Jun 26, 2006 1:15 am US/Central
Finding Minnesota: Inside Nye's Polonaise Room
by Jeanette Trompeter
Minneapolis (WCCO) ―
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One of the most common elements of Nye's Polonaise Room is polka, and plenty of people on the dance floor.
CBS
There are a lot of hot spots in this downtown area of Minneapolis, but few come with the history and character as one just over the river on the northeast side.
"Unbelievable. It's like going back in time. This place is to die for," said Fred Fossett of Scottsdale, Arizona.
Nye's Polonaise Room hasn't changed a lot since it opened in 1949. It's a steak house that serves up more than dry martinis and juicy prime rib, and a bar that boasts of the world's most dangerous polka band.
Joe, Ollie and Ruth bring back old memories for and help create new ones for folks who wander in on Friday and Saturday nights. That's also when you'll find Roger Normandin, a feature attraction at Nye's.
"I saw him dancing and how could you resist," said Erin McCawley.
Normandin did maintenance work around here for 30 years, then 15 years ago, he found a new calling.
"A girl grabbed me on the other side and I hadn't danced for a long time and that was it," Normandin said.
He is a regular on the dance floor now. He comes by himself but ever since that first dance, he rarely has trouble finding a partner.
"And I danced with her and this one and I just acquired a following of young girls to dance with," he said.
The ladies love him, as do boyfriends, first dates, and husbands too timid to take the lead.
Jim Arnold said he feels thankful for Normandin.
"She loves to dance and can't dance. Roger gave her the dance of her life so now when she comes down to Nye's, she looks for Roger to dance," Arnold said.
It's old school entertainment complimented with a new set of regulars. Classic and cosmopolitan at the same time, it's a great place to seek out when you're finding Minnesota.
"Hey, this is a local's place. This is a place to die for. You want to seek these places out. This is it," Thompson said.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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