The Gilded Gopher, a new supper club in Uptown, is living up to the hype with Chef Anya Sharma's reimagined experience, as discussed on this week's Minneapolis Roundup. Host Alex also explores Northmade Goods' innovative "Experience Hub" in the North Loop and previews the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, happening June 20th-21st.

Key Highlights:

• The Gilded Gopher, a new supper club in Uptown, is drawing crowds with Chef Anya Sharma's modern take on classic dishes like Walleye a la Plancha.

• Northmade Goods has opened an innovative "Experience Hub" in the North Loop, combining retail with a coffee bar and workshop space.

• The Stone Arch Bridge Festival is set for June 20th and 21st, transforming the riverfront into a celebration of art, music, and food.

• Sponsors mplsveganhub.com and mncannabishub.com offer comprehensive guides to plant-based dining and cannabis events in Minnesota.

Topics: Minneapolis, Twin Cities, The Gilded Gopher, supper club, Northmade Goods, North Loop retail, Stone Arch Bridge Festival, art, music, food, mplsveganhub.com, mncannabishub.com

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TRANSCRIPT

### Minneapolis Roundup: June 08, 2026

[Upbeat, modern intro music with a local flavor fades in and then settles underneath the host's voice]

HOST: Hey Minneapolis, hey St. Paul! Welcome back to the Minneapolis Roundup, your weekly snapshot of what’s new, what’s buzzing, and what’s happening in the Twin Cities. I’m your host, Alex, and it is a gorgeous Monday, June 8th, 2026. The patios are packed, the lakes are sparkling, and that unmistakable energy of a Minnesota summer is officially in the air.

This episode is brought to you by our friends who help you find the best of the Cities: mplsveganhub.com and mncannabishub.com. More on them in a bit.

Alright, let’s get into it. First up: food.

[Transition sound effect - a subtle sizzle or chime]

HOST: If you’ve been scrolling through your social feeds lately, you’ve probably seen the pictures: dramatic lighting, classic cocktails, and a relish tray that looks more like a work of art. I’m talking about The Gilded Gopher, the new supper club that just opened in Uptown, and folks, it is living up to the hype.

This isn’t your grandparents’ dimly-lit haunt with vinyl booths. Chef Anya Sharma, who you might remember from her James Beard nomination a few years back, has completely reimagined the supper club experience. The space is stunning—think Art Deco meets North Woods chic—but the vibe is pure, unpretentious fun.

They’re nailing the classics. The steaks are dry-aged locally, the popovers are light as air, and the Brandy Alexander is dangerously smooth. But the star of the show might be the Walleye a la Plancha. It’s served with a saffron aioli and crispy fried capers, and it’s just… a perfect bite of modern Minnesota.

Reservations are booking out weeks in advance, but here’s a pro-tip: they keep the bar open for walk-ins. Get there early, grab a seat, order an Old Fashioned, and soak it all in. It’s a fantastic sign of life and culinary creativity for a neighborhood that’s been redefining itself.

And while The Gilded Gopher has some great vegetarian options, if you’re looking for a dedicated guide to the best plant-based eats all over town, from fine dining to food trucks, your first stop should always be mplsveganhub.com. They’ve got reviews, maps, and everything you need.

[Transition sound effect - a cash register ‘cha-ching’ or a modern ‘swoosh’]

HOST: Okay, let's talk business. In an age where everything is about direct-to-consumer websites and optimizing for clicks, one local brand is making a huge bet on brick-and-mortar, and it’s paying off big time.

I’m talking about Northmade Goods. You know them for their super-soft hoodies, clever Minnesota-themed designs, and high-quality gear. For years, they’ve been a staple online and at pop-up markets. But last month, they opened their flagship "Experience Hub" in the North Loop, and it is a masterclass in modern retail.

This is not just a store. It’s a destination. You walk in, and to your left, there’s a small coffee bar serving locally roasted Peace Coffee. To your right, a cozy lounge area with leather chairs. And in the back, a workshop space where they’re hosting screen-printing and leather-working classes.

The strategy is brilliant. They’re not just selling you a t-shirt; they’re selling you the entire North Woods, cabin-weekend, cozy-in-the-city lifestyle. People are coming in for a latte, staying to browse, and leaving with a bag of goods. By creating a community space, they’ve built a powerful marketing engine that no social media ad can replicate. It’s a huge win for local business and a reminder that in a digital world, a real-life experience can be the ultimate advantage. Go check it out.

[Transition sound effect - sounds of a happy, bustling crowd or a light guitar strum]

HOST: Finally, let’s look at the calendar. We are on the cusp of festival season, and one of the absolute best is just around the corner. Get ready for the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, happening next weekend, Saturday, June 20th, and Sunday, June 21st.

If you’re new to town, this is your official Minneapolis summer kickoff. For two days, the entire riverfront from Hennepin Avenue to the 35W bridge transforms into a massive celebration of art, music, and food.

You’ve got over 200 artists in every medium you can imagine, from painting and sculpture to jewelry and ceramics. There are multiple stages with live music all day long, featuring incredible local bands. And of course, the food trucks. So. Many. Food. Trucks.

It's free to attend, it's family-friendly, and the people-watching is second to none. My advice? Bike or take the light rail to avoid the parking chaos, wear comfortable shoes, and go ready to discover your new favorite local artist or band. It’s the city at its absolute best.

And speaking of finding the best local happenings, if you’re looking for a calendar of cannabis-friendly events, educational seminars, or new product launches around the state, the most comprehensive resource is mncannabishub.com. They keep you in the know.

[Outro music begins to fade in, upbeat and optimistic]

HOST: And that’s our roundup for this week! So, to recap: try to snag a bar seat at The Gilded Gopher, go get inspired by the new Northmade Goods hub, and mark your calendar for the Stone Arch Bridge Festival.

A huge thank you to our sponsors for making this show possible. For the ultimate guide to plant-based dining in the Twin Cities, visit mplsveganhub.com. That’s M-P-L-S Vegan Hub dot com. And for everything you need to know about cannabis culture and events in Minnesota, check out mncannabishub.com.

I’m Alex, and this has been the Minneapolis Roundup. Get out there and enjoy this beautiful week. We’ll catch you next time.

[Music swells to full volume and then fades out]