So, I survived the week that my youngest was at camp, and I survived it well. I did manage to go out every night, but while I was eating my Turkish cured beef or my barbecue short rib banh mi, I couldn’t help wondering what Jake was eating. Was he standing in the mess hall line waiting for institutional eggs or was he sitting by a fire with a stick-speared hot dog? Did he go to the camp store and feel, for the first time, that exhilaration and freedom of choice as he stared at the wall of snacks without his mom hanging over his shoulder, no one to confirm or deny his selection? I may have been a little manic in checking the camp’s photostream which is posted roughly every day, but only because there never seemed to be a glimpse of Jake in any of the photos. Finally, I found one of him, not at the archery range, not on horseback, but in the outdoor cooking class eating what looks to be like some sort of fritter. Shocking. This Fresh Forkin’ Friday I’m headed to pick him up and I can’t wait to hear about that fritter.

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OPENS

Grand Szechuan went and sneakily opened a Plymouth location. Hoooray for me! I can’t help but think this is an opening shot in what might be known as the West Suburban Szechuan Skirmish as Tea House keeps expanding their empire and Little Szechuan prepares to open the West End location. Pepper up!

Sunfish Cellars is a newish liquor store and cheese shop in Lilydale, taking over the former Diamond Jim’s location. The place looks stacked with good libations (over 400 craft beers) and a bevy of cheeses, plus there’s sandwiches and panini along with other eats.

FYI, Viva Brazil did NOT open last weekend, because things did NOT go as planned, but it has moved the opening date to Monday. So we’ll see.

Plus, Buffalo Wild Wings is opening on Monday at the MOA and giving away free wings for a year to 100 lucky drawing winners throughout the week.

COMING SOON

McCormick’s is a gastro-pub that will be opening very soon in the Wayzata spot that was lastly Volnay. The space has been pubbed up and painted green on the outside, plus there’s a Guinness sign hanging, which bodes well.

What was once Pop! in St. Paul will soon be Amsterdam, a project from the Oulman family behind the 331 Club. They’ll turn the space into a music friendly venue, debuting sometime this fall.

There is SO MUCH going on this weekend! ….

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Dakota Streetfest is a major FREE street party on Nicollet Mall this Saturday. Four stages, tons of kiddie fun, and amped up hot dogs from Dakota’s chef Jack Riebel. Win Win Win.

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Bastille Day is still rocking, on Saturday you can celebrate with the Alliance Franciase at the University Club where you can have dinner, play some petanque, and take part in the Best Baguette judging. Sunday you can hang at the block party with Barbette for free live music, jugglers, fire circus performers, and some roller girls.

Even though it’s technically a Bastille Day party at Brit’s, I say let’s change it to a Women’s World Cup spectacular that starts with the game at 1 p.m.. then flows right into the hilarious Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), followed by Graham Parker and a screening of Amelie (who looks a little like Hope Solo if you ask me).

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The Aquatennial kicked off this week and there are a ton of events, even if tonight’s block party gets a little soggy (a trend for our summer music, no?). Plan ahead and make a reservation at Sea Change for July 23 because there’s going to be a patio-side lobster boil to enjoy during the fireworks. Price will be $59 and seating is limited to so reserve soon.

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Rock the Block is a fundraiser for the Twin Cities Film Fest, and it’s rocking the West End this Saturday from 4pm on with bands, a fashion show, and tons of drink and eat deals from the restos lining the street. Grab a patio seat.

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