Memorable Restaurant Experiences of 2012
As this is the last entry of the year, I thought I'd share some of my favorite dining experiences of 2011. Since I have a tough time remembering what I had for lunch, these are not meant to be full blown reviews, but rather impressions of the experience.
1. Il Gatto (3001 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408; 612.822.1688) - Sadly, I just learned that this Uptown Minneapolis restaurant closed last week. For years it had been Figlios, but its parent organization, Parasole, rebranded and re-opened it 18 months ago. It made the list this year, because, while eating there with some friends, one of the busboys knocked over a candle on an adjacent table and spilled wax all over my jacket. We had already paid the check, but the manager, in addition to paying the dry cleaning bill, gave us our money back and gave us substantial gift cards for a return visit. Upon our return, they remembered us again and comped our dessert. It's unfortunate they couldn't stay open, but I sure appreciated their hospitality. They will be missed.
2. Heidi's Minneapolis (2903 Lyndale Ave S., Minneapolis,MN 55408; 612.354.3512). Heidi's is another Minneapolis venue that had some issues recently. It burned down about two years ago, but Heidi and her husband, Stuart Woodman reopened it in an old coffee shop. We had been trying to get there for a long time but were finally able to secure a reservation on a Sunday night. The Shefzilla Surprise is the nightly appetizer and it is a work of art. We shared a mini baked sweet pumpkin that was stuffed with crab and shallots. It was TDF. I am so glad they are back!
3. Arguello Supermarket (782 Arguello Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118; 415.751.5121). This supermarket/deli was the best culinary surprise on a recent trip to SF. They roast their own turkeys daily and use fresh baked bread, so the Roast Turkey Sandwiches are unbelievable. There is limited seating at tables on the street, but Golden Gate Park is two blocks away, so grab some chips and a beverage of your choice and make it a picnic. The succulent taste of that turkey will bring you back again and again.
4. Lucia's (1432 W 31st St, Minneapolis, MN 55408; 612.825.1572) Another Minneapolis staple, but like good wine, this one seems to get better with age. This is where we held my wife's 50th birthday party. And what a party it was. Even though the place was packed when we got there the servers treated us as if we were the only ones in the place. Lucia Watson was an early proponent of the "eat local" movement and always creates an interesting menu. The food was terrific, the wine kept flowing and pretty soon we were the only ones in the place!
5. Cucina Italiana Paprika (110 Saint Marks Place New York, NY 10009; 212.677.6563) Full disclosure: my son is a waiter here, so we may get some preferential treatment, but he has little to do with the ambience or the quality of the food. Those are the work of owner, Egidio Donagrandi. See if you can get a spot at the family table in the back corner and spend a few minutes looking at the table itself. It is a work of craftsmanship worthy of the menu. The Eggplant Napoleon is a great way to start. My son likes the Pizzacchari Valtellinesi with the buckwheat pasta, and while you cannot go wrong with this simple peasant dish, you owe it to yourself to try the Creamy Lobster Macaroni and Cheese. You will not look at the boxed Mac and Cheese in the grocery store ever again. And then you have to get the Panna Cotta to finish it off. This custard is so light and airy; you'll practically float out the door. But be sure you tip the waitstaff before you go!
As I look back at this list I'm struck by a couple things. The first is that while food is important, the ambiance and service are just as important. The second thing that strikes me is I can't say enough about making things right, should there be an issue - check out the number 1 restaurant on my list if you don't believe me.
I'm excited to see what 2012 has to offer and what new places I discover. I'm looking for recommendations so please tell me your most memorable restaurant experiences this year.
Thanks,
Ben
Comments
1. Gastrotruck - a food truck in St. Paul, MN specializing in sliders. The swordfish and marlin ones are amazing.
2. Vito's Chop House in Orlando. Even if you don't like steak (like me) you won't be disappointed.
3. Nob Hill Cafe in San Francisco. Neighborhood Italian eatery with home made pasta and sauces. And don't forget the tiramisu. But they don't take reservations and it gets crowded so come early.
4. Mercat a la Planxa in Chicago. Iron Chef Jose Garces has created an amazing tapas menu. I was there with 7 other people and everything we ordered was great. Things that stand out are the flatbreads, ham and chorizo croquettes and the smores, which don't look anything like traditional smores but are fantastic.
5. Twisted Fork Grille in St. Paul, MN. An affordable neigherhood restaurant that you'll come back to again and again. Don't miss the seared scallops and polenta or the roasted chicken with mushroom risotto.