Restaurant Week 2008 Wrap-Up

Bottom line is, I failed on this one by not doing it sooner. In fact, we're back-logged in general. Anyway, we went to Masa on Thursday and D'Amico Cucina on Friday. Both were fantastic. Here's what I can remember:

Masa: Food and service were superb. Portion sizes were surprisingly generous. Drinks were the best around - fresh margaritas and mojitos. At a later visit, the bartender taught us the secrets of making a good mojito.

D'Amico Cucina: Food was good, service was absolutely stellar.

Restaurant Week 2009 is only a few months away. We're going to try to keep this up better in general.

Links:

http://www.mspmag.com//

http://www.damico.com/frame.asp?s=visit&ss=cucina&ft=d

http://www.masa-restaurant.com/

El Burrito Mercado

El Burrito Mercado is a place I had been meaning to go to for a while and simply hadn't made it to. it was chosen today by my friend who decided it would be a nice place to go for my birthday lunch. At 1 PM on a Sunday the parking lot was quite full. outside a tent was set up and a man was grilling food. The brightly colored building attracts many people for various reasons. There is the market itself, El Cafe, and then a cafeteria style fast dining section.

We went to the cafeteria line and were greeted with a simple selection. I had the burrito platter and it was wonderful. The tortilla itself was crisp and flaky yet soft and buttery. Inside I chose the Carne Asada and all of the other usual fillings. At El Burrito Mercado, Carne Asada means skirt steak perfectly prepared. Even with a bit of a line, service was quick and seating was available.

If this write-up seems short, it's because it is. El Burrito Mercado is a lovely place to get a lot of food for a low price. If you happen to be in St. Paul's "Little Mexico" area, go there instead of your usual Chipotle.

I do of course plan on going back and seeing what else the building has to offer.

Website: http://www.elburritomercado.com