WOW! So many new subscribers after last week’s newsletter. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE! My focus is on the free newsletter here - I do have a paid level with some perks, but the main value here is in the newsletter. If you want to support my work on this, by all means, upgrade! But the best thing you can do is get inspired to take action and go have fun in our community!!
I spent the overnight in Mayo Clinic land, on a trip with Greenspring Media, the publishers of Minnesota Monthly and also the Experience Rochester magazine guide. The growth here is crazy - last night I ate at Thai Pop which was fantastic (get the whole fish and the cauliflower pops) and then visited an awesome rooftop / speakeasy. Bitter and Pour.
Other spots people don’t talk about: Al Madina, North African with great falafel, Enat has unique east African food, Ollin Mexican are all spots my friend Abe recommends. He runs “Old Abe” - a coffee shop with vegan specialities, I’m scooting over there before my meetings today with the Rochester people.
Yes, Minnesota’s primaries are over, but we get a breath between now and the State Fair, so I recommend hopping to Rochester or somewhere else a car-ride away to escape when you can!
https://www.oldabecoffee.com/ https://www.experiencerochestermn.com/
Interviews with Lisa Demuth and Peggy Flanagan
Saffron will open… soon?
How You Can Help Jakeenos
Remembering Sue Zelickson
Scooter Chaos or harmless fun?
Mexico City travel guides
COCKTAIL LEGENDS TO TEACH AT BAR MARA
I’m going to this - are you? TOBY MALONEY is doing a cocktail class at BAR MARA Sunday August 30 at 1pm. Toby founded Violet Hour in Chicago, first hire at Milk & Honey, he and Emma Janzen have written a book called “The Classic Cocktail Sessions” and you can learn from Toby & Emma, get a signed book, have a hands-on class on the classics. Following the class, you get a private book signing. This will sell out! Here’s a link to the class ($150): Personalizing the Classics - Mixologist Class at Open Table. AND if you don’t want to do the class, but you do want a book, signed, and a chance to visit with Toby and Emma: ($60 at 3pm) LINK: Classic Cocktail Sessions – Book Signing!
Thanks to Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis for being a DeRUSHA partner!
RIP SUE ZELICKSON: Still feeling the loss of Sue Zelickson - and it’s been incredible to see so many chefs talking about how Sue believed in them before they even believed in themselves. Sue was a voice for independent restaurants - but especially a voice for women in the culinary world. I wrote about her impact at Minnesota Monthly.com: https://fluence-media.co/4wjrQtj, we talked about her on my WCCO Radio show too. I love you, Sue. Alyssa & I will miss you so much!
Justine gathered some great remembrances at MSP Mag: https://fluence-media.co/45mBaS4
SUSHI BY BAASKA to OPEN in the former ZEN BOX: Baaska is raising money to open his own spot in the former Zen Box on Washington Ave. near the Guthrie Theatre. NEWS: “We’re raising $200k to help with the renovation costs, invest in great employee benefits, update essential equipment, and offset early-stage operating costs.” https://fluence-media.co/4xuDuT9 The fundraiser has some pretty good options in it, frankly if you could handle the $5000 level to get an in-home sushi party for 10 that would be fun. FUNDRAISER: https://fluence-media.co/4xPjWcr
JAKEENOS ASKING FOR HELP: A fire shut down Jakeenos, which has really been going through it due to its location sort of near George Floyd Square. A July roof fire had flames stopped within an hour, “smoke poured through the dining room, kitchen, and bar, and Jakeeno’s is now closed until further notice. Overnight, Patty, Amy, and the entire staff lost the income they depend on — and what comes next for the restaurant is genuinely uncertain.” DONATE: gofundme.com/f/keep-jakeenos-alive-support-patty-amy-team
6SMITH/BALDAMAR SISTER RESTAURANT GETS A NAME/OPENING MONTH: (news to me) The new steakhouse by Southdale Center from Randy Stanley will be called SMITHSON. Opening target of October. “The approximately 225-seat restaurant will feature aged prime and Wagyu beef, premium seafood and seasonal, ingredient-driven cuisine served in a contemporary setting.” SmithsonSteak.com
POLITICS: THE two most dominant victors joined me yesterday - Peggy Flanagan and Lisa Demuth: I am glad we have 4 excellent candidates for Governor and U.S. Senate. We’ll see how we feel when we get to November!
Audio for both:
VIDEO Interviews:
MEXICO CITY COVERAGE: Sorry for spamming your in-box with 4 (!) separate pieces on Mexico City. Paid subscribers get access to all of this - thank you for helping to subsidize my trip! You can unlock all of them for just $5 by upgrading your subscription.
4 Days in Mexico City: https://derushadownload.substack.com/p/mexico-city-jasons-guide-to-a-four
12 Great Restaurants: https://derushadownload.substack.com/p/12-of-mexico-citys-best-restaurants
13 Cocktail Bars: https://derushadownload.substack.com/p/13-of-the-best-cocktail-bars-in-mexico
5 Coffee Shops: https://derushadownload.substack.com/p/my-5-favorite-coffee-shops-in-mexico
FULTON BUYS BEMIDJI BREWING: Smart move by Fulton- creating True North Beverage collective: Bemidji Brewing, Fulton Brewing, Finnegans, and N*RC. It reminds me of how Fairwave Coffee Collective bought Spyhouse, Folly and UP Coffee and created collective buying power and admin support, but local brands kept their identity. ANNOUNCE: https://fluence-media.co/4qdd4Tq
BAUHAUS TO REOPEN SATURDAY: They’re accepting old beer tokens and gift cards too, which is cool. Closed Mon/Tue; Details on hours: https://fluence-media.co/4wNKVoo
BURGER WEEK CONTINUES: My editor at MNMO lives in the South Suburbs so it’s cool to see 5 burgers shouted out from that part of the metro: https://fluence-media.co/4z9MpLc
TRÓPICO: Opened Tuesday at Lumber Exchange. DETAILS: instagram.com/vivetropicomn
NOKOMIS HOUSE: From the La Tapatia & La Madre team, Nokomis House looks like a great neighborhood spot! 5401 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, IG: https://fluence-media.co/4zmGcfg
TASCA MADRID: The cafe has been open in the former Handsome Hog on Cathedral Hill - the patio is open too, the restaurant opens for dinner this week. Can’t wait for Spanish flavors and that Iberico ham! WEB: https://fluence-media.co/4whsc3A INSTA: https://fluence-media.co/4fNRXUj
COMAL by Familia Luna: The former San Pancho re-opens as COMAL today (Thursday) in Long Lake. https://fluence-media.co/4wqOU9F
León Burgers popup at Modist: Chef Jorge Gúzman is popping up a burger joint at Modist Brewing on August 16 (next Sunday) at 11am. Double smash patties, onions, pickles, queso blanco, looks sexy: Instagram.com/leon_bistromx
Donatelli’s to Bloomington: The former Ike’s will become a second location of WBL mainstay Donatelli’s. Opening in September. Instagram.com/donatellisrestaurant
SAFFRON MPLS: Sameh Wadi’s project in the former Young Joni, seeing lots of people lining up to work here. Hearing this is happening in the next couple weeks. We’ll see. https://fluence-media.co/4wB9iFb
OG ZAZA UPTOWN: Former Mesa Pizza Uptown will be open until 1am weeknights and 3am Friday/Saturday!
EDINA COFFEE ROASTERS CAFE: They focusing on wholesale coffee roasting and distribution. https://fluence-media.co/4i3jAdc
My Mercury Mosaics obession: https://www.instagram.com/derushaj/reel/Dbn32IAxuh8/
Saint Paul apartment lease success: https://www.instagram.com/derushaj/reel/Db8rU7gxKt2/
Lighting the Saint Paul National Bank sign: https://www.instagram.com/derushaj/reel/DbuN4UFxE0R/
Where should I go in Rochester? https://fluence-media.co/4zkJBv6
ANOKA FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL: SATURDAY, 11a-9p, 50+ vendors including Pretty Great Cheesecake, Tot Boss, Pronto Pups, Anchor Fish & Chips and Gray Duck’s gluten-free concessions, mnfoodtruckfestival.com.
Minnesota Fringe Festival: Dozens of shows nightly across Minneapolis theater hubs (Rarig Center, Mixed Blood Theatre, Theatre in the Round, and more). [minnesotafringe.org]
MODEST MOUSE: The Palace Theatre, St. Paul, THURSDAY 8:00 PM. https://fluence-media.co/4qeQJoz
Lakeside Guitar Festival: Como Lakeside Pavilion, Minneapolis. Free, Friday and Saturday https://fluence-media.co/45nzd81
Broadway on the St. Croix: Disney’s The Little Mermaid — Lowell Park, Stillwater. FRI/SAT/SUN, outdoor performance on the river. TICKETS: https://fluence-media.co/4hoztLa
India Independence Day Festival — SATURDAY: Minnesota State Capitol grounds, St. Paul, 11:00 AM–9:00 PM. Free; 100+ food and bazaar vendors, cultural stage. https://fluence-media.co/3RZ0TNu
Ed Sheeran: The LOOP Tour: SATURDAY w/ Myles Smith, Lukas Graham, Ellie Banke — U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis. https://fluence-media.co/4i2GbXs
Como Zoo & Conservatory OBON FESTIVAL Event — SUNDAY traditional music, dance, taiko drumming, and lantern lighting at dusk. $5–$8/person, under 3 free; advance tickets required. https://comozooconservatory.org/como/obon-festival-2026/
THURSDAY: MEDIA night at Dirty Dancing at The Ordway
FRIDAY: Family dinner in Maple Grove
SATURDAY: Ed Sheeran at US Bank Stadium
SUNDAY: Unsure!
THANK YOU FOR READING!!!
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