snoboardbabe77's Profile
Pat's Tap - Recent Review
For those that don't know - I moved from St Paul to Mora, MN SOOO decent chow places are uh, few and far between and I can only get my restaurant fix when I visit my BF who lives in Powderhorn. I was down on Sat and we were considering Piccolo, Saffron, Craftsman or Cafe Ena. We ended up at Pat's Tap (long story).
Anyway, FYI - Pat's Tap of course is NOT like the prior 4 options of course but ya know what? Pat's Tap is pretty good. Service is really quick, friendly (but not the annoying "trying to be my friend" type of service) and helpful on menus and cocktail direction; constant water refills (I like that), etc.
Cocktails are VERY good (whiskey sour was well made) and at $9 - compares to other options around town. Excellent beer list- as it should have. Moos Joos...mmm...
Two apps - MUST TRY buffalo chicken terrine when you're there; it looks pretty, tastes better. Cheese curds are well, cheese curds. It is everything a curd should be (and it will definitely give you your fix til you get to the State Fair). Entrees were nothing over the top but fresh ingredients with full flavor on the fish tacos, bangers and mash (companion said not best he's ever had but good enough) and I had the chargrilled (nice char) harissa and honey roasted chicken sandwich. I know it's a sandwich but in another discussion thread when we talked about Brasa, Big E and I each talked about how to make a good sandwich. There's a whole lot going on - fresh but hearty foccacia that can withstand the chicken (which was really good), against pickled chilies and manchego cheese, garlic aioli -everything pairs well together as a melt together mouth pleasure!
Skip the fries and stick with the American-sized portion of homemade potato chips--large, thin, crispy, warm and salty goodness!
5 drinks, 3 entrees, 2 apps---about $110-before tip - pretty good I'd say. There's good people watching (all types of people), skee ball and the noise level is 'pub' without overkill.
After that, we got into the car and went to Pumphouse Creamery. I'm used to Grand Ole Creamery and Conny's Creamy Cone--but PHC was pretty darn good...it felt lighter than its counterparts.
A place like Pat's Tap reminds me that my culinary experiences don't always have to be Frost or 112 or LBV...it can be just good old bar food done a few notches above....
Need Dinner Recommendation
MelJohns - I have been to Grand Cafe - however, it's been awhile. Both times were when Jon Radle was still chef. IThe first time I went there was when a girlfriend won a silent auction and it included a tasting menu and wine. If you scrounge around, you'll find my post. I believe it said: Grand Cafe, get there..get there now. It was seriously one of the most memorable meals I have had (and that includes dining in other states). It was just amazing. The second time was for wine and dessert - nevertheless, it was an overall pleasant experience. Don't know how the restaurant has done since but if you're not able to get a reservation in season (I think mine was in the mo of Oct?), it means it is still doing something right! When you can, eat there and let me know how it is... :) Hmm...second nod to Cave Vin..I may need to re-think French....
Need Dinner Recommendation
SK - Thanks! I've heard good things about Bar La Grassa....perhaps.
Not pushing price point - just picked one to start with. Who knows. We weren't anticipating $100 at Blackbird for lunch...so...sometimes you just keep talking (and apparently drinking) :)
Typically for wine - we'd probably just split a bottle - nothing crazy. Maybe $40-$50. By glass, typically no more than $10/glass.
Need Dinner Recommendation
I figured if I stayed generic, I'd get lots of responses!
Info: I know the restaurants I love and hate - I moved from St Paul to Mora, MN (yes...I know) and therefore, have missed my city restaurants. ...ever...soo...much...
Meeting with my best friend on 1/20 (Fri) for dinner and staying overnight away from the hubs and baby. Having a few cocktails too.
Price: I'd say $50/piece including a few glasses of wine before tax and tip. However, her and I managed to spend over $100 at Blackbird Cafe for LUNCH (so perhaps we had a few too many glasses of wine).
What I don't want: Asian/Sushi, Steak place, French
What I do want: a good CH restaurant where I can have a nice convo with my best friend that doesn't require me to feel like I'm 20 again (think: Chino) but isn't divey (I like dives, but I don't want one for this occasion).
Location is open but preferably Minneapolis or St Paul.
Help! Need catering advice!
Interesting time for a party! :)
$500 is a pretty tight budget for 100 people even if it is just finger foods...
However, i'll suggest Three Sons Catering. They do awesome work and while they're not typically the finger food variety, you might at least give them a try. I worked with them in 10/2010 for a meet and greet (same amt of people) we had here at our firm - they were AWESOME and we paid $913.00 after tax; granted, that's double your budget BUT we had spicy tuna roll with wasabi, pickled ginger and soy sauce, calamata oliver tapenade with butter crisp canapes, mini beef wellingtons and artichoke sundried tomato and gruyere gratin with toast points...SO, I'm thinking they could do the type of food you're looking for around your price point-plus, their food is just plain good (I realize intoxicated people might not care) but I'm sure TSC wouldn't mind another round of Kudos to build their portfolio..I was in touch with Sue Marty; at least give them a shout out-they're also very creative. I chose items from their menu and they gave us different options based on duration of time it would sit out, appeal, etc.
Holiday Party Ideas
Inasuitcase - if $15 includes everything but alcohol - depending on IF your members are willing to drive a little and what their tastes might be....I still think bocce ball (in the dark dingy bar basement) is a great way to get people talking or involved...
I was thinking that if you did it on a Friday starting at 5 (I don't know what time these events would start), you could do HH or food at Ngon Bistro on University Avenue (light rail construction sucks but there is off street parking available) OR across the bridge a bit farther at W.A. Frost. Both have good HH...Frost would be too pricey for the $15 but noshing could be doable for that......it would require a drive to HTR after that..but it could still be an option.
If you started at HTR at a decent hour (before band time), you could still call Nick or Scott and see if they'd be willing to let you cater something in (then you could definitely meet your $15/person budget) and avoid the $5 cover....I know the regulars get Jimmy John's, Pizza Factory, etc. delivered...but that might be an option if the bocce ball sounds interesting enough as an idea..
Holiday Party Ideas
Seige might be onto something with this-I lived right by the Half Time Rec for 5 1/2 years. The crowd is mixed but always interesting. Plenty of free parking in the lot on the street - entertainment consists of 1) pool tables 2) tv watching 3) people watching 4) touch screen music selection 5) live bands on weekends 6) pull tabs and 7) the infamous bocce ball downstairs...which is actually loads of fun. Several years ago it switched ownership but if you call Nick or Scott (the owners who are often there bartending) they might let you know if you can reserve bocce ball OR they might cut you a deal b/c on Fri and Sats, live bands after 8 charge a $5 cover...it's typically first come, first served. Unfortunately, their 'food' selection is limited only to Heggie's pizzas, free popcorn and the vending machine right inside the door. Unfortunately, chowwise - Gabe's a close walk has nothing great to offer...
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Half Time Rec
1013 Front Ave, St Paul, MN 55103
Fried Chicken - Twin Cities
TDQ - Have you tried Country Side in Roseville? They've done broasted chicken forever. I know it might be a smidge different than true true fried chicken but CH LOVES the chicken there. They've been doing it forever - it's priced right, they're really friendly and it's crackling crispy on the outside, juicy juicy on the inside (I'm taking CH's word on this; I don't eat fried/broasted chicken). Check it out sometime. The Brass Rail that DB Cooper is referring too uses the same technique (it's Broasters trademark) ....and guess what TDQ - I don't live in St Paul anymore; I live in MORA, past Grandy and Cambridge-the restaurants are NOT anything like they are in the cities. :(
Mac's Fish and Chips
So I live in St Paul and about 5 years ago, we went to Mac's (under the ownership of the guy and his asian wife)...disappointed. Never returned.
Now, I just read on front page of "Eat" from Pio Press that it's been under new ownership for the past year....reviews online are still debatable....and relatively inconclusive.
Has any on my CH-buddies been here within the last month or two?
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Mac's Fish and Chips
1330 Larpenteur Ave W, Saint Paul, MN 55113
Co-worker just gave me a bucket of Morel shrooms ...[Moved from Minneapolis St. Paul]
Ha - you guys will never guess-my CH found 20 morel mushrooms in our front side yard in St Paul (we live by the Half Time Rec)...can you believe it? He thought he'd have to go down to Grandma's house by Mankato to find them! Unreal!
CH cooks morels very simply - butter and soy sauce. That's it. We eat them as a side dish, on a grilled ribeye with a cabernet sauce OR in an omlette.
Mintahoe Catering
SmartCookie is right.
My best friend had her wedding at Nicollet Island Pavillion - her food is about the only memorable food I've had at a wedding.
Presentation is great, they are professional, food tasted very good - above standard 'wedding' food....etc.
She had varietal import cheeses, crackers...and fruit displays..build your own pasta bar, a coffee bar, an open bar, a mashed potato martini bar, etc. It was awesome
Restaurant Near the Lagoon Theater
Agree with foreverhungry. Definitely NOT a fan of Bar Abilene at all. I don't think the food is very good, the atmosphere is so-so, the service is only so-so, and even though I don't like to admit this-I'd rather go to Chino than Bar Abilene. Personally, if the weather is decent enough, I'd prefer the walk to Barbette or across the street to The Independent.
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Bar Abilene
1300 Lagoon Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Best atmosphere for martinis?
I've never made a reservation for the lounge? I've been there on a Friday, Saturday and a Tuesday? Twice just a few cocktails before our dinner reservation (even if it is not busy, I just like making a reservation to guarantee the time I want) and the other time - just stopped for a cocktail before going elsewhere for dinner. I don't even know if you can make a res for the lounge; it might be first come, first serve?
Best atmosphere for martinis?
My CH is a huge martini fan - I was also going to recommend Frost - in the bar...but I didn't know if Girls Night Out meant casual, or have a few martinis and then go dancing, in which case Frost in St Paul wouldn't really cut it. But, it's relaxing and cozy, and they have a variety of great cocktails besides martinis! Also, Lexington has good martinis -and during HH, they're a steal. The other venue is Seven Sushi Lounge. We had cocktails there before heading to another restaurant for dinner -and they're made exactly to perfection.
What's up with Town Talk Diner?
THanks getgot 211...we wondered....now I know for sure.
What's up with Town Talk Diner?
My best friend went over to Town Talk on Sat for drinks...and were given the menu with the server's caveat - "I should tell you now that we're out of most every cocktail." HUH? TTD is known for great cocktails? Apparently, there is little or no liquor for most of their cocktails....and it has been this way for almost 3 months? Something about vendors not being paid?
Does anyone know more? Is TTD going down? Just wondering!
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Town Talk Diner
2707 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Excellent News On The MSP Kimchi front
Hotsumi - there is another brand - you can find it at Rainbow - but I can't remember the brand. Kim's Grocery on Snelling should also carry good kim chee. She's got great products.
And I'm curious-why it suck? I'm guessing your Korean? I am and Yon's is good to me? It tastes no different (a little less fresh) than what i get at Mirror of Korea or Sole?
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Mirror of Korea
761 Snelling Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55104
Snelling Cafe
638 Snelling Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55104
Gumpy's Roseville, $2 Surly beer on Mondays but food?
Foreverhungry - for the most part I agree with your assessment. When I'm at Longfellow -there are specific things I get for appetizers. Chowhub gets the walleye/shrimp cakes are pretty darn good for $6...and the wild mushroom flatbread isn't bad either for 1/2 price. In terms of food itself - it's mediocre-better compared to Grumpys - most every place is -and compared to those offering $2 Surlys on tap.
I've actually for some reason always been successful at BDP and if you're a glutton, the spam bites (who doesn't love cream cheese?) are tasty-just like the tots. But other than that, service has gone very down hill, it's not set up well despite being a "pub" for crowds, and I still prefer The Nook -which Weds at 5PM and Sun right at open - you will almost never wait in line. It's my secret and the fries are better.
Excellent News On The MSP Kimchi front
I've bought Yon's kim chee at the Cub off University Avenue in St Paul. Beware though b/c the one in Roseville (Har Mar) does NOT sell Yon's. Not sure why. If they sell directly at their facility, let me know.
Twin Cities Brunch
Agreed. I've eaten at Fab Fern's plenty of times-and for brunch. The brunch is pretty typical - fruit, mini cinnamon rolls/caramel rolls, eggs, bacon, etc. but for the price, Bon Vie is much much better (no buffet there but the items are better quality) ....so unless you're set on having a Bloody Mary or something, Bon Vie is much better
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Bon Vie
518 Selby Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Gumpy's Roseville, $2 Surly beer on Mondays but food?
Truthfully? There is nothing that great at Grumpy's. I've eaten there a handful of times b/c we were in Roseville-but for $2 Surly's - your better bet (if you don't mind crowds) are the Longfellow/Highland Park Grills....they also have $2 Surly's on tap, and their apps are half price and most are better than anything that you could get at Grumpy's. Everything there is mediocre at best.
Twin Cities Brunch
Just brunch or brunch buffets? I love brunch. In St Paul, I like Bon Vie (quiches, eggs benedict) and W.A. Frost.
In Mpls, I like the Grand Cafe, decent but not outstanding is Cafe Twenty-Eight, Hot Plate (there are some hit or misses - Lingonberry pancakes, the huevos rancheros, the salmon scramble are better bets).
I'm not totally sold on Hell's Kitchen in Mpls like a lot of other people are-but it's a popular destination & large enough that you probably don't have to wait long.
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Hell's Kitchen
80 South 9th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Cafe Twenty-Eight
2724 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Hot Plate
5204 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Bon Vie
518 Selby Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Anniversary Dinner Suggestions
Thanks for the great suggestions-we'll let CHub browse the menus and go from there. And I'm not discounting restaurants b/c of their amazing wine lists-it's more that I'm way more into wine than Chub, and since some of those restaurants are noteworthy for the food/wine pairing aspects, I'd just prefer to stay away until we can go and fully enjoy it - with wine.
I'm thinking Sea Change, Cave Vin (I've heard this from some others but never been) or Piccolo.
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Cave Vin
5555 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Sea Change
806 Second Street S., Minneapolis, MN 55415
Anniversary Dinner Suggestions
Hubs and I will be celebrating 2 years on 11/1/10 (though we've been together and happily eating through the TC for more than 11) - but I don't have a clue this year.
411: I'm pregnant - no booze or wine (so sad) - but hubs still enjoys a good martini. This is why I don't want to head to Meritage (simply b/c I like the the wine pairing thing) OR Restaurant Alma.
I'm allergic to shellfish (also very sad) - I will go so my husband can enjoy it but he prefers a place we can both equally enjoy.
In previous years, I've had excellent meals and tasting menus at Grand Cafe (have not been there since chef passed away), LBV, Frost and Nicollet Island Inn. We are open food eaters -
Any suggestions? I'm game for whatever since I'm the sober cab -but I prefer to stick within St Paul or Mpls (sans Uptown).
TIA.
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Restaurant Alma
528 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Nicollet Island Inn
95 Merriam, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Meritage
410 Saint Peter St, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Simply the best Korean meal I have eaten in decades!
As a Korean-American, I meant to write about our experience at Sole. My hubby (European Mutt) and I joke about the difference between our former go-to Mirror of Korea (and yes, I DO prefer this over Kings) - we think Mirror of Korea is like the greasy spoon for Korean - but it can be hit or miss since the daughter took over - but Sole in terms of true simple flavor is definitely Sole. Definitely no frills but the food speaks for itself.
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Mirror of Korea
761 Snelling Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55104
abetto's hot dago?
Interesting. If you try it, let me know. We live real close to Abetto's. We tried their 1 topping pizza for $5.60 after 5PM or something once - it's your typical greasy pizza. Much prefer John's Pizza Cafe (though much more expensive) or a car trip for take out Red Savoy.
I also like the dago at John's Pizza Cafe. I think it's only about $7.00? I could be wrong.
I will say Ron, the owner of Abetto's is awesome for trying to find wines you might want (he's got a 10% off wine club-membership free) and I like his mix and match import microbrews....he's very knowledgeable and very nice.
Minnesota State fair - any coan't misses?
I love the fact that the short list has encompassed almost everything. LOL.
I always go with my hubby or friends-that way, everyone's "favs" can be sampled by everyone else, without overeating (the excessive salt and fat content is already there) and cut down somewhat on cost.
Agreed about the sampler by Sausage by Cynthia. Really good stuff. Also agree, avoid the jerky. I prefer the jerky in one of the buildings - though I can't remember which one?? All different kinds. Good stuff.
I have to get a pronto pup. I just do. However, last year, hubby got a granddaddy pup - don't do this. Something about the foot long size - the batter doesn't get fully cooked, ew. Stick to a regular either pronto, corn or pancho dog.
A cone from the Dairy Building. I prefer cone over shake-so that I can save room for more goodies. Shakes fill me up too much!
Roasted corn and mini-donuts also from Tom Thumb.
Moving to the Twin Cities - where to buy affordable organic produce and meat?
BlauerPlanet -
I live in St Paul and most of what everyone else says is true. The St. Paul Farmer's Market (in DT) is very popular. There are two Mississippi Markets (Selby-Dale) and the larger one on 7th. They both carry bulk flour, bulgar, wheat germ and other items you are probably looking for.
I'd google if you are interested in sourcing direct for your products. There are some farms here in MN that you will be able to get direct, and as well as our neighboring WI (not far away) that you can buy in bulk.
If you are looking for dairy products-at some of the stores, there is a brand called GrassPoint Farms. They're from Thorpe, WI and personally better tasting and better sourcing than Horizon, etc. They are certified pasteurized, not certified organic and they come with the chart table on the back as to why certified pasteurized is actually better than certified organic.
Hope this helps!
Out of towner seeking advice for a business lunch
True that Semanticantics - I walked over to Macy's for a salad today and I couldn't believe how many people were eating outside of Zelos. I like summer, but I despise this humidity! Does not seem like a great environment for a pleasant meal!
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Zelo
831 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402
