Continued: Lyn-Lake: New life for an old intersection

New life for an old intersection

Six months ago, Lyn-Lake looked as if it were on restaurant life support, with the closings of jP American Bistro, Vera's Cafe and La Bodega. How times have changed. The south Minneapolis neighborhood is booming, thanks to the recent additions of moto-i, Risotto, Zen Asian Contemporary and Tiger Sushi. Two more eat-and-drink spots are on the way.

The former jP space (2937 Lyndale Av. S.) is set to becoming Anchor Bar, and a lifelong dream of co-owner Gene Suh. "This is something I've always wanted to do," said the former Wall Streeter. "I'm not married, I don't have kids, I'm young -- it's the right time to try something like this."

Suh is partnering with Barrio co-owners Ryan Burnet, Tim Rooney and Josh Thoma to develop what Suh describes as a neighborhood place. "Not a destination place like Solera or Barrio," he said. "Something more local, with understandable, approachable food. Nothing deep-fried, though, more gourmet than that."

They've hired a chef, but aren't naming names just yet, although it's not J.P. Samuelson; he's too busy running Solera for Thoma and co-owner Tim McKee.

The new ownership is giving the former jP a remake. "It's currently set up for formal dining, and that's not our plan," said Suh. Look for a 40-foot bar and a more contemporary setting, with a little more after-dark energy. "Hopefully it will be the kind of place that's packed until 2 a.m.," said Suh. We'll find out when it opens in mid-August. Oh, and the name? It comes from the building's initial tenant, the Anchor Stone and Block Co.

Lyn-Lake's second newcomer, now under construction, is Sauce Spirits & Soundbar, going into the former La Bodega spot at 3005 Lyndale Av. S. Owner Mike Riehle describes his venture as "a small but serious music venue. We're not a chef-driven concept, but instead a comfortable and great-sounding music venue that we hope will take our guests by surprise with our inexpensive Italian comfort foods."

Around town

When McKee puts his stamp on the Guthrie Theater's main restaurant this summer (the menu will emphasize sustainable seafood), the name will go from Cue (818 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis, www.cueatguthrie.com) to Sea Change. Cue will close June 22 and will officially reopen as Sea Change on July 20, although starting on July 7 it will be operating on a limited basis.

Those rumors floating around about the Oceanaire Seafood Room (1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-333-2277, www.theoceanaire.com) -- that it's following Manny's Steakhouse out of the Hyatt Regency Hotel -- are just that. "I'm very happy to say that we just signed a new 10-year lease with the Hyatt and we have no plans of moving to a new location," said executive chef Rick Kimmes. "We miss our former neighbor and wish them the best, but are holding our own without them."

RICK NELSON