Honestly, I'm not sure

their phone ahead policy is not as good as it used to be...you can put your name on the list, but the wait doesn't start until you show up.

On the other end of the spectrum, I would advise you to avoid this place at all cost. We went there about a year ago (I think based on Dara's rec) and were horribly disappointed. I could say the service was bad, but it was more non-existent. We could barely get the server to take our order, and ended up being there an hour and a half/two hours with only ordering entrees. The food did nothing to redeem it. Even though we ordered spicy, it was so bland as to have an unpleasant texture. In our book, there is nothing redeeming about this place, and we've since talked to others who had a similar experience.

They're still pretty busy most of the time, but if you come early/late you can get in without too much trouble. Now that the patio is open, waiting isn't as much of a hassle as it is when the temperature drops.

I've never heard of it! Any input on how they compare to Broder's (my Italian go-to in MSP)?

I've never looked at it in that respect, so thanks for clarifying. I would argue that shouldn't be relevant here, because several of the other categories are awarded based off of something the restaurant wouldn't advertise itself for. Does Sea Change advertise as a seafood restaurant? Yes. Does Kings Wine Bar advertise itself as a "first date destination"? Not to my knowledge. I would think that Vegetarian Friendly would translate to "significant portion of the menu does not contain meat," not necessarily calling vegetarian out as a unique cuisine/niche.

Db, can you clarify why they wouldn't be thought of?

Still thinking :)

Also, there are entire cuisines that are very veggie friendly. Indian and Ethiopian will have a wide variety of veggie options for the vegetarian who doesn't want the one celeriac dish on the menu.

Seasonal menus are also a consideration. Broder's is generally quite veggie friendly in the spring/summer, but less so in the fall/winter.

Also, Bravo, much like Evergreen, does everything on their menu vegetarian.

Depends on your criteria. We talking middle to upscale dining with a locavore spin? Because there are places that are decent food but certainly don't fit into the "fine" category. Evergreen Chinese can make just about everything vegetarian if you are in the mood for take-out style Chinese. Likewise, Bulldog is willing to put their "no-dog" on any of their regular offerings.

My husband and I will be in DC over Memorial Day weekend, which happens to coincide with his birthday. Ethiopian is one of his favorite cuisines and I've heard DC has some of the best in the country. Where is a "not to miss." Since this is a birthday dinner, we're open on price.

The "Best Vegetarian" category is one that needs to be revisited on every list I've seen. I was a vegetarian for 15 years, and it really annoyed me that a place would be named "best vegetarian" and only have one vegetarian option on the menu!

This looks excellent, and a little more affordable than Cooks of Crocus Hill (didn't even ask Kitchen Window).

This is a good idea...but our kitchen isn't really group friendly. I'll keep it in mind if I can find a friend with a large kitchen!

My husband's birthday is coming up and we are considering a cooking class as a party. Where should we consider? I see that Cooks of Crocus Hill and Kitchen Window do private events. Anyone else we should be looking at?
Some requirements: my husband would want a hands on experience, not just demonstration. We would like to avoid sea food. Probably a smaller group, around 10 people.

I have to agree with you...we have been Harmony Valley members for 5-6 years now. While there are certain vegetables we dread (I'm looking at you, celeriac), we also get some varietals that would either be difficult to acquire, or prohibitively expensive, if we were shopping at a retail venue. (Purple potatoes, black tomatoes, garlic scapes). Not to mention quality is often significantly better.
While it is probably not strictly cost effective, I see it as an investment in diversity. A farmer's market model is capitalistic- if you can't sell it, you can't grow it. A CSA model allows a farm to experiment with something that may not pay out for the first couple of years, or choose less productive (but tastier) heirloom varieties.

Whew, I didn't realize this would cause such a storm! You are right though...I am looking for a restaurant that the staff doesn't sigh when we walk in the door and the other diners will be irritated just from a child being there. My friend, the mother, is also an exceptionally accommodating person and would never tell me if she thought a place wasn't going to work...I want to avoid making assumptions that I don't have the context to fully grasp from lack of experience.

There are lots of good suggestions here...thanks everyone for all your help!

What is the balance between bustling and too loud for a kid? Is a place like Masu too loud, or perfect for covering up a fussy baby?

I eat everything and anything (and I am also collecting a list of places for future outings with said child). Looking to keep the price point under $20 a plate. Though if we're avoiding fine dining that probably won't be a problem.

My birthday is this Thurs and a friend of mine will be joining me...as will her 2 month old. I have NO child experience. We are looking for a place to have a nice dinner with 4 adults and the infant. I live in Richfield, she is in Rosemount, so I am hoping for something in the south metros, either Minneapolis or St Paul. I eat anything and want to avoid traditional child havens, such as generic chains or suburb fare.

Mitch...I think you and I must have the same itinerary! I was at the WA Frost lounge last weekend and was impressed with how cozy it was. Definitely a destination when you want to go out, but have a low key time.
Also, spent yesterday afternoon hanging at Glam Doll. Yummy donuts and comfy seating make for a place you can linger.

Not that big- 6 or less. Was thinking Fika for lunch as was hoping for a different dinner location :)

I am planning a group outing explore local Scandinavian heritage. We are going to hit up Ingebretsen's, the American Swedish Institute and Lavvu Coffee House. However, we are missing a dinner locale. Bachelor Farmer is already booked. Any other recommendations?

On a separate, but related, note...we got the BBQ beef banh mi from Lu's at 26th and Nicollet this weekend...excellent sandwich all around.

Wow, that sounds like a completely different dish than we got! The texture on ours was more like a roasted chicken, which surprised us as we have only had textures that are more rubbery and chewy.

The octopus really stood out for us. They have a unique way of cooking it so the texture completely different from any other preparation.

I've seen it at Broder's and France 44.

Thanks for posting this! My husband and I were regulars right after they opened, since we lived in Bloomington at the time. Since then we moved and it became inconvenient to head all the way over there- then in casual conversation a friend mentioned they had a change in ownership and went seriously downhill. We took his word and never bothered to follow up. Maybe we'll need to stop back in and verify for ourselves.

I love their sandwiches. However, I have been reluctant to recommend them as their prices are going steadily up. Clancy's is on par cost wise, but the portions justify their price. I know they are using high quality ingredients, but they are becoming less of a go-to and more of an occasional treat.
(Also, I got their chef's choice/surprise once and they put potato chips on it. Surprisingly delicious!)

Oooh, good call...Brasa's veggie black bean fritter is amazing.

Clancy's Roast Beef