Grand Cafe

It’s always fun when we have the chance to jump out for something new. Well sort of new. We walked through the doors of Grand Cafe many years ago but this wasn’t the place we visited the first time. Google calls it “Refined French bistro for imaginative takes on the classics, plus wine & beer in chic surrounds“. We found it an eclectic little place and cozy atmosphere. Jamie Malone has injected a delightful whimsy to an otherwise quiet corner of the city.

We didn’t have much time so we just sat at the bar and ordered some wine and a few appetizers. This is where my only complaint rises. The bar has no overhang under which to put my legs. She’s 5’ 1” and had no problem. I’m not and had to sit sideways. All the better to see her I guess.

The gentleman who served us was friendly and chatty in all the right ways. He offered us a splash of house vermouth and we happily accepted while we perused the menu. He knew not just the menu but the history of the restaurant and the chef.

The oysters were succulent and rich. I wanted to lick the cup that the Romesco was in. The liver was had all the rich, fatty, creamy texture and flavor that you look for. Definitely need to return for another round.

We had:

• Grilled Oysters with Shallot Cream and Black Pepper

• Chickpea Panisse with Sauce Romesco

• Duck Liver Mouse

Eating out with beautiful trying beautiful things - 9.1/10

 

Milk Jam Hot Dogs and Ice Cream

We've got a new supplier of tubular meats in our neighborhood! Dave's Popcorn is out and Milk Jam is in. In 14 years in the neighborhood I'd never visited Dave's Popcorn and always kind of wondered how it was surviving. Had a lovely time on one of their picnic benches on a beautiful day.

• Oki Dog - okonomiyaki sauce, japanese mayo, tempura flakes, seaweed, pickled daikon
• Plain jane - hot dog, bun (I added mustard)

The all beef dogs were satisfying with a nice pop when you bit in and a great flavor. The highlight though, was the buns. Firm with a great bite, they hold the toppings and are perfectly proportioned to the fillings. Excited to try all the offerings. CC only.

Just glad you're here/10

Minnesota State Fair

On a stick

Standing on the "Veranda" listening to music and watching the evening

Priceless/10

Normally I start with the pictures and then move into the descriptions but I feel like on this occasion I will be better served by immediate descriptions and an initial review.

Going to the MN State Fair - Happy/10

I was a little shocked when she stopped at the French Meadow building. It's not a place I would normally stop or expect her to. Turns out she heard that they were doing "Earth Wings" and we just happened to trip over it first. Fresh cauliflower pieces dipped in a seasoned batter, deep-fried and smothered in organic sesame BBQ sauce. Vegan and gluten-free. The sauce was good but I wanted them to be more crispy

Trying new things/10 

 Pronto Pup Some say the corn dog is better, I say at the State Fair there is only one.

∞/10

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Corn Roast. The poor girl was standing there holding this gloriously caramelized (apparently everyone else thought it was burnt) corn and I happily freed her from the burden.

Sweeeeeet/10

Big Fat Bacon, on a stick, enough said.

She wished we had gone back/10

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Giggles' Campfire Grill

TURDUCKEN SAUSAGE They call it a blend of turkey, duck and chicken served on a fennel bun and accompanied by a side of Giggles’ sweet and saucy relish.

I called it Meh/10

The Blue Barn Iron Range Pierogies with Horseradish sauce and a Strawberry Mint Fro-Le made with frozen strawberry lemonade and fresh mint, "adults only." The pierogies had a nice bite and the horseradish sauce was mild.

Just a little interlude/10

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Beef kabob at Mickey's Grill and Kabobs is located behind the giant slide and across from the Agricultural building. She noticed it after getting some fries and on our way to the skyride. It sat in the back of her mind for the rest of the evening and, after catching some music, was our last stop of the day.

Perfect desert/10

Momofuku - Las Vegas

Martina

Martina is in the Linden Hills neighborhood in the space that was Upton 43 and is a worthy successor to a Minneapolis favorite. We've been here a few times and, while not inexpensive, it's delivered each time. The cocktail list is inspired and the food both inventive and approachable at the same time.

This trip included:

• Spanish G&T - Modern Gin, Cinchona Bark, Lemongrass
• Box Cutter - Rye & Brandy, Rosso vermouth, Amari truffle. and Cocoa nib
• Grilled Beef Tongue Bruschetta - Celery, Sardine mayo, Caperberries
• Cacio e Pepe Panzotti - Black pepper, Butter, Parmesian
• One Pound Steamed Mussels with Country Bread - Sea Urchin, Lime, White wine

An excellent choice for a night out - 9.1/10

 

Heirloom

 Heirloom in St Paul is the most consistently lovely place you have never tried.

The “Interesting Vegetables” are the best plate ever - 10/10

Bardo

I don't understand this location. No matter who is in this restaurant the product is always excellent. Bardo is the third or fourth place I've tried here and I'm always impressed. Needless to say we had a great evening with friends and enjoyed everything we tried. 

• duck breast; confit, almond, asparagus, melon, basil, fresno, jus
• scallop; chilled melon and cucuumber soup, pear, watermelon, meyer lemon, radish, herbs
• chicken sausage; bacon, fiddlehead, pea, avocado, fava, pickled ramp, tomato, mint, buttermilk, piri piri
• salumi and spiced greens; speck, finochiano, chorizo, mustard greens, arugula, parmesan, cranberry, apricot vin
• microgreen and herb sald; frisee, carbonated grapefruit, finger lime vin
•  seasonal mushrooms; king trumpet, nebrodini, crimini
• house bread; buttermilk, herbs, lavender honey butter, chile flake
• strawberry sorbetto and rhubarb crisps with pastry
• The Opportunist - FEW bourbon, Tattersall Americano, Cappelletti Sfumato, Luxardo Maraschino
• A Oaxacan In The Garden - Finecino Unico Mezcal, Cucumber, Melon, Lime, Pineapple, Yogurt

So good we went back! After a dissapointing foray down the street we decided to head back to Bardo before she went out of town for a week. It being just the two of us we weren’t able to try as many things but, in the end, we loved it all.

• rainbow trout; grilled lovage, charred lemon, spring onion, anchovy, gremolata, dill butter
• salumi and spiced greens; speck, finochiano, chorizo, mustard greens, arugula, parmesan, cranberry, apricot vin
• chicken sausage; bacon, fiddlehead, pea, avocado, fava, pickled ramp, tomato, mint, buttermilk, piri piri - AGAIN!
•  granola desert

You need to go here 9.89/10

 

The Bungalow Club

Our evening snack at The Bungalow Club. We had the sampler of meats and a couple cocktails followed up by the fried chicken for desert. I have fond memories of the Craftsman Bar and Restaurant and was disappointed to see that it was gone, but also hopefull about this new venture. The decor and ambiance are largely the same, a blend of restoration hardware style, Craftsman architecture influenced, furniture and fixtures. Gone are the large pickle jars but the shelving remains. The fact that the space is largely unchanged makes me think that it’s being run by someone involved in the original.

I had intended to look into the ownership and story to be completionist here. Right up until the food arrived I had every intent to rave about it. Oh well. The pate was off and the sausage seemed uninspired. The chicken was moist but the breading had no flavor.

Eh whatever - Palatable 5/10