Melisse

I just looked at the "Carte Blanche" menu on the website. Wow. The "10" menu looks fabulous, too. The website notes the "10" menu is $150. Does anyone know the price of the Carte Blanche menu?

Thanks!

rp1760 in Los Angeles Area

Four Sisters In Chicago

Thanks, Kathryn! Camusman, The Purple Pig looks promising.

rp1760 in Chicago Area

Four Sisters In Chicago

Hello, Chicago Foodies! We would love to hear your thoughts on our plans, and would appreciate your guidance on brunch/lunch.

We think (?) we have nice places set for dinner. Everest on Night 1 (Friday). Topolopambo on Night 2. Hugo Frog's on Night 3. We will be outside of Chicago visiting our Aunt on Sunday morning. We would love to hear rec's on brunches/lunches - pizza (Malnati's?) and opinions on our choices. (never too late to change). Note that Alinea is out of budget, and we have been to Charlie Trotters (and sad that it is closing). We have car, but would prefer not to use it. We are staying at the Drake -we will hoof it or cab it.

Thanks for any thoughts- we are looking forward to our visit!

Regards, Mary

rp1760 in Chicago Area

Manhattan Beach Post...Wow!

You do appear to be in the minority. This restaurant is getting national recognition for its food and forward thinking chef. Perhaps you could gain some cred by expounding on what specific items you thought were "boring and bland?" With regards to the "copy" comment - this chef has worked years under Charlie Trotter, traveled abroad, and was exec at the venerable Water Grill. I feel very comfortable saying he has no reason to "copy" anyone or anyplace, including gjelina.

rp1760 in Los Angeles Area

A Case for Q Fanatic

Thanks for the report. I'm going to have to give it a try. For reference points, I love Bayport for their brisket, Ted's for their ribs, and Big Daddy's for their chicken.

rp1760 in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Friday Fish Fry - where is the best one?

I'd like to offer another take on the South St. Paul VFW Fish Fry , because I love it.

As much for the taste as for the price and nostolgia. The men and ladies come in two days prior to start the made from scratch tarter sauce, baked beans, and cole slaw. One day prior the frozen fish is thawed in milk vats to make it tender and sweet. And the potatoes are peeled, cut and nursed in butter and parley. Same day everything comes together. The fish is lightly coated and fried for a nice crisp crust. The mac and cheese is cooked (note:-la dente it is not). The sides are plenty. Including hand cut crispy carrots and celery. There is no dessert, which is the only thing that could give cause for criticism, in my humble opinion.

After the fry is done, The Greatest Generation gathers at the bar, tired, some exhausted, yet happy for their efforts, as all profits are donated back to various local non profits, primarily school arts and sports. I like to treat a few of them to a drink of their choice, which is usually blackberry brandy. Just one, mind you.....

p.s. An added bonus is the old-fashioned Meat Raffle. The local merchants are very generous, and it seems like one out of three goes home with an Easter ham or some other kind of meat.

rp1760 in Minneapolis-St. Paul

MSP james beard semifinalists local rundown

Well said.

i am also thrilled for Lenny, whose restaurant and marketplace are wonderful.

rp1760 in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Sushi MSP

Glad you had a good time, phelana, and thank you for reporting back!

Another question for the Board onSushi in the Twin Cities: where would you recommend takeout sushi? A couple of rolls, some sashimi... When I get lazy like this in the winter and just want to hunker down with a couple of movies, I will pick up some grocery store rolls - Kowalski's and Whole Foods both put out an OK selection. I would prefer, though, to pick up some really good sushi once in a while. Thoughts?

rp1760 in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Orlando area top 10 - February 2012

It is the Hilton Lake Buena Vista on Hotel Plaza Boulevard. I believe Hilton shuttles its guests free around to all their locations, so that's a great rec. Thanks!

Sad to hear about the other two. This land-locked frozen Minnesota lady was hoping for some latin influenced, non Disney scenes! The food and flavors at Norman's rock, but the atmosphere is a bit stuffy.

rp1760 in Florida

Orlando area top 10 - February 2012

Thanks for the great post, Yosemite Sam! I will be in Orlando for a conference in April, and your post is exactly what I have been looking for!

My issue is that I'm at the Hilton in Walt Disney Word without a car. I don't mind doing some short cabbing, but from what I can tell Ravenous Pig and Luma are probably out.

Hanging out at Norman's one night is kind of a tradition - love making a meal out of about five of their appetizers.

I would love to hear what you folks think about a few other options I am considering for my other two nights (I am sadly allergic to ginger, so I usually rule out Thai and Chinese cuisine while traveling): Hemingway's, Johnny's Hideaway (for crab claws), and Cuba Libre.

Thanks!

rp1760 in Florida

Sunday night only in St Paul

OK, now I'm jonesing for some good Q. I'm going to head off to Bayport BBQ. The real Texas deal. Brisket and links, baby. http://www.bayportbbq.com/menu.html

rp1760 in Minneapolis-St. Paul

We want GREAT food for dinner!

Can you get by at Everest for $200 pp including two glasses of wine, tax and tip?

rp1760 in Chicago Area

Best Old School Spaghetti and Meatballs?

I love DeGideo's. Their sloppy hot dago is also quite a treat!

rp1760 in Minneapolis-St. Paul

My Urasawa Report

I dined at OYa this Spring - one of my best experiences ever. I will be in LA this Fall. I hope to dine at Urasawa!

rp1760 in Los Angeles Area

Topolobampo

In most restaurants, the entire table is required to participate if the tasting menu is chosen. Is that the case here? I hope to dine here in April with my three sisters. I am pretty sure one non adventurous (with regards to food) sister will prefer to order off the menu. Thanks.

rp1760 in Chicago Area

Champagne, Martinis, and Fresh, Plump Oysters?

A few close friends would like to get together during this holiday season to enjoy conversation and a few of life's simple pleasures. Since Paris, sigh, is not an option, we are searching the Twin Cities for a festive place. I know of Meritage, and Sea Change. Are there other places we should consider? (Note: we will not be having dinner. This will be a late afternoon fete.)

Thanks, and Happy Holidays!

rp1760 in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Lasagna, pasta, salad & breadsticks

I second Buon Giorno Deli.

And I would also like to add DiGideo's to the list for your consideration. It's on West 7th St. in St. Paul - not real close to you but well worth the drive on a cold, snowy day.... DiGideo's is a great family run place, and most of the clientele are families. Servings are huge. Prices are reasonable (especially since I get at least two meals per entree). Lasagna is their Thursday night special - $10. My other favorites are the old fashioned sloppy hot dago (monster portion - just had it last night for take-out!) and their spaghetti, to which I like to add grilled chicken and roasted mushrooms.

http://www.degidios.com/

rp1760 in Minneapolis-St. Paul

2011 Michelin Stars

Yikes! I feel dumb. Even though I typed 2011 I was thinking 2012....Sorry.

rp1760 in Chicago Area

2011 Michelin Stars

I have started reading the Chicago Board for my Sisters Weekender in April. This is a great Board, and I already have some good ideas of where we will be dining.

As I was reading elsewhere, this popped up - thought I would share:

Here's the full list:

***

Alinea

L20

**

Avenues

Charlie Trotter's

Ria

*

Blackbird

Boka

Bonsoirée

Crofton on Wells

Everest

graham elliot

Longman & Eagle

NAHA

NoMI

Schwa

Seasons

Sepia

Sixteen

Spiaggia

Takashi

Topolobampo

Tru

Vie

-----
Alinea
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Boka
1729 North Halsted, Chicago, IL 60614

Charlie Trotter's
816 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

Topolobampo
445 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Crofton on Wells
535 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60610

Spiaggia
980 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Longman & Eagle
2657 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

rp1760 in Chicago Area

Ruam Mit Thai

I did not see Ruam Mit Thai pop up in the "Favorite Thai Restaurant" string on this Board. I have not been there for a long time, but am going with a gorup on Tuesday. Has anyone been there lately? Any recommendations from the menu?

Thanks!

http://ruam-mit-thai.net/menu/

-----
Ruam Mit Thai Cafe
475 Saint Peter St, Saint Paul, MN 55102

rp1760 in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Meritage vs Heartland

Senor Wong's has FABULOUS walleye tacos. And their tempura sweet potato fries with srirachi mayo are very special. They have fun drinks, and really nice service staff. I have no problem recommending this as a good place to hang before a flight home.

This doesn't help the OP (sorry!) but if the fries caught anyone's interest, I will tell you that a few of their lunch sammies are really good, and you can get a side of the fries for a $2 surcharge. My personal favorites are the Banh Mi and the Cemita Milanesa. And yes, I do have lunch there a couple of times a month....love it!

http://www.senorwong.com/menu/lunch_menu.pdf

-----
Senor Wong
111 East Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55101

rp1760 in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Meritage vs Heartland

I'm with you, DQ. Although I've only been there for lunch. Three times. Service is substandard. Skirt steak not sliced properly - very tough. Fish well past done. Space has cramped, dark feeling. Chairs are uncomfortable. I've never been inclined to go there for dinner. I am glad so many people on this Board enjoy this restaurant. It's just not my thing, I guess. And I love reading this Board - so many opinions! Keep up the good work, folks!

rp1760 in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Meritage vs Heartland

Same owner, true. Sure it's the same manager? In any case, from my more recent experiences, I feel they have learned their lessons, in part I'm sure from the excellent feedback provided by JFood. I know if I was an out-of-towner and had just one night, one choice, I would most probably choose Meritage. I just didn't want there to forever be a big stain on Heartland. Things can change, and I love what Lenny is currently doing.

-----
Meritage
410 Saint Peter St, Saint Paul, MN 55102

rp1760 in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Meritage vs Heartland

I'm sure you had a nice time at Meritage. I just feel compelled to point out that jfood's experience was two years ago. I eat at Heartland on a more or less infrequent basis and have never ever had an issue with service or food. Just saying......

-----
Meritage
410 Saint Peter St, Saint Paul, MN 55102

rp1760 in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Weekend Grilling

It is going to be a cool, sunny, gorgeous weekend in the upper midwest. I am planning on stoking up my wood fired Weber grill on Saturday and/or Sunday. I wonder what my first BBQ of the Fall season should be?

Note: Although they are two completely different things, I use the term "BBQ" to also mean "Grilling" and vice versa and would welcome ideas for both.

rp1760 in Home Cooking

Knife Sharpening

I have a little tool (Wusthof) that I use periodically to keep knives sharp. Once in a while, though, I like to have my knives sharpened professionally. Does anyone have a recommendation on where to go for this service in the Twin Cities area?

rp1760 in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Booyah Festivals - 2011

I have been to the South St. Paul World Championship Booya Contest. Around 8-10 Booya Cooks set up their wares and camp overnight as they cook their Booya. Judging is in the morning, after which they sell their Booya to the public. It's pretty fun, tasting different varieties/styles. They also have a nice car show.

My favorites: 1) South St. Paul, 2) North St. Paul Fire Department, 3) Roseville Fire Department.

rp1760 in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Dining/can't miss spots in Duluth, MN

As would I.

If you go there, be sure to go ro Russ Kendall's Smokehouse, just a little further up on Old Highway 61. They have the best smoked whitefish (local) I have ever had.

rp1760 in Great Lakes

Grilled Stuffed Pork Tenderloin - Sauce?

I appreciate the compliment, but the stuffing ideas aren't mine. They are from the July issue of Cook's Illustrated. I've been waiting for a good time to try them out!

Your ideas are exactly what I'm looking for - thank you!!!
-Mary

p.s. I just learned my nephew is going to throw some bacon wrapped tater tots on the grill. Yes, I live in Minnesota........

rp1760 in Home Cooking