teamkitty

The Smiling Moon, Baudette, MN

If you are passing through Baudette - pronounced "B'det" by the locals - you may want to stop at the Smiling Moon Cafe right on Main Street, two doors down from the American Legion, just off Hwy 11 in the old Rex Hotel building. It's a clean, friendly place with high ceilings and decent coffee. I was looking for a place for a light lunch, our plans to do some work in International Falls temporarily stymied by the second of MN's seasons, road repair, and I was very pleased with the straight-forward hamburger, tomato and barley soup. It was well-seasoned and just right in portion sized - something between a big cup and a bowl. It came with a slice of herbed bread, whipped butter, and, somewhat disconcertingly, a tablespoon of potato salad, which looked and smelled fine,but didn't interest me.

Dessert offerings were quite varied and most, if not all, appeared to be homemade. Cheesecake was baked in a sheet cake form and presented in 3" x 3" squares in all its cheese and sour cream simplicity. There were about six kinds of cookies, cinnamon rolls and scones, no pie, but several kinds of cupcakes in different sizes (normal and huge). The chocolate ones were excellent, especially the cupcake part with a deep chocolate flavor with some coffee overtones.

You can have your coffee straight or with a number of flavored syrups - something that the locals, mostly males at 3:00 pm, seem to favor. Specialty coffee drinks were also available, though their plain ole joe worked for me. It's self-service at the big old-fashioned counter and seating is at longish tables with semi-comfortable stackable metal chairs, festooned with Early Americana-esque fabric. Connectivity is quite good there - enough of a singular event in the North Woods to warrant mention - and no one will hurry you along if you want to take in the local paper or just think.

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The Smiling Moon
121 N Main Ave, Baudette, MN 56623

on Jun 23, 2010

Pasties are alive and well in Grand Rapids MN

I am happy to report that Pasties Plus at 1405 West Hwy 2. Grand Rapids, MN is alive and well. When we passed by in the winter, they seemed to be closed and shuttered, but they were alive and well. Their hours are a bit limited - Monday - Friday, 10:00 - 6:00 except Saturday when they close at 5:00. Their pasties are generally sold half-baked, but if you are lucky and have 20 minutes, they will pop one in the oven for you. Sometimes they are available hot, but I've never had such luck. There is even a table in the shop, beside a wall full of colorful old aprons, although it's not a cafe.

My favorite pasty is, hands down, the traditional Finnish variant, with rutabaga "lanttu" added to the beef, onion, carrot and potato mixture. Judging from the orders, many people like the German pasty which has bratwurs, sauerkraut and potato. Not sure about the "breakfast pasty" which has egg, sausage, cheese and onion, but it might work. Ruth's pastry is light and flaky and her half-baked pasties reheat very well. They aren't like the "pirakka" of Finland - but they are quite tasty. Many people like them with ketchup - I like mine with heavy sour cream...

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Pasties Plus
1405 NW 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

on Jun 22, 2010

Lunch location on Grand Avenue?

I would second India House. I haven't been impressed with Everest on Grand.

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India House
758 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105

on Jun 22, 2010

Good chaat in MSP?

The manager of Tea House recommended the chaat from "Curry Up" in Maple Grove. Is this the place with the very tall, blonde cooks?

on Jun 21, 2010

Tea House, Minneapolis

We took advantage of my niece's visit to take in the new Tea House in Minneapolis. The interior is very luxurious - screened off booths in pale blue/neutral silks, carved doors to shield off a medium-sized private room, marble inlaid tables, etc. From the decor, it wasn't certain whether the food will have shifted from the good, well-prepared but essentially non-fussy food we've enjoyed at Tea House in both Woodbury and Plymouth.

The surprise was a pleasant one: most of the old favorites were there: soup dumplings - we opted for the pork over the crab, dan-dan noodles, Scallion pancake (the chef is from Shanghai, so many things are called "Shanghai" regardless of whether or not the dish comes from "Shen" or not), etc. The spicy eggplant is now sliced in longer, thinner slices which retains more of the taste of the vegetable, and is less of a sauce vehicle. My DH dug the kung pao tofu which I found a bit dry for my taste. The honey shrimp were very fat and luscious, with a mixture of two kinds of sweet sauces. The breading was a bit thick and the stacked presentation, while lovely, made it difficult to take them easily without a tumbling tower moment. They were unfortunately out of the pea tops - but the lightly charred green beans were excellent - crisp and spicy. Some of the specialty items that we've enjoyed like sea cucumber are not (yet) available at the Mpls location. It should be said that the restaurant is a work in progress and the menu is still evolving. No more separate Chinese and English menus - there is just one.

Tea is one area where the Tea House would like to evolve: currently just jasmine and green tea are on offer (three pots come with each order - after that, there is a separate charge). The manager said he hopes to expand those offerings as well, in keeping with the name of the restaurant.

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Tea House
2425 SE University Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414

on Jun 21, 2010

Good chaat in MSP?

Ever since Bombay2Deli on Central closed, I haven't found a good source for papri chaat or bhel puri here in the cities. Suggestions? What makes chaat good or not so good for you? I'm a big chaat fan, but I don't need Vik's quality (or quantity) - just a place that is fresh, reliable, quick and not too expensive. Yep, I know, I can make it myself, but for me it's street food and I'd like to be able to go someplace and grab a quick nosh.

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Vik's Restaurant
201 Main St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

on Jun 13, 2010

Looking for a Good Indian Buffet

Does anyone know if the Indian place in the skyway in MPLS is run by the same family who had the Bombay2Deli?

on Jun 13, 2010

MSP - St. Paul recommendations

Lunch and dinner, though I haven't had lunch there yet. Not hyperformal, but not a cut-offs place, either. There is a patio open in the summer, and it might be more informal. Note that they close between 3:00 and 5:00 for dinner prep, so if you want a late lunch, you might be out of luck.

on Jun 13, 2010

MSP: Best Vietnamese?

Ai Hue also has the best bahn mi going, ask you me - head and shoulders above the Truang Bakery. But if you aren't there before 12:00 noon, you are likely to lose out. Terrible atmosphere - too crowded and stressy even for me - but worth going for the sandwiches and Hue soup as take-away.

on Jun 13, 2010

MSP - St. Paul recommendations

Among the newcomers, I would add Geordies 454 Bistro at 454 Fairview, just north of Randolph. It's in the old Blondies space and they have reconfigured the small space very nicely. The menu is balanced nicely between seafood and meat. All of the ingredients tasted very fresh and well-prepared - which isn't easy when it comes to crabcakes in the Midwest in my experience. Those who ate the bleu cheese raved about it and I thought my steak was one of the better ones I've had in the last year or so anywhere. Portions are not overwhelming, so you can enjoy the sorbets or the flourless chocolate cake (not innovative, but well done).

on Jun 13, 2010

New to MSP...Dying for a good grocery store

Shuang Her on University has good prices as does Golden Dragon a bit farther north on Dale. Then there is always Steve's So-Low over in North Minneapolis. They also are one of the few retailers of Moo and Oink in the Twin Cities - so it's worth a trip for that alone.

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Golden Dragon
785 Marketplace Dr, Waconia, MN 55387

on Jun 13, 2010

Eating in Viroqua, WI?

Well, let's start with the good news: The Driftless Cafe is in no danger of closing. I spoke last night at some length with the owner and after five years, the restaurant is going strong, even if the ownership has changed in the last year (one of the original partners left). At 7:00 pm on a Saturday night, the place was packed with a broad range of happy customers - families with small children were strong in numbers as were the 65 and better gang. Most ordered the pizzas - as did we. Our pick was a Greek pizza on a cracker crust ($20 for a large). It was good, too light on the local organic feta to be great, but well-seasoned with a crisp, but not dry, crust. Many opted for the focaccio crust - this takes about 10 minutes more, so we made our decision on time. The great majority of ingredients are local, with all of the pleasures and perils thereto pertaining (think: regular supply). DH liked the local IPAs (there were two on offer) and also had a beautifully composed fresh salad, with a decent balsamic dressing. The sourdough whole-wheat bread was very fresh and served cut into quarters - although with very little butter. We ended up giving ours to an adjoining table with three children under the age of four who were nearing meltdown. The owner assured us that he usually serves bread to children without asking, but it appeared to be shift change when we - and the family - arrived. I can't comment on the dessert - we didn't make it that far. Pies looked homemade and some younger patrons were enjoying ice cream and cookies along with a game of chess.

The vibe is friendly and very local - these two things don't always go together in rural Wisconsin and other patrons greeted us at our booth as they came in (with the exception of the former owner of Hungry Mind in St. Paul - a non-local). As indicated, service was slightly scattered at first, but caught on quickly with three waitstaff and the owner. Definitely worth a visit if you are remotely in the area. Westby and Richland Center seem to be in culinary and artistic decline, but Viroqua is picking up the slack. Visit this iconoclastic, locavore restaurant if you have the chance. Hours, etc. can be found on their website: www.driftlessrestaurant.com

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Driftless Cafe
118 W Court St, Viroqua, WI 54665

on Jun 13, 2010

Fussy Euro Foodie and Mother's Day in MSP

Spoonriver did us right - the shrimp dumplings and paté plate were excellent for my part and Euro-Foodie loved her veg special which looked like a phyllo quesidilla. DH went for the Greek salad and I don't remember what mother ordered. Full points, we enjoyed ourselves immensely and appreciate the tips!

on May 11, 2009

Fussy Euro Foodie and Mother's Day in MSP

BTW, I love Lenny to death, but we've been there quite a bit lately and I wanted to do something in addition to Heartland.

on May 07, 2009

Fussy Euro Foodie and Mother's Day in MSP

You guys are great. We have booked a table for spoonriver which I think will work for all parties involved. Any of you guys want some first pick rhubarb? You've earned it and we have lots... Danny, the offer stands for you guys as well. Thanks again! TK

on May 07, 2009

Fussy Euro Foodie and Mother's Day in MSP

Well, the stars have converged in a particularly odd pattern and I need to find a place to take both my mother, who is an adventurous eater, and European foodie houseguest who tends to be somewhat difficult to please, and loves the FoodForward, local, amusing variants. Unusually for me, this time price is no object, as guest wants to take the family out. Suggestions that we could pull off this late in the game?

TeamKitty

on May 06, 2009

Best Chinese Bakery in Vancouver Metro

Thanks, fmed. The Wing Lee Bakery in San Francisco (503 Clement, near Kamei Housewares) will be your friend should you ever venture down to the SF Bay area. My favorite as a girl used to be in Oakland, but this bakery excels in both steamed AND baked goods.

on Apr 26, 2009

teamkitty in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Best Chinese Bakery in Vancouver Metro

For all you Left Coasters: what is your opinion on the best Chinese bakery in the greater Vancouver area? I'm specifically searching for those 3" long coconut filled buns in kind of a rich bun dough. My husband is keen on the mochi-type rice buns filled with coconut and peanut. We'll be visiting Vancouver next week and would appreciate the input.

on Apr 25, 2009

teamkitty in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Dusek's Bakery in Faribault, MN - Closed?

I stopped by Dusek's in Faribault on Thursday to get some bars and it appears that the retail part of the bakery is closed. The sign on the door said that the wares were available at the local HyVee market. Since I was going on to New Ulm and could stop at Hauser's Bäckerei, I didn't explore this, but I hope we aren't losing yet another good, reliable local bakery...

http://duseksbakeryinc.com/

As for the Bäckerei, 27 Main St. - open til 5:00 on week days - the thing to eat is the sour cream coffee cake, sold in large squares for $2.20. They taste so strongly of fresh apples you will be astounded to learn that there isn't any fruit in them. Apple fritters and the intriguing "Persian nut" doughnuts are also big sellers, but I went with the lighter french doughnut and was not disappointed. My husband likes their pumpernickel, which is the best he's found outside of New York.

on Mar 28, 2009

Pasties - Jan's Bakery&Pasty Parlor (Boulder Junction, WI)

Right you are about Cornwall. Enjoy - it really is a gem.

on Jul 08, 2008

Pasties - Jan's Bakery&Pasty Parlor (Boulder Junction, WI)

No, not _those_ kind of pasties, but that wonderful Finnish or Welsh meat and potato turnover,, favored by miners, Yoopers and friends of good home cooking. Jan Franc (pronounced "Frank") produces some of the lightest, flakiest pasties in the Upper Midwest and these alone are worth the drive if you are up around Eagle River. Open year round, Jan makes amazing beef/potato pasties with either onion, or (the best) onion and rutabaga in a flaky, two-flour crust. They are substantial and a wonderful balance of dense filling made of coarsely grated potato mixed with simmered beef in a delicate, egg-washed crust (no lard). Each of mine were easily a pound in weight. Jan has elaborated on the original recipe of Hal (who hailed from the U.P.) and even offers a pizza pasty for those so inclined. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to pasties, so we stuck with the beef/onion and beef/onion and rutabaga. Her spicing is very mild, so you will need to add salt, pepper, allspice or ketchup as you desire.

Inexpensive and delicious. The turnovers we sampled - cherry and apple (blackberry was also on offer) had a similar taste to the French pastries of my childhood - light, toothsome without too much sweetness. The filling was more standard commercial but still good.

Jan's little red and white wooden establishment is right on the main drag in Boulder Junction, WI at 5433 Park Street - (7150 385-9333. She opens and closes early- 6 am - 2 pm except Sunday, when she is only open from 7-12. Wheelchair accessible and there are two big picnic tables under the pines at the side to enjoy your goodies.

Teamkitty - with a shout out to the Dairy Queen, as she would definitely grok the place.

on Jul 07, 2008

MSP - Special Diwali Meal at Bombay 2

The curry was amazing as was the cream of wheat pudding. DH had to add some pickle to make it as spicy as he likes it, but I thought it was well-balanced before. I also dig their cumin rice, even though I'm usually a cumin hater of the first degree. Rahesha's barfi were excellent, although she swears that she and her SiL won't be making _that_ again themselves - too labor intensive. Mango and pistachio were our favorites, though I miss seeing the ornamental silver on the confection. Hers are made the slow way, with just milk, rather than ricotta and milk, the hurry up way.

on Nov 10, 2007

kosher in Iceland?

Food is ridiculously expensive in Iceland, Peppridge Farm notwithstanding. ;^) You would do well to bring quite a bit of your own food and a pan to make fish with. Iceland has delicious fresh fish and most of them are kosher ( see http://www.iww.is/pages/alife/fish/fish.html). Talking with your rav before you go might be a plan.
TK

on Apr 27, 2007

teamkitty in Kosher

Not quite Rhubarb time - Sour Cream/Raisin Pie

Here is my version of the locally famous Norske Nook Sour Cream Raisin Pie

Ingredients:

2 cups Sour cream
4 Egg yolks
1/2 tsp Vanilla - or insides of 1/4 vanilla pod
1 3/4 cups Sugar
4 teaspoons Flour, heaping
1 1/2 cups Raisins
1 Baked single piecrust
12 medium Egg whites, at room temperature NB! Large eggs make poor meringue. Small eggs, despite their size, do not necessarily have less egg white & are better than large if you can't find medium
1/4 teaspoon Cream of tartar,
2 cups Powdered sugar

Directions:
To make filling: In heavy medium saucepan, stir sour cream & egg yolks together. Add sugar, flour & raisins. Mix with wooden spoon. Cook over medium heat until raisins are plump & filling is glossy (about 5 minutes after full boil, or just a little longer, depending on heat). Cool filling slightly. Pour into cool crust.

To make meringue: Separate whites from yolks. (Reserve yolks for another use.) In mixing bowl, add cream of tartar to egg whites. Using electric mixer on high speed, beat until stiff. Add powdered sugar. Beat until soft peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, spread layer of meringue onto pie. Make a good, tight seal over filling. Spread until it meets edge of crust to keep meringue from shrinking as it stands or bakes. Repeat until meringue is used up. Gently swirl top for decoration.

To bake pie: Bake in 400F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, watching closely so that the meringue doesn't overbrown. Remove from oven when peaks are golden brown. Cool. Eat immediately or keep in cool room. Do not refrigerate unless you must as pie can get weepy and change in taste/consistancy.

on Apr 21, 2007

teamkitty in Home Cooking

Demise of Greco-Romana

I was sorry to see that our old favorite Greco-Romana out on Clement Street seems to have closed for good. Does anyone know the story behind the closing? We had some reasonably good pizza at Gaspare's out on Geary - including some very tasty - and inexpensive - Italian sausage as a side, but I miss the sauce and spicing of G-R.

on Apr 10, 2007

teamkitty in San Francisco Bay Area

Beloit, WI - Hansen's Tavern - CLOSED

Thanks, Toldenburg! New ownership?

on Apr 02, 2007