St. Thomas More Catholic Church

Black Bear Crossings on the Lake

Embassy Suites Hotel

Wedding Hotel -Holiday Inn River Center

Babani's Restaurant (Kudish Food- seriously)

You don't have to be in the Turkish Special Forces to show up at this Kurdish enclave without a reservation. As someone who used to go to Kurdistan routinely, I recommend giving this place a shot. They have a representative menu of items that would be eaten by people in the Kurdish area of the world (Northern Iraq/ Southeast Turkey/ Northwest Iran). The menu also includes several Vegan dishes - if that's your gig.

Boca Chica

How would you descirbe a restaurant list without a great Mexican Food establishment? No Bueno, el paro!- that's how (rough translation, "that sucks, dawg"). Boca Chica is the top rated Mexican Food joint in downtown St. Paul. Given the heavy influence of the Scandanavians on all things edible in Minnesota, I recommend this place to all my relatives from San Diego. After about a day you'll be having withdrawls from the burritos, tacos, and enchiladas that keep those of us from the Southwest moving in the right direction. Although not within walking distance, check it out.

Cosetta's Italian Market & Pizzaria

Inexpensive and fantasitic, Cosetta's is rated as one of the best restaurantsin St. Paul (Yelp.com, 3/2008). It is known for it's pizza by the slice and pasta dishes. For our purposes, it's super convenient being right accross the street from the hotel. If you get a chance, check it out while you're in town.

Mai Village (Vietnamese)

You want Calamari G.I.? For those of us looking for a healthy Vietnamese meal with outstanding ambiance, this is the place. It's about a 20-25 minute walk from the hotel, but worth the exercise.

Mickey's Diner

Authentic? Yes. Good after a night of drinking? Yes. Healthy? Certainly not. This is your classic 1950's diner- a greasy spoon establishment great for capping an evening filled with too much drink. It's walking distance from the hotel- just look for the railroad car. Note: The imagery doesn't show the diner because of the angle of the shot. The placement of the icon is correct - Mickey's Diner sits just to the north of the large building.

Ruam Mit Thai Cafe

Authentic Thai right here. This place is known for its vegetarian meals (annotated on the menu with a smiley face), the curry duck, the wontons, and the spring rolls. If you go there, get the calamari and let me know if it's any good.

Sakura Restaurant and Sushi Bar

Sushi in Minnesota, kind of like Lutefisk in Seattle. If you like Sushi, this is the place you'll find it in St. Paul. They have a great selection of sushi, a full restaurant, and plenty of Sapporo to wash it all down.

Rehearsal Banquet at Patrick McGoverns Pub and Restaurant

This is a three story pub and restaurant just one block from the hotel. After the rehearsal at the church on friday night the wedding party (and their guests) will be having a get together here. There will be h'orderves, cake, and drinks compliments of the Groom.

Mall of America

It's big, but it's really just all the same stuff you have back where ever it is you hail from. The Mall of America, the world's largest mall (don't tell the Japanese or the people in Las Vegas) is right on the opposite side of the airport from the rest of the weekend's festivities. If you have to check it out, both hotels offer a complimentary shuttle service. Enjoy, but remember a giant Gap is still just a Gap.