THE HOT FIVE
Check out a new restaurant this holiday weekend.
CAFE AGRI
Chef Dan Alvin is catering to vegetarians and vegans (and the occasional trout lover), and those with gluten-free dietary restrictions will also feel welcome.
4300 Bryant Av. S., Mpls., 612-822-3101, cafeagri.com
CITIZEN CAFE
The former Sweet Lorraine's has been transformed into a lively breakfast-lunch-dinner enterprise, offering dishes such as morning hashes, a fried shrimp po' boy, short ribs braised in a shallot broth and pan-seared scallops with smoked tomatoes and brioche croutons.
2403 E. 38th St., Mpls., 612-729-1122
FLAME
The team behind Mission American Kitchen and Via Cafe & Bar have turned their attention to Rosedale, where shoppers and pre- and post-moviegoers can enjoy moderately priced roast meats and other fire-tickled fare.
863 Rosedale Center Plaza, Roseville, 651-315-5005, flamerosedale.com
MIX NEW AMERICAN DINER
Chef/co-owner John Pullis is preparing updates of all-American fare: big burgers, iceberg wedge salads, mac-and-cheese, cider-glazed pork chops, meatloaf and banana cream pie. The setting is bright, cheery and kid-friendly.
222 Chestnut St., Chaska, 952-479-7448
SMALLEY'S CARIBBEAN BARBEQUE AND PIRATE BAR
BBQ with a pedigree: Brought to you by Tim McKee and Josh Thoma, co-owners of Solera and La Belle Vie. Don't miss the pork shoulder, the brisket, the fried green tomatoes and the Key lime pie tartlet. Or the tasty rum drinks.
423 S. Main St., Stillwater, 651-439-5375
