Welcome to Wayzata, otherwise known as the Land of New Restaurants.
Dining journal: New Wayzata restaurants
What was Sunsets is now CōV Wayzata. The latest from restaurateur Dean Vlahos (Champps Americana, Redstone American Grill, Blvd.) has dropped hints of Cape Cod and Nantucket into the formerly dark and formal setting, and chef Cory York's menu matches the space's casual tone, with burgers, fish tacos, an oyster bar and more. A lakeside patio, naturally.
700 E. Lake St., Wayzata, 952-473-5253, www.covwayzata.com
Lunds and Byerly's Kitchen is the supermarket chain's foray into an order-at-the-counter (or tableside, via iPad) restaurant setup, featuring a $14-and-under menu devoted to pizzas, burgers, salads and easygoing entrees along the lines of pistachio-crusted salmon with mashed potatoes. Wine and beer, too, and the restaurant shares real estate with a highly edited version of the store's grocery, deli, dairy and meat selections.
250 Superior Blvd., Wayzata, 952-476-1122, www.lundsandbyerlys.com
At sprawling 6Smith, chef J.P. Samuelson riffs on the classic steak-and-lobster formula but also caters to Lake Minnetonka grazers with pretty salads, cleverly composed small plates (duck confit potstickers, house-smoked spare ribs) and a handful of burgers (venison, anyone?) and sandwiches. There are patios dockside and rooftop, and a first-rate beer list.
294 E. Grove Lane, Wayzata, 952-698-7900, www.6smith.com
RICK NELSON
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The 23rd installment of the beer fest will take place Oct. 12 at Boom Island Park in Minneapolis.