BigE's Profile
Eden Prairie - Edina Update
I don't know the general consensus, but I just had a very good dinner at Barrio on 50th/France. Between the 6 of us, we had quite a few plates and enjoyed them all.
Fried Chicken - Twin Cities
The one in Champlin is maybe 2 miles south of Q Fanatic, right on 169, just south of the river (and Highway 10). A bit of a jaunt, but it's the closest for me...and definitely worth the stop.
None of the "Twin Cities" locations are within the 94 loop, FWIW. They are still on the outskirts, but I have a feeling they will continue moving in.
Fried Chicken - Twin Cities
If you're in the northern burbs, it's not a drive. 35W and highway 96 is what you're looking for.
And I tend to agree about the product. I've enjoyed it, but it's not THAT far ahead of a good Cub batch.
Fried Chicken - Twin Cities
Good thing this thread popped back up, because I've been meaning to make a post about Pizza Ranch.
I was in Carroll, Iowa for a wedding and finally made my first trip to Pizza Ranch. I can't possibly say enough good things about the place...seriously. The pizza was very good (as good as buffet pizza can get) and the fried chicken was outstanding. Let's keep in mind that my standards for fried chicken are MN quality, but I absolutely love the stuff. The flavor was there and the meat was as moist as you can get. The skin wasn't as crisp as some people insist on, but that doesn't make or break the bird for me.
I'm glad the closest one is in Champlin, or I'd be there every week.
reasonably priced brisket
FH, I'm with you on taste difference in chicken. Kadejan is absolutely worth the extra money. The big chain super market chickens just don't taste right.
As far as Costco meat, I've had a few experiences with their steaks that make me uneasy about buying a larger cut. The last time I made NY strips from Costco, after cooking to med/med rare, the center ended up orange...not red, not pink, not brown. Orange. And the texture and taste were off too. I haven't bought any meat from them since.
Need a Dinner Rec or Two for a First Time Visitor
Not much to speak of up in Coon Rapids, but I'd make a trip to Q Fanatic. It gets mixed reviews here (as does every BBQ joint in this state), but I like it a lot.
http://qfanatic.com/printmenus/QfanaticWebMenu2.pdf
Otherwise, I second the recs for Travail and V44. I go to both places by myself and both have 6-8 person bars for the solo diner. It's worth noting that Travail is insanely popular right now and even as a solo diner, you might have to wait a while. V44 tends to be a little less busy. Neither place takes reservations.
I also second the rec of taking the light rail into downtown. Get off at one of the last stops (Target Field/Sneaky Pete's) and you'll be a few blocks away from some of the best restaurants we have. Walk up to 3rd St. between 1st/2nd ave and you have your choice of Saffron (N. African/Middle Eastern) or 112 Eatery (new American). Both are outstanding choices. If you're looking to branch out even further, let us know and we can provide another handful of recommendations.
Hope that helps.
Place to buy super hot peppers locally?
A few Cub locations actually had (what they called) ghost peppers prepacked last summer.
Blue Door vs. NE Bulldog
This line:
"Honestly, I liked both of them but wasn't in love with either of them."
Pretty much sums it up for me. I've been to BDP a few times, but have no desire to stand in line to get the food there. Bulldog is much bigger and I've never had to wait, but the food doesn't make it a regular destination either. All things considered, the Bulldog would be my choice for a few beers and a basket of tots.
reasonably priced brisket
Angus meat market in Maplewood has great (FULL) brisket cuts for a pretty good price. I can't recall what it was last summer, but I'll probably be buying one for Memorial Day weekend. I'll update then.
Has anyone tried Jacks in South Minneapolis (used to be Java Jacks)
Well, that was quite the downfall.
Potato Chips
Third on the chips from Busters. You get a monster basket and they are fried to order, served with a great onion dip. Stomach is grumbling just thinking about them.
From the store, I really like Cape Cod kettle chips. Give those a shot if you can find them (I normally get them at Kowalski's).
Twin Cities visit (MSP)
Second this. Maybe not as 'hip' right now and the food isn't always as adventurous, but they are doing great work.
Reactions to City Pages "Best of..."???
The biggest laughers for me...
1) Lindey's - I'm sorry, but you can't give best steakhouse to only offers one type of steak and doesn't even do that in any noteworthy way.
2) Skinner's - I love me a good dive bar, but that place is a dump.
Other thoughts:
-I can't speak to the best restaurant MPLS choice, since I haven't been, but it seems like the consensus is still very much up the air about that place.
-Thumbs up for the Tilia/Steven Brown picks, though they are obvious. Also thumbs up for A Baker's Wife and Buster's. I love both of those spots.
Best Italian in the Twin Cites is in White Bear Lake!
Living in the NE burbs, this place is a godsend. Quiet, unassuming place putting out some seriously great food.
I think it is right there with BLG, honestly. And the vibe is small and cozy (right on White Bear Lake) as opposed to the giant and raucous vibe at BLG.
Solo dining Minneapolis
Yes, at both places, though I've only eaten at the Saffron bar. The bartenders there are usually very friendly and they make some great cocktails.
Favorite Restaurant to bring out-of-town guests?
For higher end, Alma is always my first choice. I would probably add Piccolo to that list as well, if your friends are on the adventurous side. Tilia is great, but the no-res policy can be a bummer.
Saffron is another good spot. Great combination of food and cocktail quality.
Solo dining Minneapolis
I'll echo the recommendations for 112 and Saffron. Black Sheep Pizza is also good for solo dining, if you can snag a bar seat.
A Case for Q Fanatic
No smokers? They have at least 3 or 4 of them in the parking lot, just to the right of the front door. When I went, the smell of smoke hit us a block or two away, and the smoke ring was obvious in the ribs. I would agree that it is sadly not present in the brisket.
Best Hero/Sub Sandwiches in MSP (Not Counting Subway and other chains)
This will lead to either:
A) A single post full of links to previous threads, or;
B) Pandora's box being opened.
Either way, I can't provide much input because, frankly, there is no deli/sandwich shop in MSP that I love. It seems like one of the real missing links in this area. I like Cecil's in St. Paul, but I have to duck and cover when I say so. You'll probably get recommendations for Be'wiched, but I've never been, so I can't comment.
Where's the beef?
In your next go round, I would start with Buster's. The burger itself is great, they can actually cook a legit medium rare (!!!!!!!), and the fries are as good as anywhere in MSP. My two minor quibbles are: 1) The meat could do with more salt. Maybe this is a personal preference, but it always seems like the patty is under seasoned. 2) The bun, while baked fresh at the wonderful bakery next door, is a little too...bready for me. I don't know how to properly describe it, but it tends to be a little crumbly, and it falls apart under the med-rare I normally get.
Still, well worth a visit, if only for a few beers and some fries/chips/rings (all fresh made and delish).
Where to buy Easter ham
I ordered mine from Nueske's in Wisconsin. Overnight delivery would cost an arm and a leg, but it would be worth looking at next year.
If the ham is anywhere near as good as the bacon, I'll be in love forever.
Travail
I never go with anyone, which is kind of sad, considering how much I love the place. I'll go midweek by myself0, at 8:30-9ish, and try to grab a seat at the bar.
Travail
I think it's a great idea. Do 4 seatings a night (every 90 minutes, as described above) and leave a few tables + the bar open for walk ins.
Obviously the restaurant is flying high, so they might well follow the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mantra, but it's worth considering. I haven't been there in a few months because of the assumed wait times.
Sea Salt opening Friday March 30th at 11:00 a.m.
Grilled catfish po' boy, here I come!
Dinner with a good friend in highland area
I'd drive a few miles to Brasa on Grand. I especially love it on a nice night when the doors are all open.
*PATIO* season! --pleasant Coffeeshops/Cafes with such?
FYI, Sea Salt isn't opening until April 6.
http://seasalteatery.wordpress.com/
Attention MSPD - Torta Alert. I repeat, a Torta Alert for Taqeuria Los Paisanos
Alright...complete opposite side of the burbs from me (as before), but I'll have to make a visit after my next run to Blue Max.
Let us know for sure when you find out.
Attention MSPD - Torta Alert. I repeat, a Torta Alert for Taqeuria Los Paisanos
Where is the new Olmeca? I really enjoyed the old one, but only got to try it once.
A Case for Q Fanatic
I consider myself a BBQ aficionado. My credibility on the topic may be lessened in some people's eyes by the fact that I haven't been to most of the country's BBQ hotbeds (North Carolina being the lone exception), but I'd like to think I can tell when I'm eating good BBQ. Is the meat tender, flavorful, and juicy? These principles are universal in meat cooking and if they are missing, you can tell.
I've been to Q Fanatic a handful of times, but not since last spring. In that time, I've made a point of trying as many other local BBQ joints as I could: Big Daddy's, Bayport, Rooster's, and Ted Cook's come to mind. All of them do certain things well, but since they opened a few years back, I've had a soft spot for Q Fanatic and thought it was time to return. Boy am I glad I did.
Regional arguments and preparations aside, what I had last night was the best BBQ I've ever had...anywhere. As you drive in, the intoxicating aroma hits you from the multiple smokers that sit outside the building. After much deliberation, myself and my dining companions ordered both types of ribs (back and spare), brisket, pulled pork, and various sides. Everything was simply outstanding. Both types of ribs had a nice crust on them, a nice pink hue on the inside, great flavor and were tender as can be. The pulled pork was juicy and flavorful...perfect. Next time, I'm getting it in sandwich form with slaw on top. I'm already dreaming about that. I much prefer their style to the chopped and vinegar laden NC style. The brisket was also very good, though I could see how some purists might have issue with the lack of crust. Still, flavorful and fork tender, just like it should be.
Sides ranged from potato wedges, baked beans, mac and cheese, to the garlic rolls that come with every dinner order (super addicting). And last but not least, if you see one of their giant cookies sitting at the counter, grab it. They are much more than an afterthought.
If you've never been to Q Fanatic, or you haven't been there recently, make it a point to go soon. They are on top of their game, and no one in the state is doing it better.
