Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Coming soon...restauranteers.com!
Pretty soon, my blog will be one featured at http://www.restauranteers.com/ !! For now, it is local to the Washington area, but they are expanding, and approached me about showcasing my blog on their site! Be sure to check back for links to my actual page, and updates on the new expanded site!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Crescent Moon Bakery's Football Pizza - Northeast Minneapolis
There are few things more adored by Americans than ordering a pizza. It's one of those activities that doesn't judge. You could be alone. You could be with your spouse and 8 kids. You can be with friends. You can be experiencing your first slumber party. For me; pizza, movies and pop (YES, pop) fall in that PB & J category. But sometimes, you have to shake it up a bit. Even if it means carryout. And so one night, I got a little crazy and went for a Crescent Moon pizza.
Crescent Moon is a Middle Eastern restaurant located on the Central Ave strip in NE Mpls. Along with official bragging rights that is was one of the first (because now they're everywhere), it also offers.....pizza. Want a gyro? Perhaps a heaping plate of chicken kourma? Crescent Moon has it for you. Oh, you wanted pizza as well? CHA CHING. Normally, mixed-cuisine restaurants scare me (imagine GYRO-PIZZA-FRIES in flashing neon signs) but Crescent Moon ain't like those suckas.
Advertised as Afghani pizza (or the "football pizza), it really is not as foreign as it sounds. They do offer gyro meat, eggplant, or afghani beef as toppings, but that's about it. The rest is pretty standard. We decided on a large Spinach Lovers (spinach, onions, tomato and garlic) with pepperoni (about $16.)
The picture doesn't do it any justice, as this is BY FAR the best pizza I have ever eaten. The crust is like a thick, more sturdy pita. I don't know what kind of cheese they use, but it is abundant and gooey without being overpowering. The sauce is tangy and a little kicky, and the pepperoni is the best I have ever had on a pizza. It is crispy, smokey and spicy. You must love garlic if you are to love this pizza, and it is served with their signature green chutney as a dipping element. It sounds strange, but that sauce is the best part of Crescent Moon. It is bright, spicy, and acidic. You can ask for them to put it directly onto your pizza, which I fully intend on doing next time I order from them.
While not bizarre, I do like to think of this pizza as being a little exotic. The tangy, bright flavors are a step up from the salty/cheesy/saucy that we're used to.The green sauce is a vibrant compliment to anything you order at Crescent Moon.
If you have never had a football pizza, and live in/around the NE area - YOU GO NOW!
http://www.crescentmoonfoods.net/RESTAURANT.html
Crescent Moon is a Middle Eastern restaurant located on the Central Ave strip in NE Mpls. Along with official bragging rights that is was one of the first (because now they're everywhere), it also offers.....pizza. Want a gyro? Perhaps a heaping plate of chicken kourma? Crescent Moon has it for you. Oh, you wanted pizza as well? CHA CHING. Normally, mixed-cuisine restaurants scare me (imagine GYRO-PIZZA-FRIES in flashing neon signs) but Crescent Moon ain't like those suckas.
Advertised as Afghani pizza (or the "football pizza), it really is not as foreign as it sounds. They do offer gyro meat, eggplant, or afghani beef as toppings, but that's about it. The rest is pretty standard. We decided on a large Spinach Lovers (spinach, onions, tomato and garlic) with pepperoni (about $16.)
The picture doesn't do it any justice, as this is BY FAR the best pizza I have ever eaten. The crust is like a thick, more sturdy pita. I don't know what kind of cheese they use, but it is abundant and gooey without being overpowering. The sauce is tangy and a little kicky, and the pepperoni is the best I have ever had on a pizza. It is crispy, smokey and spicy. You must love garlic if you are to love this pizza, and it is served with their signature green chutney as a dipping element. It sounds strange, but that sauce is the best part of Crescent Moon. It is bright, spicy, and acidic. You can ask for them to put it directly onto your pizza, which I fully intend on doing next time I order from them.
While not bizarre, I do like to think of this pizza as being a little exotic. The tangy, bright flavors are a step up from the salty/cheesy/saucy that we're used to.The green sauce is a vibrant compliment to anything you order at Crescent Moon.
If you have never had a football pizza, and live in/around the NE area - YOU GO NOW!
http://www.crescentmoonfoods.net/RESTAURANT.html
Brasa - Northeast Minneapolis
Having been a resident of NE Minneapolis for about twice as long as Brasa has been open, Mr. C and I figured it was about time we paid Brasa a visit.. I mean...the place has already been visited by every critic in the city, along with some Food Network celebs. So keeping true to my late bloomer pattern, off we went on an early weekday evening.
Brasa is a smallish cafe-style restaurant located on East Hennepin. Entering the restaurant, I felt a bit claustrophobic. The seating is a bit cramped, and the overall space is modest. We chose a window spot a little off the beaten path, and were seated immediately.
Brasa's theme is simple. Southern style cuisine, with the focus being on roasted meats - rotisserie chicken, slow roasted pork, e.t.c. They offer sides mostly foreign to the Midwest. Rice and beans, pigeon peas, yuca, cornbread, greens and yams being among them. I would recommend this to any vacationing Southerner, and would be eager to hear the assessment of these Southern staples. Being the sandwich girl I am - I settled on the Slow Roasted Pork sandwich (ginger mayo, cilantro, and pickled vegetables - $9) because I appreciated the Southern bahn mi integration. Mr. C chose the special, which was the beef brisket. Also ordered were chips and guacamole (small - $2.95), and my curiosity couldn't be denied for a spicy masa corn cake with cheese.
As we waited, an older man and woman sat down at the table next to us, about 4 feet away. What slowly unfolded made us a little uncomfortable. When I dine out, I'm not faint hearted. Albeit the Midwest, it is the city after all. But when a grown man 4 feet away from you starts to display increasingly aggressive behavior in regards to his coffee not being hot enough (literally. He wasn't just being some spoiled d-bag. This guy had some sort of mental illness going on, where he obviously found it difficult to control his anger), your dining experience becomes a little uncomfortable. His companion kept trying to soothe and reassure him that everything was going to be ok. When the waitress came to ask if there was a problem, he loudly told her that the coffee was lukewarm and he wanted another pot made right away. He was visibly agitated. He knocked a fork on the floor once. Mr. C and I just sat quietly...
Until our chips came:
With chips that are warm, and guac that is creamy but punchy with salt, garlic and onion, all was well again.
Spicy Masa Corn Cake
While I didn't detect any hint of spice, this corn cake was satisfying. It was a little cheesy, and the corn flavor came through with a good touch of char. It's the size of a small pancake, and can't be beat at only $1.95.
Slow Roasted Pork Sandwich
The sandwich came, and I was admittedly skeptical about the plain jane in front of me. But after the first bite, I was a goner. Not only was the architecture spot on, the flavors and textures were extremely gratifying. In one bite, you get soft chewy bread along with tender clusters of shredded pork. In another, you get a pop of cilantro, along with the same savory pork, and then brightness and sweet pickle of the vegetables. For a place that focuses on comfort meats, this sandwich was refreshing. Not too heavy, but not too light, it hit almost all my sandwich benchmarks. This is the plain jane you take home to mom.
Special - Brisket and Slaw
A brisket savant, I am not. As a former Texan (is this even possible??), Mr. C knows brisket, and unfortunately this disappointed on many levels. Mr. C reported it was gristly and tough. Even the few bites I had seemed bland and dry. Mr. C even said..."When will I learn not to order brisket in Minnesota?"
I would definitely recommend Brasa to anyone who favors meat and southern style comfort foods, and also does not mind a somewhat claustrophobic setting when dining. I personally would not revisit for a dinner, but I can see a lovely obscure lunch in my future.
http://www.brasa.us/menus_eat.aspx
Brasa is a smallish cafe-style restaurant located on East Hennepin. Entering the restaurant, I felt a bit claustrophobic. The seating is a bit cramped, and the overall space is modest. We chose a window spot a little off the beaten path, and were seated immediately.
Brasa's theme is simple. Southern style cuisine, with the focus being on roasted meats - rotisserie chicken, slow roasted pork, e.t.c. They offer sides mostly foreign to the Midwest. Rice and beans, pigeon peas, yuca, cornbread, greens and yams being among them. I would recommend this to any vacationing Southerner, and would be eager to hear the assessment of these Southern staples. Being the sandwich girl I am - I settled on the Slow Roasted Pork sandwich (ginger mayo, cilantro, and pickled vegetables - $9) because I appreciated the Southern bahn mi integration. Mr. C chose the special, which was the beef brisket. Also ordered were chips and guacamole (small - $2.95), and my curiosity couldn't be denied for a spicy masa corn cake with cheese.
As we waited, an older man and woman sat down at the table next to us, about 4 feet away. What slowly unfolded made us a little uncomfortable. When I dine out, I'm not faint hearted. Albeit the Midwest, it is the city after all. But when a grown man 4 feet away from you starts to display increasingly aggressive behavior in regards to his coffee not being hot enough (literally. He wasn't just being some spoiled d-bag. This guy had some sort of mental illness going on, where he obviously found it difficult to control his anger), your dining experience becomes a little uncomfortable. His companion kept trying to soothe and reassure him that everything was going to be ok. When the waitress came to ask if there was a problem, he loudly told her that the coffee was lukewarm and he wanted another pot made right away. He was visibly agitated. He knocked a fork on the floor once. Mr. C and I just sat quietly...
Until our chips came:
With chips that are warm, and guac that is creamy but punchy with salt, garlic and onion, all was well again.
Spicy Masa Corn Cake
While I didn't detect any hint of spice, this corn cake was satisfying. It was a little cheesy, and the corn flavor came through with a good touch of char. It's the size of a small pancake, and can't be beat at only $1.95.
Slow Roasted Pork Sandwich
The sandwich came, and I was admittedly skeptical about the plain jane in front of me. But after the first bite, I was a goner. Not only was the architecture spot on, the flavors and textures were extremely gratifying. In one bite, you get soft chewy bread along with tender clusters of shredded pork. In another, you get a pop of cilantro, along with the same savory pork, and then brightness and sweet pickle of the vegetables. For a place that focuses on comfort meats, this sandwich was refreshing. Not too heavy, but not too light, it hit almost all my sandwich benchmarks. This is the plain jane you take home to mom.
Special - Brisket and Slaw
A brisket savant, I am not. As a former Texan (is this even possible??), Mr. C knows brisket, and unfortunately this disappointed on many levels. Mr. C reported it was gristly and tough. Even the few bites I had seemed bland and dry. Mr. C even said..."When will I learn not to order brisket in Minnesota?"
I would definitely recommend Brasa to anyone who favors meat and southern style comfort foods, and also does not mind a somewhat claustrophobic setting when dining. I personally would not revisit for a dinner, but I can see a lovely obscure lunch in my future.
http://www.brasa.us/menus_eat.aspx
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The end...?
I think I am giving up my blog. It has been like 2 years, and no one seems to read it much. Might post stuff if I find somewhere amazing, otherwise I just dunno if I should keep going.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Gorkha Palace - Northeast Minneapolis
Located in the spot previously held by Marin's Table moroccan restaurant (RIP!) is Ghorka Palace. Ghorka Palace offers Nepali, Indian and Tibetan cuisine. It is a cozy, but not small, interior space. You could go casual here, or experience a fine date night.
When Mr. C and I arrived, we chose our own spot (!!!) and were greeted right away by what I assume is one of the owners. We were given menus and ordered our wine. They offer the standard choice of vegetarian, non-vegetarian, tandoors, biryani e.t.c., but the menu is nicely focused and not scattered. Ghorka Palace boasts all fresh, local organic ingredients from sustainable farming. They literally get their goats right here in MN. This isn't something you typically encounter with MN middle eastern restaraunts. Very commendable.
We started with some Pappaddum (2 crispy lentil crackers = $1.99) and they were served with the best side sauceI have ever had at any middle eastern restaurant. It is called Golbheda ko Achaar, and is best described as a spicy tomato relish with ginger and garlic. It is bright, simple, and universal. I could dip bread in this stuff and be happy. I loved the pappaddum with their slight sweetness against the dry crispy cracker. We were also given a complimentary small serving of Aaloo Achaar (Nepali version of potato salad- also has onion and sesame paste seasoned with lemon juice and chopped jalapeno) which I found a bit too foreign for my taste buds, but the complimentary gesture was certainly noticed and appreciated.
We finally decided that we had to try the Mo-Mo's (Steamed pot stickers filled with scallions,onions, cabbage, vegetable oil with Himalayan spices - served with tomato chutney), since people generally rave about them. They offer them in chicken, beef, goat, or yak. Yes, Yak. Local Yak. Yak Yak Yak. Ok sorry.
Beef Mo-Mo's
These were seriously awesome. I had my reservations - sticky skin, bland filling, too little filling, e.t.c. It was the opposite. The skin was soft, the filling was abundant, savory and delicately spiced. Dipping them in that awesome sauce added a brightness and kick of heat that added complexity, but without being fussy. I seriously will stop and get these for takeout on a regular basis. They are that awesome.
Chicken Biryani (Aromatic rice infused with richly flavored herbs and spices cooked with tender pieces of chicken, cashews & golden raisins - $12.99)
I love Biryani, and hadn't had one in awhile. They serve it with raita (A refreshing relish made of cucumber, tomatoes mixed in yogurt with black pepper and spices) which is standard because biryani is usually quite spicy. I asked for more of that sauce just because I am kind of in love with it. This was one of the better biryani's I have had, and one of the most spicy. The chicken was lovely. The way it's cut and the way it tastes makes it obvious it is fresh and treated well in the cooking process. Someone honestly cares about what they are doing here. The raisins add a touch of sweet and add texture, and the cashews give a slight nutty crunch to smooth over the heat. Overall one of the best things I have ever eaten.
We stayed on for awhile and chatted quite a bit with our waitress and the owner, who are some of the most well mannered and pleasant people I have encountered. The waitress isn't just a server, she is involved in the cooking process and told us they got their start in the Midtown Global Market. I expressed my fondness for the tomato relish, and she told me how to make it. She also stated that she used to attend "bring your own" types of competitions, where people could try their hand at a sauce or a side item and present it. She invited me to do the same. It was very flattering. (but I admit, I haven't done it, unfortunately...)
I love Ghorka Palace. It is nice to see a place where there is genuine enthusiasm for ingredients, food, and customers alike. I will go back many times since it is a hop away from where I live. Even if it wasn't...I would still go, even if just for some Mo-Mo's!
When Mr. C and I arrived, we chose our own spot (!!!) and were greeted right away by what I assume is one of the owners. We were given menus and ordered our wine. They offer the standard choice of vegetarian, non-vegetarian, tandoors, biryani e.t.c., but the menu is nicely focused and not scattered. Ghorka Palace boasts all fresh, local organic ingredients from sustainable farming. They literally get their goats right here in MN. This isn't something you typically encounter with MN middle eastern restaraunts. Very commendable.
We started with some Pappaddum (2 crispy lentil crackers = $1.99) and they were served with the best side sauceI have ever had at any middle eastern restaurant. It is called Golbheda ko Achaar, and is best described as a spicy tomato relish with ginger and garlic. It is bright, simple, and universal. I could dip bread in this stuff and be happy. I loved the pappaddum with their slight sweetness against the dry crispy cracker. We were also given a complimentary small serving of Aaloo Achaar (Nepali version of potato salad- also has onion and sesame paste seasoned with lemon juice and chopped jalapeno) which I found a bit too foreign for my taste buds, but the complimentary gesture was certainly noticed and appreciated.
We finally decided that we had to try the Mo-Mo's (Steamed pot stickers filled with scallions,onions, cabbage, vegetable oil with Himalayan spices - served with tomato chutney), since people generally rave about them. They offer them in chicken, beef, goat, or yak. Yes, Yak. Local Yak. Yak Yak Yak. Ok sorry.
Beef Mo-Mo's
These were seriously awesome. I had my reservations - sticky skin, bland filling, too little filling, e.t.c. It was the opposite. The skin was soft, the filling was abundant, savory and delicately spiced. Dipping them in that awesome sauce added a brightness and kick of heat that added complexity, but without being fussy. I seriously will stop and get these for takeout on a regular basis. They are that awesome.
Chicken Biryani (Aromatic rice infused with richly flavored herbs and spices cooked with tender pieces of chicken, cashews & golden raisins - $12.99)
I love Biryani, and hadn't had one in awhile. They serve it with raita (A refreshing relish made of cucumber, tomatoes mixed in yogurt with black pepper and spices) which is standard because biryani is usually quite spicy. I asked for more of that sauce just because I am kind of in love with it. This was one of the better biryani's I have had, and one of the most spicy. The chicken was lovely. The way it's cut and the way it tastes makes it obvious it is fresh and treated well in the cooking process. Someone honestly cares about what they are doing here. The raisins add a touch of sweet and add texture, and the cashews give a slight nutty crunch to smooth over the heat. Overall one of the best things I have ever eaten.
We stayed on for awhile and chatted quite a bit with our waitress and the owner, who are some of the most well mannered and pleasant people I have encountered. The waitress isn't just a server, she is involved in the cooking process and told us they got their start in the Midtown Global Market. I expressed my fondness for the tomato relish, and she told me how to make it. She also stated that she used to attend "bring your own" types of competitions, where people could try their hand at a sauce or a side item and present it. She invited me to do the same. It was very flattering. (but I admit, I haven't done it, unfortunately...)
I love Ghorka Palace. It is nice to see a place where there is genuine enthusiasm for ingredients, food, and customers alike. I will go back many times since it is a hop away from where I live. Even if it wasn't...I would still go, even if just for some Mo-Mo's!
Pere Antoine - New Orleans
My 2nd to last day in New Orleans, I was regretting not having much of a fine dining experience in New Orleans. I decided to compromise and take myself out for a not quite fine-but above average meal. I walked around Royal Street and looked for a decent looking place, and chose Pere Antoine.
Pere Antoine is quite large, with beautiful tall windows lining the walls, and archways which give it a nice open-air feel. They offer most of the usual cuisine you will find in New Orleans, such as etoufee and po boys, with an elegant twist. I was greeted by a server who sat me down immediately. I perused the drink menu a bit, but decided on water...which took 10 minutes to come along with my actual waiter. What is it with the service? I experienced slow service in most places I dined at....
I finally decided on the Paneed Chicken ( Boneless breast of chicken dusted with Itlaian and local herbs, served with fettucine alfreso. - $12.95.) After waiting 20 minutes, it finally came.
I lost the picture of it, but I was a little surprised when it came out and it was basically a pounded chicken breast that was breaded, and pan fried. I think this is the traditional way to make it, but i was not aware it would be breaded from the description. The chicken was ok, if unremarkable. There was no complexity to it, no balance. It was just....a finely breaded, pan fried chicken breast.
The fettucine was a complete disaster. It was the single most garlic-ey thing I have EVER eaten. It was on fire with garlic. I couldn't eat more than a quarter of it, and by then I had drunk about 5 glasses of water.
I hate to give so many negative reviews lately, but I've had a string of disappointing experiences. And to me, blogging is about creatively describing things while still being accurate. So there ya have it. I don't think I am too hard to please either....especially not compared to actual critics and reviewers. I am also just a blogger, so my experience with a restaraunt is usually limited to a one time experience. I don't have the luxury for repeat visits and experimentation.
So there ya have it.
http://www.pereantoine.com/index.html
Pere Antoine is quite large, with beautiful tall windows lining the walls, and archways which give it a nice open-air feel. They offer most of the usual cuisine you will find in New Orleans, such as etoufee and po boys, with an elegant twist. I was greeted by a server who sat me down immediately. I perused the drink menu a bit, but decided on water...which took 10 minutes to come along with my actual waiter. What is it with the service? I experienced slow service in most places I dined at....
I finally decided on the Paneed Chicken ( Boneless breast of chicken dusted with Itlaian and local herbs, served with fettucine alfreso. - $12.95.) After waiting 20 minutes, it finally came.
I lost the picture of it, but I was a little surprised when it came out and it was basically a pounded chicken breast that was breaded, and pan fried. I think this is the traditional way to make it, but i was not aware it would be breaded from the description. The chicken was ok, if unremarkable. There was no complexity to it, no balance. It was just....a finely breaded, pan fried chicken breast.
The fettucine was a complete disaster. It was the single most garlic-ey thing I have EVER eaten. It was on fire with garlic. I couldn't eat more than a quarter of it, and by then I had drunk about 5 glasses of water.
I hate to give so many negative reviews lately, but I've had a string of disappointing experiences. And to me, blogging is about creatively describing things while still being accurate. So there ya have it. I don't think I am too hard to please either....especially not compared to actual critics and reviewers. I am also just a blogger, so my experience with a restaraunt is usually limited to a one time experience. I don't have the luxury for repeat visits and experimentation.
So there ya have it.
http://www.pereantoine.com/index.html
Jax Cafe - Northeast Minneapolis
Searching for a good steak experience, Mr. C and I finally decided on Jax Cafe. Pretty much solely based on their $78 dinner for two special. It features an order of Jax Crab Rolls, A house salad, 12 ozs slow roasted certified angus beef sirloin, and a whole maine lobster with drawn butter. On the side come sweet potato or shoestring fries, and a grasshopper drink for dessert. We decided to substitute sweet potato fries for mashed potatoes.
After that, they bring out the butter, cute and appetizing nestled in it's own melting mechanism!
Meat
We traded our grasshopper drink in for a Bailey's Chocolate Cake to go because we were so full. We split it later, and it was awesome. It had that sweet creamy Bailey's tatse, and a mellow chocolate cake that was fluffy and perfect.
Overall, I was quite disappointed with this meal. I have made better things at home. Not to be a negative Nancy, but once you have had something authentically good, it is hard to be satisfied with standard things, especially if they cost you $78.
I had a hankerin' for a martini, so I went out on a limb and ordered a grey goose one. I heart grey goose, but was al ittle disappointed with this one. It was like, an ounce, maybe 2.
But I sipped away happily, as grey goose never disappoints. Shortly after, we received our salad.
Pretty standard cesaer style salad. It looks overdressed, but it actually was fine. And the croutons....omg. They were coated with sesame seeds, and were nutty and delicious!
Jax Crab Rolls
I was a little confused about what these were, since the menu contains no description. From what I can tell, cheese, crab and...sauce (?) baked inside a crust, sprinkled with sesame seeds. The first few bites were gorgeous - velvety and satisfying. After 2 of them, they became so overpowering and rich that I could not eat more. I am not a wimp either - I can take a lot of cheese and a lot of richness. These were sickeningly rich. I was disappointed.
After that, they bring out the butter, cute and appetizing nestled in it's own melting mechanism!
We waited awhile and chatted over some wine and watched the butter melt. It wasn't too long before the steak and lobster arrived.
I realized it was coming whole, but look at the inside of the body. It was soooo unappetizing, and I am already squeamish so I had to make myself not look at it. The lobster was a mixed bag. The claw meat was meaty and moist in the center, the tip was extremely dry with a strong mineral flavor. The tails were juicy and sweet, but tough and chewy.
Meat
I wasn't expecting this type of presentation. I thoguht I would get a nice hunk of meat. Admittedly, I do not know meat well. Overall, this dish was perfectly standard. The meat was kind of lukewarm, but it was not dry and not overly chewy. The savory level was maybe a 2, and the gravy reminded me a little of pot roast. The potatoes were fine, because potatoes are usually always awesome.
We traded our grasshopper drink in for a Bailey's Chocolate Cake to go because we were so full. We split it later, and it was awesome. It had that sweet creamy Bailey's tatse, and a mellow chocolate cake that was fluffy and perfect.
Overall, I was quite disappointed with this meal. I have made better things at home. Not to be a negative Nancy, but once you have had something authentically good, it is hard to be satisfied with standard things, especially if they cost you $78.
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