KristinT013's Profile
St. Paul Food Trucks - 2012 Season
I'm in St. Paul for jury duty this week and sought out a food truck lunch today. Right across from the courthouse was the Kellogg/Wabasha food truck court. I recall seeing 128 Cafe, Simply Steve's, Fork in the Road, Gastrotruck, Chef Shack, and a hot dog stand (not Nate's). I walked down to Mears Park because I wanted to try the Sassy Spoon. Ngon's "Didi" and Cupcake's van were also there.
The Sassy Spoon was just what I had hoped for. I avoid grains, and most food truck food involves some sort of bread to make it portable. Sassy Spoon had three entrees on offer: chicken salad over greens, beef hash (using sweet potatoes and other veg) and braised beef/veg served with cauliflower mash. I had the latter, and it was awesome chilly-day comfort food. The cauliflower mash was really creamy and dense, and the beef was tender and came apart easily with a fork. I scooped up all the juices with the cauliflower mash.
They also had a fancy iced drink, but I forget exactly what it was-- it involved cranberries, I know. I hope I get a chance to go back! On a warmer day, I think the chicken salad would hit the spot perfectly.
Eden Prairie - Edina Update
Not too far over the border in Minneapolis (54th and Penn) is Cafe Maude. I had a fantastic brunch there a month or so ago. I gather you will be alone? It seemed like the type of place that is friendly to the solo diner. I just checked out the dinner menu and there is a nice variety of small plates and entrees. I need to go back soon!
MSP Airport-Great Meal
I love Surdyk's Flights, too! A glass of wine and a charcuterie platter were the perfect pre-flight meal for my most recent trip.
Caribe Closing
Yes, construction is underway outside Ngon. Right now the construction is on the south side, traffic on the north side, so it is still relatively easy to get to. Everyone visit! I live in the neighborhood and am trying to put my money where my mouth is, making regular visits to the restaurants I want to see stick around. Homi and Que Nha are also on my list.
What's the big deal with Red Stag?
I was a little underwhelmed by the dinner I had at Red Stag, but have found it to be a very solid brunch option. The menu has a decent variety of interesting items, and they've had some good specials. The full bar is great for those Sundays when you need a bloody, and they serve legitimately good coffee (unlike 98% of the brunch joints in town).
Looking for a great dining place for my 21st birthday
FYI, Ngon doesn't have a liquor license, so there are really no (alcoholic) mixed drinks at all. Terrific wines and local beers, if that's how you want to kick off your legal drinking years, though! I would agree that Ngon would be a great place for a mixed party as described.
Our State Fair 2011: it's the Best State Fair in our State!
Wow, thanks! Great list! This will certainly give us some options.
I'm thinking of starting the day at the Epiphany Diner for some ham and eggs from the al a carte list-- I need to try one of the church diners before they are all lost to history, anyhow.
Our State Fair 2011: it's the Best State Fair in our State!
Does anyone have good tips on low-carb/South Beach friendly fair food? Please don't laugh me off the board here. I recently started this eating plan and it is really working for me, so I thought I'd make a challenge out of finding fair food that I can eat. This means mainly lean meats, seafood, veggies, and low-fat dairy, plus small amounts of whole grains, fruits, and wine. So far I'm thinking alligator on a stick and some MN wine. Maybe salads, tacos, middle eastern food? I'd love to find some standouts.
Delicious finds between Bayfield and Chetek, WI?
Thanks for the tips! We wound up getting pie at the Main Street Cafe in Bloomer on the recommendation of the cabin owner. They were delicious and very reasonably priced-- a big crumb-topped strawberry-rhubarb was $6. We also stopped at Lynn's Custom Meats in Hayward, where we got some great new york strip steaks, fresh liver sausage, and house-made jerky.
I'll have to visit Blue Vista Farm and South Shore Brewing on our next trip to Bayfield-- we definitely hope to go back soon.
Your Help is Needed - Homi Restaurante - St. Paul
Fortunately, this end of University isn't under construction yet. I live nearby; I'm about to go on vacation but will be sure to stop in next weekend! It's really too bad about the robbery.
You could definitely take a baby there-- it's a very informal place and I've seen families with kids eating there before.
As for food, their guac is great. Their version of a spicy tamale wrapped in banana leaf (oaxaqueno?) was really delicious, too! They warned us a few times that it was spicy, but we insisted that was okay. It was more than okay! Oh, they also have wonderful horchata to drink.
Delicious finds between Bayfield and Chetek, WI?
Thanks for the tips! I forgot about the Viking Brewery; that's a definite possibility. Pie and cheese in Rice Lake sounds unbeatable.
Delicious finds between Bayfield and Chetek, WI?
On our vacation this year, we'll be camping near Bayfield for several nights and then heading to a cabin near Chetek for a few more nights. We're planning to stock up on supplies between camping & cabin. Are there any special stops to be made on the road between Bayfield and Chetek? We'll be driving via 63 to Spooner, then heading south on 53. I'm particularly interested in finding some good bacon and bratwurst, but would also stop for amazing pies, candy, cheese, beer, etc. I'd also be interested to know if there are any co-ops or natural food stores on the way. Many thanks!
Need a good lunch idea for a late lunch tomorrow (Fri.) Like Heidi's or Corner Table but open for lunch
The construction hasn't reached Ngon yet (it's only as far east as Hamline), so there is plenty of street parking as well as their shared lot to the east of the building. Ngon would be a great place for a civilized lunch!
Twin Cities best onion rings?
I was a Grumpy's on Washington the other night and was pleasantly surprised by the excellent onion rings! They were crisp, not too greasy, and easy to bite cleanly through (rather than dragging the whole slippery onion out with the first bite). Very tasty, and delivered piping hot from the fryer. Definitely a win. For sandylc's reference, they were maybe 3/8 of an inch thick-- not the thinnest I've seen, but not giant 1-inch honkers either.
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Grumpy's Bar & Grill
1111 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Best Minneapolis Brewpub
I definitely agree with the Town Hall recs as best local brew pub. If you want to try somewhere with a variety of MN beers, Ngon Bistro is a surprisingly good option. Their beer list is Minnesota-only, and they always have interesting special beers (incl. cask) in addition to the regular list.
Sea Change
Any recent Sea Change experiences/recs? My partner and I have a reservation on Sunday. Usually our seafood intake is in the form of sushi, so it will be fun to try something new!
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Sea Change
806 Second Street S., Minneapolis, MN 55415
Cheap (but good) places for college kids in the Roseville area?
India Palace should fit the bill nicely!
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India Palace
2570 Cleveland Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55113
Local source for saltpeter?
I have a hankering to try my hand at making corned beef. The recipe I found calls for saltpeter. It's available online, but I only need a few tablespoons and would like to get started soon, anyway. Does anyone know of a local source?
Minneapolis airport eats?
I absolutely recommend Surdyk's flights! Had a great experience there in November. I don't remember the details, but I had a fantastic glass of wine and a panini with brie and apple. The service was polite and prompt. And, there are power outlets at every table! A nice touch to help you avoid the awkward power (no pun intended) struggle at the gate.
single best pizza in MSP/ No Time To Research Chow Archives
Dino's is at Thomas (not Thompson) and Hamline... it's cash only and eccentric hours, but delicious pizza! Definitely the best place that will deliver in my neighborhood. Don't let the "gourmet" in the name scare you off.
Still, I wouldn't call it the best pizza in town. Punch is my absolute favorite, but I haven't tried Black Sheep yet.
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Dino's Gourmet Pizza
1336 Thomas Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104
Looking for Comfort Food
For really downscale, check out Milda's cafe, just west of downtown Minneapolis on Glenwood. Try to get there on a day they sell pasties (MWF), if that's your thing! I also dig the hot turkey sandwich: Slice of toast, pile of roast turkey, scoop of mashed potatoes, all smothered with gravy.
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Milda's Cafe
1720 Glenwood Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Round table?
I was just going to say Little Szechuan, too! Also, last time I was there, Tanpopo Noodle Shop in lowertown had a big square table that seated... 8 I think? Maybe more. You could call and ask. Their dinners are simple but elegant-- and inexpensive to boot.
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Little Szechuan - West End
5377 16th Street, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Tanpopo Noodle Shop
308 Prince St, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Bars Bakery-- STP
Wow, great reviews already! I definitely want to check it out this weekend.
Bars Bakery-- STP
Has anyone tried this place yet? I saw a reference about it on Twitter (I think) and it looks to be newly opened. It's nearby my neighborhood, so I'd love to hear any first impressions.
http://barsbakery.com/
Grilling Time - Fresh Brats?
I picked up some brats at Stasny's over the weekend based on this rec, and they were outstanding! The had regular and beer brats; we got the beer brats. They cooked up perfectly and were probably some of the best I've had in a long time. We also enjoyed the house-made jerky and meat sticks. Stasny's would be a great stop before a weekend cabin or camping trip.
Corn Dogs at a restaurant? [MSP]
Memory Lanes in S Minneapolis (26th and 26th) does a good rendition of the mini variety. As an added bonus, you can add bowling to your evening's agenda! They serve food in the lanes or in the bar/restaurant (Flashback Cafe).
Chow destinations between MSP and Ferryville, WI?
Wow! Did not expect to find curry in that neck of the woods. I will make every effort to check it out. I will be with a pack of beer lovers, so a pub should not be a tough sell.
Chow destinations between MSP and Ferryville, WI?
Thanks for the tips! We are going the boring route because it's supposed to be yucky weather on Friday when we are driving... the river drive is much less worth the extra time in the rain, in my opinion.
We will definitely head to PdC at some point in the weekend, so it's good to know about Pete's. I had read about Spring Grove Soda Pop somewhere online but forgotten until this reminder-- maybe I'll have to stop for my preggo sister, since the rest of us will have fun drinkables for the weekend.
Chow destinations between MSP and Ferryville, WI?
Next weekend I'll be driving down to Ferryville (along the Mississippi north of Prairie du Chien) for a big family gathering there. The tentative plan is to meander down 52 and pass through Decorah, IA. Are there any must-stops for good food along that stretch of 52? We'll be needing a lunch spot and would also be interested in provisions for the weekend (cheeses, sausages, beer, wine, anything else local and good). Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
St. Paul late night dessert spot?
I, too, have a soft spot for Cafe Latte for a late night dessert spot. Another option is Coffee News Cafe, on Grand right next to the Macalester campus. I believe they are open till 11. It's definitely more of a coffeeshop vibe, but they have some spectacularly tall cakes (I've had the carrot and it is good) and some other desserts available.
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Coffee News Cafe
1662 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105
