Showing posts with label Caribbean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Caribbean. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

PICOSA - Minneapolis

Picosa is located along the Mississippi River in a historic building within the St Anthony Main area of Minneapolis. The restaurant wraps you in warm comfortable colors. The tables in the dining area actually have space between them! The floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible views of downtown Minneapolis and the river. The large patio will be very popular in the summer. The menu is a tantalizing blend of Caribbean, Central American & Latin American flavors.

Our busy schedules did not allow my friends, Joel & Michelle, and I to connect for dinner. Not wanting to miss an opportunity to chat, we went for Happy Hour. Picosa has fantastic Happy Hour specials: 2-4-1 cocktails, beer or wine by the glass and delectable $1 tacos with your choice of beef, chicken or pork. Two or 3 soft tacos and a libation or 2 and you have an excellent early evening meal. The taco meats are each flavored differently; I had all 3; I thought the beef was a bit dry. The chicken and the pork were fantastic.

The restaurant did not offer the standard “chips ‘n salsa”. Instead, you can order a basket of made-to-order plantain strips and a side of the incredible smoky/spicy salsa. We went through 2 baskets. Yumm.

David’s very friendly and attentive service made for a relaxing time with good friends.

Reading their dinner menu made my mouth water. I will most certainly return for a full meal.

Mmm, Mmm…

http://picosarestaurant.com/home.asp

$$
++++
✦✦✦

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, October 20, 2006

CONGA LATIN BISTRO - Minneapolis

Conga Latin Bistro is located in an up and coming trendy area of the city. This area with its very expensive lofts is just across the Mississippi River from downtown. The atmosphere is very comfortable - nothing pretentious - with very friendly bi-lingual service. The music and dinner guests floating across the dance floor is HOT - muy caliente!

For a starter, try the Empanada Platter with 2 each of beef, chicken & cheese. These puffed pastries were exploding with flavor. The dipping sauce was a bonus! The Chicken Isabel is marinated in orange juice, grilled and served with sweet chunks of papaya. It was accompanied by a generous serving of mashed potatoes. The potatoes were predictably good; I would have preferred the congri. Congri is a fantastic side of white rice and black beans. The Tres Leche Cake resting in a wonderful sauce was delightfully sweet, but could have used a bit more time absorbing the sweet milk. It was enjoyable with a strong cup of coffee.

Looking to satisfy your craving for Cuban cuisine? Conga is a wonderful option. If you are dining on either Friday or Saturday evening, request a table near the dance floor and feel the Latin heat! Things begin to warm up around 9:30. After dinner and dancing, take a short walk back to the river and stroll along the shore of the "Mighty Miss". The City skyline and bridges are beautifully lit each evening.

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!”