Eat N Wander: Minneapolis

For every city traveled, I think back on my most delicious experiences and compile a list of my most recommended for that city. Considered a work in progress, this list will be updated and continue to grow and change as I find more memorable, tasty, share-worthy places.

Below are my current recommendations for places to check out while indulging Minneapolis. 

EAT N DRINK

112 Eatery, 112 N 3rd Street

112eatery.com

Recommended for: Date night dinner, intimate dinner with friends 

Price: Average

Tips: Majority of the appetizers and a handful of entrees serve as great shared plates. Highly recommended to approach dinner as shared small plates style vs individual entrees.

This casual restaurant can be dressed up or down. And the menu reflects the same sentiment. An 

American eatery that does almost every dish I have had really well, you will taste midwest comfort food mixed with eclectic inspired dishes and ingredients. The appetizer list is bountiful and so is the entree menu. Food enthusiasts and food conservatives alike will be able to find the perfect dish for their palate on this menu. The restaurant setting is dim and intimate and you just feel nurtured. It's absolutely outstanding and always consistent. 

The Bachelor Farmer

bachelorfarmer.com

Recommended for:  Date night dinner, intimate dinner with friends, Brunch

Price: Average

Tips: If you're there for brunch do not miss out on ordering some of their decadent and interesting fresh baked muffins and  pastries for the table. Wash it down with a glass of champagne from the champagne cart that comes by.

A sustainable garden on a rooftop in Minnesota? It's true, and The Bachelor Farmer made it happen. This restaurant is charming and despite a nondescript, Nordic style modest personality, it easily stands out as one of Minneapolis' sweetheart restaurants. The restaurant is almost unmarked making it hard to find, and completely out of the hustle and bustle of downtown. But once inside, its unfinished beams, brick walls, and minimalist decor bring it to life in the warmest, most inviting way. Then, just like its personality, in its modesty it shows basic, dishes on the menu that embrace the main ingredient. But with a taste you'll be impressed and realize how good basic really is. Also for champagne enthusiasts, they offer champagnes by the glass that are typically only sold by the bottle, available at Sunday brunch only.

Eat N Wander: Portland

For every city traveled, I think back on my most delicious experiences and compile a list of my most recommended for that city. Considered a work in progress, this list will be updated and continue to grow and change as I find more memorable, tasty, share-worthy places to recommend.

Below are my current recommendations for places to check out while indulging Portland. 

EAT N DRINK LIST

Clyde Common, 1014 SW Stark Street, Pearl District

clydecommon.com

Recommended for: Dinner, cocktails

Price: Average

Tips: Order the board of the day to start, it comes with a side of Manhattan

I can't rave enough about this place. It's really inviting, warm, and the perfect place to hang out with friends or a loved one on a rainy night or even a beautiful Summer night. Its along side and connected to the iconic ACE hotel. There are tons of small shareable dishes to choose from, and the communal seating is perfect for it. The drinks are made with love and respect for the ingredients, bourbons are infused in house, and they even make their own ginger beer in house. Have cocktails here for sure, and if you need to stray there are just a handful of select beers to choose from. Plates are beautiful and well presented and you can see the cooks hard at work through the almost open kitchen set up. American food  done with really fresh ingredients, not that you expect anything less in Portland. 

Ned Ludd, 3925 NE MLK blvd, Northeast

nedluddpdx.com

Recommended for: Dinner, brunch,cocktails

Price: Average

Tips: Sit outside on the wooden communal benches when the weather is nice. Sip drinks out of mason jars and feel like you never want to leave 

This is a wood fired restaurant, meaning almost everything on the menu comes from the wood burning oven which is amazingly respectable. And what doesn't, is just overwhelmingly light and as fresh and in season as you can get. Handmade charcuterie, fresh garden picked vegetables. The food is just really genuine and respectful of the ingredient itself. Simple and clean, no fuss. 

Nongs Khao Man Gai, 1003 SW Alder Street, Downtown

khaomangai.com

Recommended for: Quick lunch, snack, hangover cure

Price: Cheap, under $10

Tips: There's nowhere to sit, so be prepared to take it with you somewhere else to eat. Or, if you look lost enough they'll let you stand and perch on the 6" sliver or of counter space at the window. Get a side of fried chicken skin, it's life changing.

Nong the owner who runs this food pod is not messing around. She's a tiny thai lady with a big, unmistakable, enthusiastic voice and will welcome you in her window like you've been there a million times before. In the heart of downtown's cluster of food pods, it clearly makes its presence known by the line up of people that spans down the block during lunch time. You wonder what all the fuss is about and simply put- it's just chicken and rice. The white rice is steamed, the chicken is poached, but then what makes it is the sauce. Soy, sugar, garlic, ginger, goodness... it's addictive. So addictive they even sell it by the bottle now. Comes as simple as it gets, wrapped up in white butcher paper instead of a to go box (environmentally conscious, AND food cost genius) Served with a side of clear broth- that, of course, does come in to go packaging.


Pok-Pok, 3226 SE Division Street, Portland Oregon
pokpokpdx.com

Recommended for: Afternoon Bite, Early Dinner, Dinner

Price: Cheap to Medium
Tips: Seating is limited both upstairs and downstairs, so get there early. Try the salted plum collins cocktail, just because you may never have tried anything like it.
Fine, I'm going to say it. I wasn't that impressed. There! Now why am I adding this to the list if I am not that impressed? Because I am charmed by the fact that it instantly transports you to a little shack somewhere in the PAC. and I found that part of it endearing especially when you consider where you really are. The dishes like the Papaya Salad, Beef Salad, Roast Fish  and Curry were in fact good; lots of vinegar, fish sauce, spice, and sweetness. And yes, the roast chicken, and Ike's chicken wings were good too, but based on the hype of expectations, I found myself wondering "Should I be blown away? Is this supposed to be the best Thai I have ever tasted?" The answer I think was no. But I couldn't help but think that maybe I would have felt differently if I hadn't heard and expected so much. Regardless, I still list this as a great place to visit given the experience. Try early afternoon before the rush, and it won't disappoint.

Eat N Wander: Austin

For every city traveled, I think back on my most delicious experiences and compile a list of my most recommended for that city. Considered a work in progress, this list will be updated and continue to grow and change as I find more memorable, tasty, share-worthy places to recommend.

Below are my current recommendations for places to check out while indulging Austin.

EAT N DRINK LIST
La Barbeque, 1502 South 1st Street, South Austin

labarbeque.com

Recommended for: Barbecue, lunch

Price: Cheap, but you should spend at least $15 to get your fix in

Tips: Get there early, they close shop pretty early in the afternoon when they sell out.

A BBQ trailer with loads of options and southern hospitality. Bring yourself, bring the friends, bring the family.You can get down and dirty. Get there early before things start selling out and definitely try the sausage.

Uchi, 801 South Lamar Blvd, South Austin

uchiaustin.com

Recommended for: Dinner, date night, girls night 

Price: A pretty penny. About $100+ pp for dinner

Tips: Must tries are the Foie Nigiri and the Hamachi Nabe

Fresh fish and contemporary hot and cold Japanese dishes with clean flavors. Presented beautifully and executed well. Quaint, casual, but sophisticated air. A great place for a cute date night, or a girls/guys night. Getting resos can be tricky and waits are long. Make your reso way in advance (Meaning, at least a month in advance to get a decent time slot.)

Peche, 208 W. 4th Street, Downtown Warehouse District
pecheaustin.comRecommended for: Casual bistro style dinner, a glass of wine or a few cocktails

Price: Average price for food, pricey drinks

Tips: NA

Peche is more of a restaurant than a bar, but with a long bar that stretches down the length of the restaurant, you're likely to find yourself a seat, or three. 2 walls are fully lined with every liquor and spirit imaginable. Choose from creative cocktail concoctions, classic cocktails, and interesting wines. To find this euro bistro style, calm haven in the middle of the downtown chaos makes it worthwhile. I didn't eat, but I did find myself salivating over the mussels that were cleverly adorned with pieces of bone marrow that the gentleman next to me were slurping down. They have friendly bartenders, good music, and a great vibe. A great breath of fresh air. And next time I'm getting those mussels.


Lustre Pearl, 97 Rainey Street, Rainey  (Note has been closed as of 2014)lustrepearl.com

Recommended for: After dinner drinks or beer, people watching, entertainment with friends

Price: Average

Tips: Don't try to order anything fancy (here or any bar on Rainey) or you will end up with a disaster. Stick to beers, and your standard mixed drinks. 

One of the many old rustic bungalow turned bars on Rainey street, and this one is pretty charming with their rocking chairs out on the front porch and just enough back yard seating to make it a party. Honestly, you will feel like you are in a college bar when you cram your way through the crowd to order a drink, but what you'll find is actually a good mix of young and mostly older, mid 30's crowd, which is pretty typical of Rainey street. This is a laid back local bar good for conversation under the string lights and stars, and if you can't make or find good conversation, you can at least stare at (or talk about) one of the many people trying to hula hoop with beer in hand. The best (smartest) thing about Lustre Pearl is that there is a taco food truck parked out back for the late night munchies.

Eat N Wander: Los Angeles

For every city traveled, I think back on my most delicious experiences and compile a list of my most recommended for that city. Considered a work in progress, this list will be updated and continue to grow and change as I find more memorable, tasty, share-worthy places to recommend.

Below are my current recommendations for places to check out while indulging LA.  Enjoy!

EAT N DRINK LIST

The Bazaar, by Jose Andres, 465 La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills

thebazaar.com

Recommended for: Dinner, Big night out

Price: A pretty penny. Recommended $90+ pp for a good eclectic mix

Cocktails are pricey but worth trying. Wines start around $75 and up for the bottle. 

Tips: Try the egg omelette, the olives aren't as exciting as they're made out to be- order the caprese instead for a similar experience 

Located at the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills, this is not a restaurant, it's a dining experience. Trendy, dark prentencious, interesting. With plenty of dishes that feature a modern take on traditional Spanish Tapas, it offers a futuristic experience in molecular gastronomy and mixology. Sit in the Blanca room for a classier, quieter evening, or sit in the Rojo room with the open kitchen for more excitement and noise. You'll see all kinds of people from old man ballers with their young girlfriends in stilletos and spandex, that LA kid and his friends, all with moms credit card, neon sunglasses, and boat shoes, to totally normal couples, small groups of all ages, out of towners, and the curious food junkies.

Bottega Louie, 700 S Grand Ave, Downtown 

bottegalouie.com

Recommended for: Brunch, Snack, Drinks

Price: Average, can get high if you let it

Tips: Sit at the bar and chat with the knowledgable bartenders, grab a few beautiful pastries to go on your way out

A beautiful restaurant that is light, bright, and airy. It's casual and chic, and always busy. Great for a decadent morning or afternoon meal, or for a mid day cocktail, champagne, or espresso. Menu is Italian, American, Euro. Food is quality, drinks are well made, decent selection of craft and import beers. Crowd is business, young and old, families included (but not a ton)

Baco Mercat, 408 S Main Street, Downtown 

bacomercat.com

Recommended for: Casual, Low Key Dinner

Price: Average

Tips: Can be hit or miss. But the miss is still good

Smaller restaurant with lots of life, offering thick bready flatbreads and "sandwiches" that can maybe better be described as similar to a gyro. Flavors are more Latin, Spanish inspired than anything else, but include the usual Cali style mix of flavors and ingredients. Interesting beers, wines, and cocktails. Good for a small group of 4 or less, not so much for being family oriented.

Wurstkuche, 800 E 3rd Street, Downtown

wurstkuche.com

Recommended for: Hanging out, casual beer and a bite

Price: Cheap

Tips: Most of the sausages taste practically the same once you throw all the toppings on. If you care to taste, more is less. Don't bother with the fries.

Hang out for hours to lively beats and drink a ton of beer. Known notoriously for exotic sausages of all kinds pork, rabbit, kangaroo, crocodile etc etc etc)  this Industrial space is in the hip little arts district. Filled with communal seating for the happy, beer loving, sausage eating patrons, it's hip and then hipster. Stand in a massive line to order your beer and brat of choice, quickly send the first friend who ordered on the mission to scour and secure a seat in the back. You'll eat the sausage and perhaps like me, you won't be too impressed, but it doesn't break the bank to try one, and it'll hold you over before dinner or your late night snack. And not to mention you'll feel like you're cool bc you checked it out.

Change up: Eat N Wander Destinations

I eat out and drink out often, far too often to always write about it or find the time to do it. 

And just now it hit me:  if the ultimate goal is to help my fellow restless eaters out there figure out where to go when out and about, I better stop my reviewing and just make solid, useful suggestions. Do you want to know where to go for a nightcap in LA? Where to find seafood in Mexico? Or where to find great Chinese food in San Diego? Well ok I can't help you there, but I can at least make fair suggestions. You get the point!

So, from today on I'm just going to update posts by city. If and when I come across somewhere fun and noteworthy, I'll add it to the list. Happy eats and happy travels!