Having slaved on my computer slavishly for the past week, I was looking forward to this weekend for some sun-fun in hopes of diminishing my ghostly pallor. You know, that's what July is good for, sweating out the toxins, lazing around with a beer all Saturday, barefoot in the grass and all that. Well, this Fresh Forkin' Friday, I'm bundled up in a fleece and wondering what it's going to take to make this weekend work. The answer: chili, cooked in a big pot on the firepit. Perfectly warming, but not in a pot-roasty way, and yet still summer acceptable. Flip flops and fleece, it can work.

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Restaurant Cru has been opened in Blaine by Heartland vet Rob Moore. Taking over the defunct T-Asia space, the new restaurant hopes to bring a little refinement to the sprawling suburb with local ingredients, fresh seafood, and wine-focused small plates. Good news for foodies in attendance of this week's USA Cup (ahem).

Freeziac, the froyo by the ounce shop, opens tomorrow in Eden Prairie. Great weekend to test out how you'll do in the fall!

Trader Joe's has opened their St. Paul outpost and the Mississippi Market is loving their new West Seventh digs!

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Moms and Dads will be happy with the offerings at Highland Fest this weekend. The Beer Dabbler showcase is again making an appearance in the metro area, offering a sampling of more than 40 craft brews for one low ticket price. While Mom samples, Dad can go check out all the healthy school snacks on The Lunch Bus from Revolution Foods (follow them on Twitter).

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Checking in with Best of the Fest ... it's a big weekend. Are you willing to put your ribs where your mouth is? Maybe you're feeling a little more humble or tubariffic.

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First, Manny's reached out to comfort the bereaved men who loved Morton's by offering them a $100 on their Parasole Dining Club card. Now the folks in the W's Living Room are pampering stressed out women on Monday nights with martinis and manicures for $17. What gives, is Parasole going soft on us? Where's the braggadocio, the references to all parts private? I need a stiff drink (snigger snigger).

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Azia is hosting an oyster and bubbly event on Monday the 27th. Four courses of champagne will be paired with four courses of oysters (three varietals in each course), and in between you'll enjoy passed snacks and a jazz trio. Experts will be on hand to discuss the beautiful nuances of each, and to help you get over your "that's slimy" issue.

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You'll want to tune in tomorrow to the Weekly Dish from 1-2 p.m. for details on how you can win FREE passes to our super awesome pre-screening of Julie & Julia on July 29th.