Inside Grand Avenue’s Almost Open Italian Eatery

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.

Kevin Kramer/Eater Twin Cities

Kevin Kramer/Eater Twin Cities

Kevin Kramer/Eater Twin Cities

Kevin Kramer / Eater Twin Cities

Kevin Kramer/Eater Twin Cities

Kevin Kramer/Eater Twin Cities

Kevin Kramer/Eater Twin Cities

• Hyacinth [WEB]
• Grand Avenue’s Newest Italian Restaurant Is Almost Ready to Open [ETC]
• Opening date set for new Italian-Mediterranean eatery on Grand [PiPress]