Saturday, October 26, 2024
Home Minnesota Jester Concepts to Open Starling in Edina This Spring

Jester Concepts to Open Starling in Edina This Spring

Jester Concepts makes its first foray into the Twin Cities’ suburbs this spring with Starling, which will feature a cross-continental menu full of surprising flavors

By Todd R. Berger

1.31.24 Jester Concepts will open Starling in Edina this spring
Rendering of the Starling Bar at the Starling, which Jester Concepts will open this spring in Edina. || Courtesy of Jester Concepts

Prominent Twin Cities restaurant group, Jester Concepts, announced plans for its newest restaurant, Starling, coming to Edina this spring. This will mark Jester’s first move to the suburbs. Named for the passerine bird, the restaurant will draw inspiration from its global migratory nature and symbol of vitality. Embracing the community, Starling aims to provide Edina with a neighborhood eatery. Starling will serve a cross-continental menu of dishes influenced by the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

“The pandemic was an eye-opening experience for us, with all our restaurants concentrated in Minneapolis and St. Paul,” says Brent Frederick, owner of Jester Concepts, in a prepared statement. “This led us to explore Edina. Not only is it the perfect spot for this new concept, but it’s where I call home. Starling will have a very different look and feel from our other restaurants. It’s lighter and brighter, and our entire team is extremely excited about this project.”

Culinary Director Wyatt Evans is crafting Starling’s bold and diverse food menu. The menu will feature sharable small plates including Balinese Fried Rice, Curry Cauliflower, and Sticky Wings. Additionally, guests can indulge in a selection of globally inspired tacos such as Butter Chicken with cucumber and cilantro and Glazed Pork Belly with pickled daikon, carrot, mint, and jalapeño. The menu will also showcase thoughtful large plates, with standouts like Yakisoba and Green Curry Walleye. Desserts will continue to transcend borders with sweets like Ube Tres Leches Cake and Bunuelos with orange marmalade. Family-style feasts will be available for larger parties to pre-order, including Slow Roasted Glazed Pork Shoulder with accompanying sauces and vegetables and a Moroccan-inspired seafood boil.

Bar Director Mike Liay is designing a global cocktail menu to match the cuisine. It will draw on flavors from Southeast Asia, Central America, North Africa, and beyond, and will introduce guests to ingredients sourced from around the world. While a selection of local and global beers and approachable wines will also be available, cocktails will be the main beverage focus at Starling.

Designed by Shea, the 3,700-square-foot Jester Concepts restaurant will be bright and airy with lots of natural light, live plants, native woods, and soft lighting. Creative and exotic features that reflect Starling’s eclectic menu will create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. The primary dining area will accommodate up to 63 guests featuring an assortment of booths, banquettes, and side-by-side tables for two. An additional 18 seats will be available along the central bar, made of monkey pod wood. Ample parking on-site will be offered to guests for convenience. To best accommodate the community, Starling will not take reservations. Dining will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Large party reservations will be available when contacting the restaurant.

Located in the former Perkins space, Reuter Walton Development is redeveloping the site into the Maison Green Apartments, a 196-unit residential apartment building. Starling will occupy the ground floor and will be entirely new construction. Located across the street from City Hall, the restaurant will be right in the heart of Edina.

starlingmn.com

RECENT POSTS

Meetings Beat

Gather on the Isthmus

Victorian Reborn