La Chaya

Juan Juarez Garcia, an Italian-trained Mexican chef, has opened La Chaya Bistro in south Minneapolis. Allay your fears of meatball-pinata décor—this former KFC has been upscaled with natural colors, warm woods, and sophisticated artwork. The real color splash comes from the food, which promises to bring both Latin and Mediterranean flavors to your table. The dinner menu offers traditional and non-traditional pizzas (including a Mexican pie with chicken and chorizo), Mediterranean pastas, and entrees like halibut baked in banana leaves with achiote and sour orange, or garlic cilantro ribeye with caper salsa. Weekend brunch includes a special eggs benedict with avocado and green salsa.

4537 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-827-2254