Wine: Witness Tree "Chainsaw" 2007 Pinot Noir

Light-bodied, earthy. Great with or without food. Nice from this small Oregon vineyard. $-1/2

http://www.witnesstreevineyard.com/

Restaurant: Hell's Kitchen, Minneapolis

As good as its Duluth cousin. New location is nice and creepy (to a fan of " el dia de los muertos"). Super cobb salad and a lovely peach bellini ( though not called that). $$

http://www.hellskitcheninc.com

Wine: Falling Star 2008 Merlot Malbec

Super wine at a lovely price. Medium-body; the merlot balances the normally weighty malbec, making it a good late-summer red. $

Restaurant: Pok Pok, Portland, Oregon

Not to be missed. The #4 bus goes right there. A Thai-street-food tapas-style restaurant with tasty dishes and a charming atmostphere. Sit outside, especially if it's raining. Cool, interesting cocktails. $$

http://www.pokpokpdx.com/

Restaurant: Pop!, St. Paul, MN

Creative fusion menu with South American flavors. Friendly bar, hip decor. You can't hate a place that has the guts to sell Tab. $

http://www.poprestaurant.com

Restaurant: Great Harvest, Portland

Good bread makes a hearty breakfast sandwich. Cautious service. $

Wine: Penner Ash '06 Pinot Noir

Yummy; blackberry pie with cream. $$ (when one's usual is $7)