Minneapolis & St Paul Restaurant Critics

Murray’s

2011-03-05T09:41:00.003-06:00

26 S. 6th St
Minneapolis, MN
612-339-0909
www.murraysrestaurant.com

Category: Steak

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 6
Service: 8
Ambience: 8

Recommendation: Good. The Steak was good, but other parts of the meal failed to impress.

We don’t visit steak houses often – eating big slabs of meat with the classic potato sides is something that usually appeals to us once a year. We only ended up at Murray’s because we had a gift card that we wanted to use. It’s a landmark most people in the Twin Cities are familiar with – it’s been in existence for over 50 years and its famous for its Silver Butterknife Steak for two. The interior is classic steakhouse but not ostentatious – the mirrors all around the room add to the airy feel and although the tables are close together, it doesn’t feel cramped. We went on a Saturday night and the place was hopping – it was mostly couples with a few large celebratory groups. There was live music emanating from the Piano at one end of the room and you really felt that you’re in for a special evening.

The menu is classic steakhouse with the usual beef and potato suspects. We were disappointed in the “wines by the glass” list – we were looking for some good steak wines but the list was pretty short and had basic daily drinking wines. Luckily their half-bottle list was quite good (the two of us can’t usually finish a full bottle) and we found a Chianti with good body and full flavor. The bread basket was filled with warm dinner rolls, which we liked, and over-salted garlic bread, which were barely edible. For starters we decided on the Tuna Tartar that was really fresh and well flavored except for the heavy-handed finishing of sea salt. The server highly recommended the Chateaubriand (a 24oz hunk of center cut beef tenderloin) and given that we’re big fans of this tender cut of meat, we decided to go with that. Along with the steak, we each received a Caesar Salad and a choice of side. The Salad was excellent and we especially liked the crispy parmesan wafer that adorned it. Not long after we were done with the salad, the star of the show arrived and was carved tableside. The steak was tender and perfectly cooked to medium-rare/medium like we asked for. Unfortunately both the potato accompaniments were terrible and pretty much went waste. The mashed potatoes were dry and uninteresting and the diced potatoes in the au gratin were undercooked; the meal felt incomplete without great sides. By the end, we were pretty full (even though we hadn’t completed our steak) and decided to skip dessert.

Service was prompt and friendly and we felt well taken care of. Overall we left a disappointed – there isn’t much room for error at high-end restaurants especially when it comes to basic potatoes.

$$$$. Our bill came to $210 with tax and tip (for two plus a toddler). Valet parking is $8.

Crescent Moon Bakery

2011-02-27T14:43:00.010-06:00

2339 Central Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN
612-782-0169
www.crescentmoonfoods.net

Category: Afghani, Middle-Eastern

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 9
Service: 7
Ambience: 5

Recommendation: Excellent. One of our favorite places for take-out, Crescent Moon serves succulent kabobs and unique pizzas.

Central Ave, just North of downtown Minneapolis, is bustling with good ethnic restaurants and since we discovered Crescent Moon over a year back, it’s been our go-to place for take-out. We’ve done dine-in a couple of times and even though the interior isn’t much to look at, its hard to beat fresh hot food served with care by the friendly proprietor, Meerwais. This is also a great place for catering – it was our place of choice for our son’s 2nd birthday celebration and from the content faces of our guests (and their bulging bellies), we could tell we’d made a good choice.

We didn’t know what to expect the first time we visited, but were happy to see a variety of kebabs on the menu but surprised to
see pizza. On that first visit we noticed that the pizza was one of the most popular items on the menu and now we realize why - it’s hard to pass on pizza that has Afghani Beef and Gyro meat! These football pizzas have a thin and chewy crust and are accompanied by a tangy and spicy mint chutney which adds great character to the pizza. We’ve tried both the Meat Lovers and the House Special and highly recommend them. This is just another example of an ethnic restaurant you should eat family style with a large group – the pizzas are quite large and you don’t want to miss the kabobs! The Paulwan Kabob Plate consists of two long slender ground meat kabobs (one chicken and one beef) that are succulent and full of flavor – the accompaniments include fragrant rice with raisins, some Uzbeki bread, a simple lettuce salad with a herbed yogurt dressing and the killer green chutney. The other main type of kabob at Crescent Moon is the tikka – a nice-sized grilled chunk of lamb or chicken delicately marinated in a variety of spices. You can mix and match the tikka with the ground kabobs and that’s a good way to get some variety in textures and flavor. Both the Eggplant and Spinach sides were good but not memorable. We would recommend the Afghani Pies – think calzones stuffed with Gyro, Cheese or Spinach – that make for a satisfying lunch. We usually heat them in the oven till the time the crust is nice and crispy (my mouth is watering just thinking of the chunks of sizzling gyro meat waiting to burst out of the crust.) The last time we visited, we tried the Gyro Plate which was very satisfying but we kept sneaking peeks at the couple sitting next to us who had ordered the Combo plate for two which was piled high with a variety of delicacies. Oh well, next time I guess.

This restaurant only has counter service and the staff is friendly. Crescent Moon does get pretty busy so call ahead if you’re doing take-out.

$$. Most individual dishes are under $10, but the larger plates run from $10-$15. You can cater a large event for about $12-$15 per person. Street parking is available.

Grand Szechuan

2011-02-23T20:46:00.005-06:00

10602 France Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55431
952-888-6507
http://grandszechuan.net/

Category: Chinese

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 10
Service: 8
Ambience: 6

Recommendation: Excellent. The list of spectacular (and authentic) Sichuan restaurants in the Twin Cities keeps getting longer, and this relative newcomer has cemented its position right at the top.

The Twin Cities is a hot spot for some great authentic Sichuan food, and many would argue that it all started with Little Szechuan in St. Paul. With many of the old Little Szechuan chefs having migrated to Grand Szechuan, the balance of “spice” is shifting to the Southern suburb. Although not fancy by any stretch of the imagination, the ambience here is a step above most Chinese eateries. This place is quite popular…the dining room bustles with activity from eager patrons and the under-manned service staff darting around the room doing their best to keep up with the orders. During our most recent visit, on the eve of the Chinese New Year, the restaurant was especially busy but the service was up to the mark and very friendly.

The menu is extensive and loaded with authentic dishes many with strong, spicy flavors. There are two cold starters that we highly recommend. The sweet, spicy noodle is a great play on textures and flavors. It’s a thick, slightly chewy noodle that starts sweet but ends with jabs of heat. The Dan Dan Noodles are yummy as well. You’ll best enjoy this restaurant with a group, ordering a variety and sharing family style. The two of us never go there alone because we’d over-order and end up with too many leftovers. Usually we order one of each of the following:
Chicken, Pork, Fish and Vegetable. We’re big fans of the Pork in Chili Broth – the scalding hot (and spicy) broth has tender and flavorful slivers of pork. Or if you want fish simmering in a cauldron, go with the Piao Xian Chili Fish Filet where tender white chunks are float in a spicy broth (don’t be alarmed that hot and spicy is the theme here – this is the whole essence of Sichuan food). The Chung King Chili Chicken is crispy but not dry and
loaded with lots of dry red chilies, and Nick devours every last one of them. You’ll find soft and succulent tofu in the Mapo Tofu and crispy beans in the Szechuan Green Beans. Just a word of caution – the spice levels are pretty unpredictable so make sure you specify what type of heat you’re aiming for.

The staff is quite attentive but don’t be surprised if your order comes out in singles – it doesn’t take long to prepare some of these dishes and they bring it out as and when its done. Grand Szechuan is a great value too – you can eat like a king for $15.

$$.

Haute Dish

2011-02-19T19:21:00.004-06:00

119 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-338-8484
http://www.haute-dish.com/

Category: American-Upscale

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

Recommendation: Very Good. Haute Dish with its creative play on classic meat and potatoes American fare is a welcome addition to the downtown Minneapolis dining scene.

We’ve been waiting a while for the old Café Havana space to become occupied and couldn’t have asked for a more intriguing restaurant to take up that space. The space itself still retains its lovely character and wonderful charm – it’s a pleasure just to step in here and take in the décor, from the dark leather seating, to the long vintage bar. The dim lighting and warm colors add to the romantic setting, its upscale yet inviting.

Chef Landon Schoenefeld, a stalwart in the Minneapolis dining scene, has his genius all over the menu. Taking some traditional (and sometimes basic) dishes and putting his twist on it is what he does so well. The Chat-Cuts (Yar!) charcuterie plate might be the single most impressive thing on the menu. Our favorites on the plate were the strongly flavored head cheese terrine, the subtle chicken liver with brandied cherries, and the Mortadella with cornichons and Dijon. This starter sets the stage for what’s to come. The Steak and Eggs, a rendition of the classic tartare, presented in a fun “egg in the hole style”, was quite good but played second fiddle to the charcuterie. We were quite excited about the Mac and Cheese with King Crab, but it just lacked something, and a little too mild for us. There were a couple of great beers that went well with the first course – a Blanche de Bruxelles, mild wheat beer and the Lagunitas Something Something Ale, a hoppy beer with hints of fruit.

For the main course, you can’t do wrong with the Tater Tot HauteDish, which went down nearly as quickly as the charcuterie. It’s hard to pass up on short-ribs when done right – tender, flavorful, and fatty and Haute Dish will have you coming back for more. They’re served with the crispy croquettes that have a melty mashed potato center. The hearty Ribeye Steak and Potatoes was done very well, with the accompanying marrow a real pleaser. On the other hand, the Duck in a Can failed to
leave its mark. Ostentatious in its display, the can is actually opened tableside and turned onto the plate, but the presentation just felt like a hodge-podge of items dumped onto a plate although the flavors had the making of something quite spectacular.

We were in a rush and didn’t have a chance to sample the desserts but I’m sure we’ll revisit soon. The servers at Haute Dish took great care of us and their food and drink recommendations were spot on – our server even recognized us from our visit to Sea Change about six months earlier, where he was working at that time.

$$$. Street parking is readily available, but they also have valet service.

Hoban

2011-02-13T15:17:00.016-06:00

1989 Silver Bell Rd
Eagan, MN 55121
651-688-3447

Category: Korean

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

Recommendation: Very Good. We’ve had two memorable dining experiences at Hoban, and in our opinion, this is the place of choice for good Korean food. You’ll have more fun if we go with a bunch of friends and order family style.

(Update Feb 13 2010) – Hoban is still going strong. We stopped by for lunch this weekend and this place has definitely been upgraded since the last time we were there two years ago. Nicer atmosphere, with some good background music. The servers are very knowledgeable and friendly too.

We ended up ordering three dishes, which we knew was too much food, but we definitely wanted the variety. The Kimchee Bokum was amazing – great textural combination with the kimchee, caramelized pork, and chewy rice cakes. This one went down fast. Natasha is a bigger fan of the Soon Du Bu Chigae than Nick is – if you like soft and succulent tofu in a flavorful broth, then this one is for you. Nick was looking for a stronger flavor (he’s more of a Mapo Tofu kind of guy). The Beef Bulgogi is quite nice too – very tender and goof flavor. Our two-year-old son was chowing this down – we would have preferred to have a little more color on the beef, but it’s a nit. The Banchan had a spicy cabbage slaw in addition to the usual daikon, cabbage, kimchee and potato dishes. I think the kimchee should have been more spicy, but once again, this is a small picky issue.

(Original Post Feb 2008) - Don’t let Hoban’s strip mall location in Eagan scare you. Granted, the outlying suburbs aren’t the neighborhoods you would generally associate with good ethnic restaurants, we’ve been pleasantly surprised with places like Satay 2 Go, La Mixteca and Mandarin Kitchen, all of which have a profile similar to Hoban. We’ve long believed (and we’ve had it reinforced several times) that the best way to enjoy ethnic food is with a large group of close friends. We’ve enjoyed some of our finest ethnic meals with this group of 10, a mini United Nations of sorts representing over half a dozen countries, and Hoban was no different. There’s a Korean in the mix (he grew up in Chicago and has never been to Korea, so he’s technically a pseudo-Korean) and we relied on him to order. While we waited for our food, we indulged in a bottle of OB, a Korean pale lager.

It wasn’t long before the food started piling up. Traditional Korean food is accompanied by Banchan, small side dishes that accompany the meal. The Banchan included Kimchi (cabbage seasoned with chilies and salt) and various other dishes including pickled vegetables, radish, and sprouts – they were all really good and are replenished free of charge on request. We ordered a diverse set of entrees, with one of our favorites being the Kimchee Jungol, a hot pot with Kimchee, beef, tofu, vegetables and noodles. Although we were hoping the dish would be mind-numbing spicy (it’s always fun to see the diners sweat and have their eyes water), it really wasn’t. Nevertheless, it had great flavor and consistency, and we would go back just for that one dish. Its comfort food at its finest, and although it may not bring back old memories for us, like it did for our Korean friend, it will for us going forward. The Kalbi, beef short ribs with chef’s special sauce, was also amazing – although the ribs weren’t very meaty, the flavors were complex. And don’t forget to order the Bulgoki, mildly marinated strips of beef. Meat is at the center of much of Korean food and these dishes certainly didn’t disappoint. The Dolsot Bibimbop, a rice dish with vegetables and egg, is served in very hot stone bowl which causes the rice to sizzle and stick to the sides of the bowl. You’ll have to scrape the sides for the scraps, but if you ask us, the texture of the crispy rice that adheres to the sides is one of the highlights of this dish. There were a couple of dishes though that we didn’t care for – the Sulung Tang, a beef bone soup, just tasted like salty broth and the Cha Jang Myun, noodles with black bean sauce, didn’t leave a lasting impression. The service was friendly and up to the mark, and overall we left the restaurant feeling satisfied and having got our money’s worth.

$$. Most dishes are $10-$15.

Restaurant Alma

2011-01-19T23:21:00.014-06:00

528 University Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-379-4909
http://www.restaurantalma.com/

Category: New American

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 9
Service: 9
Ambience: 7

Recommendation: Excellent. Our most recent experience was memorable and more than makes up for the first time we ate here.

(September 2007) Restaurant Alma presents an ever changing menu focusing on fresh, seasonal, and organic ingredients. Chef Alex Roberts and his team bring “New American” cuisine in an apt bistro-style setting. The restaurant itself has a very “loft” feel with exposed brick and high ceilings. Large windows bring in a nice amount of light and give this place an airy feel. The décor is minimalist and is complemented by modern, comfortable seating. The moment you walk in, the scents from the open kitchen awaken your senses.

The restaurant served two types of complimentary breads…a rosemary, olive oil with Asiago cheese (which was very good) and a fennel bread. The menu is small but very interesting. They have a selection of 4 options for each of the starter, middle, and entrée courses. The tasting menu allows you to pick a single selection from each of the courses for a fixed price of $42. We highly recommend getting the tasting menu for the best value..you essentially get the appetizer free. While the first two courses had vegetarian options, the third course didn’t. We had gone with some friends and got to try all 12 dishes on the menu.

Starter course: The Smoked Chicken & Watercress Salad as well as the Local Mixed Lettuce Salad was very good. The saltiness from the manchego and crunch from the pine nuts added great flavor to the latter salad. The Marinated Yellowtail Tuna was very good, but a little on the fishy side. The Wild Nettle Souffle was also interesting.

Middle course: The Braised Lamb and Sticky Rice was moist and tender, with just the right amount of rendang curry flavoring. Both the Farro (barley), Calamari, and Lobster Salad and the Heirloom Yellow Corn Grits were memorable. The Saffron Orechiette Pasta is not something we recommend because the saffron overpowered the rest of the ingredients.

Entrée: The experience started to go downhill with the entrees. The Local Grass Fed Beef Striploin was the best dish. The Wild King Salmon entrée was served lukewarm. Even after the kitchen re-heated it for us, we felt the dish lacked flavor. The Grilled Hawaiian Blue Marlin was very tough and rubbery on the top but the bottom was translucent (hadn’t been cooked). The orange flavor was too overpowering. We asked for the fish to be replaced with the Pork Loin, which was good but nothing special.

Dessert: To make it up to us for the entrees, the kitchen served us Strawberry Sorbet and for dessert we had the Chocolate Ganache Cake and the Buckwheat Crepes, all of which left us satisfied.

The service was attentive at times but the time between courses led us to believe that the kitchen was unprepared to handle the crowd on the Sunday evening. This restaurant has the making to be one of the best in the Twin Cities, but at the prices they charge, they have a way to go before they can play in that league.

$$$$. Our bill for 2 people, including one glass of wine each was $145 (incl. tax and tip.)

Update (January 19, 2011) – it’s been over three years since we were last at Alma. Our first and only meal there wasn’t memorable and we just couldn’t get ourselves to go back and give it another shot, especially given that it’s a pricey place and there are a whole slew of new restaurants we haven't made it to. A lot has changed in three years; we’ve seen a constant stream of rave reviews from diners and Alex Roberts is fresh off winning the James Beard Award as Best Chef Midwest for 2010. In the back of our mind we knew the first meal was an aberration and I (Nick) especially was really looking forward to seeing first hand what the hubbub was all about.

Well, after a stupendous meal tonight, I can attest to the fact that Alma really has its groove on and the kitchen is producing some of the most creative and tasty food I have ever had (judging from the oohs and aahs emanating from the rest of the party of seven that I was dining with, I’m not the only one who was impressed).

We started the evening off with a bottle (actually two) of the 2007 Vietti Nebbiolo Perbacco. A fabulous red with a refined finish, yet displays strong intensity. For the first course I was really leaning towards the Roasted Cauliflower, but decided to go with the Parmesan Flan once I realized that most of the table had opted for the former and I was pretty sure I could sneak a taste of someone else’s. Both dishes were fantastic – the flan with its salty and buttery notes cut only by the sweet and fresh celery and fennel salad. The cauliflower and lentils had warm spice flavors that reminded me of Indian cooking. My second course was a Ricotta Gnocchi with Lobster, Orange and Truffle Butter. Tremendous…actually Decadent is more like it. Mine finished too soon – I’d go back just for this course and order three portions of it. I was mopping my plate clean with the bread! For the third course, we had an array of dishes and my favorite was the Pan Roasted Pork Loin – cooked to succulent perfection, accompanied by sous-vide fingerlings, caramelized pearl onions, and the rich jus….wait, I need more bread! You can’t go wrong with the Short Rib or Gently Cooked Salmon either, the latter was an incredible preparation that brought out the richness in the fish. The kitchen was 3 for 3 and having a great night. For dessert, I was craving chocolate and the Dark Chocolate Brownie didn’t disappoint. It was dense and I loved the pairing of mini potato crisps with the ice cream and brownie – what a great twist on sweet and salty. Its a little rich and I recommend that two people share it.

While walking out of the restaurant, I peeked into the open kitchen and realized that this crew had barely broken a sweat. Every dish was executed to perfection and I’m already drooling thinking of what I would order the next time I visit…which will be real soon.

Ted Cooks 19th Hole BBQ

2009-10-19T23:16:00.014-05:00

2814 E 38th St
Minneapolis, MN
612-721-2023
http://www.tedcooks19thholebbq.com/

Category: BBQ

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 9
Service: N/A (pick-up only)
Ambience: N/A (pick-up only)

Recommendation: Excellent. This take-out only place is special, and one of our favorite restaurants in the Cities – you get serious BBQ at very reasonable prices.

To be honest, the idea of take-out BBQ didn’t appeal to us at first. We were worried about the food being cold by the time it reaches home and we’ve always enjoyed eating BBQ in a small family-run establishment that doesn’t offer much in terms of ambience, but just great food. Ironically, there’s no restaurant we’ve frequented more in the last six months than Ted Cook’s (we also catered our son’s first birthday party from here.) It all started when a group of ten friends were coming over to hang out – we didn’t want to go out so a little bit of research led us to Ted Cook’s. It’s located just off the light rail stop on 38th St. A non-descript building that you’d easily walk past if it weren’t for the smoky goodness of the BBQ (or the large crowd with growling stomachs.) Poke you head in and you see a limited menu, a few chairs to sit on while you wait, and a porthole that connects the front of the house to the kitchen. Don’t be surprised if one of the guys from the kitchen pokes his head out of the porthole to take your order. These guys are cool, relaxed and don’t have a sense of urgency or panic, regardless of how many patrons are waiting. Good BBQ takes time…and love.

The menu is standard BBQ fare with one omission – the brisket. We’ve tried everything on the menu and have been thoroughly impressed. The place to start is the Rib Tips ($12.50 for a dinner). Smoky, fatty, piled high, and full of flavor – at this price it might be the best value in town. Following closely on the heels of the tips is the BBQ Pork ($12.30) and the BBQ Beef ($12.30). The mouthwatering pork (with a dollop of coleslaw) makes for an amazing sandwich while the tender, thinly sliced beef, lathered with their spicy sauce does wonders to a piece of white bread. Needless to say, they also serve Ribs ($19.90 for a full slab), which are good but not as juicy as the tips. If you want BBQ Chicken ($9.60 for half), they have that too, but chicken just can’t stand up to pork when it comes to BBQ. You have a nice selection of sides to pick from. We can’t say a bad thing about any of them but we prefer the classic Coleslaw, Beans, and Collard Greens. If you order a “dinner,” a side of JoJo’s (fried sliced potatoes) comes with – these hot potatoes are the only thing that don’t transport well; they tend to get soggy pretty quick. We forgot to mention that you get to pick a sauce for your BBQ. The hot has a nice amount of heat and won’t work for everyone, so we’d recommend sticking with the medium that provides good heat along with the sweetness and smokiness (we usually get a side of the hot sauce to make it more interesting.)

This place can get busy at dinner so be prepared to wait or you can call in an order (with a minimum of four dinners). Lots of street parking is available.

$$. Great value for food. We catered a large dinner for around $12 per person.

Five Guys Burger and Fries

2009-10-19T23:11:00.008-05:00

3871 Gallagher Dr
Edina, MN
952-893-5490
http://www.fiveguys.com/

Category: American-Casual

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 8
Service: N/A (its pick-up, but they serve it up quickly)
Ambience: 6

Recommendation: Very Good. Five Guys consistently serves juicy burgers and crispy fries. Don’t let anyone tell you, “its just a burger.”

We can’t tell you how many times we’ve heard people say “its just a burger,” and it usually leads to a heated discussion. Just like we don’t settle for less than average breakfast or smelly seafood, we need to hold the burger to the same high standards. And having had our fair share of amazing burgers in the Twin Cities, we feel there’s no reason to settle for average. Enough with the rant though…on to Five Guys. Tucked in a newly developed strip mall (with scant parking) in Edina, Five Guys is a small place that sees its fair share of patrons at lunch. The décor is the classic red and white diner look with a dozen tables packed closely together, an open kitchen packed with staff, and lots of action. You order first and then grab a table (we recommend having someone in your party grab a table while you order.)

The menu is simple – a hamburger or cheeseburger (single or double, with or without bacon), a couple of sandwiches/dogs, and fries. You get to load your burger with selections from over a dozen toppings ranging from the basic mayo and ketchup to grilled onions and hot sauce. You don’t have to wait long for the food, thanks to the small battalion of staff working the kitchen in a frenzy. While you’re waiting for the food, you can snack on the complimentary peanuts. The burgers at Five Guys are cooked well done, but don’t let that fool you – there’s nothing dry and tasteless about them. Seasoned to perfection to bring out the beefy flavor of the meat, these guys are as juicy as they come. A double provides a nice hunk of meat with a couple slices of American cheese and really hits the spot. It doesn’t require many toppings but we’ve done tried both the classic but also loaded it up with Jalapenos and Hot Sauce to make it nice and spicy. An order of large fries feeds three so go for the smaller one if it’s just you and a partner. The fries are also classic – crispy and substantial. You can usually get in and out of this place in a hurry (as long as you’re not in the middle of lunch hour and can find parking).

$. Burger, fries and a drink are less than $10. There’s not much parking in front of the restaurant so you’ll have to park a little further away.

The Wienery

2009-09-10T22:31:00.008-05:00

414 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN
612-333-5798
http://www.wienery.com/

Category: American-Casual

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 7
Service: 9
Ambience: 9

Recommendation: Very Good. This classic neighborhood diner serves a nice selection of hot dogs at prices that will make you freak.

At the Wienery, what you see is what you get; a small entrance that we’ve driven by a hundred times and never blinked an eye, and a space that’s the size of a two car garage. When we stepped in the doors, with a group of 9 (including a baby in a stroller), we wondered if we’d stick around for the meal. A narrow passage way separates the tables from the long breakfast bar and there’s no table that would even fit a party half our size. But this place had charm (be it from the memorabilia on the wall, the torn leather chairs, or the homely atmosphere) and we were greeted with a smile and a willingness to accommodate so there was no way we were turning around. We did have to wait while the packed interior cleared up.

The kitchen is in the back, but within plain sight – a large sink, a stove and some prep space is all there is. That particular day there were two staff members managing the show and serving up fresh, hot food. We managed to find a table and some seats and the bar and waited – it did take a while, but watching the staff at work was a whole lot of fun.

Although the menu has a whole page of breakfast foods, we decided to stick with burgers and hot dogs. The selection is impressive (and too long to recite) – we guarantee you’ll have trouble deciding. We indulged in a few types of dogs and they were all really good. The Chicago Style Dog was good and made with Vienna beef, although missing the poppy seed bun. We also liked the Manhattan (with Chili and Cheese) and adored the Drive-In Dog (with slaw, chili and cheese). It’s a killer combination you can also get as a burger. The Chili was fresh and chunky and was great in the Chili Burger as well. And if you like Italian Roast Beef, you should give theirs a try – juicy and flavorful. The fries were good, but we would have preferred melted cheese on the Chili Cheese Fries. We didn’t much care for the Upsetter Dog (bacon and egg) mostly because the eggs were overcooked and dry – it would have been much better with warm, moist scrambled.

Service was great, but be prepared to wait because a meal here could take a couple of hours. Time flew by for us because of the company and the atmosphere. The kicker is that the average tab for our group worked out to about $7 – this place is a steal.

$. Street parking is available.

The Tea Garden

2009-09-10T22:25:00.004-05:00

2601 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis, MN
612-377-1700
Other locations in Grand Ave, Downtown St. Paul, MOA, and U of M
http://www.teagardeninc.com/

Category: Tea/Cafe

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 8
Service: 7
Ambience: 5

Recommendation: Very Good. They offer a great selection of teas (we’ve only tried their bubble teas, and we’re big fans).

If you’ve never tried bubble tea, you must. You’ve probably seen people walking down the street in Uptown with a clear plastic glass filled with tea and some obscure black stuff at the bottom. The black “stuff” is tapioca pearls – they don’t really have much of a flavor, but their chewy texture makes for a fun drink. We’ve only visited the Tea Garden in Uptown and its usually packed with the young, hip and artsy. The space itself isn’t much to write about – it occupies a corner of Hennepin Ave and isn’t really an ideal spot for lounging around for extended periods.

The drink menu is extreme and it’s hard to tell the difference between the Tea, Tea Latte, Shake, and Cooler options. The most basic is the Fruit Tea – available in a whole host of flavors, its served hot or cold as black tea or jasmine green tea. You can add pearls of jellies to the cold tea. The Coolers are like fruit slushies – no tea, but with a choice of fruit flavors and can include pearls or jellies. Shakes are coolers that have a creamer added to it. Similarly, the Tea Lattes, only available in a few flavors consist of black or green tea with a creamer. Needless to say, we haven’t had a chance to try all of the options on the menu, but we certainly have favorites. The Green Fruit Teas have a distinct flavor that pairs well with fruits such as Passion Fruit, Kumquats, and Mango and we’d recommend adding the tapioca to the drink. You can get the same fruit flavors as Coolers and you can’t go wrong – it’s just a different texture, with the crushed ice. The Pina Colada is amazing as is the Pineapple, but if you’re in for something more unusual, try the Coconut Red Bean, a very nice texture and flavor combination. If you’re going to get the Pina Colada or the Coconut Red Bean, we’d recommend trying them as shakes as well – a creamier texture is a little more decadent. If you get the pearls or jellies, the drink does become quite heavy so it will fill you up.

$. Drinks range from $3-$6. Street parking is available but hard to find.

The Blue Door Pub

2009-07-16T21:58:00.005-05:00

1811 Selby Ave
St Paul, MN
651-493-1865
http://www.thebdp.com/

Category: American-Casual

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 9
Service: 8
Ambience: 7

Recommendation: Excellent. The BDP offers some serious competition to other burger joints in the TCs. Other than the Vincent burger, they might serve the best burgers in the Cities.

If you want to get into a heated discussion with a local, ask them “Who invented the Juicy Lucy?” or better yet, get a couple of locals going on what lucy is better – Matt’s Bar or the 5-8 Club. The origin of this stuffed burger is disputed, but regardless, if you haven’t had one, you’re missing out. Welcome, BDP – this burger joint has taken the concept of the Juicy Lucy one step further and for our money they serve the best Lucy’s in the cities. On our first visit, we had to wait 30 minutes for a seat because this tiny space was jam-packed in the middle of the afternoon. This homely pub houses a dozen booths and tables that are packed closely. The rugged dark wood furniture adds an element of “dive” to this joint.

The menu consists sandwiches and apps, but the draw here is the Blucy – the BDP’s take on the stuffed burger. In addition to “The Blucy” that’s stuffed with blue cheese, there are another dozen or so attractive burger options. We started our meal with the Beer Battered Green Beans ($6.50) – awesome; a light batter coats the flash fried crunchy beans. We ended up trying four different Blucys – the least interesting of which was the “Classic”, a tribute to the creator(s) of the Juicy Lucy. Don’t get us wrong, it was a good burger, but there are far more interesting options on the menu. The Blucy, had a generous helping of a creamy, pungent blue cheese – if you’re a fan of blue, don’t miss this one. However, the two winners in our book were the Frenchy and the Bangkok Blucy; the former consisting of swiss cheese, caramelized onions and an au jus, while the latter had a myriad of interesting flavors with the pickled carrots and cucumber and a spicy curry dipping sauce. What really makes these burgers pop is the hunk of quality beef that has been seasoned just right and cooked to perfection – sounds simple, but it’s hard to do. The accompanying crispy fries are also a winner – it’s hard to stop eating them. We thought the Tater-Tots were good, but we’d stick with the fries. And in the event you’re thirsty, there’s a nice selection of beers on tap. We tried the Copperhook Ale, which had a nice malty flavor to accent the burgers.

Service was great – although you may have to wait for a table, the food comes out quickly and there’s always people watching in this crowded bar. The burgers are a great value – at $7 or less, you’d be hard pressed to find better burger value.

$. Lots of street parking – there’s also a lot on the side/back.

Barrio

2009-04-26T21:59:00.004-05:00

925 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN
612-333-9953
http://www.barriotequila.com/

Category: Mexican

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 7
Service: 5
Ambience: 8

Recommendation: Very Good. A mixed bag on the food – many stellar dishes but a few that were ho-hum, but this place sure knows how to mix up Tequila.

Barrio is a Tequila bar brought to us by the same people that are behind La Belle Vie and Solera, and that itself sets a high standard and expectation. Located on Nicollet Mall in a rather narrow space, you would surely walk by without noticing if it weren’t for the large crowd that fills this place nightly. The long bar and high tops fill the street level space, while the upstairs is a little more secluded but gives you a birds-eye view of the whole space and the bar patrons below. Chocolate and red are the primary palette and the dimly lit space gives it a romantic yet vibrant feel. Check out the impressive selection of Tequilas behind the bar and don’t forget to look to the sides to see the dancing puppets.

The menu is Mexican Tapas but it’s the drinks that will first catch your eye. We highly recommend the Enter the Dragon, a Passion fruit margarita with muddled pepper and cava…the flavor combination is exquisite, starting with sweet and fragrant and ending with a nice kick. If you want something a little less sweet, try the Macho Camacho, a blood orange Ancho 1800 Black Margarita with a stronger Tequila bite. If you’re in the mood for a beer cocktail, the El Toro hits you with sweet, salty and sour flavors. Overall, the drinks were A+; complex flavors that any cocktail lover would appreciate.

The Tapas menu allows you to sample all that the kitchen has to offer. The Sugarcane Skewered Tequila Shrimp is served with a lemon-ginger mojo that really shines. We also thought highly of the Potato Sopes that were topped with tangy goat cheese and a spicy red-chili salsa. You can’t go wrong with the Black Bean and Chicken Tostada either. We thought the Barbeque Pork Sopes were good but nothing special, but really didn’t care for the Diver Scallop Ceviche. We had to send the Ceviche back because the seafood just wasn’t fresh and didn’t smell appetizing, and that’s too bad because the combination looked stellar. Barrio also has a nice taco selection. After we were done with our small plates, we ordered four different kinds. Twenty minutes later we were surprised when the server asked us if we wanted anything else…”huh, what about our tacos.” Our server had forgotten about our order and by the time he put it in, we were feeling stuffed and asked him to cut the order in half. The Grilled Skirt Steak taco was nice, tender meat served in a deep fried shell. On the other hand, the Mahi Mahi taco was fishy, but had all the makings of being amazing if served with fresher fish (the batter was light and the accoutrements subtle enough to not take away from the fish.) Dessert didn’t impress us, although the Tres Leches with Scorched Bananas showed glimpses of awesomeness. The problem with that dessert was that the Chocolate Tres Leches was hard, not soft and spongy like we’ve come to expect from this quintessential Mexican dessert. We thought the banana flavor was amazing, the cinnamon flavored milk and malt balls floating in it an exceptional choice…if only the cake were different. We’d recommend skipping the Churros with Hot Chocolate – having been to Spain not too long ago we expected thick Spanish-style Hot Chocolate, not the watery concoction set before us. Let’s face it - it’s a lot more fun dipping fried dough in thick hot chocolate.

Service was average. Even though the upper level wasn’t packed it was hard to find our server at times, and the mix-up with the tacos, without a sincere apology afterward left us unsatisfied.

$$$. Entrees are $16-22, small plates $7.50 and tacos around $4 each.

Salsa a La Salsa

2009-04-26T21:25:00.006-05:00

1420 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN
612-813-1970
http://www.salsaalasalsa.com/
A second location is in the Midtown Global Market

Category: Mexican

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

Recommendation: Very Good. Reasonably priced authentic Mexican food on Eat Street within minutes of downtown Minneapolis.

Take-out food was the theme over Memorial Day weekend (we had friends visiting and with their 2 young boys, doing takeout was more practical). We were all craving Mexican and had to rack our brains for take-out options around downtown Minneapolis. A quick web search turned up Salsa a La Salsa and a quick glance at their menu made it our destination of choice for dinner. Some of the menu options were foreign to us…a true sign of an authentic restaurant. My friend and I (Nick) went to the restaurant which is located on the North end of Eat Street. It’s not very big but has a nice vibe to it, especially because of the live music that was playing on the Sunday night. We ordered our food and sat down to nibble on some chips and salsa. With the bar in plain sight, we couldn’t pass up on the Tequila selection and ordered a round of sipping Tequilas (Don Julio Reposado). Waiting for take-out was never this much fun – live music, good tequila, fresh chips and salsa (the pico was ok, but the Salsa Verde was awesome). By the time we were done with the first round of drinks, our food was ready.

Overall, we were quite impressed with the meal. The Plato de Carnitas ($10.95) was a favorite – the pulled pork was juicy and flavorful and the accompanying rice, beans, and corn tortillas were the right portion and stayed warm till we got home. We ordered a couple of different Popular Burritos ($8.95) and although they were good, we were a little concerned about the lack of consistency in the ingredients. The Vegetable Burrito had no sour cream while the Beef Burrito was loaded with sour cream and had no onions or cilantro! We would also recommend the Chicken Fajitas ($11.99) which were mildly spiced but didn’t dry out, even though they were sitting in the car for 10 minutes. Our only gripe with takeout was that we had asked for extra Salsa Verde – when we got home, we realized that we hadn’t been emphatic enough (we ended up with one small portion, definitely not enough for 4 people)! We’ll be heading back to Salsa a La Salsa soon – good authentic food at an incredible value.

$$. All entrees are less than $13. Metered parking on the side streets.

strong>Update (Mar 2009) – During our recent visit we decided to eat in at Salsa a la Salsa. The space is clean and inviting – lively and bustling is a good sign. The interior isn’t spectacular but you should check out the paintings that hang on the brick wall along one side of the restaurant. Vibrant artwork really brightens up the space.

Nick started the evening with a Margarita (with 1800 Reposado and served up, just the way he likes it). It went down quickly. For entrees, the Plato de Carnitas ($12.95) is a safe choice; a big helping of pork with plenty of sides. If you want to try something different, we’d recommend the Pollo Con Nopalitos ($12.95), chicken strips sautéed in a green sauce with cactus leaves, a very satisfying dish with mild flavors. The Carne Asada ($11.95), though wasn’t great; the meat was cooked well, but just wasn’t seasoned and tasted bland. Both desserts were fun. This is the first time we’ve had a Pineapple Tamale ($4.50)…the warm subtly flavored tamale paired well with vanilla ice cream and tart cranberry chutney. If you’re in the mood for chocolate, go with the Fried Chocolate Truffles with Vanilla Ice Cream ($6.95)…decadent and gratifying.

Black Sheep

2009-03-16T19:09:00.002-05:00

600 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis, MN
612-342-2625
http://www.blacksheeppizza.com/

Category: Pizza

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 6
Service: 9
Ambience: 7

Recommendation: Good. Our experience was a mixed bag – more downs than ups, but there are a couple of things on the menu worth checking out.

It was our second time trying to get a table at Black Sheep, the Twin Cities’ first coal fired pizza joint, which has now become the talk of the town. Our first time we waited for about 20 minutes and then left, knowing we had another engagement that we didn’t want to get late for. On our second try, we deliberately picked a Wednesday evening, and although the place was still packed, we only had to wait a few minutes. The interior isn’t very large and all the tables are concentrated in an L-shape around the kitchen – you get a great view of the kitchen from pretty much any table and its fun to check out the staff tossing dough and feverishly working on getting the pies to the table. With the large wooden booths, the space does get cramped, especially if you’re waiting for a table or sitting at the bar. A few modern paintings on the wall round out the minimalist theme. The heat from the pizza oven makes the interior nice and toasty, which was great on a cold winter evening (wonder what it will feel like in the summer).

A coal-fired oven imparts a unique char to the pizza crust, and that’s a good thing if you like spots of char on your crispy crust. The menu consists of some salads, appetizers and about a half dozen specialty pizzas. If the specialty pizzas don’t interest you, you can create your own from a list of two dozen toppings. We decided to try three specialty pizzas – the Meatball pizza (but added garlic and ricotta as recommended by the server), the Fennel Sausage, Hot Salami, Onion and Cracked Green Olives pizza, and the Oyster Mushroom, Smoked Mozzarella and Rosemary pizza. The Meatball pizza with the extra toppings was our favorite – good flavor with a nice sweet red sauce. We didn’t care for the Sausage and Salami pizza mostly because the Salami had a very pungent raw meat flavor (from the dry aging apparently) – the owner said he loves the strong salami, but this just wasn’t for us. The Mushroom pizza, which seemed very interesting and similar to a pizza we make at home, was a disaster – heaps of mushrooms and non-existent cheese made this white pizza very dry and bland. When the owner, Jordan, who was greeting all his customers asked how we liked the pizza, we were honest about our disappointment with the mushroom pizza. He offered to replace it but we politely declined. After another few minutes he came back to the table and once again insisted that he make us a new pie and we relented (we told him to serve us his favorite). About ten minutes later he came back with a pizza with Chicken and Pepperoncinis. An interesting combination that we both loved – the pepperoncinis added a nice tang and spice to this pizza. At the end of the meal we were full, but less than satisfied with our meal. We recommend you skip the specialty pizzas and make your own – our favorite toppings were the meatball, fennel sausage, and the chicken/pepperoncini combo. Small pizzas (12 inch) are $9-$13, while the larger 16 inch pizzas are $12-$22. Extra toppings are $2 for the small and $3 for the large, reasonable for meats, but outrageous for things like garlic and onions. And lest we forget, Black Sheep does serve wine and beer to enjoy with the meal.

Service was very good – fast and attentive. We especially liked the fact that the owner was interested in making sure his customers were happy. Just for the record, at no point in our visit, did he know we were going to write a review. He treated us in the same friendly and caring manner he was showing to his other patrons – a big thumbs up.

$$. Street parking is available, but sometimes hard to find.

Quang Restaurant

2009-03-16T17:30:00.002-05:00

2719 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-870-4739
http://www.quangrestaurant.com/

Category: Vietnamese

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 8
Service: 7
Ambience: 5

Recommendation: Very Good. This Eat Street favorite serves up great Pho soup and bubble tea…and a whole host of other tasty authentic dishes.

No other Vietnamese place in the Twin Cities gets talked about as much as Quang…and for good reason. This sparsely decorated restaurant is always bustling and if you go there during normal lunch or dinner hours, be prepared to wait. The good news is that the restaurant is quite large, the food comes out of the kitchen in a hurry, and the servers are always running to clear tables and keep patrons moving. The crowd is diverse and you see as many Asians as Americans, which is usually a good sign at any ethnic restaurant.

We have tried a wide variety of dishes from their diverse menu and never been disappointed. The Pho (noodle soup) is the specialty here and we have tried both the beef and the chicken Phos. The soup consists of a flavorful clear broth, served with rice noodles and meat (you have some options here). The servers bring a side of jalapeno peppers, sprouts, lime wedge, and Thai basil that you can add to your soup. We add all of these in plenty because it adds to the flavor and texture of the dish. The traditional way to eat this soup is with the chopsticks in one had and a soup spoon in the other – once you get the hang of it, you’ll have fun. The Spring Rolls are served with a hoisin sauce and have a very light and fresh flavor. The Egg Rolls are hot and crispy (try them both and compare). We also loved Quang’s Original Pork Chop platter – the meat had a nice char quality but wasn’t dry. If you’ve never had a Vietnamese Sandwich, you’re in for a wonderful surprise…think Parisian baguette packed with Asian ingredients and flavors. The Chicken Sandwich was served on a crispy French bread with pate, mayo, chicken and some veggies – it’s a staple in Vietnam. We love getting their bubble teas – they are a nice accompaniment to the meal – Hazelnut, Coffee, and Strawberry are our favorites…we especially love the chewy texture of the tapioca balls and sucking them through the large straw! Try the Lemongrass Chicken, which is nicely flavored for the American palate. The Grilled Meatballs Vermicelli Salad was recommended by our server and was excellent. The meatballs were served with vermicelli noodles, lettuce, bean sprouts, mint, cilantro, peanuts, and a sweet sauce on the side. The dish was bursting with flavors. The Iced Coffee, made traditionally with Chicory Coffee and sweetened condensed milk is nice and strong.

$. Entrees are under $10. Free Parking.

Jasmine Deli

2009-03-07T21:08:00.015-06:00

2532 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN
612-870-4700

Category: Vietnamese

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 8
Service: 7
Ambience: 5

Recommendation: Very Good. Inexpensive, flavorful and fresh – this place is a winner.

We’ve been to Jasmine Deli three times in the last month – we can’t remember the last time we frequented a restaurant this often. The food is light, fresh, and flavorful and the place is quick and inexpensive – there was no reason not to go back after our first visit. Located on Eat street, this establishment is small and inconspicuous – there’s nothing on the outside that would differentiate this place form the hundreds of others on Nicollet Avenue. Pop your head in and you’ll find a half dozen tables in a room no bigger than a suburban living room. Takeout is just as popular as sit down – apparent from the display of sandwiches and spring rolls wrapped and available for those on the go.

In addition to the staples above, you also find that the menu contains Bun Nuoc (Noodle Soup), Vermicelli Noodle Salad, Broken Rice Plates and other appetizers.
The Banh Mi (Sandwiches) is great, and it’s the bread that really shines. The Grilled Pork with its char has awesome flavor and the carrots, cucumber and cilantro add freshness. Wrap that in the crusty bread and at $3.50, you can’t find value like this anywhere in the city. If you’re looking for a similar pork preparation with rice, try the Broken Rice Pork Chop Plate ($7). Along with the rice and meat you get a salad and a sweet dipping sauce. We highly recommend the Bun Thit Xao (Stir Fried Vermicelli Noodle Salad, $7) with Pork. This light salad erupts with freshness. A burst of textures and flavors comes from the cucumbers, carrots, cilantro, peanuts and hoisin sauce. Throw in the sweet and light dressing over the charred pork and you’re one happy camper. If want soup instead, try the Hu Tieu Hai San (Seafood Rice Noodle Soup, $8). The broth is light and clean and although not as fragrant as Pho, still very good and offers a nice alternative to the heavier Pho. Bean sprouts, lime, and herbs accompany the soup. We felt that the shrimp and calamari in the soup were good, but the fish cake was a little strong for us. For drinks, there is a nice assortment of Bubble Teas that are prepared by blending the drink with ice – we really liked the Coconut Bubble Tea ($3.50).

Service is fast and friendly and even if this place is packed, which it usually is on the weekends, we recommend waiting – a table will open up soon. Else, walk up to the counter and order take-out.

$. Street parking is available.

Kabobi

2009-03-07T17:09:00.003-06:00

13250 Technology Dr #102
Eden Prairie, MN
952-937-1414
http://www.kabobi.com/

Category: Middle-Eastern

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

Recommendation: Very Good. We love the idea of a Persian restaurant that caters to the greater masses, all the while maintaining its historical and cultural roots.

You have to applaud the gumption of restaurateurs Anoush Ansari and Hadi Anbar to open a Persian fast-food-style restaurant in the heart of Eden Prairie. Eden Prairie wouldn’t be the obvious choice if we were opening a casual ethnic eatery, especially one geared towards the greater population. The restaurant is located in a strip mall, a stones’ throw away from the Southwest Transit Station and the newly relocated Santorini’s. The space itself is inviting and consistent with what you expect from a casual eatery – it’s clean and comfortable with minimalist decor.

The menu is small and specializes in kabobs. In addition to Shish Kabob and the Kabob Koobideh, the menu also features salads, gyros, and wraps. We started with the refreshing Kabobi Salad – a combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and seasoning – this is a great complement to any dish and is a staple in Indian cuisine as well. We ordered two Soltani Platters with Chicken and Lamb Shish Kabobs (chunks of meat, grilled on skewers), and Lamb and Beef Koobidehs (kabobs made with minced meat). We’re hard pressed to pick a favorite because we liked all 4 kabobs – the minced meat gives the Koobideh a nice texture which also results in a well seasoned and moist kabob. On the other hand, the Shish Kabobs have a nice charbroiled consistency and the accompanying rice is wonderful. The flavors of the kabobs were much milder than we imagined (compared to the kabobs found in North Indian cuisine for instance). For dessert we would highly recommend a slice of the Roulette – a sponge cake rolled with cream - the result being a moist, sweet dessert that you can’t stop eating. The service here is quick and friendly – you order at the counter and within minutes the food is brought out to your table.

$-$$. The specialty plates are $10 and up but the sandwiches and wraps are $5-$6. Free parking.

Kolap Restaurant

2009-03-03T21:05:00.003-06:00

601 N. Dale St
St. Paul, MN
651-222-2488
http://kolaprestaurant.com/

Category: Cambodian

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 9
Service: 8
Ambience: 5

Recommendation: Excellent. If you’ve never had Cambodian food, head out to Kolap – the flavors are amazing and the preparation spot on. This place definitely impresses.

For the record, this is the first time we’ve eaten Cambodian. We were in St. Paul with some friends, when one of them (she’s Cambodian) recommended we check out Kolap, which in her opinion is the top Cambodian restaurant in the Twin Cities. The space isn’t very impressive – it’s akin to what you find at most small family-run Asian establishments.

The menu is large and each dish is pictured in the menu. On first glance the menu doesn’t look completely unfamiliar – there are influences from China, Vietnam and Thailand and its evident in the preparations. We thought the single best dish we had that day was the Siem Reap Sour Soup ($8.50) – our new standard for soup, we’d go back to Kolap in a heartbeat, order this yummy soup and slurp down a big bowl each. The broth is fragrant but it’s the combination of the sweet pineapple and the spicy chili that really takes this to the next level. Add some rice into the soup and it becomes a hearty meal. Although the soup is amazing, the other dishes aren’t slouches either. We highly recommend the Deep Fried Tilapia Fish ($8.50) – the crispy skin conceals the moist succulent white flesh layered with flavor. The Chow Fun with Beef and Chinese Broccoli ($8.50) is a killer combination – the noodles are thick and chewy...and that’s a good thing. The Lot Cha ($7.50) - thick noodles in a sweet sauce, topped with sprouts and peanuts is also very good. For dessert, try the Red and Green Beans in Shaved Ice ($2.50) – now the average person may not find this intriguing, but once you mix the different components of the dessert (coconut milk, beans, jackfruit, condensed milk), it really grows on you. Service was very good – the servers were sitting in the restaurant watching TV so they were easy to find and attentive to our needs.

$. Most dishes are under $10 (this place is a steal). Parking is available on the street.

Mission American Kitchen

2009-03-03T20:54:00.004-06:00

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.

Gandhi Mahal

2009-02-15T09:17:00.006-06:00

3009 27th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN
612-729-5222
http://www.gandhimahal.com/

Category: Indian

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 9
Service: 9
Ambience: 9

Recommendation: Minneapolis has a new standard in North Indian cuisine. Gandhi Mahal excels in all aspects of the dining experience and does great justice to Indian cuisine and culture.

We’re so excited about Gandhi Mahal that I’m sitting down to write this review after having just arrived home after eating dinner there - even though we are stuffed and could really use a nap. You get a good vibe as soon as you step into this restaurant. They’ve taken the extra step to up the ambience compared to most Indian restaurants, and it’s impressive. Dimly lit and romantic with live, soothing Indian classical music on the weekends. The richness of India was portrayed through the sandstone colored walls, brass ornaments, and the ornate fabric that adorns all corners of this restaurant. Even the table cloths have heavy embroidery – a small touch that goes a long way to bringing this whole experience together.

And it isn’t just the ambience that impresses – the food is every bit as good. The menu has the typical Indian list of curries, tandoori food, and vegetarian options, although some of the names are quite creative. We started with the Papadum ($1) – the flavor was nice, but it seemed like it wasn’t cooked fresh; it was lacking the crunch and snap. The accompanying chutneys were really good – the Coriander Chutney was spicy and fragrant, the Tamarind Chutney had a sweet lingering finish while the Onion relish was pungent. We enjoyed the Delhi Chicken Tikka Masala ($12) – a healthy portion of white chicken meat cooked in a creamy tomato sauce. Any respectable Indian restaurant should be able to execute this dish well and Gandhi Mahal doesn’t disappoint. The Lamb Rogan Josh ($14) was another winner – a dark curry with tender pieces of lamb and a nice kick. Another staple of North Indian Cuisine is Tandoori (grilling in a clay oven). The Tandoori Mixed Grill ($18) had some nice components, including the lamb tikka, shrimp tikka, and seekh kabob. Unfortunately the Tandoori Chicken was a little dry, but had good flavor. Both the vegetarian dishes we ordered were good. The Palak Paneer ($12) had a good balance of spices and the Malai Kofta (balls of paneer and potato, $12) was well executed, although we would have preferred the sauce to be a little thinner. An array of Naans flooded our table – we couldn’t pick a favorite from the plain, garlic, onion, cheese and potato naans (try ‘em all we say). We had asked for most of the dishes to be on the medium spice level and we can gladly say that the medium at Gandhi Mahal accurately represents Indian spice levels. A couple of the dishes were ordered hot and you could tell the difference. Our one gripe with this restaurant was the absence of alcohol – this is one Indian restaurant where we wouldn’t object to ordering a nice bottle of wine with our meal (I was in that frame of mind). Alas, we had to stick to Lassi, Juice and Water. The Mango Lassi was both sweet and tart and we liked it. On the other hand the Salty Lassi needed an additional spice or two. For dessert we tried all three options ($4 each) on the menu. The Kulfi was nice, albeit strong on Saffron, a flavor Nick detests. Our first set of Gulab Jamuns was terrible – light and fluffy and nothing like what it is supposed to be. We sent them back and the kitchen sent us a new order, apologizing because the initial execution had gone wrong – dense and sugary, just how they are meant to be. The Kheer is also very good – not too sweet with a terrific creamy bite.

Service was super – friendly, knowledgeable staff with attention to detail and hospitality just as you would receive in India. We were glad to see this restaurant is bucking the trend of understaffed ethnic eateries. At the end of our meal we were offered hot hand towels - a classy touch common in many restaurants in India.

$$-$$$. Our total tab for 11 people was $250. Street parking is available on 27th Ave as well as Lake St. Lot parking available as well.

Update (April 2009) – We had originally planned to visit Harry Singh’s for dinner, but after a mix-up in the reservations and being belittled by an arrogant host, we decided to make our way to our new favorite Twin Cities establishment, Gandhi Mahal. They accommodated our large group of 11 on short notice and we enjoyed another great meal. If you’ve never tried the Badam (Almond) Lassi, we’d highly recommend it – sour and creamy with a lingering taste.

The Queen Crore Vindaloo with Lamb ($13) was outstanding. A dark sauce that is loaded with spice, this isn’t one for the faint hearted…at a medium spice level, this burns good. You can’t go wrong with the Five Spice Garlic Shrimp ($15), a tomato based curry with an ample amount of shrimp. We also ordered Shikh Kabob, a tandoori classic. Made with ground beef the kabobs were tender and succulent…however for $14 you don’t seem to get much. The meal was made complete with a hearty helping of fresh warm Naan to dip in the curries.

Meritage

2009-02-15T09:00:00.006-06:00

410 St. Peter St.
St. Paul, MN
651-222-5670
http://www.meritage-stpaul.com/

Category: French, American-Upscale

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 9
Service: 8
Ambience: 7

Recommendation: Excellent. A great addition to the St. Paul dining scene serving classic Brasserie items interspersed with New American dishes.

We’ve been eating at a lot of French inspired restaurants lately and that trend continues with Meritage, a trip way overdue. Located in the old A Rebours space in the historic Hamm building in the heart of St. Paul, Meritage recreates the look and feel of a French brasserie. Chef Russell Klein (formerly of WA Frost) is at the helm of this establishment, which was named for the wine of the same name. It symbolizes both the rich traditions of French cuisine along with influences from America. The space is elegant and romantic. Cozy tables occupy the small space and dim lighting adds to the charm. Rich wood panels, large mirrors, a wrought iron clock and a beautiful wine bar round out the decorative accents. There’s summer patio coming sometime soon.

We managed to get a table by the large windows overlooking St. Peter. The menu selection varied and has a nice selection of both American and French foods. There’s a daily special, usually a traditional French preparation like Pot Au Feu or Bouillabaisse. We started our meal with Scallops with Meyer Lemon, Wasabi, and Green Apple; and Pork Rillette with Fig Spread, Grilled Bread and Grain Mustard. The Rillette (pork pate) was amazing – complex flavors result from lathering the salty pork and sweet fig spread onto the smoky bread. The ceviche preparation of the scallops was underwhelming; the scallops were sweet and fresh, but we couldn’t taste much of the accompanying ingredients. For the main course we would highly recommend the Halibut (with Pea Puree, Fingerling Potatoes, Cippolini Onions, and Truffle Emulsion) as well as the Saturday special Beef Short Ribs (with Potato Puree and Seasonal Vegetables). The Halibut had subtle, yet refined flavors and the preparation did justice to our favorite fish, while the Short Ribs were “melt in your mouth” tender. Both the Steak Frites and the Meritage House Hamburger were very good as well; simple preparations executed well. We weren’t too impressed with the Frites, which were on the soggy side. An after-dinner cheese course looked appetizing but we decided to go directly to dessert. We liked the rich Dark Chocolate Mousse which was paired well with citrus. On the other hand the Izzy Salty Caramel ice cream was just ok. And lest we forget, the complimentary bread was wonderful – dense and chewy, just the way we like it. We had great service all night and our server did a great job recommending dishes.

$$$-$$$$. Entrees are around $25 and appetizers are about $10. Valet parking is available Tue-Sat (evenings).

Update (Feb 2009) – We’re back at Meritage, this time for brunch. A beautiful winter day with lots of sun shining into the dining area – we were lucky enough to score a spot by the window. Little did we realize that we’d occupy this space for a good two hours and enjoy an amazing multi-course meal that was executed to near perfection.

The menu has many appealing dishes and we had a tough time deciding which ones to get. We started with the Meritage Mimosa, made with blood oranges and prosecco and it went down fast. As a starter we split the Pomme Frites with Bearnaise – a classic executed well. We decided to stay traditional and try some of the egg dishes on the menu. You can’t go wrong with either the Eggs Benedict or the Lobster Omelet with Spinach and Tomato. The Benedict was freakin’ awesome – when done well, there are few egg dishes that compare. And the Lobster Omelet is no slouch either. Sweet lobster and spinach both impart subtle flavors and combine very well. But we couldn’t stop without getting dessert and coffee. The Espresso Pot de Crème was fabulous – if there’s one dish that stood out that day, this was it, and that’s saying a lot. Creamy and light in texture but rich in flavor, with a dollop of Crème Fraiche on top – I’ll take this any day. The Profiteroles are really good too and so was the accompanying Latte.

Santorini

2009-02-08T09:52:00.006-06:00

13000 Technology Drive
Eden Prairie, MN
952-546-6722
http://www.santorinimn.com

Category: Greek, Mediterranean

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

Recommendation: Very good. Santorini’s offers classic Greek cuisine in a beautiful space located close to the Eden Prairie Center.

The first thought that came to our mind when visiting the newly relocated Santorini’s was “Wow!!” The family owned restaurant, which was originally located in Golden Valley relocated to Eden Prairie a few months ago and with the move came a space that is brighter, twice as large, and simply stunning. The color theme is classic Greek blue and white, although some of the rooms have a different motif. There are several sections of seating areas to pick from - a large bar, roomy booths, a bright and cozy veranda area with a couple of fireplaces. Santorini’s is a great choice for many different occasions, be it a business lunch, after work happy hour, or simply a night out with friends (they have live entertainment on weekend nights). The menu is large and not only contains Greek classics but also several American dishes. The appetizers consist of Greek dishes such as Dolmades (ground beef and rice wrapped in grape leaves) and American ones such as Crab Cakes, Shrimp, and Chicken Wings alike. They also have Pizzas, Pastas, Pita Spreads, Salads, and several types of Mediterranean entrees.

For appetizers, we liked most of the Mediterranean dishes we ordered – Flamed Saganaki, a cheese that is served sizzling and set ablaze at the table is excellent with warm pita bread. If you’ve never had it, it’s a dish worth ordering just for the show it offers. The Spanakopita is a Spinach and Feta cheese baked pastry and is delicious. Olives with Feta Cheese and Peppers served with warm pita bread is also a nice dish. We had a somewhat mixed experience with the Pita spreads. The eight different spreads are served with delicious warm pita bread. We found the Tzatziki (Yogurt sauce with garlic and cucumbers) too watery and a little too sweet. The Tahini Hummus and Roasted Eggplant were both ok and the Taramosalata (Red Caviar spread) a little too strong for our liking. Our favorite hands down was the Spicy Feta, which starts off with a creamy tart texture and then slaps you in the head with a spicy finish. The Gyro Pita at Santorini’s is one of our favorites on the menu. The meat is always juicy and the bread is warm. The accompanying thick cut lemon-oregano fries are crispy and offer a nice change from the standard fried potato. A great alternative to the Pita sandwich is a Pita Melt sandwich, which comes with cheese melted in between two warm pitas. The Grecian style Burger cooked with spices and topped with roasted peppers and feta cheese was well flavored and delicious. If you don’t mind a big lunch, try the Taverna Pasta with Lamb Chops. The thin lamb chops have a mild herb flavor and are cooked well; the accompanying angel hair pasta isn’t too heavy and is a wonderful pairing. They also offer a lunch special where you can go through the carving station, which contains meat, salads, and bread for $10 (you can only go through it once). For dessert, we recommend the Baklava. Now I know you’re probably saying, “cliché”, but in all honesty, this preparation is light, filled with chunky nuts, rolled and drizzled with honey. Don’t forget to drink a shot of the complimentary Ouzo (Anise flavored Liquor) on your way out.

Our server was awesome. Friendly, knowledgeable and had good recommendations. He’d stop by often to make sure we were doing ok and that everything was to our liking – he even offered a replacement to the red caviar spread when he noticed that we weren’t terribly fond of it.

$-$$. Free Parking.

Be’wiched Deli

2009-02-08T09:42:00.003-06:00

800 Washington Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN
612-767-4330
http://www.bewicheddeli.com/

Category: Bakery, Café

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 7
Service: N/A (counter service)
Ambience: 7

Recommendation: Good. Be’wiched is a gourmet sandwich shop with a comfortable unpretentious space located in the warehouse district.

We ended up at Be’wiched recently because we weren’t able to get into the newly opened Black Sheep Pizza nearby and wanted to grab a quick meal before taking in a show at the Guthrie. Be’wiched was started by Matthew Bickford and Mike Ryan, who have worked at some of the top Twin Cities restaurants such as Solera, La Belle Vie, D’Amico and Sons to name a few. Their gourmet sandwich shop focuses on fresh ingredients and local and natural foods. Be’wiched is a lot like French Meadow bakery, serving Sandwiches, Soups, and fresh baked desserts. The menu also has teas, coffees, wine, and beer. The space is cozy and great for lounging around. The biggest downfall is that the place reeks of a strong deli meat smell and we found that our clothes smelled of it for hours after we left the place (yuck!). It’s never a good sign when a friend comments that we all smell of food…and we had to sit next to her at the show. Talk about feeling conscious.

The Soup of the day was a Roasted Sweet Onion with Blue cheese and Pistachios. We ordered it assuming it was a clear soup, similar to a French Onion but it turned out to be a creamy and thick soup. It was delicious and had a unique curry flavor (it reminded Natasha of a Curried Carrot soup that her employer’s cafeteria serves). While curry in soup might sound a bit odd, it was actually really nice. The odd thing was that we couldn’t detect any sweet onions, blue cheese, or pistachios in the soup! The Pulled Pork sandwich was served on an Onion bun with a side of Coleslaw and Potato Salad. The meat was tender and flavorful even though it wasn’t lathered with sauce. The bun wasn’t soft and the coleslaw was pretty much non-existent. A friend ordered the Vegetable Burger and we were amazed at how good it was. The patty was made of beets, mushrooms, and grains and was incredibly flavorful. The Spinach salad with diced smoked apple, brie, and toasted pecans was also nice. It had the right amount of dressing and the ingredients complemented each other very well.

$. Most items under $10. Street parking on Washington Ave.

Modern Cafe

2009-02-01T10:52:00.005-06:00

337 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN
612-378-9882
http://moderncafeminneapolis.com/

Category: American - Casual

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

Recommendation: Very Good. Great homey neighborhood restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis serving American comfort food.

Modern Café is located on a quiet street in Northeast Minneapolis and if you weren’t looking for it, you’d walk right by this gem of a place. We had driven by it hundreds of times and never gave it a second thought until a friend suggested it. The interior is a cross between a retro diner and an artsy café. Modern café has a casual café feel but has some nice artwork and bright colors. On a recent Friday night, we went there with a group of 9 friends and hung out for a while, without feeling rushed. It’s a great location for a quieter night when you don’t want to deal with the weekend crowds at most restaurants. The menu consists of hearty comfort foods such as Pot Roast, Meatloaf, Gnocchi, Soups, and Salads. Even the side dishes such as Lentils, Hotdish, and Mashed Potatoes scream comfort. They have an extensive wine list with nearly all selections under $40 - talk about great value.

The Pot Roast, which is the main draw, was served with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, caramelized onion jus and horseradish sauce. It was tender, juicy and just pulled apart without effort. The generous portion of horseradish sauce was excellent and gave the dish a strong flavor that we loved. The Duck Ragu served with homemade fettuccini was another favorite. The duck was delicious and the pasta was cooked to perfection and not overdrenched with the sauce. The Gnocchi with Oyster Mushrooms was another winner. We have to admit that we are somewhat snobby when it comes to gnocchi and there are only a few places in town that make gnocchi to our liking…we’ve definitely added Modern Café to that list (Pazzaluna and Arezzo being the others). The Slow Roasted Pork with polenta and pear chutney was tender and the pear chutney was an excellent complement to the dish. Our friend tried the Lamb Burger and liked it. We also liked the Brussels Sprouts and Squash Hotdish, which was a cheesy gooey concoction. The only dish that was somewhat disappointing was the White Bean and Ham soup. The beans were a little undercooked. Our server was friendly and didn’t rush us through the night.

$$. Most entrees cost $14-$16. Free parking in the back of the restaurant.

The Sample Room

2009-02-01T08:21:00.002-06:00

2124 Marshall St NE
Minneapolis, MN
612-789-0333
http://the-sample-room.com/

Category: American - Casual

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

Recommendation: Very Good. American style “tapas” served in a cozy tavern type setting.

We ended up at Sample Room in Northeast Minneapolis after a friend of ours recommended it. It is located in a beautiful historic building in the middle of a residential area. The interior gives a cozy feeling with its high ceilings, roomy booths, and large bar. The Sample Room is like a neighborhood bar, except that the menu is more sophisticated than the standard deep fried fare. It consists of various small plates – Cheese, Veggies, Meat, and Seafood. It is set up like a tapas restaurant where a table can order several different small plates and share. The menu also has soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrees but we stuck to the small plates.

We ordered the Warm Camembert with Caramelized Onions from the Cheese section. It was a delicious pairing – the strong creamy cheese went really with the slightly sweet onions. From the Meat section, we ordered the Bratwurst with Spicy Mustard and Pork Ribs with Bourbon BBQ sauce. The brat was flavorful and juicy, the ribs were ok. The Seared Rare Tuna with Miso Glaze was another winner at our table and so was the Gulf Shrimp with Garlic, EVOO, and Lemon. Although vegetarian dishes aren't top of mind when ordering, we couldn’t resist getting the Roasted Veggie Torte – a flaky pastry stuffed with spinach, tomatoes, eggplant, and goat cheese served with a red pepper sour cream. It was excellent. Our server took great care of all the four tables that were occupied at the time we were there, even though they were down one server. He had some great recommendations.

$-$$. Most plates cost between $5-$8.

Isles Bun and Coffee

2009-01-25T11:34:00.004-06:00

1424 W 28th St
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-870-4466
http://www.islesbun.com/

Category: Café/Bakery

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 9
Service: 9
Ambience: 7

Recommendation: Excellent. If you’re craving something sweet for breakfast, look no further. The smells (and crowds) will draw you to Isles.

Once in a while we’ll get a craving for a particular food and that’s when a quest begins. Luckily the search for sweet rolls ended quickly (all thanks for an mspmag story we came across). We didn’t realize that we had a specialty purveyor of these sweet, sticky rolls close to where we live (we’ve probably driven past 28th and Hennepin a thousand times and never noticed Isles). And now, we’ve been to Isles three times in the past month – after our first visit, Nick ended up getting treats to celebrate birthdays at work.

The menu at Isles is quite simple (sweet rolls, coffee cake, scones and cookies). This place is no bigger than a suburban family room and for those that can find a seat at one of the handful of tables, the mesmerizing smells can lead to food coma (or atleast a sugar high). The Cinnamon Rolls are large and soft – you even get to frost your own roll (although we caution you from going overboard, which is easy to do). Both the Caramel and Caramel-Pecan Rolls also pull apart easily and aren’t as sweet as their frosted counterparts. The pecan rolls have a generous topping of nuts and we like that combination. If you want something less intimidating in size than a Cinnamon roll, you must try the Puppy Dog Tails (a cinnamon twist), which we think allows for an ideal bread to frosting ratio. And you’d be remiss to pass on the Coffee Cake – the base of the cake is pretty much the same daily but the toppings change regularly. The toppings are always decadent and we’ve enjoyed all the ones we’ve tried, including a raspberry-mango, a cherry-white chocolate and a blueberry. In addition to the sweet temptations, there is a nice selection of coffees and teas – we personally didn’t think the coffees were spectacular (and the last time my caramel latte was sweeter than the rolls themselves), but how can you pass up coffee to go with the rolls.

The staff is always friendly and helpful. This place can tend to get crowded so take-away might be your best bet. If you want large quantities, fax in an order ahead of time. Regardless, the small batch preparation ensures that you’ll usually get warm treats, even if you have a wait a few minutes. And this place won’t break the bank either - the rolls are less than $4 each, while the puppy dog tails are a buck.

$

Peninsula

2009-01-25T10:50:00.006-06:00

2608 Nicollet Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-871-8282
http://peninsulamalaysiancuisine.com/

Category: Malaysian/Pan-Asian

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

Recommendation: Very good. This Eat street eatery serves delicious authentic Malaysian dishes incorporating the best aspects of Indian, Chinese, and Thai cooking.

We have the Twin Cities Malaysian community to thank for this authentic Malaysian eatery that serves up the best Malay food we’ve tried in the area. Peninsula was originally located in Eau Claire, WI until the Malaysian community convinced the owners to move the location to Minneapolis. The restaurant itself is simple yet a huge step above its neighbors on Eat Street. There is an open kitchen in the back when you can watch the chefs in action. Peninsula serves up unique cuisine that is native to the Southeast Asia region and incorporates flavors and spices from Indian, Chinese, Thai cuisines. It has a diverse and unique menu that has many Southeast Asia favorites such as Hot and Spicy Crab, Pineapple Seafood Fried Rice (served in a pineapple shell), and Udang Mee (Penang style noodles served in shrimp broth with shrimp, pork, & bean sprouts).

All the dishes we tried were part of the chef’s recommendations and we couldn’t have been more satisfied with our experience. We started out by getting the Roti Canai, which is an Indian bread (fluffy on the inside, crispy and flaky on the outside cooked with oil on a skillet). Being from India, we love this bread and can simply eat it by itself. We ordered the Curried Potato and Chicken dipping sauce to accompany the Roti. If you’ve tried Indian Chicken curry, this dipping sauce has similar flavors. Their Chicken Satay is also delicious (perfectly marinated and served with a peanut sauce). For the main course, we had the Beef Rendang (slow cooked beef with lemongrass, chili paste, coconut milk, ginger, cinnamon, & cloves finished in a rich red curry). Absolutely to die for! Another dish we had was the Fried Fish in Spicy Thai sauce. While we don’t typically care for fried fish, this one was truly outstanding. The flavors of the spices were fantastic. We didn’t care for the Sambal Udang (sautéed shrimp with onions in a spicy Malaysian shrimp paste) as much. The paste had a very overpowering fishy taste. They have an interesting non-alcoholic drinks menu with various types of shaved iced drinks, teas, and coffees. We tried the Red Bean Freeze, which consisted of red beans, shaved iced, and milk. We couldn’t take more than 2 sips, the drink was awful – very milky with hints of red bean and hardly any shaved ice.

$$

Pazzaluna Urban Italian

2008-11-13T21:58:00.014-06:00

360 St Peter St
St Paul, MN
651-223-7000
https://www.pazzaluna.com/

Category: Italian

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 9
Service: 9
Ambience: 9

Recommendation: Excellent. An excellent Italian fine dining restaurant in St. Paul that is ideal for a pre-theatre (Ordway) or pre-Xcel event meal or after-work happy hour.

Pazzaluna is located across the street from the Ordway theatre in St. Paul and its excellent location serves it well. The place is usually packed when there is a show at the Ordway or an event at Xcel Energy center. Unfortunately (or fortunately!), due to the ongoing new restaurant openings in the Twin Cities, Pazzaluna, a mainstay on the Twin Cities dining scene didn’t make it on our list until recently. We like the fact that the Twin Cities has a bunch of great Italian places catering to many different occasions – whether it be casual neighborhood dining at places such as La Grolla, Al Vento, Broder’s or fine dining at D’Amico Cucina, Campiello, Osteria I Nonni, and of course Pazzaluna. The dining room at Pazzaluna is simply beautiful – a large mural adorns one wall and we love the large windows with beautiful drapes. The interior exudes romance on so many levels whether it is the beautiful chandeliers or the flickering of the flame from the open wood-burning oven. Couple the beautiful dining room with the well-dressed theatre/event goers and you have a perfect combination for a classy night out.

Their selection of wines is excellent and they are known to have one of the most prized (and expensive) wine lists in town. We had a bottle of the Santa Cristina, a Sangiovese-Merlot blend from Tuscany, which was excellent. The complimentary bread they serve with an olive tapenade is delicious. Pazzaluna has also won many awards for their excellent Happy hour where you can get half price martinis, cosmos, tap beer, wines, and Margherita pizza.

Needless to say, their pastas are excellent. Pasta Ai Sughi lets you customize your dish by picking from five different pastas and six different sauces. Meat can also be added to the dish. A simple dish of Linguine with Bolognese sauce and Chicken was excellent. The chicken was flavorful and the pasta wasn’t too overdressed with sauce. Their Gnocchi, which is a house specialty and made fresh daily can be ordered three different ways (Quattro Formaggi, Bolognese, or Pomodoro & Basilico). We tried the Quattro Formaggi and it was one of the better gnocchi’s we’ve had in town (it compared to our long time favorite at Arezzo). The gnocchi was “pillowy” and the sauce, while rich wasn’t too cheesy. The Porcini mushroom crusted Veal Tenderloin was another winner. The medallions were tender and had a buttery soft feel to them. The linguine it was served with may well have been the best pasta dish we had that night – garlic butter, spinach and mushrooms were a deadly combination. Unfortunately, the Scallops served on cauliflower puree were a letdown. We loved the texture – they were soft and velvety with a nice crust but didn’t care for the flavors. The scallops were pretty bland and didn’t have any sweetness to them. We couldn’t taste any of the hazelnut vinaigrette and we didn’t know that the “tomato confit” was actually sun-dried tomatoes. We didn’t care for the cauliflower puree combined with the really tart sun-dried tomatoes.

For dessert we would highly recommend the baked to order Chocolate Soufflé Cake with berry and mango sauce. It is served slightly warm, the chocolate is smooth, rich and dark, and the accompanying sauces and ice-cream only heighten the culinary experience. The Crème Brulee is also excellent and offers a little surprise at the bottom – a delicious chocolate ganache base. The crust is perfectly done and the flavors literally burst in the mouth. Our server was very attentive and offered excellent suggestions.

$$$. Valet parking on site for a fee.

Thanh Do

2008-11-13T21:31:00.014-06:00

3005 Utah Ave S
St. Louis Park, MN
952-935-5005
http://www.thanhdorestaurant.com/

Category: Chinese, Asian

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 7
Service: 6
Ambience: 6

Recommendation: Good. This strip mall restaurant serves a variety of Asian cuisine, including Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese.

Thanh Do was started by Tom Pham, a notable Twin Cities restaurateur, who also owns Azia, a hip Asian fusion restaurant on Eat Street and until recently Temple (now closed). The interior is better than most the other strip mall Asian places – a little more cozy and comfortable. The menu has a good blend of dishes found at Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese places - Kung Pao and Sweet and Sour Chicken sit side by side with Pad Thai and Curries. Lunch specials at $8.50 are a bit pricier than most other Chinese restaurants where you can get them for under $6.

Tom’s restaurants are known for their Cranberry Puffs and Cranberry Curry so we had to try at least one of them. We went for the Puffs. The puffs are essentially cream cheese puffs but include some spices and dried cranberry – cream cheese and cranberry form a surprisingly good combination. The Thai Style Spring Rolls were fresh and flavorful. The herbs complemented the dish well. We weren’t too impressed with the Green Papaya Salad – it needed a bit more citrus and lots more heat. The Thai Style Red Curry was nice and creamy. We would have liked a little more curry and fewer vegetables but overall it was a nice dish. We’re huge fans of the Holy Basil Chicken at King and I Thai and are not often impressed with this dish at other restaurants but to our surprise, we really liked the Thai Basil Supreme at Thanh Do. The dish was spicy and fragrant with a beautiful curry and plenty of chicken. For a vegetarian entrée, our server recommended the Garlic Lover’s with Eggplant. The curry had lots of vegetables – mushrooms, peapods, carrots to name a few but the undercooked and bland eggplant took away from what could have been a good dish. The menu lacks Fish dishes - Salmon and Tuna are the only options, there are no white fish dishes. We were really looking forward to a whole seabass or walleye, but were disappointed to not see something close on the menu. For dessert, we were disappointed with the Mango Sticky Rice – it’s a usually a problem when the Coconut milk is too watery. The Thanh Do Coconut Almond Joy is an interesting take on a Hot Fudge Sundae – except it’s served with Toasted Coconut ice-cream with plenty of nuts. Service was ok. Our server was in a huge rush to clear our table as we arrived shortly before closing time (we arrived at 8:30pm on a weeknight while they close at 9.) She took our wine glasses away before we had a chance to finish the wine.

$$.

U Garden Chinese Restaurant

2008-11-09T17:51:00.010-06:00

2725 University Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN
612-378-1255
http://ugardenrestaurant.com/

Category: Chinese

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

Recommendation: Very Good. This is a great option for a Chinese restaurant by the U of M campus.

We have to caveat this review by stating that we had an excellent pre-selected meal at U Garden, courtesy of one of our couple friends who are considering having their wedding reception here. The restaurant is owned by our Cambodian friend’s mom’s friend and we got to try an excellent multiple course meal, consisting of her mom’s favorite dishes – some from the regular menu and some from a special banquet menu.

As we entered the restaurant, we were struck by the enormity of the place. It is large and hence popular for Chinese wedding receptions and events as they have the capacity to handle big groups. The décor isn’t anything special and is what we have come to expect from most ethnic establishments, except for one thing. Along the center of one wall, there is a large seating arrangement symbolic of the dinner table where the wedding party sits. It’s decorated nicely and in front of it is another table setting that presumably depicts how they set this restaurant up for banquets. It was pretty cool, but it would have been mega cool if we were treated to the same grandeur. The restaurant has an open feel to it, especially due to the windows that surround this place. They serve a lunch buffet, apparently the largest one on campus. The menu is pretty large and consists of many popular dishes such as Kung Pao Chicken and Sweet and Sour Chicken as well as more traditional Sichuan dishes. Like most Chinese restaurants, U Garden also has a special weekday lunch menu that is served with an Egg Roll for around $6.

We started our journey with the Seafood Crabmeat and Fishmaw Soup. It ended up being our least favorite dish. It was pretty bland on its own but tasted good when dressed up with soy sauce. The Shrimp Roll, which had pork and shrimp wrapped in tofu skin and deep fried was excellent. It was served with soy vinegar and a duck sauce on the side. The Lobster with Ginger and Onion was spectacular. The lobster tasted fresh and the ginger sauce was excellent – Nick will be talking about this dish for a long time. You could take this ginger sauce and dress any meat or veggie with it and get rave reviews. It doesn’t get much better than this. The Special Fried rice with Chinese Sausage and Shrimp was another winner. The Seafood combination, which is one of their house specialties, was served in a bird’s nest made of fried potatoes – very pretty. We couldn’t find a couple of the dishes we had on the regular menu so we assume they were part of the special banquet menu - the Baby Bok Choy with Chinese Shitake Mushrooms and Abalone (sea snails), both of which were delicious. The sauce in the mushroom dish was rich and flavorful and the mushrooms had a perfectly smooth texture. We also had an appetizer platter with a trio of appetizers – cold Pork Rinds, Fried Squid, and Shrimp. We ended our meal with a whole Fried Walleye – if you ever order whole fish, make sure you’re dining with someone who can carve the fish or at least one who excelled in high school biology. We have to commend the restaurant on the quality of their seafood – we predominantly had seafood dishes and we felt that the seafood was fresh (especially given that we went there on a Sunday night.) The servers were pretty knowledgeable and we were impressed with their explanations of the dishes, which is unfortunately not a common experience at most Asian restaurants.

$-$$. Free Parking in rear.

Nick and Eddie

2008-11-09T17:43:00.004-06:00

1612 Harmon Pl
Minneapolis, MN
612-486-5800
http://www.nickandeddie.com/

Category: American - Casual

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

Recommendation: Very Good. The lunch menu here isn’t terribly fancy and very affordable – can’t go wrong with great value.

Nick and his coworker ended up at Nick and Eddie for lunch one day. We had heard good things and wanted something that was casual but not generic. Before you even step into the restaurant, you know Nick and Eddie has something going for it – the location is perfect, overlooking Loring Park and which was adorned with beautiful fall colors. The restaurant says European bistro all the way – a large space with high ceilings, light colors, and minimalist décor. Casual and inviting – its reminiscent of Paris; I feel I can sit along the window, drink an espresso while reading a book, and yet not be bothered by the restaurant staff or asked to vacate the table (caution – this is just a hunch.) Large windows stand between the diners and beautiful Loring Park – if you want to romance a loved one, this is an ideal setting.

I’ve only been there for lunch once, so the review is based on that experience. The lunch menu isn’t expansive, yet there’s something for everyone be it salad, soup, sandwich, or a meat/fish entrée. What really caught my eye was that most options were under $10; that’s hard to find at most restaurants, especially one of this caliber. We started with a soup and appetizer. The Baked Gnocchi with Cheese Sauce was spectacular (just a heads up that its not potato gnocchi – it’s a puff). Regardless, they were light and airy in a light cheese sauce, and the brown baked crust gave it great flavor. I wasn’t a big fan of the Beef and Cabbage Borscht – the flavors and rich, dark, and intense and this isn’t for everyone. For mains, the Spicy Steak Dip Sandwich is a winner – how can you go wrong with blue cheese and caramelized onions on a sandwich. The crusty bread was stuffed nicely with these ingredients and made for a wonderful texture and flavor combination. The side of coleslaw was crunchy and not overdressed. The Minute Steak was nicely done and was accompanied by crispy, well-seasoned fries. Service was attentive, always easier when the restaurant isn’t busy.

$. Most lunch options under $10. Parking meters across the street.

Harry’s Food & Cocktails

2008-11-06T17:44:00.011-06:00

500 Washington Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN
(612) 344-7000
http://www.harrysfood.com/
Category: American-Casual

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 6
Service: 7
Ambience: 6

Recommendation: Good. Harry’s serves some of the most inventive burgers in town. While the location is ideal for a pre-show meal, we feel the rest of the menu at Harry’s isn’t special enough to command its premium prices.

Harry’s is located in the former Nochee space on Washington Avenue, close to the Guthrie and the Mill City Museum. We first went to Harry’s when it opened in the Fall of 2007 (Steven Brown was head chef at the time) and were a lot more impressed with their menu at the time versus our recent visit a year later. Some of the unique dishes such as the Braised Pork Belly are now gone. The menu is geared towards classic American fare such as burgers, steak, chops, but their burgers are what set Harry’s apart. On the Sides menu, modern dishes such as Sauteed Arugula and Green Beans with Walnut Vinegarette are offered with classics such as Cole Slaw and Creamed Corn. As you enter the restaurant, you won’t miss the chandelier made with Grain Belt Premium bottles. Very unique! They have a much larger bar than Nochee had and an open kitchen. Seating is a mix between indoor large comfy booths that make you feel you are in the suburbs to the outdoor patio with a fire pit along with HCMC sirens that won’t let you forget you are in downtown. Parts of the place have a very retro feel to them…especially the restaurant’s logo, and parts feel like a chic loft with exposed brick and high ceilings. We feel Harry’s is trying to be a bit of something to everyone and it remains to be seen if this strategy will serve it well. On a recent Friday night, the place was practically empty.

They serve a good mix of Cocktails, beer, wine. The French Martini was great with just a hint of sweetness. We liked the Havana Sidecar (Rum, Cointreau, fresh lemon, sugar) although it was a bit strong. The Strawberry Shandy sounded very unique but the taste didn’t live up to it (Stoli Strawberry lemonade, and Honeyweiss). The homemade sweet and sour pickle mixture served with the drinks was excellent.

On our first visit, we tried several appetizers and were very impressed. The Fried Artichokes with Parmesan Dip served with Grilled bread was fabulous. It was unlike any other Artichoke dip we’ve had. The texture was very creamy and the dish was really rich, served with actual whole fried artichokes. It was very greasy, but given the delicious taste, who’s complaining? The Calamari was another winner. It was very lightly fried so it preserved some of the seafood flavors and was served with a spicy sauce and lemon. Unfortunately, the Braised Pork Belly, which was truly a signature dish is gone and the appetizer menu is a lot more mainstream - Shrimp, Chicken Wings, Cheese platter, and Cheese curds.

If you like burgers, this is definitely the place for you. Harry’s serves several different burgers including the Cowboy (Stuffed with BBQ Pork, Jalapeno Cheese). We’ve tried many of their burgers and have enjoyed them all - the Frenchie with Ham and Brie, the Espana with Smoked Paprika and Manchego, the Lonely Repairman with Blue Cheese, and the Harry’s, which had Cheddar Cheese and a Secret sauce. All burgers are served on a Potato flour bun, topped with raw or charred onions (yum!), with French fries on the side. The fries are thinly sliced, Belgian style. Unfortunately, their burger selection has also been cut down within the last year.

Harry’s serves a wide range of entrees including Red meats, Seafood, Chicken along with Salads and a variety of vegetable sides. We tried their Grilled Hangar Steak, which was served on a bed of cold Parsley, Pesto, and New Potato Salad. Although it came highly recommended by our server, we were very disappointed. The meat was cold and not flavored well at all. We ended up sending it back and substituting for a burger (of course!). The manager was very apologetic and came to our table personally to make sure we were ok, which was a nice gesture. The Wisconsin Fish Fry was not a winner at our table either. It was greasy and uninteresting. The Ahi Tuna salad was the only salad interesting enough on the Salad menu.

For desserts, we tried the very retro, Milk Chocolate Banana Cream Pie served with Malted Vanilla ice-cream. We loved it and would consider going back just for the dessert again. We felt the dish could have used more of the banana cream but overall it was delicious.

$$$. You can make reservations online at http://www.opentable.com/

Indio

2008-11-02T18:44:00.004-06:00

1221 West Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN
612-821-9451
http://www.restaurantindio.com/

Category: Mexican, International

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

Recommendation: Good. The food was memorable but the service experience was bizarre and has us scratching our heads in amazement. THIS PLACE HAS CLOSED AS OF JANUARY 2009.

Indio is the newest addition to the “contemporary international cuisine” trend and is brought to us by Chef Hector Ruiz, who also owns Café Ena and El Meson. I (Nick) went there for lunch with a large group of coworkers – I was especially intrigued because some of my dining partners are either native Mexican or have spent considerable time there and was looking forward to seeing if the “contemporary“ flair would meet with their approval. Indio is housed in the old Pizza Nea location in Uptown. The interior really caught my eye as we stepped in the place – it strikes you as fashionable, but not over the top (which equates to affordable). Colorful draperies adorn the large windows and even spread themselves across the ceilings. There’s a small bar tucked away in a corner – if we didn’t have to go back to work, I’d definitely be sampling the impressive list of Tequilas.

Our bizarre service experience started as soon as we entered – we’d made a reservation for 10, but they hadn’t set up a table for us. The restaurant was quite empty so there was no doubt we’d score a table, but it took the host (who we later realized was the only server and bartender as well) a while to figure out where to seat us and get the table ready. Once seated, with menus in hand, our excitement grew – there was chatter around our table as we each tried to decide what we wanted, while some needed an interpretation of the ingredients. The non-alcoholic drink list is quite interesting so Nick tried the Hacienda (a pomegranate spritzer) – certainly tart and refreshing, but $5.50 is a little steep. One of my coworkers ordered the Horchata, which the server wasn’t familiar with. For appetizers, we started off with the Chips and Salsa; a perfect appetizer for a large group. Don’t dismiss this as this isn’t the stuff you get at Chipotle – both the roasted red tomato salsa and the tomatillo salsas were amazing. The latter was especially memorable with just the right amount of heat and flavor – this salsa appeared in various dishes that afternoon and was critical in taking some of these dishes to the next level. Ten minutes after ordering our entrees, we were looking around for the server because Nick was the only one that had received his drink – on finding him he informed us that they were out of Horchata, before he scurried away to help the three other tables that were occupied.

The entrees didn’t take too long and we all had silly grins on our face as we laid our eyes on them – this stuff looked good! We’d highly recommend the Huarache Azteca with cecina, charred onions, and chilies. This pizza-style dish uses a thick masa tortilla as its base and was piled high with toppings, including the cecina (beef that is dried and marinated). With all these toppings, it’s hard to make this dish look pretty, but close your eyes and take a bite – you’re taste buds will be begging for more. We also thought highly of the Tlalayo (chicken enchiladas, that were light and flavorful) although the side of parsley rice didn’t fit. The Sopes, which are on the appetizer menu, are actually a good option for lunch – we wanted the Al pastor (but they were out?) so got the Cecina instead. Three open-faced tortillas with a swirl of crema looked beautiful on the plate. The Camarones al la Diabla (sautéed shrimp in a lime tequila sauce) was also very nice, although my coworkers that were familiar with this dish didn’t think it was authentic. For dessert, the Empanadas (rompope rice pudding with cinnamon ice cream cajeta) was a hit – it wasn’t too sweet and maybe that’s what drew us to it. Overall the consensus was that the food was excellent and quite authentic – with the chef’s distinctive touches apparent in every dish.

The service was a let down. In addition to the wait to get our table, there were times we just couldn’t find the server (Nick literally entered the kitchen to grab him and hand him our money.) Towards the end we found out that he’d only been on the job a week. We also noticed that that he was also the bartender that afternoon – you could see he wasn’t familiar with the workings of the bar because he was referencing a recipe and looking around to familiarize himself with the names of the Tequilas, while making a cocktail for another table. There was no manager for most of the afternoon – towards the end he walked in but seemed rather disengaged. An hour and a half lunch just won’t cut it for working professionals – they better get this in order.

$$. Most lunch entrees are between $8-$14, although the drinks aren’t cheap. Parking is available in the lot behind the restaurant.

True Thai

2008-11-02T18:07:00.008-06:00

2627 E Franklin Ave
Minneapolis, MN
612-375-9942
http://www.truethairestaurant.com/

Category: Thai

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 7
Service: N/A (takeout)
Ambience: N/A (takeout)

Recommendation: Very Good. True Thai is another great Thai restaurant part of an already long list of distinguished Thai options in the Twin Cities (Chiang Mai Thai, King & I, Gangchen, Amazing Thailand to name a few).

Our Take-out food theme over Memorial Day weekend continued with True Thai (we had friends visiting and with their 2 young boys, doing takeout was more practical). Located on Franklin Avenue close to the Cedar-Riverside area, True Thai is close to Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the U of M campus.

The menu is pretty large and has many varieties of Appetizers (including Sweet Purple Yam), Soups, Salads (including Crispy Catfish Salad and Laab), Curries, Wok Fried dishes, Noodles, and Fried Rice. The Green Papaya Salad ($6.50) was very refreshing and crunchy with the crisp green papayas, tomatoes, cilantro, lime, and spices. However, the flavors were too mild and didn’t capture the confluence of sweetness and spiciness that normally accompany this salad. The Sweet Green Curry with Chicken ($9.95), a traditional commonly available Thai dish was spiced to order, fragrant, and had good flavors. We tried both the Tofu Pad Thai ($8.95) and the Chicken Pad Thai ($9.95), classic noodle dishes and found both to our liking.

The place gets really packed on weekends so call ahead and reserve a table.

$$. Most dishes are under $15. Parking on side streets. Closed on Sundays.

Update (October 18, 2008) – We went back to True Thai and did takeout again – our friends who visited from Chicago on Memorial Day loved this place and were visiting and wanted to get food from True Thai once again. We really liked the Pad Thai (something Nick isn’t a big fan of) at True Thai. Unfortunately the restaurant made a mistake and made one of them mild, which made this dish pretty bland and uninteresting, but the nicely spiced one was fabulous. The Bangkok Crispy Sweet Beef had a nice crispy, chewy exterior and a sweet lingering finish. However, the dish that made a lasting impression was the Crispy Catfish Salad. This salad is a nice alternative to the Green Papaya Salad as it has similar flavors. The fried chunks of fish were completed nicely by the citrus aromas of the dressing - throw in pieces of mango and crunchy veggies and you have a dish you simply can’t pass up. On the other hand, the Wok Fried Chilis and Holy Basil with Chicken was unimpressive – King and I Thai has set a high bar for this dish and True Thai’s wasn’t even close. Our two complaints were that finding pieces of chicken was a treasure hunt in the sea of vegetables, and the flavors were subdued. We’d recommend skipping it.

Chambers Kitchen

2008-10-12T21:08:00.013-05:00

901 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN
612-767-6978
http://www.chambersminneapolis.com/

Category: Pan-Asian

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 9
Service: 5
Ambience: 10

Recommendation: Excellent! A trendy restaurant and bar with an Asian inspired menu, amazing cocktails, and art like no other in the Twin Cities. (Restaurant closed July 2009).

Chambers Kitchen (located in the Chambers hotel) is run by world renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. As soon as you set foot in the swanky cocktail lounge (the restaurant is in the basement below it), the vibe is more New York than Minneapolis. The menu is Asian inspired and fabulous (our other favorite in this category that gives Chambers a run for its money is 20.21). The lounge has great views of the Theatre district and Hennepin Avenue outside and modern artwork inside. The staff at the bar is borderline pretentious…this is one of the few restaurants in Minneapolis where dressing up is a must (unless you wish to have all eyes glaring at you)! The restaurant below is minimalist and has some seats right by the kitchen with a huge window where you can see the chefs in action. If you go, check out the artwork…we especially like the one in the hotel lobby made of Indian “chapati” tongs.

Chambers has some amazing cocktails…the Pineapple Mojito and the Ginger Margarita being our favorites. The Margarita had really strong ginger flavors and we wondered if they used Ginger Ale in addition to fresh ginger. The Mojito had a nice sweet and sour taste. Skip the Cucumber Mint cocktail… refreshingly cool but lacked flavor and had an overpowering taste of cucumbers. For appetizers, the Rice Cracker Crusted Tuna with a Sriracha and citrus sauce was crunchy and fresh. The creamy emulsion added depth to the dish. We also liked the Crispy Peekytoe Crab which was essentially in the form of a fritter with a sweet chili dipping sauce that was nice and spicy. The Butternut Squash Soup with Ginger and Basil was interesting…not as rich and creamy as the traditional kind but had a nice ginger flavor.

The menu offers a dozen or so entrees and is heavily focused on seafood, which we think Chambers does really well. The seafood here is packed with strong Asian flavors, which we love and reminds us of seafood we’ve had in Southeast Asia. The Striped Bass Crusted in Spices was delicious. The sweet and sour buttery broth it came in was very aromatic. The Halibut (or Cod) with Malaysian Chili sauce was excellent…we loved the crispy texture. Another favorite was the Red Curry Duck. It was creamy and rich and reminded our Cambodian friend of her mom’s home-made duck. The Soy Miso Beef Sirloin was also a hit at our table. The sirloin came on a bed of crunchy and sweet bok choy and was topped with a fresh cilantro chutney. Even though we’re not huge fans of Tofu, the Crispy Tofu at Chambers was a winner. Although one can argue that anything tastes good when deep fried, this Tofu has a nice fried crust and a soft and tender inside. We thought the Radish salad it came with was too sour... we found actual chunks of lemon pulp in it. The only entrée that didn’t quite impress us was the Soy Braised Lamb Shank…the flavor and crust were incredible but the piece of meat was malnourished and the Apple-Jalapeno puree was a bit too sour. We can’t remember the last time we were served such a measly piece of shank. We finished off our excellent meal with a delicious Warm Chocolate cake served with Vanilla ice-cream and Cocoa Brittle Tuile. Our friends got the Banana Cake with Salted Caramel ice-cream and even though we are die hard chocoholics, we have the admit their dessert was better than ours.

Service was really slow even though the restaurant wasn’t packed and our server was inattentive. He disappeared on many occasions.

$$$$. Entrees priced between $20 and $45. Valet parking available ($8).

Abu Nader Deli & Grocery

2008-10-12T12:43:00.004-05:00

2095 Como Ave
St Paul, MN
651-647-5391

Category: Middle Eastern, Deli

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 6
Service: N/A (counter service)
Ambience: 5

Recommendation: Average. Located on a quite stretch of Como Avenue in St. Paul, Abu Nader is average at best. If you are looking for a cheap Middle Eastern meal in a casual setting, head to Holyland instead.

Abu Nader is a small family owned restaurant on Como Avenue in St. Paul, close to the St Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. The menu includes a handful of Middle Eastern items such as Pies, Falafel, Dips, and Sandwiches. There is a small grocery store but we visited mainly for the deli. The experience is pretty bare bones…plastic everything with a few tables scattered around but we didn’t mind because we’ve heard Andrew Zimmern talk about this place umpteen number of times so we were sure the food would make up for the lack of ambience. Unfortunately, we were not as wowed as Zimmern. We think Holyland’s food overall rates much better than Abu Nader.

The Pepper and Feta Pie ($2.69) consisted of a pastry shell filled with a mix of hot peppers and feta...a good dish that reminded us of Jalapeno Poppers. The Tabuleh ($3.99), which is cracked wheat mixed with parsley, mint, and tomatoes was a bit bland but tasted good when mixed with the other dips we got. The Falafel Plate ($7.99) came with four medium sized falafels that were good but not as good as Holyland’s. The hummus tasted a bit off..there was a starchy taste to it that reminded us of gram flour. We liked the pickled vegetables that came with the dish. The Middle Eastern Rice ($3.99) was a combination of seasoned rice and ground beef but was flavorless and lacked salt. For $1 more, you can add Chicken or Shawarma meat - a great deal. The Baba Ghanouge (Eggplant dip, $3.99 for ½ lb) had a nice smoky flavor and we ordered some Pita bread on the side with it. Our favorite dish, the only dish we would go back for was the Open Face Shawarma ($7.99). It included a combination of spiced beef and lamb, topped with warm feta cheese and vegetables and baked on flat bread. The warm feta really hit the spot and the meat was spiced well. The Abu Nader Special Sandwich ($6.99) was ok…ground beef mixed with onions and parsley and baked, served in a pita pocket. The dish had a spicy kick to it and came as a pleasant surprise against the others that were under seasoned. For dessert, the Baklava ($1.75) was delicious..it was dense and rich, one of the better ones we’ve had. The Kinafeh ($1.75), layers of puff pastry with ricotta cheese was less than stellar. For drinks, we grabbed a mango juice, which was excellent. They also have Guava juice.

$. All items are under $10. Hours are 11am-9pm Monday-Saturday.

Smalley’s Caribbean BBQ and Pirate Bar

2008-10-10T16:13:00.010-05:00

423 Main St
Stillwater, MN
(651) 439-5375

Category: BBQ

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 6
Service: 7
Ambience: 7

Recommendation: Good. Smalley’s brings a flavor of the Caribbean to Minnesota by offering an authentic Jamaican BBQ experience…rum and all. You have to go to Smalley’s with an open mind… if you go expecting traditional BBQ flavors, you will be sorely disappointed.

We love BBQ in general so were excited to try Tim McKee’s (of La Belle Vie and Solera fame) new restaurant in Stillwater. However, once there we quickly realized that even though this food has the word BBQ in it, its the “Jamaican jerk” that really defines what it is. The food tastes nothing like BBQ we’ve ever had so it was a truly unique experience. The meats are marinated in jerk seasoning and cooked over pimento wood (pimento trees are where allspice comes from) so it has a very unique taste to it. The setting is similar to other BBQ restaurants where you get to choose various different meat preparations such as ribs, brisket, pork shoulder, or chicken along with a variety of sides. However, the differentiator is the jerk spice that is used. Some of the sides such as the Curried Vegetables in Jamaican spices, Rice and Beans with Cilantro and Red Onion, and Spicy Coleslaw have Caribbean influences. The menu also consists of three different types of Chicken Wings and a Pirate Burger which can be customized with a dozen toppings. Four different BBQ sauces are available – a house-made BBQ sauce and three Jerk sauces – Mild, Medium, and Scotchies (Hot!). They have one of the largest rum selections in town…doing justice to the “Pirate bar” in their name. Their specialty cocktails list is also great…we really liked the Blackberry Mojito, it had a nice minty flavor and a very discernable blackberry flavor.

Our favorites were the Slow Smoked Beef Brisket and Pork Shoulder. Both were tender, falling off the bone, and nicely spiced. The Grilled Chicken came with a beautiful blackened skin and the inside was pretty moist. However, it lacked flavor. The Ribs, which we were most looking forward to, were very disappointing. The look takes some getting used it because they come out completely black (charred). Our server explained that it was the molasses based marinade that gave them that look. However, even once we got over the look, the meat was hard to pull off and was really dry. No amount of sauce was able to fix this dish. The BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich was also a disappointment. The meat was bland but at least this dish was somewhat edible after lathering it with sauce. The Mac and Cheddar and Beer Battered Fries were good (note that the BBQ dishes come with your choice of two sides). You can ask for a side of the Roasted Hot Peppers with salt and lime (complimentary) to raise the heat level further if you dare. For dessert, the Drunken Chocolate Banana cake was excellent. While Smalley’s offered a unique BBQ experience, the restaurant didn’t impress us enough to drive all the way down to the Stillwater for a second round.

$$. Paid parking in adjacent lot.

Heidi’s

2008-08-27T21:30:00.005-05:00

819 W 50th St
Minneapolis, MN
612-354-3512
http://www.heidismpls.com/

Category: American Casual

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 6
Service: 4
Ambience: 4

Recommendation: Average. Heidi’s is a great chef-driven neighborhood restaurant but the uncomfortable noise level and slow service won’t have us returning any time soon.

Heidi’s, owned by chef Stewart Woodman and his wife Heidi (the pastry chef) is housed in the space previously occupied by Pane Vino Dolce in the 50th and Lyndale neighborhood. It’s a great addition to South Minneapolis’ casual neighborhood restaurant dining scene (Broder’s Pasta Bar, Pierre’s Bistro, Café Maude, Arezzo to name a few). The interior has not changed much from the Pane Vino Dolce days except it is less cramped… the place has a rustic elegance to it with its faux walls and dark lighting, but just like its predecessor, the noise level is uncomfortably loud and it’s really difficult to have a decent conversation without yelling into your dining companion’s ear. The dim lighting made it difficult to see what we were eating. The service is also a little slow, which wouldn’t be an issue if we were comfortable in the surroundings. At the end of the two hour meal, we couldn’t wait to get out of this place.

Thankfully, many of the dishes we tried were good so it made up for the ambience. The seasonally changing menu is small and consists of a handful of appetizers and around 7-8 entrees. All entrees cost less than $20 and the wine list is also reasonable. We started with a couple of appetizers…the Sliced Beets on Goat Cheese Parfait with Coriander Vinaigrette was ok. We couldn’t discern the flavors because the cheese was too tart and strong. The Crepe with Foie Gras, Curried Black lentils and Hibiscus Syrup was delicious. The richness of the Foie complemented well with the sweet tangy hibiscus syrup the beans came in… a match made in heaven. In the entrees, the Sea Bass with Parsley Puree and Creamy Mussel Foam was good. The bass melted in our mouth. The braised Lamb Shank served with wide rice salad was nice and tender and the star of the show (this would be the dish worth going back for). The salad had a nice crunch to it. The Lobster Pot Pie special for the night was disappointing…it wasn’t creamy enough and seemed watered down. The bread served was stale, which might have something to do with the fact that we visited on a late Sunday night.

$$-$$$

98 Pounds Restaurant

2008-08-27T21:14:00.004-05:00

824 W 98th St
Bloomington, MN
952-881-1088
http://www.98poundsbuffet.com/

Category: Chinese, Japanese, Buffet

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 5
Service: 7
Ambience: 8

Recommendation: Average. If you’re really hungry, on a tight budget, and want to sample various cuisines, 98 Pounds will work well for you. Personally, we’d rather have a smaller selection of better than average food over the gargantuan buffet.

Over the lunch hour a few weeks back, my (Nick) coworkers convinced me to join them at 98 pounds. I had heard about this place and seen countless ads on the local buses and wasn’t enthused. The idea of all you can eat Chinese and Sushi for $8 isn’t very appealing (I drive by the Atlantic buffet in Bloomington a few times a week and till now have brushed off offers to eat lunch there). With 98 Pounds I decided to be a trooper and relented to their cries. When we entered, we were greeted by a long line out the front door (you have to pay first when you enter and this made the process a little unwieldy). The space itself is quite impressive – its clean and in good shape. It’s a large restaurant and there are several buffet tables that adorn the space. The rich wood motif, latticework, and decorative accents caught me by surprise – 98 Pounds exudes a relatively upscale tone (compared to most ethnic restaurants).

The buffet spread is where things are a little out of control with plenty of Chinese, Sushi and Continental selections, not to mention the fruit spread which rivals some grocery stores. I wanted to stick to the Chinese food, but in the interest of providing a holistic review, ventured into the other cuisines. The Chinese selections were actually pretty good with the zesty Pepper Chicken and creamy Coconut Shrimp deserving special mention. The Sushi buffet table had a large selection and although nothing was memorable, it wasn’t disgusting or fishy either (you could tell from the loosely rolled sushi that it wasn’t rolled meticulously). Between the salmon, tuna, eel, vegetable, crab and shrimp selections you have a choice of about 20 sushi rolls. If you’re not in the mood for Chinese or Japanese, you can try the continental food which consists of salads, shrimp and chicken options and pizza. For dessert, you can go with the fruit bar (which includes mango) or make your own sundae with hot fudge or the bananas in a hot pink strawberry sauce.

$. This buffet-only restaurant charged $7.99 for the lunch buffet and $12.49 for the dinner buffet. You can also do carryout for $4.29/lb.

20.21

2008-08-03T22:00:00.005-05:00

1750 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN
612-253-3410
http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants/finedining/2021/minneapolis/cuisine.php

Category: Pan-Asian, International, Fine Dining

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 10
Service: 8
Ambience: 9

Recommendation: Excellent! A true gem in the Twin Cities’ culinary scene. Delicious Asian influenced entrees, especially seafood, and desserts that captivate the eyes as much as they do to the stomach.

Original Post (Oct 27, 2007) - 20.21, Wolfgang Puck’s Minneapolis restaurant is in the elite class of restaurant. Located in the Walker Art Center and named after the Walker’s mostly 20th and 21st century art collection, 20.21 serves an Asian influenced menu. As you step out of the elevators, there is a chic lounge area. The restaurant itself has a long chocolate brown bar and an open kitchen, which is a Wolfgang Puck standard. Colors and décor are minimalist…chocolate browns, blacks, and white with occasional splashes of red. About half the seats have gorgeous views of the Minneapolis skyline and the St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The space is small and the tables are sometimes close to each other so be prepared in case it’s loud in there. The crowd here is very well dressed. On a recent Wednesday afternoon for lunch, we met Wolfgang Puck himself (!), who was in town for a dinner he was throwing for his regular clients in the Skyline room.

The menu represents many parts of Asia including Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Thailand, Korea, and India. We recommend going family style, so you can taste the variety of flavors and dishes offered. The server started us off with complimentary “Amuse Bouche” (small bite sized dish to prepare the guest for the meal) of Szechuan Green Beans with Candied Walnuts and Sesame seeds. What an incredible way to start our food journey! The dinner menu has an extensive list of appetizers that will satisfy just about any palate ranging from Ahi Sashimi and Tartare Salad, to Beef Shortribs, to Chinese Chicken Salad, Tandoori Salmon, Roasted Beet & Humboldt Fog and of course, Spring Rolls, and Pot stickers. The dipping sauces and toppings use many flavors we love such as Basil, Tamarind, Pickled ginger, Kimchee, Scallions, and Oranges to name a few. We tried the delicious Pork Pot Stickers that came with a Black Vinegar Dipping sauce, Chili Oil, and Scallions. The servers actually serve the food on your plate (very craft fully and with care) so all you have to do it eat – no work required here! The entrees range from Noodles, to Curries, and a variety of meats such as Pork Chops, Chicken, Duck, Beef Tenderloin. We highly recommend their Seafood entrees as they are classy. The Miso-Sake glazed Black Cod with Chili Orange Noodles and Miso-Sesame Vinaigrette was one of the best pieces of seafood we’ve had in the Twin Cities. The Cod literally melts in your mouth and the Miso flavors provide a good hint of sweetness to the dish. The Thai Seafood Curry with Scallops and Shrimp was also great. The curry was thicker than others we’ve had and we felt was a bit toned down from a spice stand point but the Shrimp and Scallops were fresh and tasted great. The Crispy Quail came with a Pineapple Black Pepper sauce and was delicious. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside with hints of pineapple flavors.

Despite the incredible meal we had here, the highlight of the meal was dessert! 20.21’s signature dessert is the Spoon, Cube & Cherry, inspired by the popular fountain sculpture Spoonbridge and Cherry in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The dessert comes with Dark Chocolate Cream, which has a mousse like silky texture and a Sour Cherry sauce. This is by far one of the best desserts in Minneapolis! Being the chocoholics we are, we also got the Chocolate Sampler, which came with a Flourless Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Tart, and a Chocolate Coconut Flan. Our favorite was the flan. The other two were also great (how can you go wrong with chocolate!) but we found them to be too dense. The Bread Pudding with Crème Fraiche Ice cream and Cardamom Black Pepper foam was also good.

Underground parking in the Walker ramp. Wolfgang Puck Catering offers their services at the Sky-line room on the 5th floor of the Walker, which has more incredible views of the city with seating capacity of 200.

$$$$. Lunch entrees range from $15-$20 and Dinner ranges from $30-$45. Tasting menus are offered with or without wine pairings for both lunch and dinner ($61-$79 for 4 course dinner). Brunch offered on Sundays. Closed Mondays.

Update (July 31, 2008) – There are some dining experiences that are just memorable. It might be a result of that special occasion you are celebrating or that special person/people you are with. Either way, for an experience to be etched in your memory forever, the restaurant has to deliver on all fronts. On our trip to 20.21 earlier tonight, all these forces converged and as a result I’m sitting here writing this blog with a big smile on my face (and an even happier stomach). We’re 2 days away from b-day (the due date for our first child) and we decided to go out with our family and celebrate the much-awaited arrival. We were lucky enough to score the large table that sits in the corner of the restaurant and offers a prized view of the city. Although the table was a little large for our party of five, we were able to have comfortable chatter because the restaurant wasn’t loud.

We decided to skip the tasting menu (you get to choose from one of four options, where each diner is served four courses, yet each course has multiple dishes). We started our evening with a round of drinks – of special mention is the fragrant, but strong, Lychee Martini. In addition to the usual suspects (Pork Pot Stickers and Chinese Chicken Salad), we ordered the Korean Beef Shortribs, Tempura Fried Shrimp, and Ahi Sashimi and Tartare Salad appetizers. The shrimp was beautifully battered and the server artfully distributed the accompanying vinaigrette and salad to ensure that we all got to taste the full flavors. The Sashimi and Tartare appetizer was also very good and packed a nice citrus punch. We were quite disappointed in the Shortribs which we found to be dry and lacking flavor (if we want good Korean shortribs, we’re going over to our friend Alex’s house). And although we really enjoyed the appetizers, it’s the entrees that really took this meal to the next level.

The Shanghai Maine Lobster (with crispy spinach, Chinese Risotto, and a Yellow Curry Sauce) was exquisite – the creamy, sweet, and mild curry balanced well with the crispy and slightly bitter greens. Our recent run of excellent beef dishes (see the post on LBV and D’Amico Cucina) continued with the Szechuan Style Beef Tenderloin – the beef was tender and the port sauce paired well, but the winner here was the Stir-Fried Seasonal Vegetables that were truly prepared Szechuan–style and packed a nice punch. The Miso-Sake Glazed Black Cod was as amazing as ever – still can’t get over the fact that the accompanying noodles had a nice orange tang to them. We also adored the Mongolian Lamb Chops with the Cilantro-Mint-Ginger Vinaigrette, but once again it was the accompanying vegetable, in this case the Hunan Style Eggplant, that blew us away. It was so tender and flavorful; if you know someone that doesn’t like eggplant, we’d recommend they try this side at 20.21 – it’ll make them a believer, guaranteed.

By this time we were pretty full, but find it was hard to pass on the desserts. The signature Spoon, Cube and Cherry was delectable, but as good (if not better) was the Manjari Torte – chocolate cake with orange cream and served with raspberry pepper sorbet. The tangy fruit flavors added significant value and depth to this dish. We’d recommend skipping the Lemongrass Pannacotta with Guava – the pannacotta was too mild and the guava felt like an orphan child. Don’t forget a cup of latte to go with the dessert – it’s the perfect complement.

Service was precise – they took pain to carefully serve up the appetizers to each of us. We also noticed that the ladies on the table were served first. The server was well informed and made some good recommendations.

The bill for the 5 of us (including a total of 3 drinks) was around $400.

Punch Neapolitan Pizza

2008-08-03T21:49:00.005-05:00

210 E Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN
612-623-8114
http://www.punchpizza.com/

Additional locations in St. Paul, Eden Prairie, Uptown and Wayzata

Category: Pizza

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 8
Service: N/A (self serve)
Ambience: 8

Recommendation: Very Good. Punch serves delicious and simple Neapolitan pizza and is located in a happening stretch of Hennepin Avenue in the Northeast neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Punch serves classic Neapolitan style pizza which originated in Naples, Italy. Neapolitan pizzas are simple yet flavorful and are made primarily with San Marzano tomatoes (grown in the rich volcanic soil of San Marzano, Italy), Mozzarella di Bufala (made with milk of water buffalo), and other ingredients such as basil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. They are made in a blistering hot wood fired oven and cooked for only 90 seconds. Punch’s oven is surrounded by mosaic tile and is very beautiful. The edge of the pizza crust typically has charred bubbles which apparently are the hallmark of a classic Neapolitan style pizza. Punch is the English translation of Pulcinella, a clown like character. The décor of this restaurant has clown masks interspersed on the walls with black and white images of Pizza and other pieces of colorful art. We love the dark woods, brick walls, and the warm reds and browns in the restaurant. You have to stand in line and order your pizza. This place is typically packed and sometimes you might have to wait to find seating. Along with booths, they have a long table in the middle that can be shared and seats around 15-20 people so you might end up with a not so private dining experience. They have outdoor seating in the summer. Take-out is also a good option here.

The menu includes around 15-16 classic pizzas with a variety of toppings such as Sun-dried tomatoes, Sausage, Capers, Salami, Olives, etc. You can also craft your own pizzas by picking your toppings. The menu includes 3 varieties of Pizza Bianco, which is pizza made with fresh mozzarella and no tomatoes. Punch also serves a handful of starters such as salads, Artichoke Dip, and Focaccia. We love their Margherita Extra Pizza, which is a classic with simple toppings of Basil, Mozzarella, and Mt. Vesuvio tomatoes (grape tomatoes). The combination of fragrant basil, tart tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella is heavenly. Another favorite is the Bruni, which comes with Sausage, Spiced Salami, Onions, and Oregano. Simply delicious and so flavorful. Nick likes the Bufalina, which is a new Pizza Bianco that comes with Mozzarella, Prosciutto, and Arugula. The Prosciutto gives the pizza some saltiness while the Arugula adds a hint of bitterness. If you like the Prosciutto and Arugula toppings, you will love the Toto – garlic, goat cheese, and red pepper makes this pizza one of Nick’s favorites. Although we love their pizza, we find that sometimes the center does not fully cook and is a bit limpy. And keep in mind that you have to appreciate their hallmark burned crust to enjoy the pizza. At roughly $10, the individual sized pizzas are a bit on the pricey side.

$. Metered street parking available.

Key's Bar & Grill at the Foshay

2008-08-03T21:25:00.000-05:00

821 Marquette Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN
612-339-6399
http://www.keyscafe.com

Other locations in St. Paul, Woodbury, White Bear Lake, and Spring Lake Park

Category: American, Breakfast

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 8
Service: 5
Ambience: 7

Recommendation: Very good. A family café offering generous portions of home-cooked food, Key’s is one of our favorite breakfast places in the Twin Cities.

Original Post (Aug 12, 2007) - The original Key’s opened up in 1973 in St. Paul and since then, Barbara Hunn and her family have opened up 6 more locations in the Twin Cities. Key’s is a Twin Cities institution where breakfast is concerned and has made many local and national “Best Breakfast” lists. We used to love going to the location on Nicollet Mall downtown but that has now moved to the Foshay Tower on Marquette Avenue. The Foshay location is much bigger, offers breakfast all day and also serves desserts, lunch, and dinner. Most of Key’s locations have a small town diner feel to them but the Foshay location, with its yellow lighting and chandeliers is very charming. It also offers outdoor seating. They offer a Happy hour from 3pm-7pm and have free delivery until 9pm. Happy Hour is from 3-7pm and 9-10pm (includes 2 for 1s on liquor and mixed drinks, $1 off select beer and wine, and $2 off appetizers).

We’ve tried various different things from their breakfast menu and have never been disappointed. Their Two Eggs, Sausage with Toast costs $6.75 and it always very good. The Specialty Pancakes are also good and come in flavors such as Blueberry Bran, Raisin Walnut, Banana Pecan, and Granola. The Banana Pecan is delicious and has chunks of mashed banana. The Eggs Benedict is another favorite. The Hollandaise sauce is very nice and creamy. The last time we were there the English Muffin was slightly undercooked. The Hashbrowns are great - nice and crispy on the outside. The Cajun Skillet, which is Scrambled Eggs with Andouille Sausage, Mushrooms, Tomato, Onions, and Hollandaise sauce is a winner. The Sausage is incredibly flavorful and the dish comes with crispy potato chunks on the side. We’ve never tried their burgers but they seem very popular and the portions look huge. Desserts also seem to be popular here with their Pies, Rolls, Cakes, Brownies, etc. For dinner, they serve comfort foods such as Meatloaf, Roast Beef, Turkey dinners, etc.

Key’s is always crowded for weekend brunch so don’t expect stellar and attentive service. Despite our low expectations on service, we were really disappointed by our server the last time we were there. The service was really slow and the server was nonchalant.

$. Breakfast dishes are under $10.

Update (Sep 23, 2007) – We tried the location on 500 N. Robert St in St. Paul today. The Mexican Omelet was a hodge podge of ingredients including chilies, salsa, sour cream, beans, cheese…it tasted ok but didn’t resemble an omelet, if that’s what you are looking for. The Ham and Cheese Sandwich was good and came with crispy fries that were delicious.

Update (Aug 3, 2008) – Our visiting family was in the mood for a hearty American breakfast and Keys was our top choice. At 11.30am on a Sunday morning, this place was swarming (we didn’t realize that there was a Twins game on and that it would cause such a rush). The 30-minute wait made our stomachs growl (even more as we watched multitudes of food pass us and get served to the masses). The saving grace is that after the long wait, the server takes your order quickly and the food doesn’t take too long. Nick started with the Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice, which he didn’t care for. If it was fresh squeezed, it didn’t taste so and we were hard pressed to tell the difference between this and the stuff out of a carton. We wanted to try the Caramel Rolls, but they were out of them (both the Caramel and Cinnamon Rolls are in hot demand so get there early if you want a piece). The simple 2 Eggs with Bacon and Hash ($9) was done well. Hash was nice and crispy as was the bacon, just as we had ordered. The toast was limp though – it should have stayed in the toaster a little longer. Our family enjoyed the pancakes – both the Banana Walnut and Raisin Walnut are hearty and highly recommended.

Osteria I Nonni

2008-07-27T18:04:00.006-05:00

981 Sibley Memorial Hwy
Lilydale, MN
651-905-1081
http://www.inonnirestaurant.com/

Category: Italian

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 9
Service: 8
Ambience: 7

Recommendation: Excellent. Amazing dinner service, only heightened by a wine-tasting adventure of a flight of Valpolicella wine from the North of Italy.

I Nonni is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in the Twin Cities and usually leads the pack in the Italian category. It’s not the Mecca for cutting-edge inventive cuisine; that’s not what their mantra is. It more like “use the freshest and best quality ingredients and create well-prepared home-style dishes”. Well, we’re here to tell you that it works. It’s located on a quiet strip in Lilydale (you’re probably wondering where this is, and there’s a sadistic side of me that doesn’t want to reveal that Lilydale is essentially on the west edge of St. Paul). The interior is refined and up-scale, yet doesn’t radiate an air of haughtiness. The décor is in fact really simple – abundant use of the neutral color palette is accented by sparing use of dark woods and contrasting red/orange metal and glass lights. There’s a large bar area and an outdoor patio that serves happy hour Mon-Fri from 4-6pm (1/2 price house wines, $1 off beer, and appetizer specials). The neighboring Italian Market, Buon Giorno, is more than just an Italian market – it’s a casual alternative to I Nonni.

Our table was leaning towards the 5-course tasting menu, but I couldn’t get myself to do it (frankly, the tasting menu didn’t sound as enticing as some of the options on the a-la-carte menu). Our server was more than willing to make an exception for me and I certainly appreciated that. We started off with a bottle of the Bussola Valpolicella Amarone, an unusual wine we highly recommend…it starts off with fruity overtones but ends with a dry, bold finish. I noticed that the server was “seasoning” our wines glasses by pouring a small amount of wine in the glass and swirling it around, before transferring it to the next glass. We’d never seen this done before, but it was a nice touch. I started with the Beef Carpaccio (with Arugula, Olive Oil, Lemon, and Parmesan)…the razor thin slices of beef melted in my mouth while the accompaniments added salty, bitter, and citrus flavors. My pasta course was a simple Linguini and Clams (with Garlic, Chili and White Wine), that was simply prepared – mild flavors with a shot of spiciness that hit you once in a while.

By this time we’re done with our first bottle of wine and ask our server to make a recommendation on another bottle, a task she delegates to the restaurant manager, Tom. A personable chap, he was gracious enough to give us an overview of the types of Valpolicella wines and how dried grapes are used in the production of these wines. He recommended we try the Ca’ Rugate Valpolicella Superiore Campo Lavei (the Superiore being the 2nd rung in Valpolicella’s as opposed to Amarone, the 3rd rung). This wine was outstanding and had a smooth finish…it was adored around the table. Getting back to the food; my third course was the house specialty – Veal Shank Osso Bucco with Gremolata and Risotto Bianco. The meat was tender and nicely flavored and I liked the simple pairing of the creamy risotto (this is home cooking at its finest). And even though I’ve been enjoying my meal, I didn’t pass up the opportunity to sample the tasting menu dishes off my fellow diners, all of which were splendid. I did end up with a cheese course from the tasting menu, a Fontina Val D’Aosta d.o.p, which was strong and had bitter undertones. To pair with the cheese we had the fourth rung of the Valpolicella’s, a Ca’ Rugate Recioto, sweet, fruity, and wonderful and perfect with the honey in the cheese course. I finished my meal with a couple of bites of the Zucchini Bread with Raspberry and Honey Yogurt. It may not sound like dessert, but met with my approval – it’s not overly sweet but the raspberry and honey tones give it great depth of flavor.

Service was very good and it was nice to see the personal care they provide their customers and how seriously they take their wine (did I mention that the Italian-only wine list is spectacular).

$$$$. The 5-course degustazione menu is $50 + another $25 for the wine flight (a very reasonably priced tasting menu).

Midtown Global Market

2008-07-27T17:08:00.004-05:00

2929 Chicago Ave
Minneapolis, MN
612-872-4041
http://www.midtownglobalmarket.org

Category: Global Food Market

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

Recommendation: Very Good. Unique, one of a kind international market in the Twin Cities which offers great food (and much more) -- from an organic produce market to ethnic eateries, and global arts/crafts shopping to various cultural lessons (dancing, yoga, etc).

The Midtown Global Market truly has something for everyone. Located in the old Sears building on East Lake street between Chicago and 10th Avenue, it has helped in this corridor’s revitalization. The indoor market, which contains 50+ independent and locally owned stores, is ideal for our climate. It is internationally themed and has plenty to satisfy a variety of tastes – we especially love the courtyard that always has events going on (jazz, salsa dancing lessons, yoga, live music, etc). This is not just a place that offers unique things, but is instead a great way to immerse oneself in other cultures and learn about them. They have a great web-site with a schedule of events so you should plan your trip around the events before you go.

In some ways visiting the market is like going to the Festival of Nations, except the market is year round. The set-up is much like a food court where there are central, shared sitting areas, although there are a couple of sit-down restaurants as well. The similarities to a food court stops there -- most eateries here also have free standing restaurants in other places in the Twin Cities and you can expect very good food. A few of the eateries that we’ve tried are:

· Holy land Bakery and Deli (Middle Eastern) – they have excellent Gyros, Falafel, Hummus, and other Middle Eastern dishes. There is a grocery store attached where you can buy Middle Eastern grocery items, olives, pita bread, etc. Original store located on Central Avenue.
· Manny’s Tortas (Mexican) – serves a nice selection of Mexican sandwiches. Have tried three different sandwiches (Steak, Chicken, and Eggs and Sausage) and really enjoyed all of them. The bread is a little chewy (much like a baguette) and we love the combination of the avocados, chipotle mayo and jalapenos (which we always get extra of).
· Taqueria Los Ocampo (Mexican) – An extension of the restaurant of the same name a few blocks away. We really enjoyed the simple tacos which we tried with three different pork preparations (carnitas, al pastor, and pork in red sauce). Heavenly.
· Panaderia El Mexicano (Mexican Bakery) – Cakes are $3/slice and Cookies are $0.75. The Tres Leches and the Chocoflan (a chocolate and flan layered cake) were delicious. They also have Conchas (Chocolate and Vanilla), which are Conch shell shaped Mexican sweet breads.
· Salty Tart (Bakery) – a great sweet way to end your meal. We highly recommend the Crème Fraiche Cake which is moist and has good sweet and tart tones from the berries. You can’t go wrong with the Coconut Macaroon either – it’s nice and sticky on the outside and has a soft, chewy, fragrant interior. We didn’t think much of the Sweet Brioche.
· Mapps Coffee & Tea – head on over and grab a coffee to pair with your dessert. We’re usually Caramel Latte people and Mapps makes a killer latte.

Other eateries include A La Salsa (main restaurant on Nicollet Mall), La Loma Tamales (Mexican), La Sirena Gorda (Seafood), Pham’s Deli (Vietnamese), West Indies Soul (Caribbean), and more.

The Market is also a great place for Specialty Grocery items. United Noodles has a location here. There are many Latin American markets as well. There is also a Cultural Herb place where you can buy medicinal herbs from around the world. We love going to the Produce Exchange, which has high quality fresh produce and flowers at very affordable prices. Some vendors set up temporary stands, such as Deep Roots Gourmet Desserts that had delicious Sweet Potato Pies, Mango Cobbler, etc. Midtown Global also has several unique arts and crafts stores from around the world that sell everything from jewelry to sarongs, rugs, and art.

Metered Parking is free on weekends. There is a ramp on 10th Avenue and Lake where you can park for free for up to 3 hours with a validate purchase. The market is open daily from 10am-8pm Mon-Sat and from 10am-6pm on Sunday.

Taqueria Los Ocampo

2008-07-21T21:29:00.004-05:00

417 E Lake St
Minneapolis, MN
612-823-5398
Other locations: 809 E Laket St, 895 Arcade Street,
St. Paul & Midtown Global Market

Category: Mexican

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 6
Service: N/A (Counter service)
Ambience: 6

Recommendation: Good. Offering decent authentic Mexican food with several options to customize, Los Ocampo is one of many taquerias part of the East Lake Street Mexican scene.

Nick and I love authentic Mexican food and it is nice to know that we don’t have to move to the Southwest Unites States to satisfy our tastes. Here in the Twin Cities, the East Lake Street area in Minneapolis and District Del Sol in St. Paul (Robert St. and Cesar Chavez St.) offer a truly authentic Mexican experience. Some of our favorites in the area are the Mercado Central Market, Midtown Global Market, and El Burrito Mercado. We were excited to try Los Ocampo, especially after City Pages gave it the “Best Burrito” honor in 2008. Although the place is set up like a fast food restaurant, it has character. Hacienda style walls are adorned with Mexican artifacts but we were annoyed by the blaring TV showing a Jerry Springer style Mexican show when we visited. The menu has lots of options such as Quesadillas, Gorditas, Sopes, Tacos, Huaraches, Burritos that you can customize by selecting from 15+ types of meats. Meats include traditional Mexican dishes such as Chorizo, Al Pastor (roasted marinated pork), Tinga de Pollo (shredded chicken), Carnitas (shredded roasted pork), and Mexican style chicken (with onions, tomatoes, and chile) to name a few.

We ordered the Burrito Combo with Carnitas (came with a side of Chips & Guacamole) and Enchiladas in Green Sauce with Ground Beef. The Mexican Coke (made with real sugar instead of corn syrup and served in a glass bottle) helped make the experience truly authentic. The portion sizes are huge and we could only finish about half our meal (the burrito can easily be shared between 2 people). While the burrito was excellent and the Carnitas were well flavored it was too big and the proportion of rice to meat was off (we would have preferred less rice with the same amount of meat). The Guacamole was a bit bland but we were able to fix it by adding salt and lime juice. We found the chips to be on the stale side. The Enchiladas were a bit disappointing. They tasted fine but with were topped with too much cheese, onions, and other ingredients that took away from the main dish. The green sauce was too tangy, not one of our favorites and too much sauce made the tortillas very soggy.

$. Free parking in the back of the restaurant.

French Meadow Bakery

2008-07-21T21:25:00.005-05:00

2610 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis, MN
612-870-7855
http://www.frenchmeadow.com/

Category: Bakery, Café, Breakfast

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 7
Service: N/A (counter service)
Ambience: 8

Recommendation: Good. A great organic and natural bakery catering not only to the masses but also vegetarians/vegans and those with dietary restrictions.

French Meadow, located in the Lyn-Lake area of Uptown is a popular place for Breakfast, Sandwiches, Soups, and other bakery items such as breads and desserts. Open since 1985, it is the longest running organic bakery in the United States. They have many menu items that cater to Vegans and are Gluten free. The interior is rustic with earthy tones and grey tiles. The walls are adorned with large photographs largely centering around bread. They have outdoor seating in the summer but the place is always packed so its hard to score an outside seat.

We were there recently for lunch and tried a few different sandwiches, all of which tasted very fresh but were light on flavor. All sandwiches are served with a side of organic tortillas chips and salsa, organic mixed greens or firecracker coleslaw. The Mango Chicken came with free range chicken grilled with Swiss cheese, spinach, and mango chutney. The ciabatta bread was huge and overpowered the sandwich - we wished there was less bread and more stuff (and we’re the last ones to complain about too much bread)! While the chicken and cheese were delicious, the chutney had mild flavors and there wasn’t enough spinach in the sandwich. The Firecracker Slaw was made of red cabbage with Asian flavors and had a nice crunch to it. The Turkey and Gouda Burger had a fresh garlicky taste, which we liked but we wished for there to be a bit more kick to it. The caramelized onions it was topped with were pretty bland. The Turkey and Gouda Sandwich came topped with cranberries, red onions, spinach, and Dijon mustard. Simple yet flavorful, this was one our favorites. The chips and salsa was underwhelming.

You order from a large menu behind the counter and your meal and silverware is brought to your table. Make sure your table sign is visible in order for the server to find you quickly.

$. Most items under $10. Street parking on Lyndale avenue.

La Belle Vie

2008-07-14T22:34:00.007-05:00

510 Groveland Ave
Minneapolis, MN
612-874-6440
http://www.labellevie.us/

Category: French/Mediterranean

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 9
Service: 10
Ambience: 9

Recommendation: Excellent. Fresh off a second-straight James Beard nomination for best chef in the Midwest, Tim McKee shines and produces what is widely considered the best food in the Twin Cities.

Having just returned from our first trip to La Belle Vie (LBV) I was anxious to put my thoughts on paper (it is past midnight and the adrenaline is pumping). I’ll be honest; I wasn’t sure what to expect from LBV. I have two friends, both of who I respect because they know their food, and they recounted two diametrically opposite experiences from their last visits; one had a smashingly good time at LBV (read his review here), while the other wanted to smash his head against a wall (figuratively). As we were escorted to our seats, my heart was pumping fast; in anticipation of what was to come and from finally stepping into the hallowed halls of the dining area known as LBV.

You could drive right by LBV and not notice it – the exterior is non-descript (it’s actually part of a residential complex). When you enter the lobby, on the right is the LBV lounge…casual, contemporary and inviting. We were greeted right away and whisked away to the dining area. The space, with its mix of both traditional and contemporary design, evokes class and elegance. The walls are painted beige and there’s heavy use of intricate white trim as accents. But just as you’re soaking in the classic design, you’re hit with the modern – metal sculptures, abstract art, and clean lines of the tables and chairs. The whole room was nicely lit from the sunlight filtering through the sheer covered large windows.

The menu, at the hands of two-time James Beard nominee Tim McKee, has influences from France and the Mediterranean. He offers both a 5-course and an 8-course tasting menu, complete with wine flights (note that the tasting menu is served to the whole table). We went the 5-course route with a twist – we would add a Bouillabaisse as a 6th course. The wine list at LBV is spectacular, however it’s the non-alcoholic beverage list that really caught our eye…it’s a non-drinker’s dream. The Amethyst (blackberry syrup, sweet and sour, and sparkling water) was a sweet and bubbly concoction. The Petit Parlez-Vous (a pineapple raspberry martini topped with orange/passion fruit foam) belonged in a museum. If you’d prefer an (alcoholic) cocktail, we’d recommend the Tom Girl, a grapefruit vodka with pomegranate juice, pink grapefruit juice, cayenne and sea salt. The fruity overtones, from the fragrant grapefruit are followed by the delicate undertones of the spices. Oh, and in case you want wine, the Allegrini - Palazzo Della Torre ($49/bottle) is a nice inexpensive option.

As we were ready to start our gastronomic adventure, we were teased with an amuse of Fried Squash Flower with Ratatouille. The onions and tomatoes in the ratatouille had influences of Indian spices and were very familiar. Our first course was the Sweet Pea Panna Cotta with King Crab and Brown Butter Vinaigrette. A nice lump of sweet crab meat was the perfect way to start the meal – the cold panna cotta added a nice textural balance to the dish. The second course was a Sauteed Daurade with Ramps, Tomato and Rock Shrimp. It has been seared perfectly on one side and was served on homemade ravioli. We loved the texture of the crispy skin but the fish was a little too strong for us. Our next course was the Roasted Poussin with Caramelized Pork Belly, Broccoli Raab and Eggplant. As I put the first morsel of food into my mouth, I hear one of our fellow diners exclaim “how come my chicken never tastes this good!” The poussin had a crispy exterior, but was still moist and juicy and was sitting on a Japanese eggplant puree. Off to the side was a nice hunk of pork belly. Everything about this preparation was memorable…the texture and flavor combinations had our taste buds electrified.

We’re half way through our meal and then we made the decision to add the Bouillabaisse course. This fish stew was served with one piece each of mussel, clam, daurade, and sea scallop with a garlic-saffron aioli. We’re hit with a sharp bitter flavor with the first bite (I had a piece of the clam); others on our table got the same odd flavor. Once past the clam, the stew got better, although some of us had to contend with a dry daurade. We stirred in the aioli, and this took the soup to the next level…it took away the strong fishy smell and added creaminess to the base. Some people on our table liked the dish, but I don’t think we’d order it again. Our fifth course was the Beef Tenderloin with Morel Mushrooms, Jerusalem Artichokes and Forme D’Ambert. One bite, and you’re on the verge of a food orgasm. Served with both a white and a red wine reduction, and a mild blue cheese sauce, this tenderloin is the new standard for beef preparation. Just a few bites, and it’s done…we want more. But alas, precious things come in small quantities. As we recover from the food coma, we’re on to our final course, the Peach Brown Butter Cake with Grilled Peach Salad and Hibiscus Yogurt Sherbet. The second I read the description, I knew one of us (Natasha) wouldn’t be satisfied with the dessert (at the end of a meal like this, she needs chocolate). The cake had mild flavors and the sweet peaches gave off a sweet smell. It’s the pairing of the sour sherbet that takes this dessert to the next level, though. Although we’re done with our dessert course, I peruse the menu to see if I can find something decadent that will Natasha would fancy, but most of the desserts were fruit-based.

The food and ambience are just two of the three components that it takes to make a meal memorable. The service at LBV was impeccable. There’s a team of servers that float around the dining room effortlessly, taking meticulous care of each of the customers. This team works in unison – our bread and water is replenished quickly, they all smile and greet you genuinely, and it’s especially amazing how they precisely coordinate serving each course to the 5 diners. Our meal lasted the better part of three hours, but there weren’t awkward (or long) pauses. Bravo to the front of the house at La Belle Vie.

$$$$. A 6-course meal for two, with drinks, tax, and tip was $235.

Taste of the Twin Cities Originals (Food and Wine Event) 2007

2008-07-14T21:04:00.003-05:00

Nicollet Island Pavilion
Minneapolis, MN
http://www.tcoriginals.com/

Category: Food Event

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 9
Service: N/A
Ambience: 9

Recommendation: Excellent! This annual Food and Wine event hosted by the Twin Cities Originals group featured 30+ local restaurants offering a great selection of food, wine from Gallo vineyards and a live band. To buy tickets to the 2008 event (held on Tuesday, July 22nd from 6pm-9pm; $35 in advance, $40 at the door), click here.

The Twin Cities Originals is a group of locally owned and operated restaurants dedicated to preserving and promoting unique dining experiences. Its members include restaurants such as Afton House Inn, Bar Abilene, Broder’s Pasta Bar, Edina Grill, Rudolph’s, Solera, Stella’s Fish Café, Tejas and many more. They promote several events throughout the year. Their Rewards card allows diners to earn 1 point for every $ spent at any one of their restaurants. For every 150 points, you get a $10 reward. TCO offers a limited amount of discounted gift certificates to their restaurants available to purchase through their web-site. For instance, you can buy a $25 gift certificate for $17.50. They sell out quickly but are replenished every 3 months.

We were at the Taste of the Twin Cities Food and Wine event on July 17th, 2007 at the Nicollet Island Pavilion. The location was beautiful and they had restaurant booths set up both inside and outside. The outside area had a limited amount of seating with great views of the Mississippi waterfalls as well as the downtown Minneapolis skyline. The event was from 6pm-9pm and we got there promptly at 6pm which we highly recommend as the place got very crowded around 7pm-7:30pm (close to 900 people attended). Some of our favorites were:

Afton House Inn – Parmesan, Apple, and Apricot salad with a five herb dressing. The combination of ingredients was brilliant. The Parmesan was sliced into cubes, the Apple was shredded into thin slices, and the Apricots were soft. The dressing was great but we found it a little too greasy/oily.

Biella/Ravello – Butternut Squash Bisque with a chive Oil. Great flavor, not creamy at all like others we’ve tried.

Café Twenty Eight – Thai gazpacho with a drizzle of chili oil. Neither of us are fond of gazpacho but we loved this one. It was made with cucumbers, mint, cilantro and was very refreshing. The chili oil gave it a nice kick.

Edina Grill – Turkey Burgers. They’ve been voted the best in the cities and we absolutely agree. Really juicy burgers with a great sauce.

The Herkimer – Spicy pineapple-mango oyster shooter. This was so cool. There was an oyster at the bottom of the glass and the flavor of the drink was amazing.

Tejas – Southwestern chopped salad with smoken chicken, roasted corn, tomatoes, blue cheese, avocado, poblanos, bacon, crispy corn tortilla “croutons” with citrus vinaigrette. Amazing!

112 Eatery

2008-07-10T22:43:00.008-05:00

112 N. 3rd St
Minneapolis, MN
612-343-7696
http://www.112eatery.com/

Category: American-Upscale

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 9
Service: 7
Ambience: 7

Recommendation: Excellent. One of a kind eatery in the Twin Cities with a chef that has received his share of accolades. 112 serves excellent eats until late at night and satisfies all palates and budgets.

112 Eatery is located in the historic Amsterdam Building on 3rd street in the Warehouse district. The space is small yet cozy, dark with soft lighting, exposed brick, and hardwood floors. 112 is chic but unpretentious and has a New York bistro feel to it. It is a great place for a date, dining with friends, or a late night snack after a night out at the bars on 1st Avenue. Even though its been open for three years, its undoubtedly one of hardest restaurants to get into, regardless of whether it’s a weekend or weeknight. On a recent Wednesday night at 11:30pm, more than half the restaurant was full, which is a refreshing change to the Twin Cities dining scene. The main level can sometimes get very loud and stuffy so we’d recommend sitting on the upper level where the ventilation is a little better and seating a little more open. Loud music can be an issue for some as it makes it hard to have a conversation. The menu consists of a good mix of appetizers, salads, small plates, and entrees. They have a nice wine list and a good selection of desserts and after-dinner drinks. Ever since it opened in January 2005, 112 Eatery has become a rage in the Twin Cities foodie scene. It has been featured in many magazines - Food and Wine, and Bon Appetit, to name a few. Chef Isaac Becker experiments with ingredients and combinations in a way that we’ve never seen before; his dishes are very flavorful yet simple.

The Sweet and Sour Crab Salad ($9) from the Appetizer menu is simply delicious. It consists of crab, chopped greens, cucumbers, cilantro, and mint drizzled with a simple dressing of lemon juice, rice wine vinegar and sugar…very light and refreshing. Another excellent appetizer is the Blue Prawns with Mayo ($12). Gigantic New Zealand tempura-battered prawns are served with Sriracha sauce laced aioli. The Sea Scallops with Oyster Mushrooms ($12) make a great starter. The sweet and soft scallops are drizzled with truffle oil…yum. Appetizers are very diverse and have something to offer for every palate: Duck Salad, Soba Noodles with Shrimp, Lamb, Scallops, Sauteed Sweetbreads, etc. In addition to Appetizers, they also have Sides which can also act as an appetizer. Their Pan-fried Gnocchi with Parmesan Reggiano ($8) is simple, yet excellent. This is one of the better gnocchi’s we’ve had in the Twin Cities. The Cauliflower Fritters ($7.50), while good, would not be our top pick. Large chunks of cauliflower are deep fried in a light batter; nothing spectacular. The Roasted Asparagus with Prosciutto is also good. The French Fries ($6.50) are thin and crispy, like Belgian Frites.

For entrees, we love the 112 Cheese burger ($9). The burger is an excellent example of the Chef Becker’s creativity and genius. The ground beef patty includes eggs, thyme, onions and is grilled to perfection…almost melts in your mouth. It is topped with Brie cheese and served on an English muffin. Very unusual and extremely flavorful. The Linguine with Blue Prawns is awesome, although it is no longer on the menu. On a recent visit, our server recommended the Tagliatelle with Foie Gras Meatballs ($12 half, $24 full). We loved the meatballs, as they literally melted in your mouth. The dish overall was a little underwhelming…it was lightly seasoned with a cream based sauce. Our server’s other recommendation was spot on. The Nori encrusted Sirloin with Ponzu ($28) was excellent. The Ponzu sauce gave the dish a nice sweet and citrusy flavor and the accompanying wasabi gave it a nice kick.

We can’t rave enough about the desserts at 112. The Tres Leches Cake ($7) was soft, creamy and simply terrific. One bite and all the milk absorbed by the cake comes bursting out into your mouth. The Chocolate Pot de Crème ($7) had a smooth dense pudding like texture and was absolutely decadent. The Butterscotch Budino ($7) was a layered dessert with custard at the bottom and butterscotch at the top. The combination was excellent but once the butterscotch layer ran out, we found that the Budino actually had a sprinkling of salt crystals, something we didn’t care for. Why mess up a sweet dessert by adding salt?

$$$. Appetizers, Small plates, and Sides are under $10. Entrees are $16-$28. Open Monday-Friday 5pm-1am (full kitchen service) and Sundays 5pm-10pm. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours. This place is hard to get into due to its popularity.

El Taquito

2008-07-10T22:27:00.005-05:00

1434 Robert St. S
St. Paul, MN
651-455-4526

Category: Mexican

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 6
Service: 6
Ambience: 7

Recommendation: Good. This place was built up to be more than it actually was – decent authentic Mexican food, but nothing spectacular…and definitely greasy.

The Twin Cities may not be the hotbed of authentic Mexican cuisine, but we think we have our fair share of great eateries. Restaurants like La Mixteca and markets such as El Burrito Mercado and Mercado Central bring legitimacy to the Mexican dining scene. I (Nick) was really looking forward to El Taquito. One of my coworkers (who really knows Mexican cuisine) had built this place up as the best Taco experience and I was pumped to try it. This place has character – the brightly colored murals depicting the Aztecs and the pyramids evoke fond memories of our trip to Central Mexico late last year. El Taquito is casual but we like the effort they’ve made to spruce up the interiors. The seating is clean and comfortable.

The menu is pretty standard for what you would expect from a authentic Mexican eatery; tacos, burritos and guisados (plates) where you get to choose from one of a dozen meats. Your choice of meat includes the standard fare of beef, chicken, and carnitas but also more adventurous cuts such as the lengua (tongue) and tripas (intestine). I ordered a mélange of tacos. When they arrived, the first thing that jumped at me was the greasy look of the tortillas. The single yellow corn tortillas had been warmed on a griddle with an obscene amount of oil and it was a turn-off. I topped the tacos with the accompanying cilantro and onions and dove right in. Instantaneously I knew something was missing, but I couldn’t figure out what. Even after adding the salsa (which had good flavor but lacked heat) I was unsatisfied…and then it hit me. It was the lime…we didn’t have any lime with our Tacos. How could they; we were missing a key component of the trifecta. Once I got past the greasiness the meat was pretty good. The soft and tender Lengua was my favorite followed closely by the Tinga and Carnitas. I could have skipped the Asada because the meat was too dry. By the end, I was full and my hands were greasy (I’d hate to think how my arteries were doing). Not my favorite meal, but it wasn’t a total loss either.

$. At $2 a taco this place exemplifies cheap eats.

D’Amico Cucina

2008-07-07T22:53:00.008-05:00

Historic Butler Square
100 N 6th St
Minneapolis, MN
612-338-2401
http://www.damico.com/

Category: Contemporary Italian

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 9
Service: 9
Ambience: 8

Recommendation: Excellent. Although this restaurant has been a mainstay for over 20 years, it never ceases to impress and is one of the “must-eats” in the Twin Cities. (Restaurant closed July 2009).

As we approach the 1 year anniversary of our blog, we are excited (and it is by sheer coincidence) that the honor of the 150th review belongs to D’Amico Cucina, a long standing Twin Cities establishment. With less than a month to go before Natasha is due to give birth to our first child we felt it was apt to visit some of the Cities’ finer dining establishments. It isn’t like we haven’t been to our fair share of “expensive” places, but something leads me to believe that we’ll be short on time (and money) once the baby arrives. We’ve always relished our experiences at the D’Amico and Partners establishments (Café & Bar Lurcat, Masa, and Campiello) and D’Amico Cucina just reinforces our respect for the folks that oversee this portfolio of businesses.

D’Amico is located in the historic Butler Square building in the heart of Minneapolis. The feel of the restaurant plays off the building with a rustic sophisticated look. The flickering candles, pretty chandeliers, live music, and dim lighting add a touch of romance and soften the look of the interiors. D’Amico radiates opulence and class, and it is evident in all aspects of the dining experience.

The contemporary Italian menu is developed under the watchful eye of Chef John Occhiato. We had decided beforehand that we would do the 5-course tasting menu, but after careful observation we thought a-la-carte was more interesting (especially because we could select courses from the tasting menu). Our adventure started with the Roasted Scallops (with Warm Brown Butter and Black Truffle Vinaigrette); buttery deliciousness with an earthy scent of truffles emanating from the dish. The second appetizer was the Suckling Pig (a Terrine with Mustard Crust, Grilled Green Onion Pesto, and Watercress)…we especially loved the crispy texture of the crust. We couldn’t pass up on the Rabbit Risotto with Baby Turnip, Saba, and Arugula. This course was from the tasting menu and highly recommended by our server – he was spot on; creamy and rich is the best way to describe it. We also couldn’t ignore the Swordfish Ravioli (with Monterey Bay Calamari, Pinenut, and Cracked Green Olive). The Ravioli was amazing but the accompanying sauce, though light and fresh, just didn’t wow us.

On the other hand, the Secondi course absolutely did. Nick ordered the Veal Tenderloin (Sous Vide with Black Truffle, Cippolini, and Braised Celery). It’s a dish we won’t soon forget – the whiff of the truffle infusion evident the moment the plate was laid on the table. The veal was moist and tender. Our friend Alex might bash the tenderloin cut, but you couldn’t pull this dish off with any other cut of meat. Natasha went with another pasta course…the Gnocchi (served with Lobster, Spinach, and a White Truffle Beurre Blanc). You might think we’re tired of truffles by now, buy you’d be dead wrong. We were glad to see two massive chunks of lobster adorn this plate…mild flavors made this dish unforgettable. It’s time for dessert and usually we get one dessert and share; but there were two things on the dessert menu that really caught our eye. Instead of fighting over which one to get, we decided we would try both. If you’ve read this blog before you’d guess that one of them would be a chocolate dessert (and you’d be spot on). The Warm Chocolate Truffle Cake was warm, gooey, and heavenly. The Warm Almond Frangipane Crepes (with Vanilla Mascarpone Mousse and Candied Apricots) was just as good. When I saw the apricots, I was worried that they would throw this dish off but the ingredients on that plate were in harmony…the chewy, crispy caramelized crepes were excellent, just as the server had promised.

We can’t thank our server enough…a polite gentleman with recommendations that were right on the mark. Poor service can ruin a great dining experience but in our case we can’t complain about any aspect of our visit to D’Amico Cucina. When our check came, we realized that we had indulged in a four-course a-la-carte meal (with a couple of glasses of Barbera) and the final bill reflected that. A slight shock, because this is without a doubt our most expensive meal yet in the Twin Cities, but who said unforgettable moments are cheap.

$$$$. Dinner for two (with two glasses of wine, tax and tip was $230). Valet parking is available for $8.

Cafe Maude

2008-07-07T21:52:00.004-05:00

5411 Penn Ave S
Minneapolis, MN
(612) 822-5411

http://www.cafemaude.com/

Category: American-Upscale, Mediterranean

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 9
Service: 8
Ambience: 8

Recommendation: Excellent. This neighborhood bistro serves great Mediterranean-inspired fare at very reasonable prices.

Café Maude is a inviting bistro in the Armatage neighborhood of Minneapolis. The “Maude” is a tribute to Maude Armatage, a visionary civic leader, whose key contribution was to give to Minneapolis its wonderful park system. Down a lonely stretch of Penn Ave, this restaurant seems out of place initially but those thoughts soon recede when you enter this establishement. We had heard that this was the most exclusive table in Minneapolis and judging by the crowd at 10.30pm on a Friday night, we can assure you that getting a table here is no easy task. The restaurant radiates romance with the espresso wood, mahogany floor, and deep red and orange hues from the walls and lights. The flickering votives and dim lighting add to the ambience. This restaurant also has live music and there was a jazz band playing when we went. It’s interesting to note that the age of the patrons is a little older than what you would find in some uptown and downtown restaurants. There is also a large bar and the restaurant was indeed a little loud, mostly from the patrons at the bar. Outdoor seating is available in summer months. The Brunch menu has a good variety of breakfast type items as well as sandwiches, soups, and salads.

Maude has an eclectic menu of cocktails – we tried (and liked) the Natasha, a blackberry syrup twist on the standard Cosmopolitan. The sweetness of the syrup paired up well with the tartness of the berries. There is a nice wine menu as well as some great brews from the Netherlands and Belgium. The menu itself is inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean, but the flavors are subtle and sometime hard to associate to a particular region. For appetizers, the Chorizo Hash (potatoes, chorizo, baby octopus, and harissa aioli) definitely had some great flavors and would work really well as a breakfast side. In fact, their Brunch menu also includes this dish. The Seared Ahi Tuna (with grilled bread, avocado, and citrus vinaigrette) was a unique preparation – the fish was top notch and the avocado and citrus added creamy and cool flavors with a sweet/sour finish. The house baguette served with herb butter was wonderful as well.

For entrees, we would recommend both the Frisee Flatbread as well as the Lamb Skewers. The Lamb Skewers (with Moroccan spices and garlic-mint yogurt) were exquisite – a mince of lamb with Middle-Eastern seasonings was rolled into an oval ball, skewered and grilled, and was served with a cool, refreshing yogurt sauce. We can’t say enough about this dish except that it truly captures the essence of the flavors from the region. The Frisee Flatbread (with duck confit, blue cheese, and balsamic) had a great mixture of sweet and pungent flavor, but we hoped that the chef would have cut down on the amount of blue cheese in this dish – a flavor that overpowered the nuances of the other ingredients. Note that the flatbread is more like a pita than a pizza crust.

On the Brunch menu, we really like the Crab Cake Sandwich. The crab meat portion is pretty generous and the accompanying remoulade was great.

Our server, Sasha, was wonderful and her recommendations were spot on. She was friendly and attentive and we were well taken care of. Overall, we had a wonderful dining experience and we’re delighted to see another good restaurant pop up in a quaint Minneapolis neighborhood.

$$. Appetizers mostly under $10 and entrees under $15. Our dinner bill for two was $65 including tax and tip.

Masa

2008-06-25T22:32:00.003-05:00

1070 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN
612-338-6272
http://www.masa-restaurant.com/

Category: Mexican (Contemporary)

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 8
Service: 8
Ambience: 9

Recommendation: Very Good. The idea of a contemporary Mexican restaurant may not appeal to all, but Masa takes this concept to the next level – be prepared to have your taste buds dance at the hands of fine ingredients and clever preparations.

In the heart of Nicollet Mall lies this chic, contemporary space. It’s modern and gives off a vibe you would expect to find in the trendy neighborhoods in New York City. Rows of large windows fill the space, only to be disturbed by the lone accent wall decorated with murals of dancers and mosaics of vibrant colored glass tiles. We love the décor – you know you’ve stepped into a place that takes ambience seriously. Some might call it pretentious…regardless of whether you believe it or not, dress to impress. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a table outside, especially great for people watching.

The drinks menu has a nice selection of non-alcoholic drinks as well as some pretty whimsical concoctions. We liked the La Vampira, essentially a non-alcoholic Bloody Mary. The La Paloma is a good alcoholic option with a Tequila base and tangy grapefruit juice. You’re served complimentary Chips and Salsa (a duo consisting of Tomatillo Salsa and Chiptole Salsa, which can also be supplemented by a third, more spicy, Habanero Salsa, which we liked). For appetizers we got the Queso Frito and the Coctel de Camaron con Salsa Guajilo. The first is fried cheese served with tomatillo salsa – the preparation is very similar to Paneer (an Indian cheese curd, minus the salsa). The latter is a cold shrimp cocktail where the accompaniments add a nice fresh flavor; although we thought that the small shrimp were more of an afterthought on this dish. There were some great selections for the main course and the two we ordered were super. The Puerco Veracruzana (Pork shoulder marinated in lime, garlic, and ancho chili, cooked in a banana leaf and served with broiled pineapple) was tender and juicy, and although it lacked a sauce, that problem was remedied by the salsa trio sitting in front of us (oh, and we adore the broiled pineapple idea). We would highly recommend the Costillas de Carne de Res en Barbacoa (Beef Shortribs served with Black Bean Tamales) – the tender ribs were presented with sautéed chunky onions and the flavors were dark, deep, and complex. For dessert, the Tres Leches was good, although non-traditional in keeping with the theme of the restaurant. It had a lime crème on top and was served with mango and grapefruit reductions. Service was quick, attentive, and friendly, even after taking into account the packed restaurant, late on a Friday night.

$$$. Most entrees range from $15-$25. Our dinner for two was $100.

Everest on Grand

2008-06-25T22:28:00.004-05:00

1278 Grand Ave
St. Paul, MN
651-696-1666
http://www.everestongrand.com/

Category: Nepali, Indian, Tibetan

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 7
Service: 2
Ambience: 7

Recommendation: Good. It’s a unique restaurant that offers you a chance to try the cuisine from the land of the Himalayas, but be warned, service is slow and nonchalant.

When we first heard about a Nepali restaurant, the first thing that came to mind was “Momos”. These dumplings are something that Nick grew up with (and adores) and we had a chance to sample them recently when we visited Paris and stayed with Nick’s Nepalese uncle. Everest serves cuisine that is hard to find and therefore we would label this restaurant a “find”. When we stepped into the restaurant, our eyes were drawn to the ambience that is so representative of the hills. Brightly colored fabrics adorn the walls, the picturesque scenery is presented in the form of photographs and the rustic woody interior captures the essence of a family-run homely restaurant that you find in small towns in the Himalayas (albeit Everest is a little more upscale).

The menu presents a combination of flavors from Nepal, Tibet, and India. The appetizers and curries are representative of what you will find on an Indian menu, with the names (and flavors) accentuated on by the locals. We started with a plate of the Chicken Momos (steamed dumplings with chicken, onion, and spices). When the dish came out, we couldn’t wait to dig in only to find that we had been served Vegetable Momos. They weren’t very good – a skimpy filling of flavorless cabbage, spinach and onion with a chewy dense dumpling wrapper. We informed our server about the mix-up and she said she would inquire. About 15 minutes later, when we hadn’t received an update, we asked the server to cancel them. A few minutes later we find a plate of Chicken Momos dumped on our table with no explanation (no less an apology). We were hungry by now and were pleasantly surprised when we took the first bite – the filling had much better flavor and we actually enjoyed the appetizer (although we would still argue that the wrapper was a little dense and the accompanying sauce unimpressive). For the main course we ordered Palak Paneer and Bhedako Maasu (Lamb Curry). The former is a vegetarian dish made with Paneer (cheese) and spinach – we enjoyed it tremendously. The Lamb Curry was similar to Indian curry, except the flavors were more subtle. We wished the lamb were a little more tender, but enjoyed the dish. The Naan was surprisingly sweet, unlike traditional Indian Naan and had a soft yet crisply texture we enjoyed very much. If we had a larger group, we would have definitely tried Daal-Bhaat (Lentils and Rice), a traditional Nepali dish. Service was disappointing – the mix-up with the Momos is one thing; but no apology or follow-up is inexcusable. Food took a while to arrive and when we asked for doggy-bags, the server just plunked the boxes at our table and walked off. Indifferent service was a real put-off.

$$. Most dishes are under $15, but the combo meals get expensive. This wasn’t a cheap meal - $52 for two (with a glass of beer) and no dessert.

Ruam Mit Thai

2008-06-12T21:37:00.005-05:00

475 St Peter St
St. Paul, MN
651-222-7871
http://www.ruam-mit-thai.com/

Category: Thai

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 8
Service: 6
Ambience: 3

Recommendation: Very Good. Our positive streak with finding great Thai restaurants in the Twin Cities continues after our visit to Ruam Mit in St. Paul.

We had tickets to Stomp at the Ordway recently and instead of the popular pre-theatre restaurants like Pazzaluna or Meritage, we were looking for something low key, casual, and ethnic. Ruam Mit Thai fit that bill perfectly. Located just 4 blocks from the Ordway on St Peter Street, Ruam Mit makes a great pre-theatre or pre-Excel Energy Center casual dinner option. The restaurant recently re-opened but the exterior looks so dilapidated, you’d think the place was still closed. The ambience has nothing noteworthy about it either. Thankfully, the food is so delicious that you soon forget about the surroundings you’re in. They also have a lunch buffet on weekdays which makes it a popular place for the St. Paul office crowd.

The Spring Rolls #3 (lettuce, cilantro, shrimp, rice noodles wrapped in fresh rice paper) came with a delicious sweet dipping sauce that was topped with crushed peanuts. The Toam Kha Khai (#17), a rich coconut lime flavored soup with straw mushrooms and lemongrass was satisfying on so many different levels…simple, comforting, and downright flavorful. We asked for the Phra Nua (#22 Beef Salad) to be prepared “Thai Hot” and it was really spicy. “Thai Hot” is not for the weak! The salad itself was sweet and tangy and the beef was brimming with flavor. For the entrees, our top two favorites were the Roast Duck Curry (#26), and the Pha Ram Long Song (#30), a sweet red curry with coconut milk, spinach, and peanuts. The Duck was so tender it literally melted in your mouth. The curry base in both dishes was on the sweet side but the sweetness wasn’t overpowering. We were disappointed in the Tod Gratiam Prig Thai (#38) which promised to be a delight for garlic lovers but didn’t even come close to satisfying us. The pork was supposed to be stir-fried in a garlic and black pepper sauce but we couldn’t taste either. The deep fried Tilapia (#39) was topped with small pieces of lemongrass, ginger, onions, green mango, and lime. While the fish was good, we felt that the toppings didn’t really go well with it…the ingredients simply didn’t complement each other and did little to enhance the flavor of the fish. The Pad Thai (#52) which is probably the most popular dish in most Thai restaurants was excellent. For dessert, we tried the Thai Custard with Sweet Sticky Purple Rice and the Sweet Sticky Rice with Fresh Mango. The purple rice had a unique flavor we didn’t care for and we couldn’t taste the custard. The Sticky Rice with Mango was good. Our friends tried the Thai Iced Tea with Sweet condensed milk, which we’d never tried before. The drink was peach in color and was very sweet.

$-$$. Most dishes cost around $10. Meter parking on St Peter Street (free after 4:30pm and on Sundays). There are several ramps in the area as well.

Little Sushi on the Prairie

2008-06-12T21:27:00.012-05:00

8353 Crystal View Rd, #103
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
952-944-0962
http://www.littlesushiontheprairie.com/

Category: Japanese

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 8
Service: 8
Ambience: 6

Recommendation: Very Good. Stumbling upon this restaurant was a pleasant surprise – this is a great place for Sushi in the South-West Metro.

I (Nick) and my coworkers were craving Sushi one afternoon. We usually go to the local Byerlys because it’s cheap and quick, but today had to be different. We had to think hard for a Sushi restaurant in the South-West metro (there aren’t many in this area) until I recalled that I had seen Little Sushi on my many trips to Cam Rahn Bay and Punch Pizza, all of which are within walking distance of each other. The restaurant, which is owned by three Sushi chefs, is located in the retail space adjacent to an office building. When you enter, your eyes immediately fixate on the Sushi chefs hard at work behind their counter, and the Sushi specials menu hanging from the wall. The décor is simple, clean, but not extravagant. The large windows paired with light colors give the restaurant an airy and open feel.

The menu is heavily weighted towards Sushi, but there are other options such as tempura and teriyaki. We opted for a combination of Maki Sushi (Rolls) and Sashimi (fresh cuts of raw fish). The 14 Piece Sashimi Platter was loaded with choices made by the chef himself – Tuna, White Tuna, Yellow Tail Tuna, Salmon, Surf Clam, and Mackerel. The cuts were a little thicker than we had imagined, but both the quality of the fish and the presentation were spot on. For Sushi, we opted for the Crunchy Roll, Dynamite Roll, and the Taiger Roll (from the specials menu). The Taiger Roll was awesome – a delectable combination of red snapper, spicy mayo, fish eggs, salmon, eel, and sweet eel sauce – great flavors and what creativity. I loved the Dynamite Roll which was “clear your sinuses” spicy mostly from the Thai pepper, but also from the copious amounts of wasabi I added to the Soy. For dessert, we were treated to two types of Mochi (Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice) – passion fruit and green tea, and both had ice cream in the center. What a fabulous ending to the meal – you bite through the sticky, chewy exterior and end with the cold and creamy ice cream. The service was good – we were well attended to and the recommendations were great. Overall, we are glad to have found a good Sushi restaurant close to work, but at $35 per person for the food, drinks, tax, and tip, this was an expensive lunch.

$$$. The Sushi special was around $15 and the Sashimi platter was $20. Other Sushi options are between $5 and $15.

Update (June 10, 2008) – A return lunch trip to Little Sushi was as memorable as the first. In addition to the regular menu, they did have a couple of special rolls. We went with the Taiger Roll, which we had enjoyed on our first visit, and relished as much this time around. Our server recommended the Spaghetti Roll, with salmon and chili oil, topped with thin spaghetti-like strands of cooked Pollock. Now that’s beautiful and incredibly yum. An order of Steamed Broccoli (served with a soy dipping sauce) served as a nice clean palate cleanser between the sushi parade. We liked the Nuclear Roll, but the defining spicy characteristic was severely lacking. Service was painfully slow, but being a lunch meeting we did get quite a bit of work accomplished while waiting anxiously for our food. I’d hate to imagine how long we would have to wait when the restaurant is packed. Nevertheless, service is attentive and the staff is friendly.

Zelo

2008-06-09T22:42:00.003-05:00

831 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN
612-333-7000
http://www.zelomn.com/

Category: Italian, American-Upscale

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

Recommendation: Very Good. They have one of the more stunning interiors of the restaurants in Minneapolis – pair that with a diverse menu that’s executed well, and you have a winner.

With its ideal location on Nicollet Mall, it’s not surprising that Zelo is so popular. You’ll find a great mix of people – the after-work crowd grabbing a drink, business folks entertaining their clients, or people celebrating special occasions (we had a group of women celebrating a bachelorette event sitting across from our table – it’s the sexy lingerie gifts that gave it away). It was a beautiful summer evening and we wanted to grab one of the sidewalk tables (very popular on summer weekends and weeknights) outside but the wait was too long. However, sitting inside wasn’t a compromise by any means. We loved the restaurant interior – you walk in through this grand gateway draped in black cloth. The first thing that hits you is the cozy, dimly lit dining area in dark wood but accented by silver highlights. With modern paintings and sculptures, the pseudo contemporary coupled with old-world charm makes this part of the restaurant special and ideal for a romantic getaway. The main dining room is a little different however – it’s larger, brighter, and not as ornate. Off to one side of the restaurant is a lounge with full bar, decorated with ample use of dark wood and leather. An added highlight is that it looks outside onto 9th Street and Nicollet Mall. The owners of Zelo also own Bacio and Ciao Bella.

The menu confused us a little – we thought we were dining at an Italian-inspired restaurant but many of the items on the menu strayed from this course. It’s more diverse than we had expected with pizzas, pastas, salads, flatbreads, seafood and meats. Many of the dishes, especially the specials were Asian inspired. We started with the Ahi Spring Rolls, which we highly recommend. A simple preparation where the Tuna is cooked to rare perfection, the exterior of the roll is crispy and served with accompanying soy and wasabi sauces. The server pointed out their new seafood menu and recommended us a couple of options – it was interesting to see that most of the seafood options actually had an Asian twist. We were a little reticent but proceeded to order the Grilled Shrimp and Scallops in a Ginger Thai Broth. It was stunning…the scallops were soft, the broth fragrant, and the wild mushroom medley had subtle rustic flavors. Our only gripe was that the shrimp were a touch overcooked. The Tagliolini with Shrimp was also very good – cooked in a simple tomato sauce that we had asked to be spiced up. Well they did spice it up (a touch too spicy) but the flavors were outstanding. The classic Spaghetti with Meatballs was outstanding, proving that this restaurant can execute well on a wide variety of dishes. The thick meatballs were made with veal and sausage and were really flavorful. The only thing we wouldn’t recommend on the menu is the Heirloom Grain Chopped Salad with farro, quinoa and vegetables in a lemon vinaigrette. It was bland and under-dressed. Both desserts we had were good. Being chocoholics, the Budino (Molten chocolate cake with Vanilla gelato and Fudge sauce) was our preferred choice – the chocolate was dark and rich and the gelato was rich and creamy. The Lemon Tasting Plate with mousse cake, shortbread cookies, and strawberry lemonade sorbet was a hit as well. We enjoyed a bottle of the Ferrari Carano Siena but thought that the wines are priced on the high side (location, location, location). Our service was wonderful – our bubbly server made some good recommendations and was more than willing to do separate checks for our large table.

$$$-$$$$. Pastas are under $15 while the meats and seafood range from $20-$40. Dinner for 4 with a bottle of wine, tax, and tip was $206. They also offer valet parking.

Tea House

2008-06-01T11:17:00.004-05:00

88 Nathan Ln N
Plymouth, MN
763-544-3422
http://www.ourteahouse.com/
Other locations in St. Paul and Downtown Minneapolis (T-Express)

Category: Chinese, Szechuan

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 9
Service: 8
Ambience: 8

Recommendation: Excellent! One of the best Chinese restaurants in town, serving authentic Szechuan (Sichuan) cuisine…on par with Little Szechuan, our other favorite.

Tea House is located in Plymouth, right off of 169 between 55 and 394. Its location, right next to Willow Creek Theatres makes it a popular place for a pre-movie meal. Located in an old strip mall, this place doesn’t look like much from the outside but the inside is very charming. Rustic chairs, bamboo blinds, beautiful murals lining red walls, and lanterns are part of the charm. Tea House has 2 menus…a traditional Sichuan menu and a standardized American one. For the true Sichuan experience, we recommend asking for the Sichuan menu and ditching the standard Americanized dishes such as Sweet and Sour chicken or Kung Pao Beef. Sichuan cuisine has a reputation of being hot and numbing due to the commonly used ingredient, the Sichuan peppercorn and Tea House lives up to this. It is truly authentic. Some of the dishes such as Tongue slices and Pork Belly might scare aware the average diner, but the menu also has plenty of other dishes such as Twice cooked Pork, Dan Dan Noodles, Cumin Lamb, Spicy Beef Short Ribs that will satisfy almost any palate. The Plymouth location has a lunch buffet but the items are standard Chinese fare so we’d recommend skipping it. A newer location in St. Paul has a bigger menu, more specials, and dim sum on weekends.

The Chong King Spicy Chicken (#704, $11.95) was delicious. It was extremely spicy from the chili oil and red peppers but the heat was worth it. The chicken had a crispy texture on the outside but the interior was soft and tender. This dish can also be ordered with bones to preserve the flavors, although bones do end up being a pain. We hesitated ordering the Black Pepper Beef Tenderloin (#502, $18.95) mainly due to the steep price but were really impressed. The beef was so tender and flavorful, we’d go back just for this dish. Large chunks of steamed broccoli lined the sides of the plate to make a beautiful presentation.

Service was surprisingly pleasant, the restaurant was well staffed (we’ve been jaded by our terrible service experiences in ethnic restaurants overall) and our server had good recommendations. A couple of tables are set up outside but you have to remember you are sitting in a strip mall.

$-$$

A Baker’s Wife

2008-05-28T22:29:00.012-05:00

4200 28th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN
612-729-6898

Category: Bakery, Cafe

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 8
Service: N/A (counter service)
Ambience: 8

Recommendation: Very Good. A gem of a bakery and a great place for a continental breakfast.

The smell from this bakery is intoxicating and draws you to it just as you approach the corner of 42nd street and 28th Ave in SE Minneapolis. You can stop by for a quick “grab and go” to pick up all you need for a breakfast picnic at Lake Nokomis and Hiawatha Lake, which are minutes away. The interior isn’t fancy…in fact it’s cluttered with trinkets and antiques, but the stuff is quirky and you could spend hours looking through all the things hanging on the wall and scattered throughout the room. Tea cups and pots, clocks, bread baskets, coffee shop wall art, curios, handmade signs….the list goes on and on. The stuff is as eccentric as the owner who was hard at work in the back and brought out fresh batches of treats every once in a while. We’re glad that this place does so much more than breads…breakfast pastries, cakes, donuts, and coffee. It recently received the accolade of Best Bakery 2008 by CityPages.

We were there recently for a light breakfast and managed to get one of the few tables outside in the sun. The choice of breakfast treats is tremendous; to the point that the glass display couldn’t hold all the options…some were lying on the back counter. We pointed to the Chocolate Donuts, which had just been brought out. To add to the variety, we picked a Tea Cake and a slice of Banana Bread. The Donuts were outstanding…perfectly iced with sweet chocolate frosting yet light. Don’t miss out on the Tea Cake; think of this as a chewy croissant with a gooey caramel topping. We really liked the combination of the sticky texture of the topping with the light airy base. The Latte was a perfect complement to this sweet pastry. We didn’t actually get to the Banana Bread until later but when we did, we liked it. We’ll be back real soon to A Baker’s Wife…there’s too much left to explore.

$. Pastries are very affordable $2-$3.

Bombay 2 Deli

2008-05-28T22:14:00.006-05:00

1840 Central Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN
612-788-4571
http://www.bombay2deli.com/

Category: Indian

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 6
Service: N/A (counter service)
Ambience: N/A

Recommendation: Average. This Indian deli serves Indian street food such as Chaats, Bhel Puri, and Vadas. While the concept is unique, we found most of the dishes we tried to be average at best.

Awarded “Best Cheap Eats 2007” by City Pages, this unique Indian café is located on Central Avenue in Minneapolis, which is Minneapolis’ so called “Little India.” Bombay 2 Deli is attached to Asia Imports, an Indian grocery store - you can do your weeks groceries while the women in the back of the restaurant make your meal. The vegetarian menu consists of many curries such as Daals, Paneer, Chhole with a rotation of 3 curries per day. They also have daily mini meals where you can get your choice of 2 curries, rice, and chappatis (bread) for $6.99. We visited recently when we heard that they serve many snacks that are reminiscent of Indian street food. Having grown up in India, we were delighted to try this place for a taste of home most restaurants find hard to replicate. We found the food to be average at best but given that it is the only place serving Indian street food, we will most likely visit again, when the street food craving kicks in. Although the menu contains 15-20 different snacks, they were only serving 7-8 of those dishes when we visited.

The Bhel Puri ($3.49), found on every street corner in Bombay, has a base of puffed rice, sev (a fried snack), and other mixed snacks. The base is then mixed with a variety of dry spices, tomatoes, onions, tamarind chutney, cilantro chutney, lime juice, and boiled potatoes to form a delicious savory delight. Bombay 2 Deli actually made a good Bhel Puri. Most other dishes at the deli were also topped with similar ingredients…the tamarind and cilantro chutneys, garbanzo beans, potatoes, etc. The Papri Chaat ($3.99) which used fried chips as it base and topped with yogurt was ok. We thought it lacked depth of flavor…it wasn’t seasoned well. The Samosa Chaat ($3.99) was our favorite…the popular Samosas are crushed and topped with - you guessed it - chickpeas, chutneys, onions, and yogurt. The Chole Puri ($4.99), which is Chickpea curry served with a deep fried puffed Puri (bread) was good. The curry was very flavorful. We didn’t like the Pav Bhaji ($4.49) or the Dhokla ($3.99). Pav Bhaji is a delicious and spicy combination of mashed vegetables cooked in spices and served with a warm buttery bread called Pav. The dish was totally bland and we had to add salt and lemon juice in large quantities to make it taste edible. The worst part that the deli did not have fresh limes, they used lemon juice concentrate! (Note: they have a grocery store selling fresh produce attached to it!). The Dhokla, which is a very popular dish eaten by Gujaratis is a steamed square made with chickpea flour and topped with fried mustard seeds, cilantro, and chilies. Unfortunately, it tasted worse than what you would get from a boxed mix and it didn’t have any mustard seeds or fresh cilantro on it. The Masala Tea ($1.50), milky Indian sweet tea made with spices such as cinnamon and cardamom was ok.

$. Street Parking.

Broders’ Pasta Bar

2008-05-19T20:29:00.013-05:00

5000 Penn Ave S
Minneapolis, MN
612-925-9202
www.broders.com

Category: Italian

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):

Food: 7

Service: 7

Ambience: 8

Recommendation: Very Good. A great option for reasonably priced Italian food in casual and comfortable surroundings.

Broders is located in a quiet neighborhood in south Minneapolis. On the corner of 50th St and Penn Ave though, you’ll notice a crowd either enjoying a glass of wine on a charming patio or patiently waiting for a table in one of the more popular eateries in town. You’re almost guaranteed a wait at Broders; its indicative of the popularity but also because the space isn’t very large. The walls are a stucco-style faux and the pendant lights are made from inverted colanders. There is a u-shaped pasta bar that sits in the center of this restaurant and gives you a first hand look at the kitchen hard at work. We recommend that you grab a glass of wine and check out the outdoor patio during summer months (they don’t serve the full menu outside.) Just a word of caution for larger parties – the restaurant isn’t very large and it might be a little cramped (we were 5, sitting at a table for 4 and certainly felt so.) Oh, if you’re looking for takeout or want to shop for Italian ingredients check out the Broders Cucina Italiana across the street.

Broders philosophy is quite simple – fresh made pasta cooked to perfection with simple ingredients. We started our meal with a couple of appetizers - Salsicce Con Finocchio E Cipolla (mild Italian sausage with fennel and onions) and Roasted Garlic (served with flat bread and tomatoes.) The sausage was mild and sweet. The other app was like a bruschetta, accompanied by roasted garlic – not bad overall, but we felt that the garlic could have used a few more minutes roasting and could have been sweeter. Most of the entrees were good but the two that stood out were the Gnocchi Con Manzo E Tartufo (Gnocchi with Beef and Mushrooms in a Cream Sauce) and the Fettuccine Con Aragosta (Pasta with Lobster, Lemon, and Herbs.) We’re picky about our Gnocchi (thank you Arrezzo) and have been disappointed too often by mediocre preparations. But not at Broders. This Gnocchi was appetizing and the accompanying beef very tender. The cream sauce was a little heavy, but we’re not complaining. The Lobster dish (technically Langostines) was also cream based, but lightly sauced and not heavy. The Spaghetti Con Polpette di Calabrese (Spaghetti with Meatballs) is also a good choice, but we felt that the meatballs could have used more seasoning. What really resonated with us was the consistency of the pasta preparations – don’t discount what perfectly cooked “al dente” pasta can do for an Italian dish.

$$. Entrees under $15. Parking is available at the lot in front of the restaurant. There is also ample street parking. We recommend you call ahead and put your name on the list because Broders doesn’t take reservations on the weekend. The kitchen closes at 9.30 on weekdays and 10pm on weekends.

Mairin’s Table

2008-05-19T20:20:00.004-05:00

23 NE Fourth St
Minneapolis, MN
612-746-4272
http://www.mairinstable.com/

Category: Moroccan, American-Casual

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

Recommendation: Very Good. Mairin’s Table is an unusual neighborhood bistro that combines a Moroccan menu with a classic American one and executes both perfectly. Lovely place for a romantic night out or a casual meal with friends.

Mairin’s Table, located in Northeast Minneapolis blends Morocco with Minneapolis from the moment you step in….dark wood and rich colors are complemented with a cozy fireplace and piano…classic American dishes such are Meatloaf and Stroganoff sit alongside Moroccan favorites such as various Tagines and Bastilla. Mairin’s Table was a lot more satisfying to us than our recent trip to another Moroccan restaurant, Barbary Fig in St. Paul. Mairin’s has outdoor seating but the views are nothing spectacular…the patio faces a parking lot. The inside of the restaurant is very beautiful and perfect for a romantic night out. The first Saturday of every month, they have two belly dance performances (7pm and 9pm) and a $30 pre-fixe 4-course Moroccan dinner.

The menu consists of a handful of appetizers, salads, and small plates – Moroccan dishes such as Hummus and Olives and American ones such as Artichoke Dip and Stuffed Mushrooms satisfy a variety of different palates. They have an eclectic wine list and all bottles are half price on Monday and Tuesday nights. All entrees are served with a choice of soup or salad. Their French Onion soup is delicious. For entrees, the Meatloaf which is the co-owner’s grandma, Mairin’s recipe is simply delicious. Served with garlic mashed potatoes, French bread, the meatloaf is tender, juicy, and flavorful. The Tagine of Lamb with Figs and Almonds, served on a bed of couscous and a side of pita bread is excellent. Tagines are slow-cooked stews braised at low temperatures, resulting in tender meat with aromatic vegetables and sauce. This one was perfectly done. The Minnesota naturally grown lamb was tender and flavorful, having been braised with spices and figs. The chunks of fig were delicious and added a nice crunch to the dish. The buttermilk harissa sauce was bland and watery.

$$$. Most entrees are between $15 and $20. Free Parking.