If you're feeling slightly overwhelmed by the number of events thrown your way this fall, you're not alone (hand raised). These days – with warm weather and summer activities on their way out – the calendar is bursting with possibilities. The local food and drink scene is up to some really fun things right now, and it's more than enough to keep you busy and a safe distance from that pesky post-summer depression that likes to creep in right about now.
So pull up your iCal and jot down this lineup of dinners, festivals, block parties and other food-and-drink-inspired bashes all coming up in the next couple weeks.
Tonight (Sept. 16): Cocktails at the Castle: A Different Way of Seeing – The American Swedish Institute is staging a celebration with cocktails, snacks created by Fika, art and performances in the grounds' picturesque courtyard. The event recently sold out but ASI just released more tickets with the forecast looking up. Those on the waiting list will get first dibs. More info here.
Tomorrow (Sept. 17): Birchwood Cafe's 21st Birthday – The Seward neighborhood café is doling out free corn on the cob, popcorn and cupcakes this weekend. Beer and root beer floats will be available for purchase. More info here.
Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 17-18): Open Streets continue with West BroadwayAv. and Nicollet Av. taking their turns on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. A barrage of restaurants and bars will have street presences, including Corner Table, who will be peddling barbecue and a new collaboration beer with Bauhaus Brew Labs and Hola Arepa, which will again boast it's vintage cocktail truck with kegged cocktails.
Sept. 22: Betty Danger's Country Club Cotillion – 80's mania is the theme, so dig up the old crimper and leg warmers and head over to the Northeast for this booze-fueled bonanza. Tickets are $55 and include all you can eat apps and all you can drink punch, champagne, and "inventive" vodka sodas. More info here.
Sept. 24: St. Paul Food Truck Festival – More than 30 trucks, including the popular Foxy Falafel, Natedogs and Moral Omnivore, will be stationed at Mears Park in Lowertown. You can also expect live music and Lift Bridge Brewing Company beer on site (beer wristbands are $2 – proceeds go to Feed My Starving Children). Dishes start at $4. More info here.
Sept. 24: World Fare – Dixie's on Grand celebrates its 30th anniversary with a parking lot party featuring for-sale grub from Dixie's, Saji-Ya and Emmett's Public House. The celebration will also include a bevy of free activities including giant beer pong, sumo wrestling, hammerschlagen and a mechanical bull. More info here.
Sept. 25: Ramen Attack – Read all about it here.
Sept. 26: Tattersall Distilling's Rum Launch Party – If you can't get enough of the multitude of spirits Tattersall already offers (vodka, gin, aquavit and multiple vermouths, cremas and liquers among them), you're in for another treat. The distillery is set to release a whole new lineup of spirits, and you'll get your first glimpse here. The night will focus on the Blackstrap rum, but also on the docket for the reveal are absinthe, blueberry liqueur, cranberry liqueur, lime crema, Freewheeler pommeau (where they distill the Sociable Cider Werks of the same name into a classic French spirit), and apple brandy.
Sept. 26: Heritage Dinner at Saint Dinette – General Manager Laurel Elm and Chef Adam Eaton are hosting the Middle Eastern feast that will include a cocktail hour (Erik Eastman will be moonlighting), six courses paired with wine and desserts from local author and baking instructor Zoe Francois. More info here.
Sept. 27: Chef-tender series at Constantine – Not enough for the Twin Cities' chefs to feed you all-star meals? See what kind of game they've got behind the bar. This time around, Jim Christiansen (Heyday) will join Constantine and Monello's Mike DeCamp behind the bar. Constantine has been hosting the series every other Tuesday from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.There is no cover.
