ou & atb out

Who does not like to go out to eat from time to time. For some, time to time is way more often than others and despite a freezer full of food, having someone else do the cooking for you is just easier. Not only that, but the planning is also completely eliminated. We live in an age of convenience to the point that some may even say that our society is becoming soft. “Out and About” for this week will embrace that softness thoroughly and will touch on a few places in the area that have successfully helped on freezer in Hastings stay fairly well stocked, eliminated any dinner planning that may have been necessary and provided a fundraising opportunity for a popular Hastings High School activity.

Hastings High School and Hastings Wrestling are synonymous for excellence. The wrestling program in Hastings and at the High School level have long-standing traditions of success and this year is no difference. While attending the team sections at Park High School in Cottage Grove, it became obvious that dinner would have to be accomplished at an area dining establishment. What made it obvious was the grumbling tummies and fact that zero dinner plans had been made. After the Raiders dispatched the host Wolfpack in the championship, punching their ticket to the team State Tournament, the decision was made to venture to the Muddy Cow, located at 7350 Hardwood Court in Cottage Grove. The service was quick and attentive, the food was served hot and fresh, and the environment was fun. The prices were nothing out of the ordinary or astronomical for bar food with a few twists. I was certainly a nice nightcap for Raider fans who were celebrating a trip to the State Tourney and suppose, it could have been a great place for Wolfpack fans to also celebrate a great team season that ended with a section final loss. Either way, the Muddy Cow in Cottage Grove did not disappoint in anyway while “out and about.” Another Hastings Raiders sporting event and lack of dinner planning led to a first-time trip to Jersey Mike’s in Hastings, and based on the experience, will not be the last. Making dinner just was not in the cards before the Hastings Raiders boy’s hockey game against South St. Paul, due more to lack of desire than anything, although the excuse used was to attend a little bit of the Junior Varsity game as well. Also, it was noted on social media that 50% of the sales were being donated to the Hastings High School All Night Grad Party. This changed the excuse to a reason. Upon entering, the greeting was friendly, fun, and inviting. It was assumed that the young man making that first connection was a shift managers of sorts, as he was the only one wearing a red shirt. His pleasant disposition made a great first impression.

Upon ordering, we were asked if we were there for the fundraiser? We said indeed that we were and he told us to make sure to tell the person who rings us out. He asked each person to order this question and if they asked about what fundraiser, he explained the amount and beneficiary. There are a lot of great businesses in the area that do this for various clubs and organizations, and to see a business actively promote it to customers was quite appealing. The sandwiches were tasty and fresh, the staff worked together to keep both the instore and drive-thru areas moving with great fluidity and the store was clean. The music was a bit louder making conversation a bit difficult, but that would be the only complaint. It was definitely a great way to give back to the community and fill up the bellies while out and about.

If you are part of an organization that has something coming up soon that you would like us to talk about here in “Out and About,” email [email protected] com and we will see what we can do. Organizations with volunteer needs or fundraisers move to the front of the line. Any type of activity that people can participate in while out and about is what we are looking for.