Kremer Toy and Hobby Brings Nostalgia, Creativity to Albertville Commons

From kids' toys to beer brewing, it's a little something for everyone who enjoys in dabbling in anything during their free time. Here's how the Kremers came to town.

A resurgence in hobbies–from sewing to beermaking and everything in between–is something that's being noticed across the nation.  Why else would things like Pinterest exist? Or beermaking clubs on Facebook?  But the struggle for any hobby, as anyone who has taken one up will tell you, is access.  Where can I get my beer making ingredients? Who has kits for cross-stitching? What place carries the best remote control car or airplane.  Enter Ruth and Ken Kremer, who recently opened Kremer's Toy and Hobby near the intersection of County Road 37 and County Road 19 in Albertville, west of the Mobil Station.  "It gets frustrating, for anyone, to have to go miles to find what it is your looking for. We've had this idea for like the last 10 years …

•  5 Comments
• Photos (9)

Vote for your Favorite STMA Bar with Craft Beer

The microbrews are bubbling. Who has the best selection in town?

Hops. Millet. Grains. And the perfect pour. As you’ve seen lately on Patch, Minnesota loves its brew. And not just the big batch, big boys. Craft beers are sweeping the country, including St. Michael-Albertville, and more are hitting the shelves and taps at our local hangouts every week, it seems. Where is your favorite bar for a craft beer? Who has the best selection, or the craft beer you just have to have? That’s what Patch wants to know. What makes a particular bar with craft beers on tap your favorite?  Take our poll! Voting will be from July 23 to Aug. 17, 2012. Check in on all the Readers' Choice categories you can vote on this summer here on St. Michael Patch.

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Ask the Patch Pros: All About Beer

Want to start homebrewing? Or just want to buy a good, new beer? Our pros are here to help.

Ah, beer. Such a lovely beverage. Contrary to popular opinion, however, there is more to suds than Bud. The world of beer is much more complex and interesting, and we have a few pros who can help break it down. Jason Alvey, owner of The Four Firkins craft beer store in St. Louis Park, can help you find a delicious new craft beer—particularly one that is off the beaten path. And Todd Jackson, customer service manager at Midwest Homebrewing and Winemaking Supplies, can help you get started if you've always wanted to try brewing at home. If you have any beer-related questions in the next few days, please post them in the comments below. One of the aforementioned gentlemen will get you an answer ASAP. Cheers! Update: Jason Schoneman, founder …

•  100 Comments
• Photos (1)

gitsglenda

12:54 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012

who distributes tonka beer and does it reach to sw mn like worthington,,mn windom etc.   more ›

St. Michael, Albertville Beer Lovers Might Be Busted on MillerCoors

A local favorite and a major crux of a business with St. Michael roots, MillerCoors is just the latest victim of the Minnesota shutdown.

Thanks to the state shutdown, in a matter of days, the Silver Bullet may not be allowed to make any more beer runs to St. Michael-Albertville’s bars, restaurants and liquor stores. And “tastes great” or “less filling” won’t matter. According to a report in the Star Tribune, MillerCoors, the company that brews and distributes products like Coors Light, Miller Lite and Blue Moon, failed to properly renew their brand label registration with the state before the shutdown began according to Doug Neville, a spokesman for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety which over sees liquor regulation. At Westside Liquors in Albertville, the news had already spread, and people were stocking up. “I got an e-mail today about it,” said Jackie Holker of …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Video Feature: Ask Me Anything

VIDEO: How Do I Pair a Good Beer with a Great Summer Meal?

Our "Ask Me Anything" series asks an expert about our favorite summer beverage.

For many people, beer is best served alongside a brat or a burger. Or maybe with a freshly grilled steak or recently caught fish.  But Bryan Buser, manager of The Four Firkins, a specialty beer store in St. Louis Park, thinks beer offers as many gourmet opportunities as fine wine.  Looking for a beer to complement your cheese? Maybe you want to wow your friends with a grown-up version of a root beer float? Perhaps you want to pair a pasta dish with something heartier than wine? Bryan was happy to share with us just a few of the options that can enhance both food and drink.

• Videos (1)

Daily PatchCast: The Madness Begins in Minnesota

Hopkins and Benilde get big wins on the basketball court, while Albertville's fire department hands over investigation of Wednesday's structure fire.

Highlights from Madness: Benilde girls' basketball advances to the state quarterfinal; top-rankedHopkins cruises to another Section title; Albertville Fire hands investigation of Wednesday fire over to State Fire Marshal; and tips on drinking some good green beer. 

• Videos (1)