Minneapolis sees growth despite roller-coaster economy

While restaurants in many urban areas continue to suffer from a volatile economy, Minneapolis is experiencing a flurry of independent-restaurant openings. The city's 4% population growth from 1990 to 2000, to 383,000 residents, combined with a young median age of 31, bodes well for restaurants. The new group of restaurateurs is showing that local diners enjoy the full-flavored foods of Latin America, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. In addition to JP's, which draws from such regions as the Mediterranean and Asia for its contemporary American menu, other newcomers that have opened recently near downtown are Babalu, described as Latin-Caribbean; Cafe Lurcat, a "new American" concept; Solera, which features Spanish cuisine; and Tiburon, known for Caribbean flavors. All of those startups have some things in common besides their leanings toward full-flavored ethnic cuisines. Almost all of them have check averages between $33 and $40, strive to create an upscale-casual atmosphere and stay open late.