Cosetta's? Always an excellent option.

I've only been to Heartland once - It was inconsistent. My vote would be Meritage. Especially with the new and improved and hopping bar.

Thank you everyone! This is perfect - we will be spending a lot of time in Toronto in 2012 and this is a great list! Cheers!

I am a huge fan of all things cossetta's and they do a nice traditional meatball.

If you are near Hudson WI RJ's meats has some great short ribs. i got some a few weeks ago and I was very pleased that they had actual meat on them. RIght between exits 1 & 2 on the north side of 94. Next to Taco Johns.

Looking for somewhere to send a party of 6 on a weeknight near the hotel le Germain... short cab rides for excellent chow are fine. Somewhere trendy and expensive account worthy preferred. Fun bars nearby for post dinner drinks are always welcome as well. (

I checked out the bar hopping thread for those in the slightly older demographic. That is a great resource. However I am not sure where anything is in Toronto.

THANKS

Susan

I've purchased a whole cake from Shish.
It helps if you select an item where they have 2 whole ones vs a single cake left. or call ahead.

Went to The Inn last week with Chowhubby.

Really enjoyed the roll (seriously its as close to a true Parker House roll as I've ever had in the Twin Cities) and the Mussels to start. The Oysters were just ok.

Chicken was excellent as was the Cod and White Beans.

Service was solid including the bar staff. Nice space and props for the Fulton.

Will be returning!

another plus one for inconsistent and overpriced. however....I do enjoy the bar in the winter.

Cosetta's. Plus you can get sauce and meatballs and perfect parm.

I've found the 00 imported flour at the Saint Paul Cheese (grand and snelling) and by the case on amazon

PJ Murphys has a decent soft parker house roll. If anyone is still searching.....

+1 on Alma. That's where I take out of town foodies.

I love BLG as well - but NYCs might not see that as anything special.

However, once you perfect your technique get the 00. It is amazing. Especially in a dish where you are showcasing the pasta.

I ordered a case from Italy last year after a pasta loving pal bought home a bag from NYC.

Now you can get it at the St Paul Cheese Shop on Grand. By the pound I think.

Yes - Snelling.... (haven't been, just a location PSA)

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Snelling Cafe
638 Snelling Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55104

The Lexington has a private room behind the bar. It would work out well.

I used to purchase the WF ones on occasion - they have been really fatty and not worthy. Weidmer's are slightly better. But the Farm in the City ones are outstanding.

Farm in the City at the STP farmers mkt.

I had given up on decent meaty short ribs. I picked some up 2 weeks ago and I was amazed.

+2 for Meritage.

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Meritage
410 Saint Peter St, Saint Paul, MN 55102

I bet the hotel has a courtesy shuttle that could take them a mile or 2? France Ave isn't that far off - but its not walkable

Ciao Bella is off of France.

The only truly walkable place is Majors sport bar? Which I don't think I'd really 'recommend'

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Ciao Bella
3501 Minnesota Drive, Bloomington, MN 55435

You also might want to consider the new Rizzo's (old IVV) or the downtowner both in downtown St Paul.

Both have parking and are a little bigger and pretty reasonable.

http://www.rizzositalianrestaurant.com/

http://www.downtownerwoodfire.com/

The food isn't going to be as upscale as WA frost, nor Heartland wine bar. But the price points are lower. And both have happy hours.

Personally I haven't eaten at IVV since it "turned into" Rizzo's.

Don't go to either if there is an event at the Xcel.

With a few friends at Heartland worries me - more than 4 people in a party might be tricky...but I haven't been there in a long time. So I could be mistaken.

Ditto - the place is not worth any type of stop at all.

My own nominee is The Lexington. Stopped in last night for a filet and it was excellent. I hadn't been in a few months.

Zelo is an excellent mention - very easy to forget about it - but its a crowd pleaser......

Ya'll know you can call ahead and be placed on the "list" to save waiting time......

Like a Parker House Roll?

I've been on the lookout for some good ones for years. I can't think of anywhere that matches what we are looking for.

+1 for Shish as well - I'm very happy that the last 6 times I've gone there its been packed.

My 4th is Lucrat. We refer to it as LuCrap in our house. Food lousy etc etc

I cringe when people mention it.

I've only been to LBV one and for the price I'd rather go to Alma three times (I like alma a whole bunch)

We can keep our chowhound ids... No worries