...details that make a difference

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Restaurant Week 2010


Ladies and Gentleman Restaurant Week is back! For one week only February 28th to March 5th in the Twin Cities you can experience some of the finest culinary meals with exceptional deals. Other cities have restaurant weeks as well search on Google to find out when and where the nearest one is to you.


For this week only participation restaurants will offer specially priced gourmet prix-fixe meals. Some locations will even offer special wine pairings.


Lunches will include two courses at $10-$20


Dinners will include three courses at $15-$30


*Tax, wine, and tip are not included in the preset price.


There is something for everyone at with the variety of restaurants that are featured. Don't miss out. See some of my favorite menu picks below.


To find participating restaurants go to  Mpls St. Paul Magazine and make your reservation now at Open Table.


Crave      For a $20 Lunch


Galleria
Edina, Minnesota 55435
Phone: 952-697-6000




Starter: CRAVE Salad -- Fresh Spring Greens, toasted pine nuts, local Donnay Farms goat cheese, and house balsamic vinaigrette
Entree: Mango & Prawns -- Bell peppers, red onion, ginger, fresh mango, and white rice pilaf



Barrio        For a $15 fun casual dinner


235 E. 6th St.
St. Paul, Minnesota
Phone: 651-222-3250




Starter: Fresh made guacamole, chips and our signature salsas

Entrée:
(Small plates)
Potato sope with goat cheese, salsa and herb salad
Build your own tacos
Chicken Pibil
Carnitas in Red Chile Sauce
Served with frijoles charros, roasted chiles and traditional garnishes

La Belle Vie     For a very classy evening $30 Dinner
510 Groveland Ave.
Mpls., Minnesota 55403
Phone: 612-874-6440

    Nantucket bay scallops with foie gras, beets and black truffle

    Sea trout with cuttlefish carbonara and braised butter lettuce
    Grilled beef ribeye with fallen camembert soufle, dried cherries and port


    Wildfire       For those who like plenty of choices this is by far a steal for a $30 Dinner

    3020 Eden Prairie Ctr.
    Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
    Phone: 952-914-9100
    Starter:
    Soup of the Day
    -or-
    French Onion Soup
    -or-
    House Salad Bowl*
    mixed greens, artichokes, carrots, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, croutons;
    creamy ranch,  french, house vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing
    -or-
    Caesar Salad*
    crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and garlic croutons

    Entrée:
    Cedar Planked Salmon*
    -or-
    Fresh Fish of the Day
    -or-
    Roasted Herb Chicken
    -or-
    Roasted Prime Rib of Beef 10oz.*
    -or-
    Petite Filet Mignon*
    Above dinners served with a choice of redskin mashed potatoes*, wild rice, au gratin potatoes*, creamed spinach, roasted vegetables*, french fries, or broccoli with herb butter*

    Dessert:
    Seasonal Pie of the Month
    -or-
    Flourless Chocolate Cake*
    vanilla ice cream
    -or-
    Homemade Key Lime Pie
    graham cracker crust, fresh whipped cream

    Cheers! May you always eat well!

    Monday, February 8, 2010

    Skinning a Potato Without a Peeler


    For all of you who love making scalloped potatoes and potato salad from scratch but don't necessarily find joy in peeling all the boiled potatoes this tip is for you.

    This technique can also be used to peal things like peaches for pies and fresh tomatoes. Just score the bottom with a X and take out the little "button" on top where the fruit would have attached to the tree of vine rather then scoring around the middle like for the potato. Quickly blanch for a minute to loosen the skin and refresh in cold water just like in the video the skin will peal off with ease.

    Enjoy and happy cooking!


    Click here: YouTube - Dawn W ells Potato Peeling Video