CRAFTSMAN RESTAURANT & BAR – Minneapolis

Craftsman's name is a giveaway to the design surprises found inside the very comfortable space. The wall sconces, drop lighting, very high ceilings, gorgeous woodwork, stunning wooden bar, comfy highback bar chairs with leather seats, and over-sized slowly moving ceiling fans. The comfortable elements are wrapped in subdued sage green, yellow and burgundy walls.

Our friendly waiter, whose service was stretched between too many tables, explained that the Craftsman is an eco-friendly, sustainable, organic restaurant for the past 5 years.

I started with a "Beet Bloody Mary" - the beet juice is a delicious balance to the expected heat of a Bloody Mary. So refreshing, we each 2!

I had the "Craftsman Breakfast" - 2 eggs scrambled, 2 pieces of Fisher Farms smoked ham and hash. The fluffy eggs arrived with a hash of chopped potatoes, purple cabbage and red onion. Both were exceptional. The ham had great flavor but too much fat. I am surprised the fatty end piece left the kitchen. I prefer smoked cured to sugar cured ham; what I did eat was delicious. The side of sourdough grilled bread was served with an incredible honey... apple flower, I believe.

This very popular Longfellow neighborhood eatery has a large attached outdoor dining area. I am anxious to return for an al fresco dining experience in the garden exploding with color from the numerous large planters. Thomas and I decided to venture outside the downtown area for brunch and try something new. We found the Craftsman and were very pleased we stopped.

Mmm... Mmm...

Craftsman Restaurant & Bar

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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!”

JOE JACK’S FISH SHACK – Puerto Vallarta

I am not certain how many visits I have made to Joe Jack’s Fish Shack, located in the Zona Romantica area of Vallarta - the most energized area of PV with the south side's beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beach side cafes. I have thoroughly enjoyed each meal.

I typically ask for a table up in the rooftop dining area. This evening my favorite server, Guillermo a.k.a. Memo, was working the first floor dining room. The deep red walls, high ceilings, large mirrors and exposed brick surround a small bar that cozily seats 6.

It has become a tradition of mine to have at least one Mermaid Martini - a very refreshing, addictive concoction of Alize, Absolut Citron & fresh lime juice.

Tonight I asked Memo to order for me. He suggested Octopus a la Plancha (grilled baby octopus) for dinner. This entrée was so popular as a daily special it now has a permanent place on the menu.

The baby octopus is steamed then marinated in EVOO, salt, pepper & a bit of garlic. Each octopus is individually marinated with a serving of potato chunks, slices of chorizo, whole green beans, black olives and whole roasted tomatoes; the “dinner in a bag” marinates all day until ordered by a guest. The dinner is grilled caramelizing the octopus. The marinade is reduced to a wonderful, deep brown sauce exploding with big flavors. The sauce is poured over the grilled octopus, etc and served in a large flat bowl. Fantastic!

Joe Jack’s Fish Shack continues to be one of my must-do eateries in Puerto Vallarta. I plan on returning in April!

Mmm... Mmm... Mmm...

Link to prior Joe Jack's visit

JoeJack'sFishShack.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!”