World Street Kitchen: Uptown
Recently named one of the Top 50 New Restaurants by Bon Appetit, World Street Kitchen is truly worthy of this title. Minnesota has not seen a restaurant like this before. Yes, they do sell 40 ounce bottles of Miller High Life.
There are many things that I appreciate about this restaurant such as ample parking on the side of the building, vegetarian options, and spice. It is really nice to have a place that doesn’t serve the same stuff as everyone else.
That being said, most everything on the menu is pretty spicy for those of us with Mid-Western taste buds. This is not a bad thing, I really like it. But, I feel as though people should be warned that most of the food is more spicy than what you can find at other restaurants.
Here are some of the highlights:
The Bangkok Burrito: I have tried the Red Curry Burrito. It is spicy, creamy, and flavorful. If you ever need to get your sinuses cleared out this will do it. Watch out Chipotle, this is going to be the new burrito roaming the streets.
Plate O’ Dips: As a fan of Saffron, I knew that the dips were going to live up to my expectations and they did. I would come here just to get this dish with pita. The hummus is so creamy.
YumYum Rice Bowl: The short rib beef bowl was exactly why you come back to this restaurant over and over. That secret sauce and soft cooked egg make this dish one of the highlights of the menu. Just look at it.
Jerk Beef Tacos: Meh, these were just okay compared to everything else that I tried. One of my tacos had a huge chunk of fat in it that was cubed. After having that surprise when I chomped down on it I didn’t care to eat anymore.
Next time I want to try the MFC Biscuit Sandwich and a dessert. I have heard from multiple people that both are amazing.
I should also note that this is a get up and order yourself place. There are no servers and it has more of a laid back vibe. I was a bit disappointed in the service that I got from the person I ordered from. I said specifically that it was my first time here and that I was not sure what was good. She looked at me annoyed that I was taking too much time to order. Remember you are a new restaurant which means that you might need to explain some of the menu to your new guests.
Because any place that serves forties is cool in my book.
@mplsgossipgirl
Burger Jones Uptown
Sometimes, I feel like all I need is a burger. Burger Jones in Uptown is a great way to fill that need.
This place is very family friendly and has a nice outdoor patio that looks out on lake Calhoun. It also has an extensive menu with all different kinds of burgers, starters, salads, and shakes.
I would definitely come here again with a burger loving group. This place can cater to a larger group which makes it a good choice for group gatherings.
I was a bit disappointed with my burger choice. Only because it was clearly on a sandwich thin and it was horrible. It tasted exactly like a sandwich thin that you can get out of a package at Target. I think a better choice of bread for the gyro burger would be advisable.
Otherwise, the burger was good. I liked the lamb burger and the sauce. But, I would never order it again because of the bread.
I also tried the bison burger which I liked much more than the gyro burger. The bison burger is topped with gruyere cheese and red onion marmalade.
It was flavorful and the red onion really made the burger pop.
Order a side of the sweet potato fries and chipotle aioli because they are fantastic. I think I would go back just to eat the fries again with a shake.
because sometimes you just need a burger
@mplsgossipgirl
What other burgers have you tried from Burger Jones? What do I need to try next time?
New Location: Spill The Wine Uptown
Spill The Wine Bar and Table may have changed locations but it is still just as great as before. Now located on Lake and Bryant in a new bigger location with lots of light, Spill The Wine is still one of those places that I love to go.
Okay, they could do without the hokey mason jar glasses but beyond that I recently had a great experience there.
One huge positive is the wonderful service. It isn’t uppity or pompous even though the food is upscale. They treat you with respect and are attentive.
The servers know their stuff and can speak to every item on both the food menu and the drink menu. They can suggest and I would highly recommend going with one of their suggestions. Our server, Carli, recommended a wine flight and a certain dish that was a huge hit. The people dining with me that night will definitely be back because of the suggestions.
They also help you order the correct amount of food. They have a mostly small plates menu which is meant to be shared, Minnesotans don’t really like to share. However, they do a good enough job of explaining how to eat this way that even the most unlikely people buy into the sharing.
These dishes were some of the highlights from my meal:
The lamb sausage and polenta. Holy moly, this is a must order. The sausage is made in-house and the polenta is nice and creamy. I could eat this every day and will be coming back to have this again. They should start selling the lamb sausage in local food markets.
I enjoyed the Lap Cheong Fried Rice, it was a larger dish that everyone at the table got enough of to eat. My only wish was that the egg was a tiny bit more runny.
A simple thing like bruschetta can taste very good. I really liked the two varieties served especially the olive tapenade. It was a great dish to break up some of the other ones.
The beet and goat cheese salad. This is fairly good but was very small. I am not sure if I would order it again since it was not enough to share with four people. I want more!
The fried blue cheese stuffed olives. A must order. These are fairly unique and I haven’t had anything quite like this before. They come out quickly and are a great little bite before the meal.
The Simi Estate wine flight. I highly suggest that when you go here, get a wine flight. They are a great way to try new wines and get a fairly good deal. They say you only get about 1.5 glasses but I would say it is more around 2. Great wines at a great value.
Finish the night with dessert, the tres leches cake is delightful. The fresh lime zest really added a nice touch and it was the perfect amount to share with four people.
I had no idea they did brunch until I was perusing their website. Huckleberry mason jar mimosas and some patatas sounds amazing. I would, however, suggest to Spill The Wine that they have so many of these items on their regular dinner menu that they need to expand the brunch menu. I want to see some new and fun stuff that is a bit different from your regular dinner menu items that you are experimenting with, please.
because sharing is caring
@mplsgossipgirl
What are your favorite items from the Spill The Wine menu?
Bluestem Bar and Table
As you know, I am a huge fan of French Meadow. Their menu incorporating all types of dietary needs was a lifesaver for me when I was a vegan and in a food rut. French Meadow makes amazing food for those who have dietary restrictions but without sacrificing taste.
I didn’t think French Meadow could get any better but it has.
Expanding their location on Lyndale Avenue, French Meadow opened a wine bar called Bluestem Bar and Table. If you are a fan of French Meadow you will love Bluestem.
They have an excellent menu with items that range from salads to burgers to pasta.
I always suggest eating off of the specials menu. When I went to visit it was a very hot day and the tomato gazpacho that was on the specials menu was perfect. Gazpacho is a cold soup and although it is very different from eating warm soup, if done right it is wonderful on a warm day and still has all the flavor that you need.
Other highlights from the menu are the fish tacos, raw kale salad, harissa chicken, and the beet carpaccio salad. If you are eating with a slightly picky eater they still have your basic hamburger or chicken and waffles as well.
I was very impressed by the wine menu. Absolutely get the first flight of Rose. As someone who is not usually a Rose person, this flight caught my eye. This is not your grandmother’s Rose, it is much more flavorful.
They also have a happy hour from Monday- Friday from 3-5 P.M. Also, a late night happy hour 10- close every night of the week. Although the happy hour menu is fairly small, they have mussels and the turkey burger for only 6 dollars each.
Need somewhere to go for your birthday? They have a few private dining options such as their tasting room which is a beautiful spot to host a party. As of right now, they have no minimums to rent the room, get in while you can.
The other little secret that I will share with you is that you can make reservations at Bluestem for breakfast on the weekends. No more waiting in line or waiting for a table if you prepare ahead of time. They have the same breakfast menu as French Meadow but with service and reservations.
I cannot wait to see what the future has to offer for this group of restaurants. They are living up to their values of offering good food that is local and organic.
Because a good thing, is a good thing
@mplsgossipgirl
What is your favorite item on the Bluestem menu?
Solera Thursday Night Happy Hour
I could not believe it when I read it on the Solera website. All night happy hour on Thursdays and even on their rooftop. What? Is this real?
I had to go investigate. They sort of have a happy hour on the rooftop because it includes only drinks, none of the food was happy hour priced and it should have been clearly stated on the website.
But, it is worth it to see the view from their rooftop and sip 3 dollar sangria.
The sangria comes in both white and red and is refreshing on a hot summer day. It pairs well with most of the food and when it is 3 dollars you don’t have to stop at just one.
Solera is a tapas restaurant which means that they have small plates that are meant to be shared. I have had most of the menu and I would suggest this restaurant for an adventurous diner.
People who are used to the normal burger or steak joint will be thrown off by both the portions and the ingredients. Not that it is bad, it is different. They have rabbit, quail, escargot, and a few other items that you do not see on most menus. While this excites me, it scares some people who are not used to these ingredients.
If I am with a person like this, I order for them and then lie to them saying it is steak or something. Well, once they say they really like it, I tell them it is actually lamb. It is sort of like dining with children. I do not advocate doing this to someone who would actually be upset or someone who could inflict pain upon you. But, it is a fun way to surprise and delight a picky diner.
This night I had the cheese plate which had an Iberico cheese on it. It is sort of like a Manchego and made with sheep, cow, and goat’s milk and pairs well with a tempranillo. I had forgotten how much I like Iberico.
I was very impressed by my server who knew the menu very well. She explained dishes and offered suggestions. This is very helpful when the menu has some items that people don’t make in their home kitchens often. What is a croquette again?
If it is the perfect summer night the rooftop at Solera is a great pick.
because enjoying sangria with friends in the summer is on the top of my list
@mplsgossipgirl
Reuters: 48 hours in the Twin Cities: What you really should do
Reuters shared this article on their website about 48 hours in the Twin Cities and what you should do if you are traveling here. I honestly would suggest very little on their list and I am guessing whoever wrote this did a google search and did not actually come to Minnesota since Potbelly is not open for breakfast during weekends. It is too bad since we have some neat things going on in the Twin Cities.
Dear Mark,
We are all wondering who are these local Reuters correspondents who sent you to these places? You need some new friends in Minnesota.
I know you are catching a lot of flack from us local experts but we hold the Twin Cities very dear to our hearts and we are sick and tired of people telling us that this is not a place they want to visit. I know you tried to make it look great, but telling people about the tornado shelters and the ‘tram’ does not put the city in the greatest light. Can we really blame you for some bad advice from your correspondents? No.
I am sorry to tell you that you missed out on the best that the Twin Cities has to offer.
This 48 hour itinerary is what I would love to do if I were coming here to visit.
Here is what you missed:
Friday:
5 p.m.- Head right on over to the W hotel in Minneapolis. It is located in the historic Foshay Tower. See if you can find the speak-easy bar.
7 p.m.-Go to the Smack Shack in the warehouse district and spend the night checking out the Marvel Bar and other hot spots in the area. It is the newest up and coming food scene in Minneapolis.
9 p.m.-If you are into music we have First Avenue, the Dakota Jazz Club, and many other places you can hear a good set.
Saturday:
9 a.m.- Hells Kitchen is right by the W Hotel and has some awesome lemon ricotta pancakes.
10:30 a.m.- If you want to get some exercise Core Power Yoga is doing morning classes at Lake Calhoun during the summer for free.
11:30 a.m.-Take a walk around Lake Calhoun or Minnehaha Falls. If you are really adventurous take a bike ride with Nice Ride bikes that are located all over the city.
1:00pm-Eat lunch at one of the outdoor restaurants such as the newly opened Sandcastle or Sea Salt Eatery.
2:00 p.m. -If you really want to go to the MOA, I guess you could go there. It is a really big mall. I think the Mall of America is a whole day event and if you only have 48 hours here with good weather this would not be my first choice.
Instead you should go to the Como Zoo and Conservatory to see the new bonsai garden and gorilla forest. If you are looking to go shopping head to Grand Avenue in Saint Paul.
4:00 p.m.- Fulton Tap Room and eating from a food truck. Located near Target Field this is a must go to place before the big game.
6 p.m.- Walk over to the game. Find the AZ Canteen booth and get a burger. Then pick up a Surly beer.
10 p.m.- After the game and when you have digested a little bit walk over to Butcher and The Boar. The beer garden has a wonderful feel and the food is excellent. This place is all about the atmosphere and the meat.
SUNDAY:
10 a.m.- Breakfast at Lucia’s in Uptown and get whatever is on special. Afterwards walk to one of the local coffee houses and explore Uptown.
1 p.m.- Either head to Secret Beach to enjoy some relaxing time with a good book or walk around historic Saint Paul and snap some photos.
3 p.m.- Grab and go at Cosetta’s in Saint Paul.
I would love if you would come to Minnesota and try some of the items on my list and tell me if you had a good time. I can guarantee that you will. (Reuters you should send him back with the company credit card and this awesome list)
because if you have 48 hours in Minnesota you should do what the locals do
@mplsgossipgirl
What advice do you give someone who is coming to the Twin Cities and only has 48 hours to explore?
Top Chef Minneapolis
Dear Bravo Top Chef,
You need to send Top Chef to Minnesota. The Top Chef fans from the tundra have been watching and waiting to host a season here. We swear it does get warm here in the summer.
As you may have noticed the Twin Cities have been popping up in the food world. We have some James Beard award winners, a lively food scene, and food trucks galore.
There are many reasons why you should bring Top Chef to Minnesota but here are some of the highlights:
“Minnesota Nice,” is not just a saying. As you may have noticed, Minnesotans are some of the most loyal people and welcoming people you will ever meet. We love food and we will tell you when we have had an excellent meal.
The cheftestants could do several local challenges. We have many fun food traditions in Minnesota with my favorite being the Minnesota State Fair. You will never see anything like it again in your life. Imagine everything on a stick and even foods that should not be on a stick. I would also love to see them try to beat some of our prize-winning bakers.I know Marjorie will give them a run for their money.
Our churches here even serve some awesome food. Every year during lent churches host fish fry’s with some even serving Lutefisk (best eaten with lots of butter).
We also have many random food festivals during the summer including Kolache days, Potato Days, and Pie Days. These festivals often end with a street dance and lots of beer.
Speaking of beer we have an up and coming beer scene in Minnesota. Ever heard of Surly? Yeah, that is from here. If you haven’t had it, there is another reason to get here now. We also have many small breweries with some imaginative brews.
If you want to throw the cheftestants for a loop have them cook wild rice for a quick-fire challenge. My guess is that many of them have not used this ingredient before in a timed challenge.
Or, if you really want to piss them off make them use Lutefisk.
We have an awesome airport with some great restaurants in it. It would be fun to have the chefs cook in the airport right when they arrive.
Basically, you should come to Minnesota to do a season of Top Chef. You will not be disappointed.
Season 12: Top Chef Minneapolis?
x0x0
@mplsgossipgirl
ps. Please let me come to restaurant wars and rub elbows with Tom.
Travail Chefs at Gather June 2013
I can’t think of a time that I have had more fun eating food. Now I completely understand why Travail Kitchen and Amusements is one of the most popular restaurants in the Twin Cities. Although, it is closed right now for a location change, the chefs were on top of their game as guest chefs at Gather.
Gather is one of my favorite spots in Minneapolis because of the beautiful location, great happy hour, and the creative food from the guest chefs.
The first Thursday in June was particularly exciting since Gather was celebrating it’s second year and because the Travail chefs were there. Mike Brown, James Winberg, and Bob Gerken know how to get people excited about food. The mood in the room was electric.
I had fun learning about their playful dish and the ingredients in it. Have you ever had langoustine before? This was a first for me.
As you can tell, the Travail chefs do things differently. They went around and spoke with each table and showed them how to eat their dish.
I also had the watermelon salad which is on the summer menu at Gather. It was light, a bit spicy, and very fresh.
This cherry and spoon dessert is only at the Gather for a limited time. Yes, you can eat the spoon! It was not my favorite dessert and tasted like it came out of a fridge but it was fun to look at.
You only have one more Thursday to get the guest chef plate with langoustine (google it…) .
because making food fun makes everyone smile
@mplsgossipgirl
What is the most fun you have had at a restaurant in Minneapolis? Where do I need to go?
10 things you should NOT do when you are a server
This post is based upon an experience that I had at a local restaurant recently.
Firstly, I understand how horrible being a server can be. Having to deal with both rude customers and the kitchen can stress even the most calm person out. Most servers that I have encountered in Minneapolis and surrounding areas get most everything right. They would never come close to committing any of the food crimes that I witnessed on this occasion.
This was appalling.
10 things you should NOT do when you are a server:
- Sit down and read a book on the floor when you have people in the restaurant. Even if the restaurant isn’t busy never do this on the floor.
- When a customer asks you a question about selection don’t just point to the menu. You should verbally give them the selections and also suggest which ones you like or which ones are popular. Especially, when it is ethnic food. It is a great way to get someone to try something new.
- Don’t hover. Yes, I do want to order but give me a second to sit down and look at the menu. I know you want to sit and read your book. But, I am not ready to order yet.
- Set down the food and run away without explaining what it is. Tell me about it.
- Try to turn everything into a joke. It really isn’t that funny that you are really horrible at your job.
- Act like you own the restaurant. Bossing other workers around and being loud in the kitchen while you do nothing makes you look like an idiot.
- When bringing the bill try not to say anything about your tip.
- Don’t blame others. If something came out of the kitchen incorrectly get it fixed.
- Put a carafe of water on the table and tell the customers that you will not be refilling their water glasses because you put that carafe on the table. You jokingly say that it is because you are too lazy. Well, they know you are too lazy.
- Blame the customers for your low tip because they are cheap. It might just be you.
Andrew Zimmern doesn’t always get good service either which makes me feel a little bit better. He wrote about a Sushi Restaurant in NYC recently in @mspmag titled When Restaurant Service Goes South. It is a great read.
Cheers to all those servers out there that make dining out an enjoyable experience.
Because serving takes talent.
@mplsgossipgirl
Have you had any bad experiences with service in Minneapolis? What are the best service experiences that you have had? One of mine was at Twin City Grill.
Republic – Uptown
I was very happy to hear that a restaurant would be moving in to the old The Independent space in Calhoun Square. I was a huge fan of the Independent because of the location. It was a bit tucked back in Calhoun Square and you needed to know that it was there to be able to find it.
I love Uptown but I really have a hard time enjoying the bar atmosphere of some of the restaurants during weekday meal times. They sometimes can be filled with non-working- inappropriately dressed- I am just here to get really wasted because they have super cheap happy hour specials. Oh yeah and I am going to screech at the top of my lungs every time I see someone I know and invite them over to my over-crowded table filled with empties. And I NEVER tip.
You can tell that I have some pent-up frustration with some of the frequent loud day drinkers of Uptown. Not that I didn’t used to be one of them partaking in the happy hour deals when I got off of work early. I did always tip though.
Republic in Uptown is the perfect chill, relaxed, and calm bar destination. I was able to visit during a weeknight and was able to have a conversation with the person next to me, enjoy a drink, and eat some fantastic food. This is not your normal bar menu.
If I lived in Uptown. This would be my go-to bar.
This bar has an everything menu. It has bar favorites plus items for someone who chooses to eat a bit healthier. The salads are not your typical house salad with ranch either. You have choices of a kale salad with a white balsamic and another with asparagus ham and even manchego cheese.
When I visited, I tried the Minnesota Po’Boy sandwich. It was a walleye sandwich with a really nice tartar sauce or as they call it a lemon aioli.
I would also highly recommend the burgers because they are grass-fed beef. It always makes a burger more tasty and delicious. Next time, I will be trying the brie and red wine reduction burger. Yes, I know that sounds fantastic.
Save room for dessert. This is a salted caramel pot de creme. Yes, it was as good as it sounded.
You should follow them on twitter because they are always changing out their taps and they tell you about them. One of the best beer selections that I have seen in the cities so far. Cocktails are also good, so give them a try as well. Republic also has a Seven Corners location in St. Paul which has a different menu. That should be worth a try also.
because this is my new favorite bar.
@mplsgossipgirl
mplsgossipgirl 