Mary-you're not alone. I ran out recently and had to switch to Old Home b/c I can't get to the SLP Costco easily. Target even dropped the smaller Parkers container they were carrying.

If anyone does locate a regular source besides Costco, I'll go there. I just can't drive all over town for it :(

MayrMN

Mpls hound visiting sis in SJC. Res at the Basin already but researching options. Thinking $20ish entree prices.

I 3rd Cave Vin!!

So excited for more options and something unique is a HUGE plus! Looking forward to it!

Whenever we go out, my DD asks if we are going to the place with the playroom :) Don't judge me, but we get her a happy meal from down the street and she eats it fast so she can play....and my DH and I get to enjoy a quiet meal! The lunch buffet on the weekends is so good.

As for non-stewed items, looking at the menu, I'd think that the shrimp dish would not be stewed and the Jalfrezi is like a stir fry, so a quick cook. Also the Biryani. All of the vegetarian dishes I've had on the buffet have been fabulous!

Hope you can turn him into an indian food lover!

-MayrMN

I was looking into Masu. We are clearly of the same mind!

Thanks all. I think I'm going to take the Barbette rec. We went there on one of our first dates like 8 years ago :)

As for my b-day, which is Thursday, I'll figure something out. Maybe sushi...

My b-day is this Thursday and then next Friday is my 6th anniversary. We are planning two nice evenings out, but I am SUPER stuck for ideas, because we hardly ever get out to NICE places having 2 small kids. The places we were considering were (* means we've been there before):
Bar La Grassa*
Saffron*
Lucia's
Restaurant Alma

We are open to more options, but you can see where we were thinking.

Please help me choose!

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Restaurant Alma
528 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Bar La Grassa
800 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Dare I say Ikea, not for quality mind you. There is a caribou on west 7th just north of MSP...you could always bring lunch to the airport and eat it in baggage claim :) Ford parkway in St. Paul is close by and has some quick options...

We were pretty impressed by the ones at Rudolph's. Super crispy, not thin, not too thick. Just right.

There is only ONE thing redeemable about Pepito's and its their salsa.

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Pepitos Restaurant
4820 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417

I had my rehearsal dinner at Firelake Restaurant in the Downtown Radisson Hotel in Mpls. They have a private space that seats up to 42 with glass doors that enclose the space.

They have group dining menus that are all inclusive of app, entree, dessert and non-alc bevs. Really economical.

I also just looked for a private space for my alumni club and truly private spaces are hard to find and most have high F&B mins.

Good Luck!

-MayrMN

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Firelake
31 South 7th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402

I cannot say that it is authentic, but Little Tiajuana at/around 26th and Nicolette caters to vegetarian hipsters....

I would call Dominguez in S. Mpls and ask them about their beans. I love their fish tacos..

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Dominguez Restaurant
3313 E 50th St, Minneapolis, MN 55417

Little Tijuana Restaurant
17 E 26th St, Minneapolis, MN 55404

My former co-workers from HK all LOVED chicken wings. Not necessarily buffalo, but wings in general. I can't say what the best ones are in your neck of the woods, but there is a Buffalo Wild Wings near the Maplewood Mall. As far as kid friendly, think some nights are free for kids...:)

Try Poor Richards (formerly Majors) in Bloomington. They made their private room a bit smaller but perfect for 20 guys.

I second Hunan behind Sonic which is behind Southtown. Decent buffet.

I've had both Quang and Pho Tau Bay in the last month or two and I've got to say PTB of the two. I cannot comment beyond those two. I liked the condiment options better at PTB, not just a bottle of srirasha...they also gave me lemons instead of limes. Is that even 'normal'?

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Pho Tau Bay
2837 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Ask for a table in the back at Al Vento. The tables up front are REALLY close together and that could make you uncomfortable. We found the ones in back were best for us with kids in tow.

Have a great time. The caesar salad is great and the focaccia is addictive!

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Al Vento
5001 34th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408

We have been taking my daughter to Al Vento at least once a year since she was 3 months old (3.5 now) and as long as your toddler is not loud or gets up and wants to run around, I have found that they are very accommodating. They will prepare a simple dish of pasta or we've even taken more toddler friendly food from home. I can't remember if they have milk available. They open at 5pm and you can make reservations and explain what your looking for.

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Al Vento
5001 34th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408

I've only had Pho Tau Bay and Quang. The difference being that PTB's version was served with hot noodles. I think I preferred the cold noodles...

Thinking I must get to Ngon one of these days....

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Pho Tau Bay
2837 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408

I really liked the cake I got for my daughters b-day from Queen of Cakes in Edina.

The mention of a good non-alcoholic drink menu also made me think of Saffron. Really good food and a great drink menu for non drinkers (nod to the middle eastern'esque cuisine)

I'd also second Cave Vin for romance. That's where we celebrated last year, as we wanted some good moules and frites to relive our honeymoon.

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Saffron Restaurant & Lounge
123 N 3rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401

My 5th anniversary is on 10/28 and I just made a rez at Bar la Grassa for next Thurs. Not too romantic, but we had a fabulous meal there in May.

I think Corner Table would be a good romantic spot.

-MayrMN

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Corner Table
4257 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55409

Bar La Grassa
800 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401

I like Mac's but there is not enough room for 10-15 people to sit together easily. If you don't mind 'mingling' about, then sure, foods good, beer choices are good.

I think that Harry Singh's is a hidden gem! I split the Jerk chicken with my husband, but I'm going to get the veggie all to myself on my next trip!!

Also loved the corn fritters at the Fried Green Tomatoes booth!

Is Koyi still open but in a diff location? Walked by it two weeks ago and it was out of business.

I would HIGHLY suggest the Woman's Club in Mpls. I had mine there and it was gorgeous. The website starts with a picture of the 'living room'. It was classy and intimate and that is what I was looking for.

http://www.womansclub.org/club/script...

That being said, your budget does seem way low for a dinner. Apps and a limited bar might be do-able in that price range.

Good Luck and Congrats!!

I found the buffet at Surabhi in Bloomington to be spicy and not in a MN way...I also noted that the clientele is predominantly South Asian.

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Surabhi
9818 Aldrich Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55420

I was leary too, so we didn't get it, but the table next to us did. I think that the next time I'll go for it. Softer than I would ever make for myself, but still looked appetizing not runny.

**MSP Hound headed to the Wisconsin Dells**

My DH and I are headed to the Dells for a SPA getaway. NO KIDS :)

We are looking for nice options that are not family centric. Steak house, etc.

Would be willing to drive 15-20 miles if there is someplace worthy further away.

Thanks for any ideas.

-MayrMN