Monday, March 28, 2011

Anonymous!!!!

I just realized that somebody by the name of Anonymous, remarked that I only go restaurants,where I can either use a coupon or there is a deal being offered. It is also intimated that just because I use a coupon or looking for a special, I cannot have a good experience…Oh how short sighted!

I am a subscriber to Groupon, Living Social and CBS local, as are many other people in this day and age. With the economy in the state that it is, I am sure that I am not the only person that use these items. I am sure that everybody is looking and would like to get a bargain, even Anonymous. The issue of cheap eats was written about in the Mpls/St. Paul Magazine this month by Andrew Zimmern.”It seems that cheap eats and restaurant recommendations in big cities are always at the forefront of everyone’s mind.”

Well Anonymous, if you have the money and go to as many restaurants that I do, my hat is off to you. But if you like to go to restaurants, your missing out on a good deal. Please remember I am not looking for a FANCY experience but more to enjoy the people I am with…the rest is either there or it is not!

Don’t get me wrong I do respect other opinions good or bad, but when they are off base I must vent.

Pegsdish

Nyes

How lucky can I get, two great restaurants in one weekend. My next stop was on to Nye’s for dinner. I had a Groupon that was about to expire and this is a restaurant that I have wanted to visit for a while.

The place has been around for about 50 years and their image has remained stellar. The menu offers everything from pasta to steak to seafood…what a variety. I decided to have the broiled walleye which was quite the treat. My fellow foodie had the chicken and wild mushroom with kluski pasta, it must have been good since there was nothing left on the plate.

Now I am not much of a drinker...…LOL. I tried the Cosmo...OMG was that lick smacking good, so good that I had to have another. In my opinion not too many places make a good Cosmo, but my hat is off to the bartender...just keep them coming.

From the time we arrived till we left about 2 hours later, it was standing room only. My suggestion, if you decide to go, make reservations. I would also suggest that you make time to look for parking or take a handful of quarters, the meters are in effect till 10 P.M.

There is not much more that I can add…so TTFN!

Nyes
112 East Hennepin Ave
612-379-2021

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Fogo De Chao

I am not really sure how to describe or if there is a description for Fogo De Chao, suffice to say it is a gastronomic orgy.

From the minute I sat down the experience started. My friends decided to try the salad bar, which I politely declined. I wanted to make sure that I had the stamina to enjoy all the tasty offering that would be coming my way. As for the beef selections, each one was better than the last. I did not care for the sausage or the chicken. It is amazing to watch the gauchos coming to your table over and over with goodies for you to try. If by chance you need a rest,or a walk in between the feasting, just turn your card to the red side and when or if you are ready to resume turn your card to the green side.

If by chance you still have room for dessert, and I would highly recommend that you do, please try the black and white cake. There were 3 people at the table fighting over the last bit of this heavenly delicacy, it was so d'lish.

It is sinful to think that when all was said and done, that 3 people consumed almost a side of beef...shear gluttony, but the type that will put a smile on your face. After this feasting I would prescribe a nice long walk!

The service is extremely good and the waiters very polite. Everybody is there to please the customer, a rarity in today’s day and age.

I could go on and on but let me plant the seed…you need to go. Words cannot do justice to the dining experience that you will have

One little suggestion, you might want to fast for at least a day before you go.

On to the next heavenly treat…tata

645 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403
T: (612) 338.1344

Monday, March 21, 2011

Sunsets Wayzata

It’s St. Patrick’s Day what does one do to celebrate. All the Irish pubs are going to be standing room only…oy vey...that’s not for me. Ok what about a restaurant that will offer Irish cuisine, that’s a definite maybe. So I start calling around to see if there is a place in the area that will provide this tasty little morsel. OK one problem solved but I need somebody to go with…call a friend…Yippee they would like to go.

Road trip out to Wayzata to Sunsets, I know it is not really Irish, but it serves corn beef. What a wonderful place and the area is great.

By the time we arrived they were sold out of the traditional Irish meal so we decided on the Ruben. The sandwich was d’lish. The one tradition that I was still able to maintain was coffee with a shot of Jamison..what could be better.

I must admit this was a great way to celebrate!!!!

Just a little addendum…the menu at Sunsets is huge. I believe that there is something to please everybody’s palate. What could be nicer than sitting by the window looking out on Lake Minnetonka!

TTFN

Sunsets Wayzata
700 East Lake, Wayzata, MN 55391
Phone: 952.473.5253

Nick & Eddie

Some people say it’s all about the company, some say it is all about the food…but when you have both it makes for a terrific evening. Went to Nick and Eddie yesterday afternoon to catch up with an old friend.

From reading other reviews I understand that the restaurant had fallen on some hard times last year, but from what I saw yesterday, it is back. Where do I begin, the atmosphere is perfect to sit and have a conversation and cocktail. The Lemon Drops were divine, just the right amount of tartness. And yes I had to follow that with a burger that was done to perfection. My friend tried one of the half portions of pasta,the fettucine, it was a sufficient size for one person. The prices are more than good, you will certainly not break the bank for an afternoon outing.

Nick and Eddie is certainly on my list as a go to in the downtown area. I am sure in the summer when the tables are outside it would be a great place to stop for a drink or 2.

That's it for now the next morsel is coming real soon!

TTFN!!!!

N&E
1612 Harmon Place
Minneapolis, MN 55403-1916
(612) 486-5800

Monday, March 14, 2011

Loring Kitchen

Yesterday, I decided to go back to a restaurant that I was not too happy with the first time, but thought it might have improved. Before I name names let me ask you, what can go wrong with breakfast/lunch?

Myself and a friend went to the Loring Kitchen. The restaurant was not that crowded so you would think they would be on top of their game. We ordered breakfast about 1:25, which consisted of eggs and a burger…how long should that take. At one point I thought they had to kill the cow, it was taking sooo long. When I asked the waiter if our food was coming anytime soon, he responded…burgers take awhile. Did that mean the eggs were done and ready but were waiting for the burger to be finished…not really sure. Finally at about 2 the food was served…and yes the eggs were lukewarm but the burger nice and hot.

It’s sad when you have to keep asking the waiter for the sugar, the cream the ketchup, these are things that should be automatic.

The only kudos I can give this restaurant is the happy hour…they do a nice job.

Not a good experience or a tasty morsel!

TaTa

Pizzeria Lola

Finding a new neighborhood restaurant is always a thrill. It was suggested to me to try Pizzeria Lola, and I did. What can I say other than I have been to pizza heaven.

I watched this restaurant from conception to fruition, never thinking that it would turn out to be such a success. There are not too many places that I know of where the patrons will start getting on line 15 minutes before opening, but that is Lola’s.

I had the Sweet Italian, Oy… such perfection. The prices range around $15.00, and if you have an appetizer you might be able to share, if you are really hungry you can do a nice job on one pizza. The wine list can get a bit spendy, but you can also get a good glass for $5.00.

I have been to MozzaMia, and in my opinion Lola’s out shines. When it comes to pizza I could, and do eat it cold for breakfast (never said it was the breakfast of champions).

I could go on raving about Lola’s but I would suggest you taking a trip and trying it for yourself. As they say the proof is in the pudding or in this case the pizza!

TaTa…till the next tasty morsel comes my way.

5557 Xerxes Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55410
612.424.8338

Monday, March 7, 2011

Friday Night Outting

The best way to spend a Friday night is with a good friend, and a destination of fine food and good drinks.

Myself and PHM, started the night in Nordeast at a little gem called Erte. The happy hour starts at 4 and ends at 7, which is terrific if you work downtown. Great place to either start an evening with a cocktail or to stay and have dinner.

On to Northeast Social, to take advantage of restaurant week. Upon review of the special menu we both opted for the regular menu. The food was d’lish, the service terrif,the wine list outstanding and the prices not bad. I especially loved the decor. The paintings on the wall are from a nearby artist but the decoration over the bar was worth the trip.

Usually by this time we call it an evening, but no, there is still one more place on the agenda. Much to my surprise PHM made the suggestion to go to Psycho Suzi’s…OK I’m game. Oy, try to find parking, the place is mobbed, but not to be dissuaded we did find parking. The place itself is huge and a must go whether you live in the Twin Cities or just a visitor. There are 3 different bars and each one crowded. We were able to find a table not really sure which bar it was in, but who cares the drinks were good. What more can I say other then I will be going back in the summer, it has a large patio on the river…how irresistible.

Well I probably used up my months allowance but it was well worth it.

Until the next time...TTFN

Pegs dish

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Parma 8200

Restaurant Week in the Mini-apple is just the best. Being able to go to some of the best restaurants in the twin cities, at a very modest price, for either lunch or dinner, is terrif.

I decided to go to Parma 8200 for dinner and to try the $30.00 menu. When the decision presented itself between the $30.00 menu and the actual dinner menu, the decision was easy, the dinner menu.

I started with the calamari, not bad but not the best. I followed this with the chicken parmigiana which was perfect, but the topper of the evening was the dessert. Let me tell you,the butterscotch panna cotta is to die for. The flavor is beyond anything that I have ever tasted before…it is a most have.

The only downside, and this is my pet peeve…the bartender did not know how to make a Lemon Drop. This was pointed out to the waitress but I just got a shrug of the shoulders. I would not let this dissuade me from going back.

The Bloomington suburbs are very lucky to have a restaurant of this caliber. The prices are downtown prices but if you are willing to share, it does lower the bill.

I would put this eatery in my top 10 to visit again.

This is probably the shortest description of a restaurant that I have ever written. Can’t say that I’m at a lose for words but Parma speaks for itself.

Stay tuned I have the feeling there is another review coming very soon.

TTFN…and try to take advantage of the last days of restaurant week.