Dining: The hot five for June 5

Last update: June 5, 2009 - 10:30 AM

THE HOT FIVE

Could it be any nicer outside? Make the fine weather count by enjoying a meal outdoors.

CAFE BARBETTE

Uptown's cool kid has a sweet, semi-shaded stretch of sidewalk seating, a perfect pedestal for enjoying a pretty asparagus-mushroom tart, risotto with grilled shrimp, lamb sliders or a croque monsieur.

1600 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-827-5710,

www.cafebarbette.com

MERITAGE

The Twin Cities' most urbane sidewalk cafe has a menu to match: spring carrot soup, pork rillete with fig purée, a beautifully made daily omelet and Buffalo-style frog legs for lunch, an ode to peas and asparagus, foie gras-stuffed roasted rabbit and pristine oysters on the half shell. A fine weekend Sunday brunch, too.

410 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-222-5670,

www.meritage-stpaul.com

SANCTUARY

The semi-sheltered patio has romantic skyline views, and diners visiting Monday through Thursday can partake in chef Patrick Atanalian's splendid five-course tasting menu for $35 per person; toss in an extra $14 for a four-course wine pairing.

903 Washington Av. S., Mpls., 612-339-5058, www.sanctuaryminneapolis.com

TAVERN ON FRANCE

Via may be toast, but its swell patio lives on, a sunny and comfortable setting for putting together a burger, a salad or a flatbread pizza from the extensive and affordable new build-your-own menu.

Tavern on France, 6740 France Av. S., Edina,

952-358-6100, www.tavernonfrance.com

WALKER ART CENTER

The museum is grilling burgers, hot dogs and turkey legs -- and serving up a few prepared salads -- outside its Vineland Place entrance (opposite the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden) on Thursday evenings and weekend afternoons.

1750 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 612-375-7600, www.walkerart.org

RICK NELSON