Victor’s 1959 is a hidden neighborhood gem in south Minneapolis. This tiny family-run eatery features some of the best Cuban cuisine I have eaten in years. Niki Stavrou has been serving her and her family’s incredible recipes for 10 years. In 2008, Victor’s was featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” program.
Victor’s has seating for approximately 40 guests inside at tables covered with plastic floral tablecloths and another 25 guests on their patio (weather permitting, of course). This comfortable space has signatures of the famous and not-so-famous on their walls and ceilings. They have a very large guestbook.
My friend, Julie, had a mango mimosa. She loved it! I had a beer (no vodka in the building) only because they serve wine & beer.
We started with empanadas – fried pastry dough filled with ground beef, minced onion, garlic and maybe a hint of cilantro. I found not a spot of oil on the plate. Delicious! You can also choose from chicken, veggie, or mozzarella cheese with sweet red peppers. Cubans eat empanadas at any meal, but most often at lunch or as a snack. Maybe this is their version of fast food.
We decided to share our entrees. First we chose the Picadillo a la Cubana – sautéed ground beef with chopped green & red pepper, onion, capers, and raisins in a Creole sauce. The Creole sauce is a comforting blend of onion sweet peppers, tomato, marjoram, sugar and garlic. The Picadillo was garnished with green onion and had a generous side of white rice and black beans and, of course, fried sweet plantains. Fantastic!
Our second entrée was the Cuban Stew of shrimp, chunks of chicken breast, slices of Spanish chorizo, corn, and green onion. This amazing bowl of comfort food was slow cooked in a thick Creole sauce with a little white wine added for good measure! I believe I detected a bit of cayenne heat. The stew arrived with a side bowl of fluffy saffron rice and more plump fried sweet plantains. Trust me, there were no leftovers.
In between our entrees, we had a small salad of crispy mixed wild greens drizzled with an incredible garlic mayo vinaigrette dressing. Yumm!
For dessert, we had the Xango Chango! – a rich ‘n smooth slightly tangy cheesecake rolled in a very flaky pastry, quickly fried and seriously dusted in sugar and cinnamon. This decadent dessert is served over fresh guava puree. It is an amazing combination of warm, cool, sweet and tangy! We ended our “off the charts” dinner with Café Cubanos – espresso + sugar.
The only thing missing besides an ocean breeze and palm trees were sugar cubes. I prefer nibbling on a sugar cube that has absorbed some of the espresso rather than adding sugar directly to the espresso.
Niki and her very friendly and helpful staff will be seeing me very soon!
http://victors1959cafe.com/
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
SEN YAI SEN LEK – Minneapolis
Sen Yai Sen Lek (Big Noodle, Little Noodle) is one of many reasonably priced ethnic eateries in an area of Northeast Minneapolis experiencing an exciting turn-around. This 2-room dining space with red walls and high ceilings is busy & loud. So loud, it makes conversation difficult. Ty & I found this fairly new eatery focusing on street food found in Bangkok filled with a diverse mix of diners.
The menu read well; we decided to share several dishes. Our first starter was Tod Mun – a threesome of lightly breaded fish cakes with kaffir lime leaves and a peanut cucumber relish. The only time kaffir leaves are eaten is when they are added to Tod Mun. The cakes had great flavor but a bit too chewy. Our second starter was Gai Satay – 5 skewers of grilled chicken breast. The cucumber salad was excellent; the accompanying peanut sauce was bland. The satay was served with toast points… not necessary.
For dinner, our first entrée was the Nuea Yang Naam Tok – a marinated, thin sliced, slightly pink steak garnished with bits of green onion, cilantro, toasted rice powder (yumm!) and mint. The marinade of fish sauce, tamarind, lime juice & Thai chilis add incredible flavor to the beef. The steak is served over mixed baby greens. The small serving was delicious! Our next choice was Pad Tee Mao (also known as Drunken Noodles) – stir fried wide, flat rice noodles, thin slices of pork, Thai chilis, Thai basil, minced garlic, tidbits of tomato and white onion. The sauce dripping from these fat noodles generally includes fish sauce, black soy, and a bit of sugar. Fantastic!
When the entrees were served, I believe it was one of the owners that came to our table and explained the 4 condiments and suggested what went with each of our dishes. I noticed this visit was made to most tables near us. Sen Yai Sen Lek lets the diner add his or her own “heat” to the dish. My favorite was the crushed red pepper and vinegar sauce! A few drizzles go a long way.
Wine and beer are served, as well as bottles of Boylan soda and imported Mexican Coca Cola. No Coke or Pepsi products will be found at Sen Yai Sen Lek.
The service was not what I expected. We repeatedly needed to catch our server to ask for replacement silverware that left with a finished dish, small plates to share our dishes, water and soda refills. It really took too much effort. The best option maybe to call ahead and get your food to go.
http://www.senyai-senlek.com/
Mmm, Mmm…
$
++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
The menu read well; we decided to share several dishes. Our first starter was Tod Mun – a threesome of lightly breaded fish cakes with kaffir lime leaves and a peanut cucumber relish. The only time kaffir leaves are eaten is when they are added to Tod Mun. The cakes had great flavor but a bit too chewy. Our second starter was Gai Satay – 5 skewers of grilled chicken breast. The cucumber salad was excellent; the accompanying peanut sauce was bland. The satay was served with toast points… not necessary.
For dinner, our first entrée was the Nuea Yang Naam Tok – a marinated, thin sliced, slightly pink steak garnished with bits of green onion, cilantro, toasted rice powder (yumm!) and mint. The marinade of fish sauce, tamarind, lime juice & Thai chilis add incredible flavor to the beef. The steak is served over mixed baby greens. The small serving was delicious! Our next choice was Pad Tee Mao (also known as Drunken Noodles) – stir fried wide, flat rice noodles, thin slices of pork, Thai chilis, Thai basil, minced garlic, tidbits of tomato and white onion. The sauce dripping from these fat noodles generally includes fish sauce, black soy, and a bit of sugar. Fantastic!
When the entrees were served, I believe it was one of the owners that came to our table and explained the 4 condiments and suggested what went with each of our dishes. I noticed this visit was made to most tables near us. Sen Yai Sen Lek lets the diner add his or her own “heat” to the dish. My favorite was the crushed red pepper and vinegar sauce! A few drizzles go a long way.
Wine and beer are served, as well as bottles of Boylan soda and imported Mexican Coca Cola. No Coke or Pepsi products will be found at Sen Yai Sen Lek.
The service was not what I expected. We repeatedly needed to catch our server to ask for replacement silverware that left with a finished dish, small plates to share our dishes, water and soda refills. It really took too much effort. The best option maybe to call ahead and get your food to go.
http://www.senyai-senlek.com/
Mmm, Mmm…
$
++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
CITIZEN CAFÉ – Minneapolis
Citizen Café is a fairly new restaurant (opened June ’08) in the Standish-Ericcson neighborhood. Chef & owner Michael MacKay creates classic dishes using local resources and food products.
The comfortable L-shaped dining room seats approximately 45 guests at wooden tables dressed with heavy brown paper tablecloths. The vibrant posters on the walls add a splash of color. The food is the focus; everything on the menu is made from scratch in their kitchen. The high quality ingredients were apparent in everything we ordered.
Bev and I decided to share a starter as we sipped our goblets of malbec. We had the Country Pate – a large, firm slice of course ground pork and chicken resting in a brown grainy mustard with a hint of horseradish plus a sprinkling of capers. Thin silver-dollar slices of French & rye bread and spreads of soft butter and spicy chickpea were a perfect match for the pate. Delicious!
Both of us chose the Grilled Marlin for dinner. The large fillet was a perfectly grilled – seared, juicy & slightly rare. The marlin was plated with a mound of fluffy mashed potatoes and minced poblano peppers. The generous side of roasted cauliflower, golden beets, carrots & parsnips was excellent. Guacamole and a tomato salsa came with the marlin, if we wanted to take it up a notch. Both were tasty; however, the marlin by itself was perfect!
I have a weakness for crème brulee. We decided to try their version of this classic dessert. This very smooth and creamy delight was topped with fresh, sweet blueberries and strawberries. The burnt sugar was still warm when it arrived at our table.
Megan, our server, was extremely friendly. She knew the menu and her suggestions were spot on.
I will certainly return to Citizen Café for another relaxing dining experience where the staff and the food shine!
http://www.thecitizencafe.com
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
The comfortable L-shaped dining room seats approximately 45 guests at wooden tables dressed with heavy brown paper tablecloths. The vibrant posters on the walls add a splash of color. The food is the focus; everything on the menu is made from scratch in their kitchen. The high quality ingredients were apparent in everything we ordered.
Bev and I decided to share a starter as we sipped our goblets of malbec. We had the Country Pate – a large, firm slice of course ground pork and chicken resting in a brown grainy mustard with a hint of horseradish plus a sprinkling of capers. Thin silver-dollar slices of French & rye bread and spreads of soft butter and spicy chickpea were a perfect match for the pate. Delicious!
Both of us chose the Grilled Marlin for dinner. The large fillet was a perfectly grilled – seared, juicy & slightly rare. The marlin was plated with a mound of fluffy mashed potatoes and minced poblano peppers. The generous side of roasted cauliflower, golden beets, carrots & parsnips was excellent. Guacamole and a tomato salsa came with the marlin, if we wanted to take it up a notch. Both were tasty; however, the marlin by itself was perfect!
I have a weakness for crème brulee. We decided to try their version of this classic dessert. This very smooth and creamy delight was topped with fresh, sweet blueberries and strawberries. The burnt sugar was still warm when it arrived at our table.
Megan, our server, was extremely friendly. She knew the menu and her suggestions were spot on.
I will certainly return to Citizen Café for another relaxing dining experience where the staff and the food shine!
http://www.thecitizencafe.com
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Saturday, April 18, 2009
ELSIE'S RESTAURANT - Minneapolis
Tim & I crossed the river to the growing collection of eateries in Northeast Minneapolis. No sign of a recession in this neighborhood of reasonably priced restaurants. We stopped at 3 before we settled down at Elsie’s. All had waits of an hour or more!
Elsie’s is an “entertainment complex” with 16 bowling lanes, a karaoke corner and a restaurant. A family run operation serving casual breakfast, lunch & dinner fare for 56 years.
“When in Rome. . .” We started with a basket of crispy tater tots and a ketchup dipping sauce bumped up a notch with hot sauce. How could this not be good?
For dinner, I chose the buffalo chicken breast sandwich. The large whole breast was grilled and bathed in a wonderful zesty buffalo sauce. The homemade bun was buttered and toasted before surrounding the delicious chicken. A side of kettle chips and crisp pickle spears round out this tasty meal.
Our very friendly and sexy server, Joel, told us this very popular venue is “buzzing” in to the early morning. For the 1 ½ hours we were at our table eating & drinking, there were diners waiting to snag a table as quick as one opened. We walked through the bowling area as we left – all 16 lanes were busy and a line of karaoke performers waiting for their 4 minutes of fame.
Good times, good food… easy on the wallet!
http://www.elsies.com
Mmm, Mmm…
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Elsie’s is an “entertainment complex” with 16 bowling lanes, a karaoke corner and a restaurant. A family run operation serving casual breakfast, lunch & dinner fare for 56 years.
“When in Rome. . .” We started with a basket of crispy tater tots and a ketchup dipping sauce bumped up a notch with hot sauce. How could this not be good?
For dinner, I chose the buffalo chicken breast sandwich. The large whole breast was grilled and bathed in a wonderful zesty buffalo sauce. The homemade bun was buttered and toasted before surrounding the delicious chicken. A side of kettle chips and crisp pickle spears round out this tasty meal.
Our very friendly and sexy server, Joel, told us this very popular venue is “buzzing” in to the early morning. For the 1 ½ hours we were at our table eating & drinking, there were diners waiting to snag a table as quick as one opened. We walked through the bowling area as we left – all 16 lanes were busy and a line of karaoke performers waiting for their 4 minutes of fame.
Good times, good food… easy on the wallet!
http://www.elsies.com
Mmm, Mmm…
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Friday, April 10, 2009
BALI - Minneapolis
I had a crazy week and decided to check out the Happy Hour at one of the recent additions to "Eat Street". Bali is located on Nicollet Avenue (north end of Eat Street). The comfortable space has red and black walls with touches of Indonesian “art” and high ceilings
Bali was alive by 5:30p. All tables in the front dining area and most seats at the bar were occupied with an urban mix of guests.
My libation of choice was once again the Balitini - a fantastic blend of vodka and a splash of Thai chili pepper infused pineapple juice. The hint of an ‘after burn’ is a nice surprise. Again, I had 2!
It was too early for me to eat dinner. Wanting to nibble on something as I enjoyed my Balitinis, I went with the Siomai (I actually had 2 plates). These half moon pipin' hot potstickers are plump with minced chicken, onion, carrot, garlic & a dash of light soy sauce. A fantastic mayo based dipping sauce with sweet chilis adds a nice contrast to these delicious crispy nibbles!
Its unfortunate the kitchen exhaust system can not yet handle the smells from the large number of plates leaving the kitchen.
Again, the staff could not have been more pleasant. From the looks of those in the dining room, I wasn't the only one enjoying myself!
Link to a prior Bali visit
Mmm, Mmm…
http://BaliMinneapolis.com
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Bali was alive by 5:30p. All tables in the front dining area and most seats at the bar were occupied with an urban mix of guests.
My libation of choice was once again the Balitini - a fantastic blend of vodka and a splash of Thai chili pepper infused pineapple juice. The hint of an ‘after burn’ is a nice surprise. Again, I had 2!
It was too early for me to eat dinner. Wanting to nibble on something as I enjoyed my Balitinis, I went with the Siomai (I actually had 2 plates). These half moon pipin' hot potstickers are plump with minced chicken, onion, carrot, garlic & a dash of light soy sauce. A fantastic mayo based dipping sauce with sweet chilis adds a nice contrast to these delicious crispy nibbles!
Its unfortunate the kitchen exhaust system can not yet handle the smells from the large number of plates leaving the kitchen.
Again, the staff could not have been more pleasant. From the looks of those in the dining room, I wasn't the only one enjoying myself!
Link to a prior Bali visit
Mmm, Mmm…
http://BaliMinneapolis.com
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Friday, April 03, 2009
PANCHO VILLA - Minneapolis
Pancho Villa is located on Nicollet Avenue (south end of Eat Street). Pancho Villa has a large basic space with simple decor serving Mexican home-style meals. This is one of the few Mexican restaurants I will visit in Minneapolis; there are several.
My friend, Tim, and I each had a challenging week at work and we were looking for an inexpensive escape. We have been to Pancho Villa on several occasions; the weekends are always much livelier. Perfect solution for putting a wacky week behind us.
We decided to share the starter. We chose shrimp; a dozen grilled, peel ‘n eat arrived with a trio of salsas – pico de gallo (a fresh condiment of tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños), guacamole and chipotle. Excellent!
This evening I had the chimichanga. I realize this dish originated in the Southwest US, but it has all the ingredients of a great burrito. The gigantic crispy fried burrito was stuffed with pastor (vertically roasted pork & pineapple), red rice, beans, minced onion, and cilantro. Melted cheese and red sauce garnished the chimichanga. It arrived with mounds of homemade guacamole & pico de gallo resting on shredded lettuce.
The service was friendly and fairly quick. Food is generally incredible – large portions, homemade & cooked to order. As I mentioned earlier, I have eaten here on numerous occasions and find the food and service to be better Monday – Thursday. This very popular restaurant becomes too busy for the kitchen to keep pace with the orders and maintain the quality of food delivered earlier in the week.
Sit with your back to the very large windows - you will feel like you are in "Anywhere", Mexico. This very casual eatery is energetic & authentic. I have never found an empty table on any of my visits. The predominantly Latino crowd will be celebrating birthdays, watching their favorite novella or sports team on the large flat screens or singing karaoke. Alexis is the weekend karaoke diva - full of fun & glam! She has both rooms moving. Good times & good food for all.
Mmm, Mmm…
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
My friend, Tim, and I each had a challenging week at work and we were looking for an inexpensive escape. We have been to Pancho Villa on several occasions; the weekends are always much livelier. Perfect solution for putting a wacky week behind us.
We decided to share the starter. We chose shrimp; a dozen grilled, peel ‘n eat arrived with a trio of salsas – pico de gallo (a fresh condiment of tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños), guacamole and chipotle. Excellent!
This evening I had the chimichanga. I realize this dish originated in the Southwest US, but it has all the ingredients of a great burrito. The gigantic crispy fried burrito was stuffed with pastor (vertically roasted pork & pineapple), red rice, beans, minced onion, and cilantro. Melted cheese and red sauce garnished the chimichanga. It arrived with mounds of homemade guacamole & pico de gallo resting on shredded lettuce.
The service was friendly and fairly quick. Food is generally incredible – large portions, homemade & cooked to order. As I mentioned earlier, I have eaten here on numerous occasions and find the food and service to be better Monday – Thursday. This very popular restaurant becomes too busy for the kitchen to keep pace with the orders and maintain the quality of food delivered earlier in the week.
Sit with your back to the very large windows - you will feel like you are in "Anywhere", Mexico. This very casual eatery is energetic & authentic. I have never found an empty table on any of my visits. The predominantly Latino crowd will be celebrating birthdays, watching their favorite novella or sports team on the large flat screens or singing karaoke. Alexis is the weekend karaoke diva - full of fun & glam! She has both rooms moving. Good times & good food for all.
Mmm, Mmm…
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
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