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.

azuki sushi closed - OH NO!

You may have heard my go-to sushi spot is closed forever. Earlier this month asuki sushi in Minneapolis closed and rumour has it the owners moved back to New York. The good news is a couple of sushi chefs from another of my favorite restaurants are opening their own sushi bar in the old azuki space. The sign on the window says opening soon.

Salut - Saint Paul

I seized on the opportunity to dine outside for the first time this year with the 80 degree temperatures. It was a perfect evening for Salut Bar Americain on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul. This was probably my third time dining on the patio at Salut and all three times have been pretty consistent. Grand Avenue, and Saint Paul in general, are desperate for more places like Salut. I hope more local restaurateurs take note of Salut’s apparent success and open up more cool places to go out to. They were sure busy on this warm spring night. I’ve noticed on the half dozen or so times I here that it is a favorite spot for girl’s night out. Salut has a comfortable bar area that opens on to the large outdoor patio. There is also a large indoor dining room and even when they are very busy I’ve never had to wait longer than a couple drinks to get a table. I’m not sure is Salut is an American bar-restaurant trying to be a French bistro or a French bistro trying to be an American bar-restaurant. Either way it seems to work. You will feel comfortable here in a jacket and tie or t-shirt and flip flops. The food and service at Salut are good, but if they could kick it up a notch or two I think they would really have something. None the less, it is still probably the best option on Grand if you a looking for a spot to meet up with friends between Lexington and Dale that is a step up from the rest.

We started out with a generous portion of calamari which was lightly fried and served with both an aioli mayo and a roasted red pepper sauce. Both complimented the calamari nicely. I shared a crock of the French onion soup, which always hits the spot. For the main course I shared Le Cheeseburger Royale, a bacon cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato and onion, served with excellent Pomme Frites and Béarnaise sauce. The French fries with the side of Béarnaise were the highlight. Unfortunately, the Lyonnaise frisee salad we shared was not so great. We finished off the evening with a gigantic piece of red velvet cake with cream cheese icing. This cake is awesome and worth a trip just for desert.

I would put the menu prices on the reasonable moving towards the high side. There is plenty of variety on the menu as well. Anywhere from small plates to full blown steak and fresh seafood dinners. Salut is located at 917 Grand Avenue in Saint Paul. They are open Monday – Thursday 11am – 10pm, Friday & Saturday 11am – Midnight and Sunday 10am-10pm.

Blue Door Pub - Saint Paul

I've been to the Blue Door Pub three times since it opened a few months back and each time it has been great. Located just off the corner of Selby and Fairview in the Merriam Park / Lexington - Hamline neighborhood, it's the perfect spot to grab a casual bite to eat or a great micro brew. It is a cozy little restaurant and it's been packed every time I've been there. But don't let the crowds discourage you. There is a small bar and plenty of great beer on tap. It's definitely worth the wait and the kids will love the chalk board walls in the booths. This would be a great spot before or after the game if have Minnesota Wild tickets.

My favorite appetizer has to be the Spam Bites. Spam, cream cheese, pickles rolled up into generous sized balls, breaded and deep fried. They are served with a spicy chili lime sauce and are out of this world. They also offer some the best fried green beans I've ever had. You can get them as an appetizer or on the side with your sandwich as an alternative to fries or tater tots. The tots are also excellent. Either plain, my preference, or Cajun.

I usually prefer a proper burger over the stuffed 'juicy lucy' style or 'Blucy' as they are called here, but the Blue Door Pub does a really nice job with theirs. On my last visit I tried the Frenchie, which was the burger of the day. Stuffed with Swiss cheese and caramelized onion on a toasted, buttered, super fresh bun and served with a side of au jus. This was incredible and I can't wait to satisfy my craving for another on my next visit. Another favorite of mine is the Pub Sandwich, which is basically a BLT with pepper jack cheese and a fried egg. I have also tried the Blucy, their specialty burger stuffed with blue cheese and garlic, and their straight up cheese burger. Both are worth coming back for.

The Blue Door Pub is located at 1811 Selby Avenue. They are open Monday - Sunday 11am - 1am. The phone number is 651-493-1865.