The HoDo Dispatch

Lunch Specials, September 28 - October 3

2009-09-28T07:58:00.001-05:00

Swiss Chard, Beer & Cherry Salad - Locally grown swiss chard with walnuts, goat cheese, sambuca and a black garlic vinaigrette - $9

Turkey Pesto Sandwich - Sauteed turkey with cranberries and fontinella cheese on ciabatta with pesto aioli and lettuce, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

Wild Boar Quesadilla - Braised boar and boar bacon with roasted peppers, onions, mangoes and pepper jack & cheddar, served with heirloom tomato salsa and sweet chili sour cream - $10

Pork Chops - Spiced panko crusted pork chops with a rhubarb chutney, grilled green beans and mashed mascarpone red potatoes - $10

(*sub fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit + $1)

Lunch Specials, September 21 - 26

2009-09-21T21:47:00.001-05:00

(Lunch specials are available in addition to our all-day menu, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Warm Swiss Chard Salad - Assorted locally grown swiss chard sauteed with saffron couscous, bacon and marinated chili peppers, topped with crispy spiced chick peas and shaved manchego - $9

Surf & Turf Sandwich - Grilled white wine and truffle marinated shrimp on braised beef with pink peppercorn aioli and spinach and finished with shaved fontinella cheese, served open faced on sourdough with sweet potato chips* - $11

Chorizo and Chicken Wrap - Grilled chicken and chorizo sausage with romaine, guacamole and papaya & tomato chutney in a garlic herb wrap, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

Sausage and Mushroom Pizza - Italian sausage with a wild mushroom cream sauce and gruyere cheese topped with a fresh tarragon & heirloom tomato - $10

(sub fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit, +$1)

All It Takes Is a Washboard, a Rope and a Guitar

2009-09-16T14:32:00.002-05:00

In the right hands, good music doesn't take much. In the case of The Brass Kings, the term "stripped down" is a bit of an understatement - one well-picked guitar, a washboard, and a one-string rope bass is all they need to create a sturdy blues/folk sound. Sub out the washboard for a djembe and they're tooling around with an Eastern meets Western design for added depth. The Brass Kings are a treat for blues, folk and bluegrass enthusiasts and for music fans in general, especially fans of "how'd they do that?" Check 'em out tomorrow night, Thursday the 17th, at 8 p.m. No cover, 21+.

*The Brass Kings on MySpace.

*See this event on Facebook.

*On YouTube:

Lunch Specials, September 14 - 19

2009-09-14T09:37:00.001-05:00

(Lunch specials are available in addition to our all day menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Heirloom & Spinach Caprese Salad - Locally grown heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil with balsamic vinaigrette - $10

Curry Chicken Pot Pie - Carrots, onions, celery, peas, bamboo shoots and water chestnuts with a curry cream sauce in a puff pastry - $9

Braised Beef Sandwich - Open faced on sourdough with horseradish creme fraiche, spring greens, sherried red onion, St. Pete's bleu cheese and asparagus, served with sweet potato chips* - $10

Spicy Sausage Ziti in marinara with grilled zucchini and caramelized fennel - $9

(*sub fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit, +$1)

Inside Out String Trio - It's a String Thing

2009-09-09T14:05:00.006-05:00

While the geographic center of the bluegrass universe seems to be somewhere south of Duluth, some good stuff has been cropping up close to home. Exhibit A is the Inside Out String Trio, a tight Fargo-Moorhead outfit that pays homage to the great mandolin of David Grisman and explores the ever-widening field of acoustic jazz and bluegrass. It's a gratifying sound and well worth a listen, so stop on by the HoDo Lounge tomorrow night at 9 p.m. for a gander. No cover, 21+.

*See this event on Facebook

*The Inside Out String Trio on MySpace

YouTubeage:

Hat Freshness!

2009-09-08T12:57:00.007-05:00

Our new hats came in! Look your HoDoiest with these flashy, embroidered lids available in Ninja Black or Blizzard White. Stop by and pick one up or call us at 701.478.1000 and we'll get one sent out to you.

(Blizzard White)

(Ninja Black)

Turn an outfit into an ensemble!

Lunch Specials, Sept 8 - 12

2009-09-08T10:59:00.002-05:00

(Lunch specials are available in addition to our all-day menu 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Mixed Vegetable Salad - Spring greens and sundry fresh vegetables with your choice of dressing - $8

Fish Tacos - Fried cod with chipotle remoulade, spring greens, shredded cheddar & smoked tomato pico in corn tortillas, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

Roast Beef with roasted potatoes, mixed vegetables and gravy - $10

Pepperoni Cavatappi - Red and green peppers, onions and kalamata olives in an herb cream sauce - $9

(*sub fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit + $1)

Lounge and Restaurant Closed This Weekend

2009-09-03T13:21:00.001-05:00

The HoDo Lounge and HoDo Restaurant will be closed all day Saturday, September 5th for a private wedding. The Lounge and Restaurant will also be closed all day Sunday the 6th and Monday the 7th in order to allow our teammates to observe the Labor Day holiday.

The Lounge and Restaurant will resume normal hours on Tuesday, September 8th. The Lounge will open at 11 a.m. for lunch and the Restaurant will open at 5 p.m. for dinner.

If you have any questions, please call 701.478.1000. Thank you and have a happy and safe holiday weekend!

It's a Madhouse!

2009-09-02T13:12:00.002-05:00

They'll be swinging, they'll be swaying, they'll be climbing the walls and tearing them down. The Fenders are always full of mirth and mischief, whether they're leading conga lines around the block or resurrecting Elvis. The lounge will be hopping with their raucous dance sets, so set your phasers to fun and come on down tomorrow night, Thursday the 3rd at 7:30 p.m. No cover, 21+.

*The Front Fenders home

*See this event on Facebook

Lunch Specials, Aug 31 - Sept 5

2009-08-31T09:59:00.001-05:00

(Lunch specials are available in addition to our all-day menu 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Sweet and sour shrimp - Tempura fried shrimp with sweet & sour sauce, served over fried rice - $10

BLT & A - Bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado and mayo on ciabatta, served with sweet potato chips* - $8

Triple Pork Burger - Ground pork stuffed with BBQ braised pork, topped with bacon, chipotle gouda and chipotle aioli, served with sweet potato chips* - $10

French Dip - Sliced prime rib, grilled onion and havarti on a baguette, served with sweet potato chips* - $10

(*sub fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit, +$1)

The Revolution Will Not Be Wearing Footwear

2009-08-26T14:24:00.004-05:00

This seven-piece, horn-driven funk ensemble stuffs every nook and cranny in the joint with red-hot groove. Based out of Minneapolis, they've been spotted at the 10,000 Lakes Festival and are continuing to make the summer festival rounds with a spot on the upcoming Harvest Fest roster. They'll also make a stop over in the HoDo Lounge tomorrow night, Thursday, August 27th at 8 p.m. Highly recommended if you're craving a funky concoction with a smooth aftertaste. No cover, 21+.

*Shoeless Revolution Home Page

*Shoeless Revolution on MySpace

*See this event on Facebook

YouTubeage:

Lunch Specials Aug 24 - 29

2009-08-24T10:05:00.003-05:00

(Lunch specials are available along with our all-day menu 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Avocado & Spinach Salad with toasted pumpkin seeds, spiced pears, shaved manchego and a garam masala vinaigrette - $8

Hawaiian Stromboli - Ham and pineapple with roasted red peppers, Thai chili sauce and provolone, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

Hot Brown - Turkey, bacon, tomatoes and alfredo sauce with parmesan on marble rye, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

Braised Beef Bolognese - Beef marinara with ziti and parmesan - $8

(*sub fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit, +$1)

Lunch Specials, August 17 - 22

2009-08-18T10:49:00.004-05:00

(Lunch specials are available in addition to our all-day menu, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Jambalaya - Shrimp, chicken, bison sausage and corn bread served over dirty rice - $10

Chicken Alfredo Pizza with roasted onions and peppers - $9

Teriyaki Beef Burger with grilled pineapple, teriyaki leeks and wasabi mustard, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

BBQ Pork Sandwich on ciabatta with lettuce, tomato, grilled onion and cheddar cheese, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

(*sub fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit, +$1)

Tonight We're Gonna Rock You Tonight - Dalefest 2

2009-08-14T10:46:00.003-05:00

Tonight's the night, folks! Join us on Broadway at 7 p.m. for our 2nd annual block party (cosponsored by Summit Brewing) celebrating our man, Dale. Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome kicks off the music with plenty of horns and funky flair, then Roster McCabe will kick out the reggae jams for the rest of the evening. Check out art demonstrations from our friends over at the Upfront Gallery, plus a lot of random madness. $7 gets the 21+ crowd in the gates.

Above all, have a great time. Dale would ask for nothing less than a hoot and a half.

*See this event on Facebook

*Roster McCabe's home page

Bad Mojo Kicks Off Dalefest ... Sort Of

2009-08-12T10:45:00.005-05:00

In the sense that a band could open for another band 24 hours into the future, well, you could call this a Dalefest opener. For sure, plenty of Dalefest madness will be in the HoDo Lounge air tomorrow night as Bad Mojo spins a musical yarn that will certainly prime the pump for the next day. It's jam/rock for the people and it'll getcha on your feet. No cover, 21+. Show starts at 8 p.m.

40 Watt Bulb - Paradise by the Low Lamp Light

2009-08-04T10:52:00.004-05:00

In a perfect world, 40 Watt Bulb is what all popular music would sound like. Their easy going and capricious tunes, with no shortage of real instruments played by real people in a room, carry a palpable, quirky quality. Sure, they've got a country/bluegrass feel, but you get the idea that any genre would benefit from this much feeling or this much attention to lyric and melody. In short, 40 Watt Bulb's got soul. The HoDo Lounge should be a fun place to be this Thursday night. No cover, 21+. The show starts at 9 p.m.

*RSVP to this event on Facebook.

*Forty Watt Bulb on MySpace.

*Aquarium Records, with some nice reviews

YouTubeage:

Lunch Specials, August 3 - 8

2009-08-03T12:44:00.001-05:00

(Lunch specials available in addition to our all-day menu 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Berry Salad - blackberries, blueberries and raspberries
with spring greens and tossed in a strawberry balsamic dressing, $8

Shrimp Curry - peppers, onion and pineapple with coconut curry sauce, served over basmati rice, $10

Mediterranean Turkey Wrap - romaine, bruschetta, mozzarella and nicoise spread, served with sweet potato chips*, $8

Philly Cheese Steak - bison, beef and elk with onions, peppers and mushrooms on a baguette and covered with cheddar & provolone, served with sweet potato chips*, $9

(substitute cup of soup, fresh fruit or fries, +$1)

Blues Festival Weekend - A 3-Day Funk

2009-07-28T09:14:00.003-05:00

The Fargo Blues Festival begins this weekend and is now in its 14th year of pulling quality national acts into town. That's 14 years well spent, in our book. This year, the Blues Fest brings in slide virtuoso Sonny Landreth and the pyrotechnic blues/rock of Indigenous, among others, and promises another quality year of entertainment.

We're putting on a weekend of blues in the HoDo Lounge to compliment the festival. Thursday at 8:30 p.m. and Friday at 10:30 p.m., come out to see our old friends the Blue Wailers. Saturday at 10:30 p.m., Stage Door Johnny (featuring members of the Deb Jenkins Band) will rock the joint the day after their afternoon show at the festival. If blue is your favorite color, this is the weekend for you. All shows no cover, 21+.

*RSVP for these events on Facebook here, here, and here.

*Learn more about the blues at Allmusic.com.

Lunch Specials, July 27 - August 1

2009-07-27T10:50:00.001-05:00

(lunch specials available in addition to our all-day menu 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Spinach Salad with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms tossed in a garlic-parmesan vinaigrette - $9

Shrimp Mac & Cheese - cheese sauce with shrimp and cavatappi - $9

Hot Beef & Sausage Sub - Roast beef, Italian sausage and giardiniera with provolone cheese on a baguette, served with sweet potato chips* - $10

Tuna Melt - Tuna salad with Wisconsin cheddar on sourdough, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

(*sub fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit, +$1)

Lunch Specials, July 20 - 25

2009-07-20T10:12:00.002-05:00

(Lunch specials are available in addition to our all-day menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Chevre Medallion Salad with caramelized onions and confit tomatoes tossed in a raspberry vinaigrette - $8

Elk Patty Melt on sourdough with black garlic aioli, sherried red onions and havarti, served with sweet potato chips* - $12

BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich - open faced on sourdough with red cabbage slaw and topped with onion straws, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

Asparagus & Ham Pizza topped with tomatoes, caramelized onions and fontinella cheese - $9

(*sub fries, cup o' soup, side salad or fruit, +$1)

This Weekend: A Trailer Park Musical?

2009-07-15T13:55:00.005-05:00

So, you're in downtown Fargo for the street fair. You had your cheese curds, your lemonade and you browsed all of the goods. What next?

Domres Productions, a local, independent theatre group, presents "The Great American Trailer Park Musical" at the Fargo Theatre, and it might prove to be what completes your street fair experience. A little tawdry and a lot of fun, "Trailer Park" offers a taste of life in - you guessed it - an American trailer park and promises both humor and dimension. The show has received raves around the world and the local production should be a natural accompaniment to the festivities of the weekend. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $18 and the show is recommended for mature teens and older. Call (701) 235-4152 for advanced sale.

There was a nice John Lamb piece about the show in today's Forum. Read it here. (Photo via the Forum)

Roster McCabe - A Dalefest Sneak Peak

2009-07-15T10:16:00.004-05:00

Roster McCabe brings a lot to the table. They practice a tight and infectious meld of reggae, funk and rock, a sound that has them tearing up the summer festival circuit and keeping audiences on their feet at every stop. They cover a lot of tonal and rhythmic ground and find a nice home between booty-shakin' and ear candy. See them in the HoDo Lounge tomorrow night at 8 p.m.

Roster also will headline this year's Dalefest on August 14th, making this an excellent chance to give them a sample. No cover, 21+.

Izakaya (Japanese Pub) Night - July's Flavor of the Month

2009-07-14T09:49:00.003-05:00

(photo via Wikipedia Creative Commons)

Tomorrow night, the July installment of our Flavor of the Month series hops a plane for Japan, where pubs called "izakaya" serve from a menu of small plates shared by everyone at the table while sipping after-work drinks (think happy-hour appetizers).

Our version recalls the simplicity and fresh tastes common to izakaya menus through five prix fixe courses with two choices for each course. Bring a few friends and give them all a taste. $40/person. Seating is limited, so please make reservations by calling 701.478.1000. The menu is available from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; click here to see it.

(Every third Wednesday of the month, the HoDo Restaurant creates a special menu united around a different cuisine. In the past, we've done French night, Danish night and BBQ night, to name a few. Watch our website at www.hoteldonaldson.com or our Facebook page for updates.)

Dalefest is Just a Month Away!

2009-07-13T16:35:00.002-05:00

Save the date! Dalefest returns August 14th at 7 p.m. with another round of music and art on Broadway. There will be live art demonstrations from the Upfront Gallery crew and music from Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome and Roster McCabe. And, Hawaiian shirts? You better believe there's gonna be Hawaiian shirts.

Details to follow. In the meantime, check out last year's Dalefest. It was a hoot.

Lunch Specials, July 13 - 18

2009-07-13T11:22:00.001-05:00

(Lunch specials available in addition to our all-day menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Chicken Saltimbocca - Prosciutto and sage-wrapped chicken with mushrooms and vegetable - $10

Panzanella Salad - Greens with roasted vegetables, grilled bread, chevre cheese and sherry vinaigrette - $9

Wild Mushroom & Havarti Burger - Natural beef burger with black garlic aioli and balsamic reduction, served with sweet potato chips* - $10

Ham and Pear Sandwich - Open-faced on sourdough with arugula, whole-grain mustard and gruyere cheese, served with sweet potato chips* - $8

(sub fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit, +$1)

Charlie Parr: To Quote Mason Jennings...

2009-07-08T13:24:00.003-05:00

"Nobody says the things he says, nobody moves like he moves."

Jennings may have written the song "Duluth" about the love between a well-meaning girl and an absent railroad man, but he could have been talking about Duluth native Charlie Parr, a musician whose fingerstyle blues invoke a similar working aesthetic and solemn power. If you haven't had a chance to see Charlie, come on out. He's tremendous. The show starts at 9 p.m. in the HoDo Lounge tomorrow night. $5 cover, 21+. Seating is limited, so come early to get a good view of the action.

Lunch Specials, July 6 - July 11

2009-07-06T11:28:00.002-05:00

(specials are available in addition to our all-day menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Grilled Bleu Cheese & Bacon Sandwich - St. Pete's bleu with havarti and tomato on sourdough, served with sweet potato chips* - $8

Chipotle BBQ Pork Sandwich on a toasted hoagie with avocado, roasted red pepper salsa and cheddar, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

Meatloaf - Bison and beef with house demi, buttermilk mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetable - $10

Wild Mushroom Cavatappi with onion, spinach, parmesan and a cognac pan sauce - $8

(*sub fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit, +$1)

Go On a Fender Bender.

2009-06-30T14:01:00.003-05:00

In a marriage made in heaven, or maybe Detroit, Thursday's Front Fenders show in the HoDo Lounge coincides with the Downtown Community Partnership's "Cruisin' Broadway," an event that brings out all kinds of car enthusiasts in their snazzy rides. Not only do the Front Fenders fit the automobile mold, but they also provide the rock chutzpah that you expect to hear pumping out of a sweet Mustang convertible on a summer afternoon. Thursday night, 7:30 p.m. No cover, 21+.

Volunteers, Let's Clean Up Downtown!

2009-06-29T13:27:00.003-05:00

Show your downtown pride! The High Plains Reader, AM 1100 The Flag, The Downtown Neighborhood Association and the Downtown Community Partnership are sponsoring "The Great Downtown Clean-Up" tomorrow (Tuesday) evening. Volunteers are needed to (among other things) scrape pesky gum from the sidewalks, remove spray paint and pick up all those cigarette butts.

Feel like lending a hand? Meet up in the US Bank plaza on Broadway at 5:30 p.m. No need to bring any supplies (although a pair of gloves might not hurt). Read up on the clean-up in the most recent HPR.

Lunch Specials June 29th - July 3rd

2009-06-29T11:34:00.004-05:00

(Lunch specials are available in addition to our all-day menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. NOTE: The HoDo Lounge will be closed Saturday, July 4th and Sunday, July 5th)

Grilled Shrimp & Avocado Salad - Romaine, red onion and poblano peppers topped with corn tortilla chips, shredded cheddar & havarti cheeses and spicy tomato dressing - $9

Chicken Margherita Pizza with roasted garlic, tomato, basil and provolone cheese - $8

Roast Beef & Arugula Sammy - Truffle horseradish aioli, sherried red onions and havarti on toasted sour dough, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

Smoked Turkey Pasta with zucchini and leeks in a roasted fennel tomato sauce - $9

(*sub fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit +$1)

A Roots Party with the Johnson Family Band

2009-06-25T15:27:00.006-05:00

All it takes is a condenser mic and some floor space to get something cooking with the Johnsons. Luckily, the HoDo Lounge floor is perfect for capturing their hard-stomping bluegrass thumps as they romp through a celebration of a prominent strain of American musical DNA. Lots of strings, lots of howlin', lots of chunky rhythms and plenty of fun.

Tonight, y'all, at 9 bells. No cover, 21+

*The Johnsons on MySpace.

The Johnsons on YouTube:

Lunch Specials, June 22 - 27

2009-06-22T10:26:00.003-05:00

(specials served in addition to our all-day menu, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Arugula Salad - Arugula tossed with Marcona almonds, caramelized onions, Montagnola blue cheese and apple & vanilla vinaigrette - $9

Greek Bacon Cheeseburger - Beef pattied with kalamata olives and roasted red peppers with spinach, mascarpone and tzatziki, topped with crisp prosciutto and feta cheese, served with sweet potato chips* - $10

Weuben - Walleye, sauerkraut, gruyere and 1000 island dressing grilled on marbled rye, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

Bucatini Florentine - Spinach, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes and pancetta in a creamy fontinella and gruyere sauce - $9

(*sub fires, cup of soup, side salad or fruit, +$1)

Fleischkeuchle Week!

2009-06-19T09:08:00.004-05:00

If you've been following our Facebook chatter for the last week, you know that there's been a lot of talk about fleischkeuchle, a delicacy of the German-Russian population in central North Dakota. Your humble narrator, a native of Garrison, N.D. (deep in the heart of fleischkeuchle country) felt such pangs of nostalgia for its deep-fried meaty goodness that I needled our kitchen until we finally tried it out as a lunch special. Our chef made as authentic of a version as he could - it's a very simple recipe - and the result became a minor phenomenon.

The Milestones Photography crew was gracious enough to come down for a taste and provided the above fan photo to our Facebook page. You can read an account of their trip here on the Milestones blog. Thanks, guys!

*Today (Friday) is the last day of the fleischkeuchle special, but it was successful enough to try again someday. If you're interested in finding out the next time we have it, send me an email.

*Also, did you try the fleischkeuchle? Send me your thoughts or suggestions.

Fargo's Queen of the Blues - The Deb Jenkins Band

2009-06-17T11:23:00.004-05:00

When the HoDo first opened, the Deb Jenkins Band was one of first, if not THE first, acts to play in our lounge. Over five years later, Deb and Co. are still going strong.

Deb's efforts haven't stopped at being one of the most in-demand acts in the F-M area; she writes a food column for the High Plains Reader and is currently organizing the Celebration of Women and Their Music, an event that has been gaining popularity since 1998 (you can read about last year's event here).

Stop in and hear blues and soul by a stalwart of our community tomorrow night at 8 p.m. No cover, 21+.

Lunch Specials, June 15 - 20

2009-06-15T09:55:00.002-05:00

(specials are served in addition to our all-day menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Tandoori Chicken Kabobs with cilantro oil, served on saffron rice pilaf - $10

Bison Fleischkeuchle with sauerkraut and roasted root vegetables - $10

Smoked Turkey Sandwich with tomato basil aioli, lettuce, avocado & provolone on a baguette, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

BBQ Pork & Avocado Salad - greens tossed with chipotle herb dressing and topped with roasted corn, black beans, peppers, onions and tortilla crisps - $9

(*sub fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit, +$1)

Corks & Canvas Art and Wine Walk

2009-06-10T13:08:00.002-05:00

The Fargo Downtowner presents an evening of wine tasting and art exposition. Sample wine and treats from a variety of businesses and experience art presented by the artists themselves.

The HoDo will be previewing some of the Sokol Blosser wines slated for next week's winemaker's dinner and we'll have comments from Minnesota State University-Moorhead student artists on our current student show in the restaurant.

Corks & Canvas will be a monthly downtown feature all summer, every second Thursday through September.

Flatlands, Not Flat Earth Theorists

2009-06-10T12:20:00.002-05:00

Flatlands may hail from a flat place, but they do consider the world to be round. Additionally, they consider the round world a place with catchy, quality songs that sound great with acoustic guitars and whatever else happens to be laying around. See the lay of the 'Lands tomorrow night, Thursday the 11th at 9 p.m. No cover, 21+.

Lunch Specials for June 8 - 13

2009-06-08T11:04:00.001-05:00

(Specials are served in addition to our all day menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Spinach Salad with dried blueberries and cherries, sherried red onions, feta cheese and paprika yoghurt dressing - $9

Tempura Shrimp Baguette with spicy sweet chili sauce and sesame seaweed and cucumber salad. Served with sweet potato chips.* - $9

Grilled Chicken Bucatini with roasted red pepper pesto, grilled artichoke hearts and zucchini. - $9

Braised Beef Sammy, open faced on sourdough with grilled leeks and St. Pete's bleu cheese sauce, served with sweet potato chips.* - $10

(*sub fries, cup of soup or fruit, +$1)

Rock Hard with the Legionnaires

2009-06-04T10:14:00.003-05:00

Lock up all your valuables. F-M's favorite tribe of wandering nogoodniks, The Legionnaires, returns to the HoDo despite our best efforts at keeping their intoxicating rock/country/jam grooves out of our heads. Might as well make the best of it, what with the fine weather we're having 'n' all. Check 'em out tonight at 8 p.m. No cover, 21+.

Lunch Specials June 1 - 6

2009-06-01T10:08:00.005-05:00

(Lunch specials available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Ham & Gruyere Sandwich, open-faced on sourdough with greens, whole grain mustard and sherry vinaigrette, served with sweet potato chips* - $8

Blackened Chicken Sandwich on foccacia with roasted red pepper & black bean salsa, jalapeno aioli and smoked gouda, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

Carpaccio Salad - Beef tenderloin carpaccio with Asian noodles, greens, peppers, onions, cucumbers, cashews and Sriracha vinaigrette - $8

Spicy Pork Ragu - spicy tomato, meat, and vegetable sauce on cavatappi with shredded provolone - $8

(*sub fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit, +$1)

June's Flavor of the Month - Sokol Blosser Winemaker's Dinner

2009-05-29T11:54:00.006-05:00

We're honored to announce that June's Flavor of the Month will be a winemaker's dinner featuring Sokol Blosser wines on Wednesday, June 17th. We'll have seven courses paired with seven wines, three of which are vineyard exclusives, and hear comments from Alex Sokol Blosser, co-president of the Sokol Blosser Winery. Social hour at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:00 p.m.

In 1977, Sokol Blosser wines were some of the first to come out of Oregon's Willamette Valley. Oregon now boasts some 300 wines and the confidence in those vintages arose from the success of Sokol Blosser wines. In recent years, the winery has championed sustainability by becoming certified organic and by shifting 1/3 of its power demands to an onsite solar array.

There is limited seating for this event. Call 701.478.1000 for reservations or details. Cost is $85/person with tax, tip and all food and wine included. This will be a tremendous opportunity to sample wines, learn about the craft of winemaking, and enjoy a beautiful meal.

.menu.

Spicy Prawn and Scallop
grilled and served with peas, white beans, bacon & an avocado puree,
finished with coriander cardamom oil and citrus zest
Evolution

Rose Wine Strawberry Flan
rose wine roasted strawberry flan with a
watermelon yogurt sauce, candied grapefruit,
kirsch tuille and a walleye pike quenelle
Rose of Pinot Noir

Mixed Greens
with apple vanilla vinaigrette, grapefruit segments, green apple, Delice cheese,
pink peppercorn dust, apple blossom honey roasted chestnuts and prosciutto
Dundee Hills Pinot Gris

Lamb Chop
grilled and served with saffron and turmeric scalloped root pave
with cilantro pea puree and a red curry berry compote
Meditrina

Venison Tenderloin
grilled mocha crusted venison, smoked pork belly,
black berry and cherry chutney, roasted mushrooms, and a balsamic cola sauce
Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

Cocoa Duck Breast
cocoa crusted duck breast served
over a mixed berry gelatin with roasted mushrooms
Estate Pinot Noir

Riesling Poached Pears
riesling poached pears served with salted taffy,
Montagnolo bleu cheese, apple chips with rose water and hazlenuts
Dessert White Riesling

Nick The Feelin' and You: Together, You're Stronger

2009-05-27T09:41:00.003-05:00

Nick "the Feelin'" Mrozinski is gaining attention for his passionate songs that echo strains of Randy Newman and James Taylor. Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine picked him as June's "Artist of Note" and his new album, "Together We're Stronger" will be formally released on June 5th. An earlier Feelin' show at the HoDo generated serious interest and we're glad to have him back tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m. No cover, 21+.

You can hear some samples here, at his home on the interwebs.

Lunch specials, May 26th - 30th

2009-05-26T12:30:00.003-05:00

(Lunch specials are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the HoDo Lounge.)

Fried Portobello Sammy on focaccia with marinated veggies and classic aioli, served with sweet potato chips* - $8

Roasted Guinea Hen Pasta - Ziti with peas, sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts in a garlic cream sauce - $9

Roasted Lamb Sandwich, open-faced on sourdough with blanched asparagus, greens, mint pesto and an orange port reduction, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

Pork Loin Cutlets with ancho BBQ sauce, roasted potatoes, vegetable and avocado relish - $9

(*sub fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit, +$1)

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-22T12:27:00.004-05:00

The staff of the Hotel Donaldson wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. As you take the opportunity to spend time with loved ones, please remember to lend a few thoughts to our fellow Americans in the Armed Forces, especially those who have died in service to our country.

In observance of the holiday, the HoDo Lounge and HoDo Restaurant will be closed Sunday, May 24th and Monday, May 25th. Enjoy the long weekend!

Front Fenders - Be Alive Again!

2009-05-21T11:48:00.003-05:00

It's one of the best weeks for weather we've had so far this spring and downtown Fargo has livened up considerably. Folks are out walking around, businesses have their doors and windows open and the trees are beginning to green. It's a fitting time to welcome back the Front Fenders, whose rollicking shows got us through a frosty winter and gave downtown a chance to shake off the '09 Flood blues. Stop on by, check out Sky Prairie (open 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. tonight, weather permitting) and enjoy the sounds of early summer at the HoDo. Music starts at 7:30 p.m. No cover, 21+.

Backyard BBQ - May's Flavor of the Month

2009-05-19T12:04:00.004-05:00

We'll get the warm months off to a sizzling start by continuing the time-honored tradition of the backyard BBQ. We're going to throw open the big restaurant doors to let the air in and set the mood with music by the Inside Out String Trio. Call 478-1000 for details or reservations.

Menu:

.from the grill.
(served with choice of 2 sides:)

Walleye $23 - grilled in foil with lemon, onions and thyme
Chicken $22 - your choice of molee, Jamaican jerk or Chinese 5 spice
Smoked Brisket $22
Braised Beef Short Ribs $22
Pork Ribs $23 - with Ancho chili BBQ sauce
16 oz. T-Bone $35

.sides
($4 each)

Coleslaw
Grilled Corn & Scallion Hash
Potato Salad
Baked Bean with Bacon
Corn on the Cob
Dill Carrots
Roasted Potatoes

Lunch Specials, May 18 - 23

2009-05-18T10:34:00.001-05:00

(Lunch specials are available 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.)

Asian-style nicoise salad - tuna, shiitake mushrooms, marinated tofu, Asian slaw and avocado on a bed of greens with sesame miso dressing - $8

Mac & cheese cavatappi with prosciutto and cheddar pepper jack cheese sauce - $8

Spinach, bacon and poached egg sandwich - open faced on a sun-dried tomato & rosemary bagel - $8

Monte Cristo sammy - ham, turkey and havarti fried and served with rosemary jalapeno sauce and sweet potato chips* - $9

*sub fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit +$1

Bad Mojo is Always Stealing Your Lucky Charms

2009-05-13T10:45:00.005-05:00

Join us for an evening with F-M legends Bad Mojo. Rock shall visit itself upon our l'il ole HoDo Lounge at 8 p.m. tomorrow night. No cover, 21+.

You can check out some Bad Mojo tunage here.

Lunch Specials for May 11-16

2009-05-11T10:21:00.001-05:00

(specials are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Steak caesar wrap - Grilled steak, romaine, pamesan, tomatoes and a roasted red pepper caesar dressing, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

Buffalo chicken sandwich - a breaded and fired chicken breast on ciabatta with blue cheese, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

Shrimp enchiladas - with onions, peppers, feta cheese and a poblano & tomatillo sauce, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

*sub fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit +$1

Give Your Mom a Hug

2009-05-08T14:17:00.004-05:00

What would you do or have done without your mom? She's the lynchpin of your life, a firm rock to stand on and a treasured confidant. There should be more than one day on the calendar devoted only to her, really, but let us make that day special.

Our Mother's Day brunch will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Sunday, May 10th. Reservations are requested; call 701.478.1000 or make them online here. To view the menu for the day, please click here.

Also, Happy Mother's Day to every mom, mom-to-be and mom-no-longer-with-us out there. We at the HoDo thank you for putting up with us and loving us just the same.

Amanda Standalone and the Pastry Shop Girls Tonight

2009-05-07T12:55:00.004-05:00

Downtown for the flood victory party? Be sure to stop by and say hi to Amanda Standalone and the Pastry Shop Girls, taking the stage at 9 p.m. tonight in the lounge. Luscious harmonies, work songs and washtub bass ... it's a treat. No cover, 21+.

Going the Distance - Flood Victory Party & the Fargo Marathon

2009-05-07T10:30:00.002-05:00

Downtown Fargo will be at the epicenter of two significant celebrations this weekend. Tonight, Thursday, May 7th, a flood victory party will be held in the US Bank plaza from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. It will feature live music from the Front Fenders, Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome and Tucker'd Out, the trio that wrote a tribute song for the flood (view a performance of the song here). A beer garden will be available and Mayor Dennis Walaker is lined up to do a toast. Plus, if you haven't heard, there will be free beer. Be sure to stop by the HoDo for Amanda Standalone and the Pastry Shop Girls beginning at 9 p.m.

Friday, May 8th, downtown will be an excellent place to shop as many stores and boutiques will be open late and offering discounts. See individual stores for details.

Saturday, May 9th, the downtown area will a primo spot to view the running of the 2009 Fargo Marathon. The race will come through downtown four different times, so take the chance to have coffee, breakfast or lunch outside as the race goes by. Bring a chair and camp out your spot or, if you prefer, watch from our rooftop! We will open Sky Prairie, our rooftop patio, for the first time this year, giving you a bird's eye view of all of the marathon action.

Lunch Specials for the Week of May 4 - 9

2009-05-05T10:00:00.002-05:00

(Lunch specials available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the HoDo Lounge)

Shrimp Cavatappi Primavera with roasted vegetables and a tomato cream sauce - $9

Smoked Turkey Salad Sandwich on a baguette with salami and havarti cheese, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

Elk Patty Melt on sourdough with sherried red onions, provolone cheese and aioli, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

(*sub fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit, +$1)

Also of note: Due to its popularity, General Dirty's Chicken (our version of General Tso's Chicken) has now become a regular menu item. Huzzah!

Summit Brewery Field Trip

2009-05-04T12:06:00.007-05:00

On Saturday, May 2nd, we piled a bunch of folks onto a bus and took a field trip to the Summit brewery in St. Paul. We had a great trip, enjoyed good Summit beer, and had a wonderful tour of their facility from Summit founder Mark Stutrud. A big thanks to everyone who came along and a big thanks to Summit for showing us around.

(Mark shares a laugh by the brewing tanks.)

(Lotsa bottles.)

(In the bottling room.)

(Cheers!)

You can find more photos here, at our Facebook page.

This Weekend - NDSU Newfangled Theatre presents When the Birds Take Flight

2009-05-01T10:11:00.005-05:00

This is the final weekend for the Newfangled Theatre Company's production of "When the Birds Take Flight." Ticket and pricing information here.

"Written, produced, designed and directed by NDSU theatre students, "When the Bird Takes Flight" is a disturbing look at how young people forge a new existence when “the system” has left them only smuggled goods, contraband and death. Presented by the Newfangled Theatre Company, an organization of NDSU students that will present two fully staged productions during the academic year." (Via Culture Pulse.)

Flatlands Tomorrow Night

2009-04-29T10:21:00.003-05:00

Stop by for the fine acoustic rock stylings of Flatlands tomorrow night, 9 p.m., no cover, 21+. Special guest for the evening: Alex Rydell of Fargo-favorite Celtic group Poitin.

Lunch specials for April 27 - May 2

2009-04-28T11:49:00.004-05:00

(Lunch specials available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All-day menu also available)

Shrimp and Tofu Spring Roll with cucumbers, carrots, ginger and peppers accompanied by wasabi aioli, sriracha and unagi - $9

Turkey Club - Bacon, lettuce, avocado, mayo and havarti cheese on sourdough, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

Juicy Lucy - Beef burger stuffed with pepper jack cheese and topped with bacon, fried jalapenos, lettuce, tomato, onion and chipotle aioli, served with sweet potato chips - $9

Hot Roast Beef on sourdough with demi and vegetable, served with mashed potatoes - $9

(*sub fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit + $1)

Opening at Theatre B - "Zara Spook and Other Lures"

2009-04-25T09:50:00.000-05:00

Theatre B's new show, "Zara Spook and Other Lures," is a comedy by Joan Ackerman directed by Theatre B founding member Lori Horvik. Click here for details, show times and ticket prices.

American Herro - A Film and a Feast

2009-04-24T09:25:00.007-05:00

The film "American Herro" details Herro Mustafa's journey from a refugee camp fleeing terror in Iraq to Minot, ND where she overcomes her frightening first years to eventually achieve the American dream.

Herro is now the Senior Advisor to Vice President Biden for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Her work over the past two administrations has been instrumental in making progress towards peace.

The film will be shown this Sunday, April 26th, at 4 p.m in the Fargo Theatre. It is free and open to the public. Herro and filmmaker Kirk Roos will be available for a question and answer session following the screening of the documentary. A Kurdish dinner will follow at the HoDo Restaurant for a free will donation.

Celebrating National Poetry Month - Elizabeth Harris and Marco Candida

2009-04-22T13:18:00.007-05:00

Join us this Friday, April 24th at 7 p.m. for part three of our National Poetry Month reading series featuring a dual reading from Elizabeth Harris and Marco Candida. Elizabeth will read a selection of translated work (including some of Marco's) and Marco will read his own work in Italian.

Marco Candida is from Tortona, Italy, and is considered a rising star in Italian fiction. In the last two years, he has published three novels and a story collection with such prestigious presses as Sironi Editore. Candida is currently a research/creative scholar at UND, where he is working with Elizabeth to translate his second novel, Il diario dei sogni (Dream Diary). He was also a featured writer at UND's 2009 Writers Conference.

Elizabeth Harris is an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at UND. Some of her recent translations, stories by Giulio Mozzi, appear or are forthcoming in The Literary Review, The Missouri Review, and The Kenyon Review.

New Rivers Press Reading Tonight at Zandbroz

2009-04-22T10:17:00.003-05:00

We've been celebrating National Poetry Month with a fantastic series of readings here at the HoDo, but we're not the only ones celebrating verse: the New Rivers Press (based out of Minnesota State University-Moorhead) will host a reading tonight at Zandbroz Variety in downtown Fargo. A handful of NRP writers will be on hand, so there will be a pleasant variety of readings to complement the surroundings.

The fun starts at 6 p.m. with a reception to follow.

Lunch specials, April 20 - 25

2009-04-20T10:43:00.002-05:00

(Good from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday - Saturday)

Wedge salad with bleu cheese crumbles, bacon, apple vinaigrette and pink sea salt - $8

Spicy tuna melt with pepper jack cheese and tomato on sourdough, served with sweet potato chips* - $9

Sausage pizza on rosemary flatbread with caramelized onion, sun-dried tomato pesto and provolone cheese - $9

BLT-A - Bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado with mayo on ciabatta served with sweet potato chips* - $9

(substitute fries, cup of soup, side salad or fruit, +$1)

Looking for a Summer Party Spot?

2009-04-16T15:03:00.003-05:00

The breeze is growing sweeter and the sun is beginning to really shine ... meaning summer is right around the corner. Now's the time to think about the ideal place for a memorable party in the months ahead.

Our Sky Prairie rooftop patio offers space for 40 people and is tailor made for birthdays, socials, anniversaries, casual business meetings or even small weddings. You'll have a bird's eye view of downtown Fargo and a perfect place to celebrate with your colleagues or friends.

Dates are still available. Give us a call at 701.478.1000 for details or to reserve this dramatic event space. Click here for more information.

April's Flavor of the Month - Family Favorites

2009-04-15T15:18:00.004-05:00

It's been a rough couple of weeks for us in the F-M area. Certainly, we'd all like the opportunity to take a deep breath and sit down for a comfortable meal.

Tonight's Flavor of the Month will provide that comfort. We're offering our interpretations of some family classics to share around our tables - true comfort food. Have a plate or two to share and remember that our dining room is casual, so come as you are. Plus, Tom Mooridian will be in the house to provide dinner music. Call 701-478-1000 for reservations.

Tonight's menu:

(all items serve 2-3)

.salads.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wedge
Caesar
Mixed greens
$12 each

.appetizers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Antipasto plate roasted and marinated cold vegetables with assorted meat and cheeses $15

Cheese curds $12

.entrees.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mac and cheese with truffle oil $18

Meatloaf with a sweet tarragon glaze, mashed potatoes and vegetable $29

Shrimp scampi over basmati rice with vegetable $32

Smoked chicken served whole with a sage cherry gravy, stuffing and vegetable $28

Roasted ND beef sirloin with a pan jus sauce, roasted potatoes and vegetable $33

.sides.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mashed potatoes
Rice
Roasted potatoes
Stuffing
$8 each

.desserts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oreo & white chocolate cookie à la mode
Banana split
$10 each

Celebrating National Poetry Month - Heidi Czerwiec

2009-04-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

Join us for our second installment in our National Poetry Month reading series this Friday, April 17th at 7 p.m. with poet Heidi Czerwiec. The reading is free and open to the public.

Heidi is assistant professor of Literature and Creative Writing at the University of North Dakota, where she is also the Director of the annual UND Writers Conference. She is the author of "Hiking the Maze" (Finishing Line Press, 2009) and has poems and translations published or forthcoming in Measure, Nimrod, Evansville Review, Southern Indiana Review, Hunger Mountain, and International Poetry Review. Copies of "Hiking the Maze" are available at Zandbroz Variety in downtown Fargo and at www.amazon.com. Copies will also be available at the reading.

"Hiking the Maze" is a patient meditation on the spirit of landscape and its effects on humanity. Heidi is a warm and engaging individual with plenty of stories to share.

Celebrating National Poetry Month - Kevin Carollo

2009-04-07T10:58:00.000-05:00

Kevin Carollo kicks off our National Poetry Month reading series with an evening of wry and witty verse. He teaches world literature and writing at Minnesota State University Moorhead and has published poems in Conduit, Court Green, Cranky, Lungfull!, and elsewhere. He is the winner of Cream City Review’s 2009 Beau Boudreaux Poetry Prize, judged by Arielle Greenberg. A regular contributor to Rain Taxi Review of Books, Kevin has also translated two novels from French.

Kevin infuses his poetry with animal imagery, words like "gazillion," and the tasks of manipulating the world into something that can be confidently understood. He reads this Friday, April 10th, at 7 p.m. in Stoker's in the Basement. There is no cover and the reading is open to the public.

Two Many Banjos, But Who's Counting?

2009-04-06T11:45:00.000-05:00

There must be something in the water in Duluth. For a relatively quiet and unassuming city, it is birthing notable country/folk/bluegrass acts like there's no tomorrow. Trampled By Turtles and the beloved Charlie Parr all call Duluth home.

Enter Two Many Banjos, yet another quality act emerging from Duluth (featuring Dave Carroll of TByT) with a bona fide bluegrass sound, but one that doesn't step on anyone's toes. They draw equally from the old Hank well of personal demonics and the bright swing of Lyle Lovett. They'll find a happy home in the HoDo Lounge this Thursday, April 9th at 8 p.m. No cover, 21+.

Celebrate National Poetry Month with Us

2009-04-02T12:32:00.018-05:00

For this season so new and formidable,
do something that transforms and delights.
Find yourself immersed in verse

for these three Fridays. Listen
in on the discourse of humans
that call this region home

for now or forever. Let words
be the signposts of myth and desire,
put them on, try them out.
Take them home.

All readings are at 7 o'clock p.m.
and held in Stoker's in the Basement.
All readings are free and open to the public.
Learn more at our Facebook page.

Back to Normal

2009-04-01T09:22:00.004-05:00

(Sigh of relief.)

After a marathon session of moving furniture, food, office machines and art yesterday, we've managed to get the HoDo back to looking like its old self. With that, we are pleased to announce that we're in the process of getting back to business as usual.

Huzzah!

A couple notices:

*The HoDo Lounge will be resume normal hours today, opening at 11 a.m. for lunch. The HoDo Restaurant will reopen tomorrow, Thursday, April 2nd.

*The Roster McCabe show scheduled for tomorrow is still on. Come on out and boogie your tension away. No cover, 21+.

*Thank you, too, for all of the warm thoughts that have come from far and wide as we endured this past week. It helped. It really did.

See you at the HoDo!

Flood '09 Update #2

2009-03-30T10:15:00.002-05:00

It's wait and see time here in Fargo-Moorhead. The river has crested (hopefully) and seems to be on its way down. However, this isn't a time to breathe free and clear. Dikes need to be watched and maintained around the clock. Nothing is remotely close to normal. Schools and many businesses are still closed.

We're in the same boat here at the HoDo. We've cleared out our basement and put up our furniture on the first floor. As for being open, it's a little touch and go. Be sure to give us a call at 701.478.1000 before stopping by.

Stay dry, Fargo-Moorhead, and keep your spirits up.

Flood '09 Update

2009-03-26T11:41:00.005-05:00

(Photo courtesy Britta Trygstad)

It's the eleventh hour here in Fargo-Moorhead. Everyone with a pulse is out sandbagging right now, trying to hold back this tremendous river, and we probably will be for the next 48 hours.

Please send your thoughts and prayers to everyone in our area filling and placing sandbags, trying to save their homes, neighborhoods and businesses. You can find lots of coverage of the flood fight at www.in-forum.com and http://minnesota.publicradio.org. A cadre of area photographers have been out documenting the flood, too: Britta Trygstad, Dave Arntson, Penny Burns, Bruce Crummy, and Ann Arbor Miller. Check out their extraordinary coverage to get a sense of what's going on.

As for the HoDo, we're on a bare-bones operating schedule and may not be open. Tonight's Front Fenders show has been cancelled. Please call ahead at 701.478.1000 to ensure that we're open for business. And, if you're able, please get out and help sandbag.

This Weekend: Art of the Guitar at the Plains Art Museum

2009-03-21T09:16:00.000-05:00

The Plains Art Museum's "Art of the Guitar" exhibit should be seen by anyone who enjoys music. By rough calculation, this includes everyone. You'll see handcrafted instruments and learn about the art of luthiery. Pieces run from the 16th century to the present and showcase the intricacy, beauty of form and beauty of function that go into this most ubiquitous of musical instruments.

A noteworthy fact about the exhibit: many of the pieces were crafted right here in our backyard. The renaissance of luthiery has been driven by local and regional craftspeople, including Fargoans, making this exhibit particularly interesting.

Duckhorn Wine Dinner Benefiting the Red Cross

2009-03-20T09:18:00.003-05:00

Reservations are still available for tomorrow's Duckhorn Vineyards wine dinner, a spectacular lineup of five wines paired with five courses. In addition, Executive Winemaker Bill Nancarrow will be on hand to guide you through the tasting process. March is National Red Cross Month, and proceeds from the dinner will go to our local American Red Cross chapter. View the menu here.

--

Co-founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has been crafting Bordeaux varietals from the Napa Valley for over 30 years. Duckhorn Vineyards' seven meticulously farmed estate vineyards, located throughout the various microclimates of the Napa Valley, are an essential element in making wines of the highest quality. One of the first wineries to focus on Merlot as a premium varietal, Duckhorn Vineyards now produces four elegant Merlot and four distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings to showcase the characteristics of its various vineyard sites. In addition, the winery produces a full-flavored Sauvignon Blanc, and an exceptional red Bordeaux blend under the Decoy label. (www.duckhorn.com)

Congratulations NDSU Bison Men!

2009-03-19T11:24:00.003-05:00

A big tip of the hat to our hometown NDSU Bison men's basketball team as they prepare to play in the NCAA tournament tomorrow night in Minneapolis. Congratulations on a great season ... that's not over yet. We're proud of your accomplishment and what it means for the school and for our community. We'll be watching tomorrow night! Go get 'em!

Kickstart My Heart - The Legionnaires

2009-03-18T09:19:00.004-05:00

You take the good. You take the bad. You take them both and there you have The Legionnaires. The Legionnaires. F-M's premier rock/country/jam/whatever experience returns to the HoDo for another unforgettable evening of danceable groove and R-rated songs (8 p.m., no cover, 21+). Remember to try the Cowboy Martini, which probably began as a dare and has now worked its way into Legionnaire/HoDo lore.

There's a time you gotta go and show you're growing. Now you know about The Legionnaires. The Legionnaires.

March's Flavor of the Month - Beer ... Is There Anything It Can't Do?

2009-03-16T09:55:00.005-05:00

March will have its Ides. It might come in like a lion and go out like a lamb, or vice versa. It should also be the month when our snow shows signs of retreating (fingers crossed). This is a cause to celebrate.

What better way to celebrate than with a delicious meal paired with equally delicious beer? The seven courses paired with six beers of March's Flavor of the Month will take you on a true taste odyssey and local beer experts will be on hand to decipher it all. Sound delish?

Celebrate March. Celebrate spring. Celebrate beer this Wednesday, March 18th starting at 5 p.m. Beer experts will speak at 6:30 but the menu will be offered all evening - $65/person, tax and tip included. Call 701.478.1000 for reservations.

This Weekend: FM Symphony Presents Haydn and Mahler

2009-03-13T12:37:00.006-05:00

This weekend, take some time to enjoy a little orchestral music. The FM Symphony will feature Symphony No. 104 ("London") by Franz Joseph Haydn and Symphony No. 4 by Gustav Mahler, featuring soprano Lucy Thrasher.

"Haydn and Mahler both use folk songs to inspire and infuse their orchestra music with the joy, poetry, and richness of folk tradition, with some country fiddling and sleigh bells for added fun." - (Culture Pulse)

Tickets range from $10 to $38, depending on student status, adult/senior and seating. Click here for details.

Charlie Parr ... He'll Play Forever If You Let Him

2009-03-12T12:40:00.003-05:00

There's still a lot of winter between here and Duluth. As we emerge into the post-blizzard albedo, it's comforting to know that such mistreatment from nature won't stop the irrepressible Charlie Parr, fingerpicker extraordinaire. It's the Nth time back here for Charlie and, like spring, it's better to have him here than not.

Good friends The Johnson Family Band will start the show at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the HoDo Lounge. Charlie and the JFB will make a running start at exorcising this late winter torpor. $5 cover, 21+.

The Fargo Film Festival is under way!

2009-03-03T11:42:00.004-06:00

Movie buffs unite! The 9th Annual Fargo Film Festival is now under way and will run through this Saturday, the 9th. Huzzah! As a proud sponsor, we extend a hearty welcome to all filmmakers, moviegoers and students.

If you've never been, get ready to see movies in a way you rarely see them. There's a huge array of truly independent films, short films, animated films, documentaries ... just about anything your little heart desires. Our advice: pick up a schedule (or don't!) and just start seeing them - you're bound to see something interesting. Expect a lighthearted and enthusiastic atmosphere.

For ticketing and schedule information, go to www.fargofilmfestival.org. And, have fun!

Funk Commission - Chaired by the Undersecretary of Funk

2009-02-25T15:00:00.003-06:00

Jazzy horns and groove ... quite the stimulus package. The Funk Commission returns to the HoDo Lounge for a night of uptempo contemporary jazz/funk ... too hot for C-Span! Come out and hear their report to the Council on Funky Relations. 8 p.m., no cover, 21+.

West Side Story at NDSU, Feb. 25 - Mar. 1

2009-02-24T14:16:00.005-06:00

"I like the shores of America!
Comfort is yours in America!
Knobs on the doors in America,
Wall-to-wall floors in America!"

One of the most important American musicals hits the NDSU Festival Concert Hall stage on February 25th and runs through March 1st. The show is presented by NDSU's Little Country Theatre through the NDSU Division of Fine Arts. Tickets are $18 for adults. For more information or tickets, call 701-231-7969 or visit culturepulse.org.

Upcoming events

2009-02-23T12:19:00.013-06:00

Here's a look ahead at upcoming events at the HoDo. If you have any questions, just give us a call at 701.478.1000. You can also see event info at our website or at our Facebook page.

Thursday, February 26th - The Funk Commission (jazz/funk groove) - 8 p.m., no cover, 21+.

Monday, March 2nd - Artist Reception and 50th Birthday Party for Jay Pfeifer - See Jay's new exhibit in the HoDo Restaurant. Appetizers and cake served. 5 p.m., open to the public

Thursday, March 5th - Jon Wayne and Friends & Fear and Loathing Costume party - Wear your Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas gear and check out the reggae sounds of Jon Wayne. 9 p.m., no cover, 21+.

Thursday, March 12th - Charlie Parr w/special guests The Johnson Family Band. $5 cover. 7:30 p.m., 21+.

Wednesday, March 18th - March's Third Wednesday Flavor of the Month - Five courses with beer pairings, plus a talk from local beer experts. Call 701.478.1000 for reservations.

Thursday, March 19th - The Legionnaires (country/jam). 8 p.m., no cover, 21+.

Thursday, March 26th - The Front Fenders (rock/dance). 7:30 p.m., no cover, 21+.

Thursday, April 2nd - Roster McCabe (reggae/rock). - 8 p.m., no cover, 21+.

Mike Marth, supersized

2009-02-20T13:45:00.003-06:00

Check out this story in yesterday's Forum for a glimpse at Mike Marth's 43-foot (!) piece now hanging in Concordia College's Knutson Campus Center. And, if you can, see it in person. In the words of Darth Vader it is impressive, most impressive.

Mike is an art instructor at Concordia and a cool guy to boot. His work is featured at the Hotel Donaldson in room 13: click here for a look.

The Legionnaires Save the Day!

2009-02-19T13:43:00.003-06:00

Two Many Banjos, our scheduled act for this evening, was a late scratch due to an illness in the band. We'll keep you posted on any rescheduling.

Filling in for tonight's Thursday goodness is the stalwart Legionnaires, who will once again give us the business end of their bluesy Dead/Allman licks and no-good-and-good-for-nothin' attitude. Tip one back tonight, 8 p.m., no cover.

February's Flavor of the Month - Tapas Night

2009-02-17T10:15:00.001-06:00

Our Third Wednesday explorations continue tomorrow (Feb. 18) with Tapas Night. Tapas dining - a Spanish tradition - is perfect for those looking for a satisfying meal built along a variety of tastes. Our menu has a little of everything ... and begs to have a couple friends along to share. Call 701.478.1000 or click here for reservations.

.Menu.

Empanada - Braised Doubting Thomas pork with chili sauce - $8

Fritata - Doubting Thomas ham and gruyere - $8

Olives and almonds - Marinated olives and roasted spiced almonds - $7

Mussels - Steamed in white wine with herbs and butter - $8

Croquettes - Tuna filled with saffron aioli - $8

Mac & cheese - With bacon and peas - $8

Squid - Fried with red and green peppers and green mayonnaise - $9

A Rooster and a Cactus Walk Into a Bar...

2009-02-11T11:54:00.005-06:00

Mike Holtz returns to the HoDo Lounge tomorrow for an evening of country/folk pop goodness. You may know Mike from his band Carmen the Cactus, an outfit that has plugged away at the Fargo/Moorhead music scene for some time delivering upbeat, acoustic-driven Americana. He'll be joined by Loy Larson of the Roosters.

The show begins at 9 p.m., no cover, 21+.

John Wheeler ... the Poet?

2009-02-09T15:07:00.003-06:00

The forecast calls for a 100 percent chance of personality.

F-M weather guru John Wheeler will present a selection of his stories and essays on a topic we all know and love, the weather. The show, called "Environmental Muse - An Evening With John Wheeler," will probably be the most interesting conversation about weather you've ever heard. Admit it. You're curious.

The show will take place at the Spirit Room in downtown Fargo this Thursday, February 12th at 7:30 p.m. (Via Culture Pulse.)

Weekend Theatre

2009-02-04T09:40:00.007-06:00

Two shows are opening in Fargo-Moorhead theatres this week, each offering a different look at the surprisingly robust theatre scene in town.

"The Pillowman" is presented by Theatre B. Written by Martin McDonagh (and nominated for a Tony Award in 2005) and brought to the stage by Brad Delzer, this "deeply unsettling and incredibly thought-provoking adult drama" is the first production of 2009 by Theatre B and will please those looking for a gritty dark comedy. Tickets are $15. The show opens on Thursday, February 5th and runs through the end of the month. Visit FM Culture Pulse for more info and tickets.

For fans of lively musicals, the Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre will present "Sweet Charity," written by Neil Simon with songs by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields and directed by Scott Brusven. The play follows the exploits of the "gullible and guileless" Charity Hope Valentine as she seeks love among the dance halls and night clubs of New York City. Tender, poignant, and funny, this production is perfect for the Valentine's season. Tickets are $15. The show opens on Friday, February 5th and will run through the 15th. For more information or tickets, visit FM Culture Pulse or www.fmct.org.

Simonett and Young Play Music Together

2009-02-03T09:17:00.004-06:00

From Simonett and Young's MySpace page:

Dave Simonett and Ryan Young play in a band called Trampled by Turtles. Ryan Young plays in a band called Pert Near Sandstone. When they aren’t playing in those bands, sometimes Dave and Ryan play music together.

There isn't really a much better way to put it. Simonett and Young's straightforward self description alludes both to their stripped-down setup (guitar and fiddle) and their no-frills approach to acoustic folk that could be construed as a breather from the rowdier stringband fare of their respective bands. Make no mistake, though: their hard-earned chops - and chemistry - still shine throughout.

If you're a fan of Trampled or Sandstone, be sure to make it down for this special evening with two guys who play music together. Thursday, February 5th at the HoDo Lounge, 9 p.m., no cover, 21+.

Valentine's Day Update

2009-02-02T15:53:00.003-06:00

How about a carriage ride this Valentine's Day?

Dakota Carriage Company, in cooperation with the Fargo Downtowner, will be offering rides through downtown Fargo in a horse-drawn limousine on Saturday the 14th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The rides are $5/person and will leave from 1st Avenue North, in front of the HoDo Restaurant. They will last between 10-15 minutes.

For more information, contact Dakota Carriage at 701.347.4069. Have a nice ride!

Upcoming HoDo Events

2009-02-02T10:11:00.001-06:00

For you long term planners out there:

*Thusday, Feb. 5 - Simonette and Young (of Trampled By Turtles) - bluegrass/folk in the HoDo Lounge - 9 p.m., no cover

*Friday, Feb. 6 - Readings from "I Bring You Dead Things" by author/MSUM faculty member Kevin Zepper in Stoker's in the Basement - 8 p.m.

*Thursday, Feb. 12 - Mike Holtz (of Carmen the Cactus) - folk/rock in the HoDo Lounge - 9 p.m., no cover.

*Saturday, Feb. 14 - Valentine's Day dinner in the HoDo Restaurant - five course prix fixe menu, $69/person - 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Call 701.478.1000 for reservations.

*Thursday, Feb. 19 - Two Many Banjos - Blugrass/country in the HoDo Lounge - 8:30 p.m., no cover.

*Thursday, March 12 - Charlie Parr - Blues/folk in the HoDo Lounge

*Thursday, March 19 - The Legionnaires - Country/jam in the HoDo Lounge - 8 p.m., no cover.

Foot ... ball?

2009-01-30T16:28:00.004-06:00

Ok. So the HoDo Lounge isn't necessarily the place to go for football. Lots of other places do sports a lot better than us. We'll admit that.

However, we are pretty good at culture. We get that. So when one biggest cultural events of the year comes around we pay attention, and so it will be with Super Bowl Sunday. When the ... team, um, takes on ... um, well, ... that other team, we'll be showing it in larger-than-life form and pairing it with chili (on the house!) in the HoDo Lounge. Come on down for plenty of discussion about commercials and the place of sports in our society.

And watch the game, of course.

Sparks Will Fly...

2009-01-30T10:12:00.002-06:00

It seems fitting that Valentine's Day occurs on the day after Friday the 13th this year, no matter what your take on this rather contentious holiday. Still, it's a great reason to get out of the house (the days are getting longer) and enjoy a meal with someone special.

Our Valentine's Day lineup includes a five course, prix fixe menu with a host of tantalizing options for $69/person. Call 701.478.1000 - or click here - for reservations:

.soup/salad.

Mixed Greens
with strawberry vinaigrette, chocolate curls and candied walnuts
with toasted marshmallows and goat cheese

Borscht
with horseradish creme fraiche

.small plate.

Seafood Ravioli
over sauteed pancetta and mushrooms with lobster sabayon

Baked Brie
with fruit chutney, burgundy wine reduction and micro greens

.sorbet.

Blueberry Basil

.entree.

Roasted ND Beef Tenderloin
with cauliflower puree and rosti cakes,
topped with caramelized onion relish and fried jalapenos

Eggplant Zucchini Pappardelle
pasta with sun-dried tomato pesto, vegetable ragu, and fried eggplant steak
drizzled with 25-year aged balsamic vinegar, organic extra virgin olive oil
and toasted almonds

Seafood Bouillabaisse
mussels, prawns, clams and skate stew, served with crostinis

Pork Noisette
with brandy macerated cherry risotto and fennel sauce

.dessert.

Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwich
with honey graham cracker and Oreo crust

Frangelico Mousse
in a chocolate cup with braised pears and almond tuiles

Last Weekend for "The Nerd"

2009-01-29T13:10:00.001-06:00

(Via Culture Pulse) The Tin Roof Theatre production of "The Nerd" will have its curtain call this weekend (click here for show times and details), ending with a matinee on Sunday. It looks like it's been getting good reviews. And, it's a comedy. Who doesn't need a little comedy nowadays?

Tonight - The Mark Joseph Project

2009-01-29T10:55:00.003-06:00

Down Lo has attained legendary status in the Minneapolis/St. Paul jam scene, combining sharp funk stylings with a Midwestern work ethic to rightfully find a home on the summer festival circuit and in rooms around the region. But such a work ethic demands a break at times, so Down Lo decided a few months back to take a breather.

Frontman Mark Grundhoefer isn't resting, though. He's continuing with his own thing, The Mark Joseph Project, and cobbling together a group from other MSP players summoned through his considerable rolodex. The resulting band will explore expanded territory, from soul to country to reggae, tonight at 8 p.m. in the HoDo Lounge (no cover, 21+). It's a good chance to see a different side of the Down Lo ethos and get your body on our small, but servicable, dance floor.

Follow us on Twitter!

2009-01-23T08:16:00.003-06:00

Hey, Twitterheads! The Hotel Donaldson is now up and streaming on Twitter! Click here and follow us to hear tidbits of HoDo life, receive updates on menu options and specials, and hear about upcoming events. As our Twitter base grows and we learn how to incorporate it, we will surely expand into new avenues of outreach. We're also adding a Twitter stream to the HoDo Dispatch so you can follow us here.

Not familiar with Twitter? It's a service that allows people to communicate through short, quick messages similar to the "status updates" on Facebook. Twitter is easy to use with mobile devices, making it a must for those on the go. It's simple and effective ... and it's one of the hottest trends in social networking. Try it out at http://twitter.com. It's completely free and easy to use.

Lively Up Yourself with Jon Wayne

2009-01-21T11:51:00.003-06:00

We've been seeing a lot of Jon Wayne lately. He played a solo acoustic set at the now infamous Bros On Broadway bash a while back and seriously rocked our holiday party just a couple weeks ago. It's not a big surprise. Jon (along with his rhythm section, The Pain) has built a steady following by embracing not only the style but also the restorative and spiritual side of the reggae aesthetic heard in Matisyahu or Michael Franti. His tight grooves will be a welcome addition to our lounge lineup tomorrow night at 9 p.m. (no cover, 21+). To audition a sample, try Jon Wayne and the Pain's MySpace page here. Also, check out this High Plains Reader piece from a while back for a bit more background information.

Although playing solo, Jon has plenty of friends here in Fargo-Moorhead that might come out to lend a hand. Either way, we should see a lot of soul tomorrow night. Come on down!

Third Wednesday Flavor - Cajun Night

2009-01-19T11:14:00.004-06:00

Heyyyyy-eeeeeee!

This Wednesday, January 21st, we'll continue our monthly explorations into the world of flavor with Cajun Night. Cajun cuisine represents a truly American experience, one that combines native ingredients with methods and sensibilities carried in from other cultures (via Wikipedia):

Cajun cuisine developed out of necessity. The Acadian refugees, farmers rendered destitute by the British expulsion, had to learn to live off the land and adapted their French rustic cuisine to local (i.e. Louisiana) ingredients such as rice, crawfish, and sugar cane. Many households were large, consisting of eight to twelve people; thus, regardless what other vocations may have been followed by the head of household, most families also farmed. Feeding a large family, all of whose members did hard physical work every day, required a lot of food. Cajun cuisine grew out of supplementing rice with white meat, game or other proteins were available such as crawfish or any other type of river creature.

The result is plates full of lush, brawny flavors that engage the entire palate and are perfect for a satisfying mid-January meal. Here's our interpretation and the menu for the evening. Call 701.478.1000 for additional details or to make reservations. To reserve a table online, click here:

. soup.
Shrimp & chicken gumbo with jalapeño & bacon cornbread
cup $4 bowl $6 entrée portion $11

. salads.
Fried oyster with mixed greens tossed in an herb dijon vinaigrette with pumpkin seeds & Brie $9

Spinach with warm andouille sausage vinaigrette, chipotle gouda, tomatoes & zucchini $8

.appetizers.
Spicy crayfish fricassee served in a puff pastry $13

Hush puppies with a creamy oyster sauce $9

.entrées.
Grilled Highland beef NY strip with crayfish étouffée and
candy mashed sweet potatoes $31

Andouille sausage stuffed Spring Prairie pork loin with red beans & rice and
a creole mustard sauce $24

Shrimp & scallops with dirty rice and a white wine pan sauce $27

Shrimp stuffed blackened Spring Prairie chicken breast with boiled potatoes, zucchini noodles and a blue cheese sauce $20

.desserts.
Crȇpes with sweet potato and pecan filling $7

Raisin bread pudding with a Sailor Jerry’s rum sauce $7

Our Favorite Blues Brothers - The Blue Wailers

2009-01-14T10:16:00.002-06:00

They may not have incurred the wrath of a bunch of neo-Nazis or get chased around by the Illinois State Police, but the Blue Wailers do have something in common with Jake, Elwood and company. They simply keep on truckin', bringing rock-solid blues and a cool demeanor to each gig they play. If you're so inclined, come on down tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m. for neither country nor western music - just some good, honest blues. No cover, 21+.

The Inmates Are in Control of the Asylum!

2009-01-09T10:29:00.005-06:00

Like a pack of mutinous pirates, the HoDo staff has wrested control of the building for the night of Sunday, January 11th, meaning the Hotel Donaldson, HoDo Lounge and HoDo Restaurant will all be closed. The reason? Our annual holiday party! We're gonna have dinner, play some games and let our hair down. It will be a lot of fun ... for us. Sorry you can't be there (frowny face)!

Being a 24/7/365 (366 on leap years) business, it's hard for all of us to take a moment to celebrate as a group. We appreciate your patience in allowing us to do just that. Have no fear; we'll be back hard at it on Monday morning!