|
Our eating establishments reflect the era and epoch out of which they emerged and that's what makes it all (life) so interesting. This is a pizza shop with 80s Gen X attitude. But the attitude is...
Our eating establishments reflect the era and epoch out of which they emerged and that's what makes it all (life) so interesting. This is a pizza shop with 80s Gen X attitude. But the attitude is all in the looks, really, as I have yet to find the staff as mean and indifferent as they appear and not even close to the 70 year old waiters at La Luna in New York's Littly Italy. Nuff said.
The style here, again, is very different than Broadway pizza (thin crust) witth its medium crust and Leaning Tower (traditional toppings) with its inventive and delightfully surpirsing ingredients and a lilte less thick a build up than Greenmill (thick as a brick). Pizza Luce is gourmet pizza without an accent or snottiness (Wolfgang Puck) and I am tempted to say this is the best pizza in the city but for the problem that all these different styles appeal to the fansy at different times. You've got to try this pizza!
** In the interest of full disclosure I have not eaten
pizza in three years but used to frequent them
often and I love Broders Cucina
Hide
|
|
Sidney's
Category:
Restaurants
3520 Galleria
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55435
(952) 925-2002
We used to visit this simple homey eatery on 22nd and Hennepin Ave south but they recently closed that location and now, well we'll see, a person must drive to the outer reaches and fight for...
We used to visit this simple homey eatery on 22nd and Hennepin Ave south but they recently closed that location and now, well we'll see, a person must drive to the outer reaches and fight for parking endure long-lines and it all seems so much less inviting that Sunday Brunch and a walk around Lake of the Isles.
Sidney's on Hennepin assembled basic quality ingredients and presented it cooked without much added or fan-faire. Roasted Chicken Proviencial with carrots and potatoes was a solid decent meal for under $10. Gourmet pizza's on a roasted thin crust with exotic toppings, big salads, pasta bowls, good deserts and well-made breaksfasts on the weekends made Sidney's a solid performer for a group with a variety of tastes and desires in a homey wood cabin environment.
I could say, all for not, as I might never go there again, however I will keep it in mind if I am ever standed outside the city limits to the south. Too many damned Republcans out there for my taste!
Hide
|
|
We were on an airplane over the Rocky Mountains, there was extreme turbulance, kids were crying, passengers gasping, pilot making urgent monotone announcements about returning to your seats and...
We were on an airplane over the Rocky Mountains, there was extreme turbulance, kids were crying, passengers gasping, pilot making urgent monotone announcements about returning to your seats and buckling seatbelts. The woman next to me mumbled to herself, "Close your eyes and go to your happy place."
"My happy place is Isles Bun & Coffee!" I thought gleefully.
Hidden away next to one of Uptown's busiest intersections, if you cross the transom, is the incredibly alluring smell of cinnamon and baked bread that will instantly send you to a place of pure bliss. This sniff and scent is more powerful and immediate affecting than cocaine and the dough as provocative as the soft skin of a lover. You almost feel something this good should be illegal.
What is it? Cinnamon buns, caramel rolls, and puppy dog tails -- all the things beautiful girls are made of... okay, let's get back down to earth here. Half of the floor space in this bakery & coffeeshop is devoted to the baking ovens and preparatory kitchen where Catherine and Jeff Veigel bake large trays of handmmade breakfast rolls, cakes, scones, muffins brownies, biscotti, cookies on demand, and frosting to be smeared on the oven fresh goods. The sugary cream cheese frosting sits on the couner in buckets with stainless paddles for slathering on all you wish.
The other half of the space is given over to small round tables, black lacquered wooden stools and a few counters for visitors to sit, eat and drink espresso made drinks and fresh squeeezed fruit juices. Sitting in there, winter, fall, summer or spring, you will think you've died and gone to heaven.
And it's dog-friendly. No dogs where harmed in the making of puppy dogtails...
Hide
|
|
Pizza. pizza, pizza... where does it all end? Listen, if you are going to really appreciate pizza, first you must stay away from the chains and national delivery promises. Those promises aren't...
Pizza. pizza, pizza... where does it all end? Listen, if you are going to really appreciate pizza, first you must stay away from the chains and national delivery promises. Those promises aren't worth the newsprint they are printed on!
Now, Broadway Pizza has been around for a long time but it still astonishes for the distinct and unique niche it holds in the pantheon of pizza pleasure. Maybe it is the consistency and maybe it is the approach but you won't find anything like this pizza at Luce, Leaning Tower, Punch, Fat Lorenzo's or California Pizza (all worhty competitors but different in style).
First, while you can order different style of pizza crusts, I would very much recommend the thin one because it is the mark of distinction here at Broadway Pizza. The thin crust is just the right combination of crusty, crunchy, and crispy. Cut in little parallel-a-grams, you can sit with a single friend or group family members and WOOOSH! it will be gone in seconds. Bling, bling, bling those tilted squares zip off the metal tins they are served on. Better order two or three pizzas for once you reach the starting gun the race goes fast.
The pizza sauce at Broadway is also distinct and flavorful. It is safe to say many Minneapolis kids and Northsiders grew up on this pizza and have never found anything equivalent in the world. And it would also safe to say in families this was teh biggest culinary delight they experienced regularly growin up, at holidays and probably even Christmas and Thanksgiving. In the bar and the dining, they have a train that run around the top side of the room and it is a huge kick for kids.
Hide
|
|
The Leaning Tower has been sitting on the corner of Lyndale and 24th for ages, before it was chi and grunge, before it was veggie or vegan, before things got organic or whole food and before Italian...
The Leaning Tower has been sitting on the corner of Lyndale and 24th for ages, before it was chi and grunge, before it was veggie or vegan, before things got organic or whole food and before Italian food found a neuvo old world cuisine. Now, I think I may have even confused myself with all this type classing. Would it be clearer if I said the cops, local TV and radio celebs and local ward politicians can be found glad handling the peeps in the 6th Ward at Leaning Tower?
The pizza's here are substantial in many ways. They have six house specials that have each owned their own status with the regular customer base. I think they must weight-in at 25 pounds of cheese and toppings that will never leave you wanting for more. They serve hogies and pasta and the sauces are zesty and smothered with cheese broiled to a crispy brown on top. It is real old fashion Italian-American food, not from Italy, but more akin to Brooklyn or New Jersey of the 50s and 60s. Maybe that's a new class we've grown nostalghic for. You'll love it.
The bar portion of Leaning Tower has a life and vitality of its own being something of a fixture in Whittier neighborhood. Friendly and full of attitude. The high-backed booths along the south wall of the restaurant are very private and secluded for those who wish to be alone with freinds.
Hide
|
|
This new addition to the neighborhood grill (Edina Grill and Highland Grill) family is slightly different and upgraded from its older siblings. Yet, in essence it has its conceptual origins in the...
This new addition to the neighborhood grill (Edina Grill and Highland Grill) family is slightly different and upgraded from its older siblings. Yet, in essence it has its conceptual origins in the family. Breakfast, brunch and breakfast all day make it a family wholesome filler-up experience. Bright colors and a wine select make up the difference and, oh yes, you can get additional pasta, sandwiches, and salads added to the evening menu at this location. Rumors tell that the Blueplate Restaurant Company that operates the local chain will be make further changes to each restaurant to suit location.
Still, it is the breakfasts that make Longfellow Grill rock the river. On a recent visit the Crab cake benedict was a bit soggy and bland but you can't miss with their pancakes and steel cut oats in the morning or just a good ole plate of eggs and taters. In the afternoon, a grilled chicken salad ($8.95) with roasted pears, candied walnuts, and craisins has that added punch. The Blackened Pork Chops ($9.95) chipotle pesto and roasted red potatoes is worth a try. Happy eating can be had next to the river.
Hide
|
|
Our asociation with fast food is as a recent American creation and the evolution of the hamburger in America. However, the Bento Box, a Japanese compartmental lunch box can be dated back to the...
Our asociation with fast food is as a recent American creation and the evolution of the hamburger in America. However, the Bento Box, a Japanese compartmental lunch box can be dated back to the Kamakura period between 1185 and 1333 in Japan when hoshi-ii or a "dried meal" was developed for workers to be carried and eaten during hanami. Those plastic trays and multi-compartment polyfoam containers had their origin in lacquered or woven bamboo box. At Zen Box located in the skyway at Six Quebec you can order bento sets and sushi rolls.
Now, a sushi purist might find better and argue but this inexpensive alternative to the burgers, pizza and subs at lunch in downtown is refershing and highly welcomed. Mix and match items like Chicken Kara-Age or Tonkatsu (stuffed pork cutlets with cheese) that double as appetizers or entries when ordered as bento box (served with rice, salad, and drink). Try the Zen Box Beef Ribs ($6.99) or Teriyaki Hamburg ($6.09) in bento sets. There sweet ginger "kamikaze" and soy sauces give their dishes the decided edge over their lunch rivals.
The owner, operator, chef team who moved here from San Francisco of Lina Goh and John Ng are friendly and a fabulous addition to downtown food faire. There are a few tables in the minimal pea green lined and vanished cement floor diner but comre prepared to take out and eat on one of the nearby outdoor plaza parks next to the Government Cener or One Financial Plaza.
Hide
|
|
Kowalski's Market started out on Grand Ave in St. Paul but recently took over GJ's on Hennepin and Lyndale Aves. south to become more competitive with Lunds, Byerlys, and Jerrys. All of these...
Kowalski's Market started out on Grand Ave in St. Paul but recently took over GJ's on Hennepin and Lyndale Aves. south to become more competitive with Lunds, Byerlys, and Jerrys. All of these marketplace local family run chains are similar but offer certain advantages over eachother. After the remodel a few years back, Kowalski's in Uptown got dark and moody but it is an atmosphere you can enjoy in contrast to the glaring bright overhead florescent lights that became the standard of 60s and 70s supermarket food shopping. I am looking to meet a dark moody woman to match this nightclub-like feeling that comes over me at Kowalski's.
At the Hennepin Ave location Kowalski's has yet to fully embrace either the gourmand, the organic, or the artisan-style marketplace but they get closer. A big missing feature is a cheese counter with s full-fledged cheesemonger. Yes, they have many of the artisan cheeses you'll find at Lunds or whole Foods but not the full dedication of trained experts on the floor. I'm sure their buyer/manager is qualified but not the staff interacting day-to-day with customers.
Prices are very competitive with Lunds and Byerly's, in fact, I do a lot more comparative shopping between the local chains because on certain items Kowalski's is lower and sales seem to be aimed at undercutting the competition. Deli isn't as strong at Kowalski's as it is at Byerly's and even Lunds (although I am really unhappy with Lunds) and Kowalski's could do better in selection and especially price in weights and measures.
All in all it is good to have Kowalski's stepping it up in the neighborhood and going head to head with the other local chains.
Hide
|
|
With Thai dining establishments, unlike the French, you always get the sense that they push eating as all out fun. For the French of course, it is extremely serious business with a modicum of...
With Thai dining establishments, unlike the French, you always get the sense that they push eating as all out fun. For the French of course, it is extremely serious business with a modicum of intellectual vigor. When reading the Thai menu, frequently items are listed beginning with an active and astonishing adjective, for instance, Superior Sweet & Sour, Supreme Sweet Sticky Rice, or Magnificent Masaman Curry. For starters, Thai Chicken Satay ($5.95) on skewers with peanut sauce is something you dream about between visits to True Thai. For entries, first lets begin with the Curries. Red Curry ($8.95 to $10.95 depending on protein selection) with its combination of coconut milk and red curry with the meat, fish or duck is absolutely yummy -- you'll be licking the bottom of the dish. Masaman Curry is a mellow golden mild curry that suits the less spicy pallet. Choo Chee Curry with seafood and coconut milk and jumbo sea scallops ($11.95) is out-of-this world. If you are not inclined to eat the curried dishes, you might find the wok-fried more to your liking and ginger will infuse your love life if that's what you are out for. But don't sell noodles short as many Thai food lovers long for Pad Thai ($8.95 to $10.95). Often will all the appetizer selections, shared curry, wok and noodle dishes, salads there is no desire left for desert but Anna's fried Bananas or Green Tea Ice Cream are perfect endings at this awesome neighborhood eating palace.
Hide
|
|
Amusing on the history of Twin Cities ethnic crusine, a friend commented that he remembered a day when one of the only ethnic restaurants was Black Forest Inn. In contemporary terms, it is hard to...
Amusing on the history of Twin Cities ethnic crusine, a friend commented that he remembered a day when one of the only ethnic restaurants was Black Forest Inn. In contemporary terms, it is hard to imagine a German kitchen serving Wiener Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, Spaetzel and Cherry Chocolate Torte as ethnic. Yet, Black Forest Inn, its patio and summer beer garden are cornerstones of Minneapolis varied cruisine and should stand proud after its 40 years down in the neighborhood. The Black Forest, located near the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis College of Art & Design, the old Artist Quarter Jazz Club, The Children's Theater and Guthire Theater and Walker Art Center also held its own with art patrons before nuevo cruisine took hold.
And stories fill and haunt the plank floors and brown panel walls such as the time a mad patron of the Black Forest ran ino the bar banishing a gun and shot a bullet in the large photo mural of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). If you look closely you will find bullet hole and entry crater in the plexiglass covering.
If you like authentic German food you will enjoy Black Forest, the beer graden in summer and the dusty brown paneled walls that engulf you in the bar and seated areas of the restaurant.
Hide
|