Jake is officially hosting his first soiree tonight, a gathering of 8 year old boys for an end of summer pool party. I mean he’s had birthday parties, but when you’re the birthday boy, all the crap gets planned and done for you, right? Today I left him a note with a major to-do list that included things like: sweep the patio, clear off the table, put away all 6,000 shoes in the entryway. He called me at 9 a.m. with the list completed. He asked me to make sure that I don’t forget pepperoni and green peppers for the pizza makings, because his buddy Liam loves them. And he already worked a deal with his Oma to have her drop off the extra case of rootbeer that’s been in her basement for a month. There’s no doubt that when I get home there will be plenty of more stuff to get ready, but I’m thinking he’s on his way to becoming a good host. And just like that, his fate in the restaurant industry is sealed.

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NEW/OPENS

Steel Toe Brewing kicks off tonight with growler sales in their new St. Louis Park brewery from 6:30 – 8:30. Go fill up with some Provider Ale and support local beer.

Sonora Grill is now open at the Midtown Global Market. The newest counter is serving up Spanish and South American flavors with tacos, a bacon wrapped hot dog, bocadillos style sandwiches (crispy eggplant on a Salty Tart bun looks good), and skewer of meats called pinchos. The menu was designed by Bar La Grassa alum Alejandro Castillon.

COMING SOON

The Four Firkins is moving into a new location this fall, near 36th Ave. and Hwy. 100. Gotta say, it should be great to have more direct highway access and hopefully a better parking lot! But right now in the old location you can acquire some Surly Hell, so do it.

Lund’s is reportedly finally going to get down on that 12th & Harmon building and open a spiffy grocery. There have also been talks that Whole Foods is eyeing the old Jaguar dealership space on the other end of the strip. Deli ham for everyone!

CHEF CHANGE!

Sea Change announced that they have named Jamie Malone as Chef de Cuisine to replace Erik Anderson. I’m interested to see what she brings to the game.

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Another weekend chock full o’ festing my friends:

Smack Shack and the 1029 Bar are whooping it up all weekend, lobster boil style, at Smack Fest. Head down for tented fun and lobster, buy a ticket for some boil or peel n’ eat shrimp, or just stop by for the tomfoolery which includes live music, meat raffle, karaoke, and professional wrestling, y’all.

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The Homegrown Experience is happening on Sunday at the Nicollet Island Pavillion. Think of it as a local-organic-sustainable practice run for the State Fair. Although you won’t be able to practice post-event self loathing, shucks.

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Get your head sucking self down to Ikea today for the annual all-you-can-eat crayfish fest! If you can’t make it, at least buy tickest for next Friday, because they’ve added a second night! It’s a major buffet for under $10.

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Next weekend is the Madden’s Food & Wine weekend. Besides noshing and sloshing with your local chefs and wine geeks, you can actually get in a round of golf with them too! Go on and smack it.

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Kramarczuk’s is throwing their Kielbasa Fest again this year on Sept. 9th – 11th, but if you think you’ve got the next IT sausage, the next Gummi brat if you will, then enter your recipe in the contest by Sept. 1st. The winning wiener will be made and sold at the fest, AND you get a new bike. This is a great time in Nordeast so consider getting your tix early, especially if you want the commemorative stein that comes with one free fill!