PopUp Dinner returns

The PopUp Dinner is popping up again for its third year, this time on Aug. 1 in a secret location that will be announced at 5 p.m. that day. Within an hour or so, a party will "pop up," with a percentage of proceeds going to benefit the Minneapolis Parks Foundation. Here's the drill: Diners are to come dressed all in white, ready to decorate their tables ("lavish" is encouraged) and picnic on their foods and beverages (it's an over-21 event) under the stars. Yes, it's outside, rain or shine, so watch the forecast. Tables and chairs are provided, along with entertainment and room to dance. The final goal is to leave no trace that a party was ever held. Tickets are $35 and, while not nonrefundable, are transferable, should you poop out more than pop up. To order tickets and find more info, visit www.handmade-events.com.

Earle Brown Center struts its stuff

The Earle Brown Heritage Center is a fully restored historic estate in Brooklyn Center that hosts a lot of weddings and other such events. Didn't know that? Then you probably didn't know that its chefs take a lot of pride in their food. To raise their profile, the center is debuting the Chef Experience on June 17, billed as "an interactive evening centered on great conversation and small plates of gourmet food." Chefs will be on hand to discuss techniques, flavor combinations and anything else a guest wants to know. Diners who join the tasting club will also receive a series of e-mails after the event with tips, tricks and recipes. The Chef Experience will occur quarterly. Tickets are $35 and may be reserved by calling 763-569-6300. The event is from 6:30-8 p.m. June 17, with doors opening at 6 p.m. To learn more, visit www.earlebrown.com/the-chef-experience.

Minnesota Zoo gets benefit

Feeding time at the Minnesota Zoo takes on a new meaning with Fish Bites, a benefit dinner on June 17. Proceeds from the event go toward conservation and education programs of the Minnesota Zoo. The dinner, in Discovery Bay, features chefs from a dozen restaurants as the Butcher & the Boar, Lucia's, Oceanaire and Third Bird preparing sustainable gourmet ocean and freshwater dishes paired with a variety of new and sustainable wines, courtesy of Lakeville Liquors. Tickets are $50 for the 21-plus event. To order, visit www.mnzoo.org/events/fish-bites-2.

Calibrate your thermometer

Here's a handy tip to help ensure safe grilling this summer, courtesy of the Tampa Bay Times: "Here's how to make sure you're getting the right temperature. Plunge the probe of a meat thermometer in a glass of ice water (you want a slushy water-ice mixture), making sure it's not touching the bottom or sides of the glass. Check the dial. Does it read 32 degrees F after 30 seconds? If not, you need to recalibrate. There should be a nut under the dial part of a standard dial thermometer; use some pliers to turn it until it's pointing to 32 degrees. Digital models may come with a reset button you can hold down (if not, try the on/off button) while the thermometer is submerged in the water; wait until it reads 32 degrees F." And now you know.

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