Alma Provisions, the latest in Alex and Margo Roberts' portfolio, is now open.
The shop, located next to the couple's southwest Minneapolis location of Brasa (812 W. 46th St., Mpls.), sells a collection of apothecary goods, pantry items, a small selection of grab-and-go foods as well as an enticing number of breakfast sandwich options. There's also several items from Alma Cafe's menu, such as coffee, fresh pastries, bake-at-home cookies, salads, sandwiches and a slew of ingredients like pimento cheese and mole chile rub. There are kitchen implements, too: French rolling pins, bamboo salt boxes and more.
The shop grew from Margo Roberts' collection of handmade bath and body products featured at the Alma Hotel, the foods from James Beard Award-winning chef Alex Roberts. Alma Provisions is open from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. daily; find more information at almaprovisions.com;
Dashfire relocates to Minneapolis
Dashfire, a family-owned artisanal bitters and cocktail company, has moved from the suburbs to northeast Minneapolis.
The new location (1620 Central Av. NE., dashfire.us) puts it close to other craft breweries and distilleries and also nearly triples production space. Look for continued growth of its existing brands of bitters, spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails, and expansion plans will eventually include a cocktail room.
"Let's just say you'll be seeing a lot more of us going forward," said owner Lee Egbert.
Sugar Factory going the express route
Sugar Factory at the Mall of America is now Sugar Factory Express (60 E. Broadway, sugarfactory.com) as it switches from a sit-down restaurant to a counter service one.
The same over-the-top concept isn't going anywhere. Much of the menu will remain, but also look for some new kid-friendly items, like the Princess Burger, served on a pink bun and dusted with magical sparkles, and Kids Happy Boxes. Hours are Sun.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat. 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Also new: reservations. Make yours by calling 952-208-1925 or at opentable.com.
