Preston's new passion for the pub For a lot of people, Preston's Urban Pub is nothing more than a college bar -- famous for its guaranteed-to-get-you-wasted fishbowl concoctions. About a month ago, the bar (located at Seven Corners in Minneapolis) decided to change its tune. Preston's wants to be a bona fide beer bar (a la the Muddy Pig or the nearby Acadia). Owner Mark Habben has filled his 29 tap lines with boutique beers, such as Maredsous and Magic Hat, as well as such local brews as Lift Bridge and Surly. Soon, the bar will begin offering firkin and cask-conditioned beer on Thursdays, as well as beer flights. "We've been having beer school for all of our employees," Habben said. But don't worry, college kids: Preston's hasn't forgotten you. "We still have our fishbowls," he added.
221 Cedar Av. S., Mpls. 612-338-6146.
Gastro gets Fabulous The roving beer-food-bands party known as Gastro Non Grata is back. This time, the shindig is called "Fabulous Non Grata -- The Movable Feast." The Gastro guys have partnered with Fabulous Catering to create a night of beer-and-food pairings, capped off with local live music. The bands: Chord and the Fawn, Dreamland Faces and Dark Dark Dark.
7 p.m. Jan. 8. 2900 13th Av. S., Mpls. $20 advance/$25 door. Register: 612-789-4244.
Mixology 101, Part 2 In December, Studio Bricolage teamed with Bradstreet Craftshouse on a class dedicated to the craft of the cocktail. It sold out, but Part Two has arrived. The Jan. 30 class, held at Bradstreet, is called "Mixology: The origin of spirits & the philosophy of ice." Yep, the bar's resident mixologists will school participants on the science behind distillation and the art behind cocktail garnishing (you gotta have amazing ice). Space is limited, so reserve your spot in advance. Part Three happens in February.
1-3 p.m. Jan. 30. 601 1st Av. N., Mpls. $45 advance/$55 door. Register: www.studiobricolage.org.
