I visited Karmaczuk's for my first time (yes! first time and I've been here 12 years!) yesterday, and was completely underwhelmed by it. My guest and I got: Nalesnyky (Crepes stuffed with meat, and topped with melted cheese, served with sour cream and horseradish sauce) and my guest ordered the Chicken Roll (Chicken croquettes stuffed in puffed pastry served with lettuce, tomato & dressing) and both just did not taste good. The Nalesnyky were doused in cheese, and the chicken roll tasted...weird. The meats in each did not resemble the meat that was supposed to be in them. I found it to be very bland and unappealing. The mixed veggies I got on the side tasted pickled. I understand there's an art and appreciation for pickling, but I am not generally a fan of pickled things (besides well...pickles!)
However - I am not ready to write them off forever, as they offer sandwiches and many other tasty looking things. I will need to try at least 2 other things before I make an overall judgement. So be on the lookout for future reviews!
www.kramarczuk.com
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Moto-i
Looking at moto-i from the outside, it looks like a discreet little asian watering hole. Very dark, no discerning sign except right on the front of the building. All of this in a likeable way, of course. Upon entering, moto-i layout and atmosphere is simple, yet varied. There's an average sized bar, and on the other side are tables or booths to sit, low and high. It's spacious, with high ceilings and wood floors. I epsecially appreciated the light fixtures on the ceiling, flat, broad panels of of light, arranged abstractly about. And oh yes-they have shuffleboard. Any bar game besides pool and darts earns my (and likely many others) appreciation.
Disclaimer: if you want to be (yet again) educated about the sake, read other reviews. Or the website.
My guest, Mr. C, and I decided for a night out to moto-i on a nice Thursday evening. This would be my 2nd time there, and his 1st. One thing I like about moto-i are all the small plates. I will admit - trends usually hit me about a year or two late. Lately, I have been having a craving for a plethora of small plate action. Me and Mr. C went a bit bonkers in that aspect. I shall introduce, with no further ado:
Taro Shoestrings: Taro is a root vegetable. These seem baked, and result in thin, small crispy strips. Their vehicle was a short drink glass decorated with newspaper, giving the vague appearance of a french fry cone. These small nibbleys are salty at first, with slight earth on the aftertaste. They come with a sort of spicy mayo dipping sauce, which is kind of orange in color. I found them to be better without the sauce. I also found it nearly impossible to dip them, as they were tiny and thin. They were tasty, but overall left me hollow.
Lotus Chips: Our first order was dropped on the floor by the waitress. However, she was matter of fact apologetic about it, and our replacement came quickly. So this was forgiveable rather than macabre.Lotus Chips are described on the menu as "honey sambai." They are imperfect cirlces, somewhat resembling small pretzels, but nowhere near similar in taste. These were just as described; sweet and honeylike. They are served with a sweet brown dipping sauce. These were a good flavor contrast to the Taro Shoestrings, and I preferred them. Another humdrum crunchy snack.
Sweet Potato and Scallion Tempura: This was my guests choice, and let me tell you, I had some major food envy happening. This was just plain good. I am not well-versed in all things tempura, but I don't know if it's possible to NOT like anything tempura. The sweet and toasty flavor of the tempura, the lovely mouth feel of the silky potato! Yum. It was served with a flawless dashi (ginger-like) sauce that we dipped various other things in. Unfortunately, I didn't get to try the scallion. My guest ate it all. Booo for me.
Yakimono: This gives different meat choices, to be grilled. I got chicken. It was basically grilled chicken on a skewer. But when dipped into that dazzling sauce, it transformed into ginger chicken amazement!
Morokyu (cucumber, miso and japanese aioli): Cucumbers can do no wrong in my book. This salad was tasty and honorable. Like tomatoes, a good cucumber is hard to find. It seems the ones I buy in the stores are always so bitter. These were fresh, cool and crunchy. The sauce was sweet and poignant. It was simple and satisfying.
Sashimi: I have not had sashimi before this. My guest agreed I should try it out. I am still venturing into the fresh fish territory of the food world. The sashimi was red snapper, and was thin sliced and alone, with a bit of brown sauce over it. I don't know how this is supposed to be served. Should there have been pickled ginger? Either way- I liked, but it didn't start the 4th of July in my head or anything. It was a bit texturally challenging to me, but I assume this is acquired.
Finally, for the entree, we had the Coconut Green Curry. It was uh....spicy. Really spicy. I can handle solid spice. But with this dish, I found myself wanting more coconut; more balm to put on my wounds. There was simply no balance. Each bite was a mouthful of...spicy. And the onions? Well, there were TOO MANY. In my food adventures, one unfortunate culinary hurdle I can't seem to conquer are mushrooms and onions. This dish traditionally comes with mushrooms, with no mention of onions on the menu description. I asked for no mushrooms. So um, what the heck? Did the chef take it upon himself to improvise? Either way- this dish was dysfunctional. It was a spicy, onion-ey mess. The one thing I did like was the rice. It was nice and sticky and not gummy or undercooked.
Beer: Kayake Kolsch: yummy, amber but not a traditional amber ale. Sweet and light, slightly malty. Very good.
Overall, I liked it, but didn't love it. I would go back, only if invited and if I was prepared to drop some cash. Even though they have small plates ranging form $3-$8, they are VERY small plates and would not go here to have a full fledged dinner experience. Sharing and socializing is ideal here.
http://www.moto-i.com/
Disclaimer: if you want to be (yet again) educated about the sake, read other reviews. Or the website.
My guest, Mr. C, and I decided for a night out to moto-i on a nice Thursday evening. This would be my 2nd time there, and his 1st. One thing I like about moto-i are all the small plates. I will admit - trends usually hit me about a year or two late. Lately, I have been having a craving for a plethora of small plate action. Me and Mr. C went a bit bonkers in that aspect. I shall introduce, with no further ado:
Taro Shoestrings: Taro is a root vegetable. These seem baked, and result in thin, small crispy strips. Their vehicle was a short drink glass decorated with newspaper, giving the vague appearance of a french fry cone. These small nibbleys are salty at first, with slight earth on the aftertaste. They come with a sort of spicy mayo dipping sauce, which is kind of orange in color. I found them to be better without the sauce. I also found it nearly impossible to dip them, as they were tiny and thin. They were tasty, but overall left me hollow.
Lotus Chips: Our first order was dropped on the floor by the waitress. However, she was matter of fact apologetic about it, and our replacement came quickly. So this was forgiveable rather than macabre.Lotus Chips are described on the menu as "honey sambai." They are imperfect cirlces, somewhat resembling small pretzels, but nowhere near similar in taste. These were just as described; sweet and honeylike. They are served with a sweet brown dipping sauce. These were a good flavor contrast to the Taro Shoestrings, and I preferred them. Another humdrum crunchy snack.
Sweet Potato and Scallion Tempura: This was my guests choice, and let me tell you, I had some major food envy happening. This was just plain good. I am not well-versed in all things tempura, but I don't know if it's possible to NOT like anything tempura. The sweet and toasty flavor of the tempura, the lovely mouth feel of the silky potato! Yum. It was served with a flawless dashi (ginger-like) sauce that we dipped various other things in. Unfortunately, I didn't get to try the scallion. My guest ate it all. Booo for me.
Yakimono: This gives different meat choices, to be grilled. I got chicken. It was basically grilled chicken on a skewer. But when dipped into that dazzling sauce, it transformed into ginger chicken amazement!
Morokyu (cucumber, miso and japanese aioli): Cucumbers can do no wrong in my book. This salad was tasty and honorable. Like tomatoes, a good cucumber is hard to find. It seems the ones I buy in the stores are always so bitter. These were fresh, cool and crunchy. The sauce was sweet and poignant. It was simple and satisfying.
Sashimi: I have not had sashimi before this. My guest agreed I should try it out. I am still venturing into the fresh fish territory of the food world. The sashimi was red snapper, and was thin sliced and alone, with a bit of brown sauce over it. I don't know how this is supposed to be served. Should there have been pickled ginger? Either way- I liked, but it didn't start the 4th of July in my head or anything. It was a bit texturally challenging to me, but I assume this is acquired.
Finally, for the entree, we had the Coconut Green Curry. It was uh....spicy. Really spicy. I can handle solid spice. But with this dish, I found myself wanting more coconut; more balm to put on my wounds. There was simply no balance. Each bite was a mouthful of...spicy. And the onions? Well, there were TOO MANY. In my food adventures, one unfortunate culinary hurdle I can't seem to conquer are mushrooms and onions. This dish traditionally comes with mushrooms, with no mention of onions on the menu description. I asked for no mushrooms. So um, what the heck? Did the chef take it upon himself to improvise? Either way- this dish was dysfunctional. It was a spicy, onion-ey mess. The one thing I did like was the rice. It was nice and sticky and not gummy or undercooked.
Beer: Kayake Kolsch: yummy, amber but not a traditional amber ale. Sweet and light, slightly malty. Very good.
Overall, I liked it, but didn't love it. I would go back, only if invited and if I was prepared to drop some cash. Even though they have small plates ranging form $3-$8, they are VERY small plates and would not go here to have a full fledged dinner experience. Sharing and socializing is ideal here.
http://www.moto-i.com/
Friday, July 24, 2009
Stay tuned.....
I have many more reviews to post. Be on the lookout for Moto-i, Cecil's, 501 Club,Pizza Nea, Kings Place (yes, Kings Place in Miesville, MN) and more and more and more! I cannot afford to go out and eat too often, so I will be taking some from memory, and some from new dining excursions. Nonetheless, I cannot wait!!!!
Also - will start posting food pictures. PICTURES!!!
Cheers,
Ruby
Also - will start posting food pictures. PICTURES!!!
Cheers,
Ruby
The Front Cafe
My guest, Mr. H and I wandered around wondering where to eat on an early Tuesday evening. I am a longtime NE girl, and was bored with having been everywhere, and did not want to drop $20 on one entree alone. Suddenly, we remembered The Front, having walked past it a few time. We decided to go in.
The first glimpse of the place is the pretty front patio - decorated heavily with geraniums. Stepping inside, you are met with a spacious area, where you can sit either in the open,. hidden in the booths around the corner, or upstairs on their lovely half-moon couch, which faces out a large window. The ambience is dark, with red lamps over-seeing the length of the bar, and a fantastic red-lamp chandelier. I am quite picky about my atmospheric vibe in restaurants. The Front has something for everyone - sit at a table, in a booth, be hidden away, upstairs and upscale, or outside on the patio. I was pleased. I was not pleased, however, to see the place completely empty. It does not look good for the restaurant, but we forged ahead anyways.
The menu is versatile. You can anything from a burger, to a ceviche. It's main flavor/theme is food from Costa Rica. We are unfamiliar with Costa Rican food. I admit - plantains are not something that immediately appeal to me. I am not your average Applebee's person - I am between a chicken sandwich girl and aspiring foodie. So we decided to try it out.
We ordered the stuffed plantain for the appetizer. It is stuffed with feta cheese, and served with a cabbage salad and tomato, onion and cilantro. Let me tell you - it was FANTASTIC. We were surprised at how good it was. The sweet of the plantain, the salty of the feta, and the crunch and tart of the cabbage salad and it's accompanying sauce...lizano sauce, which we were told is a native Costa Rican sauce. Oh MY. Oh - did I mention the cilantro? It is front and center in the cabbage salad. I want to just order a bowl of that stuff next time I go there. YUM.
For the entree's, my boyfriend ordered the shrimp/rice dish. I do not remember the name, and it is not on the website menu - but it basically consists of-shrimp, yellow rice, stock (i think ham or chicken?) diced ham, tomato's, onion and that awesome cabbage salad again. For me, I decided on the Chicken Americano sandwich - with cheddar, bacon and herbed mayo.
The shrimp and rice: The rice was nicely spiced, with a hint of lemon? The shrimps are tail on, and not with that iodine taste you usually find on shrimp at many places. The cubed ham was appropriately salty, and the cabbage salad will forever be a winner in my book. Overall, I found it to be very tasty, and very well balanced.
My chicken sandwich was very good. The bread is grilled - and i think it was ciabatta? One thing I adored was the bits of the char in the inside of the bread mingling in with the chicken, reminding me of a well done breast off the grill. The breast of chicken inside was plump, juicy and flavorful - not thin, dry or tasteless at all. The bacon was almost prosciutto-like, which makes me wonder if it was not meant to be cooked to crispy, or was either very thinly sliced? The herb mayo - there was too much of it on there. It was good flavorwise, tangy and creamy. But it was literally dripping out. Overall, the sandwich was excellent. I DID eat it all. My only complaint was it was a bit salty and too much mayo. The french fries are standard - thin cut and potato-ey. Nothing special, good for what they are supposed to be. Keep in mind, I'm a tough fry-crowd. :-)
To top it all off - the chef (Rolando) came out and talked with us. This ALWAYS impresses me. If you don't care about customer service - go to Nick and Eddie's!
I was sad to see the place empty. I hope they get a lot more business and don't have to leave NE Mpls one day. We need more little gems such as this, Gardens Of Salonica, Emily's Lebanese Deli, Pizza Nea e.t.c.
PLEASE go and try the food here! I beg of you. Let's go together. Go alone. With a friend. JUST GO. I am not easy to impress, but I promise you this place is off the hook food and atmosphere-wise.
http://www.thefrontcafempls.com/
Nick And Eddie's
WARNING: If you like Nick and Eddie's, stop reading now or you will want to kill me if you see me on the streets.
I went to Nick and Eddie's on a night they had a performer there. I went solely to see the performer, and was a bit hungry as well. I started off by sitting at the bar. When i discovered my view of the performer was not ideal sitting so far away, I searched for an empty table. To Nick and Eddie's credit - they were JAM PACKED that night. So I immediately went over to the empty table, and asked a waitress if I could sit there. She dully looked at me and said "I dunno. There's the owner, go ask him.' To which I was a bit taken aback. Maybe some people would have just done that, but I was a little intimidated by some stressful vibes in the place. She eventually went and asked him, and I still stood there for 5 minutes or so.. He came over and said "Hey, if you wanna sit there, go for it!" OK, fair enough. So I sat down, thinking someone might...come and give me a menu? No dice. I had to ask a frantically busy waiter for a menu, who promptly got one, smacked it down on my table, and scurried away. 5 minutes later, I grabbed a different waiter and asked if I could place a food order. He waited on me, but was barely civil.
Let me stop here and say - obviously, customer service is important to me. I realize to some, it is not. I can handle dull service, and still be excited about the food. But this was above and beyond dull. It was...nerve wracking, and I am not a delicate flower by any means.
While I waited, I stepped outside, to which I heard a tall man swearing and yelling about how a customer had complained about his restaurant, and saying insulting things about the customer. I was actually a little scared of the place at this point. My food wasn't great either - I got the baked gnocchi with some cream sauce that was kind of bland. Needless to say, I split after that, and will not go back. That's saying a lot for me, because I have a hard time giving a negative review to anywhere based on one visit, or having eaten one thing.
http://www.nickandeddie.com/
I went to Nick and Eddie's on a night they had a performer there. I went solely to see the performer, and was a bit hungry as well. I started off by sitting at the bar. When i discovered my view of the performer was not ideal sitting so far away, I searched for an empty table. To Nick and Eddie's credit - they were JAM PACKED that night. So I immediately went over to the empty table, and asked a waitress if I could sit there. She dully looked at me and said "I dunno. There's the owner, go ask him.' To which I was a bit taken aback. Maybe some people would have just done that, but I was a little intimidated by some stressful vibes in the place. She eventually went and asked him, and I still stood there for 5 minutes or so.. He came over and said "Hey, if you wanna sit there, go for it!" OK, fair enough. So I sat down, thinking someone might...come and give me a menu? No dice. I had to ask a frantically busy waiter for a menu, who promptly got one, smacked it down on my table, and scurried away. 5 minutes later, I grabbed a different waiter and asked if I could place a food order. He waited on me, but was barely civil.
Let me stop here and say - obviously, customer service is important to me. I realize to some, it is not. I can handle dull service, and still be excited about the food. But this was above and beyond dull. It was...nerve wracking, and I am not a delicate flower by any means.
While I waited, I stepped outside, to which I heard a tall man swearing and yelling about how a customer had complained about his restaurant, and saying insulting things about the customer. I was actually a little scared of the place at this point. My food wasn't great either - I got the baked gnocchi with some cream sauce that was kind of bland. Needless to say, I split after that, and will not go back. That's saying a lot for me, because I have a hard time giving a negative review to anywhere based on one visit, or having eaten one thing.
http://www.nickandeddie.com/
Whitey's World Famous Saloon
I have been a longtime NE Mpls resident, and have attended Whitey's dozens of times. I consider it my "go to" place when I get to pick a fun night out with a new friend, or to introduce a new place to anyone.
I have tried many things on their menu. I practically have it memorized. On of my favorite things is the shrimp and crab artichoke dip. I have ordered this every time I am introducing someone to the place, and EVERYONE has practically licked the dish clean. It's salty, cheesy and you get chewy bits of shrimp. It's served with crostini breads- crispy and tasty! It is my favorite appetizer.
The atmosphere is nothing special. Dark wood, a spacious bar, high tables and low tables by a fireplace make up the overall look. However - they do have (or used to anyways) a downstairs area for playing darts or pool. It's reminiscent of my teenage friends dingy basement where we would go sneak cigarettes. It's definitely no dive, and attracts college types and your normal city folk. It can get crowded in the evening, but overall not a huge problem. They have some standard outside seating as well. Nice to sit out there and people watch while drinking and eating.
Whitey's offers a variety of menu items, and strays from your standard bar fare. They offer everything from carpaccio to wings on their appetizer menu, from sandwiches to burrito's, pasta and meatloaf on their regular menu. The fries are ok. but I am a tough fry-crowd. They are thin and reminiscent of McDonald's, and I like mine more thick-cut. The portions are always huge, the prices overall are reasonable, and I have never had a long wait time. The sandwiches are always good, and boasts nice, thick, chewy bread. The burgers are huge, juicy, and satisfying.
I would recommend this place to anyone who wants bar food with a twist! Come alone and have a sandwich and some fruit (yes, fruit!) or fries, or come with friends and share some great appetizers and ogle the wooden no-smoking lady at the top of the bar.
Unfortunately, there is no website for Whitey's. Booo!
I have tried many things on their menu. I practically have it memorized. On of my favorite things is the shrimp and crab artichoke dip. I have ordered this every time I am introducing someone to the place, and EVERYONE has practically licked the dish clean. It's salty, cheesy and you get chewy bits of shrimp. It's served with crostini breads- crispy and tasty! It is my favorite appetizer.
The atmosphere is nothing special. Dark wood, a spacious bar, high tables and low tables by a fireplace make up the overall look. However - they do have (or used to anyways) a downstairs area for playing darts or pool. It's reminiscent of my teenage friends dingy basement where we would go sneak cigarettes. It's definitely no dive, and attracts college types and your normal city folk. It can get crowded in the evening, but overall not a huge problem. They have some standard outside seating as well. Nice to sit out there and people watch while drinking and eating.
Whitey's offers a variety of menu items, and strays from your standard bar fare. They offer everything from carpaccio to wings on their appetizer menu, from sandwiches to burrito's, pasta and meatloaf on their regular menu. The fries are ok. but I am a tough fry-crowd. They are thin and reminiscent of McDonald's, and I like mine more thick-cut. The portions are always huge, the prices overall are reasonable, and I have never had a long wait time. The sandwiches are always good, and boasts nice, thick, chewy bread. The burgers are huge, juicy, and satisfying.
I would recommend this place to anyone who wants bar food with a twist! Come alone and have a sandwich and some fruit (yes, fruit!) or fries, or come with friends and share some great appetizers and ogle the wooden no-smoking lady at the top of the bar.
Unfortunately, there is no website for Whitey's. Booo!
Psycho Suzi's
Cool things about Suzi's
1. Their patio is among one of the best in NE Minneapolis
2. Their pizza is yummy and satisfying. I have not had it for a long time, so forgive the lack of description. However, I remember it being great.
3. They serve a lot of great, MN favorite fried foods. Cheese curds!
4. TOTS! The tots are so good! I don't know what they do. How many ways are there to prepare a tater tot??? How do they get them so crispy and chewy and potatoey? Maybe I have more tot to thank then retaurant.
5. Their sandwich portions are HUGE. It is seriously enough for two to share, and be full. And they are just...delicious. The meats are flavorful, the bread is serious business and the sauces are appropriately applied and not overbearing, or dripping down your arms.
6. They have a kickass jukebox
7. The atmosphere is funky - red and dark.
8. Very strong (and some very large) tiki drinks, with option to buy tiki glass.
9. The location. It's in quite a remote area, so this place is like a gem when lookign for something to do - OTHER than Gabby's.
Not as cool Suzi things
1. It is packed every time I go there.
2. The bar area is small. It's more restaurant-ey, which is ok but not good if you like sitting at a bar area. However, I'm puzzled, as Suzi's was voted number 8 for the "Best Bars" list in the latest Vita.mn. Can someone tell me why? I understand the look of the place is appealing and funky...but that does not a great bar make, in my drinker brain.
3. It has a little attitude to it. Customer service is ok - no rude attitudes or overly peppy staff yet experienced by moi.
.4. The parking lot. It's nice that they have parking, but it's small and tricky to maneuver.
Overall - I would give this 3 out of 5 stars. Not my first choice because it is always so full, but definitely one of the biggest and best sandwiches I have had ANYWHERE in NE Mpls.
http://www.psychosuzis.com/
1. Their patio is among one of the best in NE Minneapolis
2. Their pizza is yummy and satisfying. I have not had it for a long time, so forgive the lack of description. However, I remember it being great.
3. They serve a lot of great, MN favorite fried foods. Cheese curds!
4. TOTS! The tots are so good! I don't know what they do. How many ways are there to prepare a tater tot??? How do they get them so crispy and chewy and potatoey? Maybe I have more tot to thank then retaurant.
5. Their sandwich portions are HUGE. It is seriously enough for two to share, and be full. And they are just...delicious. The meats are flavorful, the bread is serious business and the sauces are appropriately applied and not overbearing, or dripping down your arms.
6. They have a kickass jukebox
7. The atmosphere is funky - red and dark.
8. Very strong (and some very large) tiki drinks, with option to buy tiki glass.
9. The location. It's in quite a remote area, so this place is like a gem when lookign for something to do - OTHER than Gabby's.
Not as cool Suzi things
1. It is packed every time I go there.
2. The bar area is small. It's more restaurant-ey, which is ok but not good if you like sitting at a bar area. However, I'm puzzled, as Suzi's was voted number 8 for the "Best Bars" list in the latest Vita.mn. Can someone tell me why? I understand the look of the place is appealing and funky...but that does not a great bar make, in my drinker brain.
3. It has a little attitude to it. Customer service is ok - no rude attitudes or overly peppy staff yet experienced by moi.
.4. The parking lot. It's nice that they have parking, but it's small and tricky to maneuver.
Overall - I would give this 3 out of 5 stars. Not my first choice because it is always so full, but definitely one of the biggest and best sandwiches I have had ANYWHERE in NE Mpls.
http://www.psychosuzis.com/
Emily's Lebanese Deli
Emily's has been a NE staple (and gem) for many years, and for good reason. The food is simple and fantastic. Everything there is good, but many people come from miles away for the tabouli. I am no tabouli connoisseur, but I do love Emily's. It's nice and grainy from the parsley, tangy, onion-ey and tomato-ey! Yum. The A La Carte menu is much appreciated. You can mix and match anything. I don't believe their version of Spanikopita has feta in it, but nonetheless it's a solid spinach pie. The meat pies are wonderful - doughy and meaty. I can't put my finger on it - but I usually taste a faint nutmeg (?) flavor in the beef and lamb. Mixed with the onion and pine nuts, it's a little piece of heaven. The chicken kabobs are also a winner - nicely spiced and the rice is always great and never overcomplicated, creamy or lukewarm.
One thing I watch out for with Middle Eastern foods is over-spicing. Many times, I find the food too garlicky, tangy or salty. Emily's food is delicately spiced, and not overbearing. The interior offers nothing. It is a small, wooden table and chair place. But it doesn't need to offer any frills - as the food speaks for itself and will continue to uphold Emily's name and reputation for years to come!
http://www.emilyslebanesedeli.com/Home_Page.html
One thing I watch out for with Middle Eastern foods is over-spicing. Many times, I find the food too garlicky, tangy or salty. Emily's food is delicately spiced, and not overbearing. The interior offers nothing. It is a small, wooden table and chair place. But it doesn't need to offer any frills - as the food speaks for itself and will continue to uphold Emily's name and reputation for years to come!
http://www.emilyslebanesedeli.com/Home_Page.html
Casper and Runyon's Nook
I admit - I visited the Nook only after I saw it on the triple D. We went on a Sunday afternoon and endured a 30 minute wait. Understandable though - since the place is quite small to begin with. I have only been there once and the only thing I can say about it is that it's HANDS DOWN the BEST burger I have ever had. I don't know why. I could give some elaborate description of all the flavors - but it just seems moot. This is coming from someone who is normally not too impressed by either Matt's or the 5-8's Jucy Lucy's. Now, please note that I have not yet attended the Blue Door Pub or Burger Jones. However, I can safely say for now, The Nook has earned my loyalty when experiencing a fierce burger craving. I'm sold.
Unfortunately, I can't find a website for it. But - they have a myspace!
http://www.myspace.com/crnook
Unfortunately, I can't find a website for it. But - they have a myspace!
http://www.myspace.com/crnook
Town Talk Diner
Me and my guest, Mr. H, attended the Town Talk about a year ago. I had heard a lot of good things about it, so on we went. Walking in the door, you are met with...the bar. A long white bar with red leather seats. From what I remember - you cant even see the dining room until you walk down the bar and presto - there is the dining room. The dining room itself is charming - exposed brick and some simple artwork adorns the walls. The lights are quite low, which is a plus in my book. I was however, NOT impressed by the seating. The tables are small and too clsoe together. There is no variety in seating. I can't exactly fault the restaurant for this, since it is my preference to have such variety. However, I think it's usually a smart idea to offer a few different options. Overall, I wasn't too pleased with the atmosphere.We sat down anyways.
The service was so-so. Our waitress was bland, but standard in customer service. We ordered the Frickles first. I have never had a deep fried pickle, and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. The crunchy texture of the pickle, the warm, greasy fired goodness with the tang of the pickle was very good. It was the best thing we ordered. For our main food, I ordered the Kitchen Sink Burger, and my guest orderd the Brat Burger. They were both mediocore. I was underwhelmed by everything.
It's too bad - because I really WANTED to like this place. But I found the burger to be very standard - nothing stood out about it. My guest did not like his brat burger at all. I don't remember why, but I remember him eating only half of it.I can't really fault or criticize this restaurant in any way, except to say that nothing about it stood out to me. I'm sure plenty of people find it to their complete liking. It just isn't to mine.
http://www.towntalkdiner.com/
The service was so-so. Our waitress was bland, but standard in customer service. We ordered the Frickles first. I have never had a deep fried pickle, and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. The crunchy texture of the pickle, the warm, greasy fired goodness with the tang of the pickle was very good. It was the best thing we ordered. For our main food, I ordered the Kitchen Sink Burger, and my guest orderd the Brat Burger. They were both mediocore. I was underwhelmed by everything.
It's too bad - because I really WANTED to like this place. But I found the burger to be very standard - nothing stood out about it. My guest did not like his brat burger at all. I don't remember why, but I remember him eating only half of it.I can't really fault or criticize this restaurant in any way, except to say that nothing about it stood out to me. I'm sure plenty of people find it to their complete liking. It just isn't to mine.
http://www.towntalkdiner.com/
Chaing Mai Thai. Worthy of a love letter.
Oh Chaing Mai - how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love you for never letting me down. I love you for being consistent and loyal. I love you because your food tastes really good. I love you because your food feeds me for 2 days. I love you for educating me about thai food on your menu. I love you for your decor and atmosphere. The variety of seating! The back bar and sitting area! The tables, front and center! The hidden booths in the back! Your simple and dark elegance. I love you for employing down to earth, non pretentious people. I love you just for YOU. You never try to be anything else. You are honest and open with me. Our relationship holds much promise, Chiang Mai Thai.
Love always,Katii
http://www.chiangmaithai.com/
Love always,Katii
http://www.chiangmaithai.com/
Hello!
Let me start off this blog by introducing myself. I am a 12 year NE Minneapolis resident. I love Minneapolis. LOVE IT. I also love....food! I will admit - I am not your regular "foodie." I have never tasted foie gras. I cook much better in pairs. I don't know much about when anything is in season. But I have had sashimi, plantains, tempura sweet potatoes, e.t.c. And regardless of any of this -I am introspective and verbose about food. And maybe even...passionate. I have not grown up foodie-like, nor did I have farmer parents or any of that. I grew up on Hamburger Helper, Mac and Cheese e.t.c. I am not above a bar burger or Taco Bell. Doesn't matter. I admit, I am a late bloomer. I am really just trying to hone my blogging chops at this point, so please be kind. But I can learn just as much about food and blogging now, as I could have then. Which brings me here. To share my dining and food experiences with you, the foodie's, the average consumer, and the curious alike.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
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