Corned beef lovers, rejoice: The former Auriga space (1930 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls.), dark for four years, is about to get a new tenant. Restaurant consultant Tobie Nidetz is bringing what he describes as "a new kind of deli" to the space. "We're 99.9 percent sure that it's a go," he said.
Nidetz is working with real estate attorney and first-time restaurateur David Weinstein. They met at a cooking class that Nidetz was teaching at Kitchen Window, "and out of the blue, he called me," said Nidetz. "David was appalled that he couldn't find a deli that he liked, so he's decided to open one himself."
For what Nidetz describes as an "intimate deli," the plan is not to mimic the style and substance of classic New York delis, but to borrow elements from Montreal delis, particularly that city's cherished version of pastrami, known as smoked meat.
"We'll also do our own corned beef, chopped liver, matzo ball soup and other classics," said Nidetz. A bakery will turn out bagels, bialys, rugalach and cookies. Breads will be produced elsewhere. A full bar will feature 8 to 10 locally produced beers on tap.
No name, yet, and Nidetz said he's aiming for a Labor Day opening. The fast-casual layout "will be more like D'Amico & Sons and the French Meadow, and not like Chipotle," said Nidetz. "The neighborhood needs something casual. If you remember, the building used to be home to Becky's Cafeteria. Now, that was casual."
Now open Wise Acre Eatery (5401 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., www.wiseacreeatery.com), the work of Tangletown Gardens co-owners Dean Englemann and Scott Endres and chef Beth Fisher, is now serving farm-fresh fare (and frozen custard, a holdover from the building's former tenant) from breakfast through dinner.
The Turtle Bread Company's fourth outlet is now open for breakfast and lunch at 4205 E. 34th St., Mpls., www.turtlebread.com.
Opening today: Gather (1750 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls.), going into the former 20.21 space at the Walker Art Center.
