Axel's in Mendota also has popovers.

I have reservations at Grand Cafe for dinner.

I will second the Mel-O-Glaze recommendation - I'm lucky enough to have it in my neighborhood!

I had an excellent cassoulet at Cafe Levain in October during a Sunday night dinner - topped with crispy pork belly. I don't know if it's on the regular menu, but I really enjoyed it.

Thanks Bob, I've been a long time fan of Eli's - just not sure if we want to walk that far in snow and cold. I also thought of Solera, but saw that they didn't open until 5p - we'll have to see what time the concert ends.

I have tickets for a matinee Sunday afternoon at the Pantages and we'd like to get a light bite afterwords, should be around 4p. Since it will be cold and snowy, we don't want to walk very far. My friend is not terribly adventurous, but always looks forward to trying something new. In the past we've eaten at Zelo, Palomino, Ike's and The Dakota. Suggestions?

I had lunch there a few weeks ago and thought it was just OK. I had chicken and vegatables. Lots of great fresh veggies, but the chicken was not well butchered and I had several bone chips in my food.

I understand that the previous owners were having some VISA issues.

I've had some really good oysters at Azia.

We did end up at Grand Cafe and had a lovely evening and a delicious dinner - thanks for the recommendation!

Brad, thanks for recommendation. First Course is just blocks from my house. I've only been once, in 2004, but had such a bad experience that I've never returned, even though the food was fine.

Oh, that's a good idea! I've only been there for brunch, that might be fun for dinner!

A good friend has offered to take me out for dinner this Friday for my birthday. We both love good food and wine. My friend no longer eats red meat, pork or chicken, but will eat seafood. I live on the west side of Nokomis and want to stay pretty close to home. I am looking for suggestions because I know there are places I haven't tried yet or should go back to.

I've been to Heidi's, Broders, Blackbird, Corner Table, Cafe Maude, Levain, Al Vento, Prima. What have I missed or should I simply return to one of the above?

Two weeks ago I had a lovely brunch at Cafe Maude. Outstanding eggs benedict and I loved the home fries. We sat on the patio and enjoyed the nice day, the traffic in and out of the adjacent hardware store and our food. The mimosa's were good as well.

http://cafemaude.com/menus/

I had lunch there last Monday and I'm still thinking about the delicious tarragon turkey salad sandwich I had. I may have to go back this week to have it again!

I don't like their ribs, but I think the brisket is pretty good.

I would suggest Al Vento. I really enjoy the food and atmosphere there. I think the front room tends to be a little quieter than the back room.

I've had some excellent oysters at Azia.

I was there last night for dinner. We arrived shortly after 5p without a reservation and were seated with no problem. My friend and I shared the beet appetizer - very unusual and very good. She ordered the short ribs, I had the turnip ravioli and a side salad of cauliflower and arugula. The short ribs were so tender no knife was needed and the flavor was rich and satisifying on a cool night. The ravioli tasted like fall and the brown butter sauce gave it a sweet edge. The cauliflower in the salad was roasted, a nice surprise.

Service was just right - we will go back.

http://www.reneeandsteve.com/

This is one I read every now and then.

I had dinner Saturday night at Zelo during the parade. You will only be able to see the top of the large floats as they pass. Due to the people standing outside the rest of the view was obstructed.

I'll second Al Vento - it's my favorite spot in the neighborhood! It's a lovely space and not overly loud.

I know you specified St. Paul, but last October a close friend was married and had the reception at Al Vento (just off the parkway at 34th and 50th). Their were 60 guests, they did a wonderful appetizer bar. And then a terrifice 3 course dinner. The space is lovely and the chef/owner and staff couldn't have been better.

http://www.alventorestaurant.com/

The 5-8 is still alive and kicking, I'm happy to report. I live in the neighborhood and when I need a burger, that's where I go.

I just spent my birthday with two friends at Azia. Great food, fun atmosphere and a killer martini.

You are correct - they are closed.