DeRusha Download: State Fair, Vinai, Forepaughs's Opens Tonight
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Let me know what you think: Jason@JasonDeRusha.com!
MAPLE GROVE RESTAURANT WEEK: I really loved making a video telling the story of the Ngyuen family, owners of Lotus Maple Grove. The rip on suburbs is that it’s all chains, but there are so many local owner-operators out there supporting their churches, schools, police and getting it done. Nearly 30 restaurants are taking part in Experience Maple Grove’s first Restaurant Week - happening now until Sunday. Pick up your passport at one of the 30 spots: https://fluence-media.co/3ytb4A6 (Experience Maple Grove is a DeRusha partner)
TOO BUSY TO DOWNLOAD:
Vinai first look
State Fair Preview
ie - Italian Eatery Location Now For Sale
Centro Opens in Roseville (New restaurant hot spot?)
Tender Lovin’ Chix Sets Opening Date
Vegan Burger Spot Coming to Longfellow
If you’re looking for a speaker on food, media, career changes or current events: please reach out! Jason@JasonDeRusha.com
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FOREPAUGH’S OPENS TONIGHT: I’ve tried a little of the food (It was awesome) and toured the $1 million home renoavtion [see it on MY INSTAGRAM: https://fluence-media.co/4ctawrJ ] - The website doesn’t have much yet, but reservations are open on TOCK: https://fluence-media.co/3yxKW7g
TENDER LOVIN’ CHIX OPENING MONDAY: Another Billy Sushi-backed restaurant is on the move. Marques (Ques) Johnson co-owned the CHX food truck and has redone the Fire & Ice Alehouse which those of us old-timers remember as Heyday on Lyndale. IG: https://fluence-media.co/3X0jYOP
VEGAN BURGER SPOT TO LONGFELLOW MPLS: From one burger joint to the next - the Frias family has sold the former Peppers & Fries to the Francis Burger Joint team. The Longfellow Whatever neighborhood newsletter broke the news - Francis Burger Joint is hoping to open early September.
ITALIAN EATERY IS FOR SALE: I had speculated that ie was closing, despite a record year of sales, because developers wanted to buy it. The owners have said they really closed because the work to run the full service restaurant limited their ability to grow the Foccaceria Due fast-casual concept. Either way, the South Minneapolis ie property is now for sale. From Eric Carrara: “As offers to buy the property began to pour in, Carrara & Co. recognized the opportunity to pass the baton to new owners who could continue the tradition of serving the neighborhood. LISTING: https://fluence-media.co/4dlaAeu
GET READY FOR THE STATE FAIR
Here’s my list of the official new State Fair foods - ranked!: https://fluence-media.co/4czjRz6
And my list of the new State Fair drinks (the only list organized into type of beverage!): https://fluence-media.co/3yD0wOL
CLASSICS/FAVORITES: Sick of the NEW NEW NEW! My work from the print edition of Minnesota Monthly: https://fluence-media.co/3SMCSpW
DISCOUNT TICKETS: You can get $15 admission tickets before the fair starts (through Wednesday) https://fluence-media.co/4dCgzey
VINAI FIRST LOOK: Four of us went to Vinai on Tuesday night and it was an absolute delight. Get the “sardines,” shrimp/pork toast and grilled cabbage, we enjoyed the double cut pork chop + the grilled fish too. We were also hugely impressed with the cocktail program - we tried almost all of them, and highly recommend the gin/olive oil riff on the Oliveto, the summery Old Fashioned, and the mezcal negroni. Reservations are booked in prime time through September, but walk-in to the bar or eat at 8:30pm! Service was excellent!!!! Very nice people.
Want to read more thoughts on Vinai? Subscribe to my paid version! I sent out lots of photos and thoughts this week!
CENTRO ROSEVILLE IS OPEN: Well, it will be open by lunchtime Friday. Jami Olson’s Centro empire is growing to its most ambitious spot yet: the former Good Earth near Rosedale Center . Right next to the new Mi-Sant Banh Mi, this area is poppin’: POTLUCK at Rosedale has OG Zaza, Burger Dive, Smack Shack, Baldamar in the outlot - Roseville! Details on Centro: https://fluence-media.co/4fINNek
My son Sam and I did a fun video for them in exchange for them giving Sam a giftcard - gotta train these kids to be influencers somehow:
WEEKEND PLANNER
Friday night & Saturday: PRYES SUMMER FEST: Pryes Brewing has live music tonight at tomorrow, $12 wristbands (good for both days), SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4dFPN53
Saturday & Sunday - CORN FEST at Valleyfair. Starts this weekend and runs weekends through Labor Day. (free with park admission) https://fluence-media.co/3YI2zf9
Saturday: ANOKA FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL. More than 40 trucks at Jackson Street and 2nd Ave. 11-9pm: https://fluence-media.co/3LZxfRD
Saturday: NORTHRUP KING SUMMER SIZZLE. More than 90 artists with open studios 10am-6pm: LIST - https://fluence-media.co/3WJdlz9
CONCERT WEEKEND: METALLICA: Friday & Sunday at US Bank Stadium, Hozier Saturday at XCel Energy Center.
DRIVETIME WITH DERUSHA ON DEMAND
WHY’S ALIX KENDALL RETIRING? From one ex-AM news anchor to another… https://fluence-media.co/3YJU0jX
YIA VANG on Vinai and Northeast Minneapolis: https://fluence-media.co/3M1msWW
JAMES LILEKS on the end of his Star Tribune humor column https://fluence-media.co/3WL0CMl
FINDING MEANING IN THE SKIES: I finally saw the aurora, producer / PT Pastor Dan Cook shares his own star-gazing love https://fluence-media.co/4dBzXZ2
DFL MN CHAIR ON TIM WALZ: Ken Martin talks about the campaign to insert Walz into the national conversation. https://fluence-media.co/46IISG1
MSP MAG’S STEVE MARSH: On the growing world of card traders (where a 55-year-old is making a deal with a 13-year-old) https://fluence-media.co/3X6gL0q
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