"You have to try the duck," said David, drinking from a tall glass of an imported ale. Foam clung to his thick, well-groomed mustache. He set the glass back down on the table with both hands, struggling with the awkward weight like a child might.
I looked at the menu, "Vanilla consomme?' What the hell is that and why do they put it on a duck?" I pondered mostly to myself. "Leif, what are you having?"
"Actually I had my name legally changed to 'Roaming' now," said the other little man before quaffing a microbrewed domestic he was fond of.
"Really? Why the hell would you do that?"
"It's the biz, sweetheart," Roaming muttered as he looked through the menu of their 3o tap beers. He studiously ignored the section of over 100 bottled beers, saying he could taste the difference.
David snorted. "I think consomme is a thing sauce or broth or something. It doesn't matter it is delicious!"
At that point our appetizer of cider-steamed mussels arrived. We had a few before some evil trolls carried them away. They were perfect.
"I told you guys we should only come here during the day." I said. The other two nodded solemnly in agreement.
Roaming said, "I would have, but I spend so much time at work these days. You know, I'm also a guarantee enforcer."
"It's OK," David replied, "I don't think they'll spoil the main course."
The main course was the duck for myself, an elk steak and what appeared to be some kind of noodle dish. Each one had a delicacy and careful sensitivity to the unique combination of flavors the chef introduced to the food.
It could not have been better except that someone unexpectedly and comically punted Leif, excuse me, Roaming, across the room.
"I don't think he's really happy at all," David said, taking another cartoonish gulp of his beer.
Showing posts with label American. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Restaurant Alma
The visit to Restaurant Alma on my birthday courtesy of one of my best and oldest friends completed visits to all of the 2008 James Beard Foundation Award nominees from Minnesota. Brasa is the other restaurant owned by Alex Roberts, which we love.
The space was quite pleasant, albeit a bit louder than I expected. That said, despite the constant din it was possible to have a conversation at a normal level. It was also very easy to hear nearby tables' conversations. The layout of the space was perfect for the location with a bar, open kitchen, and adequately separated seating, along with a loft area for more diners and (I imagine) private events.
Alma does not have a full bar, but they do have an extensive wine list and a selection of beer. My patron unfortunately was not feeling well so we settled on glasses of gruner veltliner.
Alma arranges their menu as a three course tasting menu for USD 45, however all items are available a la carte as well. For our first course we both chose bison tartar, served with a few croquettes and capers on a lightly spiced sauce. It was gently seasoned and quite the experience.
For our second course we diverged. He had a pasta that I don't recall except I know it had sausage in it. It was good, but unremarkable. I had a light soup of sticky rice and roasted shiitake mushrooms in a coconut milk sauce with bok choy and shallots. The broth was pleasantly spicy and the dish as a whole was quite good.
For our third course we both chose the pheasant. It was served with glazed carrots and red potatoes with a carrot sauce. While it wasn't mind-blowing, it was perfectly prepared, reminiscent of a home-cooked meal. That is, if your mother was a professional chef.
Service was pleasant and swift. I'm going to take the time to note that all the servers with the exception of the man behind the bar pouring wine were female and noticeably attractive. The experience as a whole was enough to show why Alma is considered one of the best restaurants in the Midwest.
Website: http://www.restaurantalma.com/
The space was quite pleasant, albeit a bit louder than I expected. That said, despite the constant din it was possible to have a conversation at a normal level. It was also very easy to hear nearby tables' conversations. The layout of the space was perfect for the location with a bar, open kitchen, and adequately separated seating, along with a loft area for more diners and (I imagine) private events.
Alma does not have a full bar, but they do have an extensive wine list and a selection of beer. My patron unfortunately was not feeling well so we settled on glasses of gruner veltliner.
Alma arranges their menu as a three course tasting menu for USD 45, however all items are available a la carte as well. For our first course we both chose bison tartar, served with a few croquettes and capers on a lightly spiced sauce. It was gently seasoned and quite the experience.
For our second course we diverged. He had a pasta that I don't recall except I know it had sausage in it. It was good, but unremarkable. I had a light soup of sticky rice and roasted shiitake mushrooms in a coconut milk sauce with bok choy and shallots. The broth was pleasantly spicy and the dish as a whole was quite good.
For our third course we both chose the pheasant. It was served with glazed carrots and red potatoes with a carrot sauce. While it wasn't mind-blowing, it was perfectly prepared, reminiscent of a home-cooked meal. That is, if your mother was a professional chef.
Service was pleasant and swift. I'm going to take the time to note that all the servers with the exception of the man behind the bar pouring wine were female and noticeably attractive. The experience as a whole was enough to show why Alma is considered one of the best restaurants in the Midwest.
Website: http://www.restaurantalma.com/
112 Eatery
This is just a quick take, as the food I had there was a quick meal. It's a funny story, you should ask me about it sometime. Anyway, 112 Eatery is a place I've always been meaning to eat at and hadn't gotten the chance to. I got the chance to and was not disappointed. Late on a weekend night the restaurant was still busy but a spot was open at the bar. I had a lovely little chat with another patron who was there alone after ordering a USD 6 duck pate banh mi. Marinated olives and seasoned almonds came while I waited, and the sandwich was incredible.
112 is a particularly special place for many reasons. It keeps late hours to cater to the Warehouse District crowd and offers a wide range of price and menu options. I plan on trying it again when I get another chance.
Website: http://www.112eatery.com/
112 is a particularly special place for many reasons. It keeps late hours to cater to the Warehouse District crowd and offers a wide range of price and menu options. I plan on trying it again when I get another chance.
Website: http://www.112eatery.com/
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The Machine Shed
Just when I thought that I'd had my fill of farm-themed family restaurants, The Machine Shed came to prove me wrong again. Filled to the brim with effigies of cows, pigs, and other foodstuffs, walls lined with toy tractors (for sale at a reasonable price) and other tourist crap, The Machine Shed does not fail to be a corny slice of Americana.
Fortunately, it also does not fail to be delicious.
The meal offered to me was a barbecue beef sandwich with swiss cheese and chips on the side, served with fried mushrooms as an appetizer.
The fried mushrooms were by far the best I have ever eaten in my life. They were not the cute little button mushrooms of your grandpa's restaurant, no sir. These were some form of much larger mushroom (a little bigger than a silver dollar around) with a flakey, greasy, wonderful breading. They oozed a little when you bit into them. They came with a tangy orange sauce that I did not use, but imagined to be good as well.
The sandwhich was alright. It was on their "homemade" freshly baked bread, but the actual barbecue beef could have come out of a make-at-home microwavable tub. The chips weren't anything special either. They weren't bad, they just didn't "wow" me. Although really, after the mushrooms I don't think they could have.
The service wasn't great either. It was slow, and the waitress seemed to have better things to do. What was most offensive, however, was that when I requested a coke the waitress raised no complaint, but when she turned to leave she muttered, "Pepsi, right?" She was already walking away without seeing if I actually confirmed this to be my drink of choice. First, it was rude of her to ask and not actually wait for a response, second, I would have rather had tea than pepsi, if they didn't have cokes. This upset me.
I imagine, were I to go back to this fairly priced family eatery, I will not have that trouble again, however.
Fortunately, it also does not fail to be delicious.
The meal offered to me was a barbecue beef sandwich with swiss cheese and chips on the side, served with fried mushrooms as an appetizer.
The fried mushrooms were by far the best I have ever eaten in my life. They were not the cute little button mushrooms of your grandpa's restaurant, no sir. These were some form of much larger mushroom (a little bigger than a silver dollar around) with a flakey, greasy, wonderful breading. They oozed a little when you bit into them. They came with a tangy orange sauce that I did not use, but imagined to be good as well.
The sandwhich was alright. It was on their "homemade" freshly baked bread, but the actual barbecue beef could have come out of a make-at-home microwavable tub. The chips weren't anything special either. They weren't bad, they just didn't "wow" me. Although really, after the mushrooms I don't think they could have.
The service wasn't great either. It was slow, and the waitress seemed to have better things to do. What was most offensive, however, was that when I requested a coke the waitress raised no complaint, but when she turned to leave she muttered, "Pepsi, right?" She was already walking away without seeing if I actually confirmed this to be my drink of choice. First, it was rude of her to ask and not actually wait for a response, second, I would have rather had tea than pepsi, if they didn't have cokes. This upset me.
I imagine, were I to go back to this fairly priced family eatery, I will not have that trouble again, however.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Brasa Premium Rotisserie
Anyone who spends time in the Twin Cities knows that Northeast Minneapolis just isn't generally the nicest of places. This is life. Gunslinger would like to tell you it is a perfectly fine place to drop one's pants wherever one wants to, however this is not true.
That said, I have a few friends who live in the area so I end up spending time there whether I really want to or not. I've passed by Brasa many times, one of my usual dining companions and I have spoken of going there a few times, it just never happened.
I am glad we went and will be making future trips back. Brasa has a ridiculously inadequate parking lot, but there is plenty of nearby street parking available. The outside is reminiscent of the things it once was (reportedly a gas station/biker bar) by shape, but that is where the similarities end. The inside will remind one of Chipotle - bright, minimal, yet comfortable enough for a casual meal.
The menu is quite simple. One can order various quantities of locally, sustainably raised chicken or pork. There are various sides, and there are some simple combination options. Since this was our first visit, the three of us had a whole chicken and a few sides.
It was far too much food for us, but we tried to eat it all because it was lovely. The chicken was perfectly cooked, the right balance of moisture, very little fat, and crispy skin. The side of the day was a barley rice with vegetables and curry. We were given a sample of it and immediately decided to get more. We also had cheese grits, crispy yuca, and their creamed corn bread. I can't express enough how simply and perfectly prepared everything was. Our meals were washed down with fresh squeezed lemonade. For those who desire proper drinks, Brasa has a very carefully selected wine and beer selection.
The prices were more than fair given the goodness and quantities. We had enough to comfortably feed 5 people for less than USD 50, even after a generous tip to our perfect server.
It is also important to note that Brasa is able to offer this fantastic fare at good prices while making sure that the food is all-natural/organic, fair, and sustainable.
The restaurant itself was quite busy, which is good to see because we plan on going to Brasa relatively regularly.
Website: http://brasa.us/
That said, I have a few friends who live in the area so I end up spending time there whether I really want to or not. I've passed by Brasa many times, one of my usual dining companions and I have spoken of going there a few times, it just never happened.
I am glad we went and will be making future trips back. Brasa has a ridiculously inadequate parking lot, but there is plenty of nearby street parking available. The outside is reminiscent of the things it once was (reportedly a gas station/biker bar) by shape, but that is where the similarities end. The inside will remind one of Chipotle - bright, minimal, yet comfortable enough for a casual meal.
The menu is quite simple. One can order various quantities of locally, sustainably raised chicken or pork. There are various sides, and there are some simple combination options. Since this was our first visit, the three of us had a whole chicken and a few sides.
It was far too much food for us, but we tried to eat it all because it was lovely. The chicken was perfectly cooked, the right balance of moisture, very little fat, and crispy skin. The side of the day was a barley rice with vegetables and curry. We were given a sample of it and immediately decided to get more. We also had cheese grits, crispy yuca, and their creamed corn bread. I can't express enough how simply and perfectly prepared everything was. Our meals were washed down with fresh squeezed lemonade. For those who desire proper drinks, Brasa has a very carefully selected wine and beer selection.
The prices were more than fair given the goodness and quantities. We had enough to comfortably feed 5 people for less than USD 50, even after a generous tip to our perfect server.
It is also important to note that Brasa is able to offer this fantastic fare at good prices while making sure that the food is all-natural/organic, fair, and sustainable.
The restaurant itself was quite busy, which is good to see because we plan on going to Brasa relatively regularly.
Website: http://brasa.us/
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Fabulous Fern's Bar & Grill
My companion and I had just left Mass at The Cathedral of St. Paul, a truly beautiful church if you haven't been, and were looking for somewhere to have brunch. We drove along Selby Ave. for about a half mile from the Cathedral to see a sign that said "Brunch now being served" We stopped in, and I am very glad we did. The establishment is reminiscent of early 1900's France, with a modern, Minnesota neighborhood feel. We were seated promptly, even at 11:45AM, after the 10:00 AM High Mass.
The food at Fern's is, simply put, wonderful. We both ordered their tomato basil omelette, and agreed that never before had we had a better egg dish. The eggs were cooked to perfection, with a perfect combination of tomato and basil, and topped with feta cheese. Along side the omelette were cheese hash browns, a generous piece of banana bread, and a cup of fresh fruit. All of this for a pleasant 8.95! I was blown away when they served us our meal, I was expecting something along the lines of Perkins, which for 8.95 serves a lonely omelette on a plate with toast. Not at Fern's, they delivered a true treat, lots of food, and all of it was delicious.
Despite the amazing food, the serving staff was largely inadequate. They took our order quickly, and our food arrived quickly, but they were slow with everything else. The server came by once after the beginning of our meal, and once after we had largely finished. We had both ordered coffee (which was quite good), and had no chance to ask for refills before we had finished, leaving us with cold coffee, and worse still, cold coffee that cost an insane $2.25.
Other than a slow waiting staff (which may not have been their fault) and a ridiculously high price for one and a half cups of coffee, I recommend Fern's wholeheartedly.
http://www.fabulousferns.com
Monday, November 5, 2007
Brine's Bar and Grill
Brine's Bar and Grill located in Stillwater Minnesota is one of my very favorite places to eat. While its menu is very German-American and quite simple, The food they serve is very good and very reasonable, wallet-wise.
Stillwater is an old city, the first city in Minnesota actually, they celebrate their sesquicentennial next year. Brine's is located in a 137 year old building, giving it a quaint yet distinguished look. The restaurant itself is also old, as far as restaurants in the area go, at 58 years. It began as a butcher shop, (and continues today at a location on the south hill of Stillwater) and the history of good cuts of meat has propelled this restaurant to make fine burgers and sandwiches.
My usual fare at Brines is the Mushroom-Swiss burger, a signature item they make to perfection. The burger itself costs around $4.00, with a choice of fries, salad or soup for a nominal extra fee. The normal cost of an entire meal is just under $8.00. They serve a variety of beers, both local and imports, have an all day salad bar, and make some very good soups. (I tried their beer-cheese the other day, and I could really smell the lager coming off of it.)
If you're looking for cheap, but really good American fare, Brine's is the place to be. There are some fancier restaurants in downtown Stillwater, which shall be written up soon I am sure, (among which are La Luna Rosa and the Dock Cafe) but Brine's is an establishment not to be missed on your day trip to Stillwater.
Here is their website for your convenience
Stillwater is an old city, the first city in Minnesota actually, they celebrate their sesquicentennial next year. Brine's is located in a 137 year old building, giving it a quaint yet distinguished look. The restaurant itself is also old, as far as restaurants in the area go, at 58 years. It began as a butcher shop, (and continues today at a location on the south hill of Stillwater) and the history of good cuts of meat has propelled this restaurant to make fine burgers and sandwiches.
My usual fare at Brines is the Mushroom-Swiss burger, a signature item they make to perfection. The burger itself costs around $4.00, with a choice of fries, salad or soup for a nominal extra fee. The normal cost of an entire meal is just under $8.00. They serve a variety of beers, both local and imports, have an all day salad bar, and make some very good soups. (I tried their beer-cheese the other day, and I could really smell the lager coming off of it.)
If you're looking for cheap, but really good American fare, Brine's is the place to be. There are some fancier restaurants in downtown Stillwater, which shall be written up soon I am sure, (among which are La Luna Rosa and the Dock Cafe) but Brine's is an establishment not to be missed on your day trip to Stillwater.
Here is their website for your convenience
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