When Travail Kitchen and Amusements co-owners Bob Gerken, James Winberg and Mike Brown set out to design their new facility — just a few doors to the south of the original storefront location — they emphasized a layout that facilitates an unprecedented level of interaction between kitchen crew and diners. When the restaurant is running at full tilt — which starts the minute the doors open — two dozen cooks are in plain sight, working the stoves, plating dishes and parading past tables in an energetic vaudeville that is clearly an ensemble show rather than a star vehicle. Cue the standing ovation. 4124 W. Broadway, Robbinsdale; 763-535-1131; facebook.com/travailkitchen
