Thursday, July 30, 2009

CHEEKY MONKEY DELI – St Paul

Cheeky Monkey Deli opened in February ’09 in a wide, open space of bright, white tiles, red & glossy white walls, a huge fireplace, chalkboard menus and an eclectic collection of “frame within a frame” artwork of Andy Warhol prints, comic book covers, record album covers and vintage black & white images. It works!

My friend, Bev, splits her time between Minneapolis and San Diego. Prior to each of her trips back to Minneapolis, I am tasked to find a new eatery that neither of us has visited. Tonight, it was Cheeky Monkey.

We began the evening sipping goblets of the Banrock Merlot (organic) from New Zealand. They offer a varied and interesting list of reasonably priced beer and wine.

For our starter, we had the daily Meat Board – an excellent collection of prosciutto, rare roast beef, smoked ham, Genoa salami and black olives, pickled cucumbers, sun-dried tomatoes and grainy mustard for taking it up a notch. A basket of flatbread and French bread made for easier nibbling. Great idea for a starter!

For dinner, I chose the Cumin Pork Shoulder Hot Pot – a savory, very tender serving of pork slow cooked in it own juices (strained before serving) accented with cumin and Mirepoix. Mirepoix is a simple and flavorful combination of carrots, celery and onion used in nearly every traditional French stew. The Pork Hot Pot was topped with flat leaf parsley and caramelized onions. Yumm. As my side, I selected the braised seasonal greens. Today, it was chopped kale braised in a fantastic vegetable broth with a bit of olive oil, lemon juice and tiny bits of fresh garlic. Delicious!

Bev and I decided to share a large slice of Coconut Crème pie made by the chefs in Cheeky Monkey’s kitchen. The buttery crust with a touch of brown sugar supported a thick layer of vanilla custard and a mound of whipped cream topped with a generous sprinkling of toasted coconut. Heavenly. . .

I noticed on one of the artistically written chalkboards they offer a Sunday brunch featuring food stuffs from the St Paul Farmer’s Market. My next visit will be for brunch.

Joshua, our extremely friendly server, suggested his favorites on the menu. He was spot-on every time with his suggestions. Co-owner and chef, Matt McArthur, excels in creating extraordinary, casual food. This is the best comfort food I can remember eating. Sorry Mom, Cheeky Monkey rocks!

www. CheekyMonkeyDeli.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, July 23, 2009

ZELO – Minneapolis

Zelo is one of the better eating establishments in the downtown area. It has been serving exceptional Italian cuisine for 10 years. Today’s experience was no different from previous visits… excellent!

Zelo’s very large contemporary space of chocolate brown walls with accents of gold, silver and exquisitely colored glass is casually elegant and very relaxing. Ask for a table near the window or a large, round corner banquette if there are at least 6 in your party. They offer perfect dining room & sidewalk site lines. The stunning ceiling in the smaller, center dining room is worth a visit!

For lunch, I ordered an off-menu special – the walleye sandwich. The large walleye fillet was lightly breaded and quickly fried. The almost oil-free fillet was very fresh and flaky. Not being a fan of ciabatta buns, I substituted a toasted bun with a generous smear of garlic mayo. I also had a side of their very thin, crispy fries. A dash of salt and I was in heaven.

As always, the entire staff was spot on during my visit – friendly, accommodating and paced. I’ve never been less than satisfied when dining at Zelo.

Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…

http://www.zelomn.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!”

Sunday, July 19, 2009

FIVE GUYS BURGERS & FRIES – Minneapolis (Edina)

Five Guys Burgers & Fries is the newest burger joint to arrive in the Twin Cities. The long narrow space explodes with high gloss red, black & white accents. The high ceilings make the space seem larger than it is. Sacks of potatoes divide the walkway to the cashier from the eating area.

I ordered the hamburger (2 patties - fresh, never frozen). I chose 4 of the 15 available toppings: grilled onions, mustard, jalapenos, and tomato. This incredible mouth full was served on a toasted bun. Next time, I will request my grilled onions to be completely grilled. Mine were far from being grilled, closer to raw & oily.

I also had a side of Cajun seasoned fries. These potato sticks were perfectly cooked in peanut oil. Believe me, the oil makes a huge difference. Based on Jonathan’s (my cashier) description of the Cajun seasoned fries, I expected much more zip than what I got. Next time, I’ll order the regular fries.

The friendly staff is eager to answer questions and keeps this diner spotless!

Mmm, Mmm…

http://fiveguys.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!”

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

PICNIC Restaurant & Bar - Puerto Vallarta

Luis told me the sad news during this visit to Puerto Vallarta. He would be closing Picnic. Over the past 2 ½ years, my friends and I enjoyed countless hours eating and drinking at his eatery. I am saddened to see it be another to close due to the difficult economic conditions in my spot of paradise. Picnic & Luis, you will be missed!

I received this email from Luis today.


To each and every one of our clients and friends:

I just want to thank you for all your support on this incredible experience at Picnic, all of my love and best wishes.

I also want to apologize for the late notice of Picnic’s closure. My staff and I leave with the great satisfaction of meeting such good friends as all of you.

Many hugs. Thank you.
Luis Alonso
.. .. ..

A todos nuestros clientes y amigos:

Quiero agradecerles el apoyo que siempre me dieron para vivir la increible experiencia de Picnic. Todo mi agradecimiento y mis buenos deseos para el futuro.

Y por supuesto tambien una disculpa por no haber avisado con tiempo la clausura de Picnic. Todo el staff y yo nos vamos con satisfaccion enorme de quedarnos con buenos amigos y muy buenos deseos de todos ustedes.

Aabrazos para todos y nuevamente mil gracias por todo.
Luis Alonso

Sunday, July 12, 2009

BOCA BENTO - Mismaloya/Puerto Vallarta

Boca Bento is located in Mismaloya – a quick 15 minute taxi ride south of Puerto Vallarta. Boca Bento’s comfortable dining room is a large covered dining area (without walls) surrounded by tropical garden spaces.

Jose & I wanted a “change of scenery” so we headed south for lunch. We ended up at one of my favorites, Boca Bento.

For the starter, we had the Queso Findido – an incredible blend of 3 cheeses (Chihuahua, Manchego, & Oaxaca). We requested crumbled chorizo be added. This combination was baked to a gooey goodness and served with warm flour tortillas. A trio of sauces – pico de gallo, sour cream, and guerea (roasted tomatoes, peppers, garlic & onion) accompanied the starter. These sauces were first spread on the tortilla followed by a couple of spoons of the cheese mixture. Amazing!

For lunch, I had the fish tacos. The grilled white fish was marinated in orange juice, garlic, tomato, achiote & apple cider vinegar. The flaky fish was piled in a tortilla topped with shredded lettuce and a generous drizzle of a jabanero mayo sauce. Fantastic.


Kudos to Stewart & Monica (the owners) for keeping Chef Juan Zuno in charge of the menu. His creations continue to excite me.
Back in a few months. . .

Link to prior Boca Bento visit


Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…

http://bocabento.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, July 10, 2009

BITE ME! BEACH CLUB - Puerto Vallarta

Bite Me! Beach Club’s indoor/outdoor café is located on the beach about 4 blocks south of the wooden pier in the Zona Romantica area – the older charming Puerto Vallarta. The casual, relaxing space of flowing drapes, dark woods, comfortable tables & chairs on an elevated outdoor dining area and yards & yards of glass if you choose to dine inside – and nothing to obstruct your views of the beach & the bay.

This casual beach club eatery recently came under new management. I believe Grant is the new manager. His unending energy has successfully re-energized the beach club.

Jaime and I spent the afternoon enjoying tall, perfectly tart vodka lemonades and all of the beach eye candy!

We started with a “flower” of angular chips and a mound of fantastic guacamole and a side of pico de gallo that had just a bit of heat. The beautiful presentation was accented with bits of red & yellow peppers. Salvador made certain we did not run out of warm chips!

For lunch, I had the “Mein Herr” sandwich – a stack of Black Forest Ham, Swiss cheese, tomato and mayo on a toasted pumpernickel sub-like roll (baked fresh daily). A side of hot and crispy fries came as a side. A salad of baby greens and carrot slivers were tossed in a balsamic vinegar and wine reduction dressing. This crisp salad was creatively served in a radicchio cup. Delicious! This reincarnation is a huge improvement over its past life.

Grant’s smile, personality and ‘biting’ humor kept the tables filled with guests. He has retained the same sexy & very friendly staff. Julio, Frederico and Salvador are quick to accommodate!

I will most certainly be returning to Bite Me! on my next visit in November.

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!”

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

AMAPAS SUNSET – Puerto Vallarta

Ampas Sunset is a new addition along the beach in Zona Romantica. The sexy, open dining space with stone tile floors, large tropical plants, and candlelight is gorgeous. It offers gentle tropical breezes and breathtaking views of Banderas Bay & stunning sunsets. The contemporary menu focuses on fresh seafood.

My friends, Luis & Jose, and I spent several hours enjoying the sunset, sailboats drifting in the bay, and animated conversation.

We nibbled on warm, homemade chips and fresh guacamole as we sipped our Belvedere martinis.

For dinner, I ordered the Shrimp with Mango. The 6 large shrimp rested in delicious sauce of pureed mango and guillo peppers. The shrimp were accompanied by a salad of red leaf lettuce, radicchio and shredded carrots tossed in a very light oil and vinegar dressing. It was excellent. The slices of warm French bread smeared with a bit of soft butter were perfect to dab up the shrimp’s incredible sauce!

Roberto, the manager, and his very friendly, well-trained staff made for a relaxing evening at the beach. Great friends + delicious food = fantastic time. I will be returning to this eatery on my next trip to Puerto Vallarta in November!

Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…

http://www.amapasunset.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!”