Metropolitan State University
I think that Metro State is currently underrated its a good university for the money, especially for certain programs. Last time I heard, Metro State accounting program graduates had the highest passing rate among all Minnesota universities. I like the idea of being adult student oriented, with many metro locations, convenient class times and (many) great professors with hands-on experience. I completed my degree going to school full-time while working full-time and felt well prepared for my new career.
Penzeys Spices Ltd
What a wonderful store for those who like to cook gourmet meals. At this store, you can get spices that are not sold at other places, or get better quality stuff than at grocery stores. Prices are not too bad, especially considering product quality. I definitely prefer shopping in-store versus online, but its nice to have a choice. I guess the only negative thing about this store would be impulse buys.
Russian Gallery
Im not sure why Russian Gallery is considered a bookstore that place sells anything it can find: souvenirs, CDs (brought from Russia or Ukraine which means they are most likely pirate copies), videos, jewelry, electronic dictionaries you name it. I went there to buy some CD titles I couldnt find anywhere else and was shocked by the salespersons outrageous behavior. He was very rude and treated me like if I was mentally disabled because you see, I like classical music and that just is not normal, in his opinion! No need to say Im not coming back.
Glenrose Florals To Formals
Florals and Formals has a nice selection of bridal gowns and accessories, and staff is very helpful. I wish I found this place before I bought my bridal gown that would make the entire experience way more pleasant. I was just looking for bridal jewelry when I walked in this store and the lady behind the counter treated me like if I was the most valued customer, probably spending half an hour with me, looking things up in a catalog (I happened to like one of the discontinued styles) and trying to match everything exactly. Ill definitely recommend this shop to my engaged girlfriends.
Rush's Bridal
I called this store ahead of time and asked what the best time to visit would be (when it's not too busy), considering the fact that I needed assistance. I never got a direct answer and decided to visit the store anyway. When I got there, it wasn't busy at all - but no one acknowledged my presence and I had to ask for help. All I got was a finger pointed at "stuff you may like" - and when I was about to ask a question, no salesperson was to be found. Rush's may have nice selection, but in my experience, customer service was unacceptable.
Queen Of Cakes
We ordered our wedding cake from Queen of Cakes and couldnt be happier with our choice. This vendor can do just anything you want, without charging an arm and a leg for every modification. Cakes are delivered for free within certain area and can be decorated with flowers you provide also free of charge. Employees and owner are so easy to work with and nice, but what would you expect from people who bake cakes free of course for birthday kids at St. Josephs Home for Children? Queen of Cakes will have my patronage for many years.
sunset park music
Sunset Park Music is a group (ranges from duo to quintet) that plays jazz, swing, standards and classical music. We had a quartet for our wedding and though I certainly did my research, I was very impressed by the level and professionalism of musicians. You will find many of them playing here in Twin Cities clubs, so they certainly know how to handle the crowd and are experienced enough to make changes on the fly. Sunset is my favorite wedding vendor and I recommend it to everyone.
The Social Dance Studio
Social Dance studio teaches just what its name implies social dancing. Teachers mostly concentrate on patterns and no so much technique or survival in crowded clubs, so I probably will not come back and take lessons there (well Im more serious about dancing than most people so Im picky about my instructors). However, if all you want is a few weeks of instruction and ability to impress your non-dancing friends with a few steps in salsa or swing, you make like that place.
Che Bella
Che Bella has very nice and fun things, but all that stuff is expensive. I dont feel that quality is that much higher than in other places, if at all so guessing that customers are paying for better service. Staff is, indeed, very friendly and helpful.Of course I ended up buying my veil elsewhere for one-fourth of what Che Bella wanted for a very similar one, but if your budget allows, this is a fun store to browse and pick up a little thing or two.
Linders Greenhouse
Linders has a great selection of all types of plants and tips for care. Prices are average, but check out their seasonal sales. As far as I understand, all plants are locally grown, which means they should survive our winter. Linders has a 2-year warranty for perennials they believe in their product. What a great local nursery.