Sunday, March 13, 2016

Culinary Adventures via Film

Since we canceled cable last year, my husband and I have found plenty of fabulous material to consume our television watching time via Netflix. I have been particularly fond of finding documentaries or series featuring chefs in the past year. Here are some of my favorites:

Spinning Plates
For Grace
Chef's Table
The Mind of a Chef

And if you are a oenophile, here is another you might enjoy:
Somm

Some other fun or interesting food shows:
The Great Food Truck Race
Cooked

Top Questions...

It's always interesting to hear someone's reaction when they hear I write a food blog. Here are some answers to some of the most common questions:

What's your favorite restaurant?
This is a trick question! As I say when working with students and teacher - it depends! It depends on the type of cuisine, my mood, the people with whom I am dining, and so many other factors. However, if I am forced to name my top 5 from the 2014 list, here it is:

Ngon Bistro
Alma
Brasa
Heartland
Pizzeria Lola

How do you decide which places to try? or How did you hear about...?
I began with the 2014 Best 50 Restaurants list from the Mpls. St. Paul Magazine. However, I also follow a few different local culinary blogs/sites such as Heavy Table and Minneapolis Eater.

Do you get paid to do this?
I wish!!! I receive an occasional shout out on Twitter but I am doing this for fun. However, it certainly would be much easier on the budget if I were to be paid. Then again, I might feel a certain obligation to write my review in a particular way so this way there is no bias.

Is there anyplace you have really hated?
No. There are certainly places that have been disappointing but I haven't absolutely hated any one place.

The biggest request...
So where should I go for my next meal out...?
Again, it depends. I now have my list ready on my phone in case I receive a request. And, I am constantly adding to my list as restaurants open, close or change concepts.





Long overdue...

Yes, I tend to have library books long overdue since I am a teacher. However, this time I am long overdue for a post on this blog. I have been feeling frustrated that I haven't had time (or let's be honest - made the time) to keep up with this blog. And, I am frustrated I wasn't able to complete my original goal of trying all 50 top restaurants (according to Mpls St. Paul Magazine) in one year. By nature, I am an "Achiever" according to my StrengthsFinder so admitting defeat is not something that comes easy to me. Thus, I have chosen to shift my focus just slightly for this blog. I will continue to pursue to the top 50 restaurants in the Twin Cities (and of course there have been two new lists published since I originally began this journey - check out the latest one here: 50 Best Restuarants). However, I will also post about other food related adventures, articles and musings. My hope is to continue to write, have fun and enjoy engaging in conversations about the culinary scene in the Twin Cities. We are lucky to have such talent in this area and I look forward to continuing my original journey as well as pursue new culinary adventures!