Park Bugle

Miss Laos Papaya, an authentic Lao and Thai restaurant which had a soft opening in August and was scheduled for a grand opening in September, is a welcome new addition to the Como neighborhood. The new eatery, at 1579 Hamline Ave. in Falcon Heights, is in the space formerly occupied by Sumo & Smoh, and before that by the Underground Music Cafe, among other businesses. Owner My Lao has lived in Minnesota for nine years since emigrating from Laos at age 17 with her mother and sister.

One of my favorite things about cooking and eating is noticing how the shifts of seasons influence what I want to make and eat. As we move into crisp fall mornings, football watch-parties and busy weeknight routines, what we need and crave when it comes to food changes.

As an Italian restauranteur for more than 20 years, Shari Breed knows the challenges of running Caffe Biaggio on University Avenue in south St. Anthony Park. Through the years, Caffe Biaggio has faced and survived many obstacles including “Covid-19, the George Floyd riots that hit University Avenue, light rail issues and economic issues,” Breed said.

Whether you like your Halloween fun or educational, there is an assortment of activities and tours available during October. Pumpkin carving for youth ages 8–15 from 3 to 5 p.m. $12–$8. Registration required. Explore Romanian folklore and its monsters, vampires and undead from 6 to 8 p.m. Raluca Octav blends history, storytelling and cultural insights to reveal how these legends shaped regional identity and continue to fascinate the world. $20–$15. Tickets: 651-552-7548.

When the University of Minnesota introduced its North Star Apple Crisp ice cream flavor in August 2025 to celebrate the U’s 175th anniversary, there was a media blitz of local morning show hosts and newscasters oohing and awing over its delicious taste. The good news: North Star Apple Crisp should be available next time you visit the Gopher Spot in the lower level of the Student Center on the St. Paul Campus, 1720 Buford Ave.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of the Bugle’s unsung heroes: Mary Hegge, our crackerjack proofreader for nearly three years. Mary died after a long battle with cancer in early September. She will be deeply missed by family, friends and colleagues, especially for her collegiality and proofreading prowess. During her tenure, Mary was typically the Bugle’s last line of defense against typos, misspelled words and other grammatical infractions slipping into the paper.

A neighborhood idea that began with a simple problem at Westgate Commons Park — not enough shade — has taken its biggest step toward reality. St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her’s 2027 proposed budget, including the city’s multi-year capital plan, carries forward the full $214,000 recommended for permanent shade infrastructure and solar-powered lighting at Westgate Commons Park, with funding proposed for 2028.

The well-worn wooden hockey rink at Lauderdale Community Park on Fulham Street will be replaced this fall with a new rink built of aluminum framing with polyethylene dasher boards to improve durability and safety. The City Council approved the investment in August for an estimated $130,000, payable from the city’s parks fund.

The St. Anthony Park Community Foundation has awarded 21 grants totaling $49,000 for its 2026 program year. Award recipients are various local nonprofits, schools and community organizations serving St. Anthony Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Grants, from $53,000 in requests, were awarded to projects supporting education, environment, arts and culture, improved livability, aging in place, economic development and community engagement.

When our house in Falcon Heights turned 100 this year, my wife and I celebrated by throwing a birthday party, inviting people from all four families who have called it “home” over that century. I don’t know if you’ve ever prepared to entertain a crowd of people you’ve never met before, but it’s a tad stressful. You want everything to look perfect. You live in fear of a stray cobweb marring the landscape.