Alright, my people. It's summer full-time now, and we are not messing around.
There are certain weeks during the slower (read: colder) seasons when restaurant and food news is few and far between. But these days, the farmers market is full of produce, Minnesotans are living outdoors and it's impossible to keep up with the changes.
So this week, I'll highlight just a few of them. It's up to you to explore and discover the rest (and tell me about them!).
In a couple of weeks, Rainbow Cafe and Cateringon Main Street in Pine Island, along with Eclectic Galleryjust down the street, is hosting a unique event. Make your reservation for a spot on June 29, where you'll be able to choose from a range of unique, one-of-a-kind hand-thrown pottery bowls from Eclectic Gallery, and then pick how many scoops of Rainbow Cafe's delicious green chili to have inside. The chili is served with warm corn tortillas.
After your meal, Rainbow Cafe staff will wash out your bowl, and you'll take it home with you. Prices vary depending on bowl and amount of chili purchased. To save your spot for this reservation-only event, go to rainbowcafeandcatering.com, or call 507-356-2929.
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Downtown Rochester staple Victoria'sis introducing some exciting new summer events, too.
In addition to featuring their new craft cocktail menu via a mobile bar during Thursdays on First, Wednesdays are for wine lovers.
Wednesdays now are known as Wine Up Wednesdays — on which you'll get a bottomless glass of select wines for just $7 with the purchase of an entree.
In the mood for a margarita? Head over to The Tap Houseon Historic Third Street, where you can get the salty summer drink along with a taco party on Wednesdays starting at 5 p.m. The Tap House is featuring street-style tacos and hot dogs on Wednesdays only, all summer.
Too hot for your afternoon joe? No problem, says Press Coffee and Tea Lounge, on Broadway in Rochester. They've recently introduced blended coffee drinks (that means slushy!), as well as healthy and heavenly fruit smoothies. The smoothies incorporate real fruit and whey but no added sugar. If you're lucky, your flavor will have chia seeds.
Speaking of a perfect way to spend a summer evening, be sure to check out Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery'sDine in the Vines monthly summer event. The first one is tonight! Probably too late to get in on this month's dinner, which is featuring modern American cuisine. The 10-course tasting menu is served al fresco, under the gathering dark and brilliant stars, with just a few of your favorite new friends.
If you missed out this month — don't worry, but do mark your calendars. The next two Dine in the Vines events will be held on July 12 and Aug. 10. More details to come later.
This is just a taste of the new and exciting season, friends. I don't know about you, but I am all in.
