Mission American Kitchen

77 S 7th St
Minneapolis, MN
612-339-1000
http://www.missionamericankitchen.com/

Category: American-Upscale

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 8
Service: 7
Ambience: 8

Recommendation: Very Good. Whether you’re taking a client to a business dinner, your significant other for the anniversary, or just a place to have drinks with friends, Mission offers it all. A great selection of well-prepared food in a cozy, comfortable environment.

People have a love-hate relationship with Mission. It’s been through its share of highs and lows (although we’ve personally never experienced the lows). Our first visit to Mission was about four years back.. although I don’t remember what we ate, I certainly remember that it was a memorable meal and we had, for the first time, a Pinot Noir that has since become our favorite (the Saintsbury Garnet). I (Nick) went back to Mission for a business meal not too long ago and it’s a lot like I remembered. A rich, cozy space full of business people – breaking the monotony was a young couple enjoying their meal with their two well-behaved 6 or 7 year old sons. You feel good when you walk into Mission – this place is done up beautifully and helps build anticipation for what the food may offer. The cinnamon colored crescent booths pop against the dimly lit backdrop and rich flooring. The soft lighting and warm colors certainly add a romantic spark. Walk to the bar though and you’ll find a busy space teeming with business professionals, either enjoying drinks with their coworkers or looking to get picked up.

Their dinner menu is intriguing – it ranges from refined bar food to classic upscale American with some international influences. We started with the Kalbi Beef Shortribs ($11) and the Steamed Blue Maine Mussels ($13). The aromas of the former were beckoning and the meat was tender and flavorful. On the other hand I thought the mussels were a mixed bag. The mussels themselves were plump, juicy and fresh, but the accompanying flavors just didn’t match – I could definitely point out the spicy chorizo, but the red grapefruit got lost in the mix. The entrée selection is extensive and they all look great. After much debate we ordered the Elk “Osso Bucco” ($32) and the Duck 2 Ways special. Although the Elk meat is lean, the final dish was full of flavor and the meat fork tender. The foie gras butter sauce was rich and the sweet roasted squash puree and with cranberry gremolata added a great balance to the dish. Highly recommended. I only took a bite of my dining partner’s meal and I can say the duck confit was spectacular. He definitely seemed to enjoy his dish. Don’t skip dessert – both the Apple-Cranberry Spice Cake ($8) and the Chocolate Flourless Torte ($9) were spectacular. The Spice Cake is a perfect winter dessert with classic spices paired with sweet and creamy accompaniments (the bourbon-honey ice cream and caramel). If you want something bold, the torte is the way to go – its rich, dark, dense, but it was served with an espresso mousse which help cut through the rich chocolate.

$$$$. Valet Parking is available. The restaurant is also open for lunch.