I am obsessed with pumpkin-flavored things. And yes, I know the Pumpkin Latte at Starbucks has a kajillion calories, but I just don't care because pretty soon it's bulky sweater weather.

This Saturday is Bryant-Lake Bowl's annual Rock for Democracy Block Party, rain or shine. It's a zero-waste event with lots of edgy music and cool stunts by the Rollergirls and Human Bowling. I just hope they have those cornmeal crusted walleye strips with the green goddess dressing.

****

There are also two "Tastes" this weekend. The 10th Annual Taste of the Lakes takes place in Excelsior tonight. Held at the Bayview Event Center, the twenty-one-plus event will feature food from Lake Minnetonka-area restaurants, including Biella, Hazellwood, and Fletcher's. Tomorrow the first annual Taste of Lake Street will be held near the Midtown Global Market. You'll be able to cruise through the market and check out all the stalls. Then head out to the parking lot to sample foods from restaurants such as Town Talk Diner, Namaste Cafe, Gandhi Mahal, Signature Cafe, and El Nuevo Rodeo, just to name a few.

****

It might also be time to get out to a corn maze and wander around.

****

Because Minneapolis was ranked as The Most Literate City last year (St. Paul was number three, making a Seattle sandwich), the people of Newtree Chocolates want to give us a year's worth of chocolate. And a new iPhone! All you have to do is enter the GR8 AMER. TXT STRY CONTST (Great American Text Story Contest for those who don't text) and compose a 1,500 word shard of brilliance on your phone. Belgian chocolate and cool factor ten are within your grasp.

****

Rex Reitmeyer, who has been the chef at Figlio for the past twenty years, has left the corner. Rex, who successfully kicked cancer's ass a few years ago, is the new Food and Beverage Director at the W. A new chef is being sought for the old Uptown girl.