Edina’s newest cocktail den comes with a vinyl soundtrack

Noma Hi-Fi, the new drinking den from the Daniel del Prado’s restaurant group, is now open Thursdays through Saturdays at 3914 W. 50th St., Edina.

Located near the middle of the 50th and France retail mecca, Noma’s vibes are dimly lit with a little Japanese influence. The menu sports cocktails with names like Kuromi and Kissa Kissa for $15-$17, as well as beer, wine, sake and NA drinks. Snacks include gyoza, milk bread with nori butter, panzanella with tahini dressing and more, with prices running from $12-$25.

Music is a huge part of the experience with vinyl and live DJs. Check Noma’s Instagram posts for details about upcoming events.

The restaurant is part of a major move from Prado’s DDP Restaurant Group that recently opened Thèrése nearby, has plans for Americana in the same neighborhood and has a stake in the elevated sports bar Dexter’s that’s also in the area.

The owners of Cafe/Bar Harmony shared the news via Instagram that they will close the stunning space on Jan. 25. The statement disclosed the stark financial reality that brought them to the decision, noting heavy tariff charges, rising costs for products and additional tax increases on the state and city level left them with no viable options to make the business work.

Owner Erik Hamline, who also owns A1A Inner Peace design studio and the Equipment men’s boutique, opened the daytime cafe in 2023 before adding weekend nighttime hours with chic food bites and select by-the-glass wines in 2025.

The statement also said: “Our hearts are with fellow restaurateurs and service industry staff … under current conditions, and without so much as a mention of meaningful support from the city and state, we fear no help is coming. Crushing costs continue to break small, independent businesses built on dreams and passion, leaving so many in our community unsupported."

Mitch and Deborah Johnson opened Mavericks in 2012, serving a loosely New York-style crust. Mitch is a culinary school graduate, but hadn’t been working in food service until the couple had their first son. The restaurant is named for him.

“Serving the community has meant everything to us,” the owners wrote on Facebook. “You have become family. Thank you for letting us be part of your lives and for being a part of our story.”

The beloved Karen, Burmese and Thai restaurant Mandalay Kitchen in St. Paul’s Little Mekong neighborhood (383 University Av. W.) is currently closed as repairs are made following a Jan. 15 incident, when a car crashed into the storefront. The restaurant was closed and empty at the time.

In an Instagram post, restaurant owners wrote that they are not sure how long the restaurant will need to be closed. Until then, they are supporting staff with a GoFundMe campaign. “Our staff is the backbone of this restaurant and incredible people in the community,” the wrote. “It has been heroic for them to show up in the middle of all the immigration unrest and now we have to close due to the incident at our restaurant.”

Chef Chris Tunbaw opened Mandalay Kitchen in 2023. His family immigrated from Myanmar when he was a child, and the restaurant is an ode to his heritage, the cuisine and an opportunity to build a community in St. Paul.

Gus Gus, owned by Anna Morgan and Kevin Manley, returns this week after some light renovations to the space at 128 Cleveland Av. N., St. Paul. Expect all the menu favorites, including those gorgeous beets with Chinese sausage, jiggly Aperol Spritz Jell-O shots and the burger, to remain on the menu.

Over in Minneapolis, the Kenwood will remain closed until a Valentine’s Day dinner on Feb. 14. Chef-owner Joel DeBilzan is working with the design firm Shea for the refresh that will include a new bar space, updated wall coverings and refreshed tables, chairs and lighting. But it will all remain true to the original restaurant that opened 13 years ago with the seasonally changing menu and favorite dishes remaining.

“This room has been full for years, and it shows,” DeBilzan said in a statement. “We wanted to take care of the space in the same way we take care of our guests: thoughtfully, intentionally, and with great attention to detail.”

As Owamni prepares to leave Water Works Pavilion for the Guthrie Theater this spring, the Minneapolis Park Board is searching for the next tenant. Proposals are due this week for restaurants looking to take over the space, which includes stunning views of the Mississippi River and a top-tier patio. According to the request for proposal, the Park Board is looking for a “unique venue” with an environmentally friendly approach and the ability to have efficient service and extensive hours. They’re hoping to have a new restaurant in place by mid-May.

Locked doors and temporary closure signs are becoming more commonplace as businesses contend with the ongoing ICE presence in the Twin Cities. Now, more businesses are pledging to flip their signs to closed all day on Friday, Jan. 23, as part of a proposed ICE Out economic protest against the ongoing Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota. Hospitality businesses have shared plans to join the effort, most via their social media accounts.