Somebody famous once said, if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. The city inspectors took one look at the kitchen of this cozy little wine bar and cafe in the warehouse district and said, if you can’t vent out the heat, don’t put in a fryer, or grill. So chef-owner Scott Davis has had to create a menu that can be prepared with a minimal kitchen.

Open Tuesday to Thursday 5-11, Friday and Saturday 5 to midnight, Sunday 5 to 11 p.m. Closed Monday.
415 N. 1st. St., Minneapolis,612-333-4305.

They do offer a few hot items, including thin crust pizzas, and a white bean vegetable soup, but most of the menu is no-heat or low-heat, and perfect for summer: an antipasti plate of cheese, cured meats, olives and nuts; a spinach and arugela salad with marinated tomatoes and feta cheese; a grilled portabello sandwich with red peppers and provolone. The crostini, open-faced sandwiches with toppings that range from black olive and Italian tuna to avocado, tomato and Serrano ham, are a great deal at $1.50 each. The wine list offers some interesting choices by the glass, including a Prazo De Roriz Douro ($7.50 / $30) from Portugal, and a Sollner Danubio Gruener Veltliner ($6.50/ $27) from Austria.

Author: Jeremy Iggers

Jeremy Iggers is a journalist, university instructor and social entrepreneur with interests that include food, philosophy and global-local connections. Previously, he was a staff writer for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and publisher of the Twin Cities Daily Planet. He lives in south Minneapolis with his wife Carol and two cats.