St. Paul's Gray Duck Tavern opening with most Minnesotan name possible

The team behind Handsome Hog, Ox Cart Ale House, Eagle Street and other popular St. Paul restaurants is debuting its latest project next week with a Minnesota name and an international flair.

Gray Duck Tavern – yes, that's a nod to "Duck, Duck, Gray Duck," the game that everyone else in the world knows as "Duck, Duck, Goose" – is officially opening its doors in downtown St. Paul at 345 Wabasha on Tuesday. Owner Carol March and Co. offered a sneak peek this week. Here's a look:

The revamped space, which previously sat empty for at least a decade, is highlighted by a rectangular bar that is surrounded with flat screen TVs.

With Twin Cities cocktail legend Aaron Johnson (one of the bartenders/owners behind Town Talk Diner in the mid-2000s) assuming the role of general manager, the drink list commands attention, serving up a house-made tonic with gin and a Mezcal-Aperol-grapefruit crema concoction, among other things. Minnesota distilleries take the spotlight in the creations.

In the kitchen, chef Don Gonzalez (formerly of Forepaugh's), whips up a variety of small snacks (fried almonds with olives, Spanish sausages with peppers, a devilled duck egg, a "Cuban cigar" egg roll with orange mojo sauce) that land between $3-4. Rounding out the menu are a handful of starters (tamarind chicken wings, jerk shrimp with pineapple and shiso), soups and salads, entrées such as a turmeric-spiced halibut with rice noodles and a carved meats section (purchase the likes of Singapore broil or pork lechon in seven, 14 or 21-ounce portions).

Besides the previously mentioned restaurants, Madison Restaurant Group also owns Public Kitchen + Bar, Green Lantern and Fitzgerald's. Gray Duck will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and will have early and late happy hours on weekdays.