Sue Z. Says

It may feel like we’ve barely had a summer this year, but it’s never too early or late to pack in seasonal treats.

If tarts, bars, cookies and cakes are your thing, hit Patisserie Margo with locations in Edina and Excelsior, or check out the 80 flavors of frozen custard at Adele’s at the new location in Wayzata (888 Superior Blvd., 952-473-2838).

For outdoor entertaining, you can call Deco Catering (612-623-4477) or D’Amico Catering (763-797 2900). I also just discovered that Maggiano’s Little Italy (2685 Southdale Center, Edina, 952-920-1559) does off-site catering. To create perfection picnics check out Pairings (6001 Shady Oak Rd., Minnetonka, 952-426-0552).

I love dining outside on the marvelous rooftop at Seven (700 Hennepin, Mpls., 612-238-7770) and Stella’s Fish Cafe (1400 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-824-8862), and on the outdoor patios at 112 Eatery (112 N. Third St., Mpls., 612-343-7696), and The Dakota (1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-1010).

If you’re looking to host someone on your own patio or porch, there’s An Nguyen’s special Asian Fusion menu at Rice Paper (2726 W. 43rd St., Mpls., 612-926-8650) for takeout. The spring rolls, tofu puffs and steamed edamame are fabulous fare for cocktail parties.

Sue Zelickson is host of WCCO Radio’s Food for Thought.