ST. PAUL, Minn. - Nearly two years after it was initially announced, St. Paul's most anticipated building transformation is finally open.
Keg and Case, the new market concept inside the former Schmidt Brewery, is made up of more than 23 vendors, including restaurants, a brewery, a coffee shop, a juicery, an organic ice cream shop and a few fine food retail stores. KARE 11 recently had the chance to explore the new market at 928 W. Seventh St. in St. Paul this week.
The vendors include ...
Clutch Brewing Co.
What started as a passion project of two guys homebrewing on the weekends, turned into a full-fledged craft beer destination. Both coming from "motor loving families," the name Clutch gives a nod to the power of the community in the progress of the craft beer industry. Their beers range from a dry hopped classic American cream ale called "Outta Style" and a full bodied milk stout named "Sweet Jane." Find them along the entire second level of the market. (And see if you can guess how many pennies are on their bar counter for a free beer!)
Croix Valley
BBQ is invading the market. The people behind the Croix Valley sauces, seasons and marinades has a retail spot inside Keg and Case, where you'll be able to sample their award-winning sauces, dry rubs and more. The folks behind the venture began in a small kitchen in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
Elva Pottery
Described as "one-of-a-kind functional pottery and abstract oil paintings from a husband-and-wife team." Evla Pottery boasts of Minnesota-made art.
Five Watt Coffee
The popular coffee shop is moving beyond its locations in Northeast and in the Kingfield neighborhood to offer its unique coffee drinks inside the St. Paul market. They're not quite ready to open their doors but promise they will be soon.
Forest to Fork
"A grocery store like you've never seen before." Forest to Fork is a wild-food grocer that offers fresh exotic mushrooms grown onsite, plus wild greens, nuts, berries, rice and locally grown specialty crops. It's impossible to miss the 14-foot-tall climate-controlled (and colorfully lit) mushroom chamber that greets visitors.
Gazta and Enhancements
Cheese plate fans, this place is for you. Gazta works to highlight both local and wordwide award-winning cheeses in a "cheese bar," with housemade pairings including wine, cocktails and beer. The folks from O'Cheeze food truck (and Dough Dough at the Mall of America) are bringing another side of their venture to life in this cozy plaid-covered spot.
Green Bee Juicery
Juicing has found a new home. A group of St. Paul sisters (who refer to themselves as "research nerds") are putting the nutrients in your cup, hoping to educate and help heal along the way. Green Bee uses a cold-press process they say helps retain the highest level of vitamins and minerals.
Hobby Farmer Canning Company
Canning, just like your grandma used to do it. Hobby Farmer keeps the tradition of canning alive with a selection of pickles, beets and more.
House of Halva
From the Keg and Case website: "At House of Halva, discover the oldest and most famous Middle Eastern confection. We like to call it the taste of happiness." There are samples to be had and plenty to explore at this little booth that marks the first spot for this family-run venture. Comes in dairy and dairy-free options, plus sugar free, too.
In Bloom
While no description is listed on the Keg and Case website, this is perhaps one of the most anticipated spots in the new market. According to Rick Nelson at the Star Tribune, the restaurant from the owners of Revival and Corner Table will include a massive wood-burning stove and an outdoor patio.
K'nack
Cured meats and sausages from the people of RJ's Meats, a butcher shop in Hudson, Wis. RJ's has been owned and operated by the Reams family for more than 30 years. German-style sausages, bacon, beef sticks and more are among the offerings.
Pimento Jamaican Kitchen
Stop me if you've heard this one ... a Jewish rapper turned coffee truck owner moves in next door to a Jamaican business executive. The two collaborated and went on to win Food Network's reality show, Food Court Wars with their Jamaican street food. They expect to be open within the next few weeks.
Rose Street Patisserie
"Authentically French, minus the airfare." That's what this Linden Hills gem boasts with its selection of breakfast pastries, breads plus jams and pastries. From scones and muffins to both classic and cheese croissants, Rose Street Patisserie is the story of what happens when a baker falls in love with pastry, in one of the Queen's rose gardens, no less.
Spinning Wylde
Organic sugar cane and plant-based dyes are the base of this fun cotton candy shop that began as a pop-up shop. With more than 50 rotating flavors, the options are endless. Spinning Wylde's concoctions are lighter in taste and texture and their booth is perhaps Keg and Case's most colorful stand. Super fun for kids and adults, alike.
Studio Emme
A flower shop currently in Minneapolis that creates seasonal bouquets and arrangements. The cute little stand is located in the middle of the market.
Sweet Science Ice Cream
Handcrafted, organic ingredients make up this fun and all-natural ice cream shop. Sweet Science plays off the design of the periodic table while using organic dairy, sugar, locally sourced ingredients and excluding high-fructose corn syrup. As they say, "We don't add anything we can't pronounce. After all, it's not rocket science."
Worker B
Leave it to the honeybees. With ingredients straight from the hive, Worker B is a group of beekeepers and skincare formulators that create all-natural skincare products from lip balms to lotion and face wash using that magical golden honey. Stop by the Worker B spot to see live honeybees in action and taste their many varieties.
MN Slice
A place "where all the things we adore about MN come together to make a slice shop."
HandMod
A St. Paul woodshop "backed by three generations of craftsman." They're taking Reduce, Reuse and Recycle to another level with Reclaim, Reuse and Reimagine. Both the lumber and the other materials used in their pieces are found throughout the state.
Bogart's Doughnuts Co.
Some of the best donuts already found in Minneapolis are now making their way to St. Paul. This tiny booth packs a ton of flavor and plenty of fresh donuts daily.
Barkley's Bistro
Don't forget Fido! Here, only the best ingredients are used for the pups in your life.
Revival Smoked Meats
Another location where you're teased only by the incredible smells wafting through the market. The folks from Revival are bringing the best of their masterpiece BBQ recipes to the masses in this location, which should be opening soon.
Wandering Kitchen
It's like a chef's table experience but in a grab-and-go format. Meals, with an emphasis on flavor and healthy ingredients, are available to enjoy either at the market or to heat and eat later.
For more on the Keg and Case market, the hours and location, click here.