by Mike Mitchelson
February 21, 2012
in
About town, Announcements, Awards, Blog
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James Beard Semis released; Minnesota kicks ass.
Look at that list below. Isn’t that something? Not long ago Minnesota and the Twin Cities was merely flyover (or layover) country on the way to other places. Sure, we always had a nice arts scene, but as a dining destination? P-shaw. No longer, what with the last three Beard awards for Best Chef Midwest landing right in the ol’ Twin Cities. But look at that list. Our fine state was represented in each category, except (inexplicably) “Outstanding Wine Program” and “Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional.” Methinks we have at least a coupla those peeps. And, notably, every chef listed for Best Chef Midwest was a Foodservice News Top Chef for 2011. Coincidence? NOT. The JBF is always riding our coattails. It’s true!
Okay, okay, The Catbird Seat is in Nashville, but, come on. It might as well be ours with Erik Anderson and Josh Habiger, who logged serious hours in the top kitchens around here, and with Anderson putting Sea Change on the map. Read. Enjoy. Be happy for all who made this semifinal list. To see all of it, click here.
Best New Restaurant
• The Bachelor Farmer, Minneapolis
• The Catbird Seat, Nashville, TN
Outstanding Bar Program
• La Belle Vie, Minneapolis
Outstanding Chef
• Tim McKee, La Belle Vie, Minneapolis
Outstanding Pastry Chef
• Michelle Gayer, Salty Tart Bakery, Minneapolis
Outstanding Restaurant
• Restaurant Alma, Minneapolis
Outstanding Restaurateur
• Richard D’Amico and Larry D’Amico, D’Amico & Partners, Minneapolis
Outstanding Service
• Manny’s Steakhouse, Minneapolis
Rising Star Chef of the Year
• Sameh Wadi, Saffron Restaurant & Lounge, Minneapolis
Best Chef: Midwest
• Russell Klein, Meritage, St. Paul, MN
• Lenny Russo, Heartland Restaurant & Farm Direct Market, St. Paul, MN
• Steven Brown, Tilia, Minneapolis
• Doug Flicker, Piccolo, Minneapolis
• Stewart Woodman, Heidi’s, Minneapolis
• Mike Brown and James Winberg, Travail Kitchen and Amusements, Robbinsdale, MN
by Mike Mitchelson
February 16, 2012
in
About town, Blog, Restaurant News
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Smalley’s to close, re-open as Alley Sports Tavern
Smalley’s 87 Club in downtown Minneapolis near Target Field is closing this weekend. The restaurant, called Smalley’s to take advantage of the name of former All-Star Twins shortstop and current broadcaster Roy Smalley, will be quickly remodeled and renamed the Alley Sports Tavern. They hope to reopen by March 1. Wayne Belisle is partnering with Russell King. King is an investor.
by Submitted Editorial
February 9, 2012
in
Blog, Restaurant News
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Shrinking Old Country Buffet Files Bankruptcy Again, Hits Local Suppliers With Big Debts
Buffet’s, Inc., the Eagan, Minn.-based operator of buffet concepts, including Old Country Buffet, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 18th—nearly four years to the day since the last time it filed bankruptcy. Buffets said it would close 81 underperforming locations.
Buffets emerged from bankruptcy in 2009 with 533 buffet units. It had 494 company-owned locations when it filed last week, but closed 81 units on January 19 and 20. None of the store closures were in Minnesota.
Local companies Upper Lakes Foods, Bix Produce and Ecolab were among the list of the creditors holding the largest unsecured claims in Buffets. According to the filing, Upper Lakes was owed at total of $259,113 for unpaid food deliveries.
—The Insider
by Mike Mitchelson
February 3, 2012
in
About town, Blog, Restaurants
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Zen Box Izakaya: Be loud.
If Ireland coined the word “pub,” its equivalent in Japan is the izakaya. At least that’s the description given by John Ng and Lina Goh, the active co-owners (and husband and wife) of Zen Box Izakaya in Minneapolis. The izakaya in Japan is “a hangout, a place after work in which to be loud, be fun—that’s how it is at an Izakaya,” said Ng.
Goh agreed. “The spirit of the Izakaya is to have happy hour all the time.”
Well OK, then.
It’s more than party central, however, and will never be mistaken for a frat-boy hangout. Foodies are most pleased with Zen Box Izakaya since it opened last September, offering a rich extension to the original, award-winning Zen Box housed in the Minneapolis skyway labyrinth, in the Six Quebec building (the couple opened that lunch spot in in 2004). (more…)
by Mike Mitchelson
February 1, 2012
in
Current Issue, Top Story
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Taxing for Stadiums
Food and beverage (including booze) taxes seem to be the “got-to” source local governments tap for public project funding—especially pro-sports stadiums. But, according to Ramsey County officials, it’s not the ideal choice, it’s the last option.
Where will a new Vikings stadium be planted? It’s anyone’s guess. At FSN’s press deadline, proposals were turned into Gov. Mark Dayton; he didn’t endorse any, but leaned toward a Minneapolis site. It’s up to the state legislature. (As of January 24, the Basilica and Arden Hills sites were “off the table,” and the Metrodome was the leading option.—Ed.)
Setting aside the argument about public funding for stadiums to house sports teams owned by billionaires who have the financial means and business connections to build such structures themselves, FSN focuses on one financing tool used to fuel those projects: the food and beverage (including liquor) tax. (more…)
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