Counter Intelligence: Blaine goes glam

Blaine goes glam

Last update: March 8, 2006 - 3:04 PM

Blaine goes glam

Bellanotte, Block E's glamorous night club and restaurant, now has a suburban sibling: Bella in the Club West Plaza on Hwy. 65 in Blaine. Shea Inc., the design and marketing company that also created the look of the Dakota, Solera, Tryg's and La Belle Vie, promises a full bar, DJ, and "the hip atmosphere of a downtown restaurant in a convenient suburban location."

Bebimbop to you, too

A Cajun fast-food counter in the Gaviidae Commons State Fare food court is just about the last place on earth where I would expect to find Korean cooking, but Bayou Cajun Cuisine offers bulgogi (broiled marinated beef), hot spicy chicken and kim-chee (spicy pickled cabbage). Turns out owner Kirsten Cheung is a native of Korea. (Bayou Cajun Cuisine is open Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.)

So is Junee Kim, owner of nearby Nicol's Deli & Market Cafe. Nicol's also offers one Korean specialty, bebimbop, a garnished rice plate with broiled beef and marinated vegetables, along with a big assortment of less exotic salads, soups and sandwiches. (Nicol's hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Masala dosa, anyone?

Lovers of authentic south Indian vegetarian cuisine will be happy to learn that the Udupi Cafe, 4920 Central Av. NE., Columbia Heights, is back in business. (Closed Mondays.)

Bye bye Blu

The former 101 Blu in Calhoun Square is now Aura. Same owners, same chef -- Matt Sohlo -- and same waitstaff, but the concept and cuisine have changed. The pizzas are gone, replaced by an eclectic menu that ranges from poached pear in puff pastry stuffed with pork carnitas to asparagus truffle pasta. Appetizers are $7 to $11, entrees from $12 to $25.

What: Lunch ($15) and dinner ($22) deals from members of Twin Cities Originals, the consortium of locally owned restaurants.

When: Wednesday through March 22.

Where: At 32 participating restaurants (find a full list at www.tcoriginals.com), including Auriga and Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant in Minneapolis, Thistles in Robbinsdale, Great Waters Brewing Co. in St. Paul and Biella in Excelsior.

RICK NELSON

JEREMY IGGERS