daniellempls's Profile
What's missing from MSP's culinary landscape?
Good to know MSPD, I'll keep that in mind.
What's missing from MSP's culinary landscape?
Fully agree with you shikken. I like Kramarczuk's- good sausage and other treats, but they also control the price, too. On our trips to Chicago, I stop in at a couple of E European delis and load up on sausage, cheese and treats that are usually at least half the price of Kramaczuk's- with larger selection. I would say we do have larger populations of Hmong/Somali so we do have cuisine that supports those groups, but dwindling 'old country' groups as you say.
Accused of being too interested in food?
"it's time to loosen up and not act like each meal is our last" Yes- it is good to remind myself of this :)
Accused of being too interested in food?
Heatherb,
You make some good points. It is about spending time with the family, after all. And I know that I CAN get control-freaky about food. I suppose my nonchalance in trading salad for veggie tray is that this is a potluck style event in which this year we were designated to bring an item, at Mother-in-laws, actually. So bets to just follow instructions and avoid stirring the pot. But really- it is about the getting together and not about the food.
Accused of being too interested in food?
Well, I sit writing this with mixed feelings. My DH and I had a small argument last night, and I was accused of thinking/talking too much about food. This started around being asked to bring a veggie tray to the in-laws for Christmas. I aked DH if we could do a nice punched up lettuce salad instead. And then it went downhill. First he was going to call in-laws to conform this was okay, and I said they are both 'veggies,' was it a big deal? If it was, nevermind, let's just do a veggie tray. And after a minute of DH thinking- he admitted he thinks I invest too much time in thinking, planning and daydreaming about food. This makes me sad- if I have to eat anyway, why not eat something yummy? But I suppose it starts to complicate areas where maybe it doesn't need to- like just bringing a veggie tray for example. Or just surrendering control of the food every once in awhile. Anyone else ever been convicted of 'hounding too much? Coping methods? Where do you compromise? :) I feel almost like I've surrendered my title of proud chef to embarrassed addict.
Can you refreeze previously frozen cookies?
I think cookies are more like bread and can be froze, thawed and refrozen. The thing I would watch out for is picking up off flavors. Someone at my work brought in cookies that I believe had been frozen and then thawed and they have a really funny off-taste. I could not eat the cookie.
MSP Wine Bar Personalities
Maybe I agree with Keith and Drew that it is kinda sad MSP isn't totally in with the hep wine bars, but you all are the best with your comments! Totally did not know The News Room had a really interesting looking winebar in back, and did not know WA Frost had an awesome cozy basement. With half price on Mondays! I'm thinking the short list includes Toast and WA Frost. Although I'd like to find out if Taste in The News Room is still open- that could make a fun date night in winter. Almost looks like a speak-easy. Thanks guys! I still have like a week to go, I'll let you know where I end up going.
Emily's Lebanese Deli?
Emily's is MY favorite comfort food. The tabouli, chicken and rice, baked kibbi, lubin (fresh yogurt) and grape leaves are all amazing. I don't think I've had anything that wasn't delicious. But just keep in mind they are NOT open on Tuesdays. And that is always the day I end up thinking- hmm, Emily's would be good tonight. Like today for example..
MSP Wine Bar Personalities
Hi 'Hounds,
My birthday is sneaking up on me, and when my husband asked what I wanted to do, I had to think about it. We had just been to Chicago visiting friends, and while I don't have a strong desire to live in a megalopolis like that, I really envy their copious food and beverage choices. You can just pick one of a hundred thorough fares and find yourself a new and unique place or few dozen places on that street. My friend and I ended up at a bar that wasn't quite our vibe, so we walked down the block and found this awesome wine bar and fancy small plates place. It had a simple atmosphere, with some couches and long benches, and the best little snack plates- popcorn cooked in duck fat, fresh carved cured meat, cheeses, etc. I know the company was the most important of my successful evening, but it was so much fun to try something a little different.
So I actually haven't been to any wine bars in MSP. We usually buy good wine at a liquor store and consume at home- it's cheaper and no driving necessary. I did stop in to Lucia's once to get to-go food, but have not sat and experienced. I am looking for help trying to capture the type of food/small plates offered, any interesting wines offered and the general ambience of the place. Some of the places I am interested in hearing about are: Lucia's, Toast Wine Bar & Cafe, Spill the Wine, Riverview Wine Bar, and any other that I am not thinking of would be much appreciated.
Thanks :)
Are you thinking about Christmas cookies yet? (Seriously!)
Yum, homemade sponge toffee.. would this also be known as angel food? An airy, crunchy caramel molasses flavored sugar confection? Would you mind sharing that recipe if you have one? My grandma used to make that every year- it is great in the winter when there is zero humidity, but it will get stale and chewy if left to a humid room.
Is there a one-dish meal that you can't live without?
Emme, funny! I will also do a large plate of sauteed veg if I am dining by myself! Usually just lots of one kind of veg- eggplant, bok choy and brussels are my favorites.
Also-
Barszcz- Polish version of borscht with pork and lots of veg
Candy eyes in MPLS?
Well- I was at Target last night and found some foil wrapped chcolate eyeballs in the back by the Halloween candy. About the size of a marble. They were kinda steep- I think $2.40 for like a dozen. But I thought of your post, so wanted to let you know.
Diet Soda + Cake Mix = How does this Work??
That is hilarious MissMichelle! You should give it a try and let us know. Maybe a Guiness with a dark chocolate cake mix? You do realize the purpose of the diet soda is to cut out the calories from the oil and egg additions, but I like where you're going with it.
Di Noko's - Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Shoot- I should have taken pics when we got it last week. It is a Chicago Deep Dish crust for all purposes- the crust comes up about 3 inches and is not too crusty and not too underdone. mmm. The cheese tasted like one big yummy cheese curd melted over the whole crust bottom, and the sauce was the only thing that threw me as different from a true Chicago- it was a little runnier- less baked to a paste as I've had in CHI. But besides the appearance, the sauce was awesome!! Try it out!
Fresh juice/juice bar
Thanks Hazel! I will have to try the Watermelon Wahoo the next time I'm in the area. And a cool tidbit about the Whole Foods, esp since I do not have a juicer (this must be apparent). I have since tried a carrot orange ginger at The Wedge. Not all that adventurous, but it was VERY strong with ginger. It was making my stomach boil. So I think ginger might be a little strong for my tatses as a juiced addition. I am also hoping to make it to Tao and give their combinations a try.
Our State Fair 2011: it's the Best State Fair in our State!
The Bull Bites from Axel's in years past I have found to be a good protein snack- they are 3/4" cubes of steak with a kind of cajun dry rub that is griddled on a flat top I believe and served with some very thin onion rings and a bernaise like dipping sauce. The recipe you linked to looks very well like it could be their recipe. However the Bull Bites are $8 (or more this year) so they aren't a have to every year for me. Your two breakfast items don't look good at all. Sorry about the burrito- they should say on the menu if it is deep-fried.. Maybe just for that disappointment I wouldn't want to return to Axel's this year.
Our State Fair 2011: it's the Best State Fair in our State!
Well- we made it once and are planning on going again. We put a good dent in the list and I made some executive decisions when we were out to veto some and try a couple of others.
We actually started off with a Colorado peach from the MGM produce stand since I was starving and that was the closest thing I wanted. It was awesome. Sweet, tangy, juicy. mmm- at least hopefully a healthy filler so I didn't suck down the next deep-fried item too quick.
From the Food building- Mouth Trap curds and Harry Singh's jerk chicken roti. I wasn't in a fry mood. But they were good choices. The curds deliciously salty and rich and the roti well spiced and yum!
We did try the sweet corn ice cream with he bacon butter sauce. I thought it was really good- a delicate sweet corn flavor as opposed to a corn tortilla flavor. The corn nuts type decor that was sprinkled on top I could have done without as they were starting to get rancid and who wants to smell cardboard with their ice cream?
Got a cream puff finally! Totally worth all the saturated fat! The filling was perfect, the puff was perfect. TDQ- I did let the cream splat- but it went into my coffee instead of on the floor because I couldn't bear to waste the heavenly fluff. It worked perfectly!
Thought about this thread as I wanted more meat and got a Demitri's gyro. Probably not the best ever that I've had, but good meat. A little extra sauce for me, but I am sure that is just me.
And.. finally tried the Dole Whip, half vanilla and half pineapple as suggested. It was refreshing and very tangy like a good fresh pineapple is. Next time I go there I will try the float instead where they use Dole pineapple juice with ice cream. Sounds even more up my alley.
Will plan to go back once more and let my stomach be my guide. I am planning to grab at least a patty to go from West Indies Soul.
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West Indies Soul Cafe
625 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55104
Our State Fair 2011: it's the Best State Fair in our State!
Yes- it is at the wine place in between Dino's and the crepe place, and happens to be run by Alexis Bailly. We walked up to see what it was exactly- they had a sangria slushy and a pink wine margarita. I guess I was hoping for maybe more of a true wine varietal slushy, so I did not end up getting one. Let us know how the third time goes.
Di Noko's - Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
DiNoko's is wonderful. I have never tried the deep dish, but will now for sure, maybe even tomorrow. They have I think 4 crust styles including thin, flat, hand tossed, and deep dish. We always get the thin, just because it is so good with usually canadian bacon and pineapple. They are a little heavy on the sauce, but as GutGrease said, they also don't skimp on the cheese. And the thin crust is sturdy enough to stand up to that plus toppings. It is wonderful beer and pizza style pizza. And- the owners/employees are great. We got a free pizza last Halloween because the wrong one was delivered to us, so they made ours over and delivered it, too. It is sad they don't have any in-store seating, but not sad enough not to order from there.
Thanks for starting this thread GutGrease. I've been meaning to bring them up on the board. They could certainly use the business- one night I called and they warned me there would be a wait- 45 minutes.. the typical pizza delivery time. But on a normal non-busy day, you can get delivery in 20-25 minutes! So I highly recommend taking the trip to try them out if you haven't.
mmm deep dish tomorrow night
Cupcakes at Target Field
Was also at the game tonight- in the Legend's Club area. In the later innings, so a desserts cart with torts, pies, cheesecakes, cupcakes. Not sure if this is what you speak of, but this was in the legend's Club tonight.. Think I've seen a similar setup on other nights, but my memory escapes me.
Palumbo's Pizzeria in Highland Park.
You know, TDQ- I admit Ihave not had Little Caeser's since the 90s and the rediculous commercials with kids and old people. I'm not interested in buying one, but maybe some day someone at my work will pick one up so I can try and remember if it tastes the same. Not likely, but you never know.
I would go to Carbone's.. or Punch since it is in the neighborhood, too.
Butcher Block Rec
Hah- BigE, funny you should ask about dress code. Hubs and I were just there this weekend, on a whim, since Butcher Block was in my mind from this thread actually. I wore a nice summer dress and hubby had on shorts and a short sleeve plaid button up. We had never been, so I really did not know what to expect and get tired of correcting my hubs fashion sense. So he wore the shorts and plaid button up.
Well- I would say the ambience is nice and cozy. And- they ended up having a maitre'd. He scanned us up and down and asked if we had reservations (we did not). I thought he might say something, but he didn't. We were seated at a two-top in the back corner which was fine for me. With the dim lighting I felt more comfortable, but the other diners certainly had kicked it up a notch from us. I swear I caught the maitre'd staring at us later, but our server was a doll. So. Hopefully this gives you a better feel for the inside.
As for the food- we had the mussels, Penne Toscana and Cavatelli with pesto. I would say the cavatelli dish was fabulous! The fresh pesto was amazing with the homemade pasta. the mussels were good, but had green pepper that was a little overwhelming. But overall, great service and great food.
Our State Fair 2011: it's the Best State Fair in our State!
TDQ, you crack me up. I will gladly look forward to letting the filling splat a little bit when I enjoy one this year. And Dole Whip- it is on one of the shorter east to west streets- a booth right on the street in the shape of a pink and yellow twisted ice cream cone. Sounds right up your alley.
Our State Fair 2011: it's the Best State Fair in our State!
Fire dog? what and where is that? A new food?
Our State Fair 2011: it's the Best State Fair in our State!
My current list includes a couple of new things and a couple of new-to-me things which I would appreciate comments or concerns on.
Sweet corn ice cream witht he blueberry sauce from Blue Moon
Jerk chicken AND jerk fries from Harry Singh's- I'll see which is better
Horchata @El Sol (I have that song they play on The Current in my head if anyone knows..)
Dole Whip- never tried but that little booth is so cute- anybody love or hate?
A crepe from the Creperie- also never tried. Are they worth the $$? Have a favorite kind?
Cream puff- also never had at the fair, but I kow that one place towards Heritage Square. It must be THE place, right?
My usuals- footlong, cheese curds, mini donuts, and a blackberry shake from Empire Commons. Thankfully chowhub splits this stuff. But I have decided to allow myself to feel no obligation to finishing as long as I am content.
Palumbo's Pizzeria in Highland Park.
Good to know. I had driven past and raised an eyebrow before. Can't say I would indulge in Litlle Caeser's. But thanks for the review.
Our State Fair 2011: it's the Best State Fair in our State!
Db-
You need to keep in mind how easy it is to scale a certain food item up. If you are willing to sell at the fair, and be advertised in the 'New Fair Food' hype, you had better be prepared to dish out a few thousand plus servings a day. Not an easy feat for all foods, whether prep time, overhead cost, sourcing or even space come in to play.
And I agree that new food shouldn't be judged on the presence or abcense of a stick, however I do appreciate not having to always worry about how clean my hand are before eating at the fair ;).
Restaurants everyone loves--except you
Sadly, I would agree with you cherrylime. It has a cute storefront, and the folks were nice, but if I can call up what we had, I think I had the Tom Sum (papaya salad) and Laab (spicy ground beef with accompaniments). The papayay salad was.. sad mostly liquid on a bed of sogged iceberg. Ditto with the Laab- spicy yuck. I know we found a few good chunks of grissle in it. And the server/owner folks were very nice. But.. I think the food is an important part of a good restaurant, too.
Fresh juice/juice bar
Hello hounds,
I am looking for both places to go to get fresh juices, as well as recommendations of what to get at each place. I know the Wedge has a juice bar. I have admittedly not tried anything beyond the basic carrot, but I have been craving something more hearty. There must be more places in MSP that also serve fresh juices. I think maybe Seward Coop has a juice bar- I don't even know since this is fairly new to me. Open to funky blends, etc and more looking for flavor and fresh rather than supplement or other medicinal qualities.
Thanks!
Puerto Rican Food in Twin Cities or anywhere in the State
Well- having lived in PR for three years, I can tell you there are not any Peurto Rican restaurants in the Twin Cities. In general, Puerto Ricans I think are scared to venture this far north ;) Ozuve if you know how to cook you might have yourself a side business.
Puerta Azul, which has since closed, was a Puerto Rican restaurant, but had mediocre food at that. The other ones mentioned here may have fine food themselves, but they do not fit the real Puerto Rican bill, with yummy tostones, mofongo, rice and beans, arroz con pollo, asopao, etc like made on the island.
The one thing worth mentioning is that Caribe Caribbean Bistro in St Paul does have their hands on some authentic Pan de Agua. I asked where they get it and they said from some bakery in the suburbs, and no the restaurant would not sell me a loaf.
Your closest bet is probably Chicago. :(
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Caribe Caribbean Bistro
791 Raymond Ave, St. Paul, MN 55114
