This Thursday, I plan to be at Via Café and Bar [1] in Edina, along with my co-blogger and wine connoisseur [2] Ann Bauer [3], 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 [4], 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 [5].