bworp's Profile
MSP- MSP Mag Best BBQ
gutgrease covered his argument on chanis with point number: 2) It is a successful business model (not necessarily good food) that thrived on business sense, and not the food
The McDonalds argument.
In relation to bbq and chains, I'm always happy when I see catered food is Famous Dave's, nothing negative to say about the garbage pail lid platter.
pizza stone?
I have 2 Pampered Chef stones for almost 2 years, a round one and rectangle, both work great and are now well "seasoned"
MSP - Daytime bar stops?
The Muddy Pig isn't too busy at lunch and if you're on a "beer tour" they have an incredible selection, I think over 100 bottled and tap beers. The food is also good, not typical bar fare. With a group that big I would call ahead to make sure they're ready for you.
Billy's on Grand is fun and good for a big group. The food is good and they have pool tables, darts etc. if some of the crew is looking for entertainment.
Finally the Tavern on Grand. Great Walleye. Would want to call ahead to make sure they set aside some space.
By the way, great idea, have an awesome time!
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Tavern On Grand
656 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105
Billy's On Grand
857 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN
MSP- MSP Mag Best BBQ
Redstone is a nice restaurant with good food, but not at the top of my list for bbq ribs. There chicken is very good and I also enjoy the mashed potatoes and cornbread.
Baker's Ribs - haven't been in awhile, but it's a favorite lunch spot of mine in Eden Prairie, I usually go with the chopped Pork sandwich. They have 10 locations, but the other 9 are all in TX, not sure how Eden prairie scored this gem.
Dixie's on Grand - Good smokey bbq, but it's the homemade jerky that keeps me coming back (available at the bar for takeout)
Surprisingly, not on the list is Lee's and Dee's. A personal takeout favorite of mine, tender ribs, a good basket of rib tips and hot wings that will light you up. The catfish is supposed to be great catfish, but I've never given it a try. On a rare occasion the sauce hasn't been up to their normal standards, but the meat is always good. (the negative, they don't take credit so have your cash ready)
PORK TENDERLOIN- MSP
downtown on Washington... I checked the menu online before we went, confirmed it was on there and then when we got to the restaurant, it was gone. The waitress wasn't sure when they took it off.
PORK TENDERLOIN- MSP
Sad to say Grumpy's has removed the tenderloin from their menu... was there yesterday and had to "settle" for a Juicy Lucy, which was really quite good.
PORK TENDERLOIN- MSP
Thanks - I'm originally from Waterloo IA and enjoy a tenderloin sandwich, but hadn't really run into any worthwhile in the Twin Cities. I think I'll hit Grumpy's and then head out to Minnetonka when the weather warms up.
In Waterloo IA, Steamboat used to have a great pork tenderloin, been several years since I've been:
http://www.steamboatgardens.com/index.html
Recently I was back and had one at the Screaming Eagle, 4 pigs - http://www.theeaglestalon.com/
PORK TENDERLOIN- MSP
anyone know a MSP restaurant that makes a good Pork Tenderloin sandwich?
(MSP) Money's tight. Any cheap date suggs?
If possible check to see if your favorite restaurants have lunch menus or special. I have a flexible schedule and one of the benefits is I've been having lunch dates with my wife. Not only do you find some great deals at good restaurants and in our case we don't have to deal with baby sitters.
An example of a "deal" at WA Frost, you can get the Pan Raosted Salmon at lunch for $16, Dinner it's $24.
At Forepaugh's, during lunch you get the Hanger Steak for $17, Dinner $24. I also recently had their "box lunch" which includes a half sandwich (I had the club Panini, which was great), butternut squash soup, a Waldorf salad, and Carrie's cupcake for $14.
Another option is to check out Bar Menus, they often have scaled back versions for a fraction of the price. You get a great casual meal in a nice setting.
Let us know what you find.
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W.A. Frost & Co
374 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102
MSP Hounds - Jfood needs more recommendations
I had a similar server experience at a local restaurant in South Bend a couple of years ago (don't remember the name, wasn't worth remembering). I asked the waitress what she recommended on the menu, her response "I don't eat here." Unbelievable that servers aren't ready with an answer when a customer (who "may" tip you) asks for food or drink recommendations.
Ames Iowa
Whenever I'm back in Ames pizza at Great Plains is a must. My favorite is the Wheat Crust, and many time just go with Cheese for a topping.
Any bakers in the house - need mitt recommendations
Orka makes good silicone mitts and they're available in smaller size.
I like the Le Creuset Double Oven Glove, because of it's design, it works well with large and small hands. Both received hign marks on 3LUXE:
http://www.3luxe.com/category/Utensils/Oven_Mitts
BEST BEEF JERKY (MSP)
you can still walk up to the bar and order Jerky at Dixies on Grand - good stuff, Im in there more for Jerky than to actually eat.
Buying a smaller fridge
What about Smeg? http://www.smegusa.com/Catalogue/Fridges.aspx
From what I've read the people who have them love them.
Also I have a friend who remodeled his smaller galley style kitchen with a samsung, similiar to:
http://www.3luxe.com/best_ofs/Refrigerators/Samsung_RM257ABRS
but only 18 cu. ft and they love it. The freezer is great with separate compartments that you can set temp and humidity for.
MSP Hounds - Jfood needs more recommendations
I would give Forepaugh's a try. It reopened this summer under new ownership, management and with a new chef. I've sampled several items on the menu and was surprised by the combination's and flavors from each item. Their menu is now online:
http://www.forepaughs.com/menu.html
don't let the web site fool you, the food and restaurant is much better :)
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Forepaugh's
276 South Exchange Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
Not what you thought you ordered. What to do?
If it's way off the mark and you're at a nice restaurant send it back when the waitress asks how everything is. After that order something simple like a beer or wine like davis_sq_pro suggests. A restaurant with good service is going to wnat you to be happy and will be happy to replace your drink.
With that being said, if the bartender doesn't know how to make the drink or has never heard of it and you ask that they still make it - I think you're stuck with it. Go with something they're known for or good at mixing.
Favorite - Can't Live Without - Kitchen Technology
all related to coffee, all old school.
French press, stove top Bialetti espresso maker and grinder (the highest tech on the list - it plugs in!)
Great Toaster Oven??
T-Fal makes a nice option. It was reviewed on 3LUXE and I think you can get it for around $115 online.
http://3luxe.com/category/Small_Appliances/Toaster_Ovens
I think I might get one too - we've been without one for over a year and I miss the pizza reheat, broiled veggies, small servings of garlic bread, and bagels.
The Best Cookware stores in America
Agree that Amazon is a great place to check, especially when they have free shipping and no tax in most states.
Here in Saint Paul / Minneapolis, MN, Cooks of Crocus Hill is nice, good selection, cooking classes are also available and the staff is "usually" knowledgeable.
http://www.cooksofcrocushill.com/
As far as big box goes, I've found good deals at Macy's. I would never pay full price but they often have sales and occasionally you can get a good deal on one piece of nice cookware.
Have a fun trip!
Gas Cooktop: BlueStar, FiveStar, Bertazzoni or Wolf?
We've had a Wolf for 2 years and have had absolutely no problems, works great. The one slight complaint that I have, is I wish the griddle would heat up faster. I make pancakes alost everyday for the kids and if I don't preheat it, it can be a little rush in the am. With that being said, I live in St. Paul, MN and the "exclusive" Wolf dealer / store here was a nightmare to deal with, especially when you consider that we upgraded all of our appliances with them when we remodeled the kitchen.
Another cooktop I've heard good things about is the Dacor:
http://3luxe.com/best_ofs/Range_Tops/Dacor_Epicure_36_inch_Gas_Cooktop
Good luck and enjoy your new kitchen!
Gift List Ideas
A gift that I recently came across that I think is great is the Bialetti stove top espresso machine, It's not something a lot of people buy for themselves, but a great addition to any kitchen. They also recently reduced the Mukka Express for cappucccino and lattes.
French Door, Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator - New Owners, Please Post
I have Friends who have the Samsung ad they think it's great too. they have had it for 3 years no issues and really like the different compartments you can set up for the different foods. I personally like the alarm that goes off if you leave the freezer open... that would have save me a few gallons of Ice Cream if our Sub-Zero had it.
Have also heard great things about the GE Profile, my sister has had one for 18 months and she can't say enough about the improvement over the old side by side.
Both the GE and Samsung received favorable reviews on 3LUXE:
http://www.3luxe.com/category/Appliances/Refrigerators
Handpresso Espresso Expereince?
anyone know if there is a company that makes a product that you can "pack" your own pods? It seems that there are a ton of convenient machines out there that do a decent job at "making" espresso, but many rely on pods.. I'd much rather grind my own beans.
Handpresso Espresso Expereince?
that looks cool, but what really caught my attention on the handpresso was the ability to do espresso
Handpresso Espresso Expereince?
70 pumps... that takes a little of the enjoyment out of "relaxing" and enjoying a cup anywhere
Handpresso Espresso Expereince?
I'm thinking of getting a handpresso for fall camping and tailgating...:
http://www.handpresso.fr/products/wild-EN.html
It seems super convenient, has anyone used one?
Best Burger (MSP)
Most people don't think of Mickey's for their burgers, but every once in awhile I really enjoy their patty-melt and a shake.
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Mickey's Diner
36 7th St W, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Bialetti Mukka glass cappuccino maker
Bought one last week and both my wife are very happy with it - makes a good cappuccino and is simple to use.
From what I could tell WS has an exclusive on the glass, but they sell a polished aluminum one that is more widely available. http://www.bialetti.it/uk/catalogue/scheda.asp?id_cat=69
Also over 200 reviews of the aluminum one on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-Express-Cappuccino-Polished-Aluminum/dp/B000A8C0XW/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1219769618&sr=8-1
As an fyi - we use it on a gas range top.
What drove my decision to purchase it:
Quality (both product and the end drink) - have had espresso made with bialetti before and was as good as "machines" costing hundreds more
Size - small and doesn't take up any counter space
Ease of use - couldn't be easier to make a frothy cappuccino
enjoy
