Bank

Bank Restaurant Review:

If you build it, they will come---in droves, it turns out, when they’re starved for an occasion to glam it up and settle into a comfortable chair in the lobby-as-dining room of The Westin Minneapolis, formerly downtown’s haute moderne F & M Bank. Executive offices have morphed into private dining alcoves; the steel-reinforced concrete vault now serves as a wine cellar protecting bottles of Krug and Caymus; sought-after “diner” stools front the open kitchen, where tellers once toiled. Today it sends out first-rate dishes, like braised short ribs and hazelnut crusted sablefish; mascarpone-accented roasted squash tart; and a mixed grill skewer of tenderloin, shrimp and andouille that’s perfect for sharing. Like us, you’ll be tempted to return the next morning for the "superfoods" power breakfasts, such as fruit and almond buckwheat crêpes or a cage-free egg white frittata with fresh herbs and chicken apple sausage. Finally, comfort desserts like a gingerbread-crusted pumpkin cheesecake vie with creative banana splits and artisanal ice creams for your attention.