I was writing up the shop n’ nosh bit yesterday and it hit me. Why don’t we have a huge outdoor Christmas Market like they do in Germany and other Euro countries? With our heritage and climate, we should OWN this. New York does a big one outside of Union Square, there’s no reason we shouldn’t be able to throw a bunch a tents/stalls up for a little holiday revelry on the weekends of December. Imagine it: the No Coast crafters could sell their funky posters and re-purposed sweater mittens, you could collect dozens of different cookies from vendors and never have to be shamed at a cookie party again, there could be a beer garden with gluhwein and hot pretzels to warm your hands. On one end we could have the Roe Family Singers picking banjo and playing the saw, on the other there could be a skating rink. Some would come to shop, some would come to snack, others would come just to get into the holiday spirit. I know we have Holidazzle and the Winter Carnival in January, but this Fresh Forkin’ Friday I’m dreaming of a light-strewn new market scented by cinnamon almonds and laced with spiked hot cider for 2012. Who’s with me?

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OPENS

Dueling dueling piano bars is about to happen downtown with tonight’s opening of Howl at the Moon. Just down the block from Shout House, the newcomer promises crazy drinks, including Jello shots and cocktails in a bucket, which should make 1st Avenue a saner place. Shya.

CB2 opens in Uptown this weekend and if you’re out shopping you can buy me this or this or these.

Also, Lucid Brewing has launched finally, so go get me a growler.

CLOSING

Il Premio at Mystic Lake is reverting back to its steakhouse roots to become Mystic Steakhouse later this month.

COMING SOON

Remember we talked about the chocolate shop rumors on Selby? And discovered that Blood & Chocolates would open soon (looks like January)? Well . . . there is another chocolate shop opening on Selby, in the former Vintage space. Dr. Chocolate’s Chocolate Chateau wants to be a four story business that includes an eatery, gift shop, museum, and event center all dedicated to chocolate. They’re just waiting for the permits, so stay tuned.

Also, there’s a Yogurt Lab coming to the space next to the new MyBurger in Uptown. Maybe an olive oil store too??

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This Saturday, Mill City Farmers Market will have an outdoor Holiday Market just like I’m craving. This one goes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and it’s a great chance to get local yummies like Ames Farm honey, Shepherd’s Way cheese, and Very Prairie marshmallows! Lucky gift getters.

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It’s a great time to get out to the Arboretum, what with all the gingerbread houses, Christmas trees, hot chocolate walks, and ice lantern demos. This Saturday you can partake in a holiday breakfast before checking out the merriment, and next Friday is the gourmet multi-course dinner with wine pairings. Sign up!

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