Sure, brunch has always been a player. But now it feels as if the weekend midday meal has become a prerequisite for every newcomer, including Saint Dinette, Eastside, Nighthawks, Bradstreet, Sassy Spoon, Cafe Racer Kitchen, Mon Petit Chéri, Pilgrimage, Hola Arepa, Third Bird, Lela, Le Town Talk and La Fresca. Tops in its class? Sunday brunch at Spoon and Stable (211 N. 1st St., 612-224-9850, spoonandstable.com). Also noteworthy is Burch Steak and Pizza Bar's brunch, starting with chef Daniel del Prado's spectacular shrimp-crab étouffée and pastry chef Shawn McKenzie's superb output. 1933 Colfax Av. S., Mpls., 612-843-1515, burchrestaurant.com

Best of Minnesota 2016

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