This pleasant Greek spot near General Mills HQ is the perfect place for the eggplant appetizer and hummus. The standard Roditi’s adds the perfect touch for a light lunch.
9920 Wayzata Blvd.
St. Louis Park, MN
(952)546-OPAA
Excelsior, MN is one of those idyllic small lake spots in the Minneapolis area with a small town atmosphere and unusual tourist attractions including a steam powered ferry boat. Their restaurant scene is changing for the better — in part because of Biella.
The place is named after a region in Northern Italy near France – thus some interesting fusion dishes. My duck confit (thanks to the waiter for correcting my pronunciation of confit — a nice touch but not appreciated by the tiger) was light and delicious. A shared portion of gnocchi was enough for three as a tasting/second course. My wild mushroom risotto was smooth and delicious — they use the right rice. Passed on dessert though their menu was tempting.
Wine choices were excellent, including a wide variety of pinot noirs from many places. The Oregon one from the Willamette Valley is a good one.
227 Water Street
Excelsior, MN 55331
(952)474-8881
www.biella-restaurant.com
Let’s go to the Edina neighborhood in Minneapolis and try Arezzo’s authentic Italian cuisine. Mellanzane lovers beware — this must be the place. Their appetizer is tender and succulent with a fresh tomato base with dots of pesto and shaved cheese in the perfect proportion — relativity is everything. This is a light rendition leaving one satisfied but not overindulged.
The spaghetti carbonara was al dente with a moderately thick sauce with just the right amount of pancetta. Portion was just right for a big guy like me (this could have been easily shared).
Wine choices are varied and plentiful, by the glass and by the bottle. Prices not bad either.
5057 France Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN
(612) 285-7444
www.arezzo-ristorante.com
Napa Valley look out – this place looks like it was transplanted from a location close to the notorious wine train. Anyway, took a client to lunch here and enjoyed the al fresco setting and the wonderful food. My lunch salad was unusually fresh and included the typical Cobb accessories with a slice of whole wheat bread – next time I will have the cornbread which is the real thing – I even saw pieces of kernel corn in my guest’s cornbread – looks like almost as much fun as eating polenta in the Italian Alps area.
The indoor bar is quite beautiful with enough people watching stations and wine choices. I was told that this is an over forty crowd hotspot but I didn’t think kids these days had so much taste – guess I have to admit I’m an “older fart” – but back to basics: I don’t go to restaurants to observe the diners, I go to eat and break bread with my guest(s) [or to enjoy the solitude if alone].
I’ll be back.
$$ to $$$
12501 Ridgedale Drive
Minnetonka, MN 55305
(952) 591-0000
394 West from Minneapolis and exit on Ridgedale Drive, follow road along the shopping center until you run into Redstone on the left.
American translations/versions of German food – belt busting portions when you’re ready for some fats and carbs; but for a lover of sausage and red cabbage and kraut (not too sour), it’s the place in town. I did try their BBQ pork ribs with their special sauce – give them a try.
$$
221 N. Minnesota St.,
New Ulm, MN
(507) 359-2071
on the main commercial strip
(so well-known in town that their address or phone number isn’t even printed on their take out menu)
Honest food for real people – and great pies to boot. The Star of Apple Country – though their blueberry pie is also a star.
$
US Highway 169
501 East South Street
Belle Plaine, MN 56011
(952) 873-4334
Just south of the Twin Cities.
Steakhouse in quaint town west of Minneapolis.
$$
635 East Lake Street
Wayzata, MN
(952) 404-1100
Meat lover’s paradise! My favorite in the USA.
$$$
26 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis MN (downtown Mpls)
(612) 339-0909