Freehouse Will Offer Blue Barn Favorites, July 3-5
Just when it looked like we’d have to survive summer in Minnesota without sugar-coated, deep-fried foods on a stick, we’re getting a glimmer of hope here in the North Loop. Blue Plate Restaurant Company, owners of The Freehouse, as well as the popular Blue Barn at the Minnesota State Fair will be adding Blue Barn favorites to the Freehouse menu, July 3-5. (Reservations required).
The treats include Nashville hot chicken on a stick, Pop Rocks french toast, Bacon-stuffed tots, Grandma Deb’s Snicker salad, Chicken in a waffle cone, and Blueberry basil lemonade. The Blue Barn Pop-Up will also take place at other Blue Plate restaurants that weekend: Edina Grill, 3 Squares, The Lowry, Longfellow Grill, Highland Grill and Groveland Tap.
Last weekend, the company posted the news on its Facebook page for July 4th only, but the response was so overwhelming, they extended it two more days.
“This will be the first year that any Blue Plate restaurant is open on the 4th of July,” said Anna Mailliard, marketing director. “But with it falling on a Saturday, we felt we couldn’t not be open. Our biggest motivation was the fact that the fair’s not happening, and we just thought, how could we bring the state fair–and one of the beloved attractions–to our restaurant guests?”
Along with the fair treats that weekend, the restaurant will have a limited menu of Freehouse favorites as well. The company is still exploring whether to offer other fair-themed activities, but is also mindful of the need for safe distancing.
By Mike Binkley, North Loop Neighborhood Association