There's a house around the corner from ours that does a not-too-scary Halloween display every year. This year, my three-year-old cannot stop talking about it.
"Here comes those scary guys!" he says. "I don't like those scary guys. Those scary guys are silly. Those scary guys are bad guys. Are those scary guys not real guys, mom?"
Now imagine all of that with an adorable toddler lisp. As in, "thca-wee guyth."
That's how I know Halloween is coming.
But another clue is the crop of spooky-themed dinners and events coming up at some local restaurants.
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Chester's Kitchen and Barin University Square is hosting its Halloween bash on Oct. 26, starting with drink specials at 9 p.m. A DJ and dancing will start at 10, and then the costume contest commences at 11. There will also be door prizes (including a flat-screen TV), as well as special discounts on martinis and tap and well drinks.
Then, the following weekend, on Nov. 1, Four Daughters Vineyard and Wineryin Spring Valley is putting on a "Spooky Gourmet Dinner" for a limited number of guests. All six courses will be prepared to scare, and the ticket price includes social hour with wine and appetizer, as well as a wine flight and wine pairings with each course. Tickets are $70 per person and space is limited, so plan ahead. To reserve your spot, visit fourdaughtersvineyard.com and click on "At the Winery."
More fall fun
For more fall fun, did you know that Chester's helps host a weekly "Tailgating on the Plaza" event on Sundays? They're projecting the Vikings and Packers games on a big screen from now until the two teams go head-to-head on Oct. 27. Stop down, watch the game outdoors with your friends and neighbors, and enjoy some downtown restaurant food and drink.
It's steak and lobster time in Mantorville
Here's another sign of autumn in Minnesota: the return of Hubbell House'sSteak and Lobster Event. This year's month-long special starts on Oct. 29 and runs through Nov. 30.
Get ready for a feast — the steak and lobster meal features a 6-ounce choice tenderloin and 2 to 3 ounces of Canadian cold water lobster tails. Along with those you have a choice of potato; soup, salad, marinated herring or fresh fruit cup; a warm loaf of bread and the Hubbell House's famous garlic toast.
The whole meal is just $23.99 from Sunday through Thursday, and $26.99 on Fridays and Saturdays. Hubbell House is located at 502 N. Main St. in Mantorville.
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Enjoy some fall color and a drive down to Mantorville — you definitely won't come home hungry.
Kim Van Brunt is a Rochester freelance writer. Send restaurant news and tips to her at life@postbulletin.com. To read more about good eats in the area, go to PostBulletin.com and click on the Great Taste blog.
