Epic Sandwich: The Armatage Room

I've been trying to get to the Armatage Room for quite some time, and it appears that the anticipation was well worth it. Their Turkish Sandwich is a huge, mess of a creation, but it is soooo darn good! Full review here.

Lunch at the Armatage Room

Looks like the folks over at Cafe Maude are adding yet another dimension to the Armatage Room. Lunch service (on top of small plates, private dining and prix fixe) starts on May 4th and I believe runs Monday-Friday. The menu looks to be pretty simplistic featuring mostly sandwiches (I'll take the Reuben), a few salads and my personal favorite - fries and harissa. Full initial menu here.

I'll follow up with a little something more soon.

Happy Eating,

-Teddy

The Armatage Room Brings Dessert to a Whole New Level

I was searching around for some good food news the other day and discovered a juicy bit of food news from AZ . Turns out my neighboring Armatage Room will be hosting the mother of all dessert events. On Sunday, March 22nd Adrienne Odom, previously of Aquavit and Gotham Bar and Grill (to name only a few, mind you) fame, will be putting on what promises to be a outrageous five course dessert and wine tasting. To me, this event highlights the shift back to the indulgence and comfort of the Sunday Supper. Odom boasts the resume of a true pastry rock star and her craft will be in the spotlight for what I can imagine will be a rare and exciting event. I was at Cafe Maude on Sunday and decided to do some snooping and turned up what is a beyond promising menu. Please note that each of the below courses will be paired with wine, beer or coffee.

Passion Fruit Curd

Tropical Fruit Tartare and Ricotta Sorbet

Sheeps' Yogurt Cheesecake

Ras El Hanout Shortbread

Oven Roasted Pears

(Tell me this doesn't sound amazing)

Warm Olive Oil Cake

Sherry Poached Figs

Fig Ice Cream

Saffron Orange Gel

Thyme Ice Cream, Chocolate and Sea Salt

Chocolate Caramel Tart

Earl Grey Parfait and Citrus Dust

Assorted Handmade Chocolates

(Three of my favorite words)

I'm not a huge dessert guy as my taste buds seem to lean more towards the savory, but calling the above simply "dessert" clearly isn't doing the menu justice. This sounds like a truly unique experience that is not to be missed. The cost of the event is $45 and reservations are required.

Call 612-822-5411 or visit info@cafemaude.com for more info on this limited event.

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