Spring is springing

March 12, 2009 at 2:34PM

Spring is springing Here's a perennial sign that spring is just around the corner: the Harbor View Cafe (314 1st St., Pepin, Wis., harborviewpepin.com) is opening for the season Friday, serving lunch and dinner Friday through Sunday. The restaurant will add Thursday service in late April, and Monday service starting on Memorial Day.

Campus Pizza (OK, the official name is Campus Pizza & Pasta, but does anyone familiar with the Stadium Village landmark ever call it that?) is marking a significant birthday in a major way. The cozy spot -- which has been feeding students, faculty, staffers and Gopher fans since 1959 -- has a new home, and it's easy to find: it's across the street (825 Washington Av. SE., Minneapolis, campuspizza.com). The new location comes with benefits: more seats, a larger menu and a full bar.

Speaking of U of M pizzerias, a favorite slice joint of mine, Mesa Pizza (1323 SE. 4th St., Minneapolis, mesapizzamn.com), has just received some much-needed elbow room. The Dinkytown shop, which usually features 20 or so varieties at any given time for $2 or $3 a pop, has expanded into a vacant storefront, more than doubling its seating capacity.

The Sunday supper phenomenon continues to grow: Oceanaire Seafood Room (1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, theoceanaire.com) offers a three-course lobster menu for $39.95, and at the charming Grand Cafe (3804 Grand Av. S., Minneapolis, grandcafempls.com), chef Jon Radle offers three courses for $25. Radle, who walked away with the grand prize last month at the Food & Wine Experience's chef challenge, is featuring his winning dish (seared scallops with Brussels sprouts, bacon and a white fig reduction) on his dinner menu through the end of the month.

RICK NELSON


about the writer

about the writer

Rick Nelson

Reporter

Rick Nelson joined the staff of the Star Tribune in 1998. He is a Twin Cities native, a University of Minnesota graduate and a James Beard Award winner. 

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