midwaygirl's Profile
Good venue for book club?
I would try Wilde Roast Cafe in NE Minneapolis (wine, coffee, appetizers and desserts) or the Kitty Kat Klub in Dinkytown (although I'm not sure how much they have to eat). Both would be pretty centrally located (between Mpls, St. Paul and Roseville people) and both have comfy couches and more intimate seating areas.
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Wilde Roast Cafe
518 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Asian Deli at 388 Western - What a GEM
Thank YOU for letting us know about it. I live in the neighborhood and had no idea it was there. Now I've been back twice in two weeks. In the freezing cold, dark of night, with toddler in tow. I couldn't get the pad see ew out of my mind. The spring rolls are mighty tasty (and so fresh), too.
Favorite Thai Restaurant
Try the Asian Deli's Pad Thai (on Western in St. Paul between Uni and 94). It's a new place people have been talking about here, and I think it's great. I can't speak to its authenticity, but I'm in love.
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Asian Deli
388 Western Ave N, St Paul, MN 55103
Gumpy's Roseville, $2 Surly beer on Mondays but food?
Tator tots. That's what we get.
As for Blue Door Pub, I love that place, but have given up. There's NEVER a seat, and nowhere to wait. I just don't enjoy standing around for an hour with my butt in the face of those trying to enjoy a meal.
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The Blue Door Pub
1811 Selby Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104
Donut shop on University
Since we have a dearth of donut shops around these parts, I thought I'd mention this place. It's called Sugarush, between the Sibley Bike Depot and Saigon on University in St. Paul. Not fancy, no gourmet pastries, just donuts. I believe it is Hmong-owned, but am not sure.
Hubby tried a Bavarian Cream and said it was good and gooey. I had chocolate covered cake donuts. Yum--fairly dense, fresh tasting, and with just the right amount of that crisp fried taste on the outside. I can't comment on the raised donuts (not my cup of tea), but we enjoyed what we had.
It's right across the street from Trung Nam, too, so an easy stop to get both awesome croissants and traditional donuts for a party or meeting.
Relaxing, light breakfast spot
If you're going to be in the Mill City area, try Spoonriver. They have brunch on weekends--really tasty, fresh, local organic, healthy, etc. If you can sit outside it's a beautiful spot right by the Guthrie theater and the farmer's market. I checked the menu, and they do have poached eggs :-).
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Spoonriver
750 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
MSP hound needs Eau Claire recs
Mona Lisa on Water Street is good--neat space, great patio, yummy pizzas and salads. I think it would be fine with a young 'un, especially if you sit outside. The general Water St. area is nice, too. There are probably some other good options there. It feels like a small town downtown, and is a nice break from all of the chains out by the mall.
(MSP) W.A. Frost - Unhappiest Hour Ever
The waitstaff were all petting your dogs? I hope they were also promptly washing their hands. I love dogs, by the way... just not the hair in my food. or drink
Great night at new Sushi Tango [MSP]
We were stuck in Uptown with nowhere to eat last night and remembered Sushi Tango was tucked back in Calhoun Square. We hadn't been there in years, but decided to give it a go. To our suprise, they just moved directly across the hall into a much bigger space (I guess they moved in May). It is gorgeous--lots of dark wood, smoky tile, sleek bathrooms--dark and sexy. You feel less like you're in a mall (and a deserted, dying one at that) than before. At 9-10pm, the sushi bar was full of good lookin' people, as was the regular bar.
With the new location they have added a Hibachi menu, which I don't know anything about and didn't try. We ordered Bulgogi--really delicious, tender marinated beef. I don't eat much Korean so don't know how "authentic" it is, but we really enjoyed it. We also ordered one of the sushi combo platters with ten pieces of "chef's choice" and a few basic rolls. The sushi was so beautiful and fresh tasting. The shrimp was mild and sweet, and there was a tuna that melted in your mouth like butter.
Our service was fantastic. Our waitress who checked in with us often, explained all of our sushi as it came out, and made great recommendations for delicious non-alcoholic drink options (I am very obviously pregnant).
All in all, I would highly recommend if you haven't been there in a while!
(MSP) W.A. Frost - Unhappiest Hour Ever
Urgh. These types of reviews make me so mad. You are right--there is No excuse for rudeness... or the inconsistency (OK to sit there with some wait staff, not OK with others?). If the HA is that confusing for people, the waitstaff should be instructed to explain the situation fully to everyone who walks through the door--not seat you and then say, "by the way, you can't order this or that here."
I have had similar experiences of being straight up ignored by waitstaff there--FOREVER. And I'm similarly not that picky about service... usually I lose track of time and don't even realize someone hasn't been there to take my order for 30 minutes. WA Frost is so darn lucky to have that gorgeous patio. I don't think anyone would put up with that attitude, the so-so food, or the prices if it wasn't such an awesome environment. I hope they shape up!
Bun Mi - Stadium Village [MSP]
My hubby works at the U and has been here several times. He loves it... for being at the U (where the Vietnamese restaurants are not so good, and there are limited non-chain options in general for decent food). On the other hand, we live 6 blocks from the Vietnamese mecca of University Avenue, and he reports it can in no way hold a candle to Saigan (but, really, what can?). So I'd say if you're already in the neighborhood or work/study at the U, go for it. It's good stuff. If you're looking for the best authentic Bunh Mi around, though, stick with your favorite Vietnamese place.
Jfood needed Izzy (MSP) and it came through
What can be more alike than comparing two ice cream shops? And what can be more subjective than personally preferring one flavor to another?
My experience on CH is that people rank places all the time and have wildly different reasons for doing so. See the constant arguments regarding THE BEST Juicy Lucy, for example. I appreciate jfood for taking the time to visit all these places and write thoughtful opinions about them... something I feel the locals don't do enough of. A little ranking and new-thread-starting can't hurt.
MSP: Somali or Hmong Food?
I'm not an expert, but this is what I know about the Hmong background. You are right that in the Twin Cities, most Hmong are from the mountainous region of Laos... however, they would not identify themselves as Laotian (instead, they were a minority population basically oppressed by the Lao government). We have Hmong and Laotian refugees and immigrants--they are two separate ethnic groups, but with similar food. A lot of the younger Hmong grew up in Thai refugee camps, so that influence is there.
Anyway... Hmong food is pretty different from Vietnamese or Thai, I think. I've had boiled greens, boiled chicken (the WHOLE chicken), sticky rice, spiced sausages, grilled meats, and papaya salad. Not a lot of sauces, but spicy peppers are big. Most of my Hmong food experience comes from home parties and festivals with Hmong friends. We also get take-out occasionally from the deli at FoodSmart around University and Dale (I think the name changed to Sun Foods recently). Seems authentic. A big mound of sticky rice and 2-3 sausages makes a great meal for two.
Jfood's first (and second) Juicy Lucy - Matts Bar (MSP)
Clearly, everyone has their faves, there's no clear winner, and each of these places has their "off" days. I say try 'em all, jfood! Many of us love your reviews, so a JL showdown from your point of view would be a fun read.
MSP-Entree salad?
This may sound crazy, but I really like the salads at Sally's on the U of M campus. My favorite is a Southwest Chicken, but I remember the Cobb being good, too. It's basically a bar, so not a nice dinner spot. Good for lunch, though, especially if you sit out on the patio.
MSP: Event Venue & Catering
Check out Neighborhood House/Wellstone Center in St. Paul. They have really nice meeting rooms for cheap, and the rental fees go to support a great nonprofit organization. There isn't on-site catering, but you can bring in any food you want. I'm sure they would have good suggestions for affordable catering nearby, since I'm sure most of their clients are nonprofits with limited funds.
just in ..No ...no..no..no,MPLS/ST.Paul
I was just in Menomonie, and it's still there. Menomonie is their original, home location (and where they make the truffles), so maybe expanding into a second St. Paul storefront just wasn't sustainable.
Private Room Dining in Minneapolis/St. Paul (Hard of Hearing)
You might want to check out the wine room at Muffaletta. It looks like it can seat up to 30, but I'm sure if no one else is using it you could have the run of the place for your small party. My family had a small wedding party there a few years back, and it was lovely. Very private. Awesome dessert. They even made up special menus (congratulating the couple) for the occasion.
Wisconsin Cheesemakers- Route 94
Cady Cheese near Spring Valley (about halfway between Menomonie and Minneapolis/St. Paul) would be a fun stop. They make their own cheeses and have a factory tour, but also have a gift shop/tasting room where you can taste "over 100 kinds of cheese." They are 3.5 miles off of 94. As a Wisconsin native, I have to say our cheese is the best!
Here's a link:
http://www.cadycheese.com/tour6.html
Early patio openings? (MSP)
Salut on Grand looks ready for outdoor action. I know some don't like their food, but we've had good luck with apps (yummy mussels and fries) and wine/drinks outside on a nice summer night.
summer trip to Minneapolis
If you were staying for a week, I would agree that a car would be best. But for a weekend? We're talking 6 meals at most, probably. You will find PLENTY to do, see, and eat within easy walking and bussing from downtown Minneapolis. I agree with MSPD that there are LOTS of great options downtown. Both keg's and MSPD's lists will get you some great chow. If you go to the Mill City Farmer's Market, please try food from the little white trailor at the end of the outdoor stalls, closest to the river. Their Indian spiced mini-donuts are to die for.
summer trip to Minneapolis
Welcome to MSP! One hotel you may want to check out (other than the great suggestions already given) is the Marquette hotel--it's reasonable, nice, and very centrally located downtown. And don't worry about Nicollet Mall being noisy--it's not. Downtown, I second the recs for 112 Eatery, as others have mentioned (the food is great, and it's reasonable. Just be sure to make reservations). Drinks/apps on one of the rooftops (Brit's Pub or Solera) is also fun. I also like the bar and restuarant at Cosmos.
If you're just here for the weekend, you may want to limit your bus trips to other areas. Yes we have busses, but they're not all that convenient and it can take a while to get where you want to go if it's not a straight-shot route. Of the places mentioned already, I would second a trip to the Uptown lakes (if you want to hang out by the water and see another neighborhood) or Eat Street (if you're looking for a great variety of ethnic chow). They're both unique areas to the Twin Cities, and both would be short, easy bus rides from downtown.
I HIGHLY recommend going down to the Mill City Farmer's market on Saturday and spending time exploring the Guthrie, Mill City Museum, and river area. Take a walk across the Stone Arch Bridge to St. Anthony Main for some lemonade at one of the sidewalk/deck cafes and back. It's beautiful, and VERY Twin Cities. On a nice day, this walk--with great views of Minneapolis--can't be beat.
MSP - El Meson
I agree with the ceviche rec--it's really good. I get the seafood casserole and love it--lots of saffron. My husband likes the mofongo and gets it every time, so maybe that's just a matter of taste. It reminds him of a trip we took to Puerto Rico where that's pretty much all he ate. Generally, I think this place gets a bad rap on the board. We have always enjoyed our food there, and the atmosphere is lovely (especially when there's live guitar or flamenco).
MSP-Vietnamese Cuisine
I love Bun salad, too. Hoa Bien (on University, St. Paul) has a delicious version. I order mine topped with grilled beef and sliced up eggrolls. You won't find that combo on the menu, but they'll make it if you ask. Hoa Bien also makes a delicious fresh limeade.
112 Eatery (MSP)
A 112 waiter recommended this combo to us a while back and now we ALWAYS get it: order the chocolate pot de creme and the tres leches cake, and eat them together. A forkful of the cake dipped in the chocolate--heaven. That combo with a cup of coffee is my favorite thing in the Twin Cities.
MSP - cookies and candies
I had fabulous iced sugar cookies from Patrick's in Wayzata recently--they were pretty, too.
Good eats near Dolphin Stadium, Miami?
Hi all- My husband and I are coming to Miami in a little over a week. I have enjoyed stalking your boards for recommendations on South Beach (where we're staying). But I do have an odd request. We will be taking a cab to a baseball game at Dolphin Stadium on Wednesday night. I'm assuming the stadium food sucks, so am wondering if you have recs for good eats within walking distance. We're not big chain or sports-bar people, but will entertain anything with good food within a reasonable distance (and safe for walking at night). All ethnicities are on the table, and hole-in-the-wall is perfectly fine. Thanks in advance!
Cafe Bonxai?MSP
So glad you both liked it! Thanks for reporting back. The service there is usually weird and sporadic... I don't think we've ever experienced a totally "together" night service-wise. But it's a family-run place, unique, cheap, and the food is great, so I don't mind (if I'm spending $50+ per person at 112 or someplace, yes, but not for $15-$20 on University Ave). The coconut basil soup truly is the bomb--so rich and creamy. And I don't like coconut, either!
