This Thursday, I plan to be at Via Café and Bar in Edina, along with my co-blogger and wine connoisseur Ann Bauer, for this month’s Rake World Flavors dinner. This should be a fun evening – not just a great dinner, but also a chance to meet other Rake foodies, talk to Ann about wine, and her recent trip to Italy, or talk to me about food, dining and whatever else is on your mind. Chef James Foley’s menu includes a warm cheese sampler with apricot chutney and roasted garlic; a braised baby artichoke salad with organic garden greens; smoked-coffee rubbed Kobe beef brisket accompanied by fingerling potatoes and roasted baby vegetables, and chocolate pot de crème and sour cherry biscotti for dessert. Cost is $60 per person, including wine pairings; you can purchase tickets online here.