Lynn Casey,
Chair and CEO, PadillaCRT

“In our fast-paced world, a civilized meal with clients and colleagues is a real pleasure. For breakfast, the recently refreshed Minneapolis Club is a favorite. It has wonderful omelets, and the service is impeccable. Whatever you’re in the mood for—say, a French-press coffee—they’ll happily make it for you. For lunch, I love Spoonriver. Chef and co-owner Brenda Langton is a genius—she creates combinations of food that are as beautiful to look at as they are to eat.” Minneapolis Club, 729 Second Ave. S., Mpls., 612-332-2292, mplsclub.org; Spoonriver, 750 S. Second St., Mpls., 612-436-2236, spoonriver.com

Marty Bassett,
CEO and President, Walman Optical Co.

“Since Marin opened in the Le Méridien Chambers hotel last June, it’s become one of my go-to restaurants for entertaining clients. It’s got a great ambiance, and the food is healthy and inventive. In warm weather, I love taking out-of-town clients to Lake Minnetonka. Gianni’s has an outdoor patio with views of the lake, great steaks and an impressive tableside spun salad—one of the best salads in the city. Clients who know the Hamptons are always surprised to find so much natural beauty so close to Minneapolis.” Marin Restaurant & Bar, 901 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-252-7000, marinrestaurant.com; Gianni’s Steakhouse, 635 Lake St. E., Wayzata, 952-404-1100, giannis-steakhouse.com

Brent Magid,
President and CEO, Frank N. Magid Associates

“We have offices in New York, San Francisco and other top food cities, so I enjoy surprising out-of-town colleagues and clients with all the great food we have here in the Twin Cities. For early-morning meetings, nothing beats Good Day Café—the best breakfast in town. For lunch, Ciao Bella has good soups, killer bread and great salads like the heirloom grain salad and the salmon salad. I also love taking clients to Mandarin Kitchen for the best dim sum between here and the coasts.” Good Day Café, 5410 Wayzata Blvd., Mpls., 763-544-0205, gooddaycafemn.com; Ciao Bella, 3501 Minnesota Dr., Bloomington, 952-841-1000, ciaobellamn.com; Mandarin Kitchen, 8766 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 952-884-5356

Peter Brown,
President, Fifth Business Consulting

“I like taking out-of-town clients to places that have an interesting physical space, great atmosphere, and good food and drinks. Recently, I took members of the original High Line design team from New York to Marvel Bar, where the hand-crafted meat hook cocktail and the cozy, grotto-y atmosphere are conducive to good conversation. For dinner, Café Lurcat never fails to impress with delicious food—the Lurcat burgers with red wine shallot-butter reduction are awesome—and beautiful views of Loring Park at night.” Marvel Bar, 50 Second Ave. N., Mpls., 612-206-3929, marvelbar.com; Café Lurcat, 1624 Harmon Pl., Mpls., 612-486-5500, cafelurcat.com