James Beard Best Chef Eatery

My friend and colleague, Anna, had been wanting to try 112 Eatery so we opted for a beautiful summer evening in June. Although we weren't able to take advantage of dining al fresco, we were so thoroughly enjoying ourselves so we didn't even notice what we were missing outside.

We began with a bread basket, which may seem typical, but the bread was so fresh and served with fresh butter so it was worth the few extra calories.

As usual, we ordered a variety of items, which we shared and I highly recommend this approach as there were numerous items worth trying on this menu. The first course consisted of a fresh salad which contained Boston bibb with a fine herb vinaigrette. It sounds simple yet that's what made the dish a fabulous starter to the rest of the meal, which was somewhat indulgent.

One of our favorite courses was the fresh ricotta with white truffle honey. The creaminess of the ricotta just melted in your mouth while the sweetness from the honey rounded it out.

The main course consisted of nori encrusted sirloin with ponzu sauce. Although we didn't ask, they even split the sirloin onto two plates for us. It was tender, had a slight sweet taste while also showing a bit of heat. The fresh vegetables on top provided a crispness to balance out the richness of the meat.

The roast chicken and lobster with hazelnut sabayon was something truly different than what I have ever had at any restaurant. The chef essentially made a sliced roll of the chicken and lobster. The sauce was a perfect accompaniment to this succulent dish. 

I enjoy some good gnocchi and this had to be some of the best gnocchi I have ever had. As Anna put it, they were little pillows of goodness. 

112 Eatery did not disappoint with their dessert selection and it was as endless in innovations as was the rest of their menu. We opted for the blueberry mousse cake with braised blueberries. The mousse was so light and delicate, we could have easily each ordered one for ourselves. 

In addition, we chose the house-made waffles with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. I appreciated the waffles being thin and chewy with just enough sweetness added to this incredible meal.

And just when we thought our meal was complete, they brought out some caramelized popcorn with our bill. It had cardamom and other spices to off set the typical sweetness of caramelized popcorn.

Overall, the service was impeccable, accommodating to our needs (before we even asked for anything) and well worth the price we paid.

www.112eatery.com

James Beard Semi-Finalist

My friend Tim mentioned dining here before he moved out of state so he could experience what all the hype was about. So, we dined here Memorial Day weekend and definitely had some fabulous service and great food to match.

Our server was extremely knowledgable, honest about which food was going to please us the most, worth our money and even took our challenge of finding a wine I would enjoy and a beer to please my friend's tastes. She was nice enough to bring a few samples to try of both wine and beer.

Here's a peek at the menu for the evening we dined...

Since we wanted to try a variety of foods, we definitely over ordered but it was worth it since we had an opportunity to sample quite a few different flavors. The Fulton Beer-Battered Fries were flavorful, not too greasy and you only needed a few to feel satisfied. The accompanying sauces complemented the fries well.

Since the Wood Grilled Oysters were topped with parmesan butter, we couldn't resist trying them and they didn't disappoint. Although I typically don't gravitate towards oysters on a menu, this order left me wanting to try more at different restaurants (which I did when dining with my husband the following weekend for my birthday)!

Next, we ordered the Red Hot Brussels Sprouts which were cooked with just enough spice to leave you wanting another. It was also served with a sauce, which helps cut the heat if you need it.

For entrees, I chose the Berkshire Pork Spare Ribs. I typically don't eat meat on the bone, nor do I crave meat, but since I was at a place known for this, I knew it was only proper to order this dish. I only needed one rib to satisfy my tastes and it was prepared well. 

My friend chose the Lobster Grilled Cheese with the Fried Egg. As expected, it was beyond indulgent. A little taste of it was enough but yet you found yourself going back for more. Halfway through the sandwich, Tim was done and I wanted to save room for some dessert.

For dessert, without much room left, we opted to share the S'Mores. The presentation was delightful and the taste was absolutely fantastic without the typical sugary taste of a s'more. I loved the contrast of the cinnamon sugar crisps with the marshmallows and mocha ice cream.

I would recommend dining here and be open to sharing with your dining mates in order to taste the range of flavors Butcher and the Boar has to offer. 

www.butcherandtheboar.com

Popular Summer Hangout

My friend Anna and I decided to meet at Sea Salt Eatery on a beautiful summer afternoon. It's the perfect place if you have time, don't mind waiting to order and eat and like to people watch. There are plenty of seating areas as long as you aren't set on sitting on the small patio adjacent to the eatery. The menu is on a chalkboard and they feature some daily specials.

I opted for the crabcake basket which was served with fruit and slaw. The crabcake did not disappoint and was well worth the money (since you typically can't make crabcakes at home for any cheaper than what you find at a restaurant).

Anna opted for the fish sandwich which was also served with slaw.

Since we wanted to try something else on the menu, we chose the avocado with crab meat as a side/appetizer. This was somewhat bland but had a fun presentation and could be a great appetizer at home. 

Be prepared to wait but it's well worth it!

seasalteatery.wordpress.com

MIA Date Night Spot in Whittier

As soon as you walk up to this restaurant, you are immediately drawn in by the warm wood planks covering the front facade. Once inside, this decor continues yet it feels open with the exposed brick walls and the large stage on the side of the restaurant.

My husband, Kevin, and I chose to order from the Prixe Fixe menu in order to try a variety of items. I highly recommend this option as you still get plenty of food with lots of choices.

The drink menu was inventive yet approachable. For those who enjoy bourbon, there were myriad of options.

The first course consisted of a small plate. I chose the Truffled Crepes. The first few bites were rich, which meant I couldn't finish the rest since it was too overwhelming.

Kevin chose the King Crab Ravioli which was rich and creamy. 

Since I enjoy Brussells Sprouts, I ordered the ones with smoked garlic and sherry. They were just what I expected and I would order them again.

The second course was from the "Dinner" section of the menu. I chose the Chestnut Gnocchi. It had a crispness to the outside while still being the typical chewy consistency you expect from gnocchi. The nuttiness of the chestnut flavor complemented the sweetness of the carrots and orange mascarpone.

Kevin chose the Seared Scallops with duck hashbrowns. 

For dessert, I chose the Chocolate Bread Pudding. It was reminiscent of a s'more without being overly sweet.

Kevin chose the magnificent Lemon Cake. The lemon poppy seed ice cream was spectacular. It tasted exactly like a lemon poppy seed muffin!

I would like to go back when we have even more time and can spread out the food while taking in a show on stage and try a few of their different drinks.

www.icehousempls.com

Popular Gathering Place

My friend Laura and I went to one of our favorite spots to stop for an early Friday night dinner or a post farmer's market lunch on a weekend - Brasa Premium Rotisserie in St. Paul. As usual, it was fun, casual and tasted fresh. We began with a sangria, which is equal parts refreshing and fruity without tasting sugary. Notice mine is already half gone by the time I remembered to take a photo - that's how good it is!

I decided on the slow roasted pork along with a side of their cornbread with honey glaze and seasonal coleslaw. I always appreciate the fresh lime to squeeze over the pork to give it a little bit of zing and balance out the other spices. Although not everyone likes slow roasted pork without bbq sauce, I like it this way so it doesn't overpower the other flavorful sides that accompany the meat.

Laura ordered a la carte as well and dined on the romaine and mozzarella salad.

She also had rice and beans.

Although I didn't have it this time, I always enjoy the non-alcoholic sodas they mix in-house. The black bean fritter sandwich is highly recommended as is the chips and guacamole (which can be ordered as a side). Since I tend to enjoy a little bit of a lot of different foods, I appreciate Brasa's approach to allowing customers to mix and match according to their tastes and appetites. And, when going with a friend or two, it allows you to try a few different items so you know what to order when you return because inevitably, you will want to come back for more!

I recommend this place for either outdoor dining or a place to gather for a casual dinner with consistently high quality food. Unfortunately, there is not a bar area so it's difficult to linger if there is a crowd, but well worth the wait if you have time.

www.brasa.us