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Inside Grand Avenue’s Almost Open Italian Eatery

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A sneak peek at Hyacinth

The small, light-filled interior of Hyacinth
A former shop has been transformed to St. Paul’s newest restaurant
Kevin Kramer/Eater Twin Cities

On August 14 Hyacinth will open on St. Paul’s Grand Avenue. The Italian eatery is the work of chef/owner Rikki Giambruno, chef de cuisine Paul Baker, and general manager Beth Johnson. The location, at 790 Grand Avenue was one-time home to Golden Fig Fine Foods. (That store moved next door to a larger space.)

Giambruno is a graduate of the International Culinary Center and an alum of several New York restaurants. He last worked with fellow Minnesota native Baker at Franny’s in Brooklyn, New York, another Italian restaurant. The two plotted a return to their home state and fantasized about what kind of restaurant they would open when the time came.

That time, is almost upon us. Hyacinth with seat 38 people in its long, slim space. With a few seats at a bar. The menu is a modern mix of Italian dishes included pastas, entrees and antipasti. The reservation line opens July 27.

The curious can find the opening menu online now
Kevin Kramer/Eater Twin Cities
It’s hard to believe this space has never been a restaurant
Kevin Kramer/Eater Twin Cities
The front door will unlock mid-August
Kevin Kramer/Eater Twin Cities
A light-filled room with a bar and small table set nearby.
Italian tiles behind the bar, the small cart will act as host stand
Kevin Kramer / Eater Twin Cities
Bright blue tile behind the service station is also in the bathrooms
Kevin Kramer/Eater Twin Cities
Paul Baker and Rikki Giambruno
Kevin Kramer/Eater Twin Cities
Plenty of light and a view of the bustling city street action
Kevin Kramer/Eater Twin Cities

Hyacinth

790 Grand Avenue, , MN 55105 (651) 478-1822 Visit Website