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Jun 22, 2009 5:50 pm US/Central
Drinks Not Only Thing 'On The Rocks' In MN Ice Bar
STILLWATER, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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"It works a lot different than a normal freezer or fridge," says Craig Ling, the President of Minus5 Ice Bars, "I mean the engineering behind this is pretty unique." (File)
BZL
Minnesotans know all about cold and ice, but do we want them in the summer?
With the temperatures on the rise, a Stillwater bar and an international company are betting that we do. So, this week they'll introduce a summer ice bar.
With its picturesque setting on the St. Croix River, Stillwater's historic Freighthouse is a traditional place to cool-off on a hot summer day.
Later this week, it will become an even cooler place.
"It works a lot different than a normal freezer or fridge," said Craig Ling, the President of Minus5 Ice Bars. "I mean, the engineering behind this is pretty unique."
By Thursday, Ling's big white box will be transformed to a full-fledged indoor ice bar. It's hot work to make the place cool off to 18 degrees. When it is complete, 250 ice slabs will be in place and there will be room for 25 customers.
"There'll be a bar in here, there'll be ice all over the walls, there'll be ice tables, chairs," said Ling.
Minus5 has a half dozen ice bars around the world in exotic places like Australia, New Zealand, Portugal and Las Vegas. So why are they bringing the concept to non-exotic Stillwater?
"We wanted to develop the concept somewhere where there's a lot of humidity at this time of year," said Ling. "Also in a climate that gets cold in the winter."
Minnesota has both of those. However, will there be any interest in this kind of a summer cool down?
One Freighthouse customer, who's also been to the ice bar in Vegas, can't wait.
"That is one of my favorite places. Fabulous," said Paulajane Nelson of Lindstrom. "Can I get in the box right now? I'm a little warm."
The ice bar will be open on Thursday and will stay open for three months. Admission is $17.95 per person, which includes one cocktail. There is also a 30 minute limit with three cocktails.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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