Store Brought Gelato as Good as Home Made? Try Talenti!

I am a true ice cream lover. Over the years I have tried many brands, flavors and combinations but when it comes down to it I am a purist and relish in a creamy, not too sweet, rich vanilla. My ice cream maker and I have become very good friends. However,  I believe I have finally found a product that put next to home made varieties even the most trained taste buds could not tell the difference. 

In the strange way that the world works I have also had the opportunity to work with them. They are an amazing company. For those of you who love ice cream this Gelato is well worth trying. Talenti knows how to make it just right.

My favorite flavors are the Double Dark Chocolate Chunk, Tahitian Vanilla, and Blood Orange Sorbetto. Feel free to try other unique flavors like Sicilian Pistachio, Caribbean Coconut and Cappiuccino. Oh, and yes, it is real all natural product! I highly recommed it. It can be found at most Lunds and Byerly's as well as select flavors at Kowalski's Markets and some Target stores.

Bar La Grassa

I was surprised when making reservations for two on a Monday night the host seemed to squeeze us in for an 8 p.m. slot. Sure enough when we arrived the place was bustling. We were a bit early for our reservation. The host kindly assured us they were running on time. So, we grabbed a drink in bar. Quickly finding a seat at one of the corner tables under the golden glow of the smoked glass chandeliers the place was warm and full of life with an energetic buzz. The noise level was loud but we could still have a conversation without feeling like we were shouting. 

We were promptly seated at 8 in a cozy, plush leather booth not far from a well-kept open-air kitchen with bar seating around it. Our server greeted us quickly with a smile delivering a dish of marinated vegetables and legumes with warm French bread. The menu set in 6 different sections is easy to navigate by moving left to right picking a few small plates from each or one or two large plates depending on the size of your group. The servers were very helpful and knowledgeable able to give suggestions, parings and explain the items fully.

The thoughtful wine list covers a nice variety of different regions many available by the glass we chose a Malbec "Punto Final", from Mendoza, Argentina 2008 and Tempranillo, Castillo Labastida from Crianza, Spain 2005 both a wonderful match with the succulent flavors of foods.

We started with the eggplant and prosciutto bruschetta, classic roasted eggplant atop warm perfectly crusty and soft French bread with a beautiful ribbon of prosciutto.  They master both dry and fresh pasta so be sure to try both however the calamarata with raw tuna in a pepper sauce seemed an odd match. The Fioe Gras tortellini was by far my favorite. I would go back for this dish alone. Next we sampled the pappardelle with veal ragu a classic presentation with noodles that melt like butter in your mouth, For an entree we chose the spicy porchetta a traditional Italian pork roast seasoned with fennel, garlic and ancho pepper it was fork-tender and mouthwatering. The next time I am there I will be sure to try the soft eggs and lobster bruschetta, crab ravioli, and gnocchi with cauliflower and orange as well.

For dessert we chose the carrot cake an odd choice for an Italian meal but it was one of the best I have ever had. This rich and smooth cake was not too sweet with a nice touch of salted nuts in the creamy frosting this paired well with the Moscato d'Asti, from Italy 2007.

I would definitely visit Bar La Grassa again although not a traditional trattoria the food was done exceptionally well. Their menu changes to accommodate for new dishes and customer favorites. This place is busy but even though it was packed we were not sitting too close to others and never felt rushed.

Bar La Grassa                   800 Washington Avenue North, Minneapolis                   612-333-3837

Reservations are essential 

Parking is on the street and can be a bit hard to find at times however valet is available. 

Starters $6-$10 Entree $10-$35