JJ Astor Restaurant, Lounge, and View and Chef Ryan Zander Win Outstanding Review by MN Monthly

JJ Astor Restaurant, Lounge, and View (JJ Astor) in Duluth, Minnesota has received another thumbs up from foodies, this time from Minnesota Monthly. Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl, Senior Editor, Food, recently visited and stated, “There’s no question in my mind that JJ Astor is the best restaurant in Duluth—and I’ve eaten in them all.” JJ Astor was also an Open Table Best Pick for October by foodie reservation site, Open Table.

According to Matt Barningham, restaurant manager, “we couldn’t have asked for a better review.” “Minnesota Monthly readers are loyal, and react to what they read. We invite everyone to come in and give us a try. We are nearing our six-month anniversary Chef Ryan Zander and his team are listening to our diners by providing excellent service, and unique menu items while enjoying a one-of-a-kind view of Duluth.”

JJ Astor serves breakfast at 6:30 am, Lunch from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, Dinner from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm and has a lounge open until 11:00 pm. A variety of signature drinks are available in the Lounge including J’s Martini, Superior Sunset, and Cocotini, to name a few.

Dann Gets a Suit

Welcome Maribeth!

Bill Nelson, President of Nelson & Company Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations (NCO)—announced today that Maribeth Mark has been hired as New Business/Account Manager, and has joined the team at their office in Canal Park’s historic Endion Station.

Maribeth will be responsible for increasing brand awareness for Nelson & Company, building relationships with advertising agency search firms, developing a referral network, and account development and planning among other duties. According to Nelson, "Maribeth's caliber of expertise will have a tremendous impact on the agency's ability to continue to deliver on a promise of excellent service and results for existing and future clients in our area and beyond.”

Prior to joining Nelson and Company, Maribeth worked at American Express where she spent time in Trust Services, Client Service, National Relationship Management, and ultimately Marketing and Business Development. She spent the last six years of her corporate career with Wells Fargo in Minneapolis.

Nelson & Company, which celebrated five years in June 2010, blends sound marketing fundamentals with alternative methods to provide clients with creative, budget minded, and results-oriented work rooted in strategic thinking.

Here We Go to Bentleyville!

We saw an article one morning about the search for a Bentleyville jingle. We decided to give it the old NelsCo try and come up with something fun. Dann let his creativity run wild, and with only a few random ideas from the rest of us, he came up with this masterpiece.

We did not make the top 6, but here is the auto-tuned masterpiece:

http://www.nelson-company.com/herewego.mp3

Enjoy.

JJ Astor Restaurant to Host Breakfast with Captains

JJ Astor Restaurant, Lounge, and View is now open in Duluth in the former Top of the Harbor location and is the perfect location to visit with the Tall Ships Captains. The Captains of four ships will attend breakfast and visit with guests—answering questions and having photos taken. Reservations are being taken by calling (218) 722-VIEW (8439). For more information you can also check out www.visitduluth.com/tall-ships.

JJ Astor will serve breakfast starting at 6:30 am, and The Captains are expected to arrive between 7:30 – 8:00 am before departing to the Canal for tours on their respective ships beginning at 9:00 am. The featured Captains are:

· Captain Robin Walbridge of the HMS BOUNTY, Greenport, NY

· Captain Patrick Vermandel of the ROALD AMUNDSEN, Germany

· Captain Jamie Trost of the PRIDE OF BALTIMORE II, Baltimore, MD

· Captain Rob Vos of the EUROPA, The Netherlands

Authentic portraits, blueprints, and photography from Duluth’s shipping history adorn the teak panels located throughout the restaurant. While the most stunning feature is undoubtedly the BEST view of Lake Superior, the interiors also paint a captivating picture of their own. Appointed with vibrant pops of color and pattern, alongside an array of worldly treasures, guests are encouraged to both explore and relax.

JJ Astor Restaurant, Lounge, and View opened June 11, 2010 in the former Top of the Harbor Restaurant—Duluth’s 40-year old landmark restaurant with a 360-degree view. Full of old world character and spirited tradition with a fresh modern irreverence, JJ Astor is a lively place to share old stories, create new memories, and savor signature dishes made from sustainable local food. Located at 505 W. Superior Street, Top Floor, Duluth, Minnesota. For more information call 218-722-VIEW (8439). Visit us at www.JJAstorRestaurant.com or on Facebook at JJ Astor Restaurant. Hours: Breakfast 6:30-11:00 am; Lunch 11:00 am – 2:00 pm; Dinner 5:00 -11:00 pm.

Bowery Bros. Opens in Former 5th Avenue Lounge

Located across Superior Street from The Radisson—where the Duluth Public Library now stands—once stood the Bowery District in Downtown, which served both rail passengers and port travelers. Hotels, bars, restaurants, and ‘dens of vice’ welcomed visitors and locals alike. When it was time to blow off steam, indulge, imbibe, exchange stories, and share opinions, this is where you came. Oftentimes, brothers and family reunited in this area, as it was the city’s travel center of the time period.

Named after the infamous District—Bowery Bros. Cocktails and Pub Fare, will open in the former 5^th Avenue Lounge at 505 West Superior Street on Friday, June 11 at 4 pm. Diners to the pub will find signature menu items created by Executive Chef Ryan Zander like The Astor Burger (named after JJ Astor – the Fur Trader turned NY Real Estate Mogul and namesake of the top floor restaurant with a 360 degree view), an original and smoky Pulled Pork Sandwich, Walleye Sliders and much more pub fare.

Paul Leisner, hotel general manager, pointed out, “The outdoor patio is also being remodeled. Our goal is to serve a casual dinner to busy downtown office workers and make it as comfortable and convenient as possible.”

The décor is comfortable too, antique Minnesota sports portraits and artifacts fill the walls along with reclaimed lockers. “We want this to be a place that folks gather for a game and great pub food,” said Leisner. The menu is fresh and original and offers draft beer, wine, and original cocktails.

Hours are Monday – Friday 4 pm to Midnight, Saturday 11 am to midnight, and Sunday 11 am to 10 pm. For more information call 218-727-8981. Located at 505 W. Superior Street, street level Duluth, Minnesota.

New Name. New Look. New Chef. Same Breathtaking View. JJ Astor to open June 2010 in former Top of the Harbor space.

After 40 years of serving a variety of guests and hosting numerous family celebrations, the Top of the Harbor Restaurant closed quietly in March and the renovation of a new brand began. When the doors open to the public June 2010 – new memories will be made at JJ Astor Restaurant, Lounge and View. The only remaining component in Duluth’s newest signature dining experience will be the breathtaking view the location has become famous for.

JJ Astor Restaurant, Lounge, and View, has been named after John Jacob Astor (JJ Astor) – the late 19^th Century owner of The American Fur Company, a Fond du Lac, MN—based business. JJ Astor also had a Lake Superior trading ship, “The Astor” that was used to supply the early outposts around the Lake. In 1844 after unloading at Fort Wilkins, a storm blew the Astor up on the rocks where she remained enclosed in ice throughout the winter. The sunken ship was retired, but JJ Astor went on to use his fur monies for a number of business investments including real estate. He died the world’s richest man in 1848 at the age of 84.

JJ Astor will not only celebrate the legacy of JJ Astor, but of many Lake Superior and Great Lakes ships, industries, and legends. The inland-sea, nautical themed restaurant will display historical photographs, beautiful architecturally inspired furnishings, and degree markers as the restaurant makes it way around 360 degrees every 72 minutes. As part of a national investment in Radisson properties, owner Trinity Hotels of New York have invested in the restaurant and lobby, and have scheduled additional updates to the 5^th Avenue Bar/Lounge and the guest rooms.

General Manager Paul Leisner explains, “The Top of the Harbor was ready for a re-do. The food was tired, the décor was out of date, and a total face-lift was needed.” And that’s what the space is getting. San Francisco Restaurant Design Firm, The Puccini Group, was hired to design a new space within the same revolving restaurant – incorporating the area’s history and visionaries. A new Executive Chef, Ryan Zander, has been hired to inspire the menu utilizing sustainable produce from local farmers and fresh fish from local fishermen for signature menu offerings such as Fresh Catch of the Day. “The staff will also go through extensive training with our consultants and new chef to make sure that each guest has the best service, food, and experience available in our area,” said Leisner.

JJ Astor Restaurant Lounge, and View will open June 2010 in the former Top of the Harbor Restaurant—Duluth’s 40-year old landmark revolving restaurant with a 360-degree view. Full of old world character and spirited tradition with a fresh modern irreverence, JJ Astor will be a lively place to share old stories, create new memories, and savor signature dishes made from sustainable local food. Located at 505 W. Superior Street, Top Floor, Duluth, Minnesota. For more information call 218-727-8981.