Although it was actually COLD the other July night, this Fresh Forkin' Friday promises to be muggy and rather thick. There are many of you for whom these conditions are ideal, you humidity hags, but I am not one of you. I crave the crisp, not the soggy and leaden. So today, as I cut out of work on the classic Summer Hours stroke of noon, I go in search of the crisp. Will it lead me to a Pimm's Cup on the lawn at Brit's? Will I find it with an El Toro michelada  and spicy shrimp taco on Barrio's patio? Or is there a decidedly chick-ish Crispin drink in my future? It might be up to the clam fries at Sea Salt to cut through the day.

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 TOUGH WEEK

Morton's closed.

Oceanaire filed Chap11 and closed stores.

Mairin's Table closed.

Bellanotte's plug was pulled by AZ.

ON THE OTHER HAND

The Kitchen opened in Stillwater, reviving the shuttered Stone's spot. The seemingly unstoppable team of Harcey & Hiza have wooed Bayport Cookery's Jim Kyndberg back into the soup.

Reports are that Sea Change is quietly, secretly open as they feed a few people before their July 21st official launch.

This time, I really mean it. Galaxy Drive In is open. I promise.

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Let's check in with the Best of the Fest shall we? It's the DragonFestival this weekend, which means a gathering of the best ethnic snacks that can be eaten while walking or sitting on a hill as others row big heavy boats.

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Two dinners worth booking early: Dinner on the Farm is throwing a full moon grill out on August 5th at Garden Farme in Ramsey. An easy $42 gets you an extended farm tour, Birchwood Cafe-influenced local fare, a space to plop your picnic blanket, and more.

Simple, Good, and Tasty has paired up with The Strip Club for a JDliscious dinner. On August 19th the entire restaurant is booked for this dinner, and your $35 will get you three meaty courses and a chit-chat with the bald chef.

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Food Inc. has quite the buzz going among the fooderati. Chipotle is offering to help spread the word by hosting a free screening of the film at the Lagoon on July 14th. If you're looking for a touch of persepctive in the hype, The Awl gives a little.

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If you can't get enough Joey Chestnut (and who can) and you find yourself hypnotized by Man vs. Food, you may be interested to know that Girvan Grille has thrown down a Ghost Wings challenge. Simply eat ten of the freaky hot wings in 15 minutes with no beverages allowed. Bragging rights, T shirt, eternal glory, blah blah blah.