If you haven't been anxiously counting down the days (as I had been), consider this your SMASH reminder: Smash Burger opens today at Vicksburg & 55, by Lowe's. From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., this quick-service, high-end burger joint is a must-try ... on all kinds of levels. My family and I were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the new establishment last night, and a couple of thoughts:

The service was friendly (even at the end of the night) and remarkably speedy (they told my husband 5-7 minutes, and they were exactly correct). He tried the Twin Cities Burger, and I a build-your-own Smash Chicken (grilled). Both were delish; we ate them altogether too fast.

The friends who joined us (from all the way across the metro) also tried the frites (salty carrots & asparagus) as a side, a great deviation from the onion strings and Smash fries we had (being the rosemary nut that I am, I couldn't resist these seasoned skinny fries, but the regular ones are perhaps better for the more traditional fry connoisseur). My daughter (at just 6 months) couldn't get enough of the colorful triple malt, with vanilla, strawberry and chocolate all "smashed" into one (don't worry, she didn't eat it, just played a little with Mom's and got angry when it was swiftly moved out of reach).

Kid-friendly as the patio is, I have to admit the adult beverages available (a variety from Smirnoff Ice to red & white wines to Miller High Life and Leinie's Honeyweiss) made for a relaxing end to the day.