Ideal Diner Reopening?; New Takeout BBQ in Powderhorn

NORTHEAST — After it shuttered last month, the Ideal Diner seems primed to open again, reports Stephanie March at Mpls.St.Paul.Magazine. When March drove by last Friday, there was an "Opening Soon" and "Remodeling" sign on the building, as well as a posting for cooks wanted. [Foodie File]

POWDERHORN — Serving wings, ribs, fried catfish, and more, Smoke in the Pit is now open in Powderhorn for takeout barbecue. Owner and pitmaster Dwight Alexander does the cooking, and his wife Ivy Alexander takes orders, according to Joshua Page at Heavy Table, who particularly recommended the smoked wings. [Heavy Table]

ST. PAUL — Upcoming bakery/café The Buttered Tin is hoping to open in Lowertown by mid-June. The breakfast/lunch spot is owned by marketing pro Jen Lueck and pastry chef Alicia Hinze—the former catering manager for Cupcake and also a winner of Food Network's Cupcake Wars. Lueck and Hinze are also running a Kickstarter campaign to fund the restaurant. [EaterWire]

[Photo: City Pages]