eburke91's Profile
alma recs? [MSP]
I would severely recommend the bibb/radish/mint salad with calamari.
I honestly believe it's one of the most beautiful salads I've ever had the luxury of eating. Wait at least 30 seconds before each bite - the layers will surprise you.
The lamb is phenomenal as well as the gnocci.
Cheeky Monkey [MSP] now open!
Cheeky Monkey has been a staple since it opened as I'm a few blocks away - however I have to say I'm not a fan of the switch to a full service operation at dinner time.
It lost a bit of it's charm with that. I still go often enough for lunch but I loved just popping in for a quick dinner bite and having it feel like a cafe as opposed to a regular restaurant.
Victor's 1959 Cafe (MSP) - Is Jfood missing something?
I concur.
I went for breakfast once as a good friend of mine raved about the dia y noches which seems simple and almost impossible to screw up.
Although it wasn't terrible, it certainly didn't live up to the expectations it was ballooned up to be.
It fell flat. I know I'll get thrown to the wolves for this comment, but I just don't expect much out of 'ethnic' food in the twin cities. Sure, there are a lot of options, but few are worthy of mention and I've pretty much tried them all. (Though I do have to mention that Ruam Mit is some of the better thai I've had that wasn't eaten within the boundaries of the country itself)
Surly Darkness on tap? - MSP
I have given up on food at the happy gnome.
I'm within walking distance to the place and I want to love the food, but I just can't.
Much of it sounds great on paper, but just fails in execution.
I will say (and I preface this with admitting I'm no connoisseur), but I absolutely love their wings.
I rarely ever eat wings, but for some reason their version does it for me if I'm in the mood for bar food.
Surly Darkness on tap? - MSP
The happy gnome
the muddy pig
any of the bulldog options would be a likely option
blue door
I just had two at the gnome last night
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Muddy Pig
162 Dale St N, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Happy Gnome
498 Selby Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Restaurant Alma [MSP]
get the mezzaluna.
you won't be disappointed.
stay away from the swordfish - you will be disappointed
Good Eating Spots in Downtown Minneapolis?
I wish they'd bring the short rib back.
And I agree entirely with how that kitchen is run. In fact, that entire restaurant is a tightly run ship.
the thing I appreciate with them over some of the other notable restaurants in the TC (112, LBV, even Bar La Grassa has a bit of the bloated head syndrome already) is every time I've been there (even on a bustling night) I've always noticed how everyone gets treated as though they matter a great deal. It's the little things that count to make a dining experience great.
Good Eating Spots in Downtown Minneapolis?
a bit of a walk (but a very cheap cab ride) is across the bridge to Alma.
After years of having 112 be my default, Alma has surely stolen me away; especially with their level of service.
Granted I will say there are some misses on their menu (like their current swordfish offering, as well as the shrimp ceviche) for my palate; but their mezzaluna is probably the single greatest pasta dish I've had in the twin cities and ranks in the top 10 of any pasta dish I've ever eaten (and I've lived/eaten pretty much everywhere)
Also, a fantastic cheese selection and I have to say it's the best wine by the glass offering I've seen here in the twin cities.
MSP - 112 Eatery: been there this week?
Many of the staff members from 112 have made their way to Isaac's new efforts at BLG.
It seems they've 'cherry picked' some of the more seasoned staff from 112 to get BLG up and running as smoothly as possible as a new restaurant.
Bar La Grassa:6 Days in, pretty smooth, greatness potential definitely there. [msp]
I've been a few times now and think they need to refine/eliminate some options from the menu.
it seems too ambitious and unfocused; which I'm surprised about considering who all is involved on this 'project'.
There are some hits and pasta is obviously a strong point at this spot.
I might be in the minority here but I actually don't like the renovations to the space. Let me clarify; I think the space is beautiful, however I think it clashes with the food and the 'theme' here.
All in all I think after 6-9 months of refinement and getting a solidified menu down it could be something really nice. But as of now there's a few other spots around town I wouldn't mind going to first.
MSP - 112 Eatery: been there this week?
I've been a few times since the opening of bar la grassa and quality of the food doesn't seem to have diminished too much, but service has.
You can tell the major players have all moved over to the new space leaving the staff at 112 a bit green.
Personally though I feel like this has been an issue with them in the last 12-16 months and have seen their staff/service continually dwindle down in quality and some of the food has started to as well. (granted, they always have the staples of the scallops/burger/stringozzi/tagliatelle which never disappoint)
