Usually on the last Fresh Forkin’ Friday before Christmas I post my favorite feast scene from Dicken’s Christmas Carol in which the Cratchit boys must cram spoons into their mouths, lest they should shriek for goose before it was their turn to be served. But as this would be the fifth posting, I thought I’d move on. Besides I have important news about the coming Mayan Death Star. It seems that experts agree that the only way we are going to survive it is to join hands and sing, not unlike the tiny Whos down in Who-ville, before we gather to carve the roast beast. I’m serious. Heed my warning and fight back the doom (whether it comes physically from the sky or metaphysically from your own inner reaches after watching too much cable news), I’m compelling you. Grab a hand, open your heart and sing! Here I’ll start you out: That’s great it starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes, an aeroplane … Lenny Bruce is not afraid.

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CHANGES

Bullfrog now Bulldog.

CLOSES

Sadly, The Donut Co-op is closing their cute little doors.  The last day is Sunday so go and clear them out of fried doughy goodness.

I also just noticed that Panera in the Excelsior/ Grand complex (across from McCoy’s) is closed. If you have a dream, maybe that’s the spot for you.

COMING SOON

Lakewinds Natural Foods is coming to the city! The west metro shop is buying the land that was formerly the Lyndale Garden Center in Richfield. They’ve got big plans to begin building a nice shiny new 20,000 square foot store which will open in 2013 or 2014.

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Mackenzie’s Pub is taking a bright view of this solstice. Tonight they are celebrating the Long Dark Night with a round of sunset tapping to include Surly Darkness, Deschutes Abyss, Tyranena Devil Made Me Do It, Founders Porter among other darkly good dark brews. Remember, Lenny Bruce is not afraid.

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Tickets go on sale TODAY for Harriet Brewing’s 2nd Anniversary Bash (if you’re looking for some last minute shopping ideas) on Jan. 19. It looks like it’s going to be a hot night at El Nuevo Rodeo with Harriet beers on all 12 taps, local live music, live art, plus a full tapas bar.

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May I just remind you that cheese makes an awesome gift?

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Tune into the radio this weekend and Shansey and I will round up all the media predictions for food trends 2013! Sneak peek into my own very expert list: Forget pickling, let’s jerky everything!

Otherwise, go hug your kith & kin and down a bit of the hot stuff from the jug … make merry and be well. We’ll see you when the page flips.