eat + drink

Best breakfast deal in town? Antoine's Creole Maison Restaurant, 2819 Hennepin Av., Minneapolis, is offering a $2 breakfast: Pick any three items, from a list that includes scrambled eggs, lost bread (French toast), bacon, grits, beignets and more. The deal is offered daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., for a limited time only, but the coffee is only free until 9 a.m.

Antoine's will celebrate Mardi Gras all day next Tuesday (minus the customary booze). Highlights include an indoor parade, mock Creole wedding, and music by Kevin Anthony and the Twin Cities Playboys and saxophonist Jimmy Wallace. Call the restaurant at 612-871-2262 for details. A liquor license is expected by the beginning of March.

HALF-PRICE WINES

Papa's Pizza and Pasta, 4159 Thomas Av. N., Minneapolis, now offers half-price wines on Monday and Tuesday nights with any order of two entrees or a large one-topping pizza (dine-in only). That cuts the cost of a bottle of Black Swan Australian Shiraz to $10, or a bottle of Robert Mondavi Woodbridge Merlot to $10.50. The family-owned pizzeria also offers all the Italian-American classics, including spaghetti and meatballs, homemade manicotti and lasagna and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches.

Kafé 421, 421 14th Av. SE., Minneapolis, has just added a wine bar and now offers half-price wines from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday and Wednesday nights. Owner Georgia Sander, a native of Greece, has some Greek bottles on her wine list that are seldom available in restaurants, plus a list of pastas and entrees that ranges from moussaka and fettucine Alfredo to grilled lamb sirloin with three-tomato risotto, all under $16.

FAREWELL

March 3 will be the last day of business for Hamlin's Cafe, 512 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, which owner Barry Hamlin fondly describes as the city's oldest continually operating hole-in-the-wall. The popular spot has been in Hamlin's family since 1961, but it actually dates to 1926, when it was known as Sedgwick's Sandwich Shop. "The building was sold last August, and the new owner told us he really doesn't have any plans for us," said Hamlin.

JEREMY IGGERS