There has been more activity on the Twin Cities culinary scene over the past 24 months that it is hard to keep up.

Noteworthy Changes:

Solera - James Award Winning Chef Tim McKee is back at the Solera kitchen experimenting with the menu. You can partake in the new $29 Tasting Menu that features his experimentation. Oh, by the way, I am going to be in the kitchen with Chef McKee next week. (and, yes, it is intimidating)

Now Open:

Twisted Fork Grille – In my mind, the main reason I want to check out this new St. Paul restaurant is that Chef Stephen Trojahn (formerly of Graves 601 Hotel) is the consulting chef. His creative culinary mind intrigues me (not to mention, he’s just a really, really nice guy).

The Kitchen Stillwater – Ever since La Belle Vie relocated to Minneapolis from Stillwater, I think the city has been anxious for a casual fine dining location. Chef Harcey is Nicollet Island Inn’s former chef.

Piccolo – This is former Auriga Chef Doug Flicker’s new restaurant. That’s enough reason to want to check it out.

Ringo - The most recent addition to the West End neighborhood is a rather ambitious concept. World cuisine that changes featured menu every month. Chef Ryan Aberle, most recently from North Coast, seems up to the challenge.

Forum - Owner Jim Ringo didn’t think that opening one restaurant was challenging enough, so he decided to open a second one in the former Goodfellow’s space. Fine dining version of American comfort food.

Haute Dish – Chef Landon “Mustard” Schoenfeld’s eclectic menu is for those who are looking outside of the ordinary.

Coming Soon:

Parma 8200 – Just when I though D’Amico et al was going to take a bit of a break, it was announced that they are opening a casual fine dining restaurant in Bloomington. What? Yes, that’s right.

Sauce – The West End will be welcoming another neighbor. (and to think that a year ago I didn’t know where the West End was located) Prepare for some freshly made pizza, salads and pastas.

Rojo Mexican Grill – I’ve decided that Mexican is the new sushi. While sushi has been all the rage the past five years, it would appear that we tacos are the new sexy.

* In the interest of full disclosure, The Style Laboratory was hired to do the opening events for Sauce and Rojo Mexican Grill

If You Still Haven’t Tried:

20*21 – This Wolfgang Puck restaurant at the Walker Art Center features Chef Asher Miller’s amazing three course $20.21 menu in the bar / lounge. That’s called recession-proof dining.

La Belle Vie – As much as I enjoy fine dining at La Belle Vie, I most enjoy grabbing a bite and a drink with friends in the lounge.