Really, I'm not one for gazing backward. I'm much more of a forward-looking girl. As this Fresh Forkin' Friday breaks into a new year, a lucky number nine, I'm calling it: Year of the Burger. Maybe some of you are saying "Come on, how boring . . . haven't we had enough of the burger?" But really, during times of uncertainty and change, isn't it nice to run home to something you know, something you love, something so ultimately satisfying?

Your protein, your veg, your dairy, your grain, all together in one service-friendly, hand-held package. And when done well, with love and careful craftsmanship, the humble burger can be a revelation. Much like your coming year, your burger could be simple and elegant topped with a righteous curl of Parm, or it could be decadent and perversely wrapped in bacon sitting on foie gras. Or it could be wonderfully messy, dripping with sauce and mayo, pickles oozing out the side, causing you the annoyance of an adult but inspiring the joy of a kid. Here's to '09. 

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Indio, the slick Mexican eatery that took over the old Pizza Nea in Uptown, has closed. Hector Ruiz's other spots, Cafe Ena and the venerable El Meson are still open. Maybe we should celebrate the new year with some paella.

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Another closing I just heard about is Mix New American Diner out in Chaska. They had some good food and some bad food, and the décor left me a bit cold, but it's too bad the area lost a place willing to take chances.

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Morton's has closed for lunch. This one hits me personally because it was a quick walk from my desk, and I considered the tuna tartare with avocado a nice lunch. It also had a great burger, which wasn't available on the dinner menu. Apparently it was a national decision—with only a few locations remaining open for lunch.

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On the upswing, the former Campiello in Uptown is about to become Cowboy Slim's, a Western-themed restaurant that will focus on the comfortable and the affordable.

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Next Tuesday, Salut in St. Paul will debut its First Tuesdays chef's tasting dinners. Held on the first Tuesday of each month, the $24.95 dinner will consist of four courses imagined by chef Jeff Anderson. This month's theme is "Surrender to the Chef". Look for dishes such as deconstructed cassoulet, Napoleon of golden chanterelles, and roasted apple cobbler with salted caramel. The French don't even bother with resolutions, do they?