New California-Mexican restaurant to debut in Wayzata

A week after the anticipated Bellecour officially opened its doors, Wayzata's Lake Street is on the verge of more restaurant growth.

Baja Haus, a California-Mexican eatery specializing in fish tacos, will welcome customers on March 29 at 830 Lake St. E., Wayzata, just a few doors down from owner Billy Tserenbat's other operation, Sushi Fix.

In a space decked out with surfboards, bicycles, turquoise-colored banquettes and bright yellow-topped stools, Baja Haus will feature more of the fresh seafood Tserenbat has built his reputation on, with a menu boasting whole-roasted fish, squid and oysters on the half shell served with black pepper bitters and tequila.

Want proof it will all indeed be fresh? There is no freezer at Baja Haus.

"I want to make that clear," Tserenbat said. "Literally nothing will be frozen."

Tacos, using made-from-scratch masa and tortillas, will also play a big role with six to seven varieties, including grilled fish tacos, in the works. Small dishes will include a cheese that is grilled into thin sheets and rolled, and a jicama snack Tserenbat hopes will act as the edamame of his new world.

Mezcal — including a mezcal and rum milk punch — will be the highlight of a cocktail program run by Josh Friedt, and Baja Haus will feature a dozen-plus wines, four tap beers plus a host of Mexican beers in bottles.

And after traveling Mexico, eating and drinking in the name of research, Tserenbat – who is Mongolian – isn't letting the fact that no Mexicans are involved in this restaurants bother him.

"It's two gringos and a chino," he said with a laugh. "But I think it's going to be really good."

Also on Wayzata's Lake Street: Earlier this year, restaurateur Ryan Burnet debuted his new casual concept, Crisp & Green. (He's since opened a second location in the North Loop.) And the new upcoming Hotel Landing, with its restaurant Nine-Twenty Five is eyeing a summer opening on the street.