Like some kind of sadist, I signed my kid up for summer camp this week. Right after we’d settled into a really good and welcome groove of sleeping in late and lounging around the house before even considering an activity, I went and wrecked it for everyone. Throw in some hyper-punctual neighbor kids who show up to make sure we’re ready to leave 45 minutes, 30 minutes, and 15 minutes before we actually leave, and we’ve snapped into the impending reality of a new school year.
And this year, I’m staring down the barrel of a big one here at the Summers house: My littlest will be entering full-day preschool. What am I going to do without them spilling food all over my jeans, screaming about imaginary play-injustices, or constantly asking me where their shoes are before bursting out the door barefoot?
We can still do this. The days aren’t short yet, and there are a lot of ice cream puddles left to create. Here are my picks for three things to eat with your favorite kid (or just the young at heart).
JohnnyPops Root Beer Float Popsicle: I love what this company stands for (doing good deeds). Plus, we love the flavors. Taste the fizzy, creamy goodness of a root beer float on a stick. Also, on Monday, August 6, anyone who stops by the JonnyPops offices (3600 Alabama Ave. S., Minneapolis) from 4-6 p.m. will receive a free root beer pop, and the first 25 visitors will snag a JonnyPops tee. Sweet deal.
El Burrito Mercado’s Elotes: That toasty smell of sweet corn roasting in the parking lot of this landmark Mexican market and restaurant is one of the best aromas of summer. Grab a charred cob slathered with crema, queso fresco, and a little bit of chili.
Red River Kitchen City House’s Cubano: It’s the best water view in the city, right on top of the Mississippi River. The whole family is welcome—even our stumpy-legged dog that we think is part-Basset, part-Brittany Spaniel. The kids love these amped-up grilled cheese sandwiches with ham and pork and mustard and pickles. Play a game of bean-bag toss or go out walking along the river’s edge. These truly are the best days of our lives.
