At Hello Pizza, owner Ann Kim is taking the pizza-making methods she has schooled herself in at her first-rate Pizzeria Lola and transferred them to the world of the slice shop, with a half-dozen always-ready options (and a few whole pies), plus meatball subs, several salads and house-made soft-serve ice cream. Kim also features a handful of wines, four craft beers on tap and a cool setting.
3904 Sunnyside Rd., Edina, 952-303-4514, www.hellopizza.com
It's more than ice cream at Crema Cafe (although the frozen stuff is spectacular). Owners Ron Siron and Carrie Gustaftson put their tiny kitchen to good use, turning out terrific thin-crust pizzas, abundantly fresh salads and a handful of burgers and panini; the Sloppy Ron, their pork-and-beef version of the Sloppy Joe, is outstanding. As for dessert, that's obvious.
3403 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., 612-824-3868, www.cremacafe.com
Pairings Food & Wine is all about affordable options, including a something-for-everyone menu, a huge list of wines by the glass (and superb beers on tap) and a stellar Sunday night special: two entrees, two mixed green salads and a dessert to share, for $25.
6001 Shady Oak Rd., Minnetonka, 952-426-0522, www.pairingsfoodand wine.com
RICK NELSON
