The Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis, which has been undergoing a $25 million renovation, will open a new restaurant called Prairie Kitchen & Bar this Friday. The 168-seat restaurant at 13th and Nicollet spans 5,500 square feet and specializes in locally grown and seasonal items that "evoke the Scandinavian and farming heritage of Minnesota." The executive chef, Aaron Hagerdorn, is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Honestly, your blogger shouldn't read these news releases early in the morning. Breakfast options include "griddled cinnamon bread with chestnut butter and lingonberry jam." Lunch? Fresh salads and soups, including "chilled honey cucumber and waterzooi." Hmm. Dinners highlights feature garlic and veal meatballs and wild rice bratwurst." Wash it all down with local micro-brews and/or signature cocktails, including the Bee's Knee's Martini with Tanqueray gin, Ames Farm honey and lemon juice; and the Purple Rain with Absolut Citron, Parfait Armour, cranberry and lime juice.
Back to the facts, now. The architecture and interior design firm Stonehill & Taylor, responsible for the latest renovation of the property, designed the new restaurant space. All of it was inspired by aforementioned Scandinavian heritage and the city's flour milling history. The bar is made of 13-foot tall walnut and mirrored panels. More information is here. Janet Moore is a business reporter for the Star Tribune.
