Summertime Grilling, Shriners Style

Just got back from a Caribbean vacation. Or make that a stay-cation. Just like a week at Sandals, only minus the airfare and the sunburn.
Okay, minus the sand and the beach and the pool, too. But we did spend a couple of pleasant hours on the patio at the Zuhrah Shrine Center and Harrington Mansion, and for most of the time we had the whole patio to ourselves, with our own private chef, bartender and deejay Zion Roots.
There's a full bar, but a very limited food menu - barbecued ribs, grilled shrimp skewers and chicken satay skewers, all priced at $6 per serving. Chef Ryan Johnson ran into a slight snafu with the outdoor grill, and wound up cooking indoors, but service was friendly, and the music was perfect for summer - a little reggae, a little Al Green. The ribs were nice and meaty, and drinks reasonably priced.
Johnson says they get a bigger turnout on Fridays and Saturdays. And if business grows, they'll add more food items to the menu. The patio bar is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 4:30 to 9 p.m., but best to call ahead, in case they are having a private party.
Zuhrah Shrine Center, 2540 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis, 612-871-3555.