The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Minneapolis

The seafood at Oceanaire Seafood Room in Minneapolis is so fresh that it’s hard to believe you’re more than a thousand miles from the ocean.

This place has been on our “Dinner Date Bucket List” for over 2 years and we finally made it!  This dinner date is at the top of our all time favorites list for food, service & ambiance.

Our waiter, Shawn, was the best of the best.  We started our adventure with some amazingly fresh bread & a relish tray.  Oceanaire’s manager, Nathan, brought us out the most amazing amuse-bouche.

It was almost too beautiful to eat, but so extremely heavenly and the chef is a true genius.

Steven ordered the  CHILLED SHELLFISH PLATTER A Towering Sampler of Chilled Shrimp, Crab, Lobster & Fresh Oysters from their Raw Bar.

This might sound crazy, but the best salad that I’ve ever had in my life was here.  It’s called the BLT salad and I’ve had salads called this at other places and they don’t come close to this.  I literally could eat this everyday. The fresh made bacon buttermilk dressing, the butter lettuce and fresh tomatoes is simple yet addictive.

Have you ever heard of a Pan Roasted Chicken Chop? Me, either.  They somehow de-boned the chicken breast part and the leg still has the bone and then it’s butterflied. It sounds like a lot of work to me and if it is, thanks because it was cooked to perfection and paired with the absolute best sour cream mashed potatoes.

I’m not sure how often the chef’s at Oceanaire change their menu, but I don’t think you can always order the Lamb paired with the best scallops in Minnesota.  Both were cooked to perfection and absolutely beautiful.

We were full, but just had to try one of their desserts. We decided on the Banana Cream Pie dessert.  It was like banana pudding met creme brulee and this is their baby. If this were a diet food, I’d be skinny.

What a fantastic time and will definitely be back to try more!

http://www.theoceanaire.com/locations/minneapolis

50 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN

Side note:

Use their valet service. Even though it’s $10 plus tip, it is safer & more convenient than parking in a nearby ramp.

If you like Bloody Mary’s, then order their Bloody Caesar.  The bartender is top notch!

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La Ceiba Bistro in South Minneapolis

Cafe Ena’s owner, Chef Hector Ruiz, has done it again!  La Ceiba is his 4th restaurant in South Minneapolis and this one is definitely a must try. Especially if you’re a seafood lover.

First impression walking in was WOW!  Very clean and vibrant with a true homey feeling.  We were greeted immediately with a smile.

For starters, we wanted to try their Ceviche.  A seafood ceviche (calamari, shrimp, fish, crab, scallops) marinated in a citrus sauce served with tostones. This was fresh and tasty, but not like we’ve had anywhere else.  Thinking that maybe they put some sort of cream in it??

Ceviche

Love Empanadas? I do!  Pastelillos: cheese or meat empanadas served with a sofrito tomato salsa. These are hand-made and I couldn’t get enough of them.

My husband ordered the Paella Marinera: A traditional spanish saffron rice dish cooked with shrimp, calamari, mussels, scallops, fish, roasted peppers, peas, lemons.  Our server let us know that it takes about 40 minutes to make this and we figured that was a sign that it was going to be great and we were right!  Not only beautiful, but fresh.

Seafood Paella

Being the less adventurous eater in our marriage, I ordered the Arroz con Pollo.  Translated means rice with chicken.  It was far from plain and boring.  The absolute most flavorful chicken & rice I’ve ever had.

We were too full to try dessert, so will be making plans for another trip here.  Let us know if you plan on going and we’ll meet you there!

La Ceiba Bistro

3500 Bloomington Ave S.

Minneapolis, MN

http://www.laceibabistro.com

Public Service Announcement:

Be sure to think of others who can see your mouth while you’re out to eat by closing your mouth while you chew.

*** Don’t forget to LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ***

Revival – Minneapolis

Foodie Season has arrived & our youngest child is home from his first year of college!!!

We kicked off our Foodie Season with a mid-week lunch at a new Minneapolis hot spot called Revival.

We started with an order of their Fried Green Tomatoes that is served with Pickle Sauce. Pickle Sauce??? The tomatoes had a great snap to them and were lightly fried. The jury is still out on the pickle sauce.

We just had to order The Southern Fried, Tennessee Hot & Gluten Free Chicken…. It is like nothing else served in Minnesota and it is soooo yummy, juicy & hot that we will definitely be back for more!

You know what goes great with Tennesee Hot Fried Chicken???

That’s right…………. fresh made Biscuits with Sorgum Butter, Collard Greens & Mac n Cheese!

Food coma!!!

Biscuits w/ Sorgum Butter

Collard Greens. They’re not just for Holiday’s.

Some of the best Mac N Cheese I’ve ever had.

We also decided to try the North Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich with chopped slaw on top. The pork was amazing. The slaw looked like cut up apples that have been sitting on the counter all day. It was served with a side salad with the most tasteless dressing I’ve ever had.

Banana Cream Pie!! Delicious!!!

Banana Cream Pie
Not too sweet.
Just right!

All in all, a great lunch.  There was some good old time blues being piped out of some ancient speakers.

The only Con, besides the salad dressing is that they serve your Diet Coke in an 8 ounce bottle & it costs $2.50. Boooooo!

8 ounces of Diet Coke??? Who thought of this mean prank?

We’re looking forward to trying their Pork Rinds – Funyon Style & Pimento Cheese and Meat Plate on our next visit.

****Public Service Announcement:  Do not blow your nose in a restaurant. It is rude and can cause you bodily harm. Go to the restroom and handle your business.

Revival

4257 Nicollet Ave S

Minneapolis, MN

http://www.revivalmpls.com

La Grolla – St Paul, MN

La Grolla translated means “the cup of friendship” and that is exactly what it feels like as soon as you step in.

Places like this are always better when experienced with another couple, so we got to share the goodness with fellow food lovers – Jeff & Just Jodi (one of Edina Realty’s BEST Agent’s).

Appetizer’s??? Yes, please!

Calamari Fritti was first to come out and was perfectly breaded and lightly fried to perfection. Calamari and Zucchini lightly deep-fried served with spicy tomato sauce and roasted pepper aioli.

Oh how I wish I had the skills to put together a charkuterie plate like this place! We ordered the Antipasto della Casa for 4 people. It is a bit pricey, but worth every single penny and fat gram. Combination of Marinated Roasted Peppers, lightly deep-fried Green Olives stuffed with Gorgonzola, Prosciutto, Salami, Marinated Artichokes, Mushrooms, and Hummus Crostini.

Do you know anyone who judges how good a waitress is by how often your bread basket is filled or am I the only one? In my educated opinion, our waitress was the best.

Dinner or Supper? Doesn’t matter what you call it when it’s Lasagna Della Nonna –
Italian lasagna with Bolognese sauce and béchamel, grandma style!! Bechamel is not only a sexy sounding word, but makes everything taste better.

My husband ordered a Deadliest Catch boatload of seafood called the Cartoccio –
Linguine pasta tossed with sautéed shrimps, calamari, scallops, Mediterranean mussels, clams, garlic, fresh tomato, basil, oregano, wrapped in parchment paper. Baked and served steaming hot.

Just Jodi went with the Farfalle Sanremo – Bow-tie pasta sautéed with Italian mild sausages, sun dried tomato, fresh spinach, tomato pink sauce. This totally fits her personality as she loves Pink the musician and pink sauce.

Jeff decided to try Ravioli di Granchio – Large Ravioli stuffed with Stone Crab and Shrimp in a Creamy Lobster Sauce. Talk about handsome food!

Even when I think I couldn’t possibly fit another crumb of food into me, I always seem to find some for dessert. Especially when it is a pretty as LaGrolla’s desserts.

I’m just posting the dessert pictures. Hope there’s a bakery near you after you see these ‘cuz you’re about to be hungry.

Ole, Ole, Just Jodi loves Creme Brulee!!

 

La Grolla Restaurante
452 Selby Avenue
St Paul, MN
http://www.lagrollastpaul.com

Great place for some of the best food in the Twin Cities, giggles and laughs with friends and people watching.

Public Service Announcement:
With summer cold season here, please remember that it is not good manners to blow your nose in a restaurant. This behavior turns my stomach and makes me want to send my bill to your table.

On’s Kitchen Thai Cuisine – St. Paul

I always know that we’re in for some great food when we walk into a “hole-in-the-wall” restaurant and the place is packed and On’s Kitchen backed it up!

The most important thing to know when ordering Thai food is that there is Minnesota spicy and then there is Thai spicy.  I didn’t listen and learned this the hard way, but did get my 10 glasses of water in for the day in one sitting.  Another fabulous fact is that On is also the head cook and everything is fresh and made to order and for your viewing pleasure, this is 2 visits in 1.

 

The Spring Rolls are beautiful, fresh and some of the best that the Twin Cities has to offer.

In the mood for an appetizer you’ve never tried before that is full of flavor? Try Pork Sour Sausages – served with pretty slices of ginger and lettuce. The waiter suggested that the ginger really adds an interesting flavor to the app. and he was correct.

The Cream Cheese Wonton’s are crispy and creamy. I wasn’t a fan of the dipping sauce, but will still order them again.

Panang Curry – Dry Red Curry with Beef.  Spicy, delicious and worth the 45 minute wait.

Khao Pad – Fried Rice with Chicken – unbelievably fresh. I ordered it mild/medium and my mouth was hotter than Daisy Duke.

Spicy Noodle –  Thin Noodles, Vegetables & Shrimp w/ Egg, & On’s Spicy Sauce. Steven ordered it Thai Medium and it was HOT, HOT, HOT & Delicious!

 

This is the Real Thai Deal folks!

On’s Kitchen Thai Cuisine

1613 University Avenue West

St Paul, Mn

http://www.onskitchen.com

 

Foodie Tip: #1  Everything is made to order and they only have 2 wait staff working the whole place, so be sure to have plenty of time, patience and conversation starters. #2 Be prepared to hear the occasional nose blower. The food is spicy and most people didn’t get “nose blowing” manners growing up.

 

 

 

Blue Stone Steak & Seafood has put Eagan on the Foodie Map!

With our baby boy at his Senior Prom tonight, what better excuse is there to go eat some good food and enjoy some adult beverages?? We ventured out to Eagan to the new Blue Stone Steak & Seafood Restaurant to see what all the hype was about.  Our waitress, Anastasia, greeted us with an amazing smile and was just bursting with personality.  Their draft beer selection is great and it seemed everyone around us was enjoying some beautiful looking drinks in tall glasses.

We started out with the Lump Blue Crab Cocktail -with Fresno peppers, mango, cucumber, cilantro, lime and avocado
Served with tortilla chips.  It was beautiful, fresh and very tasty.

Just after that was delivered, a manager named Woody came to our table with an order of Fried Calamari ‘Frito’ -with warm marinara and garlic aioli.  He said they made an extra and thought we’d enjoy this.  Ummmm Woody, you’re the best!!!

Taking pictures at the Grand March made me so hungry.  I ordered the Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles – buttermilk fried chicken breast, sweet corn, red pepper slaw and bacon Belgian waffle with maple gravy and pecan butter.  It was so good that I was a member of the clean plate club.  Go me! Side note: the red pepper slaw is amazing!

Steven ordered the Ragin’ Cajun Jambalaya -Chicken, Andouille, Kielbasa, ham, celery, green onions and spicy tomato
sauce; served over rice.  He said it was Jambalaya done Minnesota style and the vegetables were cut a wee bit too big.

We also ordered a side of Ragin’ Cajun Red Beans & Rice -with Andouille, smoked ham hock, Kielbasa and trinity.  Now this was great!

Always in search for the tastiest brussel sprouts, we just had to try theirs.  They were caramelized and cooked with trinity and smoked bacon. The flavor was great, but they were a bit under cooked.

The staff at Blue Stone Steak & Seafood ranks at the top of our list.  We were approached by the owner, who also owns the beer garden called Rajun Cajun at the State Fair and two different managers about our experience. As well as several patrons wondering what we ordered.  We will definitely be back soon to try more of their menu and check out a pretty looking drink or two.

 

Blue Stone Steak & Seafood

2864 Highway 55

Eagan, MN

http://www.bluestonemn.com

 

Kieran & his date, Liz, enjoyed dinner tonight with 58 of their closest friends at the Sheraton in Woodbury.  Hope they made enough to feed that crowd!

 

 

Feliz Cinco de Mayo @ La Cucaracha Ristorante – St. Paul

I drive by La Cucaracha Ristorante on the corner of Dale Street & Grand Avenue at least 15 times a week and can’t believe we’ve never eaten there.  After 2 failed attempts at getting immediate seating at our first 2 stops, we found ourselves hoping to get our hands on some warm chips & salsa and some thirst quenching beverages!

I’m pretty sure that the nice looking gentleman who greeted us upon arrival is the best greeter in the Twin Cities.  He seemed so genuinely happy that we arrived.  The decor was equally warm and inviting.

We knew we were in for a night of amazing food as soon as we tasted their very flavorful salsa and sangria’s made to perfection.  What a great way to start the weekend.

It got even better for my husband when the waitress brought out the Ceviche he ordered.  Anytime he see’s Bay Scallops, fresh cod and shrimp amongst fresh cilantro and onions makes him muy happy

. 

Being the “not so adventurous” foodie in our marriage, I took a leap of faith and ordered something I never had before. Don’t tell my husband, but it’s only because I knew if I didn’t like it that I’d just stuff my face more with chips.  wink wink

I ordered their Tacho’s Pollo Loco – Char-grilled boneless chicken breast covered with chipotle adobo sauce, served with Mexican rice, beans, sour cream, guacamole & flour tortillas. Full of flavor and very filling.  I didn’t have to gorge myself with more chips & salsa!!

My husband decided to try the Puerco Guisado Verde – Stewed Pork in a jalapeño chile sauce with flour tortillas & salad to make your own tacos, served with Mexican rice & beans.  He claims that it was the BEST Mexican food he’s ever had.  The pork was very tender and in an amazing red sauce.

As we were waiting for our bill, we heard this clipping noise.  My husband had commented that it sounded like someone was clipping their nails, but we both giggled and agreed that it must be something else.  Leaving, just 2 booths away from where we were sitting is a middle-aged couple, looking super cozy and………. the lady was clipping her finger nails with a toe-nail clipper!!!!!!!!!!!! It stopped me dead in my tracks.  This has no reflection on the terrific service or amazing food and I am so thankful that I saw this walking out and not walking in.  **I brought it to the hostess’s attention and she quickly approached the table** YAY!

 

La Cucaracha Ristorante

36 Dale St S.
Saint Paul, MN

http://www.lacucaracharestaurante.com

 

 

Heartland Restaurant in Saint Paul – Meh!?

Our dining out adventures have been a little sparse lately. To make up for lost time, we headed to Heartland Restaurant in Lowertown, St. Paul.  It’s been on my Twin Cities Dinner Date bucket list for over a year and I was so excited to finally taste all the goodness that I’ve been hearing about.  We couldn’t get a reservation online until 8:30pm and when we walked in, it was half empty.  Our seats were so close to the table next to us that I learned a lot about trips to China and the San Fransisco art scene in the 90’s (courtesy of the patrons to my left).

To start, my husband ordered a local beer and I went with a Diet Coke.  My Diet Coke came out in an 8 ounce bottle.  I joked that it’ll probably cost as much as pops at Disney World. Guess what?? It cost $3.00!!!!!!!! Times that by 2 and I was becoming an expensive date.

Shortly after we placed our orders, a waiter assistant stopped by our table with a small plate with a cracker dipped in some sort of sauce concoction. He told me it was a “meus-meus”.  I am absolutely sure I spelled it wrong because I cant even find it in Google, but apparently it’s a pallet teaser.  It was a terribly small tease for sure, but pretty tasty.

I ordered the Smoked chicken breast which came with asparagus and ceci beans topped with a tomato concassée & cucumber yogurt sauce. Hmmmm, not sure how to describe this dish, but it was definitely lacking salt and nothing to write home about.

My husband decided to go with the Duroc pork chop that was served with bok choy & carrots drizzled with a tasty apricot gastrique.  I’ll start with the Pro’s: The bok choy & carrots were dynamite.  The pork chop was way under cooked and lacked flavor.

We also ordered off of their Side Plates list and had the Heirloom potatoes.  These were the highlight of the meal.  Not exactly beautiful in a very dim lit room, but very delicious.

A true adventure calls for a beautiful dessert and that is what we got.  Chocolate mousse sponge cake with espresso chocolate sauce, madeleines with a crème anglaise.  Sitting so pretty on top was some sort of edible gold.  Eating it made me feel like a queen.

Heatland Restaurant

289 E. 5th Street

St. Paul, MN

http://www.heartlandrestaurant.com

 

* Be prepared to pay $6 for parking across the street.

** Be super prepared to see that 16 ounces of Diet Coke will cost you $6 plus tip.

 

 

 

Pittsburgh Blue – Maple Grove

A long over due Twin Cities Double Dinner Date with my cousin Michelle and her husband Earl brought us to Pittsburgh Blue in Maple Grove.  The name Pittsburgh Blue came from the way steelworkers used to eat their steak: charred black on the outside, cold and raw on the inside. Some say the men cooked the steaks themselves, throwing slabs of meat directly onto the steelworks’ soot-blackened furnaces. Others claim that the laborers, fresh off a grueling 12-hour shift, would head to the bars for their favorite food, but were so hungry they didn’t have the patience to wait for the steaks to be cooked through.

Our reservation was at 4:45pm and we couldn’t believe that this establishment was already packed.  We were seated in a cozy room with a fire place and a heater that was working a wee bit too good.  Their “Adult Beverage” menu is extensive and they make a very tasty mojito.

For starters, we ordered the Calamari with sweet peppers.  The breading was a little thick, but it was cooked perfectly and served with a lemon aioli.

I LOVE BACON!  I had to have the BOURBON MAPLE GLAZED BACON.  I was a bit disappointed because it was actually super thick pork belly, but the men enjoyed it.  I know bacon is pork belly, but I was expecting it to be thinner and less fat.  The bourbon maple glaze was superb.

I ordered the FILET AMERICAN. A beautiful filet mignon topped with Tilamook sharp cheddar and smoked bacon.  It was cooked to perfection and delicious.

My husband ordered one of the specials of the night, King Crab Legs.  Beautiful presentation and the best part was they cut the shells and removed the meat for him.

Michelle chose the Aged Ribeye and was not disappointed.  I’m pretty sure they had steak and eggs for breakfast this morning with her leftovers.  Lucky ducks.

Earl ordered a bleu cheese crusted filet mignon.  They offer many different choices for toppings and sauces such as:  Bleu Cheese Sauce • Brandied Green Peppercorn Sauce • Mushroom Sauce • Horseradish Cream, Be´arnaise Sauce• Applewood Smoked Bacon.

Their sides are “family style”, so we went with the GROWN-UP MAC & CHEESE and the ASPARAGUS with HOLLANDAISE “frosting” SAUCE.

The asparagus with big and fresh and the hollandaise “frosting” sauce. The mac & cheese was good, but a little bit oily.

There’s always room for dessert.  Michelle’s mom makes the best Red Velvet Cake, but we still had to try theirs.  It was enough to feed a family of 6.  Her mom’s is still better, but it was a great finish to an amazing meal.

We also had to try their Cheese Cake with strawberries. Very creamy, but no graham cracker crust.

Great food – Amazing Conversation & a Memorable Dinner Date

Pittsburgh Blue

http://www.pittsburghbluesteak.com

Arbor Lakes 11900 Main Street North Maple Grove, MN If you’re in the mood for a high quality steak with great service, check this place out. Public Service Announcement:  If you don’t like to sweat during dinner, be sure to be seated far away from a fireplace.

The cure for the sinus cold is in Stadium Village-Minneapolis

Little Szechuan recently opened a new location in Stadium Village and they are really doing great things!

Dan-Dan Noodles came out hot & fresh. The noodles were perfectly cooked and the flavor was superb.

I know that Cream Cheese Wontons aren’t necessarily “authentic”, but I love them.  They come to the table presented so beautifully and not greasy.

The sinus cold cure is Little Szechuan’s “Szechuan Spicy Fish Fillet”.  It features several fish fillets with Chinese cabbage and tofu in a Szechaun spicy broth.  It’s beautiful, delicious and has just enough heat on it to cure your nasal passage for days.

Since I’m not having any sinus issues, I ordered their Orange Chicken.  Fresh chicken, beautiful orange sauce with just a tad of spice and served with a bowl of steamy rice.  I’m still smiling from the amazing flavors.

We’ve been frequent patrons of the St. Paul location and now split our time between the 2 locations.  In 2012, Little Szechuan was voted one of the Top 50 Best Chinese Restaurants in the United States.  There is something for everyone here.  Their wait staff is friendly and attentive and the atmosphere is beautiful and very clean.  They have several rooms for small gatherings and there is free off-street parking after 6pm.  Street parking is free after 8pm.

http://travel.cnn.com/explorations/eat/usa/50-best-chinese-restaurants-usa-145368

I like to believe that I get so much good fortune from my after dinner fortune cookies and hoping the tradition continues.  Refusing to out grow some of my childish behaviors, I still get a giggle from adding “in the bed” to the end of my fortune.

Little Szechuan

304 Oak Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 886-3906

http://www.littleszechuan.com

Check them out!