Babalu

Finally someone (besides us) has noticed that the expansive area north of the old warehouse district, recently filled with new condos and townhouses, offices and studios, is ready for a restaurant and club appropriate for the crowd that works and lives nearby. Babalu is that, and a certain draw for heat-seeking souls from the entire metro area. It’s new, it’s unique, it’s a hot retreat in an old warehouse up wide Washington Avenue, where the wind used to blow tumbleweeds over wagon-wheel ruts, but will now blow you into a Latin-Caribbean-Spanish glow. Barely open as we speak, Babalu already has character, from original art by Galician artist Xurxo, to live Latin jazz sounds, comfortable bar, and fine cuisine—the combined creation of Spanish and Latin American chefs. (You chef groupies can trace the kitchen’s lineage through various popular restaurants in town. They know what they’re doing, and we hear co-owner Terrence Large can throw a good party, too.) Brush up on your Spanish, order paella in advance, or try any number of great dishes that are rarely seen around these parts. We love the cazuela de mariscos, the red snapper served on a banana leaf, or the mango jicama sea bass on pumpkin-seed sauce. Valet parking for those of you who don’t live or work nearby. Or consider moving. Babalu, (612) 746-3158