Ring the bells, the restaurants issue is done! I must say, I think it’s
going to be a sweet package, and if you want to get all the goods, you
should come to our Best Of Party which
will be a BASH of food snacking and fun. I have very little brain left
after checking and rechecking and squishing and adding and deleting, so
this Fresh Forkin’ Friday I’m heading to happy hour. Early.

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OPEN

… for lunch that is, our local coal hero Black Sheep Pizza. Every day at 11:30 the doors swing wide for some lovely pizza pie.

Bin Wine Bar will open next Saturday, the 13th, with Mayor Chris Coleman reportedly taking a shift behind the bar!

OUT

Joan Ida has exited Porter & Frye. No official word on replacements or further endeavors for Ms. Ida.

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Online: Taste of Freedom, in case you missed our photo essay about five ethnic restaurateurs who have fought to bring their native cuisine to the Twin Cities. There are some truly amazing stories.

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The JBF has named Wayne Kostroski Humanitarian of the Year! AZ’s got some good goods on it.

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Heavy Table is all growed up! Turning one year old on February 17th, the cast and crew are throwing a free party at the Craftsman for loyal fans. Treats from Sweets Bakeshop and sips from Crispin Cider should help make it a festive occasion.

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Chocolate savant Colin Gasko of Rogue Chocolatier will be at the St. Paul Cheese Shop this Saturday from 1-3 p.m. Kare 11 did a nice story on Colin recently. You can sample his locally made bean-to-bar chocolate and maybe pick some up for your sweetie.

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Here’s a cool cause: Dine and Fly to help Haitian orphans. The folks from Stillwater Balloon Co. and the Afton House Inn have come together to build an orphanage in Haiti, and all you have to do is buy some donated gift cards from participating restaurants like: Famous Dave’s, Biella, Ike’s, and Jax. Quantities are limited, but more restaurants are added each day, so check back often. Plus there’s a gift card for a balloon flight over the St. Croix if you’re still wondering about an impressive Valentine’s Day gift (with bonus points for good-deed-doing).

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DID YOU KNOW THAT RESTAURANT WEEK IS COMING?!?!?!

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If you’re not busy tonight, you should come check out the Pay It Forward Casino Night out Medina Ballroom way. It’s a great cause and I’ll be manning a BlackJack table, which should be worth a few belly laughs.