MD&M Minneapolis 2009
The Craftsman Restaurant
Warm earth-toned walls along with wood floors and furniture give this spacious brick corner storefront an understated elegance. Its neighborhood vibe draws couples ranging from first daters to empty nesters and small groups of urbanites on quieter weekdays. Weekends, it's bustling with suburban foodies. The contemporary American menu draws on local growers and organic ingredients. Highlights include rainbow trout or duck confit, but the most popular item is a Korean barbecue burger with sage-scented fries.
www.craftsmanrestaurant.com
612/722-0175
4300 E. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
Saffron Restaurant
There's a reason this Mediterranean restaurant is one of the Twin Cities' most raved-about dining spots: Saffron puts the finishing touches on all of its Middle Eastern-inspired dishes and ensures its service is as lovely as the presentation. This is a contemporary, swanky downtown joint that never feels stuffy or pretentious; in fact, most everything here, including the fresh ingredients, comes naturally. Entrees include chicken rubbed with exotic spices and tahini, salmon and clam "tagine," and succulent lamb shoulder. From the hummus to the inspired desserts, Saffron easily delights.
www.saffronmpls.com
612/746-5533
123 N. Third St., Ste. 101
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Hell's Kitchen
The room is simple with hellfire-red accents, framed Ralph Steadman prints, and a few faux buzzards lurking around. Somehow, the devilish theme is amusing, not macabre. Expect breakfast standards with a delightful twist. Toasted sausage bread is a sweet-salty mix of bison sausage, currants, pecans, and black coffee. Caramel-pecan rolls are made fresh. At lunchtime, there's a ham, pear, Swiss, and fontina melt and a slow-roasted pulled pork sandwich, zippy with chili-herb seasonings.
www.hellskitcheninc.com
612/332-4700
89 S. 9th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Zelo
Vaulted ceilings soar overhead, while stylishly dressed diners occupy intimate banquettes. The decor is almost theatrical--dark, sumptuous fabrics, murky lighting, gold accents. The elegant bar area, just past the dining room, stays busy from cocktail hour well into the wee hours of the night. The Italian-influenced menu features bruschetta, sesame-crusted walleye, and lovely presentations of olives, cheeses, and
meats. The crowd is almost uniformly young, hip, and good-looking, punctuated by the occasional gaggle of tourists wandering in off Nicollet Mall.
www.zelomn.com
612/333-7000
831 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55402
