The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

READINGS
Steve Lerach's Fried: Surviving Two Centuries in Restaurants

This evening head to Magers and Quinn to hear local author and chef Steve Lerach discuss his new book Fried: Surviving Two Centuries in Restaurants (Borealis Books, $22.95). As our own Jeremy Iggers put it best, "Fried is a feast for foodies, a fast and funny ride through Twin Cities restaurant kitchens in the heyday of meat and potatoes. Steve Lerach confesses that he `wasn't much of a chef,' but he's one hell of a storyteller. This is the kind of history of everyday life that is too seldom recorded and too soon forgotten. Anthony Bourdain has met his match." So, whether you're a fanatic foodie or simply a glutton for an engaging tale (especially one you can personally relate to as a Twin Citizen), make this Uptown reading your first stop of the evening - and just this time, ask Steve for your post-event dining recommendation, as his take will likely be a heated one.

7:30pm, Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Avenue, Uptown Minneapolis, Free

FILM
Homegrown Cinema: The Reception

In its second round of film screenings this year at the Parkway Theater, The Homegrown Cinema Series has made a splash with an ongoing lineup of cool, locally produced flicks. Tonight's showing will feature The Reception, written, directed and produced by Minneapolis filmie Jason Mitchell. A feature length narrative/documentary shot in only 12 hours, Reception follows an evening of realistic mingling and uncomfortable exchanges at a faux wedding party for the happy couple, Jay and Amanda. The film's small crew captured both scripted and and improvised conversations between "guests" which prove to be as comical as they were honest and awkward. After the screening, head next door to Pepito's Mexican Restaurant for a recap. Indulge in one of their spicy Azteca Sandwiches and a margarita; it is Monday after all.

7:30pm, Parkway Theater, 4814 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, $8


ART
Transcendent Art: Icons from Yaroslavl, Russia
 

The current exhibit at the Museum of Russian Art definitely deserves your undivided attention! Transcendent Art: Icons from Yaroslavl is a golden-hued, decadent art exhibition that will, despite any religious leanings, captivate those with an appreciation for history and ornate beauty. The exhibit features 54 exquisite pieces from the collection of the Yaroslavl Art Museum in Russia that were painted in the 17th and 18th centuries, considered to be "The Golden Age" of cultural life in the region. The collection includes icons rescued from churches after the Soviet government launched an anti-religious campaign in 1917, during which thousands of works were destroyed. This exhibit runs through January 24th, so you've got plenty of time, but missing this would be a sin - pun intended.

10am-5pm, Museum of Russian Art, 5500 Stevens Avenue S, Minneapolis, $5