restaurants • shopping

Bellecour

From the Spoon & Stable team, Bellecour is a French bistro and daytime bakery serving thoughtful, elegant, but not-too-expensive dishes. I definitely drank the Spoon Kool-Aid and am in love with everything Chef Kaysen sends out of the kitchen, but I have to say Bellecour has exceeded my expectations on several occasions. They're doing a "Friday Burger Night," with a new and unique burger every Friday night in the bar lounge (first come, first served with limited quantities.) Their cocktails are creative and delicious, and the menu is authentic French - I know this because I met this couple from France when I was waiting for my drink at the bar, and they said so themselves. It is a perfect place in the summer, for a cocktail and some frites after a day on Lake Minnetonka. Their patio is secluded and gorgeous as well. During the day, they have a bakery serving fresh breads, pastries, and yummy sandwiches. The atmosphere isn't as magical for me as Spoon's is, but it's just as crowded and filled with hungry, foodies like me. Recommendations: 1. Oeufs Mimosa (deviled eggs) 2. Complementary bread for the table (it will change your life) 3. Moules Frites (mussels) 4. Soupe a L’Oignon (french onion soup) 5. Short Rib on the Bone 6. Pommes Frites (with amazing garlic aioli)