Alright, so I've had the pleasure of experiencing some more unique/neighborhood restaurants since moving back to MPLS - the likes of Al Vento, BLG, Bar Lurcat, Pizza Lola, etc. However, I don't have a lot of confidence in my inner "foodie" to talk intelligently about my dining experiences.
But I MUST tell you about the place I dined at tonight with three friends. It's Travail Restaurant in Robbinsdale - so a little off the beaten path, but WELL worth the trip. I don't know a ton about the place, but I first heard of it when MSP Mag featured it as one of the best new restaurants of the year. Either way, finally made plans to go there tonight. It was definitely busy. We got there at 5:45ish and didn't sit down until near 7ish. A few (generous) glasses of wine, shuffleboard & bean bag games kept us occupied. So yes, this place is busy (and pretty small).
Either way, we sat down and immediately ordered some small plates to share. So insanely good - Blue Cheese Tots, Fresh Cut French Fries, and Prosciutto and Blue Cheese wrapped Figs. They came out pretty much immediately. Thank goodness. Then, we each got our own dish. Not a lot of food on these plates, but a TON of flavor. I got a pork loin - wrapped in prosciutto, butternut squash drizzled, carrot powder/carrots/carrot chips, portabellos, sweet potato. It was a beautiful combination in my mouth.
Half the fun of the night was all the servers that visited our table. The restaurant is owned by 5 guys - all from different places in the U.S. We got to chatting with them, and they all had awesome stories about how they ended up opening this restaurant in MN. Truly inspiring. They seemed to LOVE life.
Then, came dessert. The four of us split the grand tour - 4 desserts. Two of my friends gave up chocolate for lent. Bad for them, awesome for me! One of our desserts was prepared right at the table.
Net net, go to this place. But, go (really) early or go late so you can avoid an hour long wait!
I've even "liked" them on FB: http://www.facebook.com/Travailkitchen
Happy Dining People!!
Erin
We have a tiny place by our house called First Course. Super yummy crab and pesto gnocci. During the week there isn't a wait. On Fridays and Saturdays you're lucky to ever get a table.
ReplyDeleteAnother place you're going to want to try is the Blue Door in St. Paul. They are opening another location on Nicollet (eat street area) BEST burgers. But again, go at odd times or wait outside for an hour. I had the Jiffy Burger- peanut butter, a little mayo, pepper jack cheese, bacon, and a few pickles. Sounds weird. but oh my goodness.
Both places are pretty tiny but I'd say thay are well worth the wait.
That sounds yummy! Especially dessert ... I am going to have to try!
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