This Fresh Forkin' Friday has me getting psyched for the event at the W this weekend. Seriously, you should really think about getting off your duff and getting down there to hang out with Colicchio, Zimmern, Frost, and other major in-town foodiphiles. Come on, we'll laugh, we'll snack, we'll toss off jokes about things like fennel and sriracha. You can tell me what you think of this blog, and we'll be best friends who share pumpkin bread recipes! What else are you going to do, go to another apple orchard?

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Sad, sad news that everyone is talking about: jP is now shuttered and done. Reading the note posted on their website, it seems that the only good news is that JP might be available for private booking during the holiday season.

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On the upside, you can look forward to a newer, bigger Kitchen Window when Calhoun Square gets its facelift. It looks like they'll double the size of their cooking school space, adding a rooftop terrace. We know how well those play.

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I am thrilled by the existence of La Belle Crepe (Nicollet Mall in the Medical Arts Bldg.)! On my way to Zelo for lunch, I strolled by the space and nearly danced an impromptu jig as I realized that soon I would be able to gorge myself on hot, chocolatey, straight-from-the-pan Nutella crepes instead of eating an actual lunch. These are the things that keep us going, no?

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Tonight is the grand re-opening of Andy's Garage at the Midtown Global Market. Starting at noon, you can get 15 percent off any menu item, you burger-and-shake-heads, you. At 5:30 p.m., the music starts and people start bobby-soxin'.

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Wine is flowing this month, all over town. Wildfire in Eden Prairie is hosting a killer, four-course Stags' Leap wine dinner next Wednesday (book soon, space is limited). October is Fair Trade month, and Etica will be celebrating "Drink Like You Give A Damn" with wine tastings and classes in conjunction with some well-meaning folks, such as Peace Coffee, The Wedge, and Divine Chocolates. And finally, Haskell's Fall wine sale is well under way. Deals can be found until the 25th.

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In a telling spin-control maneuver, r. norman's is now called Seven the Steakhouse. Let's hope they change more than the name.