DeRUSHA: Father's Day + Graduation Wisdom

Food Trucks in Stillwater, new Riva Terrace Hours, Off-Menu Prince Dessert plus Dad's Gift Ideas

Jun 13, 2025

DOWNLOAD DIALOGUE: “HARMONY OF DIFFERENCES”

Sam gave his high school graduation speech last Sunday, and of course, as a dad I was proud. I cried when I read his rough draft - you raise these kids, you drive them to things, you support them when times get tough, but honestly you never quite know what’s going to happen. You certainly don’t know what you’re doing.

Sam said something on stage that I’ve been thinking about a lot. He talked about the irony that all these different graduates from different backgrounds and experiences look the same on grad night: maroon gown, cap, tassel. Same. “The world doesn’t need 500 identical graduates. It needs people bold enough to bring their whole unrepeatable selves to the table,” he said.

“That’s how communities grow - not from sameness, but from the harmony of differences.” Think about that: the harmony of differences. I think we’ve gotten hung up on lionizing individual differences and have ignored the harmony you can create through differences. Having unique voices and backgrounds at the table is critical - but finding commonality and a harmonious path is where the real magic is. Kids, man.

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TOO BUSY TO DOWNLOAD?

Last minute Father’s Day Dining Ideas + Gift Guide
Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe Sold As She Battles Cancer
Food Truck Extravaganza in Stillwater Saturday + Weekend Fun Guide
Podcasts: What’s the Worst Day of the Week?

SANDWICH CLUB TO NORTH MARKET: They had their opening weekend - so go visit the talented and kind team behind Sandwich Club. Bodega Buddy + Curly Fries please. https://fluence-media.co/4kFXMTO

GOOD LUCK TO THE MN JAMES BEARD AWARD FINALISTS: Monday’s the ceremony for the chefs [https://fluence-media.co/45RnyzB] and Saturday for the media finalists [https://fluence-media.co/45nM6Ai]

WHERE TO DINE WITH DAD ON FATHER’S DAY: Minnesota Monthly with a nice round-up, the wing event at Malcolm Yards looks cool, anyone can buy me a cocktail class at Butcher & the Boar too. https://fluence-media.co/4dZFo5F

Dad’s & Daddies weekend at 56 Brewing has Animales BBQ Trailer & music Sat & Sunday: https://fluence-media.co/43YW8VU

AMY’S CUPCAKE SHOPPE SOLD: She explains on WCCO Radio https://fluence-media.co/4l1XUfM. Amy Brace is an inspiration: built her shop in Hopkins, made it through COVID, diagnosed with breast cancer and endured surgeries and radiation. [Amy talks cancer on my radio show]. Katy Gerdes is the new owner, Amy’s will become a second Angel Food Bakery.

BRING DAD TO RIVA TERRACE: NOW OPEN 7 DAYS AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MINNEAPOLIS

Amazing views, summery cocktails and food - get to Riva Terrace. Open every day, Sunday-Tuesday 11a-6p, Wednesday-Sunday 11am-8pm food, bar open until 10p! We went for the all day Sunday happy hour - experience the Four Seasons difference with friends! Check the menu and the deals here: https://fluence-media.co/4kAB0MN Chefs Lucas and Gunner will be on KARE11 Saturday morning! Four Seasons is a Download Partner.

OFF-MENU PRINCE-THEMED DESSERT: Fun deal as The Dakota celebrates its 40th. The culinary team is reviving Jack Riebel dishes, Ken Goff dishes, and a Katie Elsing cookie. "Prince was always coming in with his entourage," recalls Elsing. "As soon as word came down he was expected, I knew to have a batch ready.” The PFC (Prince Favorite Cookie) is white chocolate, macadamia nut cookie with a hint of lime. Ask for it next time you’re in!

FATHER’S DAY GIFTS THAT DON’T SUCK: My gift guide for Father’s Day - paid subscribers got this last weekend in their email: now the whole list is at JasonDeRusha.com: https://fluence-media.co/3HaXYv9

STILLWATER FOOD TRUCK EXTRAVAGANZA: 40+ food trucks Saturday at Washington County Fairgrounds. $10. foodtruckextravaganza.com

GET SOCIAL: POSTS FROM DERUSHA

Great story of customer service from a mix-up at Borough: https://fluence-media.co/3HF61AI
Pictures from Sam’s Graduation: https://fluence-media.co/3Tkwia1
What’s your favorite cheap donut (Kwik Trip, Cub were the leaders)
derushaj
A post shared by @derushaj

WHAT COULD YOU DO THIS WEEKEND:

STONE ARCH FESTIVAL OF ARTS: Sat & Sun, tons of free live music https://fluence-media.co/4kYqwa2

EXCELSIOR ART ON THE LAKE: Sat & Sun. 120 artists. https://fluence-media.co/3HBmGFl

WOODTURNING SYMPOSIUM: Free, Fri/Sat/Sun at St. Paul RiverCenter https://fluence-media.co/45OhTdB

PRYES BREWING BLOCK PARTY: Sat Noon-10p free, https://fluence-media.co/43MAHra

THE WEEKND at U.S. BANK STADIUM: https://fluence-media.co/3ZlHuXA

HEWING ROOFTOP CONCERT SERIES: Sunday 7pm, Erik Koskinen & Molly Maher. https://fluence-media.co/4dXPNPe

WHAT AM I DOING THIS WEEKEND?

We are headed to Mankato for my friend Anthony’s wedding Saturday night, Sunday we’re celebrating Father’s Day at my father-in-law’s house in Plymouth.