We’ve got not one, but two restaurants opening tonight and you might have to toss a coin to decide which one to hit up first. As I mentioned last week, Corner Table version 3.0 is throwing up their doors (and windows—there’s a beautiful indoor/outdoor element at the new space). At a preview tasting, the expanded menu is just as delicious as the original incarnation, but the room is more polished, more comfortable, and in a couple of weeks will sport some covetable outdoor seating.
However, on a gorgeous day, you might want some outright outdoor lounging and if that’s the case, you might want to head over to Hola Arepa. Their new location pops with that vibrant shade of turquoise that their truck sports. My first impression is that the bar staff is impressive. Dan Oskey, of the Strip Club and Adam Harness of Cafe Maude were both on hand when I visited. The drinks are dazzling, bright, summery, and endlessly quaffable (assuming you’ve got a sober ride home).
The arepas are on the menu, but now come with a side of chips or fried yucca. Other dishes take their inspiration from around Latin America and feature the long stewed, carefully constructed flavors we’ve come to expect from Birk Stefan Grudem and Christina Nguyen. Best of all, not one dish clocks in over $15. That means affordable, sustainably sourced dinner with a speedily served craft cocktail won’t send you to the poor house. They’ll start out serving dinner for now, but expand to brunch service as they hit their groove.
There’s a cozy amount of seating inside, but the wide patio and high top tables out front are sure to be the most coveted seats of the summer.
Also open now is the Copper Hen Bakery from the husband and wife team of Danielle and Chris Bjorling. We originally talked to the couple back in October about their new concept. The duo believe in using whole ingredients for their breads and pastries. TC Taste initial reports have been raves for their sweet treats and the beautiful room. They’re also serving savory lunches and dinners with menu items like chicken pot pie and steak and egg tartare. According to their Facebook page they might still have some room for Mother’s Day brunch. (You didn’t forget about Mom, did you?)
Moving away from Eat Street (those above mentioned restaurants are all on Nicollet), Lolo American Kitchen and Craft Bar serving small plates and craft cocktails, which reminds me that I’m overdue for some juiced up antiquing.
Changes are afoot at Gather inside the Walker Art Center. They will no longer be serving lunch, but continue serving dinner once a week. Sad that the world will be eating a little less of Chef Josh Brown’s delicious food. Although, they’ll continue to cater events held at the Walker and the space is available for rental.
In less happy news, it was announced last week that The Lynn on Bryant will soon be closing their doors. When I spoke with Peter Ireland he was pragmatic in his sadness, hoping to help his staff find new jobs. They will be open through this weekend and are taking reservations. I’m so sad to lose this spot. I’ve had several lunches and dinners here where I left with sore smile muscles and a full belly. I wish them all the best of luck.
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