Bachelorette party...dinner ideas in Minneapolis

Everyone seems to like Solera. I have yet to go there. I heard they have movies on the roof in the summer. Ah summer....how I miss thee!

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Solera
900 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

elle.eats in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Bachelorette party...dinner ideas in Minneapolis

Chino Latino did come to mind...I guess I wasn't super impressed for the $ when I went there a couple of years ago. It might be time to try it again...I do remember it being rather festive.

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Chino Latino
2916 Hennepin Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408

elle.eats in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Chain restaurants...enough said [Moved from Midwest Board]

Since moving from the Lindstrom area to St. Paul I have become something of a chain restaurant hater. When I moved to St. Paul, I was more than happy to say goodbye to Applebees, Perkins and the like. However, the other day I found myself craving the sour cream dip (for waffle fries) at Champps. Now let me tell you...I was appalled! I'm just curious if anyone else has a particular chain restaurant menu item they find particularly delicious. I also have uncontrollable cravings for McDonalds fries...but that's another post :) Or, perhaps, someone has a particular chain restaurant that really bugs them? I think my most hated chain restaurants would have to be Perkins, Baker's Square and Applebees. I just don't think these restaurants excel in anything. I can't remember ever eating anything decent and I almost always walk away wishing I had just slapped something together at home. Thoughts?

elle.eats in Chains

San Marzano tomatoes [MSP]

Wow - you are way more industrious than me! I really do think the tomatoes make all the difference. I make the same pasta sauce recipe every couple weeks and one day I used San Marzano tomatoes and it tasted like a completely different recipe - much more flavorful.

elle.eats in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Minneapolis / St. Paul: Reception Venue

I'm also planning my wedding reception and I have gotten several recommendations for Solera. I have yet to check it out so I'm really not sure on prices...

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Solera
900 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

elle.eats in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Bachelorette party...dinner ideas in Minneapolis

Hi everyone,

I am beginning to plot my bachelorette party and I was thinking maybe you all might have some ideas of where to go for dinner. Ideally I would like the restaurant to be in the vicinity of a variety of bar options so we don't have to go far to get the party started :) So...I was thinking maybe downtown Minneapolis or Uptown - though I am not super familiar with the offerings of Uptown (I'm a St. Paul girl). I like most food with the exception of sushi. I would appreciate any bar suggestions as well. Thanks!

elle.eats in Minneapolis-St. Paul

San Marzano tomatoes [MSP]

That might be the brand I used to get at the Roseville Cub...until I came in one day and was horrified to find it gone! I didn't think that particular version was too expensive either...and was very yummy!

elle.eats in Minneapolis-St. Paul

San Marzano tomatoes [MSP]

I also prefer the canned tuna - at least in Nicoise salad. Sigh. I guess it's probably worth the extra dough. I can't keep acquiring expensive food habits like this - I'll go broke :)

elle.eats in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Kolaches in MSP/St. Paul

I confess, I don't think I have ever even had one, but my Dad gets all dreamy when he recalls the prune kolaches from when he was a kid. i have to see what all the fuss is about! :)

elle.eats in Minneapolis-St. Paul

San Marzano tomatoes [MSP]

This is sort of unrelated, but I don't suppose either of you have tried the tuna from Gustiamo? I love Nicoise salad, but many of the recipes call for what I would call "fancy" tuna in olive oil. I can't recall the brands that are recommended, but I have really only ever encountered the typical supermarket varieties. I'd rather not spend an arm and a leg on tuna for one salad? Does anyone know of any decent and semi-affordable canned tuna options? I suppose I really should add this as a separate post....

Thanks for all the helpful comments!

elle.eats in Minneapolis-St. Paul

San Marzano tomatoes [MSP]

I've never even seen the ones in the white can. I will have to get out more :)

elle.eats in Minneapolis-St. Paul

San Marzano tomatoes [MSP]

Thanks! I can't believe I missed the ones at Kowalskis. I haven't been to the cheese shop you mention, but I have been meaning to check it out.

elle.eats in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Kolaches in MSP/St. Paul

Thanks! I had actually forgotten that Kramarczuk had pastries...for some reason I only remembered them having meats/cheese type products...

elle.eats in Minneapolis-St. Paul

San Marzano tomatoes [MSP]

Thanks - I plan on stocking up!

elle.eats in Minneapolis-St. Paul

San Marzano tomatoes [MSP]

I admit it, I have an obsession with San Marzano tomatoes. They are much too expensive for regular use, but sometimes I can't help myself. Recently my regular grocery store (Cub- Roseville) stopped carrying them. I have checked Whole Foods and I thought I recalled seeing them at Lunds once upon a time, but I'm not sure if they're still there. Does anyone know where, in or around St. Paul, I might find these?

Thanks!

elle.eats in Minneapolis-St. Paul