Secrets of the City

Since you’ll all be stuffing your faces today, clearly there’s only one thing to talk about: FOOD! And since there’s been far too much cooking going on in most of our homes today, let’s limit it to others cooking for us — you know, the restaurant scene.

It’s bad times for restaurants in the Twin Cities, at least for some. This summer, Bellanote closed (though business at Hooters was up 10%!), Morton’s closed, D’Amico Cucina closed then took a new form in the Chambers Hotel. I’m sure there are others — like the Taco Loco in Shakopee. And now, after 23 years, Brenda Langston is calling it quits at Cafe Brenda.

On a positive note, however, her Spoonriver location, by the Guthrie, seems to be doing well (and the food is delicious).

What else is good?

Kieran’s Irish Pub is taking over the old Bellanote location.

The Ginger Hop, where the Times Bar and Cafe used to be, has had about an hour-long wait the four times I’ve tried to go — with no room even at the bar. “Mostly two-tops,” said the hostess last time I was there, indicating it is likely a big date location.

Honey just opened last week, in the old Jitters home, and apart from strangely placed spot lights that might toss a little too much glare in your eyes in some seats, the space promises great hipster presence. And if they continue with great little jazz combos like the one I saw (and great looking men like the ones I saw), I might be tempted to make it my new home.

Fugaise was a huge loss last March, but the Butcher Block is a great asset to the neighborhood. As I’m told, they’ve scaled down their original late-night dining plans — which also means scaling down on the oddly placed wings menu — but the Italian fare is simply divine, and all the house wines are $5 a glass/$15 a bottle.

Anemoni Sushi & Sake Bar is set for its Grand Remodeling Party on December 3rd.

Bar La Grassa opened in October and is getting excellent reviews to date.

Parasole has just replaced Figlio with Il Gatto.

And let’s not forget the Anchor Fish & Chips. I haven’t been there yet, but the reviews claim it knows what it does, and it does it well.

So, sounds like we still have plenty of good dining options out there. But internet-using diners beware. According to City Pages, your online reviews are hurting our restaurants.

Ok, do you feel a little sick now?