So this one time? In Bangkok? I was walking through the Chatuchak market which covers 27 acres and we were shuttling along in the narrow hallways between the stalls almost like cattle. It was 105 degrees. It was an endless parade of sweaty bodies, but we were all sweaty so it hardly mattered. At the point where I was nearly about to faint, this little kid reached out and grabbed my wrist offering me a hacked off coconut with a straw. It was, at that moment, the best thing I’d ever tasted. Now when we have these sultry Thai days in MN, all I crave is coconut water. Thank goodness it is finally available to me without the use of a cleaver (which gets a wee bit irksome when you’re out and about). Whether you believe in the miracle properties of it or not, I can’t be anything but grateful for its ability to cut through a July day.

*****

COMING SOON

The Gray House will be taking over the former Risotto spot in Lyn-Lake later this summer. The spot is being relaunched by chef Ian Gray, formerly of Tosca, as a gastropub serving small and large plates made with seasonal ingredients. I liked what he was doing at Tosca and can’t wait to see what comes out of this place!

The Lynn on Bryant will be the next eatery to occupy the post-fire Patina/G&D building on 50th & Bryant. The chef is Peter Ireland who has a serious resume that includes time with Colicchio and Paul Kahan, as well as in kitchens such as Cafe Boulud and Payard. The space looks like it will be smallish, around 60 seats, and wants to be a neighborhood bistro open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One to watch, people.

CLOSED

The just-opened St. Paul location of : D-Spot is already closed. Maplewood continues to churn out the wings, and a Dinkytown location is in the works.

Sadly, the Uptown Farmers Market can’t make it through the rest of the season, so Sunday’s show will be the last.

NEW/OPENS

Mosaic Cafe has emerged as the reconcepting of Glaciers in Midtown. Pat Weber had a hand in the menu, which is a good thing, and that awesome custard is still on the menu. The Heavy Table kids have already had a taste.

Excelsior Brewing opened its taproom this week, during the thronging masses of 4July. I popped in and grabbed a growler of Bridge Jumper IPA which is the only thing they are pouring at the moment. It has a nice malty/hoppy balance and is also available at The 318 down the street. Look for more beers to roll out in the coming weeks.

Did you check out the food porn that goes with DMG’s take on the new Piccolo tasting menu?

I feel like I can’t even get to all the new trucks rolling out! MidNord Empanada Truck,  The Wicked Palate, Street Dogs (well hello Reuben dog). And so you know, Potter’s Pasties has just started showing up in Minneapolis, FINALLY!

*****

Also, it’s RESTAURANT WEEK starting on Sunday! Did you see Haute Dish has joined the fray? I’ll send up my favorite picks on Monday.