Vikings Packers game at the Metrodome - Minneapolis

My buddies from Milwaukee were in town this past week and we were not able to score any Vikings Packers tickets for the big game at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. We decided to watch the game at the Groveland Tap in Saint Paul. The place was packed and the crowd was rowdy. My friends were impressed with the huge tap beer selection. They likened the Tap to a good old Wisconsin Tavern without all the cigarette smoke and Packer fans.

Groveland Tap - St Paul

It seems the the Groveland Tap in Saint Paul has been trending upwards the last few years. They offer a very impressive selection of beer on tap and a very good bar-food menu. I've been there the last two Thursdays for taco night. The tacos are simple and great. Hard or soft, beef or chicken and served with a side of sour cream and salsa. I'm no hot sauce afficianado, but I'm now hooked on the Marie Sharps habanero pepper hot sauce from Belize. I would say the hard chicken is my favorite, but I like all of the four combinations. There is a different special every night except Saturday. It seems like Taco Thursdays is the most popular. Some other highlights off the menu are the fried cheese curds, which I think are some of the best in town, nachos, perogies, the Juicy Lucy and Philly Cheese Steak.

The Groveland Tap is located in the Mac-Grovland neighborhood of Saint Paul just off the corner of St Clair and Fairview. They feature a large game area and it's a great place to bring the kids.

Tsunami Sushi - Minneapolis

I have checked out Tsunami Sushi a couple of times since they've open and have yet to post due to the fact it seemed they were still working out some kinks. I've received multiple reports from others, some great and others not so great. I was lucky enough to score some Owl City tickets for the show at the Cabooze a week from Saturday. I will give Tsunami another go before the show and let you all know what I think.

Bellanotte - Minneapolis

Another downtown Minneapolis night spot bites the dust. Bellanote, located in the Block E entertainment complex downtown Minneapolis, recently announced it is closing it's doors. A long time favorite destination for those attending events at Target Center, cited the changing economic climate as a major factor. Personally, I can't say I was ever a huge fan and they seemed to be trending downwards the last few years. It will be interesting to see if anyone is willing to jump into such a large space in this economy. It would be an ideal location to take advantage of the new Minnesota Twins ballpark, Target Field. Also, the Timberwolves can only get better.

Tsunami Sushi - Minneapolis

I was informed by a friend that Tsunami Sushi is opening in the old azuki Sushi spot near the University of Minnesota campus. The azuki ownership moved back to New York and a couple of the sushi chefs from Saji Ya in Saint Paul are opening up in the same location with a new menu. I'm hoping they will still have the New Orleans roll. I will check it out this weekend and report back with more information next week.

Bar Lurcat - Minneapolis

I scored some Target Center Tickets for the Green Day show and decided to stop at Lurcat in Minneapolis beforehand. I think they have the best French Fries in the Twin Cities. Lurcat has both a sit down restaurant on one side and a large bar and outdoor patio on the other side. The restaurant is great, but I prefer the bar. Both the bar menu and dinner menu are available in the the bar. If you go, you must try the Fries with Bearnaise sauce and the mini burgers. You will become addicted. Lurcat is located just off Loring Park across the street from the Walker Art Center and the Basilica of St. Mary at 1624 Harmon Place. Parking is usually not a problem, but they do offer valet parking if you can't find a spot on the street. Bar Lurcat's hours are Monday - Thursday 5pm - 10 pm, Friday & Saturday 5pm - 1am, and Sunday 5pm - 9pm. Their phone number is 612-486-5500.

Chirs & Rob's Chicago's Taste Authority - Saint Paul

I've driven past Chris & Rob's Chicago's Taste Authority on West 7th Street in Saint Paul numerous times and finally stopped to check it out. They are located in an old dining car previously occupied by Villa Pizza. It was nice to see they cleaned it up quite a bit. The added garage door was a nice touch. Anyone looking for a quick Chicago street-food-vendor fix this is your spot. The Chicago dog, made with Vienna Beef of course, will take you back to Wrigley Field with your first bite.













I can't claim to be an expert, but this was maybe the best hot Italian beef I've had anywhere. A gigantic portion of meat and pretty spicy. If you have Minnesota Wild tickets I would definitely recommend taking a pit spot here before the game. Chris & Robs Chicago's Taste Authority in St. Paul is open Monday - Saturday 11am - 9pm and Sunday 12 - 7pm. They are located at 603 West 7th Street in Saint Paul not far from Xcel Energy Center.