My spirits were down not feeling to much in the holiday mood, but that took a turn for the best, upon arrival at a very festive home in Minnetonka.
This is the first time in several years that I spent Christmas with friends or the next thing to family I have in the Mini-apple. The tree was lite, loads of presents under the tree and the most tantalizing smell of food cooking, could you ask for anything more? Well yes of course where is my Lemon Drop...ask and you shall receive and down it went with my reply...Whoa that was very tasty, just keep pouring.
As the PHM family gathered at the table it was a beautiful sight. The dishes just right, the silverware all going in the right direction and presided over by PHM himself, what orchestration. Needless to say the food was delish.
On to the part everybody looks forward to ..Let's open the gifts. Of course that was all planned out i.e. who opens gifts first, do we go from right to left or left to right, we all look on in amazement as the gifts are opened and in some cases tried on.
Is there any better way to spend a holiday then with the people you most enjoy all year long...it is the best way ever.
I know that my blog is for restaurant reviews but every once in awhile I need to step outside the box to give kudos where due.
The New Year will bring me back to writing about my visits to some of the new restaurants that are now opening..good or bad.
Happy New Year to all!
ttnf...Pegsdish
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Wondrous Azian Kitchen
I have been away for awhile due to poverty conditions but I am back with new info.
Last night went to Thom Pham's new establishment called the Wondrous Azian Kitchen...wonder what the wondrous means!
We (PHM and myself) arrived about 5 not really sure if we were just going to have a drink or stay for dinner too. Once there was mention of happy hour the decision was made. The place is huge, the decor is from Azia and Temple with a few additions, the noise level is not good, it can get extremely noisy at times.
The happy hour drinks are OK would be much better if they added some alcohol, but sadly to say they did not. We had to move from where we were originally sitting, which was next to a window because it was so cold. I will give kudos to the wait staff they are friendly, they answer your questions and are overall pleasant.
The next move is into the main dinning room, where we decide to have dinner. The menu is huge and somethings can be quit spendy. We decide to share the Grand Rooster Egg Roll(very good), followed by the Spanker, a delicious coconut milk based soup(yummy),followed by the sesame chicken (OK). I think that the sesame chicken could have a bit more flavor or else maybe my taste-buds have been tarnished by take out food.
The best is yet to come...going to see Billy Elliot. I did not know much about the play itself except to say it was about a boy who loved ballet. It was fantastic! The boy who played Billy is more then talented and at such a young age, he is going to have quite the career in front of him.
Well the holidays are here with many new restaurants opening and I can't wait to try each one of them.
Happy Holidays!
Azian Kitchen
Located downtown at Hennepin & 6th Street S:
533 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Last night went to Thom Pham's new establishment called the Wondrous Azian Kitchen...wonder what the wondrous means!
We (PHM and myself) arrived about 5 not really sure if we were just going to have a drink or stay for dinner too. Once there was mention of happy hour the decision was made. The place is huge, the decor is from Azia and Temple with a few additions, the noise level is not good, it can get extremely noisy at times.
The happy hour drinks are OK would be much better if they added some alcohol, but sadly to say they did not. We had to move from where we were originally sitting, which was next to a window because it was so cold. I will give kudos to the wait staff they are friendly, they answer your questions and are overall pleasant.
The next move is into the main dinning room, where we decide to have dinner. The menu is huge and somethings can be quit spendy. We decide to share the Grand Rooster Egg Roll(very good), followed by the Spanker, a delicious coconut milk based soup(yummy),followed by the sesame chicken (OK). I think that the sesame chicken could have a bit more flavor or else maybe my taste-buds have been tarnished by take out food.
The best is yet to come...going to see Billy Elliot. I did not know much about the play itself except to say it was about a boy who loved ballet. It was fantastic! The boy who played Billy is more then talented and at such a young age, he is going to have quite the career in front of him.
Well the holidays are here with many new restaurants opening and I can't wait to try each one of them.
Happy Holidays!
Azian Kitchen
Located downtown at Hennepin & 6th Street S:
533 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Monday, November 15, 2010
Rinata.... continued
This is the first time that I ran out of room talking about a restuarant, but I did want to mention the location.
2451 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55405-2605
(612) 374-8998
Make the trip it is worth the visit!
2451 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55405-2605
(612) 374-8998
Make the trip it is worth the visit!
Rinata
Last night I went to Rinata with my fellow foodie PHM. To my surprise when I arrived PHM was sitting at the bar which is a little bit odd but I went along with the program and pulled up a chair.
The most enjoyable thing about sitting at the bar is being able to talk with the bartender and watch the making of the drinks and just various chit chat. More about this in a minute.
Rinata has a terrific deal on Sunday nights, a 4 course meal for $20.00...yes that's right only $20.00. If that is not enough there is a happy hour every day from 4:30 to 6, $3.00 drinks and appetizers.
We both tried the 4 course dinner and with the expertise of John were able to make the best selections. I started with the sausage and apples on to a caesar followed by fettuccine with clams, just a great choice. PHM had the olives, the caesar and the ziti,and I believe he is still raving about the whole meal. We both ended the meal with the chocolate ricotta cannoli, can you believe.
If you do make the visit start your meal with the Italian martini oh my it was delish.
Back to the bartender, little did we know that John is the owner of Rinata. He made sitting at the bar so enjoyable with comfortable conversation and little tidbits about other restaurants. After reading his bio I can understand the draw of neighborhood people to this place, especially on a snowy Sunday night, the place was quit crowded.
I look forward to many more visits to Rinata and enjoy each one the way I did last night.
The most enjoyable thing about sitting at the bar is being able to talk with the bartender and watch the making of the drinks and just various chit chat. More about this in a minute.
Rinata has a terrific deal on Sunday nights, a 4 course meal for $20.00...yes that's right only $20.00. If that is not enough there is a happy hour every day from 4:30 to 6, $3.00 drinks and appetizers.
We both tried the 4 course dinner and with the expertise of John were able to make the best selections. I started with the sausage and apples on to a caesar followed by fettuccine with clams, just a great choice. PHM had the olives, the caesar and the ziti,and I believe he is still raving about the whole meal. We both ended the meal with the chocolate ricotta cannoli, can you believe.
If you do make the visit start your meal with the Italian martini oh my it was delish.
Back to the bartender, little did we know that John is the owner of Rinata. He made sitting at the bar so enjoyable with comfortable conversation and little tidbits about other restaurants. After reading his bio I can understand the draw of neighborhood people to this place, especially on a snowy Sunday night, the place was quit crowded.
I look forward to many more visits to Rinata and enjoy each one the way I did last night.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
BLVD (the second time)
I went back to Blvd for a second visit but this time for lunch, yes i know this went against my rule...no second visit.
As with the first visit the wait staff could not be nicer, great attitude, but that is where it ends.
My visit was mainly to have the Lobster Mac@Cheese which was just heavenly as i remembered it. I specifically asked the waiter if the mac was still the same recipe as when it opened and was told they made a few changes but assured me it was the same. I went so far as to describe the chunks of lobster and again assured it was the same.
The dish arrived and lets just say I could have spent my lunch hour looking for the lobster. Chunks have been reduced to shreds.
Please go back to the original recipe it was heavenly. It does not pay to skimp!
I tried to post my comments on the BLVD website but for some reason it was not accepted. I wonder if they are just accepting compliments and the rest go my the way side...One can only wonder
TTFN
As with the first visit the wait staff could not be nicer, great attitude, but that is where it ends.
My visit was mainly to have the Lobster Mac@Cheese which was just heavenly as i remembered it. I specifically asked the waiter if the mac was still the same recipe as when it opened and was told they made a few changes but assured me it was the same. I went so far as to describe the chunks of lobster and again assured it was the same.
The dish arrived and lets just say I could have spent my lunch hour looking for the lobster. Chunks have been reduced to shreds.
Please go back to the original recipe it was heavenly. It does not pay to skimp!
I tried to post my comments on the BLVD website but for some reason it was not accepted. I wonder if they are just accepting compliments and the rest go my the way side...One can only wonder
TTFN
Sunday, November 7, 2010
39 Steps/Sea Change
I went to see The 39 Steps, at the Guthrie on Thursday night. Since this was a movie by Alfred Hitchcock at one time, I was not sure how it would translate to a play. I can't say that I ever laughed at a Hitchcock movie but the play is a slapstick comedy performed by a cast of just four. Last word if you can get to see, do not miss.
Pre-theater (I always wanted to say that) was spent at Sea Change. Since I was there fist I seated myself at the bar to wait the arrival of PHM. I started with my favorite....Lemon Drop done to perfection. While I am waiting my mind wanders to Where are we going to eat tonight..boy was I in for a surprise. Phm arrives and it is Lemons Drops for both. It is approaching time to think about food...my question...any idea where you would like to eat...that is when the menus for Sea Change was requested. I know better then to get my hopes up but it was a step in the right direction. Decision made, we are going to stay at the bar (excitement abounds).
After perusing the menu the decision was made, I ordered the fish and chips and my fellow foodie ordered the pork sandwich. Granted the fish and chips is not the humongous plate that you might get at Brits, it was more an appetizer portion, but good. The pork sandwich was more substantial but the one request I heard...where's the sauce. With the food over still time for another little something. The bartender, named Daniel came over with many suggestions but it was decided that Daniel would come up with an original creation. Oh Yeah, delish...
I am now ready to sit for 2 hours and watch anything they decide to put on the stage.
Ta Ta for now!!!
Pre-theater (I always wanted to say that) was spent at Sea Change. Since I was there fist I seated myself at the bar to wait the arrival of PHM. I started with my favorite....Lemon Drop done to perfection. While I am waiting my mind wanders to Where are we going to eat tonight..boy was I in for a surprise. Phm arrives and it is Lemons Drops for both. It is approaching time to think about food...my question...any idea where you would like to eat...that is when the menus for Sea Change was requested. I know better then to get my hopes up but it was a step in the right direction. Decision made, we are going to stay at the bar (excitement abounds).
After perusing the menu the decision was made, I ordered the fish and chips and my fellow foodie ordered the pork sandwich. Granted the fish and chips is not the humongous plate that you might get at Brits, it was more an appetizer portion, but good. The pork sandwich was more substantial but the one request I heard...where's the sauce. With the food over still time for another little something. The bartender, named Daniel came over with many suggestions but it was decided that Daniel would come up with an original creation. Oh Yeah, delish...
I am now ready to sit for 2 hours and watch anything they decide to put on the stage.
Ta Ta for now!!!
Friday, November 5, 2010
The Bloomington ChopHouse
Last Saturday I along with PHM took advantage of a Groupon Deal for the Bloomington ChopHouse. Not sure if expectations were high or just did not know what to expect, but when you can have $60.00 worth of food for $25.00 you call that a deal.
The interior is very pretty, but it is unfortunate that when you go for lunch on a Saturday you can only eat in the bar. The bartender told us that business is not as good on weekends as it is during the week, so they close the restaurant for lunch. The menu online is a bit different then what you will see when you sit down and ready to order. Again, according to the bartender they are making adjustments and updates all over.
It is unfortunate that when you go to an American restaurant, that the menus range only around burgers, salads and maybe brunch i.e eggs etc. It is sad that somebody cannot come up with something a little bit more original or add a little more of a selection. This being a steak house why not add a steak sandwich or a small fillet, I am sure the prices would not fluctuate by much. We ordered the burger, which was OK but again nothing special. I also ordered the mac and cheese that was supposed to have lobster in it but as much as I searched I could not find a piece or junk, what I did find was shreds.
There was a minor little mishap when I wanted to pay with my Groupon coupon. I printed out the wrong section so when I handed it to the bartender he told me that this is not what they usually accept. I managed to stay calm and asked to see the manager. I was sure that the bartender did not know what he was talking about. Christian Heldstab came over and showed me what they need to be able to process and it was not what I presented. Christian was so patient and much to my surprise realized that I did make the purchase and told me to email him the number. By no means did I think that I was going to leave this restaurant with our paying, but Christian handled the situation. I could blame all of this on old age but prefer to say it is a pitfall of multitasking or not paying attention.
Granted The Bloomington ChopHouse might by good for dinner but I am sure that I will never go back to find out.
Bloomington ChopHouse
Located within the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington
3900 American Blvd West
Bloomington, MN 55437
952.830.5200
The interior is very pretty, but it is unfortunate that when you go for lunch on a Saturday you can only eat in the bar. The bartender told us that business is not as good on weekends as it is during the week, so they close the restaurant for lunch. The menu online is a bit different then what you will see when you sit down and ready to order. Again, according to the bartender they are making adjustments and updates all over.
It is unfortunate that when you go to an American restaurant, that the menus range only around burgers, salads and maybe brunch i.e eggs etc. It is sad that somebody cannot come up with something a little bit more original or add a little more of a selection. This being a steak house why not add a steak sandwich or a small fillet, I am sure the prices would not fluctuate by much. We ordered the burger, which was OK but again nothing special. I also ordered the mac and cheese that was supposed to have lobster in it but as much as I searched I could not find a piece or junk, what I did find was shreds.
There was a minor little mishap when I wanted to pay with my Groupon coupon. I printed out the wrong section so when I handed it to the bartender he told me that this is not what they usually accept. I managed to stay calm and asked to see the manager. I was sure that the bartender did not know what he was talking about. Christian Heldstab came over and showed me what they need to be able to process and it was not what I presented. Christian was so patient and much to my surprise realized that I did make the purchase and told me to email him the number. By no means did I think that I was going to leave this restaurant with our paying, but Christian handled the situation. I could blame all of this on old age but prefer to say it is a pitfall of multitasking or not paying attention.
Granted The Bloomington ChopHouse might by good for dinner but I am sure that I will never go back to find out.
Bloomington ChopHouse
Located within the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington
3900 American Blvd West
Bloomington, MN 55437
952.830.5200
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Guthrie Level 5
This week was quit special, I had the opportunity to see The Master Butchers Singing Club. The play itself was good but might I say toooo long. Enough about the play my mind set is all about the food and fun.
There really was not to much time to pick a restaurant that would be near and not too expensive. Hey, how about Level 5 in The Guthrie, what a great idea, its a one stop shop all in one building. Every once in a while I come up with a brain storm and this is my one for the year. Hello...PHM...pitched my idea..sounds great.
Ok, so Level 5 it is. In we go first stop is the bar. One needs to unwind a bit, a cocktail, a little laughter and some conversation. I was a little disappointed to find that the bartender called in sick and his replacement was the barrister. I must say he was so nice and willing to help, I could not just walk away. I made the mistake of ordering a Lemon Drop, not bad but not good...Oh well.
In to the restaurant we go! The place is huge, kind of nice, really nondescript. The menu is small, and pedestrian. I was very surprised that there was no pasta on the menu, maybe something they should take under advisement. I tried the Ruben it was good but very greasy and loads of french fries. PHM had the salmon, small portion but heard it was good.
Just a few suggestions...the wait staff should know a little bit more about the food that is on the menu, god knows there is not a lot to know about.
A little enthusiasm when taking the order would be great.
They need to have a back up bartender just in case.
The tables need to be bigger, please remember that in most cases when 2 people sit at a table they are going to order more then one dish.
I will be going back to The Guthrie but not to Level 5 maybe Level 1 oops that is Sea Change.
That's it for now...Peggers
There really was not to much time to pick a restaurant that would be near and not too expensive. Hey, how about Level 5 in The Guthrie, what a great idea, its a one stop shop all in one building. Every once in a while I come up with a brain storm and this is my one for the year. Hello...PHM...pitched my idea..sounds great.
Ok, so Level 5 it is. In we go first stop is the bar. One needs to unwind a bit, a cocktail, a little laughter and some conversation. I was a little disappointed to find that the bartender called in sick and his replacement was the barrister. I must say he was so nice and willing to help, I could not just walk away. I made the mistake of ordering a Lemon Drop, not bad but not good...Oh well.
In to the restaurant we go! The place is huge, kind of nice, really nondescript. The menu is small, and pedestrian. I was very surprised that there was no pasta on the menu, maybe something they should take under advisement. I tried the Ruben it was good but very greasy and loads of french fries. PHM had the salmon, small portion but heard it was good.
Just a few suggestions...the wait staff should know a little bit more about the food that is on the menu, god knows there is not a lot to know about.
A little enthusiasm when taking the order would be great.
They need to have a back up bartender just in case.
The tables need to be bigger, please remember that in most cases when 2 people sit at a table they are going to order more then one dish.
I will be going back to The Guthrie but not to Level 5 maybe Level 1 oops that is Sea Change.
That's it for now...Peggers
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Cossetta Italian Market and Restaurant
Another gorgeous day in the Mini-Apple...what should one do?
Oh, I hear my phone ringing it is my bff Phm...whats going on Peg..what a wonderful day to take a walk around Lake of the Isles and then a little nosh..sounds good to me.
Around the lake we go...almost to the end, my stomach is growling, OK whats next?
How about a ride over to St. Paul's? Lets see what is going on in the other part of town. The first place we come upon is Cossetta of which I have heard many good things but never had the opportunity to visit.
Not sure how to describe the place except to say that it has been around for many a year. There are no frills it is a plain family restaurant with deli style service. There are so many things that look so good, can somebody get me a fork I'm not really hunger I just want to taste...yes taste it all.
I start with the Veal Parmigiana with garlic bread and Mostaccioli Con Ricotta (pasta), sounds oh so delish, add a glass of wine and you are halfway to heaven. I, being a Brooklyn girl, expected the veal to have cheese on top, that is the name veal parmigiana to my disappointment there was none. All in all the pasta was excellent and the garlic bread tasty, so what if I am still looking for the cheese, Where's the cheese?
I have been told that the pizza is excellent so of course I had to try. I tried the sausage pizza. It brought me back to my New York roots it was fantastic.
Well you would thing the feeding frenzy would be over at this point. There is one more thing to ingest...the lip smacking cannoli. Oh, I must remember from this day forward elastic waistband is a must. You just never know when you will need to expand your waist size an inch or two.
What a great way to spend the last few nice days of the fall, then a walk around a lake followed by a good lunch, what a way to go!
ttfn...Peggy
Cossetta
221 Exchange St S
St Paul, MN
(651) 222-3476
Oh, I hear my phone ringing it is my bff Phm...whats going on Peg..what a wonderful day to take a walk around Lake of the Isles and then a little nosh..sounds good to me.
Around the lake we go...almost to the end, my stomach is growling, OK whats next?
How about a ride over to St. Paul's? Lets see what is going on in the other part of town. The first place we come upon is Cossetta of which I have heard many good things but never had the opportunity to visit.
Not sure how to describe the place except to say that it has been around for many a year. There are no frills it is a plain family restaurant with deli style service. There are so many things that look so good, can somebody get me a fork I'm not really hunger I just want to taste...yes taste it all.
I start with the Veal Parmigiana with garlic bread and Mostaccioli Con Ricotta (pasta), sounds oh so delish, add a glass of wine and you are halfway to heaven. I, being a Brooklyn girl, expected the veal to have cheese on top, that is the name veal parmigiana to my disappointment there was none. All in all the pasta was excellent and the garlic bread tasty, so what if I am still looking for the cheese, Where's the cheese?
I have been told that the pizza is excellent so of course I had to try. I tried the sausage pizza. It brought me back to my New York roots it was fantastic.
Well you would thing the feeding frenzy would be over at this point. There is one more thing to ingest...the lip smacking cannoli. Oh, I must remember from this day forward elastic waistband is a must. You just never know when you will need to expand your waist size an inch or two.
What a great way to spend the last few nice days of the fall, then a walk around a lake followed by a good lunch, what a way to go!
ttfn...Peggy
Cossetta
221 Exchange St S
St Paul, MN
(651) 222-3476
Sunday, October 3, 2010
BLVD
Let me paint a picture scenario just to get the feeling!
It is the first Saturday in October, the weather nice but crisp and the hunt is on for yes another new restaurant...what could be better.
The hunt takes us to a fairly new restaurant called Blvd (boulevard)located in the Minnetonka area. From the looks of thinks this place is the flavor of this month. There was about a 20 minutes wait which was spent at the bar reacquainting myself with my favorite martini the lemon drop. Might I say it did fall short of expectations, to the point where I mentioned to the bartender that it needed to be a little sweeter, his reply..you need to taste the sugar on the rim.
Moving on. We (PHM and myself) were shown to a lovely booth that was tended to by a server named Curtis. Cannot say enough about Curtis, the essence of professionalism, new the menu suggested just enough and had a good sense of humor as well.
To the food. I guess the best way to describe would be to say comfort food with a twist. My favorite dish of the month is Mac&cheese but throw in some large pieces of lobster and I will lick the dish...Yum. The next treat was a shaved rib-eye sandwich paired with arugula mayo..can I say heaven. PHM had the barbecue burger and from that side of the table came yum love my sauce and then it was gone. Lest I forget while dinning we tried a house special cocktail called the French 75 but instead of gin I wanted mine with vodka...this was quit tasty. I would have loved to try a dessert but by this time my jeans were stretched to the max.
I liked the place, it is good to see American comfort food done with an upscale twist, and the prices are not going to brake the bank. The atmosphere is very pleasant, the music in the background is easy on the ear and yes there might be a wait but stick with it. You can tell there has been a lot of thought put in to this place and it is nice to see the owner as well as his son keeping a watchful eye, to me it sends the message...We care.
BLVD Kitchen and Bar
11544 West Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka
763-398-3200; www.blvdkitchen.com
It is the first Saturday in October, the weather nice but crisp and the hunt is on for yes another new restaurant...what could be better.
The hunt takes us to a fairly new restaurant called Blvd (boulevard)located in the Minnetonka area. From the looks of thinks this place is the flavor of this month. There was about a 20 minutes wait which was spent at the bar reacquainting myself with my favorite martini the lemon drop. Might I say it did fall short of expectations, to the point where I mentioned to the bartender that it needed to be a little sweeter, his reply..you need to taste the sugar on the rim.
Moving on. We (PHM and myself) were shown to a lovely booth that was tended to by a server named Curtis. Cannot say enough about Curtis, the essence of professionalism, new the menu suggested just enough and had a good sense of humor as well.
To the food. I guess the best way to describe would be to say comfort food with a twist. My favorite dish of the month is Mac&cheese but throw in some large pieces of lobster and I will lick the dish...Yum. The next treat was a shaved rib-eye sandwich paired with arugula mayo..can I say heaven. PHM had the barbecue burger and from that side of the table came yum love my sauce and then it was gone. Lest I forget while dinning we tried a house special cocktail called the French 75 but instead of gin I wanted mine with vodka...this was quit tasty. I would have loved to try a dessert but by this time my jeans were stretched to the max.
I liked the place, it is good to see American comfort food done with an upscale twist, and the prices are not going to brake the bank. The atmosphere is very pleasant, the music in the background is easy on the ear and yes there might be a wait but stick with it. You can tell there has been a lot of thought put in to this place and it is nice to see the owner as well as his son keeping a watchful eye, to me it sends the message...We care.
BLVD Kitchen and Bar
11544 West Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka
763-398-3200; www.blvdkitchen.com
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Il Gatto
Every once in a while it pays to go back to a place that you have been before, and last night that visit took me to Il Gatto.
I was extremely pleased to find that the Happy Hour has been extended out to the part of the restaurant by the window, instead of just to the small bar...this to me is a big plus.
The biggest surprise of all is when I found out that Tim McKee is now in the kitchen of Il Gatto. I could hardly contain myself as he walked around the restaurant many times talking with the patrons and just watching the whole scene. Yes, I am a name dropper and to this I will take bragging rights.
Oh yes lest we forget the food! My dining companion ordered the Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken. I ordered the special which was a 10" pizza with a glass of wine can you believe $10.00...such a deal.
Not a noodle was to be found on my friends plate which is always a good sign. I love pizza and had no trouble finishing. Yeah, no weight watchers yet.
Our server found out that my friend is expecting a baby...and to add to the celebration a wonderful ice cream dessert appeared at out table...what a surprise! (how did she know I just adore ice cream)
I kind of new that Il Gatto had potential and now I'm certain of the fact. Yes this will not be my last trip, I have the feeling that this will be one of my go to restaurants when I want something good, not to expensive and comfortable. This might break my rule...never the same restaurant twice, but what the hey, rules are made to be broken.
Well till next time or the next feeding frenzy...ta ta
Calhoun Square
3001 Hennepin Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Tel: 612-822-1688
I was extremely pleased to find that the Happy Hour has been extended out to the part of the restaurant by the window, instead of just to the small bar...this to me is a big plus.
The biggest surprise of all is when I found out that Tim McKee is now in the kitchen of Il Gatto. I could hardly contain myself as he walked around the restaurant many times talking with the patrons and just watching the whole scene. Yes, I am a name dropper and to this I will take bragging rights.
Oh yes lest we forget the food! My dining companion ordered the Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken. I ordered the special which was a 10" pizza with a glass of wine can you believe $10.00...such a deal.
Not a noodle was to be found on my friends plate which is always a good sign. I love pizza and had no trouble finishing. Yeah, no weight watchers yet.
Our server found out that my friend is expecting a baby...and to add to the celebration a wonderful ice cream dessert appeared at out table...what a surprise! (how did she know I just adore ice cream)
I kind of new that Il Gatto had potential and now I'm certain of the fact. Yes this will not be my last trip, I have the feeling that this will be one of my go to restaurants when I want something good, not to expensive and comfortable. This might break my rule...never the same restaurant twice, but what the hey, rules are made to be broken.
Well till next time or the next feeding frenzy...ta ta
Calhoun Square
3001 Hennepin Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Tel: 612-822-1688
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Minnesota State Fair
I know this post is a little bit late, but better late then never.
The day was beautiful not very hot, just perfect. Needless to say going to a fair with friends is the best. Taking the bus is a treat in itself.
Lets get to the food! Once you get inside the gates its a free for all...lots and lots of people, the smell of every food imaginable on a stick, and miles to walk to get to it. But a burger it was, but here is the twist, garlic french fries. There was so much garlic, you could scare a vampire away for days, if necessary. The best part of this tasty treat was sitting in a building that had karaoke. I know you are scratching your head by now and I did the same, actually I wanted to cry out..take me away. The entertainment was not bad, there are actually some pretty talented people out there and had the courage to get up and show it off.
OK, after all of this I need something sweet (if only I could have a martini). Over to the chocolate covered waffles topped with whipped cream and sprinkles..how in the world can you put this on a stick. It was delish, yummy, terrific!
OK, gang back on the bus we can worry about our clogged arteries tomorrow.
Can't wait for next year!
The day was beautiful not very hot, just perfect. Needless to say going to a fair with friends is the best. Taking the bus is a treat in itself.
Lets get to the food! Once you get inside the gates its a free for all...lots and lots of people, the smell of every food imaginable on a stick, and miles to walk to get to it. But a burger it was, but here is the twist, garlic french fries. There was so much garlic, you could scare a vampire away for days, if necessary. The best part of this tasty treat was sitting in a building that had karaoke. I know you are scratching your head by now and I did the same, actually I wanted to cry out..take me away. The entertainment was not bad, there are actually some pretty talented people out there and had the courage to get up and show it off.
OK, after all of this I need something sweet (if only I could have a martini). Over to the chocolate covered waffles topped with whipped cream and sprinkles..how in the world can you put this on a stick. It was delish, yummy, terrific!
OK, gang back on the bus we can worry about our clogged arteries tomorrow.
Can't wait for next year!
Pizza Luce/Hopkins
One more restaurant to visit...why...because when friends get together, what do they do, they eat or drink or both.
Went to Pizza Luce in Hopkins, which is open maybe about 2 weeks. My immediate complaint, we were seated by the hostess, she left us with menus, but that is where the service ended. After about 5 minutes sitting in a restaurant that was not very busy I had to go over to the bartender and ask if anybody was waiting on the tables in the bar? After about 2 minutes a very lovely waitress came over, and the service was good from there on.
We started with an appetizer of Artichoke Dip, all I can say is somebody went wild with the Miracle Whip...Yuck. My friend said he was there during the week and tried the olive tapenade and was disappointed with that also.
Pizza Luce is noted for there pizzas serving several varieties, all sounding quite good. We decided to have the Maximus since it had everything you could think of as a topping, everything except some seasonings. I am sorry to say this pizza was bland and that is hard to believe. To me the best pizzas are at Crave, Buco and Broders, they encompass everything a pizza should be and they do it well.
People make mention of the Happy Hour and the $3.00 wines, not to sound overly critically, that is all they were worth.
I guess you can tell by now this is not a place that I will be going back too.
Just as well the weekend ended on this note, I wanted to start a fast anyway!
Just in case Pizza Luce is located at
210 North Blake Road
Hopkins, Mn
(952) 767-0854
Went to Pizza Luce in Hopkins, which is open maybe about 2 weeks. My immediate complaint, we were seated by the hostess, she left us with menus, but that is where the service ended. After about 5 minutes sitting in a restaurant that was not very busy I had to go over to the bartender and ask if anybody was waiting on the tables in the bar? After about 2 minutes a very lovely waitress came over, and the service was good from there on.
We started with an appetizer of Artichoke Dip, all I can say is somebody went wild with the Miracle Whip...Yuck. My friend said he was there during the week and tried the olive tapenade and was disappointed with that also.
Pizza Luce is noted for there pizzas serving several varieties, all sounding quite good. We decided to have the Maximus since it had everything you could think of as a topping, everything except some seasonings. I am sorry to say this pizza was bland and that is hard to believe. To me the best pizzas are at Crave, Buco and Broders, they encompass everything a pizza should be and they do it well.
People make mention of the Happy Hour and the $3.00 wines, not to sound overly critically, that is all they were worth.
I guess you can tell by now this is not a place that I will be going back too.
Just as well the weekend ended on this note, I wanted to start a fast anyway!
Just in case Pizza Luce is located at
210 North Blake Road
Hopkins, Mn
(952) 767-0854
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Part 2 Another Wine Tasting
Since the day was still young, why not try another winery...OK lets go.
On to Waconia to the Parley Lake Winery and Deardorff Orchards & Vineyards. From listening to conversations around me this was the 1st anniversary, opening last year on September 4th. Again the same premise $5.00 for your choice of 4 out of 6 tastings and best part you get to keep the glass..Yippee!
What I liked about this place beside the wines, is that you could take your tasting, go outside walk around or go to the little store selling various apples and then come back for your next tasting. Must admit there wines were much better then Woodland Hill. For just being open for a year they were doing a great business. The best of my 4 pics was the Frontenac Rosso which is their gold medal winner, the worst was the Syrah which is a California grape trucked in and crushed at Parley.
The day is not over yet, on to the Island View Golf and Country Club. The last stop to top off a great day. One must end the day with an appetizer and a drink, just in case you have not had enough during the day.
Again a lovely way to spend a Saturday during the Fall and not too expensive!
My last comment...another day like today I will be on the road for a new liver or can somebody point me in the direction of AA or maybe Hazelden!!!!!!
Parley Lake Winery
8350 Parley Lake Rd.
Waconia, MN 55387
(952)442-2290
On to Waconia to the Parley Lake Winery and Deardorff Orchards & Vineyards. From listening to conversations around me this was the 1st anniversary, opening last year on September 4th. Again the same premise $5.00 for your choice of 4 out of 6 tastings and best part you get to keep the glass..Yippee!
What I liked about this place beside the wines, is that you could take your tasting, go outside walk around or go to the little store selling various apples and then come back for your next tasting. Must admit there wines were much better then Woodland Hill. For just being open for a year they were doing a great business. The best of my 4 pics was the Frontenac Rosso which is their gold medal winner, the worst was the Syrah which is a California grape trucked in and crushed at Parley.
The day is not over yet, on to the Island View Golf and Country Club. The last stop to top off a great day. One must end the day with an appetizer and a drink, just in case you have not had enough during the day.
Again a lovely way to spend a Saturday during the Fall and not too expensive!
My last comment...another day like today I will be on the road for a new liver or can somebody point me in the direction of AA or maybe Hazelden!!!!!!
Parley Lake Winery
8350 Parley Lake Rd.
Waconia, MN 55387
(952)442-2290
Wine Tasting...A Beautiful Day
Everybody should have a day like yesterday...great weather, good company and lots of wine.
My excursion took me first to Delano which is about 45 minutes from Minneapolis, just a beautiful drive through the rolling hills, with some trees just starting to turn colors. Needless to say after 45 minutes of sitting in a car, one would like a little sustenance. Park the car walk the 3 blocks of Delano and decided on a place called Three Crows On River Street. I am not usually at a lose for words to describe a place but this one leaves me speechless. It was a throw back to old times, neighbors getting together..let me explain..the music was loud but where was it coming from? upon further investigation it looks like a group of musicians got together on a Saturday morning for a jam session. There were about 8 people with various instruments playing and singing there little hearts out.
Let's get to the important stuff THE FOOD. You had your choice of breakfast served till 2 or lunch that started at 11..everything sounded great. Both PHM and I decided on their sandwiches..his a panini with artichoke and parmesan cheese...PHM commented this is so good I am going to try it at home..guess that speaks for itself. I chose the Ruben (not having great expectations), but I must admit quite tasty with the best part being the cheddar cheese...delish. Just goes to show, you can't judge everything by first impression.
On to the Woodland Hill Winery which might be the first on the Minnesota Wine Trail. The cost to sample their wines is $5.00 for 7 tastings, in addition you could also purchase a glass of wine for $5.00. Yesterday we were lucky enough to watch the stomping of the grapes...How many people remember the old I Love Lucy segment with Lucy stomping the grapes..This was nothing like that. We did the tastings not sure I liked their wines but I did find one that would be suitable for a glass to take outside to watch people stomp the grapes in a Tupperware barrel. All in all, a beautiful day + going to a new place, what could be better, would certainly recommend this as a day trip to everybody, unless of course you don't drink wine!
Woodland Hill Winery Three Crows
731 County Road 30SE 225 River St N
Delano, MN 55328-9319 Delano, MN 55328
My excursion took me first to Delano which is about 45 minutes from Minneapolis, just a beautiful drive through the rolling hills, with some trees just starting to turn colors. Needless to say after 45 minutes of sitting in a car, one would like a little sustenance. Park the car walk the 3 blocks of Delano and decided on a place called Three Crows On River Street. I am not usually at a lose for words to describe a place but this one leaves me speechless. It was a throw back to old times, neighbors getting together..let me explain..the music was loud but where was it coming from? upon further investigation it looks like a group of musicians got together on a Saturday morning for a jam session. There were about 8 people with various instruments playing and singing there little hearts out.
Let's get to the important stuff THE FOOD. You had your choice of breakfast served till 2 or lunch that started at 11..everything sounded great. Both PHM and I decided on their sandwiches..his a panini with artichoke and parmesan cheese...PHM commented this is so good I am going to try it at home..guess that speaks for itself. I chose the Ruben (not having great expectations), but I must admit quite tasty with the best part being the cheddar cheese...delish. Just goes to show, you can't judge everything by first impression.
On to the Woodland Hill Winery which might be the first on the Minnesota Wine Trail. The cost to sample their wines is $5.00 for 7 tastings, in addition you could also purchase a glass of wine for $5.00. Yesterday we were lucky enough to watch the stomping of the grapes...How many people remember the old I Love Lucy segment with Lucy stomping the grapes..This was nothing like that. We did the tastings not sure I liked their wines but I did find one that would be suitable for a glass to take outside to watch people stomp the grapes in a Tupperware barrel. All in all, a beautiful day + going to a new place, what could be better, would certainly recommend this as a day trip to everybody, unless of course you don't drink wine!
Woodland Hill Winery Three Crows
731 County Road 30SE 225 River St N
Delano, MN 55328-9319 Delano, MN 55328
Monday, September 6, 2010
Rojo Another New Restaurant in the West End
Yes another visit to the West End...What can I say, when a new restaurant opens I want to be there first. Not only to be the first but when I can do it for lunch that makes me a happy camper.
Rojo is open just about a week and from the sounds of it they are still fine tuning the menu. The service was good, friendly and attentive but not to the point of hovering. There was no problem or attitude when we asked many questions about the menu, especially a rundown of the different Margaritas.
So, let me start by saying the Rojo Margarita was delish! My next visit I would like to try the Strawberry Jalapeno Margarita sounds just yummy. While sipping on our Margarita's we were served warm chips and salsa. For the main course PHM chose the Black Chile which consisted of cubed pork with a Pasilla sauce. I order the shredded chicken Chimichanga. Both dishes were served with rice, but not just any rice the flavor was simply sweet and tasteful. I will admit I am not much of a fan for Mexican food but the flavors were so delightful I wanted to lick the plate.
I very rarely ever go back to the same restaurant twice but I might make the exception for Rojo.
Rojo is located at
1602 West End Boulevard
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
When one is at the West End a visit to Love Culture is a must. The prices are unbelievable. My favorite is the costume jewelry...granted it will only last for a season but with these prices...who cares. Love Culture is located on the next block from Rojo...a definite must.
I would like to see more stores open in this area or else it is going to become an up scale food court.
The day does not stop there. A drive through the back roads to Excelsior and then a stop in Wayzata is a definite must. While in Wayzata stop at Sunsets for a beer or glass of wine to talk over the events of the day or solve world affairs. No matter what you talk about it is a wonderful way to end a fun filled day!
Rojo is open just about a week and from the sounds of it they are still fine tuning the menu. The service was good, friendly and attentive but not to the point of hovering. There was no problem or attitude when we asked many questions about the menu, especially a rundown of the different Margaritas.
So, let me start by saying the Rojo Margarita was delish! My next visit I would like to try the Strawberry Jalapeno Margarita sounds just yummy. While sipping on our Margarita's we were served warm chips and salsa. For the main course PHM chose the Black Chile which consisted of cubed pork with a Pasilla sauce. I order the shredded chicken Chimichanga. Both dishes were served with rice, but not just any rice the flavor was simply sweet and tasteful. I will admit I am not much of a fan for Mexican food but the flavors were so delightful I wanted to lick the plate.
I very rarely ever go back to the same restaurant twice but I might make the exception for Rojo.
Rojo is located at
1602 West End Boulevard
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
When one is at the West End a visit to Love Culture is a must. The prices are unbelievable. My favorite is the costume jewelry...granted it will only last for a season but with these prices...who cares. Love Culture is located on the next block from Rojo...a definite must.
I would like to see more stores open in this area or else it is going to become an up scale food court.
The day does not stop there. A drive through the back roads to Excelsior and then a stop in Wayzata is a definite must. While in Wayzata stop at Sunsets for a beer or glass of wine to talk over the events of the day or solve world affairs. No matter what you talk about it is a wonderful way to end a fun filled day!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Burger Jones Yes Once Again
What else would one do on a beautiful summer's eve but enjoy a burger and a beverage, preferable an Appletini, on the patio of Burger Jones.
My advise to Burger Jones Do Not Do Specials that sound like another famous burger.
I have been to this restaurant several times and never once have I had a bad experience, until last night. This will teach me not to jump at the specials that sounds so good.
I know your just waiting to find out what it is...well wait no longer. The Special was the Burger Jones version of the Juicy Lucy, but not really. The description was..burger filled with mozzarella cheese (which has no taste) covered with pesto (I think) on ciabatta garlic bread...sounds good. My first taste was...Oh.. too salty, then the burger would not stay on the bread and then there was too much garlic...and then a mess.
This was not a good idea! BJ has great burgers which they do not need to improve on.
There is an old adage "If it is not broken do not try to reinvent the burger"
I know this will not stop me from going back again but it will be the tried and true shroom burger.
One last mention, the onion rings tasteless...if it wasn't for the dipping sauce there would be no flavor at all.
It must be getting late or I'm just cranky, which I am sure you can tell from the above.
Stay tuned, I just know there will be something good this weekend or at least one can hope!
Ta Ta
My advise to Burger Jones Do Not Do Specials that sound like another famous burger.
I have been to this restaurant several times and never once have I had a bad experience, until last night. This will teach me not to jump at the specials that sounds so good.
I know your just waiting to find out what it is...well wait no longer. The Special was the Burger Jones version of the Juicy Lucy, but not really. The description was..burger filled with mozzarella cheese (which has no taste) covered with pesto (I think) on ciabatta garlic bread...sounds good. My first taste was...Oh.. too salty, then the burger would not stay on the bread and then there was too much garlic...and then a mess.
This was not a good idea! BJ has great burgers which they do not need to improve on.
There is an old adage "If it is not broken do not try to reinvent the burger"
I know this will not stop me from going back again but it will be the tried and true shroom burger.
One last mention, the onion rings tasteless...if it wasn't for the dipping sauce there would be no flavor at all.
It must be getting late or I'm just cranky, which I am sure you can tell from the above.
Stay tuned, I just know there will be something good this weekend or at least one can hope!
Ta Ta
Monday, August 23, 2010
Red Lobster now this is lunch
Sometimes we need to pay a visit to the chain restaurants to see how they do things. This weekend I went to Red Lobster with a friend for lunch. Yes the menu is huge and covers almost everything seafood and they do it well.
The cheesy biscuits are beyond words...you can just eat these and have a very tasty meal but oh those calories. Once you have a biscuit the menu is your oyster, anything from walleye to pasta covered with shrimp or lobster or crab...Yum. With the main dish comes a salad either house or Caesar both good choices.
Before I forget a lunch is not a lunch without a cocktail or two in this case it was one very large Margarita...and let me tell you they did not skimp on the tequila. Yep another afternoon on the couch!
It was all good!
Before I close I need to make mention of one more stop that I made with PHM, where you say? well it was to Costco.
A meal is not a meal unless there is a little sweet to finish it off. Well, there was nothing at The Cooper so off to Costco for a very berry yogurt. Such a bargain for a $1.69 and yes it was huge..
Peg when are you going to Weight Watchers...that will be another story
Bye for now or until my next food venture!
The cheesy biscuits are beyond words...you can just eat these and have a very tasty meal but oh those calories. Once you have a biscuit the menu is your oyster, anything from walleye to pasta covered with shrimp or lobster or crab...Yum. With the main dish comes a salad either house or Caesar both good choices.
Before I forget a lunch is not a lunch without a cocktail or two in this case it was one very large Margarita...and let me tell you they did not skimp on the tequila. Yep another afternoon on the couch!
It was all good!
Before I close I need to make mention of one more stop that I made with PHM, where you say? well it was to Costco.
A meal is not a meal unless there is a little sweet to finish it off. Well, there was nothing at The Cooper so off to Costco for a very berry yogurt. Such a bargain for a $1.69 and yes it was huge..
Peg when are you going to Weight Watchers...that will be another story
Bye for now or until my next food venture!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
The Cooper (West End)
I am not sure why restaurants cannot do better for lunch. Yesterday I went to The Cooper, not really having any great expectations, just a nice place to go for lunch. The menu covers all the bases, but it is the same old thing. Why can't they take a sandwich and bring it to the next level, add something...think outside the box.
I looked at the menu and my choices consisted of sandwich or salad or burger, which is fine but nothing special. I ended up ordering a Ruben which was OK, but nothing to write home about.
If most restaurants can do such a wonderful job for dinner, in most cases becoming very inventive, why can't the same principle be followed for the noon time meal?
The Cooper is a very pretty place not for lunch but maybe for a pint and a chat.
I must be is a bad mood, I hardly ever bash a restaurant. In this case I am not bashing the restaurant but restaurants in general.
I better quit while I am ahead....Ta Ta
I looked at the menu and my choices consisted of sandwich or salad or burger, which is fine but nothing special. I ended up ordering a Ruben which was OK, but nothing to write home about.
If most restaurants can do such a wonderful job for dinner, in most cases becoming very inventive, why can't the same principle be followed for the noon time meal?
The Cooper is a very pretty place not for lunch but maybe for a pint and a chat.
I must be is a bad mood, I hardly ever bash a restaurant. In this case I am not bashing the restaurant but restaurants in general.
I better quit while I am ahead....Ta Ta
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Il Gatto (The Cat)
The month of August has been a very social month for me. I never realized how many of my friends were born in this month...quit surprising.
I had the good fortune to get together with some former co-workers and enjoy a get together at Il Gatto (the old Figlo). Needless to say getting together with old friends is the best but the food also needs to be mentioned.
The dining room is large but not so noisy that you can't hold a conversation without yelling. The menu is not huge but covers all the basics, something for everybody. Also to be mentioned, there is a special for every night except Friday.
Of course every get together must start with a Martini...the names are terrific IE pussification to twigs & berries all delish. Myself and Blythe had the special, chicken saltimbocca with salad and a bottle of wine...are you ready $29.00 for 2. Michele ordered the spinach pizza and Rachel had the ravioli...as each bite was taken all your heard was Yum!
This time dessert was not to be missed (diet can wait till tomorrow). Our waitress Brittany, knew there were 3 b'days at the table, so along with the cheesecake came a surprise dessert. The cheesecake was good but the spumoni was fantastic. My mouth is salivating just talking about the desserts.
Il Gatto can be found at:
Calhoun Square
3001 Hennepin Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
For the Martinis alone it is worth the trip. Go have a bottle of wine and pizza and have a good time.
Ta Ta for now..Peggy
I had the good fortune to get together with some former co-workers and enjoy a get together at Il Gatto (the old Figlo). Needless to say getting together with old friends is the best but the food also needs to be mentioned.
The dining room is large but not so noisy that you can't hold a conversation without yelling. The menu is not huge but covers all the basics, something for everybody. Also to be mentioned, there is a special for every night except Friday.
Of course every get together must start with a Martini...the names are terrific IE pussification to twigs & berries all delish. Myself and Blythe had the special, chicken saltimbocca with salad and a bottle of wine...are you ready $29.00 for 2. Michele ordered the spinach pizza and Rachel had the ravioli...as each bite was taken all your heard was Yum!
This time dessert was not to be missed (diet can wait till tomorrow). Our waitress Brittany, knew there were 3 b'days at the table, so along with the cheesecake came a surprise dessert. The cheesecake was good but the spumoni was fantastic. My mouth is salivating just talking about the desserts.
Il Gatto can be found at:
Calhoun Square
3001 Hennepin Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
For the Martinis alone it is worth the trip. Go have a bottle of wine and pizza and have a good time.
Ta Ta for now..Peggy
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sweet Retreat Cupcake Boutique
There is a place in the 50th and France area called Sweet Retreat Cupcake Boutique, it is the closest thing to heaven that I have ever tasted.
You walk in the front door and the smell of the delicious little treats just waft through the air. The next thing you will see is a showcase full of the best tasting cupcakes you can imagine. They are not big but the flavor is huge, but light. The frosting is so creamy and just the right touch for what is underneath.
Can you tell that I am in love with the cupcake. I am not alone, I brought them to work as a treat for my favorite co-worker, by bff PHM loves these things..need I say more.
There is a flavor to meet everybody's taste buds from red velvet to peanut butter, it is yours to make the choice. I guarantee that you will be back for more.
Take my advise and make the trip. OMG I am salivating just talking about them.
Maybe I'll see you there soon!
Just in case the address is 5013 France Ave South
You walk in the front door and the smell of the delicious little treats just waft through the air. The next thing you will see is a showcase full of the best tasting cupcakes you can imagine. They are not big but the flavor is huge, but light. The frosting is so creamy and just the right touch for what is underneath.
Can you tell that I am in love with the cupcake. I am not alone, I brought them to work as a treat for my favorite co-worker, by bff PHM loves these things..need I say more.
There is a flavor to meet everybody's taste buds from red velvet to peanut butter, it is yours to make the choice. I guarantee that you will be back for more.
Take my advise and make the trip. OMG I am salivating just talking about them.
Maybe I'll see you there soon!
Just in case the address is 5013 France Ave South
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sauce/West End
When there is nothing to do on a Saturday afternoon... how about shopping and a nice lunch...its called exploring to some people.
PHM and myself went exploring to the West End, the new shopping area off of 394. The area is new with a few stores, a giant movie theater and several restaurants. Our first stop was a store called Love Culture, a rather hip low priced store aimed more for juniors than anything else. To my amazement, I found the costume jewelry dept OMG I thought I died and was surrounded by shiny baubles. For about $35.00 I had 3 necklace chains and one animal print bracelet..not a bad haul. Needless to say, one can work up quite the appetite looking for bargains. Off to find a treat.
There are several restaurants to choose from. We walked to the Cooper, very big a nice sitting area outside but a brunch menu. On to Ringo nice menu but it was the dinner menu and a little expensive. There is the old standby Crave, but we have already been to this one, not ready for a repeat.
So where do we end up you ask, a very cute place called Sauce. They are having a special till the middle of September. You can order a pizza, a salad for two and two glasses of wine all for $20.00. Surprisingly you can order any pizza on the menu or any of about 6 salads and yes any wine off the menu. One suggestion stay away from the Classic Caesar unless you like a dressing that is more vinegar then anything else.
Looking around it is a casual atmosphere, prices are good and a nice selection from pizza to pasta..just sit and enjoy a glass or two of the Chianti and chat awhile.
I would recommend to spend a couple of hours exploring the West End and then take in one of the restaurants, there is bound to be one that will meet your budget and taste-buds.
The West End is not finished yet, looks like there are still more stores and restaurents ready to open soon.
Thats it for now....
PHM and myself went exploring to the West End, the new shopping area off of 394. The area is new with a few stores, a giant movie theater and several restaurants. Our first stop was a store called Love Culture, a rather hip low priced store aimed more for juniors than anything else. To my amazement, I found the costume jewelry dept OMG I thought I died and was surrounded by shiny baubles. For about $35.00 I had 3 necklace chains and one animal print bracelet..not a bad haul. Needless to say, one can work up quite the appetite looking for bargains. Off to find a treat.
There are several restaurants to choose from. We walked to the Cooper, very big a nice sitting area outside but a brunch menu. On to Ringo nice menu but it was the dinner menu and a little expensive. There is the old standby Crave, but we have already been to this one, not ready for a repeat.
So where do we end up you ask, a very cute place called Sauce. They are having a special till the middle of September. You can order a pizza, a salad for two and two glasses of wine all for $20.00. Surprisingly you can order any pizza on the menu or any of about 6 salads and yes any wine off the menu. One suggestion stay away from the Classic Caesar unless you like a dressing that is more vinegar then anything else.
Looking around it is a casual atmosphere, prices are good and a nice selection from pizza to pasta..just sit and enjoy a glass or two of the Chianti and chat awhile.
I would recommend to spend a couple of hours exploring the West End and then take in one of the restaurants, there is bound to be one that will meet your budget and taste-buds.
The West End is not finished yet, looks like there are still more stores and restaurents ready to open soon.
Thats it for now....
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
One More Bday Celebration
Last night I had the good fortune to be invited to a Happy Hour with former co-workers, which took place at the Loring Kitchen. The Kitchen is located at 1359 Willow Street across from Loring Park
I will admit that I have been there a few times in the past and was not excited to go back, but never say never. The happy hour is terrific and even better when there are several people to share the menu treats.
Let me start by saying there is a selection of martinis and reasonably priced at $6.00. I had the Lemon Drop, fantastic, just keep them coming...there were blue martinis IE with blue cheese stuffed olives (get it blue martini)and of course wine and beer.
The food menu has many good selections. The Loring Burger was yummy, the pizzas prove to be a tasty morsel, in particular the sausage...YUM.
Surprisingly enough there was a selection of fries, from what I remember (don't read anything into that) the regular fries and zucchini were quit the treat.
Yes, I would certainly recommend the Loring Kitchen for a happy hour. A little added treat...when the weather cools down they have an open patio... what could be better then sipping a cocktail while looking across at Loring Park.
Bye for now or at least till the next treat passes my lips, and you will be the next to know!!!!!
I will admit that I have been there a few times in the past and was not excited to go back, but never say never. The happy hour is terrific and even better when there are several people to share the menu treats.
Let me start by saying there is a selection of martinis and reasonably priced at $6.00. I had the Lemon Drop, fantastic, just keep them coming...there were blue martinis IE with blue cheese stuffed olives (get it blue martini)and of course wine and beer.
The food menu has many good selections. The Loring Burger was yummy, the pizzas prove to be a tasty morsel, in particular the sausage...YUM.
Surprisingly enough there was a selection of fries, from what I remember (don't read anything into that) the regular fries and zucchini were quit the treat.
Yes, I would certainly recommend the Loring Kitchen for a happy hour. A little added treat...when the weather cools down they have an open patio... what could be better then sipping a cocktail while looking across at Loring Park.
Bye for now or at least till the next treat passes my lips, and you will be the next to know!!!!!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Sea Salt
For the second week of Birthday celebration I had the opportunity to go to Sea Salt located in Minnehaha park right near the falls.
I have been trying to go to this restaurant for about 2 years, either the line was too long or it was closed (only open during the summer). I had no idea what to expect as far as food, I knew it was going to be seafood but that was it. I think the first visit can be a little undaunting,everything is on a black board but it does take awhile to go thru.
The choices were made and the po'boy was the selection of the day. I tried the catfish and PHM had the same with some sort of fried fish. PHM also added an order of calamari which was good but I think the breading could be lighter. The po'boy was large with a big piece of fish on top,taste was good and very fresh. With the atmosphere being so nice any food would be good. This is such a great place for neighborhood people, bikers and walkers alike. It is the type of place that you can do with or without a friend very casual and unpretentious.
I would love to know if the menu is the same for day and or evening. I guess it will give me a reason to go back and check it out.
When you visit, do not miss the opportunity to visit the falls they are only footsteps away. It is a very tranquil atmosphere within a big city...almost like Central Park is good old N.Y.C.
bye bye till the next morsel passes my lips
I have been trying to go to this restaurant for about 2 years, either the line was too long or it was closed (only open during the summer). I had no idea what to expect as far as food, I knew it was going to be seafood but that was it. I think the first visit can be a little undaunting,everything is on a black board but it does take awhile to go thru.
The choices were made and the po'boy was the selection of the day. I tried the catfish and PHM had the same with some sort of fried fish. PHM also added an order of calamari which was good but I think the breading could be lighter. The po'boy was large with a big piece of fish on top,taste was good and very fresh. With the atmosphere being so nice any food would be good. This is such a great place for neighborhood people, bikers and walkers alike. It is the type of place that you can do with or without a friend very casual and unpretentious.
I would love to know if the menu is the same for day and or evening. I guess it will give me a reason to go back and check it out.
When you visit, do not miss the opportunity to visit the falls they are only footsteps away. It is a very tranquil atmosphere within a big city...almost like Central Park is good old N.Y.C.
bye bye till the next morsel passes my lips
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Burger Jones over and over and over
Just a quick mention of my favorite burger joint. Where does one go when one has a craving for a burger, well of course it is Burger Jones. To tell you the truth not sure if it is the burger or the wonderful $3.00 happy hour appletinis..just soooo good.
Anybody that has not tried this place you need to go you will not be sorry.
Can't wait for the next tini and burger!!!!!!!!!!
Anybody that has not tried this place you need to go you will not be sorry.
Can't wait for the next tini and burger!!!!!!!!!!
Cafeteria Uptown - 2nd visit
It is the day of my Birthday and I am going to the Twins game with a friend. So needless to say Brunch/breakfast was the first order of the day...Where should we go? such an easy question.
Drove by Cafeteria took a look, the downstairs looked so inviting, it was just the choice of the day.
There is not just a breakfast menu but a brunch menu as well, one cannot have too many menus can one. Between the 2 choices I am sure there is something for everybody.
It's Sunday so a Bloody Mary is first on my list and again just delectable. The eggs Benedict was terrific. It is not the usual English muffin cut in two and an egg on each..No this was a rather large thick slice of bread, with ham and eggs topped with hollandaise sauce..simply mouthwatering.
My fellow foodie had Southern Fried Chicken on a waffle. How can I say, this so is wrong on so many levels, these 2 things are just not a match. But who am I to judge somebody else's taste buds...when i looked over the only things left on the plate were the bones (uck). I guess it must have been good.
I will predict there will be one more visit. There is something on the menu that I have been craving for a long time and I will have to try..stay tuned for the next visit as I satisfy my craving.
Drove by Cafeteria took a look, the downstairs looked so inviting, it was just the choice of the day.
There is not just a breakfast menu but a brunch menu as well, one cannot have too many menus can one. Between the 2 choices I am sure there is something for everybody.
It's Sunday so a Bloody Mary is first on my list and again just delectable. The eggs Benedict was terrific. It is not the usual English muffin cut in two and an egg on each..No this was a rather large thick slice of bread, with ham and eggs topped with hollandaise sauce..simply mouthwatering.
My fellow foodie had Southern Fried Chicken on a waffle. How can I say, this so is wrong on so many levels, these 2 things are just not a match. But who am I to judge somebody else's taste buds...when i looked over the only things left on the plate were the bones (uck). I guess it must have been good.
I will predict there will be one more visit. There is something on the menu that I have been craving for a long time and I will have to try..stay tuned for the next visit as I satisfy my craving.
Cafeteria Uptown
I must be getting old to be visiting the same restaurant twice in one week..it is just unheard of...but I did and yes I am getting older..Happy Birthday to me!
After a movie on a very nice summers afternoon was the first visit. Needless to say it was sheer curiosity with all the press this place is getting. The atmosphere is so alive and the idea of a glass elevator on Lake Street..wait am I still talking about Minneapolis! The elevator will take you to the rooftop where you can just kick back while sipping a martini or libation of choice and simply relax.
As usual I must try the burger when ever I go to a new place...I have to try the burger, if the burgers are good then everything else will follow...did not necessarily hold true it was only OK. The Bloody Mary was delish!!!!
I will comment on the fact that the servers coming out with the food had no idea what table they were supposed to be serving. The food would go to 2 or 3 table till they got it right. Nobody at the front of the bar would realize this but from where I was sitting I had a bird's eye view. I am sure this will improve with time.
Next visit to follow!
After a movie on a very nice summers afternoon was the first visit. Needless to say it was sheer curiosity with all the press this place is getting. The atmosphere is so alive and the idea of a glass elevator on Lake Street..wait am I still talking about Minneapolis! The elevator will take you to the rooftop where you can just kick back while sipping a martini or libation of choice and simply relax.
As usual I must try the burger when ever I go to a new place...I have to try the burger, if the burgers are good then everything else will follow...did not necessarily hold true it was only OK. The Bloody Mary was delish!!!!
I will comment on the fact that the servers coming out with the food had no idea what table they were supposed to be serving. The food would go to 2 or 3 table till they got it right. Nobody at the front of the bar would realize this but from where I was sitting I had a bird's eye view. I am sure this will improve with time.
Next visit to follow!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Parma 8200
Not sure how I got on the mailing list for D'Amico mailings, but I am glad I did.
To announce the opening of their new restaurant Parma 8200 there was a cocktail party on Saturday the 17th. Parma is located across from Kincaid's in Bloomington and also on the first level of an office building.
By the time I arrived it was standing room only but I guess that is what you would expect when everything is free.
There was a choice of 4 different cocktails but to tell you the truth after 5 or 6 Dragon Martinis I really was not ready to taste anything else. My co-workers did try the Mojito one liked the other didn't. There was a table covered with little tidbits to nosh on and also wait staff walking around with platters full of tasty little treats.
This time there was room for dessert and I am so glad there was. There was a butterscotch pudding or mousse (remember 6 cocktails), I almost licked by fingers after that. In addition little pieces of crostini with chocolate on top, certainly had a couple of those. Hope you can now understand why I stay away from desserts " I don't know when to stop".
We wanted to stay for dinner but every table was reserved. It will just give me a reason to go back to try the food and see what the restaurant is all about.
The outdoor patio should make for a good happy hour on a warm summer night.
In case I didn't mention I heard one of the oldest lines used between 2 people as I was listening to somebody else's conversation...Do I Know You From Somewhere" can you believe. I felt like I was back in Brooklyn at one of the local discos. Just goes to show somethings just do not die..
With those wise words of wisdom (please feel free to use anytime) I will bid you good night for now.
To announce the opening of their new restaurant Parma 8200 there was a cocktail party on Saturday the 17th. Parma is located across from Kincaid's in Bloomington and also on the first level of an office building.
By the time I arrived it was standing room only but I guess that is what you would expect when everything is free.
There was a choice of 4 different cocktails but to tell you the truth after 5 or 6 Dragon Martinis I really was not ready to taste anything else. My co-workers did try the Mojito one liked the other didn't. There was a table covered with little tidbits to nosh on and also wait staff walking around with platters full of tasty little treats.
This time there was room for dessert and I am so glad there was. There was a butterscotch pudding or mousse (remember 6 cocktails), I almost licked by fingers after that. In addition little pieces of crostini with chocolate on top, certainly had a couple of those. Hope you can now understand why I stay away from desserts " I don't know when to stop".
We wanted to stay for dinner but every table was reserved. It will just give me a reason to go back to try the food and see what the restaurant is all about.
The outdoor patio should make for a good happy hour on a warm summer night.
In case I didn't mention I heard one of the oldest lines used between 2 people as I was listening to somebody else's conversation...Do I Know You From Somewhere" can you believe. I felt like I was back in Brooklyn at one of the local discos. Just goes to show somethings just do not die..
With those wise words of wisdom (please feel free to use anytime) I will bid you good night for now.
Another Summer VIsit
The July 4th weekend took me to Excelsior,I just love this little town. If I close my eyes it takes me back to small little hamlets along the Hudson in up state New York. Ok I have no time to reminisce or I will have my own little pity party.
After taking a walk up one side of the street and down the other it is time for food. I have wanted to go to Jake O'Connors for a long time and my yearning was finally satisfied. The inside is huge and looks like any other Irish pub, but that is as far as it goes.
The onion rings are to die for very light and tasty..Oh my mouth is watering. I ordered the Philly cheese hoagie did not have any great expectations but after my first bit it was Wow. I could not believe that a sandwich with so much meat would be so tender.. absolutely delish! Unfortunately I have not been leaving room for dessert not that I need it but it is always good to have something sweet to finish with.]
The wait staff more then friendly and helpful in their recommendations.
The one minor flaw was the Bloody Mary not really sure how it was made but it would not be on my agenda in a future trip. No matter there are so many other libations made with alcohol I am sure I can find something else.
This is a great place to visit during the summer with a visit to Jake's for a cocktail or a bit more.
After taking a walk up one side of the street and down the other it is time for food. I have wanted to go to Jake O'Connors for a long time and my yearning was finally satisfied. The inside is huge and looks like any other Irish pub, but that is as far as it goes.
The onion rings are to die for very light and tasty..Oh my mouth is watering. I ordered the Philly cheese hoagie did not have any great expectations but after my first bit it was Wow. I could not believe that a sandwich with so much meat would be so tender.. absolutely delish! Unfortunately I have not been leaving room for dessert not that I need it but it is always good to have something sweet to finish with.]
The wait staff more then friendly and helpful in their recommendations.
The one minor flaw was the Bloody Mary not really sure how it was made but it would not be on my agenda in a future trip. No matter there are so many other libations made with alcohol I am sure I can find something else.
This is a great place to visit during the summer with a visit to Jake's for a cocktail or a bit more.
Recap of Summer to Date
Hi to all the little minions...i just love that word!
Let me start by saying it has been a good summer to date, even though I had to cut down and cut corners, there is always a little bit left over for a movie or a morsel.
I will start with a restaurant that I went to a couple of weeks ago by the name of Anchor located in Northeast. It is a very small place located at 302 13th Ave. N.E.
To me it is right out of an old English or Irish pub. It is a small neighborhood place as you will experience going at about 11:30 on a Saturday morning, lunch begins at 12. You can wait till 12 so grab a coffee, sit and watch the neighborhood people role out of bed and into their favorite booth to enjoy their favorite breakfast.
OK, on to the best fish & chips (french fries) that I have tasted since my last trip to England. The portion is huge and the fish is cod in a panko breading very light but enhances the fish.
The prices are terrific will not break the bank. When you are finished take a walk threw the neighborhood or get in the car or on your bike for a trek to St. Anthony's Main. This is the perfect way to digest the best food I have has in a long time.
Let me start by saying it has been a good summer to date, even though I had to cut down and cut corners, there is always a little bit left over for a movie or a morsel.
I will start with a restaurant that I went to a couple of weeks ago by the name of Anchor located in Northeast. It is a very small place located at 302 13th Ave. N.E.
To me it is right out of an old English or Irish pub. It is a small neighborhood place as you will experience going at about 11:30 on a Saturday morning, lunch begins at 12. You can wait till 12 so grab a coffee, sit and watch the neighborhood people role out of bed and into their favorite booth to enjoy their favorite breakfast.
OK, on to the best fish & chips (french fries) that I have tasted since my last trip to England. The portion is huge and the fish is cod in a panko breading very light but enhances the fish.
The prices are terrific will not break the bank. When you are finished take a walk threw the neighborhood or get in the car or on your bike for a trek to St. Anthony's Main. This is the perfect way to digest the best food I have has in a long time.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Summer Weekend
Well as we all know Summer is finally here! This is the best time of the year to be in the Mini-apple, I can't believe that I really said that.
This is a Sex in the City weekend and yes i went to see the movie. I must admit that it was much better then what I expected, some great one liners I only hope that I can remember some of them for the future. Of course after a movie there is always a little morsel that is needed to rehash the movie. I will probably never admit that I went to Ruby Tuesday's but I have to say there burgers were very good. So much for Ruby Tuesdays.
Yesterday the weather was not the best but when somebody offers you the opportunity to go to Wayzata how could one refuse. Sunset's on the water always makes for a great place for food and a good view. There salad's are not only good but a good selection and best of all they are not small portions. After a good lunch it is time for a walk thru town and a little window shopping. Oh my is that Ben & Jerry's..why yes could that mean ice cream is in my future..why yes it is. I can't believe that a 3 scoops of that incredible dessert was just the best way to finish a wonderful day.
This is the summer and every outing needs to be by water and in a state of 10,000 lakes that is an easy thing to do.
Till my next outing...
This is a Sex in the City weekend and yes i went to see the movie. I must admit that it was much better then what I expected, some great one liners I only hope that I can remember some of them for the future. Of course after a movie there is always a little morsel that is needed to rehash the movie. I will probably never admit that I went to Ruby Tuesday's but I have to say there burgers were very good. So much for Ruby Tuesdays.
Yesterday the weather was not the best but when somebody offers you the opportunity to go to Wayzata how could one refuse. Sunset's on the water always makes for a great place for food and a good view. There salad's are not only good but a good selection and best of all they are not small portions. After a good lunch it is time for a walk thru town and a little window shopping. Oh my is that Ben & Jerry's..why yes could that mean ice cream is in my future..why yes it is. I can't believe that a 3 scoops of that incredible dessert was just the best way to finish a wonderful day.
This is the summer and every outing needs to be by water and in a state of 10,000 lakes that is an easy thing to do.
Till my next outing...
Monday, May 24, 2010
My night at the Guthrie and then some
It has been a long time since I found something fantastic to talk about. Last night I had the good fortune to be invited to The Guthrie to see M Butterfly. I have seen quite a few plays in my long existence but this was one would rate in my top 5.
The 2 main characters Randy Reyes and Andrew Long were spectacular. To think that any one person can remember all the lines to a play like this is incredible.
The topic of the play can of course be open to much discussion which I thinks stands the test of a good play.I dont want to go into details I would not want to ruin the experience for anybody that might be interested in going. Anybody that has any doubts, just go you will not be disappointed,
In addition to the play I had the opportunity to experience a little bit of Sea Change. There might be a recession going on but I am not sure the people dining at Sea Change were aware of the situation. I did not take part of the restaurant but I did have the opportunity to have drinks in the bar.
First let me say the coloration's in the bar are the best shades of blues and greens that I have ever seen. So relaxing, it is like sitting by a pool but without the water. The drinks do it justice just the right amount of choices not too many but just right.
Let me sum this up by saying it is a must go!
I hope my next post will be sooner rather then later...I would like to be able to say I'm back...It is Summer!!!
The 2 main characters Randy Reyes and Andrew Long were spectacular. To think that any one person can remember all the lines to a play like this is incredible.
The topic of the play can of course be open to much discussion which I thinks stands the test of a good play.I dont want to go into details I would not want to ruin the experience for anybody that might be interested in going. Anybody that has any doubts, just go you will not be disappointed,
In addition to the play I had the opportunity to experience a little bit of Sea Change. There might be a recession going on but I am not sure the people dining at Sea Change were aware of the situation. I did not take part of the restaurant but I did have the opportunity to have drinks in the bar.
First let me say the coloration's in the bar are the best shades of blues and greens that I have ever seen. So relaxing, it is like sitting by a pool but without the water. The drinks do it justice just the right amount of choices not too many but just right.
Let me sum this up by saying it is a must go!
I hope my next post will be sooner rather then later...I would like to be able to say I'm back...It is Summer!!!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
My Great Week
Oh, where do I begin!!!!!!!!this was such a great week...
My week started with a concert by the Black Eyed Peas...omg I think I'm beginning my 2nd childhood or 3rd ... but who cares. The concert was terrific..yes a senior citizen loves Ludacris and the Peas, what a great combination. The Peas put on a terrific show and the last number I Gotta Feelin brought the house to their feet...how many times can I say it just a great show.
Fast forward to Friday night...being a retiree of The Target Corp has its advantages. Target opened the doors of Target Field to their employees for a sneak preview, what an experience. I'm not a dye hard baseball fan but I could see watching the N.Y. Yankees or the Mets when they come to town in May. A day at the ballpark just sounds so much fun...a hot-dog in 1 hand and a beer in the other what could be better. The concessions at the field are numerous and a good variety. The most impressive is the restaurant for the season ticket holders elegant and good selections and you look over the field what could be better.
This week I was introduced to something called Groupon where you can buy a $50.00 coupon for $25.00 for a restaurant of the day or whatever the bargain of the day might be...the best thing about this is you can use the whole coupon in one sitting. Unlike other 2 for 1 deals where you get 2 coupons $25.00 each, you can only use 1 coupon per visit not ideal. I went to Kozy's in the Galleria, I was a little bit hesitant not having used a coupon like this before, you show the coupon and your server explains the way the coupon works. We ordered 2 fillet mignon plates and 2 bloody marys + when you sit down the cinnamon cake comes to your table immediately. The total bill came to $49.32. Can we say bargain...
The food was good the fillet mignon is cooked to your request, this was not a small piece of meat and quite tasty. So if anybody is thinking of trying Groupon go ahead it is a great deal especially if you like to go out to eat or even just a happy hour..just do it.
Well it is time to close just talking about my week brings a smile to my face, everybody should have a week like this. Oh by the way to put the topping on the cake I was able to get tickets to Bon Jovi when they come in April but best yet half price.
Till my next adventure bye bye from Peg's Dish!!!!!!!!
My week started with a concert by the Black Eyed Peas...omg I think I'm beginning my 2nd childhood or 3rd ... but who cares. The concert was terrific..yes a senior citizen loves Ludacris and the Peas, what a great combination. The Peas put on a terrific show and the last number I Gotta Feelin brought the house to their feet...how many times can I say it just a great show.
Fast forward to Friday night...being a retiree of The Target Corp has its advantages. Target opened the doors of Target Field to their employees for a sneak preview, what an experience. I'm not a dye hard baseball fan but I could see watching the N.Y. Yankees or the Mets when they come to town in May. A day at the ballpark just sounds so much fun...a hot-dog in 1 hand and a beer in the other what could be better. The concessions at the field are numerous and a good variety. The most impressive is the restaurant for the season ticket holders elegant and good selections and you look over the field what could be better.
This week I was introduced to something called Groupon where you can buy a $50.00 coupon for $25.00 for a restaurant of the day or whatever the bargain of the day might be...the best thing about this is you can use the whole coupon in one sitting. Unlike other 2 for 1 deals where you get 2 coupons $25.00 each, you can only use 1 coupon per visit not ideal. I went to Kozy's in the Galleria, I was a little bit hesitant not having used a coupon like this before, you show the coupon and your server explains the way the coupon works. We ordered 2 fillet mignon plates and 2 bloody marys + when you sit down the cinnamon cake comes to your table immediately. The total bill came to $49.32. Can we say bargain...
The food was good the fillet mignon is cooked to your request, this was not a small piece of meat and quite tasty. So if anybody is thinking of trying Groupon go ahead it is a great deal especially if you like to go out to eat or even just a happy hour..just do it.
Well it is time to close just talking about my week brings a smile to my face, everybody should have a week like this. Oh by the way to put the topping on the cake I was able to get tickets to Bon Jovi when they come in April but best yet half price.
Till my next adventure bye bye from Peg's Dish!!!!!!!!
Monday, March 15, 2010
a major downside to facebook
I am not really a big fan of facebook, but it does come in handy when your bored and out of money.
Last weekend I decided to find some of my long lost relatives, seemed like a good idea at the time. I found by cousin who I haven't spoken to in about 13 years due to my insane move to the Mini-apple. So off I go to send an email to see if I would get a response, and so I did. First came the email to tell me all about the family and to ask for a telephone number to keep in touch...Sharing my telephone number is where I made my first mistake.
On Monday evening the telephone call came in but i was doing laundry so i heard the voice mail. Being the good cousin that I wanted to be I returned the call..bigeeeee mistake. Let me back up and state that I am on a phone all day long so you can imagine talking on a phone when I get home is the last thing I want to do. But again it was my brilliant idea to reunite. I very promptly returned the call, 2 1/2 hours later i am still on the phone. By this time I wanted to stick pins in my eyes anything to get off a phone.
I must admit I learned my lesson...keep reuniting to email for as long as possible.
Not sure if anybody really needed to know any of the above but i certainly feel better writing about it.
Over and Out for now...Pegsdish or Pegs complaint department
Last weekend I decided to find some of my long lost relatives, seemed like a good idea at the time. I found by cousin who I haven't spoken to in about 13 years due to my insane move to the Mini-apple. So off I go to send an email to see if I would get a response, and so I did. First came the email to tell me all about the family and to ask for a telephone number to keep in touch...Sharing my telephone number is where I made my first mistake.
On Monday evening the telephone call came in but i was doing laundry so i heard the voice mail. Being the good cousin that I wanted to be I returned the call..bigeeeee mistake. Let me back up and state that I am on a phone all day long so you can imagine talking on a phone when I get home is the last thing I want to do. But again it was my brilliant idea to reunite. I very promptly returned the call, 2 1/2 hours later i am still on the phone. By this time I wanted to stick pins in my eyes anything to get off a phone.
I must admit I learned my lesson...keep reuniting to email for as long as possible.
Not sure if anybody really needed to know any of the above but i certainly feel better writing about it.
Over and Out for now...Pegsdish or Pegs complaint department
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Part 2 Restaurant week Cave Vin
Just when I thought that i was finished with Restaurant Week I gave it one more chance and i am so glad I did.
Next place on the list was Cave Vin in my opinion a small neighborhood gem. From the minute you walk in the atmosphere is warm, you are greeted by the owner which always makes for a good experience.
I have learned not to get my hopes up but we were certainly of to a good start!
Again please remember that this is still restaurant week. The menu had several choices all good ones and we go from there. The calamari was light and delish..the steak frite was done to perfection and the tres leche was great. Not sure if there is anything bad that i can say but anybody that lives in the Armitage neighborhood just take advantage.
My co-foodie had the same thing and to date have not heard one complaint...amazing.
There is one place i forgot to mention and that is Palomino. Can I tell you that the Happy Hour is great..I believe it is Sunday thru Thursday Happy Hour all day. The drinks are $4.00 and a huge Happy Hour menu..it is a place to take advantage of if you are on a budget or just waiting to on to your next place for the evening.
That's it till I find another gem to talk about
Till then Pegz dish
Next place on the list was Cave Vin in my opinion a small neighborhood gem. From the minute you walk in the atmosphere is warm, you are greeted by the owner which always makes for a good experience.
I have learned not to get my hopes up but we were certainly of to a good start!
Again please remember that this is still restaurant week. The menu had several choices all good ones and we go from there. The calamari was light and delish..the steak frite was done to perfection and the tres leche was great. Not sure if there is anything bad that i can say but anybody that lives in the Armitage neighborhood just take advantage.
My co-foodie had the same thing and to date have not heard one complaint...amazing.
There is one place i forgot to mention and that is Palomino. Can I tell you that the Happy Hour is great..I believe it is Sunday thru Thursday Happy Hour all day. The drinks are $4.00 and a huge Happy Hour menu..it is a place to take advantage of if you are on a budget or just waiting to on to your next place for the evening.
That's it till I find another gem to talk about
Till then Pegz dish
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Restauant Week Part1 D'Amico Kitchen
Can I tell you how much I look forward to restaurant week in the Mini-apple..it just makes me giddy with anticipation.
My first pick was the D'Amico Kitchen, wanted to go since it opened so this was my golden opportunity. Reservations at 6 and all is well.
The decor is pretty the seating is perfect,the menu looks good... what could possibly go wrong?
I ordered a cauliflower soup, just wanted to be a little different ( this is the person that does not eat veggies)...not bad maybe I would go so far as to say flavorful.
The next course sounded really good...short rib on a bed of polenta. Let me take this opportunity to paint a visual for you...the plate arrives I take a look and to me it looked like a piece of meat on a bed of solidified fat (Yuck). I get over the visual and started to dig in (can it get any worse..YES) the meat was luke warm. i called one of the wait staff over and it was immediately wisked away to the kitchen,and a warmer dish brought out. To me short ribs should only be done with mashed potatos it is just something you donot try to improve on.
My foodie in crime ordered a beet salad, tasteless..can you imagine beets being tasteless. The next course was a pasta dish with chick peas and olives. He is still telling me that chick peas should not be added to a pasta dish, they donot bring any added flavor to the dish, and the olives were so salty he was up all night drinking. His comments on the whole episode were almost as bad as mine if you can imagine that.
I will say that the dessert was good...3 little scoops of gelato most tasty.
My biggest complaint is,this is restaurant week, a week where restaurants should put their best food forward. I understand that the price is good but not if the food is not good.
Before I close I will say that the wait staff at D'Amico Kitchen are the best I have seen in Minneapolis to date. They actual care what you think and will listen when you have a complaint and are more then willing to make it right.
After this little adventure I was not sure that i would make the next stop on my list..stay tuned for my next adventure into Restaurant Week
My first pick was the D'Amico Kitchen, wanted to go since it opened so this was my golden opportunity. Reservations at 6 and all is well.
The decor is pretty the seating is perfect,the menu looks good... what could possibly go wrong?
I ordered a cauliflower soup, just wanted to be a little different ( this is the person that does not eat veggies)...not bad maybe I would go so far as to say flavorful.
The next course sounded really good...short rib on a bed of polenta. Let me take this opportunity to paint a visual for you...the plate arrives I take a look and to me it looked like a piece of meat on a bed of solidified fat (Yuck). I get over the visual and started to dig in (can it get any worse..YES) the meat was luke warm. i called one of the wait staff over and it was immediately wisked away to the kitchen,and a warmer dish brought out. To me short ribs should only be done with mashed potatos it is just something you donot try to improve on.
My foodie in crime ordered a beet salad, tasteless..can you imagine beets being tasteless. The next course was a pasta dish with chick peas and olives. He is still telling me that chick peas should not be added to a pasta dish, they donot bring any added flavor to the dish, and the olives were so salty he was up all night drinking. His comments on the whole episode were almost as bad as mine if you can imagine that.
I will say that the dessert was good...3 little scoops of gelato most tasty.
My biggest complaint is,this is restaurant week, a week where restaurants should put their best food forward. I understand that the price is good but not if the food is not good.
Before I close I will say that the wait staff at D'Amico Kitchen are the best I have seen in Minneapolis to date. They actual care what you think and will listen when you have a complaint and are more then willing to make it right.
After this little adventure I was not sure that i would make the next stop on my list..stay tuned for my next adventure into Restaurant Week
Sunday, January 31, 2010
My weekend while being poor
Can you believe that the P word(poor) has entered my vocabulary...let me explain by saying my car is sick and it had to be healed which is another story all on to itself. So what does one do when your poor well let me tell you.
Saturday morning... as everybody does you would clean and so clean I did, as quickly as possible. Now on to some fun stuff. Went to one of the best movies I've seen in along time...Crazy Heart, I am not one for country western but the music would certainly make your toes tap. I would recommend this movie to everybody unless of course the use of the "F" word offends then don't go.
What does one do on Sunday keeping in mind the P word still exits. Well into my bag of coupons and find one for Santorini buy one get one free, what a bargain. Let me put it this way sometimes a bargain just isn't a bargain let me explain.
I don't usually go back to the same restaurant twice, but in this case I made an exception. I'm not sure about you but when I go for brunch I like to see breakfast food, yes salads are OK and all that other stuff.. but where is the breakfast stuff. I was so surprised not to find an egg product i.e. there was no scrambled eggs. OK I will say that they had eggs Benedict but it was veggie..yuck, and an omelet bar still did not do it for me.
Let me wrap this up by saying the only think that was good was the coffee, that is pretty sad. The restaurant itself is very pretty but the brunch menu needs to be improved.
OK that is what a poor person does living in the frozen tundra.
Saturday morning... as everybody does you would clean and so clean I did, as quickly as possible. Now on to some fun stuff. Went to one of the best movies I've seen in along time...Crazy Heart, I am not one for country western but the music would certainly make your toes tap. I would recommend this movie to everybody unless of course the use of the "F" word offends then don't go.
What does one do on Sunday keeping in mind the P word still exits. Well into my bag of coupons and find one for Santorini buy one get one free, what a bargain. Let me put it this way sometimes a bargain just isn't a bargain let me explain.
I don't usually go back to the same restaurant twice, but in this case I made an exception. I'm not sure about you but when I go for brunch I like to see breakfast food, yes salads are OK and all that other stuff.. but where is the breakfast stuff. I was so surprised not to find an egg product i.e. there was no scrambled eggs. OK I will say that they had eggs Benedict but it was veggie..yuck, and an omelet bar still did not do it for me.
Let me wrap this up by saying the only think that was good was the coffee, that is pretty sad. The restaurant itself is very pretty but the brunch menu needs to be improved.
OK that is what a poor person does living in the frozen tundra.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Amore Victoria
The question...your in Uptown you just watched a very depressing movie...where do you go? Oh, yes it Sunday and the Vikings are playing not only in the Dome but on every tv set in every restaurant and I am not interested in football..where do you go?
There are several restaurants in Uptown but almost all are sports bars..do you see a pattern.
Finally we come upon Amore Victoria...believe it or not there was only 1 tv, ok so it had the game on but it was very quite and there were not too many people watching..score.
The menu reads like one you would see in a diner in Brooklyn..all things to all people.
Kudos to the Happy Hour that lasts all day Sunday in the bar section of the restaurant..if you are watching your pennies it is a pretty good deal.
The Lombardi salad (which can be ordered in half portions)was so good i was beside myself, since i never order salads nor do i eat greens or anything healthy for that matter...the salad was so delish.
On the other hand the next item was the Lasagna...so so, i would say that each layer could use a little bit more sauce it was a just a wee bit dry.
If you are frugal (like me) please do not laugh..this might be the place to go.
Of course i was there with my co-eater..he ordered the tortellini which the last time I checked he was scraping up the last bit of sauce with the delicious bread, so i take that as a good sign.
That's it for now..till my next trip into the wonderful world of food!
pegsdish
There are several restaurants in Uptown but almost all are sports bars..do you see a pattern.
Finally we come upon Amore Victoria...believe it or not there was only 1 tv, ok so it had the game on but it was very quite and there were not too many people watching..score.
The menu reads like one you would see in a diner in Brooklyn..all things to all people.
Kudos to the Happy Hour that lasts all day Sunday in the bar section of the restaurant..if you are watching your pennies it is a pretty good deal.
The Lombardi salad (which can be ordered in half portions)was so good i was beside myself, since i never order salads nor do i eat greens or anything healthy for that matter...the salad was so delish.
On the other hand the next item was the Lasagna...so so, i would say that each layer could use a little bit more sauce it was a just a wee bit dry.
If you are frugal (like me) please do not laugh..this might be the place to go.
Of course i was there with my co-eater..he ordered the tortellini which the last time I checked he was scraping up the last bit of sauce with the delicious bread, so i take that as a good sign.
That's it for now..till my next trip into the wonderful world of food!
pegsdish
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Bar La Grassa
My next adventure takes me to the flavor of the month Bar LaGrassa...
The menu covers all the basics of a high end Italian restaurant. I would suggest that before going, take a tour of the menu online...you can see and read what each dish is all about. One of the best advantages of this eatery is you can order half portions of any pasta, and if you are still hungry go back for another half.
Let me start with my appetizer, RICOTTA PIZZETTE. The taste was so delicate but so delish.
The main course PENNE with SHRIMP and VIN SANTO, again very light with a burst of flavor.
My very favorite course, the dessert, 2 crepes filed with I believe a Carmel sauce and topped with a small scoop of ice cream...just heavenly.
My co-eater on my adventure, had the SOFT EGGS and LOBSTER and RIGATONCINI with MILK BRAISED CHICKEN, only had high praise for each dish.
The one downfall, I ordered a Lemon Drop...not so good..way to sour.
The atmosphere is comfortable and noise level low, wait staff patient and are more then willing to share there faves on the menu.
The neighborhood can certainly benefit from a restaurant of this caliber. I am sure it will survive as a local reliable neighborhood place to go for good food.
I personally cannot wait to see what the next flavor of the month is going to be, whatever it be you will read about it hear.
Oh, so many places so little time...where next!
Pegsdish
P.S. one last comment...I did not like the table that we were shown too (i am a little picky). I asked the waiter if it would be possible to change, within a few seconds we were shown to another table that was just perfect...kudos..
The menu covers all the basics of a high end Italian restaurant. I would suggest that before going, take a tour of the menu online...you can see and read what each dish is all about. One of the best advantages of this eatery is you can order half portions of any pasta, and if you are still hungry go back for another half.
Let me start with my appetizer, RICOTTA PIZZETTE. The taste was so delicate but so delish.
The main course PENNE with SHRIMP and VIN SANTO, again very light with a burst of flavor.
My very favorite course, the dessert, 2 crepes filed with I believe a Carmel sauce and topped with a small scoop of ice cream...just heavenly.
My co-eater on my adventure, had the SOFT EGGS and LOBSTER and RIGATONCINI with MILK BRAISED CHICKEN, only had high praise for each dish.
The one downfall, I ordered a Lemon Drop...not so good..way to sour.
The atmosphere is comfortable and noise level low, wait staff patient and are more then willing to share there faves on the menu.
The neighborhood can certainly benefit from a restaurant of this caliber. I am sure it will survive as a local reliable neighborhood place to go for good food.
I personally cannot wait to see what the next flavor of the month is going to be, whatever it be you will read about it hear.
Oh, so many places so little time...where next!
Pegsdish
P.S. one last comment...I did not like the table that we were shown too (i am a little picky). I asked the waiter if it would be possible to change, within a few seconds we were shown to another table that was just perfect...kudos..
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Burger Jones
i had a computer hiccup!
Let me continue just a little bit more singing the praise of Burger Jones... since the best is yet to come...
The first best is the happy hour (yes i am big on happy hours). The $3.00 appletini should be served intravenously they are so damn good. The appletini is followed by a very good cosmo (also $3.oo) but as you can tell my preference is the appletini.
The second best are the malts especially the ones done with alcohol. I don't remember there names but no matter which one you try they are just delish.
Take a trip any day to BG, especially for the happy hour that i believe begins at 4 or 4:30.
Double dose of restaurent dish today...thats what happens when you are home sick and nothing else to do.
At the rate I am going I am going to need another job to support my addition...thats it from Pegdish
Let me continue just a little bit more singing the praise of Burger Jones... since the best is yet to come...
The first best is the happy hour (yes i am big on happy hours). The $3.00 appletini should be served intravenously they are so damn good. The appletini is followed by a very good cosmo (also $3.oo) but as you can tell my preference is the appletini.
The second best are the malts especially the ones done with alcohol. I don't remember there names but no matter which one you try they are just delish.
Take a trip any day to BG, especially for the happy hour that i believe begins at 4 or 4:30.
Double dose of restaurent dish today...thats what happens when you are home sick and nothing else to do.
At the rate I am going I am going to need another job to support my addition...thats it from Pegdish
Burger Jones
OMG...OMG..what can i say just the best.
My criteria for almost all the restaurents that i visit is the burger test. If a restaurent can make a good burger the rest usually follow suit.
I just don't know where to begin...words escape me to describe my visits to BG, but let me try.
In my opinion the shrumm burger is the best, not to say that the bacon cheese burger is not good again let me reiteriate they are all good.
The atmosphere is just the best,either for a date or just a simple family get together. From infant to senior all are welcome.
There is more then just the burgers. What would a burger be without fries but not only fries you have your choice or waffle (the best) regular and sweet potato and of course there are different sauces to go along.
I
My criteria for almost all the restaurents that i visit is the burger test. If a restaurent can make a good burger the rest usually follow suit.
I just don't know where to begin...words escape me to describe my visits to BG, but let me try.
In my opinion the shrumm burger is the best, not to say that the bacon cheese burger is not good again let me reiteriate they are all good.
The atmosphere is just the best,either for a date or just a simple family get together. From infant to senior all are welcome.
There is more then just the burgers. What would a burger be without fries but not only fries you have your choice or waffle (the best) regular and sweet potato and of course there are different sauces to go along.
I
Manny's/The Living Room
Well so much for my going into the New Year being frugal.
A trip to the dentist should always be followed by a trip to the W Hotel. The best part is if you have a friend who likes to go and play as much as you do..he will remain nameless at least for the next post or two.
My favorite place for people watching and maybe just a place to hang out with a cocktail, is the Living Room i.e the lobby of the hotel. the decor is cool and just in case you are by yourself you do not feel like odd man out.
The happy hour starts at 5, a good time for those of us that work outside of the downtown area. The drink menu is sparse and sweet, 3 drinks $5.00 each. As for the happy hour food sorry i can't even remember(that should tell you something).
Well so much for the happy hour on to Manny's....believe it or not all this is being done on a Monday night..what a way to go!
What can i say about Manny's..portions huge $$$$ huge. If you are in the mood for steak it is the best place to go. Is it cheap NO..but if you belong to the parasole dine around card it can be a little bit cheaper.
This is a place where you share almost everything unless of course you haven't eaten for days. My sugestion would be to do the steak sandwich which in it self is a whole steak but would ask to leave the Texas Toast off. As for everything else it is what it is.
One last comment the wait staff are extemely nice and helpful, with little suggestions on how to make the best choices, always good to hear.
Thats it for now! stay tuned my next post will be about a New restaurent in town.
Bye for now from the food taster at Pegdish!
A trip to the dentist should always be followed by a trip to the W Hotel. The best part is if you have a friend who likes to go and play as much as you do..he will remain nameless at least for the next post or two.
My favorite place for people watching and maybe just a place to hang out with a cocktail, is the Living Room i.e the lobby of the hotel. the decor is cool and just in case you are by yourself you do not feel like odd man out.
The happy hour starts at 5, a good time for those of us that work outside of the downtown area. The drink menu is sparse and sweet, 3 drinks $5.00 each. As for the happy hour food sorry i can't even remember(that should tell you something).
Well so much for the happy hour on to Manny's....believe it or not all this is being done on a Monday night..what a way to go!
What can i say about Manny's..portions huge $$$$ huge. If you are in the mood for steak it is the best place to go. Is it cheap NO..but if you belong to the parasole dine around card it can be a little bit cheaper.
This is a place where you share almost everything unless of course you haven't eaten for days. My sugestion would be to do the steak sandwich which in it self is a whole steak but would ask to leave the Texas Toast off. As for everything else it is what it is.
One last comment the wait staff are extemely nice and helpful, with little suggestions on how to make the best choices, always good to hear.
Thats it for now! stay tuned my next post will be about a New restaurent in town.
Bye for now from the food taster at Pegdish!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
This is the first official entry for 2010. My blog at this time is a work in progress but it is a start.
New Years day is a very difficult day to find a restaurent open, but it can be done.
My first dining experience for 2010 was Green Mill...yes you read that correctly.
I will admit it is a good value for the money and the pizza is quite good. In my opinion the 2 entrees and free bottle of wine rated right up there in the value department.
Their menu reads like a bible, but it pays off in the end.
The pizza is always good, as for the cocktails there was no complaint.
Let me wrap up by saying if you can take advantage of the Happy Hour... again another great value.
What can I say I am going into the New Year on a budget, now if I can keep it going thru out the year will be a miracle..
Signing off for now but keep watching for more of my dining travels as I eat my my thru the Twin Cities
Happy New Year from Pegs Dish
New Years day is a very difficult day to find a restaurent open, but it can be done.
My first dining experience for 2010 was Green Mill...yes you read that correctly.
I will admit it is a good value for the money and the pizza is quite good. In my opinion the 2 entrees and free bottle of wine rated right up there in the value department.
Their menu reads like a bible, but it pays off in the end.
The pizza is always good, as for the cocktails there was no complaint.
Let me wrap up by saying if you can take advantage of the Happy Hour... again another great value.
What can I say I am going into the New Year on a budget, now if I can keep it going thru out the year will be a miracle..
Signing off for now but keep watching for more of my dining travels as I eat my my thru the Twin Cities
Happy New Year from Pegs Dish
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