This year's construction season is winding down on the Green Line light-rail project, an ideal opportunity to rediscover a few dining favorites.
Skip Subway and head to Bun Mi, the Stadium Villager that feeds U of M-ers a fresh, creative range of banh mi-inspired sandwiches. Picture this: crispy, well-garnished baguettes, stuffed to order with a wide range of mainstays, including lemongrass-scented chicken, tasty pulled pork, thin-shaved barbecue-style pork and fried tofu with grilled onions and peppers. Lay off the carbs by going the salad route: same ingredients, minus bread.
604 Washington Av. SE., Mpls., 612-886-3286, www.bunmisandwiches.com
Doughnut hounds, make a plan to hit up SugaRush. Co-owners Keoni Nguyen and Susie Path do right by both cake and raised varieties, supplementing them with a selection of apple fritters, bear claws, long johns and other fried-dough classics, all at affordable prices. Doors open at 6:30 a.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. weekends.
712 W. University Av., St. Paul, 651-797-3354
At Flamingo Restaurant, co-owners Shegitu Kebede (she cooks) and Frewoini Haile (she's the hospitable presence in the dining room) take their customers on a flavor journey to East Africa, serving up a wide range of lively flavors at modest prices. Kebebe is particularly adept with vegetarian dishes (don't miss the slow-cooked collard greens), although she also has a flair for lamb, beef and chicken.
490 N. Syndicate St., St. Paul, 651-917-9332, www.flamingorestaurantmn.com
