mech_e's Profile
Surdyk's Liquor infuriates Surly Nation!!!
Yeah, I said it, because I had it. Don't believe it if you want.
Surdyk's Liquor infuriates Surly Nation!!!
I like surly, but I don't go out of my way to get their limited releases. What I don't get is what's the difference between what Surdyk's sold it for vs the bottles on ebay going for much more? Some people have jobs/other commitments that don't allow them to play hooky. If I REALLY wanted a bottle of darkness, I likely wouldn't be able to camp out it and would be sol. However, Surdyk's price would allow me to pay a bit of premium to actually get it without a lot of hassle. Don't like the price? DON'T BUY IT. Seems simple to me. I was at Axle's on Grand, and they had 24oz on tap (710ml) for $8. Should I have paid more because "surly nation" thinks it should be $20 for 750ml?
Dickies BBQ in Burnsville
Not to threadcrap, but I gotta disagree with Dickey's quality. Went to the new one in Eagan, and won't be back. The brisket had no rub or smoke flavor whatsoever, no pink indicating a smoke ring, no bark. The spicy beans were basically beans with some jalapeno-like flavoring. Mac n cheese tasted like they brought it over from boston market. I thought the pulled pork was fine, but the flavor was all from the rub they put on.
I will say, I've never seen my meat massaged prior to being plated before. Wasn't sure what to think of that.
If you're going to say you have texas bbq, your brisket better be pretty darn good.
Both my dining companion and I agreed that the bread and free pickle were the highpoints of the meal. This echoed a previous experience at the Maple Grove location.
Looking for some awesome chocolates
Thanks to all who suggested the BT McElrath passionfruit truffles. Went over big time.
Looking for some awesome chocolates
So, the gf likes chocolate (duh), and I'd like to go a step or two above the cellophane-wrapped heart-shaped box of chocolate roulette route. Problem is, I don't know where to go. Any recs for local places making delicious chocolates? Also, how early would be too early to pick some up for Valentines day? Only place I can come up with was Abdallah, which is decent, but I'd prefer something a little more special.
Best atmosphere for martinis?
Are reservations needed for the lounge at WA Frost (esp during weekend evenings)?
Jonesing For A Great Coney Dog
Still open, and the coney's are pretty good. I wish the sauce had some more flavor, but the toasted bun and dog are good and you can't beat the price ($6.25 with chips).
State Fair 2010 Reviews!
Can anyone tell me where the Turkey Sandwich spices come from? I keep asking when I get one, but the high school girls behind the counter give me blank stares every time.
Had the Peaches and Cream from the Salty Tart/Midtown Global Market stand, and it was pretty tasty, although my ice cream turned into soup in a matter of minutes. Hope they keep doing that one.
BBQ, Minnesota Monthly, Q Fanatic
I thought the pulled pork and rib tips were excellent, along with the mac and cheese. I know the potato gratinee sounded great, too, but they were out when I was there. I wasn't impressed with the brisket (or the cole slaw), but I tend to think a lot of these mom-n-pop bbq joints specialize in a couple of things, and do the rest for the variety. As for the sauce, fantastic. The vodka is actually to bring out some of the alcohol-soluble flavors that don't normally come out, or so Google tells me. I did find a vodka bbq sauce on Youtube that was close, but not quite.
Need a Twin Cities Gelato Roundup
Can't be Ring Mountain Creamery in Eagan, in my book. You can try quite a few flavors, then go for the "Just Peaks" sampler, which seems to be a great value in my book. Favorite flavor is the Blood Orange Sorbet.
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Ring Mountain Creamery Cafe
1965 Cliff Lake Rd, Eagan, MN
[MSP] Lemon Meringue Pie Time! (St. Paul)
Nope, missed out! Looked at the mass schedule, and (wrongly) assumed there would be pie available through the noon mass. I may have to convert to be on top of this one next year...
[MSP] Lemon Meringue Pie Time! (St. Paul)
Anyone know when pie sale 2010 is? The cathedral's site doesn't list it, as far as I can tell.
MSP - St. Paul recommendations
Any recs for a place with good wine in the STP area? Preferably near downtown/rice park. Heritage is out (too expensive, fancy), and I can't tell if Bin is open or what it costs.
Magnetic Knife Rack
Kind've a dumb question: How is one to place the knives on a magnetic rack without hurting the knife or themselves? The ikea rack has some super strong magnets in it, and I worry about using it.
Mort's Deli Opening Soon in Golden Valley (MSP)
Cecils isn't exactly cheap, but for about 2/3's the price ($8, I think?), I think they make an awesome reuben. The tangy slaw is pretty good, too. Anyone know how Morts compares with Cecil's?
MSP: Brickhouse BBQ struggling
Good news. Stopped in on Thurs, and the owner said business is picking up. I've been telling him he needs a bike night ala Yarussos or Delanos for the summer.
MSP: Brickhouse BBQ struggling
Stopped in for ribs with a buddy tonight, and the place was dead. Struck up a conversation with the owner, and they're on their last breath. Business has apparently dropped off since Thanksgiving. Too bad, as I love the naked Beef Ribs. If you like this place, better get there while you can; it may not make it through the winter.
Pan sauce from grill pan?
I got an Analon grill pan for Christmas, and will be using it for some steaks in the next day or two. Is it possible to make a pan sauce if its so shallow? I'd prefer the sauce go on the steak, not the stove top. Would I deglaze and that to my cast iron skillet? I know I could just do the steaks in the skillet, but the person who gave me the pan is coming over, so I kinda need to use it.
best immersion blender?
I got a heck of a deal on a KA and have been looking for ways to use it more. How would one use it for pie crusts? TIA.
Ikea cast iron: France versus China
Was just at Ikea here in MN and picked up the french green version for $75 after tax. They had 40+ left.
Road trip recs STL to OKC via I-44
Its before Springfield, but Missouri Hick in Cuba is very good. When I was at school in Rolla, I always had to bring their sauce home. El Rodeo in Roll has amazing enchiladas (get 2 chicken and 2 cheese). Alex's in Rolla has good thin crust pizza (coming from a Chicago style fan).
Best restaurants in Milwaukee,Wisconsin
Must have Kopp's for custard and burgers (think Culvers, but better tasting and more inventive custard flavors than "raspberry" 8 times/month). Must also stop at Real Chili. The "hot" is really just more meat, so order that.
Where to eat on Highway 44 STL to Tulsa
Not that I can recall (its been a couple years). There is a MaidRite, although its not exactly a diner. There are however a couple decent mexican joints there. My fave was El Rodeo just off the interstate (near the Holiday Inn Exp). You could get 4 enchiladas (I preferred 2 chicken and 2 cheese) and a huge Dos Equis Amber with tip for under $10. Chainwise, there is a shoney's, wafflehouse, etc there, too.
Where to eat on Highway 44 STL to Tulsa
I went to grad school in Rolla. Slice of pie is a good stop. about 45 min before that, you will hit Cuba. They have excellent BBQ in a place called Missouri Hick. I love their brisket, but the rest of their meats are very good, as well. Fill up there, grab a couple bottles of sauce to go, and by the time you get to Rolla, you should be ready for pie. From your direction, I'd get off at exit 210 and follow Old 66 South/West into cuba. It'll be on your right, and pretty apparent when you get there.
La Belle Crepe - Minneapolis
I had the sweet classic crepe on Friday and it was made fresh.
Milwaukee, WI
Real Chili is fantastic. Go for thhe hot with all the fixings and add a little of the hot oil. Make sure a bathroom is reasonably handy afterwards, though (especially with the cheap 2nds)! :O
Milwaukee in October
Third for Lakefront. Also, Sprecher is good to, but has more families, lasts longer, and results in less beer than Lakefront. A fun place to eat is the Safehouse. Look for The Newsroom (Wells and Water) across from the Pabst theater. The Safehouse is in the alley behind the news room with a sign reading International exports. There's also a secret entrance in the Newsroom.... Bring a quarter with you, and find the phonebooth to leave. Don't remember the food as being spectacular, but there's an amazing amount of spy-themed ambiance.
La Perla on National has great shredded chicken chimichangas and more tequila than you can handle. I'd comment on the rest of their food, but the chimis were so good, they were all I'd ever get. The "smaller" pair of chimis is moe than enough for one person. Hmmm...I need to visit Milwaukee again.
La Belle Crepe - Minneapolis
Was there today and got reheated crepes that were served cold. The chef was in, but his assistant did the cooking. The crepes were tough and chewy. The fillings that they used were excellent, however. Do you have to ask for a fresh made, or just get there at the right time?
