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• Sweet and Savory

Italy is out, Texas is in.

A visit to the website of Brix Wine Bar & Bistro confirmed a tipster's report: Brix Bistro & Wine Bar in Saint Louis Park has closed, and will be replaced by Laredo's Tex-West Grill & Cantina, a "Tex-West" theme restaurant:

"Laredo’s will feature unique Tex-West entrees, authentic Mexican dishes & mesquite-grilled steaks in a fun, energetic atmosphere. Laredo’s Cantina will feature our soon-to-be famous Margaritas & ice-cold cerveza. We promise to be fun & affordable, but still provide great service with only the freshest ingredients on our menu.f you like the local food in Austin, TX, San Diego, CA and Cabo San Lucas as much as we do, then you’ll love Laredo’s! We are shooting for an early March opening."

The ownership remains the same: the Collins Restaurant Group, which also owns the adjacent McCoy's Public House.

I'll reserve judgment until I visit the new restaurant, but this seems like a real shame. When when I reviewed Brix, soon after it opened, I was impressed - and surprised. Brix offered authentic Italian cuisine, prepared with a level of skill and sophistication rarely found on the suburban dining scene.