Three things to know about Travail:
- The chefs do it all, from food prep to taking orders to running the bar. "There's none of this 'front of the house/back of the house' garbage," Brown said. But make no mistake; the strategy also holds down costs.
- Travail doesn't take reservations. Best to be in line when doors open at 5 p.m. for the 62 seats. Otherwise, wait. There are no plans to change the policy. "You could wait 21/2 hours or 21/2 months," Brown said. "I just want anyone to know they can come in here and eat."
- Without warning, you may hear in a voice worthy of a carnival barker, "Fender here!" That means the bartender has just poured a combo of Surly's Furious and Bender beers. The call is echoed by each of the chefs wherever they happen to be. Brown explained: "It's a way of showing people that, for all the seeming chaos, we're in tune with each other."
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Variety
Stage & Arts
Prairie Island Indian Community requests the return of 'Mankato Hanging Rope'
The noose, owned by the Minnesota Historical Society, was used to hang a relative of the community at Ft. Snelling during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862
Nation
Chicago appeals court rejects R. Kelly 's challenge of 20-year sentence
The singer R. Kelly was correctly sentenced to 20 years in prison on child sex convictions in Chicago, a federal appeals court ruled Friday.
Nation
PEN America cancels World Voices Festival amid criticism of its response to Israel-Hamas war
PEN America has canceled its annual World Voices Festival, as the literary and free expression organization continues to face widespread unhappiness with its response to the Israel-Hamas war. Earlier this week, PEN called off its awards ceremony after nearly half of the finalists withdrew from contention.
Business
Williams-Sonoma must pay almost $3.2 million for violating FTC's 'Made in USA' order
Home products retailer Williams-Sonoma will have to pay almost $3.2 million for violating a Federal Trade Commission ''Made in USA'' order.
Business
The National Enquirer was the go-to American tabloid for many years. Donald Trump helped change that
Catch and kill. Checkbook journalism. Secret deals. Friends helping friends.