Looking for Pickled Parrot 24 Karat Gold Margarita recipe [Moved from Minneapolis-St. Paul Board]

Great idea, except the restaurant is out of business. Which is why I think we're both looking for the recipe.

I think we were sorta hoping a bartender from one of their locations would stumble on this thread...

s4zando in Spirits

Looking for Pickled Parrot 24 Karat Gold Margarita recipe [Moved from Minneapolis-St. Paul Board]

Me too! Any luck!?

Anyone?

s4zando in Spirits

Toppers pizza St Paul

Are you kidding me!?

That pizza is just horrendous! Check out the Yelp! reviews (one of which was mine). Seriously, the owners need to stop using recycled pizza frozen pizza cardboard rounds for their dough and learn how to make real pizza dough or they're gonna go down fast.

Freschetta isn't lying when they say their frozen pizza is better than take out - especially THIS take out.

s4zando in Minneapolis-St. Paul

St. Paul Breakfast / Brunch Places

So, ok, this isn't St. Paul, but Blue Plate Group just opened The Lowry in the old Hollywood Video location on Hennepin Ave, just stone's throw south of Franklin.

I've eaten breakfast there a few times and have been pretty damn happy with each meal. I'd definitely recommend this spot. It's worth the drive, and not too terribly far from St. Paul if you're driving...

Also notable, since you're across the river, is the Isles Bun and Coffee Shop - which coincidentally - is right on the way to another favorite breakfast spot in Minneapolis, Zumbro Cafe in Linden Hills, but I digress so far off this thread that it's just plain silly.

Please accept my apologies. I'll head back home to St. Paul.

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Zumbro Cafe
2803 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410

Isles Bun & Coffee
1424 W 28th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408

The Lowry
2112 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405

s4zando in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Grampa Tony's - New Management

Ate here once since the ownership change and was quite disappointed in the altered pizza recipe.

I always thought that the Tony's Special was was of the most perfect pizzas in the Twin Cities. The crust is definitely different, and there were other changes (sausage wasn't as good, etc)...

I haven't been back since, and probably won't be until/unless the old recipes are returned. Sorry Joan, [warning, cover the kids' eyes] f'n with success is just a dumb thing to do..

s4zando in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Looking for fresh homemade pasta in St Paul area

+1 on Broder's, and gildeddawn is right, limited pasta styles - fet and ling. I've often subbed those for recipes calling for spag.

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Broders Cucina Italiana
2308 W 50th St, Minneapolis, MN 55410

s4zando in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Your Help is Needed - Homi Restaurante - St. Paul

I just tried the Goditas last night. I had the chicken and the pork, both were quite good.

My go-to favorite is the chicken enchiladas rojas (red sauce). The enchis are kind of spicy with the red sauce - which I like.

My usual tablemate there really likes the traditional tacos (just the meat, cilantro, and fresh onion).

We both like the Jaritos Toronja (grapefruit) soda pop.

Honestly, I haven't had anything I haven't liked.

With regards to the construction on University, remember that they have parking behind the restaurant. So enter from the back, off of Victoria... You can take the I-94 frontage road, turn north onto Victoria, and turn into their parking lot off of the alley, just south of University. No mus, no fuss!

s4zando in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Your Help is Needed - Homi Restaurante - St. Paul

All:

My partner and I enjoyed another outstanding meal at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in St. Paul called Homi.

During our meal, we found out that they had been broken into in the middle of the night this past week and had many things stolen. Obviously cash was taken, but so was their cash register! Their TV was torn off the wall, and most heartbreaking for a small restauranteur, some of their precious kitchen appliances were taken! (Seriously. *Who* does that!? That's like stealing a poor man's fishing pole.)

This is a very small (~10 table), family run business, trying to make a go of it on University Avenue. They could really use some more customers. Hearing about crimes like this happening to folks like this just tears at my gut. So as I was enjoying my meal, I vowed to try to do something to help these folks out.

I have a big favor to ask of everyone here. If you like Mexican food, and believe that the little guy sometimes needs a hand, please do *yourself* a favor and give Homi a try very soon. I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't think my Chowhound foodie buds wouldn't enjoy it. The close to 40 Yelp! reviews are not wrong. (http://www.yelp.com/biz/homi-mexican-st-paul-2) These folks do some spectacular, simple, home style, Mexican food. No mariachis, no margaritas, no fountains, or colored lighting. Just really good food served up by the owners and their family.

I swear you'll hate me for turning you on to another great little joint.

Thanks for hearing me out.

./s4z

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Homi Restaurante Mexicano
864 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55104

s4zando in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Waffles?

Whoo hoo for the Bacon Waffle! One of life's little treats... *sigh*

BTW, you can ask for Real Maple Syrup for +$1. Why wouldn't you?

s4zando in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Breakfast places in Twin Cities

Sorry folks, I just don't get what the lovefest for Hell's Kitchen is... Yes, it's kind of "fun", but damn IT"S SOOO OVERPRICED for what you get. I don't care that you hand peeled the peanuts to make your homemade peanut butter (and honestly, it isn't that good - and I'm a peanut butter snob.) (oh and BTW, HK Staff, your sign out front does not display IRONY, it's a "conundrum", a "paradox" , or an "enigma" - or something else. It def is not ironic.

I have an opposite issue with Keys. Servings are way too big and they cost too much. Seriously... Let's be realistic. Just because you want to raise prices doesn't mean you need to give me more food. ugh.

I'm an Al's lover and I completely understand everyone's complaints about Al's. You're right. Some of the servers can be rude. It's cramped. It's hot in the summer. It's not about being comfortable and taking your time. What it is though, is why people like it. It's VERY GOOD FOOD, reasonably priced with reasonable serving sizes (not a pile of food, but also not a dollop.)

OK, I'm finished ranting.

Want a GOOD cinnamon roll or pecan roll? Go to The Isles (I recommend plenty of extra frosting!)

My other fave's:
Hot Plate
Cap's
Colossal Cafe

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Hell's Kitchen
80 South 9th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402

Al's Breakfast
413 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Hot Plate
5204 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417

Cap's Grille
5000 Hiawatha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417

Colossal Cafe
1839 E 42nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Keys Cafe
767 Raymond Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55114

Isles Bun & Coffee
1424 W 28th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408

s4zando in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Breakfast places in Twin Cities

So I'm confused - are you a Waffle House hater or lover?

s4zando in Minneapolis-St. Paul

single best pizza in MSP/ No Time To Research Chow Archives

Grampa Tony's Pizza
Tony's Special

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Grampa Tony's Pizza
631 Snelling Ave S, Saint Paul, MN 55116

s4zando in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Restaurants everyone loves--except you

The only two items I *really* like form Cecils are the cole slaw and the potato salad. I'll take those to go thank you (on my way over to Big Daddy's for some BBQ).

I'll eat there once in a great while, but I agree, not the best food or presentation there of. On the other hand, I can't complain since know what I'm getting (in as much as price, quality, quantity) so I can't get upset - I go in with eyes wide open.

s4zando in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Need suggestions for a place to eat lunch near Energy Park Drive and Snelling in St. Paul

Maverick's Roast Beef

Best roast beef sandwiches in the twin cities BY A COUNTRY MILE.

Casual. Easy. Relatively quick.

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Mavericks
1746 Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113

s4zando in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Restaurants everyone loves--except you

+1

I agree.

Horrible dining experience there last spring. Food OK. Service was atrocious.

s4zando in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Caramel Rolls

A thread like this really needs to include Isles Bun & Coffee in Minneapolis and Bread & Chocolate in St. Paul. Different styles of rolls, both are generally pretty damn good though.

I'd say more, but my fingers are covered in caramel. :)

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Bread & Chocolate
867 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

Isles Bun & Coffee
1424 W 28th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408

s4zando in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Calling all Pie Ladies (or Pie Fellas or friends of said artists) - MSP/southern MN

Wouldn't Marjorie Johnson be a good candidiate? (maybe overly exposed press-wise), but she certainly has racked up the blue ribbons for her baking and cooking. I bet she has a few pies under her belt...

You could look into Betty's Pies in Mahtomedi (White Bear Lake).

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Betty's Pies
700 Wildwood Rd, Saint Paul, MN

s4zando in General Midwest Archive

DSM: Notable Downtown Dining Options

DSM Foodies...

A friend and I are road-tripping to Des Moines on Friday to catch a band at a downtown area club. (We're staying at the Renaissance Savery Hotel - Go Priceline!)

We'd like to find some place around the downtown area for dinner. Here's the other criteria:
Good food, Good service, Interesting (decor and/or food and/or location, etc.), Not a chain or something easily obtained in the Twin Cities (no Famous Dave's or Bucca), Price is not an object, but for the sake of discussion let's not get crazy (somewhere around 3-4 $'s out of 5), Not too difficult to get in in or get a reso (we're going 1/23/09), No particular style - we're open to ideas, What embodies DSM? (KC=BBQ (and beef))

We're also interested in ideas for Breakfast on Saturday - No holds barred on this. Can be DSM or northward towrds the TC's. Oh hell, for a *GOOD* breakfast. we'll travel anywhere...

Hit me with your best shots...

Thanks in advance,

./s4z

s4zando in General Midwest Archive

MSP: biz casual lunch along 94 corridor

Not *real* close to 94, but how about something along Washington Ave overin the warehouse district... YOu can kinda slide in from the West off of 94... I'm thikning Monte Carlo or Be'Wiched...

s4zando in General Midwest Archive

MSP: Where can I find a "perfect" classic french omelette?

Fellow Chowhounders:

It struck me this morning while I was enjoying a herb and brie omelette at one of my favorite breakfast spots that I don't think I've ever experienced a perfect, classic french omelette. (sure, I've had some attempts, but I don't think I've had one that nailed the french omelette dead to center.)

So how did I get to this topic?

One of the things that I noticed with my herb omelette (and one of my pet peeves with virtually every breakfast joint) is the lack of basic salt and pepper seasoning for the eggs. ("hey, you're the chef, part of your job is to provide 'proper' seasoning!"). Once I had gotten over the fact that my herb omelette was missing basic seasoning, I started to notice it's other "flaws", which got me to wondering "Where in the Twin Cities could I find a perfect, classic french omelette?" Is there a chef in these towns who possesses the tools, the skills, and the knowledge to cook a perfect french omelette in a restaurant setting? If so, who is he/she, and where/when could I sample their proficiency?

[For those who don't know better (and I assume that most of the regular foodies here are in the know), a classic french omelette is far different that those half-moon monstrosities that you find at most american diners and restaurants. The french omelette is delicate, and very basically seasoned. The eggs need to be fresh and the butter needs to be high grade. It may have some additonal items like a little cheese or herbs, etc., but it won't be stuffed to over flowing. The egg is the star here.]

So fellow MSP foodies, do any of you have any suggestions on where to find a perfect french omelette? Do I really have to go to France?

Many thanks in advance.

./s4z

s4zando in General Midwest Archive

MSP: Where do you like for brunch?

My vote is for Jay's Cafe on Raymond in St. Paul. The Carmel Apple French Toast is close to the best execution of "spin on french toast" that I've had. It's small, quiet, and comfy (the restaurant, not teh french toast!). Their other menu items are decent as well. I like the fact that the menu isn't all "the same old breakfast stuff".

So while the cattle line up out the door half a block down at Keys, I walk right in and sit right down at Jay's (not Alice's :) and have a better meal, in a quieter, less crowded establishment at just about the same price (if not for a little less).

My runner up is Modern Cafe over in Minneapolis' NE. The Pot Roast Hash topped with two poached eggs is darn close to heaven.

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Keys Cafe
Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis, MN

Jay's Cafe
St. Paul, mn, St Paul, mn

s4zando in General Midwest Archive

MSP: Chow Mein

I really like Golden Chow Mein on W 7th!

I used to be a big fan (still am technically) of Hope's Chow Mein in Richfield, but it generally is too inconveinient to get to, so a few years ago I went on a hunt for a "suitable" replacement... They have a couple groupings of Chow Mein on their menu board. Stick with the "Made to order" chow mein. I'm partial to the Special Chicken - It's the closest thing I've found to Hope's.

The pork fried rice is phenominal - I'm continually stunned at the amount of pork they put in the fried rice. The sesame chicken is really good too. They have a tendancy to be heavy handed on the sauce, so I request "easy on the sauce". Egg rolls are house made and are pretty good too.

One of the owners mans the front of the operation and is one of the quirkiest and fun folks I've come across in my dining adventures. If you're familiar with show MadTV, you'll know what I mean when I say, "Miss Swan". She's genuinely appreciative of your business and is one of the reasons I keep coming back.

s4zando in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Christmas Day, MSP

I tend to agree with Seige - mostly in that the best place to look for Christmas day meals will probably be hotel based restaurants. Maybe check into the Nicollet Island Inn, Chambers, the W, places like that that have restaurants of generally high regard.

s4zando in General Midwest Archive

MSP - Breakfast Reccomendation

Hey all... Just had breakfast (again) at Jay's Cafe (http://www.jays-cafe.com) in St. Paul. I'm a sworn Al's Breakfast regular and fan, but I have to profess my newfound love for Jay's Carmel Apple French Toast. Yummm.

My gosh, I thought that the french toast at the Bryant Lake Bowl and Sunnyside Up Cafe ranked as number one and two in the Twin Cities, but I think I have a new number one - Jay's.

Check it out and add your thoughts.

./s4z

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Jay's Cafe
St. Paul, mn, St Paul, mn

s4zando in General Midwest Archive

MSP - Chef's Table in Kitchen

L: What's the cost of the dinner? Does it include wine or is that extra? Do you know if they have a corking fee?

s4zando in General Midwest Archive

MSP - Chef's Table in Kitchen

I think you nailed it... It's Vincent.

Thanks much!

s4zando in General Midwest Archive

MSP-A quiet, intimate bar?

Well, obviously I'd steer clear of popular DT locales. Maybe Nicollet Island Inn or 20.21 or B.A.N.K or Napa Valley Grille at the MOA?

I guess I'd lean into the Nic Isle Inn....

s4zando in General Midwest Archive

MSP - Chef's Table in Kitchen

I'm trying to plan special dinner for 6. (3 of six all have birthdays with in 6 days. 2 on the same day!)

Would like to do a chef's table in a restaurant kitchen.

Last Thursday (10/30/08) or Friday (10/30/08) Twin Cities Live on Channel 5 mentioned a restaurant with a 6 seat chef's table for $125 per person in their "Steal and Splurge" segment.

Any one know which restaurant that was? or does anyone have any suggestions for similar "splurges" (since this definately ain't a steal)?

Thanks!

./s4z

s4zando in General Midwest Archive

MSP A Challenge! Breakfast spot central to...

Trust me, I didn't forget about Bon Vie! Next to Al's it ties as one of my faves. (and I don't have to cross the river to get there!)

s4zando in General Midwest Archive