which featured a performance by <a href="http://www.mikedoughty.com/" target="blank3">Mike Doughty</a>, formerly of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soul_Coughing" target="blank4">Soul Coughing</a>. Mike Doughty is awesome. My <a href="http://www.alreadypretty.blogspot.com/" target="blank5">wife, Sally</a>, interviewed him for a <a href="http://www.pulsetc.com/article.php?sid=1828" target="blank1">Pulse Magazine</a> cover story a year or two ago and he seemed like a swell guy. We saved his voice mail message on the phone for about 6 months before we gave up the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">landline</span>.<div><br /></div><div>Though this weekend was a complete bust for any Illinois <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DQ</span> for a interstate review, Doughty makes into the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DQ</span> blog because during his show he played the Soul Coughing tune, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id6n6K97u_U&feature=related" target="blank1">Soft Serve</a>. (Link to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">youtube</span> video of a recent performance. He screws up the words in this one but totally charms the audience with how he recovers).</div><div><br /></div><div>Let me say a couple things about how awesome a Mike Doughty Show is. 1) So Funny: He performed just down the street from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oprah" target="oprah">Oprah's</a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Harpo</span> Studios, and had the funniest rant about his failed love affair with Oprah and how she kept buying him cars to show her love, but that it was not what he wanted from her. 2) Consistently awesome songwriting. He could have played a totally different 90 minute show and the gig would have been just as great. 3) New keyboard player, at least for this show--Aaron <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Arntz</span>. 4)Fake Last Song, where instead of leaving the stage before an encore, the band turns their back on the crowd and stands there for a few minutes, acting surprised that the fans would want to hear more music. Check out <a href="http://www.mikedoughty.com/blog/archives/000750.html" target="blank1">Mike's blog</a> for his take on the Taste of Randolph event.</div>Michael McGraw - www.Local-Artist-Interviews.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05495073349195247238noreply@blogger.com0