Totally Excited for Vinaigrette

I got caught at the light at the intersection of 50th and Xerxes on my way into Linden Hills the other day (as usual). While waiting for the signal I looked over to my left and realized a new business was moving in next to Dunn Brothers on Xerxes. This particular space has claimed business plan after business plan over the past few years, but I'm really optimistic that this new one will stick. The name of the shop is "Vinaigrette" and the sign reads "Oils and Vinegars to tap, taste and treasure." This is beyond exciting for someone who has been making their own salad dressings and marinades for quite some time. Vinegar was a completely underutilized weapon in my culinary arsenal up until a few months ago, so I am excited to see what I can turn up.

A quick glance into the windows (Maybe I got on my tip-toes and pressed my face against the glass to see what was inside) revealed some wine rack like tables with awesome little silver barrels to hold what I can only imagine will be a variety of oils. From what I could see (which was very little) the set up closely resembled the shops I used to frequent when stopping to fill up a jug of wine on my way home from class in Padua. These shops usually had a selection of oils to taste along with several vinegars. All you had to do was bring in your own bottle and select whatever you want just like buying in bulk at the Co-op. I have a feeling this shop won't be too far a departure form that awesome model. Hopefully the store will have some tasty tartinas laid out like their Italian brethren as well! I've made a lot of assumptions here, but I hope I'm close because I think this could be a really cool business model.

I have access to really nice oil due to my Mom's culinary ventures in Italy, but the idea of being able to buy a few more unique varieties and tap into a nice selection of vinegars is of particular interest to me. The shop looks like it has a way to go before opening, but I know I'll be doing my best to make sure this place stays in business far longer then the shops to occupy the space before it. Stay tuned for more info.

Happy Eating,

-Teddy

Cafe Cuba - Closed before it opened?

Drove by what is/was supposed to be the Cafe Cuba space which was slated to take over the former Betsy's Back Porch coffee house today and noticed a "for sale" sign in two of the windows. I couldn't help but notice that they took down the "Coming Soon" sign quite some time ago as well. Looks like they had been putting a lot of time and effort into the place, but maybe it folded as a result. I'm not sure though. I need to do some digging. It will be a huge disappointment if it isn't going to open, though. I was looking forward to having some good (hopefully) Cuban food near by. I guess it's still Victor's for me for the time being...

Anyone out there know anything about the situation?

Contnet Update: Epic Sandwich

I've decided to consolidate and concentrate my efforts. I'll be folding my Epic Sandwich concept into my regular content schedule here so that I can deliver more on the MN food scene and keep my content fresh. I'm hoping it will be a nice addition and allow me to cover more of our fabulous local eateries, which I'll admit I've been concentrating on less due to a surge in other food related news. I'm hoping to balance things out and let people know about what's going on in our local dining scene and beyond. Stay tuned in the next few days for posts on the Mississippi Market and their awesome "Shopping Co-op on a Budget" course, a Mill City Farmer's Market segment (hopefully highlighted by an elusive tongue taco sighting) and a few notes on a trip to Clancey's Meat and Fish in my beloved Linden Hills. I'll be in touch.

Happy Eating,

-Teddy

The Strip Club

A few buddies and I are planning on hitting the Strip Club in the next few weeks - full review to come. I've wanted to go here for quite a while now (I love a good grass-fed steak!) as I've heard quite a bit of good buzz. I was checking out their site and discovered a really cool film on their landing page. It talks about what is inspiring their spring menu and gives you a good feel for what drives the place. I dig the kitchen footage too. Check it out here. Hopefully more eateries will follow suit, although I'm sure it was no cheap endeavor!

Happy Eating,

-Teddy

Trattoria Tosca

I couldn't help but notice a bit of buzz around the Turtle Bread building in Linden Hills last night. Thinking with my stomach, as always, I decided to slow down to take in the commotion. At first I just thought it was for the emergence of outdoor seating, but then I realized that most of the traffic was near the Trattoria Tosca side of the building. I think I had stumbled upon a soft launch. There were several folks near the door and I could see others sitting at set tables complete with wine glasses and everything. There is even a sign up, so I figured they must be getting close. I decided to lob a call in to Turtle Bread to see if the menu was posted and to just be a little nosey and the worker I spoke with mentioned that their first official night would be tomorrow night! A second call to the Chicago Ave. location confirmed the opening tomorrow. I've been excited to check this place out ever since the word first started floating around a few months ago and will get there asap - though due to all the launch delays, I remain cautiously optimistic. My guess is the neighborhood will flock to it, much like some of the other recently opened establishments in the area. Stay tuned for more information to come!

Happy Eating,

-Teddy

More Maude in Armatage

Looks like all the Cafe Maude lovers are going to have even more to celebrate within the next week or so. Quite some time ago the owners of the beloved Armatage neighborhood eatery announced that they would open up a private dining space coined the Armatage Room, and it turns out that the space will act as a wine bar when it's not rented out for the night. This seems like a smart move given that I find it hard to believe that the private room would be booked solid every night, which is pretty ambitious for a neighborhood joint. Regardless, they're smart business owners and they wouldn't be opening the space unless they could smell success. I for one am glad that the much lauded Maude will be expanding. I reached out to Ruth who is in charge of the Armatage Room logistics and found her most helpful.

Based on our conversation, the space should be open any day now. I've heard rumblings of Nov. 15 and I believe the space seats up to 32 comfortably. The Armatage Room sounds impressive utilizing a European setting  and touting Canadian pine tables, soft leathers, custom chandeliers and local art. Needless to say the ambiance will be quite nice for both glass of vino and a private dining space.

My favorite feature will be the room's own open kitchen which will support the majority of the food preparation. There's something about having a view of the craftsman who labor over our meals that gives you a connection to the craft and the food.  The menu sounds fantastic and features a six course feast with several options for each course as well as a tasting menu made up of Hors D'oeuvres, soups, salads, entrees and desserts. In addition, they also offer family style dinners that pull from the traditions of several European countries - think paella, cassoulet and lasagna.  The wine bar menu is eclectic in the Cafe Maude style featuring salads (Cobb and Greek), cheeses, cured meats, a pasta dish, braised lamb, meatballs and scallops as well as a few sweets! The one bummer: No hard booze! That's especially depressing since they mix some mean spirits across the street, but I'm sure the wine and beer list will be up to the challenge. More details here.  

Since it's private dining they defer to some common catering practices such as menu selection within a certain time of deposit and a final count within a week of the event. The room minimum (at least initially) runs $750 Sunday through Thursday and jumps to $1500 on the weekends not including tax and gratuities. 

Regardless, more Maude is a good thing for all, in my opinion. I've had some great meals there and have even enjoyed swinging by for a a quick drink and a tasty small plate (they've got killer upscale chicken wings!) when not indulging in a full blown dinner. Hopefully the Armatage Room will help thin the crowd at the typically packed house, but somehow I have the feeling they'll still be packing in.

Happy Eating,

-Teddy

A Second Helping of HungryinSW

That's right. It's time for another heaping helping of food, and this serving, like HungryinSW, is calorie free. Epic Sandwich will be my casual, quick service sister to my usual musings on local fine dining.

This blog will be dedicated to surveying and evangelizing the best sandwiches in the Metro area. I can't deny my obsession between the goodness that can be created between to tasty slices of bread, and I'll extend that to other delights such as burgers, burritos and any other creation that resembles a good old sandwich. Stop on by and leave me a comment for any place you want to see reviewed or to let me in on a hot tip!

Stop on by whenever!

-Teddy

Cafe Levain's New Menu

I originally fell in love with the Levain of Steven Brown fame when I dined there to celebrate my Mother' birthday. This comforting little cafe is connected to Turtle Bread in south Minneapolis and is a perfect little culinary escape. Steven has since left, and the restaurant has re-opened with a slightly more affordable and dressed down concept, but I feel that the food is still stellar and priced in a place where I can indulge more often. The exposed kitchen is still captivating and gives you a nice little glimpse into the mastery that is cuisine.

They've recently unveiled their new fall menu, and I think it looks great! Three words: Local Foraged Mushrooms. The only other word combination that could get my belly more motivated would be: Huge Free Steak. Since that isn't going to happen I'll have to sneak over to Cafe Levain and let my taste buds ravage some of the little goodies. The Fall Vegetable Salad sounds like an epic construction of fall flavors including butternut squash, bacon, apple puree, pistachios and a poached egg. SOLD. I might as well order it when I make my reservation. 

The thoughtful menu also takes the time to call out the feeding scheme for the beef they are serving which is appreciated, and if a big hunk of bovine doesn't sound good to you then I'd be willing to bet the 1/4 fried chicken with truffle oil and chicken just may sway your appetite. The vegetarian barley risotto accented with sage sounds perfect for a nice windy autumn dinner too. Levain embraces the cafe concept of offering enticing sides including brussel sprouts, cannellinis and some more of those addicting mushrooms all gussied up for the fall.

Pick a nice brisk night and head on over to soak up some of that  warm ambiance and tear into the flavors of the fall.

Happy Eating,

-Teddy

Bad News for Big E

A few weeks ago I posted about Eric Austin's new spot, the Bourbon Street Steakhouse. Turns out it has rapidly declined form the honeymoon stage. Big E has had some precarious business partnerships in the past, and this seems par for the course, unfortunately. I've met Eric and actually interviewed him at a former gig, and he is incredibly nice and super talented. I really hope his House of Soul gets off the ground soon, and that he can finally operate the place he's been trying to create for so long. Stay tuned.

Happy Eating,

-Teddy

Run!

BUMMER ALERT! Scroll to 9/16 update.

That is exactly what I'm going to do. I'm going to run, not drive or walk, just run to Eric Austin's Bourbon Street Steakhouse. I was heart broken when he closed down on Eat Street. He has the best sandwiches in the city, not to mention the best Mac 'and Cheese (several Wolves players had standing orders of the stuff back in the day) and fried green tomatoes anywhere outside of New Orleans - the dude was trained at the Commander's Palace, so he knows what's going on. 

The menu seems more upscale with a variety of steaks (tomahawks!) and seafood options that he didn't have at his old joint, but my favorites, including his catfish po'boys and all his delicious sides are still there. I'm going to try and get there soon (I've got to let the kitchen and service get their legs) to do a quick write up and post some pics. The only disappointing part is that it's all the way in South Saint Paul. I can tell you without even stepping in the place that it will be worth the trip, though, because nobody does soul food like Eric around here. Seriously though, it may be a good idea to run there because creole food is not light, but worth every step on the treadmill thereafter.

I'm hoping to get another soul/creole food post up here yet today - it'll be a recap of a fabulous meal I had in New Orleans earlier this year.

Happy eating,

-Teddy

A Few Notes

Went to Indio last Friday for the second time and it was just as good as the first. Our server was a bit odd, but we made it through. I went with a group of seven, so we were able to order a pretty wide sample of the menu. The Guacamole was good, but lots of places have decent Guac. I though the tosdatitas were really good personally - just the right amount of heat and and each portion (3 total) was just over a good sized Amuse Boush which I think is just right for an appetizer. I'd recommend this place for sure. If you aren't sure of their credentials, it's the same group that runs El Meson and Cafe Ena. Anyone that can have three successful ventures going in a city that is known for good Latin/Mexican food must be doing something right.

Heard from AZ that Alex Roberts is opening another Brasa location, possibly is St. Paul. I say bring it on. He serves up some mean pork, chicken and beef with legit sides. More Alex Roberts is a good sign by my standards. I find it hard to make my way over to Restaurant Alma, although I had a fabulous meal there, so if we can fold him in on Grand Ave. in St. Paul, I'll take it, although selfishly, I wouldn't mind another Brasa even closer to me in SW Minneapolis, or even say, in my own backyard.

Heading to Al Vento on Friday. I'll try and get a few shots and thoughts up on that.

Happy Eating,

-Teddy

Healthy Gourmet

I think all of you who like to eat well and eat light might enjoy this. It turns out some of our favorite and most celebrated local chef's are turning out menus that are low calorie, yet flavorful and just plain imaginative. Now I can't say I've sampled these particular menus but a quick glance at a chef bio would make me believe that these guys wouldn't compromise their craft for a low calorie count. Check out Minnesota MonthlyMagazine (one of my favorite local mags) for more details http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/ . If any one tries any of the listed items let me know your thoughts.

Happy Eating,

-Teddy