Counter Intelligence: Zagat rates the Cities

Last update: November 21, 2007 - 4:47 PM

There's a shakeup in the World According to Zagat. The restaurant survey folks have re-examined their top 10 list of Twin Cities restaurants, with some shuffling, including the addition of some newcomers and the loss of a few others. Zagat's 2007 ranking put Bayport Cookery at No. 1, followed by La Belle Vie, D'Amico Cucina, Vincent, Manny's Steakhouse, Levain, Restaurant Alma, Oceanaire Seafood Room, Lucia's Restaurant and Ristorante Luci.

It's a different story for 2008. In Zagat's just-released "America's Top Restaurants," La Belle Vie has vaulted to the top of the heap, chased by 112 Eatery, Restaurant Alma, Bayport Cookery, Lucia's Restaurant, D'Amico Cucina, Fugaise, Manny's Steakhouse and Heartland.

A second list, under "Other Noteworthy Places," shines the spotlight on Bank, Chambers Kitchen, Cosmos, Cue, Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, Oceanaire Seafood Room, Solera, St. Paul Grill, Town Talk Diner and 20.21.

Around town

Beaujo's (4950 France Av. S., Edina), the charming wine bar in beautiful downtown Edina, is hosting a holiday-themed wine-and-tapas tasting Dec. 10, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $25 per person; call 952-922-8974 for details.

Look for a second location of E's Cheese to open soon at 755 Bielenberg Dr. in Woodbury.

Twin Cities Originals (www.tcoriginals.com) isn't the only restaurant outfit offering great holiday gift card deals. The Parasole restaurant family -- Manny's Steakhouse, Chino Latino, Figlio, Muffuletta, Good Earth Restaurant & Bakery, Salut Bar Americain and Pittsburgh Blue -- is doing the buy-$100-get-$25-free bit (besting TCO's $100/$20 ratio by $5), for cards purchased before Dec. 24 and redeemable after Dec. 25. Buy them at any restaurant location or at www.parasole.com.

RICK NELSON