This summer has been so hottt that staying at home has become a luxury. So when I do go out it has to be something special and special it was to go to Jax café in N.E.
Walking into Jax will bring you back in history to the atmosphere of the onetime great supper clubs. The leather banquets, the long bar and then the large dining room with everything just perfect…what can I say except you need to see it to know what I am talking about.
I have always wanted to try the brunch since it has been recommended to me by so many people. The selections look quit appetizing and ready to dig in and that is exactly what I did. It is so hard to make up your mind when so many choices are given to you but my motto is...try a little of everything. My favorite of the day was the lasagna sooo soooo good.
After gorging on the main treats the best was yet to come and that came in the form of desserts….everything from little cheesecake balls to bread pudding with caramel sauce to any type of cake you could imagine.
The next question is...what does one do after enjoying a food frenzy? Well the answer is easy you go home take a little rest and then exercise for the next hour or so. It makes it all worth while.
Jax’s was so good that I went back again yesterday to celebrate a B’day, and it was just as good as the first time. Needless to say I think Jax’s is a must on anybody’s restaurant list but remember if you go for the brunch you might want to fast 2 days prior.
The one thing I forgot and it might sound a bit hooky, but if you make reservations, when you arrive at your table there will be matches with your name engraved...ok stop laughing but I thought it was so cute.
LOCATION:
1928 University Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
PH: (612) 789 – 7297
Monday, August 1, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Fogo De Chao
Sunday started Restaurant Week in the mini-apple and I was able to get reservations at Fogo de Chao. Yes I have been there before but made the exception to go back.
I guess that everybody knows that this restaurant is a carnivore’s delight. There is not a cut of beef that they do not bring to the table and each one better then the last. It amazes me that most of the people take their place at the salad bar, and load up on the tasty treats rather than taking advantage of the endless meat selections I overheard the table behind me tell the waiter, no bread, no sides and no salad bar…now that is a true carnivore!
I do have one suggestion for the restaurant and that is…go a little easy on the salt. If you get an outside cut of meat the flavor is ruined by the amount of salt they use, be smart and go for inside cuts. The wait staff is more than eager to oblige.
One last comment the cheesecake is more then delish it is outstanding
Minneapolis
645 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403
T: (612) 338.1344
I guess that everybody knows that this restaurant is a carnivore’s delight. There is not a cut of beef that they do not bring to the table and each one better then the last. It amazes me that most of the people take their place at the salad bar, and load up on the tasty treats rather than taking advantage of the endless meat selections I overheard the table behind me tell the waiter, no bread, no sides and no salad bar…now that is a true carnivore!
I do have one suggestion for the restaurant and that is…go a little easy on the salt. If you get an outside cut of meat the flavor is ruined by the amount of salt they use, be smart and go for inside cuts. The wait staff is more than eager to oblige.
One last comment the cheesecake is more then delish it is outstanding
Minneapolis
645 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403
T: (612) 338.1344
Pazzaluna
Katy Perry might not have been in St. Paul on Saturday night, but I was! The people that were going to the concert with me decided to take the road trip and go to Pazzaluna. We arrived just in time to take advantage of the last minutes of the Happy Hour. The drinks were good and I learned my lesson not to mix rum and vodka…not pretty. Going with a group of people is great, and since everybody orders something different you get to taste all the dishes (without double dipping of course). I must say that I was not overly taken with the food. The spicy penne was anything but spicy and the seafood linguine was tasteless…a little disappointing. If I were to go back I would get there earlier and take full advantage of the Happy Hour. Looking at the hh menu there are several good choices, from both the food and drink menu. The night turned out to be lots of fun and we still have the concert to look forward too.
In my opinion this restaurant deserves a 3 out of 5 star rating ***.
Service was friendly and good.
Noise level low making it easy to hold a conversation.
In my opinion this restaurant deserves a 3 out of 5 star rating ***.
Service was friendly and good.
Noise level low making it easy to hold a conversation.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tryg's
Over the weekend it was Gay Pride, so after a parade one does work up a little appetite. The downtown restaurants, or at least the ones that were open, were very crowded. Many suggestions were passed back and forth and finally the decision was made to go to Tryg’s.
I have been to Tryg’s several times and the only time I thought it was good was when it first opened. In my opinion it has gone progressively downhill from there. One can overlook the fact that there was only one waitress to take care of the bar but she also had to take care of the outside sitting area….way too much to ask of one person. I will say that the waitress was terrific and seems that she had for the most part all under control.
We started the meal with bloody marys, which I swear were virgin since there was no alcohol in either, but could be due to the fact that it was happy hour prices. I ordered another, at which time I showed the waitress my Groupon, I was told that the drinks would be regular price...My response…that’s fine, but please make sure that the bartender uses alcohol in this one, since I am paying regular price… My bloody arrived and it was perfect!
The food, not sure where to begin…there was not really too much on the menu to pick from, but we managed. The order consisted of 2 burgers and onion rings, what could be simpler. Well let me tell you, the onion rings were burnt, the French fries were dripping of oil and the burger was mediocre.
I guess by this time you can figure out my opinion on this restaurant. As much as I wanted to think that thru the years and with a new chef it might have come up in the world, but sadly to say it has not.
I have been to Tryg’s several times and the only time I thought it was good was when it first opened. In my opinion it has gone progressively downhill from there. One can overlook the fact that there was only one waitress to take care of the bar but she also had to take care of the outside sitting area….way too much to ask of one person. I will say that the waitress was terrific and seems that she had for the most part all under control.
We started the meal with bloody marys, which I swear were virgin since there was no alcohol in either, but could be due to the fact that it was happy hour prices. I ordered another, at which time I showed the waitress my Groupon, I was told that the drinks would be regular price...My response…that’s fine, but please make sure that the bartender uses alcohol in this one, since I am paying regular price… My bloody arrived and it was perfect!
The food, not sure where to begin…there was not really too much on the menu to pick from, but we managed. The order consisted of 2 burgers and onion rings, what could be simpler. Well let me tell you, the onion rings were burnt, the French fries were dripping of oil and the burger was mediocre.
I guess by this time you can figure out my opinion on this restaurant. As much as I wanted to think that thru the years and with a new chef it might have come up in the world, but sadly to say it has not.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Crave...Downtown
What a way to start June but getting get together with friends and a visit to the new Crave downtown. It might seem like Crave is taking over the world, or a small part of it, but I think they might have out done themselves with the renovations of the old Palamino.
My friends are working and this is their lunch hour so there is no alcohol to be had. In away the lack of an alcoholic beverage does make a difference when you have to pay the bill; nothing against drinking…just saying.
The menu, as would be expected reads like a bible, covering everything from specials to sushi to pasta and salads etc…etc. You would think that 4 women would have diversified appetites, but no…its salads for all.
I tried the Crave tossed turkey cobb…so delish…nothing left on the plate not even a piece of green. From the looks at the other plates on the table, it might be said that my friends had the same delightful experience and it was Yum all around.
Since it is lunch and everybody is on a time schedule, our delightful lunch had to end. I will go back,but I will wait till the patio opens, which should be within the next week according to our waitress.
When you are downtown and need an idea for a little respite to just kick back in a relaxing atmosphere…try Crave!
TaTa....
My friends are working and this is their lunch hour so there is no alcohol to be had. In away the lack of an alcoholic beverage does make a difference when you have to pay the bill; nothing against drinking…just saying.
The menu, as would be expected reads like a bible, covering everything from specials to sushi to pasta and salads etc…etc. You would think that 4 women would have diversified appetites, but no…its salads for all.
I tried the Crave tossed turkey cobb…so delish…nothing left on the plate not even a piece of green. From the looks at the other plates on the table, it might be said that my friends had the same delightful experience and it was Yum all around.
Since it is lunch and everybody is on a time schedule, our delightful lunch had to end. I will go back,but I will wait till the patio opens, which should be within the next week according to our waitress.
When you are downtown and need an idea for a little respite to just kick back in a relaxing atmosphere…try Crave!
TaTa....
Psycho Suzie's
I think Summer has arrived in the Mini-Apple!!!! So run don’t walk to the nearest outdoor patio, preferably by a body of water, serving great cocktails and good food. The place that comes to mind is Psycho Suzie’s and their new outdoor patio. This place has an aura all its own and I am not sure that I could find the words to describe. There is not just one bar there are several, each one with its own atmosphere.
Myself and fellow foodie head straight to the great outdoors to get a seat on the patio, to soak up some rays and enjoy the evening ahead. We start with a couple of vodka tonics, the perfect way to start an evening, then sit back for some good conversation and people watching. It’s time to eat, everything on the menu sounds good but we rely on the Suzie burger and the low rider of course with tater tots.
It must be my lucky day; I can almost see dessert on the horizon. Yep…I see a S’mores platter headed my way…I am a happy camper. S’mores will bring almost everybody back to childhood, holding your marshmallow over open heat, and then to squeeze onto a graham cracker only to be covered with chocolate or better yet a reeses peanut butter up…..oh my I think I died and went to heaven.
I cannot recommend this place enough…the atmosphere is eclectic and just a good way to spend a warm summers night. I think you get the gist by now…just go and see for yourself.
TaTa
1900 Marshall St. Northeast
Minneapolis MN 55418
612-788-9069
Myself and fellow foodie head straight to the great outdoors to get a seat on the patio, to soak up some rays and enjoy the evening ahead. We start with a couple of vodka tonics, the perfect way to start an evening, then sit back for some good conversation and people watching. It’s time to eat, everything on the menu sounds good but we rely on the Suzie burger and the low rider of course with tater tots.
It must be my lucky day; I can almost see dessert on the horizon. Yep…I see a S’mores platter headed my way…I am a happy camper. S’mores will bring almost everybody back to childhood, holding your marshmallow over open heat, and then to squeeze onto a graham cracker only to be covered with chocolate or better yet a reeses peanut butter up…..oh my I think I died and went to heaven.
I cannot recommend this place enough…the atmosphere is eclectic and just a good way to spend a warm summers night. I think you get the gist by now…just go and see for yourself.
TaTa
1900 Marshall St. Northeast
Minneapolis MN 55418
612-788-9069
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Aura
I have a Groupon that is ready to expire and I also need to get together with a good friend, so why not combine the two. Our destination is Aura in Calhoun Square, a place that I have passed many times and because it was so dimly lit, just kept on walking.
I arrived exactly at 4 and yes the place was empty, but that never stopped me from having a cocktail and waiting. I decided to have a Mojito (not part of the hh); price is good and the taste not bad. My friend arrived and shortly she had a glass of wine in hand and the chatter begins.
We opted for appetizers picking them from the hh menu. For starters we did the waffle fries with sour cream dressing along with the baked brie and apples. The brie and apples was a little bit deceiving…it was thin slices of apple with a minute sliver of brie…disappointing. We order another batch of drinks and decide to share the three cheese pizza. The pizza had good flavor but could have been cooked a tad longer.
By this time after a good number of drinks it is time to leave. It is about 8 and the place is standing room only. I know this is not because of Groupon, but the prices are just too good to pass up and the food is not bad.
If you are in need of a place to go for hh in uptown you might want to consider Aura.
TTFN!!!!!!!!!!!
Aura Restaurant and Bar
3001 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 821-0008
I arrived exactly at 4 and yes the place was empty, but that never stopped me from having a cocktail and waiting. I decided to have a Mojito (not part of the hh); price is good and the taste not bad. My friend arrived and shortly she had a glass of wine in hand and the chatter begins.
We opted for appetizers picking them from the hh menu. For starters we did the waffle fries with sour cream dressing along with the baked brie and apples. The brie and apples was a little bit deceiving…it was thin slices of apple with a minute sliver of brie…disappointing. We order another batch of drinks and decide to share the three cheese pizza. The pizza had good flavor but could have been cooked a tad longer.
By this time after a good number of drinks it is time to leave. It is about 8 and the place is standing room only. I know this is not because of Groupon, but the prices are just too good to pass up and the food is not bad.
If you are in need of a place to go for hh in uptown you might want to consider Aura.
TTFN!!!!!!!!!!!
Aura Restaurant and Bar
3001 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 821-0008
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Purple Sandpiper
It’s time to use another Groupon which will take me to Purple Sandpiper. I was off to a bad start when I got lost just going around the block. I would figure if an address states Lyndale Avenue that it would be on Lyndale not in a strip mall…another subject all together. With a little direction from the restaurant I did arrive.
By this time I needed a little refreshment of the alcoholic type. My waitress was very knowledgeable about the wine list and suggested a Berringer Merlot as opposed to a Minnesota wine. She had a great suggestion! My guest arrived just in time to have one of the bottled beers, for the life of me cannot remember the name. With the beverages we decided to share the usual calamari and yes the sauce was quite spicy but good.
On to the main courses…since I wanted a salad I choose the grilled salmon with mixed greens. I must be turning over a new leaf (lol) ordering a completely organic first course and thinking how delish it was. My guest ordered the roasted cauliflower mac & cheese with lots of hot sauce on the side. As far as I could tell both dishes met and or exceeded expectation.
Oh, my favorite course is about to arrive…we ordered the classic tiramisu…to share of course. It was good but I think that it could have used a bit more espresso flavor or maybe a dash of Kahlua.
By the time we were ready to leave the place had a very nice crowd even though the weather was not that good. The prices are not bad and there is plenty to choose from, it makes for a very nice neighborhood restaurant with flair.
Must go to prepare for my 6 mile walk and I know there will be a little nosh after that….can’t wait.
TTFN!!!
8405 Lyndale Ave. S.
Bloomington
952-888-1429
By this time I needed a little refreshment of the alcoholic type. My waitress was very knowledgeable about the wine list and suggested a Berringer Merlot as opposed to a Minnesota wine. She had a great suggestion! My guest arrived just in time to have one of the bottled beers, for the life of me cannot remember the name. With the beverages we decided to share the usual calamari and yes the sauce was quite spicy but good.
On to the main courses…since I wanted a salad I choose the grilled salmon with mixed greens. I must be turning over a new leaf (lol) ordering a completely organic first course and thinking how delish it was. My guest ordered the roasted cauliflower mac & cheese with lots of hot sauce on the side. As far as I could tell both dishes met and or exceeded expectation.
Oh, my favorite course is about to arrive…we ordered the classic tiramisu…to share of course. It was good but I think that it could have used a bit more espresso flavor or maybe a dash of Kahlua.
By the time we were ready to leave the place had a very nice crowd even though the weather was not that good. The prices are not bad and there is plenty to choose from, it makes for a very nice neighborhood restaurant with flair.
Must go to prepare for my 6 mile walk and I know there will be a little nosh after that….can’t wait.
TTFN!!!
8405 Lyndale Ave. S.
Bloomington
952-888-1429
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Catch Up Time
It’s time to play catch-up!
After a Royal Wedding and a movie where does one go, that’s easy..PF Changs. I like Changs for their apps and some tasty cocktails. The Pear Mojito is perfect for a warm summer’s day. Of course one cannot pass on the lettuce wraps, wontons and calamari. I would say this is a perfect way to end a perfect day!
Mothers Day is here and I need a place to catch a quick bit…nothing heavy but delish! When I am put on the spot it is hard to think of something so quickly but I did come up with a winner. How about D’Amico what a perfect choice! The turkey and avocado sandwich was delish,the chicken focaccio was mouth watering. D’Amico is a gem in so many ways, it is not only sandwiches but the pizza and pasta looked so good I might have to make another trip.
To go to the other end of the spectrum I did pay a visit to Seven. The disappointing fact is that I was not very hungry, but I also knew I had to try something. I started with the Lemon Pucker, which I was told was much like a Lemon Drop…not even close…way too sweet. I did try the Pear Martini which was a winner. For dinner I sampled the Steakhouse Cobb…just perfect and tasty too. My friend had the Seafood pasta which not only looked good but smelled fantastic. What can I say if there is a special occasion this is the place to go, but here is a little reminder make sure you have plenty of money, it is expensive. Seven was the perfect way to start a night that continued on to see Jersey Boys.
There is one more place that I almost forgot Spasso in Minnetonka. Finally a place that offers not only Brunch but also Lunch…this makes me a very happy camper. I had the Spasso burger which was done to perfection. PHM had the Black & Blue cobb salad. With plates cleaned and appetites sated, onwards to Target for an afternoon of shopping.
Thats it for now!!!!!!!!!!!
Tata
After a Royal Wedding and a movie where does one go, that’s easy..PF Changs. I like Changs for their apps and some tasty cocktails. The Pear Mojito is perfect for a warm summer’s day. Of course one cannot pass on the lettuce wraps, wontons and calamari. I would say this is a perfect way to end a perfect day!
Mothers Day is here and I need a place to catch a quick bit…nothing heavy but delish! When I am put on the spot it is hard to think of something so quickly but I did come up with a winner. How about D’Amico what a perfect choice! The turkey and avocado sandwich was delish,the chicken focaccio was mouth watering. D’Amico is a gem in so many ways, it is not only sandwiches but the pizza and pasta looked so good I might have to make another trip.
To go to the other end of the spectrum I did pay a visit to Seven. The disappointing fact is that I was not very hungry, but I also knew I had to try something. I started with the Lemon Pucker, which I was told was much like a Lemon Drop…not even close…way too sweet. I did try the Pear Martini which was a winner. For dinner I sampled the Steakhouse Cobb…just perfect and tasty too. My friend had the Seafood pasta which not only looked good but smelled fantastic. What can I say if there is a special occasion this is the place to go, but here is a little reminder make sure you have plenty of money, it is expensive. Seven was the perfect way to start a night that continued on to see Jersey Boys.
There is one more place that I almost forgot Spasso in Minnetonka. Finally a place that offers not only Brunch but also Lunch…this makes me a very happy camper. I had the Spasso burger which was done to perfection. PHM had the Black & Blue cobb salad. With plates cleaned and appetites sated, onwards to Target for an afternoon of shopping.
Thats it for now!!!!!!!!!!!
Tata
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)