Counter intelligence: Aliveness Project

Last update: April 2, 2003 - 10:00 PM

Dine out at any of 52 Twin Cities restaurants on April 10, and a portion of your check (20 to 35 percent in most cases) will be donated to the Aliveness Project in Minneapolis, which provides meals and services to people living with HIV. Participating restaurants include Chevy's Fresh Mex, El Meson, Oddfellows and the Imperial Room; for a complete list, visit http://www.diningoutforlife.com.

NAVEL EXERCISE

The belly dancers are back at Sindbad's Cafe and Market, 2528 Nicollet Av. in Minneapolis. Every Friday and Saturday night, Sindbad's features a bountiful all-you-can-eat Middle Eastern buffet for $9.99, with dance performances at 7 and 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY WINE DEALS

Mangia, the Mediterranean cafe at 1501 University Av. in Minneapolis' Dinkytown, now offers a wine-tasting from 4 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday, with samplings of selected bottles for $1 a glass, and reduced prices on featured appetizers, including four of their signature chicken wings for $1. Also on Wednesdays, if you order two entrees priced at $10 or more, you can have the bottle of wine of your choice for half price.

Wayzata's Portofino is also offering wine tastings on Wednesday nights from 5 to 7 p.m. You can get four different wines paired with tidbits from the kitchen for $10, plus a third off selected bottles all night long.

GLOBAL REACH

Jack Iacovou, former owner of Myconos Greek restaurant on Nicollet Avenue, has resurfaced just a few blocks away as manager of the Saks Cafe at Saks Fifth Avenue, 655 Nicollet Mall. The cafe's new menu spans the globe, offering Thai peanut pasta, chicken quesadilla and a classic American grilled cheese sandwich, plus several Greek items, including a Greek salad, Athenian salad, spinach pie and pork kebabs.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Sawatdee Restaurant, 607 Washington Av. S. in Minneapolis, will celebrate Song Kran, the Thai New Year, on April 13 with Thai folk dancing and a water blessing ceremony. In addition to the regular menu, a special Song Kran menu for two will be offered for $39.95. Seatings are at 6 and 8 p.m.; call 612-338-6451 for reservations.

Jeremy Iggers is at jiggers@startribune.com.