jaycooke's Profile
Brunch for Large Group in St Paul
It may be above your budget ($20/person), but you could try M Street Grill, in the basement of the St. Paul hotel. It's buffet-style, but they have private roms that could accommodate your group.
Minnesota Road Trip
Definitely hit up either the Grand Ave or NE locations of Brasa Rotisserie. Excellent food by the same chef as the much higher-end Alma.
Crispy Fried Beef!
I wonder if it's similar to Thai Beef Jerky? It's usually served with sticky rice. I've had that at Ruam Mit and True Thai (although at True Thai it came out raw in the middle the last time and had to be sent back.
reasonably priced brisket
I hate brisket, or at least my mom's traditional/Jewish preparation. So I've never looked at prices and couldn't tell you what is reasonable. But I did see it was on sale at Whole Foods yesterday for $7-something a lb.
50th anniversary venue for my parents
I recently stumbled on this list on Open Table of Twin Cities restaurants with private rooms: http://www.opentable.com/info/banquets.aspx?m=46
I know it isn't comprehensive, and the quality on there ranges greatly, but may be a good place to start. I'm sure others will chime in with more specific recommendations.
Falafel King on West 7th
I just saw that last night! I have a meeting in the area tomorrow, so I hope to stop in for a bite.
MSP Airport-Great Meal
+1 for Surdyk's flights, although my sandwich of choice is the Turkey with manchego, arugula, and quince paste, and I usually opt for the side of carrots. It's so good that I sometimes stop in after I've landed to grab a sandwich to take home with me.
Also, I'm addicted to their marcona almonds & spicy walnuts. They'll put it in a nice little resealable to-go container that is perfect for taking on the plane.
Downtown St. Paul Skyway for Lunch?
It's a sad, sad skyway system compared to Minneapolis. Even 5 years later, I still miss working in the other downtown. Food trucks are one of the better options in the summer.
If you're willing to just leave the skyway, my favorites are:
http://www.mstcafe.com/ - hot & cold buffets in the basement of the St. Paul Hotel
http://www.barriotequila.com/ has a $10 taco lunch and a $12 all-you-can eat taco buffet
http://blacksheeppizza.com/
http://www.meritage-stpaul.com/ - sit at the oyster bar, get a burger or a bowl of matzo ball soup
I second the recommendation for Ruam Mit, above. But just for takeout -- their lunch service can be dreadfully slow. I prefer Fuji-ya to Sakura, but it isn't skyway connected. Other decent sandwich/salad options:
http://www.maisondarras.com/
http://www.realmealdeli.com/
And see this recent thread re: the change in ownership/menu at Wilbur's and the Chinese place that has Korean Fridays (which I may try tomorrow). http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843595
Finally, La Loma is opening in Town Square this summer. Will be a nice addition.
Twin Cities visit (MSP)
I haven't been, but just saw Stewart Woodman posting good things about the new Corner Table today as well. http://shefzilla.com/?p=16073
Favorite Restaurant to bring out-of-town guests?
What about Punch or Black Sheep for something cheap? For brunch, I'd second Lucia's and my last two out of town guests I've taken to Red Stag for brunch.
Downtown Minneapolis No Carb meals
I was going to post a link to this thread, http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/840188, but that was yours too. Probably not much new in the last 3 weeks. I sure wish there were more meat + veggie options in both downtowns.
ETA: Oh, wow, just read about this new low-carb food truck http://www.sassyspoontruck.com/about/ -- licensed only in St. Paul at the moment. Looks like the owner is a former dietician from Nutritional Weight & Wellness.
St. Paul Food Trucks - 2012 Season
Oh there's a better food truck map online, covering both cities: http://mspstreetfood.com/map/ It's pretty accurate, but may miss a couple trucks here and there.
St. Paul Food Trucks - 2012 Season
Looks like we'll have 3 different food truck courts in St. Paul this summer:
Mondays: 128 Mobile Cafe, Hola Arepa, and Vellee Deli [in front of Ecolab]
Wednesdays: 128 Mobile Cafe, Gastrotruck, Fork in the Road, Simply Steve's and Chef Shack [Wabasha & Kellogg]
Thursdays: Home Street Home, Messy Giuseppe, Neato's Burgers, Potter's Pasties and The Cave. [Robert & Kellogg]
I'm especially curious if anyone has had anything from Home Street Home, Neato's Burgers or the Cave?
Wilber's has Banh Mi?!?!?
Wait, that place next to Maison D'arras has Korean Fridays? And it's good?
How to get up and down University Ave
From the Tea Garden by the U to the Menards at Fairview, it isn't that bad (or at least it's better than it was last year, by a lot). I'd just drive on University for that part, at least on the weekends and after rush hour.
Healthy food Downtown
I haven't worked downtown in about 5 years, so my info may be a bit outdated, but these were my go-tos:
The chicken kebabs at the Greek Grill in the city center skyway are one of my standards. I get it with a greek salad on the side.
Ike's Food & Cocktails -- you used to be able to get the carved turkey and/or roast beef on top of a salad.
Macy's -- in the basement, the hot food bar would have fried chicken (I remove the skin) or sometimes grilled chicken breasts with steamed veggies.
Bakeries and restaurants in/near St. Paul
I was reminded by twitter today that Kopplin's Coffee (in Merriam Park, I believe) carries a small selection of Rustica baked goods, and apparently sell the baguettes for $1 at the end of the day. That's a lovely block with Sweet's bakeshop (cupcakes and macaroons only), Trotter's, and Izzy's ice cream.
What's missing from MSP's culinary landscape?
Mesa Pizza does it that way here. And one other place on Hennepin does it that way here, I think.
Downtown weekend
Your husband sounds a bit like my parents from Iowa. They are not foodies and are subject to sticker shock at some of our high-end restaurants. Of the places already mentioned, they have enjoyed meals at Bar La Grassa, Brasa, and Ike's, so I would echo all of those as options. And I'd add breakfast or brunch at Red Stag in Northeast Minneapolis.
Grocery Delivery, Minneapolis or St. Paul?
I used Coburns in 2010 for twelve weeks when I was housebound with a broken leg. They were accurate with their order (always including extra sample things), the delivery guys would come all the way into my kitchen with my stuff when they realized I couldn't walk/carry anything myself, and I was overall really happy with the experience. Some of their prepared meals were really good. And bonus that they will delivery alcohol if you're 21 and home. I also found a coupon through retailmenot or its ilk for 12 weeks of free delivery, which saved me some real money.
The downside for me was how terrible most of the fruit was -- often there wasn't any of the best quality rated stuff available, even though it was July and should have been peak season. What I did get was fine looking, just not very tasty. The very first place I went when I got permission to drive again was to Seward to get real fruit.
True Thai needs a face lift and it is not alone
I agree, doctor k, the service was so bad the last time I was there, it'll be awhile before I try it again. The table next to me got up after a long wait before ordering, and left. I was dining solo and had to find my own silverware from an empty table and beg for refills of water. And the Thai beef jerky was served to me raw in the center and had to be sent back. Not worth the effort.
looking for a good birthday cake - St. Paul
They throw all sorts of stuff on there -- hersheys kisses (in the wrapper), toys, etc. Even on adult cakes. Here's one photo of a kid's cake: http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4120/4736635923_e5b67c8ee0_b.jpg
looking for a good birthday cake - St. Paul
Also the Baker's Wife has a great birthday cake (with some odd decorations). Not in St. Paul, but not too far over the Ford Bridge, either.
2012 Minnesota Burger TDL
Since no one has mentioned it, I'll chime in. The grass-fed beef burger at Heartland (in the bar, just $12) was my favorite of 2011. Served with thick wedges of skin-on fries and an ever-changing condiment trio (mustard, aioli, and ketchup -- all housemade).
What's with the salt & pepper shakers and Sriracha at every table in MSP?
One place that DOESN'T have salt & pepper on the tables (and should) is Brasa. I find it especially odd as they have hot sauce and other condiments everywhere.
Brief but delicious return to MSP (Brasa, Pho Ca Dao and assorted odds and ends)
Yes, the Brussel sprouts special at Brasa is to die for. One of the best things I've had in 2011 and probably in the top 5 of vegetable sides ever. I hope they become at least a seasonal fixture. I also asked about ingredients and was told just fish sauce and vinegar, but the lime sounds about right. Amazing.
Ruam Mit Thai
The green curry with tofu is my standard order. I also really like the Phra Nua (beef salad - the medium is very spicy), the extra spicy beef jerky (which isn't actually spicy) and sticky rice, and the Pha Ram Long Song (red curry with peanuts on top of a bed of steamed spinach).
For a healthier option, I like their wonton soup (usually sans wantons) -- a clear broth with bright veggies.
If you're going with a group make sure to allow extra time. The service can be terribly slow. I prefer take out for that reason.
Lunch recommendation for this Saturday
Was coming here to recommend Brasa as well. I like the beef and the pork best of the 4 meats, and don't miss the fried yuca. I'd miss it most if I moved away.
Company Holiday Party
I think TDQ hit the nail on the head. Find a great space and have Brasa cater. I was at a lovely gluten-free wedding that they catered buffet-style. They rent out the restaurant for private parties from time to time, but parking for 100 would be a bit challenging.
St. Paul Breakfast / Brunch Places
I want to anti-recommend Heartland for brunch, if only because they had the nerve to charge $5 for a cup of black coffee. Add in $10 eggs and $10 sausage, and brunch for one was $27 before tip.
