New Perks in the Twin Cities

There’s a new Dogwood outpost that just opened inside the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (along with a new mezzanine level restaurant Grain Stack—named after the Monet painting). Both are part of the Stock and Badge partnership of Dogwood Coffee, Rustica Bakery and Erick Harcey of Victory 44 fame.

Restaurant Alma will also be expanding and taking over the roaster perfumed walls of the one-time Dunn Brother’s Coffee next door to them. Owned by James Beard Award winning Chef Alex Roberts, the extended space will be home to a more casual cafe where they will roast their own coffee. They expect to be open for business in late 2014.

Most exciting for the hardcore bean lovers will be the opportunity to roast their own beans. Roundtable Coffee Works aims to be a collaborative space that will have access to roasting equipment, offer guidance through the process, and sell select coffee equipment. They also intend to be great neighbors, partnering with nearby Foxy Falafel for some fun nights ahead. (Possibly some catered items and some live musical performances inside their Transfer Road home). The plan is to open in March. In the meantime, they’re fundraising. For a limited time, you can purchase their coffee through their website

The pop ups continue to proliferate, even if the Travailians have finally settled into their new home. (A first look at their new space is coming next week.) Vellee Deli has parked their black beauty of a truck for the season and moved into the Crema Cafe space in Uptown. The menu is exactly the same as the truck, except they now have access to beer, wine, and that divine Sonny’s ice cream. They’re open Thursday through Sunday for dinner.

Meanwhile, two darked and beloved neighborhood spots have promised to make a comeback. Fans have been worried about the length of time both Buster’s on 28th and Tracy’s Saloon have left their lights off. In both cases, remodeled went over schedule. However, both are edging ever closer to returning. Bring on the wings!

One more opening I’m excited about this week—Little Szechuan has opened their Stadium Village location! Dan dan lovers unite! Let’s share some of that fiercely fiery Sichuan cuisine and tell this sub-zero winter to take a hike.