http://www.ursulaswb.com/index.htmlUrsula's Wine Bar Winenotesenursulasws@gmail.comCopyright 2010 Ursula's Wine Bar2012-01-01T00:00:00-06:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Wed, 4 Jan 2012 17:53:11 -0600ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2012-01-01T00:00:00-06:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter.html#unique-entry-id-21http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter.html#unique-entry-id-21Happy 2012, another year , another dollar. Ursula has made a few resolutions. 1. No more celery
or carrots in the jello. 2. No strange meats such as platypus or spam. 3. No more hip hop country
western karaoke. 4. We will maintain our standard of excellence for live music and add another
night. 5. Simple orders won’t upset us (not that they ever did). 6. We will keep our menus tasteful
and flavorful. 7. If you come in on Valentine’s Day at 7 and want a seat without a reservation we
won’t openly laugh at you. 8. Never try rutabaga, walnut, banana and broccoli bread pudding
again. Those are Ursula’s resolutions, we will try to adhere to them throughout the year. If we
stray please call me on it. We will be doing our best to make the coming year a fun and exciting
food and wine year.

Wine Class-The first wine class of the new year will be Sunday January 29 at 3PM. We will
spend the afternoon tasting and discussing wines from Mendocino County. Cost is $25 per
person and reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.

Wine Class schedule for the rest of this spring: March 11, Wines from Monterey County and
April 29, Wines from Lodi.

The next game day is Sunday February 5. We start at 2 so bring a game, bring a friend and we
will hang out all afternoon. That also happens to be Super Bowl Sunday and this could give you
a good reason to get out of the house although the game does not start until 6. We won’t have it
on at the restaurant.

Valentine’s Day-Celebrate with our four course dinner for $40 per person and accompanying
wine flights at $25 and $50. We always fill up so don’t wait until the last minute.

International Zinfandel Day-Thursday February 23 is International Zinfandel Day. The day when
we celebrate the grape that deserves celebrating. We will have a number of zins open by the
glass.

Staff Stuff-Dennis got a cat condo, Ben’s mom has hung art at Ursula’s, Rhonda is getting
married in Puerto Rico, Mary went to Kansas for Christmas, Sara is car pooling to work, Justina
played board games New Year’s Eve, Marty got his first 400 score in Scrabble, Andrea had a
great relaxing winter break, Emily hung with friends on New Years, Mitchell separated his
shoulder snow boarding, Krystal had to take Mitchell’s shifts, Steven went out of town for a few
days, Will is driving to work now, Meghan is out for cross country skiing, Rachel and Sabrina
worked New Year’s Eve and Kurt and Theresa got caught up on the Harry Potter movies.]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2011-10-01T00:00:00-05:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/oct-2011#unique-entry-id-20http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/oct-2011#unique-entry-id-20We are celebrating summer in October, it’s glorious now and it has to come to an end but it’s great weather for sitting on the deck with a glass of wine and watching leaves fall. Halloween is just down the street and around the corner, I am going as an adverb, think about that one. With Halloween we need an appropriate wine and that wine would be Vampire Merlot, it’s not very good but it is topically relevant.

Wine Class - Sake will be the topic of our next wine class on Sunday, October 30. This informative and fascinating class will be led by Chris Griese from World Class Wines who is the Twin Cities resident Sake expert. Class starts at 3 PM and the cost is $25 per person. Make reservations at 651-429-9600.

Next Wine Class - Sunday, December 11 at 3 PM. “Tell me what you’re drinking”. I will give you the wine and descriptions and you get to figure out what is in the glass.

Wine Dinner - Tuesday, October 25 Chef Dennis will be preparing a six course all squash dinner paired with appropriate wines. Cost is $50 per person and the cocktail hour begins at 6:30. Reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.

Petite Sirah Appreciation Night - This is our chance to thank Petite Sirah for all it has done for us. We will be pouring a wide array of petites by the glass for an evening of fellowship, amusement and blue tongues. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 22.

Game Day - Sunday, November 6 from 2 to 5 we are hosting a game day. Bring a board game and a friend or two and enjoy an afternoon of games. Big Sal has dibs on Chutes and Ladders.

Staff Stuff - Sheila retired and moved to Prior Lake to begin her new career as a real estate agent, Dennis moved, Eric’s daughter is walking, Rhonda and TJ are going grouse hunting, Sara is taking Yoga, Justina went fishing up north, Marty has been spending a lot of time in Spooner, Mary is new and used to work with Sara at Tulips, Andrea likes her school this year, Mitchell went to the homecoming dance, Steven didn’t, but Emily did, Krystal is into gymnastics, Will thinks we need more cowbell, TJ made jazz band and Kurt and Theresa went to a lecture at the U on pocket neighborhoods presented by Ross Chapin (WBHS 1972).

Mike Mastrian and Dr. Bob won the Trivia Contest. New test will be out in November.

Celebrity Sighting - Leroy Lehr who was a performer with the Metropolitan Opera for 19 years. He sang opposite Pavarotti in Tosca.]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2011-08-01T00:00:00-05:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/aug-2011#unique-entry-id-19http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/aug-2011#unique-entry-id-19In the summer of the monsoons, we have spent a good deal of time looking out as the heavy rains kept us pinned indoors as we are afraid we may melt if we get wet. On a positive note, I don’t have to water as much and the grass needs mowing every three days so the cardio workout though unplanned is reluctantly enjoyed. I must say the health benefits of mowing in a sauna are good for the pores and stimulates a cleansing sweat. When the yard work is done enjoy a gallon or two of water and sit down with a glass of August Briggs Petite Sirah. Although not available in the state it can be purchased from the winery located on the Silverado Trail in Napa and Joe Briggs is one of the nicest guys in the biz.
 
WINE DINNER-Thursday August 4: Steve Ross from Girard Winery will join us and taste through his beautiful sampling of wines. Six wine and five courses for $50 of Chef Dennis cuisine and Girard's wonderful wines, especially the zin and petite sirah. The meet and greet starts at 6:30 with dinner being served at 7. There are a few seats left. Reserve your spot at 651-429-9600.
 
Valentine’s Day in August-Sunday August 14 is our favorite holiday. Chef Dennis has created a 4 course meal for $45 per person that is paired with wine flights of $25 or $50. Imagine going out for a nice romantic dinner with the sun still shining. Call 651-429-9600for reservations.
Wine Class-Sunday August 28 at 3 pm we will be tasting decadent reds or should I say deckadent reds on the deck. Big, bad and bold, get in quick, only 20 seats. Cost is $25 per person and reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.
 
Open That Bottle Night-In conjunction with Decadent Reds, we are declaring Sunday August 28 Open that Bottle Night. That is the night that we invite you to bring out that bottle of wine you have been saving for a special occasion. This is that special occasion and you need to drink it before it goes bad. We wave the corkage fee and encourage you to celebrate your wine cellar.
 
Staff Stuff-Dennis got a new grill on his snazzy car, Eric is registered for Century in the fall,  Sheila is studying for her real estate license, Sara takes the bus to work in downtown St. Paul, Rhonda went up north for a few days, Justina went up north on vacation, Andrea has August to enjoy before school starts, Marty is going up to Lake Superior to watch the meteor showers, TJ is making cameo appearances with Clint Rowles band, Mitch played guitar on the sidewalk at Marketfest, Will is going back to Hamline in the fall, Sabrina is off to Marquette, Laura is ready for school to start at UMD, Steve is a junior at White Bear, Rachael is going back to Japan (her dinner was superb), Kurt announced the bands at Marketfest and Theresa cut her hair for Locks of Love at the Relay for Life.]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2011-07-01T00:00:00-05:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/jul-2011#unique-entry-id-18http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/jul-2011#unique-entry-id-18As I write this on the 4th of July, I am happy that summer is finally here, I am thrilled the Twins have decided to play baseball and I am excited to see what is on the new menu. On this Independence Day, Ursula’s is an independent restaurant and there must be some literary correlation I can make somewhere, it may come to me eventually. It would be appropriate to take a road trip to Indiana to tour the Indy Wine Trail. Taste the best wines Indiana has to offer, have a good time, I’d join you but I can’t get anyone to work for me.

Wine Dinner-Our own Rachael White will present a reprise of her highly successful and delicious Japanese Fusion dinner on Tuesday, July 26 at 6:30. Rachael is the author of Tokyo Terrace, a popular blog that talks about the adventures of an American foodie in Japan. The Cost is $70 per person and includes tax and gratuity. Reserve your spot at 651-429-9600, it will sell out.

Art Show-The art has changed and artist Kay Oien will hold an open house reception on Sunday July 17 from 1 to 4 showcasing her latest watercolors. Stop in and join us.

Valentine’s Day in August-We hope to make this a Hallmark holiday. Ursula’s will offer a 4 course dinner celebrating Valentines Day, only in warm weather, mittens not allowed. Dinner is $40 per person and wine flights will be offered at $25 and $50. Join us Sunday August 14, make your reservations at 651-429-9600.

Wine Class-Sunday August 28 at 3PM we will have a wine class on the deck. The topic of discussion will be decadent reds. Cost is $25 and reservations are required.

Open That Bottle Night-In conjunction with our wine class we are declaring Sunday August 28, Open That Bottle Night. This is the evening when you pull out that bottle you’ve been saving for that special occasion. This is that occasion. Bring those wonderful wines and enjoy them before they get too old.

Staff Stuff-Dennis got a snazzy new car, Eric didn’t do much over the 4th, Rhonda was on the boat for the 4th, Sheila’s been seeing a lot of movies lately, Andrea loved Costa Rica, Marty went to Spooner for a couple of days, Sara has a new job with Ramsey County, Justina works for the state, TJ mowed Clint Rowles lawn while he was on vacation, Mitchell is working at Marketfest selling tie dyed shirts, Laura is going to Yellowstone, Natalie turned 18, Steve rides his bike to work, Sabrina has been spending a lot of time at the gym and the beach, Will has some great color in his hair, former dishwasher Hannah turned 21 and Kurt and Theresa took a Sunday off and went to a wedding.

The deck is fully operational with new umbrellas, additional seating and live music on Sunday and Thursday.
]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2011-06-01T00:00:00-05:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/jun-2011#unique-entry-id-17http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/jun-2011#unique-entry-id-17that you should be aware of, we will be open until 10pm on Marketfest nights and we will have music
on the deck on Thursdays and Sundays all summer long. Speaking of summer it would be appropriate
if we all enjoyed a bottle of Summerland wine, if you can find a bottle in town let me know, I’ve
never seen it but the name is fitting.

Wine Dinner-Tuesday June 7 at 6:30 join us as we pair wines from Kysela Pere & Fils, Ltd. with Chef
Dennis’ 5 course meal. National Sales Manager, Dan Steffen will talk us through the wines in a
delightful summer evening. Cost is $45 per person and reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.

Wine Class-Back by popular demand we are having Roses on the deck on Sunday June 12 at 3pm.
What better way to sample Roses than out of doors on a beautiful afternoon. Cost is $25 per person
and reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.

Japanese Fusion Dinner-Rachael White will once again share her culinary talents with us on Tuesday
July 26. Last year was a sell out, this year Rachael has some great ideas for a fun evening of food
and wine paired for another memorable event. Make your reservations now, we expect another full
house.

Valentine’s Day in August-this ever popular evening will happen on Sunday August 14, put it on your
calendar, you get to wear sandals without the slushy toes..

Staff Stuff-Dennis celebrated his birthday at Barrio, Eric is the sous chef on weekends, Rhonda got
the boat in, Sheila went to Sedona, AZ, Sara is working some Fridays and Saturdays, Andrea isn’t
teaching summer school this year, Marty works at Erte and is an artist, Justina grew up in
Maplewood, Natalie has left us to be a lifeguard for Ramsey County, Rachel J is working at a day
camp in New Hope, TJ’s plans are to go fishing at least once a week, Will is back after his freshman
year at Hamline, Sabrina can’t wait to graduate, Laura is working at Marketfest in traffic control,
Mitchell plays sax, trumpet and guitar, Rachael W. is waiting for her hubs to come home from Japan
in mid June, Theresa planted herbs at the restaurant and Kurt is once again announcing the Manitou
Days parade for Cable TV.

Father’s Day is June 19 and what better place to celebrate than Ursula’s.
Ursula’s will be closed on July 4.

Jim and Carol Collins won the May Trivia Contest. A new contest will start July 1.

Don’t forget our 5 to 6 special goes all night on Mondays and you can gather around the bar and talk
wine every Monday at 8.
]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2011-05-01T00:00:00-05:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/may-2011#unique-entry-id-16http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/may-2011#unique-entry-id-16Let’s hope May turns out better than March or April, although no snow would be a huge improvement. I’m not asking for much, just a little sun and a few 70 degree days. I’ll take just enough rain to fill up the lake. While I’m sitting watching the month go by I would appropriately drink Mayo Family Wines, look for their proprietary blend, Libertine in Ursula’s wine rack at the end of the month.

Wine Class-Petite Sirah, Sunday May 22 at 3PM. Find out everything you ever wanted to know and then some about petite sirah. The topic is totally self serving because I want to spend a day tasting petites, Cost is $25 per person and reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.

Wine Dinner-Tuesday June 7 at 6:30. We will pair wines from Kysela Pere & Fils, Ltd with 5 courses. Dan Steffen, National Sales Manager for Kysela, will be joining us as we feature wines from around the world. Cost is $45 per person. Reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.

Wine Class-Roses on the Deck-It will be our 2nd annual class on the deck when we sample the latest and greatest of the dry rose wines from around the world. June 12 at 3PM and cost is $25 per person. Make reservations in the usual way-651-429-9600.

Monday night at 8 come on over for Wine Chat, sit around the bar and talk about wine. Nothing formal, nothing rehearsed just vinoconversation.

Reminder- our 5-6 special goes until 9 on Mondays. Ursula’s has live music every Sunday and Wednesday, Clint Rowles and his guitar start around 6:30.

Staff Stuff-Dennis spent an exciting 24 hours in the Charlotte Airport, Ben has got his two week reserve drill coming in June, Sheila got her sommelier certificate, Rhonda got her boat slip, Sara’s sinkhole is slowly but surely getting filled in, Jen is taking the summer off from Ursula’s to spend Thursdays at the cabin, Andrea is going to Costa Rica this summer, TJ is going to the Indy 500, Laura went to Chicago for an art field trip, Sabrina went to prom, Mitchell is very musical, Natalie is going to Guatemala this summer, Eric cooked for us when Dennis was hanging in Charlotte-he did a great job, Rachel J. is going to Japan this summer, Rachael W. is making desserts for us, Theresa is choosing the plants for the deck while Kurt is getting the deck ready for opening.

Check in on the website, ursulaswb.com for the latest menus, current newsletters, photos and up to date event listings.

Become a fan on facebook and get daily notes on the menu, new wines and editorial ramblings.]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2011-03-01T14:09:08-06:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/mar-2011#unique-entry-id-15http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/mar-2011#unique-entry-id-15Ursula's Winenotes

a publication of ursula’s wine bar & cafe March 2011

March is upon us and such a busy month it is. Hockey and basketball tournaments, birthdays of my wife, brother, mother in law, nephew, Mrs. C and Ursula (No. 11) to name a few, first day of spring or better yet, last day of winter, March Madness, spring training games on the radio, spring break and the reopening of the Cup and Cone, with all due respect to the groundhog, signifying spring is here or at least nearby. In honor of the change of seasons it would be fitting to find and share a bottle of Spring Mountain Cab with no more than six friends. It is not cheap but it is wonderful.

Wine Dinner-Ursula’s will be hosting a wine dinner on Thursday March 17 featuring Steele Wines plus wines from Shooting Star and Writer’s Block. The six wine and five course dinner with be presented by Quincy Steele, son of winery founder Jed Steele and winemaker of Writers Block. Cost is $85 per person and includes tax and gratuity. Social hour begins at 6:30 with dinner being served around 7. Make reservations at 651-429-9600.

Wine Class-Sunday March 13 at 3pm join us as we discover the fascinating world of dessert wines. Cost is $25 per person and reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.

Wine Class-Sunday April 17 we will discuss food and wine pairing. It will be a hands on approach as to which wines go well with which foods and why.

A new trivia test will be in place on March 1. Ask to take the test and see how well you do.

Celebrity Sighting-Bob Hirte, trumpet player for the latest incarnation of Free and Easy. They have been making the bar circuit around town for a while and if you have an opportunity to see them go, they are fun. He has also done a couple of gigs with Gypsy, yes THE Gypsy and if the band is unfamiliar ask your parents, they attained cult status back in the day.

Staff Stuff-Dennis has been dabbling in molecular gastronomy, Ben also works at DeGidios, Sheila is going to Maine, Sara went to Brainard for a basketball tournament, Jen is selling Girl Scout cookies, Andrea and her daughter showed up at a couple of Sara’s girls bb games, Rhonda fixed her toilet, Laura went to Cedar Rapids, Natalie is in the show choir at Totino Grace which is undefeated in competition, Sabrina is helping with makeup in the Middle School production of Seussical, TJ is going snowmobiling during spring break, Eric is catching up on his sleep during break, Sam took a weekend off and went up north, Rachel applied for a summer Y day camp job in New Hope and Kurt and Theresa took a blizzardy Sunday off to dine with friends.
Photography by Ryan Hegland is on display at Ursula's until mid april. Stop in and take a look.

Menus and the newsletter are posted at ursulaswb.com. You can also catch daily notes for Ursula’s Wine Bar on twitter and facebook. We try to post the daily specials and any other relevant info you may need to know.

Most wine at Ursula’s are available at Ursula’s WineSource. Thanks for your support, comments and questions are always welcome. 651-429-9600.]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2011-02-14T23:50:23-06:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/feb-2011#unique-entry-id-14http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/feb-2011#unique-entry-id-14February is a month of wonderful holidays. Groundhog Day, President’s Day, Valentine’s Day and International Zinfandel Day. There are great ways to celebrate each of them. Spend the day looking at your shadow, spend a lot of Lincolns and Washingtons, take a loved one out for a romantic dinner and drink outstanding wine. You could even mix them up to keep things fresh. For holiday appropriate wines Wild Hog and Washington Hills should work. For Valentine’s Day a Terra Valentine Cab or Hart’s Desire red would be most welcome. Don’t forget bubbles make any holiday better.

Next Wine Class-The ports were fabulous. The only logical follow up is Dessert Wines. Explore the possibilities, Sunday March 13 at 3 pm. Cost is $25 per person and reservations can be made at 651- 429-9600.

Upcoming wine classes are April 17, Food and Wine Pairing and May 22, Petite Sirah. We are planning on doing some deck tastings this summer so look for that in future Winenotes.

Valentine’s Day seating is limited, don’t wait to make your reservation. Experience our 4 course dinner for $45 per person with wine pairings available at $25 and $50. Choice of salmon or beef for the entree. See the full menu at www.ursulaswb.com.

International Zinfandel Day is Thursday February 24. We will open all of our Zins for tasting. No reservations necessary. It is a day of great joy and discovery.

The trivia winners are Steve and Erin Berens, the second time for them, congratulations. The contest will resume in March.

Speaking of March, Ursula will turn 11 on March 7.

Art Show-We will be changing the art at the end of the month. Ryan Hegland will feature his photography in an exhibition that will kick off with an open house on February 27 from 1-4. Join Ryan at his first public showing of his art.

Staff Stuff-Dennis is going to Aspen skiing for a few days, Ben gets to watch the Superbowl, Rhonda went to Chicago on business, Sheila is now working at Quality Wine and Spirits, Sara visited Dodgeville, WI, Andrea has two dogs, Jen has been wearing her new golf shoes everywhere, TJ plays trumpet in the Mounds View Jazz Band, Laura got accepted at UMD, Sam is taking drivers ed, Sabrina did well on her Spanish final, Natalie has been on the DL with a bad cold, Eric is taking psychology at Century, Rachael played in an ultimate tournament on a really cold day and Kurt and Theresa are making plans to sleep through the cold weather until it warms up in March, Kurt’s weight has ballooned up to 247 thanks to the multiple layers he has been wearing.

You can access Ursula’s on facebook and twitter as well as our website ursulaswb.com. Thank you for your support. Comments and questions are always welcome 651-429-9600.]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2011-01-01T00:00:00-06:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/jan-2011#unique-entry-id-13http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/jan-2011#unique-entry-id-13Happy New Year and the best for you all in the coming year. I am writing this on 1-1-11 and when you add it up it is 4. I am thinking about month appropriate wines that I can talk about and hopefully you will experiment and try these on your own, some may be at Ursula’s and some may not. This month in honor of MLK day I would suggest the King Estate Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. They are both lovely and go very well with food and aren’t bank breakers.
Wine Class-The next class is Sunday, January 30 at 3PM. We will spend the afternoon tasting ports and madeiras. If not a fan yet but would like to learn more, this would be your perfect opportunity. Cost is $25 per person and reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.
Cruise Night-On January 19 and 20, we are reviving cruise night for those of us who cannot afford to go on a cruise, we will bring the cruise to you. We are boarding in Acapulco and sailing the Pacific to Chile. Chef Dennis has a fun menu planned. The three course dinner is $30 per person and Chilean wine pairings will be available. Join Julie, Isaac and the gang. Reservations are recommended.
January is Trivia Month, the Buckinghams will try to keep their title as the trivia royalty. Come on in and take the test. FYI, January 4 is National Trivia Day, I can’t make this stuff up. 
Birthday Club-Ursula’s is starting a birthday club. Let us know when your birthday is and we will send you a coupon for a free dessert on your birthday. Use the sign up for our newsletter link on our site.
Staff Stuff-Dennis got a 60 inch tv, Ben drove to Taylors Falls, Prescott, WI and a million other places over Christmas, Jen got golf shoes, Sheila is wondering why she put a deck with 13 shovelable steps on her house, Sara’s art show (the day after the big storm) was a lot of fun and she still has art up for a few months, Andrea had laryngitis, TJ buried his 4 wheeler in a snow bank Christmas Eve, Rhonda unburied a 4 wheeler on Christmas Eve, Sabrina went to New Jersey, Laura is officially sick of the snow, Natalie wants to be a documentary film maker, Sam and Rachel are friends, Rachel is going to the Dominican, Eric is borrowing Joe Mauer’s sideburns, Kurt and Theresa made burritos for Christmas Eve and Ryan will be upgrading website photos when the new menu is unveiled on January 4.
International Zinfandel Day is Thursday February 24. That is the day when all wine lovers face the Russian River and thank their lucky stars that someone had the foresight to bottle the big red grape and give us something else to celebrate. On that day we open all our zins and offer them by the glass. Join us, no pink allowed.
Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it. Don’t be left in the doghouse again. We will offer a 4 course price fixe for $45 per person. Reservations may be made in the usual way at 651-429-9600.]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2010-12-01T00:00:00-06:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/dec-2010#unique-entry-id-12http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/dec-2010#unique-entry-id-12Snow on the ground, hoping for a white Christmas and gearing up for a busy holiday season. We brought the lavender inside and trimmed it back, watched Holiday Inn (the colorized version) and tasted ports for New Years Eve but no one can get me whipped into a holiday frenzy like Weezer and their song December-”Only hope will remember, burning flames in December.”

Art Show - Sara Jones will be hosting her annual art show at Ursula’s on Sunday December 12 from 1 to 4 in the afternoon. Stop in and see Sara’s latest art works and collection of purses.

Wine Class - Sunday December 19 at 3pm we will taste Sherry. Sherry is a complex and enigmatic wine with so many variations. We will give you a starting point in your journey. Cost is $25 and reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.

Next Wine Class - January 30 we will taste Ports and Madeiras. NOTE-The April 24 wine class will be moved to April 17. The 24th is Easter, I have never seen Easter that late, wow.

New Year’s Eve - We are offering our popular five course New Year’s Eve dinner. The cost is $60 per person and wine flights are available for $25, $50 or $75. It’s a fun night with great food and fabulous wine. Make your reservations at 651-429-9600.

Staff Stuff - Dennis is going ice fishing on Lake of the Woods, Ben got a deer, Rhonda has a new backsplash in her kitchen, Sheila got a kindle, Jen went to Florida, Sara has been watching her daughters play a lot of basketball, Andrea has the 3rd longest drive to Ursula’s, Rachel returned from River Falls to wash dishes over Thanksgiving break, TJ got a shotgun for his birthday, Laura saw the New Harry Potter movie, Natalie is in Swing Choir at Totino Grace, Sabrina did make up for White Bear ‘s production of West Side Story, Sam goes to North Campus of White Bear, Eric graduated from AFSA (Academy for Sciences and Agriculture) in Vadnais Heights and Kurt and Theresa are pretty sure they are going to go out and cut down a Christmas tree this year (although if any of you are missing conifers, really it wasn’t us)

Coming in January we will be reviving cruise night, first port of call is still a mystery. We will continue cruising through the spring.

Note on your calendars that International Zinfandel Day is Thursday February 24, we will offer all of our Zins for tasting by the glass that night plus additional Zins not on the menu.

The menu is available at our website ursulaswb.com. You can also be a facebook fan of Ursula’s Wine Bar & Cafe. Thanks for your support, your comments and questions are always welcome. We value each of you as a customer and a friend. Have a safe and happy Holiday Season.]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2010-11-01T00:00:00-05:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/nov-2010#unique-entry-id-11http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/nov-2010#unique-entry-id-11It is Halloween as I write this, I have Spooky on the stereo and I am debating which scary socks to wear. Cup and Cone closed on October 29 so summer is officially over. On the big wind night we spent half our evening pulling Caribou’s patio chairs out of the street and took our umbrellas down so the deck is officially closed. The last Farmer’s Market in White Bear was also on October 29. It’s time for the other shoe to drop and Tom Waits could not have said it better- November, it only believes in a pile of dead leaves and a moon that’s the color of bone.

Wine Class - Sparkling Wine from Around the World will be the subject on November 7 at 3pm. We will taste Champagne and other sparkling wine to help increase your appreciation for this wonderful wine. Cost is $25 per person and reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.

Next Wine Class - Sunday December 19 at 3 pm we will discover the amazing world of Sherry. Learn how it is made and how to pair it with food. Cost is $25 per person and reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.

Art Show - The art will be changing on December 12, join us from 1 to 4 as the ever popular works of Sara Jones will be gracing Ursula’s walls again. Stop in for some wine, snacks and new art.

Flight Night - November 24 all our wine flights will be $2 off, come fly with us and try some fun wine.

November is Trivia month, take the test and the highest score wins a prize.

Staff Stuff - Dennis went to his nephew’s birthday party, Ben is a Wild fan, Rhonda went duck and grouse hunting, grouse went well and ducks not so much. TJ has a birthday coming up, Natalie has a magenta streak (in her hair), Sam is saving money for an ipod, Laura went to Duluth over MEA, Sabrina went to Chicago over MEA, Eric is a friend of Laura’s, Jen closed up the cabin, Sheila was Bret Michaels for Halloween and had a big birthday November 1, Andrea loves her new school. Sara created our scarecrow Cursula, Kurt’s brother Reid is getting married and Kurt and Theresa got invited to the wedding.

New Year’s Eve is still fast approaching, Ursula’s will again be offering our multi course meal for $75 per person with optional wine flights. We always have a great crowd so make your reservation.

Celebrity Sighting-Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt was in with her husband J.P. Barone on a bracing fall evening.

Here is all the other stuff you may find interesting: 5 to 6 special every day of the week-salad or soup, entree, dessert and glass of wine for $35 per person. Rummage Wine Sale Tuesday is back, great savings on wine. Be a fan of Ursula’s Wine Bar on Facebook, catch the latest tweets from ursulaswinebar on twitter. Our website is ursulaswb.com. you can also talk to us at ursulaswb@gmail.com.
Thanks for you support and patronage.]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2010-10-01T00:00:00-05:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/oct-2010#unique-entry-id-10http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/oct-2010#unique-entry-id-10October and football fills the air, the thrill of the baseball post season fills the air, leaves fill the air and the front yard and the excitement of root vegetables fills the imagination, wondering what Chef Dennis is doing with parsnips, beets, squash, pumpkin, turnips, celery root and rutabaga. You need to stop in for dinner to find out. With the gorgeous weather we have been having of late the mums have been delinquent in planting themselves. I always think of James Taylor and that wonderful song of his October Road, and how he poignantly says “Keep me walking, October road, Keep me walking in sunshine, yeah.”

Wine Dinner: Everything with Pork: Monday, October 18 Chef Dennis will be preparing a six course meal featuring pork with every course. Wine will be paired and there will be some fun surprises. Cost is $70 per person and includes tax and gratuity. The social hour begins at 6:30. Make reservations at 651-429-9600. Menu is available on line at ursulaswb.com.

Art Show: Susan Anderson will be our next featured artist. Join us Sunday, October 17 from 1 to 4 in the afternoon as Susan displays her latest paintings.

Wine Class: Sparkling Wines of the World is the next focus for our ongoing wine class series. We will taste bubbly from around the world and try to gain an even greater appreciation of this wonderful beverage. Cost is $25 per person. Join us Sunday, November 7 at 3 pm. Reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.

Future Wine Classes: December 19-Sherry, January 30-Port & Madeira, March 13-Dessert Wines, April 24-Matching Food and Wine and May 22-Petite Sirah.

Celebrity Sighting: Judge Dickson and Tom King, members of the Minnesota Gopher 1960 National Championship Football team stopped in for dinner after the USC game.

New Year's Eve is not that far off join us for our special 5 course dinner. Further details next month.

The October trivia contest ended in a tie, Ed and Cece Shapland and Mike Mastrian and Dr. Bob both ended up with a score of 43. The tie breaking question-what is Avagadro’s number.

Staff stuff: Dennis golfed Mississippi Dunes, Ben went to the fair multiple times, Sheila’s knee is healing right on schedule, Andrea likes her new school, Sara and Jen went to Cranberry Fest up near Hayward, Rhonda went to San Diego, Natalie and Dan go to Totino Grace, Laura turned 18, Sabrina will turn 18 on Kurt’s birthday, TJ started 9th grade, Kurt and Theresa lost a big old oak tree.

Rummage Wine Sale Tuesday is coming back, join us Tuesday for wine bargains that are unbelievable.
Thanks for your support and check the website ursulaswb.com for the latest news and info.]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2010-06-01T00:00:00-05:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/jun-2010#unique-entry-id-9http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/jun-2010#unique-entry-id-9It’s June already, 2010 is half way over and we are screaming through the month with graduations, vacations, weddings, summer solstice celebrations (especially for our Druid friends) and a little fishing on the lake before the water disappears. The deck is open and while it is not as famous as other outdoor spots in town, I like it and it is my favorite place to catch a late night glass of something cold on a hot summer night. I have The Last Day of June by the Finn Brothers (formerly known as Crowded House) running through my head in a mad moment of seasonal appropriateness.

Wine Dinner-Ursula’s will be hosting a wine dinner on Tuesday June 15 at 6:30 featuring the wines of Willamette Valley Vineyards. Oregon pinots at their best paired with Chef Dennis’ exciting menu. Cost is $85 per person including tax and gratuity and reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.

Wine Class-We will offer an impromptu wine class featuring Roses on Sunday June 27 at 3pm on the deck. We will taste these delightful little gems as they have been intended to be enjoyed. Cost is $25 per person and reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.

Valentine’s Day in August is coming on Saturday August 14. Celebrate V Day with spaghetti straps and not have to cover it up with a snowmobile suit, gals you too. Special menu and wine pairings.

Julie Kramer’s next book, Silencing Sam is due out on June 22, sadly Ursula’s will be sitting on the sidelines for this one. Can’t wait to read it.

Speaking of the deck, there may be random musical moments on warm nights that will be blowing in on the wind. No metal hair band, I promise.

Staff Stuff-Dennis went canoeing in the Boundary Waters with my son, Julia is our summer pastry chef intern from the Art Institute, JC is another summer intern who will be working both the front and back of the house, Joe will be cooking for us also but he will be in Sierra Leone for the month of June, Cody went to Mexico, Rhonda rototilled her garden, Sheila has a new deck on the front of her house, Jen will be spending all her spare time at the cabin, Sara has her art back up, Andrea talking about visiting California this summer, Carlos is caddying at the yacht club this summer, Sabrina is going to Reno and Jersey, Rachel went to prom, Laura is going on a mission trip to West Virginia, Becky is going to be a camp counselor in Wisconsin for a few weeks, Alexi is doing nothing but working at Ursula’s, Christine is going to England, TJ went fishing at his grandma’s, Nathan broke his arm pole vaulting, Kurt cut down trees in the backyard, Theresa got new brakes in her car, Rachael is back from Japan for three months, hope she stops in and says hi and former dishwasher and homecoming king, John, got married.

Best New Wines-Inexpensive-Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc Expensive-Ayoub Pinot Noir.

Catch our tweets at ursulaswinebar or read our adventures on facebook at ursula’s wine bar & cafe. You can also get the newsletter via email, let us know at ursulaswb@gmail.com Questions and comments always welcome. Thanks for your support.]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2010-05-01T00:00:00-05:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/may-2010#unique-entry-id-8http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/may-2010#unique-entry-id-8Spring is in full bloom, April was lovely, the deck is waiting for perfect evenings and as May is around the corner I am drawn to Rod Stewart’s Maggie May where he says Wake up Maggie I think I have something to say to you-Let’s go to Ursula’s for dinner, Dennis Lewis has taken over as head chef, they have new umbrellas on the patio and they rearranged furniture in the dining room. If it’s good enough for Rod....

Wine Class-The last wine class of the season will be Sunday, May 23 at 3pm. We will taste wines from Australia and New Zealand. Cost is $25 per person and you can register at 651-429-9600.

Coming in August, it was such a hit last year we are celebrating Valentines Day in August, on the 14th so mark the day on your calendar.

New Wine-Rosés are in and tasting lovely, we have Robert Sinskey, Steele, Shane and Souvian. Very alliterative I must say. We have also added 05 O’Shaugnessy Cab, Kenwood Jack London Cab, Marietta Petite Sirah, Fess Parker Chardonnay, Forefront Sauvignon Blanc, Foris Pinot Blanc, Poggio alle Sughere Sangiovese and Brancaia Tre, a sangiovese, cab, merlot blend from Tuscany that was #10 on the Wine Spectators Top 100 list.

Dennis is now in charge of the kitchen, he also got his snowmobile put away for the summer, Cody is back helping us out on occasion, Rhonda cleaned the boat in anticipation of launching it, Sheila is going to Sonoma for a wine tasting vacation, Jen opened the cabin in Hayward, Andrea is not coaching soccer this summer, Sara won’t tell me what she is doing because her therapist said she can’t talk to me, Nathan won the pole vault and got 5th in the 100M at the Kuntz Invitational at Mahtomedi, TJ got his boat ready for summer, Rachel went to Duluth for a volleyball tournament, Laura loves staining decks, Alexi picked the winner on Project Runway, Christine got a music award from Wooster, Becky didn’t work much this month because of all the skating practices, Carlos is playing summer soccer, new dishwasher Sabrina shares the same birthday as Kurt, speaking of Kurt, he saw the Twins at Target and while Kurt is playing Theresa is getting the deck ready, cleaning and planting.

As soon as the weather improves we will officially open the deck. I still need to stain it but once that is done we will do an impromptu deck opening party, we will email to let you know when that is happening. Dennis is going to work up some fun food to pair with great outdoor wines,

A reminder-we are open 7 days a week, someone recently asked how long we have been open on Mondays, it’s been 3 years. Have to take advantage of the deck.

You too can get your newsletter via email, just send me a note at ursulaswb@gmail.com.

Become a fan of Ursula’s on Facebook, get the scoop as to what is happening including specials, new wines and events. Thanks for your support, we couldn’t do it without you.]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2010-04-01T00:00:00-05:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/apr-2010#unique-entry-id-7http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/apr-2010#unique-entry-id-7Simon and Garfunkel recorded April Come She Will on the Graduate soundtrack. The poignancy and haunting melody is still relevant over 40 years later. Of course anything by Paul and Art is still relevant today and they can still sing. April has come and we are waiting for 7 nice days in a row to open the deck. Cup and Cone is open (March 17 for those of you in the pool). Our 10th birthday was a lot of fun, thanks Sam and Jeremy. I should remind you all that Ursula’s serves dinner 7 days a week, except certain holidays, such as Easter Sunday.

Wine Class-The next class will be at 3pm on Sunday April 18. We will explore the wines of Germany. They won’t all be sweet. Cost is $25 per person and reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.

Wine Class-The last wine class of the season will be Sunday May 23 at 3pm. We will try wines from Australia and New Zealand, Cost is $25 per person, reservations required.

Art Show-Sunday April 11 from 1-4 at Ursula’s. Harold Velline will exhibit his latest paintings in an open house. Come and meet Hal (who was a college roommate of Kurt’s) and enjoy his latest paintings.

Cruise Night-Join us for our last Cruise Night of the season. We will sail through the Caribbean and sample a 3 course meal for $30. Wine pairings are extra.

We will have a deck opening party as soon as the weather gets nicer and we stain the deck. Watch for complete details.
Staff Stuff-Andrew celebrated his birthday on St. Patrick's Day, Dennis went up to Hinkley for some R&R, Sara celebrated her 9th year of employment with Ursula’s, Sheila went to the Collins’ St. Patrick's party, Andrea took her daughter and friends rock climbing, Rhonda and TJ went up to the cabin for a week of four wheeling, Jen is going to Punta Cana in the Dominican, Rachel is playing Ultimate, Nathan is pole vaulting for Mahtomedi, Christine is running the mile for WBHS, Becky is in a skating show at the White Bear arena on May 2, Laura played soccer with Christine last summer, Alexi has tickets for McBeth, Carlos is at the Cup and Cone every day and Kurt and Theresa are hosting Easter dinner for the family this year.

Nostalgia-Ursula’s first wine rep was Mike Steffel with Wine Merchants he has made his way up the ladder and is now the National Sales Manager for O’Shaugnessy Winery. Ursula’s first chef, Eric Koppenhafer is now a chef at Bridges Cornell Heights in Ithaca, NY.

Ursula’s Winenotes are available on our website at ursulaswb.com or they are emailed the day they are written. To request an email version of the notes contact us at ursulaswb@gmail.com. We are on twitter at ursulaswinebar with menu changes and daily specials and Kurt tweets on hisroyalwinous with notes on what he is tasting.

Questions and comments always welcome. Thank you for your support.]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2010-03-01T00:00:00-06:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/mar-2010#unique-entry-id-6http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/mar-2010#unique-entry-id-6Welcome to March. I found my new favorite wake up song to get me rolling out of bed every day. Iron Maiden and their big hit Ides of March. It’s an eye opener. March is also Ursula’s birthday. On the 7th she will be 10. She doesn't need and ipod or an ipad for that matter or clothes either. A new barbie or cash would be a good gift. In honor of her birthday we have a number of activities listed below, sorry no burro rides, the last time we tried that it was a fiasco.

Best of Wine Dinners-March 5 and 6 Ursula’s will present a ten course best of the wine dinners meal featuring what we feel to be the highest culinary achievements from the many wine dinners held over the last ten years. Cost is $100 per person and does not include wine. Dinner starts at 7pm. Reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.

Ursula’s Birthday-Join us on Sunday March 7 as we unveil the March menu which features Ursula’s best from the last ten years. We will also offer free bubbles and birthday cake to our diners. Door prizes, the new trivia contest and a performance by former employee Jeremy Smith and his band See the World.

Wine Class-Sunday March 14th we will explore the great wine regions of Spain. Class starts at 3:00 and cost is $25 per person. Make your reservations at 651-429-9600.

Wine Dinner-Tuesday, March 16th, Nick Nicholas from Anam Cara in Oregon will be with us for a five course dinner and some great pinot noir. Cost is $85 per person and includes tax and gratuity. Meet and greet starts at 6:30. Reservations may be made at 651-429-9600.

March is Trivia Month. Mike Mastrian won our January contest and will be looking to hold onto his crown. Come in and take the test. Starts March 7.

Staff Stuff-Dennis went to W.A. Frost for his Val Day celebration, Andrew wants to do his hummus at Marketfest this summer, Sheila is the head of wine education at Johnson Brothers, Sara is playing Florence Nightingale to her family, Rhonda fixed the plumbing in her bathroom, Jen went to San Diego for a wild weekend, Andrea is sick of winter, Rachel got accepted at UW River Falls, Becky at Concordia St Paul, Carlos at UW Parkside, Nate is going to Purdue, Christine at Wooster, Alexi is undecided-UND, UMD, U of M? Paul leaves for the Air Force this month, Laura is a junior at White Bear, TJ is playing basketball and Kurt and Theresa babysat the grand dog. Looking back at our alums. From 2000, Emily is in her last semester of law school, Dan is doing internet marketing after a stint with NASA, Afton is flying planes and engaged and Sara is doing some political stuff. Jeremy Smith, class of 01 and his band See the World were heard on Real World on MTV and Keeping up with the Kardashians.

Don’t forget our daily special: Salad, entree, dessert and glass of wine for $35 before 6pm.

Catch us on the web at our site ursulaswb.com. We call also be found on facebook at Ursula’s Wine Bar & Cafe or on Twitter at ursulaswinebar. Thanks for 10 great years.]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2010-09-01T00:00:00-05:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/sep-2010#unique-entry-id-5http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/sep-2010#unique-entry-id-5The fair is almost over, football season is here and school is just around the bend and nothing says autumn like root vegetables. Here they come, get ready beets, parsnips, turnips, celery root, potatoes bring them on. Rachael White did a wonderful job with her Japanese dinner and is now back in Tokyo. The deck will be open every night weather permitting. The new menu starts after labor day. All I can think of is Alex Chilton’s classic Big Star song from the Radio City album, September Gurls (sic). September Gurls I don’t know why, how can I deny what’s inside, December boys got it bad. What more is there to say.

Wine Class-Sunday September 26 at 3pm we will taste wines from Chile and Argentina. Cost is $25 per person and reservations can be made at 651-429-9600. Future wine classes will be November 7, December 19, January 30, March 13, April 24 and May 22.

Wine Dinner-All things Pork. Join us Monday October 18 at 6:30 as Chef Dennis Lewis prepares a six course meal with pork as the common thread uniting all the dishes. Bacon of course counts. Wine will be paired with each course. Cost is $70 per person and you may make reservations at 651-429-9600.

September is Trivia month, come in a take the test. Steve and Erin Berens were July’s winner.

Art Show-Urusla’s next art opening is Sunday October 17 from 1 to 4. Featured artist will be Susan Anderson, the same Susan Anderson who painted the bears on ursula’s walls and the woman in the window. Stop in and meet Susan and see her latest paintings.

Celebrity Sighting-Robert Alexander, author who wrote Kitchen Boy, Rasputin’s Daughter and many other books. I just read Kitchen Boy and it was excellent.

New Favorite Wine-La Cala Vermentino, crisp, clean white from Sardinia and Stymie Syrah, by Jed Steele a fabulous, higher end red.

Staff Stuff-All the kids went off to college, Joe to the U, JC to St. John’s, Rachel to River Falls, Christine to Wooster, Alexi to North Dakota, Becky to Concordia in St. Paul, Will to Hamline and Nathan to Purdue. Dennis went up to the cabin a few times, Ben, our new sous chef is in the reserves, Sara celebrated her 15th wedding anniversary, Sheila had a knee replacement, Andrea got a job teaching science at Hayden Heights and Prosperity Elementary Schools, Jen learned to golf, Rhonda spent a week up at the cabin, Jordan is an eagle scout, Sabrina lives next to Jordan, Laura lost her lucky hat but found it, TJ took Kurt golfing and Kurt and Theresa had dinner with their dinner club.

Check out the updated website at ursulaswb.com Catch us on facebook and twitter stay current with the specials and features. Should you prefer the newsletter via email let us know at ursulaswb@gmail.com Thanks for your support, comments and questions always welcome.]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/jan-2010#unique-entry-id-4http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/jan-2010#unique-entry-id-4Happy 2010! I’m freezing and writing and thinking about an obscure Bruce Cockburn song called January in the Halifax Airport Lounge. Nice little song by a Canadian that kind of sums up colder than references. Even though it’s cold outside we are still here serving dinner seven nights a week. Ursula’s has also created their own snow emergency plan. If it’s snowing and you live in the downtown White Bear Lake area you need to come to Ursula’s for dinner, how’s that for a plan.

Next wine class-Sunday January 24 at 3:00. We will discuss the wines of Italy. Cost is $25 per person and reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.

January is trivia month, stop in and take the test. Prize for the best score.

Cruise Night-Join us for a 3 course French dinner on January 20 and 21, where as a public service we take you to France gastronomically, because you can’t go on your cruise this year. The cost is $30 with wine pairings extra. February Cruise Night is the 17 and 18.

Ursula’s will be hosting an art show on Sunday February 7 from 2 to 4 featuring the art of Monica Schultz and Sara Jones.

New wines-Geyser Peak Cabernet, J Cuvee 20 Sparkling, Opolo Viognier and Gruet Blanc de Noir.
Staff Stuff-Andrew cooked for his family on Christmas, Dennis saw Mark Mallman on New Years, Sheila went to Washington State, Andrea took her daughter to the orchestra, Rhonda went ice fishing near Brainard at -28 (brrrrr), Sara’s art show went well, Jen works at the Lake Elmo Inn during lunch-go see her, Rachel got a new broom for Christmas and is playing winter ultimate, Nate got pans for Christmas, Becky is doing her Curious George skating routine again in the near future, Paul got a camera for Christmas, Christine had dinner at Ursula’s with her family, Alexi has been reading Dostoyevsky. We had college kids come back from school and take a few shifts over the holidays-Joe from the U, Hannah from Johns Hopkins, Anna from UM Morris, Jon from Gustavus and poor Chris out at Bowdoin in Maine missed two shifts because he got snowed in. Kurt got an ipod from Santa and Theresa got uggs.

Valentine’s Day is a month away so make your plans early because I can guaranty we will not have 7:00 reservations if you call at 5:00 on the 14th. We are preparing our customary 4 course dinner for $45 per person. Wine flights are optional.

You can catch Ursula’s on the web at ursulaswb.com, on twitter and on facebook at ursulaswinebar. Stay connected and stay informed. We tweet our daily specials.

The 5 to 6 special is available daily.

Thanks for your support, questions and comments are welcome at 651-429-9600.]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2010-02-01T00:00:00-06:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/feb-2010#unique-entry-id-3http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/feb-2010#unique-entry-id-3As I write, it’s 15 above, the Winter Carnival Ice Fishing contest is happening on White Bear Lake and I’m listening to February Stars by the Foo Fighters (nice segue huh?). There are a lot off stars to think of this month, the presidents, all the actors who have portrayed presidents, your valentine (big star don’t forget that one) all the actors or actresses who’ve portrayed your valentine and anyone else you can think of. Welcome to February in Minnesota let’s make it fun, let’s make it safe and let’s make it stimulate the economy.

Next Wine Class-There is a change in the schedule. The next wine class will be Sunday March 14 at 3PM. We will taste and discuss the wines of Spain. Cost is $25 per person and reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.

Cruise Night-On a cold February night what better place to go than to Spain. (Do you see a theme here?) Spanish food and Spanish wine on the 17th and 18th of February. Cost for dinner is $30 per person with optional wine pairings. Reserve a seat now. March cruise night is the 17th and 18th (how does that work?). We will be going on the road to Morocco.

We will have an art show on Super Bowl Sunday, February 7 from 2 to 4. The art of Monica Schultz and her friend Sara Jones will make the perfect pregame warm up for the big game. If you don’t care about the big game, stick around for dinner.

International Zinfandel Day- This is the most holiest of days for wine lovers. It is a day when all wine geeks are obligated to share their zins with others. We will be pouring all our zins by the glass with a wide array and nice selection to choose from. Do join us all evening on February 25th.

Staff Stuff-Dennis went to Hinkley for a mini vacation, Andrew can be seen hanging out at the White Bear Library, Sheila and her puppy Isaac are going to doggie school, Jen went to the Wisconsin Dells, Andrea still has a job, Sara went to dinner at the Northeast Social Club, Rhonda thinks it has been too cold lately, Rachel made kartoffelkolssen, Christine got a scholarship to Wooster in Ohio, Alexi is looking forward to the Olympics, Paul turned 19 and went to Maryland (these events are not related), Nate went snowboarding in Utah, TJ got an anchor and a boat to go with it for Christmas, Becky is reprising her role of Curious George on skates, Carlos is back and Kurt and Theresa went to Orchestra Hall and saw Chaplin’s Gold Rush with the score performed by the Orchestra.

Valentine’s Day is 2 weeks away, Ursula’s is doing our famous four course dinner for $45 per person with optional wine pairings. Reservations fill up in a hurry.

You can become a fan of Ursula’s Wine Bar and Cafe on Facebook and get daily menu updates. We do the same thing on Twitter at ursulaswinebar. Find out what Kurt has been tasting on Twitter at hisroyalwinous. The menu is also online at ursulaswb.com.

Questions and comments are always welcome at 651-429-9600. Thank you for your support.]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2010-07-01T00:00:00-05:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/jul-2010#unique-entry-id-2http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/jul-2010#unique-entry-id-2Summer is progressing beautifully, the deck is getting some use, even on nights when it rains if one dines early enough and local farmers markets have started in both White Bear and Mahtomedi. Besides all the fresh produce you never know who you will run into. Julie Kramer was signing her latest book, Silencing Sam at the White Bear market. As we round the bend and stroll into July I can’t help but think of that old John Stewart classic July, You’re a Woman, and realize I can’t hold it to the road when you’re sitting here beside me. Some days are like that.

Wine Dinner-Rachael White,former Ursula’s employee and creator of the very popular blog Tokyo Terrace, is home from Japan for the summer. She will be cooking a Japanese fusion wine dinner on Wednesday August 4. We will have 6 wines and 5 courses in an evening that will thrill and surprise your taste buds. Appetizers start at 6:30 and cost is $70 per person and includes tax and gratuity. Reserve your seat at 651-429-9600. Visit Rachael’s blog at tokyoterrace.com.

Art Show-Kay Oien is back by popular demand. Kay will host an art open house on Sunday July 18th from 1 to 4. Stop in and see Kay’s latest work.

Valentine’s Day in August-Join us August 14 as we prepare a special four course dinner to celebrate Valentine’s Day on a lovely summer evening when we don’t have to put on snowmobile suits to go out for the evening. Wear open toed shoes without fear of them filling with slush. Dinner is $40 per person with wine flights available at $25 and $50. This was a sell out last summer, reserve early so you don’t miss the fun. 651-429-9600.

New Favorite Wine-Honig Sauvignon Blanc, the opposite stylistically of a New Zealand Sauv Blanc, with melon and pear notes it’s soft and quaffable. We also put the Lift Bridge Farmer Girl Saison Beer on the list.

Staff Stuff-Dennis is going to 6 Flags, JC is into the World Cup, Joe should be back from Africa any day now, Sheila planted some trees in her yard, Andrea is teaching summer school, Jen also works at Ingredients, Rhonda spends weekends on the boat, Sara went to Superior and Hazel Green, Nate got his cast off, Rachel and Christine turned 18, Laura also works at Marketfest directing traffic, TJ golfs on Tuesdays, Wil is attending Hamline in the fall, Sabrina is playing soccer, Becky is ice skating this summer, Alexi is ready to start college, Hannah filled in for us one Friday and she just celebrated a birthday, Kurt announced the Manitou Parade on Cable TV and is introducing the bands on the 3rd Street stage for Marketfest and Theresa has the gardens of Ursula’s right where she wants them.

July is trivia month. Keep in touch via social media. On Facebook Ursula's Wine Bar and Cafe daily posts fill you in on what is happening and has happened. On Twitter, ursulaswinebar let’s you know what the daily specials are as well as other relevant information. Ursulaswb.com has all the latest menus and events. Sign up there to get the newsletter via email. Comments and questions always welcome. Thanks for your support.]]>ursulasws@gmail.comNewsletter2010-08-01T00:00:00-05:00http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/aug-2010#unique-entry-id-0http://www.ursulaswb.com/newsletter_files/aug-2010#unique-entry-id-0The living is easy, except on those 95 degree sauna days. The deck has been a great place to hang out so far this summer and we’ll keep on keeping on until October says no more. We have a new head chef, Dennis Lewis took over a couple of months ago and the food has been terrific. Dennis graduated from Cordon Bleu and White Bear High and has added a little spice to Ursula’s fare. If you haven’t tried his food yet stop in for a snack, the shrimp tacos are delicious. As we head into the dog days I recall the words of Bebel Gilberto in August Day Song- Just like this rainstorm, this August day song, I dream of places far beyond.

Valentine’s Day in August-Saturday August 14 we will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a 4 course dinner for $40 per person. Wine flights will be available for $25 and $50. The menu will be on line by August 1. Make your reservations at 651-429-9600. Winter coats not allowed.

Open That Bottle Night-As we do every August, we are declaring August 29 Open That Bottle Night. If you have been saving that special bottle of wine for that special occasion, August 29 is it. Ursula’s is waving the corkage. Bring your own wine and drink free, share with friends, share with strangers or be like me and hog it all for yourself.

Wine Class-We are resuming wine classes on Sunday September 26 at 3pm with a look at wines from Chile and Argentina. Cost is $25 per person and reservations can be made at 651-429-9600.

Celebrity Sighting-John King who co wrote Ain’t Home til White Bear was in for dinner with his wife. Ain’t Home til White Bear is sold at various venues around town as a fund raiser for the White Bear Food Shelf and it is available at Ursula’s for only $5.

Ursula’s has again been presented with The Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator for her wine list. Ursula’s is the smallest restaurant in the state to win the award and the only restaurant in White Bear to be honored.

Staff Stuff. Dennis is going to see Phoenix, Joe has been caddying, Juan went up to the cabin, Jen went to Milwaukee, Rhonda has a new job, Andrea is going to California on vacation, Sara went boating with Rhonda, Sheila took her pup Isaac for his shots, Julia took a week off, Laura is going to Gooseberry camping, Rachel is playing softball, Becky went blueberry picking, Alexi went to Chicago, Jordan is an eagle scout, TJ fishes with Clete Wolf every Monday, Sabrina has a personal trainer for soccer, Wil walks to and from work on occasion, Theresa designed a mini golf course on Kurt’s mom’s beach for the 4th and Kurt’s aunt, Jan Calin, has been selected for the Minnesota Golf Hall of Fame.

New favorite wines-Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc and G.D. Vajro Barolo. For hot weather try the Hautes Noelle Gamay, slightly chilled, it is refreshing and interesting.

Find the menu and the news at ursulaswb.com. Look us up on facebook, I post daily with what’s new in wine, menu and current events. Thanks for your support and stay safe and cool.]]>