IN THE NEWS: The Star Tribune’s Rick Nelson reports that after 11 years, Brock and Natalie Obee are calling it quits at their 128 Cafe (128 Cleveland Av. S., St. Paul) and also reports the scheduled Aug. 4 closing of the landmark (founded in 1951) Totino’s Italian Kitchen (523 Central Av. NE., Minneapolis). Owner Steve Elwell, the Totinos’ grandson, is working to relocate the business later this year to Mounds View. … Nelson also notes the opening of Sati Coffee & Crepes (572 Commons Dr., Woodbury) and the expected early fall opening of Otho (pronounced Oh-thoh) at 609 S. 10th. … Nelson also gives his first impressions of the new Cafe Levain (4754 Chicago Av. S., Minneapolis), Cafe Maude (5411 Penn Av. S., Minneapolis, www.cafemaude.com), Manhattans Restaurant & Bar (800 Hennepin Av. S., Minneapolis, www.manhattansmpls.com), and Wayzata Eatery (1179-A E. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata, www.wayzataeatery.com). startribune.com … The Pioneer Press‘ Kathie Jenkins reviews Zam Zam (4687 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake) and Ufood Grill (8364 N. Third St., Oakdale). … Nancy Ngo reports, “Add David Brooks to the list of real estate firms looking to turn Lowertown into restaurant town. The president of the Brooks Group plans to transform the first floors of two buildings he owns into casual dining spots. For the first, a former grocery store in the Stevens Building at the corner of Sixth and Wacouta streets, Brooks has signed on Jason Clark and Rebecca Krieg to open A Knight’s Tale. The 124-seat restaurant, bar and lounge will feature organic pastas and Neapolitan pizzas, with a focus on ingredients from the nearby St. Paul Farmers’ Market. The opening is scheduled for this fall.” … Ngo also reports that Tee Belachew, former chef and co-owner of Singapore in Minneapolis, is the new owner of Dashen Ethiopian, also in Minneapolis. … City Pages‘ Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl reviews Ngon Vietnamese Bistro (799 University Ave., St. Paul, www.ngonbistro.com). citypages.com … The Rake interviews David Fhima of A Rebours, reviews Bank ( 88 Sixth St. S., Minneapolis; www.bankmpls.com) and considers Shiraz Fire Roasted Cuisine (6042 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis), Cafe Bonxai (1613 University Ave. W., St. Paul), and Fogo de Chao (645 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; www.fogodechao.com). .. The mag’s Breaking Bread blogs on the promotion of sous-chef Peter Macaroni to executive chef at the Sample Room, as well as the June 28 opening of Alex Roberts’ much-awaited new restaurant, Brasa Rotisserie in the former Betty’s Bikes and Buns location, at 600 E. Hennepin in northeast Minneapolis. rakemag.com

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