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TexasHooch

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Posts posted by TexasHooch

  1. Minneapolis and Austin are very much alike in many ways, but you're right.  I think The sensibilities of chefs/restaurateurs are very similar between the two cities. For the most part it's young, classically trained chefs that don't give a shit about exclusivity, status, or Michelin stars.  They just want a little 5 to 20 table spot, whether it's in a warehouse district or the middle of a neighborhood, to cook the food they love to eat. They care most about the ingredients, customers, and staff (in that order).

    There is definitely nothing approaching Alinea here (no one is trying and it wouldn't work anyway).  If you want a fancy, romantic establishment your best bet is the Lexington. 

    Aside from that, there are a few trends that are hot right now here: fancy pizza, southern comfort, smoked meats (at 3x's the price of better food down south). That's fine for us locals but I can't recommend any of it to a traveler- well maybe some fried chicken and greens at Revival if you're here for a while. 

    The true culinary identity around here is "farm to table" with ingredients that are locally sourced, and technique that is decidedly French (with a smidge of Vietnamese).  Expect small menus and small plates meant for sharing.

    If I were pushed right now to recommend 3 "fine dining" dinners to an out-of-town friend, I think it would be Bar La Grassa, Spoon and Stable, and Travail Kitchen Amusements.  You can't go wrong with any of the other ones I listed though.

     

     

     

     

  2. I remember from the old Bluegrass thread (need to start another one) that a handful of folks enjoyed them.

    After about a year and a half hiatus they're dropping a new album today.  It's really, really good.

    First track:

     

    • Like 1
  3. On 4/30/2018 at 1:45 PM, Longhornfan1024 said:

    Other than Spoon and Stable, what is the best high-end restaurant in the city?  We'll be there in June and we always like to hit up a few nicer restaurants when we are visiting a new city.  

    Depends a bit what you mean by High-end. All the best restaurants are pretty unassuming and casual. Many are also pretty moderately priced.  Manny's is great but it's a steakhouse. Murrays is good, but also a Steakhouse.  I enjoy both but I know when I visit a new city I want a meal I can't get everywhere else, even it is executed better.

    You can't go wrong with Spoon and Stable but here are some you should look into- some have already been mentioned:

    Meritage, The Lexington, Bachelor Farmer, Saint Dinette, Corner Table, Travail, Tilia, Ngon Bistro, Butcher and The Boar, and of course Bar La Grassa.  

  4. If you're looking for tequila go to Barrio. It's too late, but I would have advised against anywhere on Hennepin Ave. It's like 6th street without the coeds. Schooner and Hexagon are dives for sure but not unlike a hundred other South and Northeast neighborhood joints. You can definitely do worse.

    Glad to hear you're having fun. Thanks for the update.

  5. Headed to Minneapolis at the end of April for about 10 days. Never been before. Office is in the Fridley close to the rail. Any tips will be appreciated. Food, booze, sights, and debauchery. Thanks fellas
    Would love to hear your thoughts during and after your trip.

    So often in these "city recommendations" threads, the trip comes and goes without a follow up.
  6. I think it will all come down to how much Demry Croft can develop as a passer. We all know he can run and scramble, but the offense was a little one-dimensional when the passing game was shut down. Can the Gopher offense get a little more of a play action or even a waggle passing game developed in camp? I know they brought in some hot new kid but my money is on Croft holding it down at least to start the new season.
     
     
    ummm... someone want to tell him?
  7. Several years ago, I was behind a guy who said something similar at the gate desk ( at Logan Airport of all places). Gate attendant shut him down immediately and threatened to call the airport police. He was so scared I thought he was going to cry. Ultimately he apologized, she accepted, and he boarded the plane.

     

    I have to think the admonishment happens more often than the arrest.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  8. 5 hours ago, Zepol87 said:

    Sweet, thanks everyone. I repped what I could. I am going to stay downtown off 5th and 2nd street. I will deal with driving up to Fridley for a few days. Hopefully the weather cooperates with me. 

    2nd Street and 5th Ave?  That's a kickass spot in the North Loop.  Walk to Bar La Grassa, Spoon and Stable, Freehouse, Modest Brewing, Fulton Brewery, Target Field, Runyons (good wings), Bachelor Farmer, Smack Shack and a whole lot more.  

    • Like 1
  9. Brian says you're all missing the point!

    Quote

    While even some Twins fans wondered why the star second baseman and several of his teammates would make an issue of Sisco’s bunt, noting the Twins could have removed the shift if they felt their lead was safe, Dozier said critics are missing the point.

    The Orioles didn’t hold Ryan LaMarre at first base after his two-out pinch single in the top of the ninth.

    “When they didn’t hold our runner on, they conceded to the fact they didn’t want us to steal, so we didn’t steal,” Dozier said. “We could have very easily stolen and put up more runs, so therefore in return you don’t bunt. That’s what everybody is missing in this whole thing.”

    It's embarrassing, and it's unfortunate because it's overshadowing what really was a masterful pitching performance.  The players are on an island here.  They're getting roasted by the local media and fans.

  10. Actually, it wouldn't likely be Surly Brewery with the issue, given that they themselves co-opted the  name from Surly bikes (a completely separate company that is actually much larger than the brewery but is also based in the Twin Cities).  The fact that they coexist should be a clear sign that neither will give a rip about a Texas Message board.

  11. 2000 Silverado here with a quarter million miles on it- getting it's 3rd fuel pump as we speak.  I don't need (or even prefer) shiny and new but it's only a matter of time before I'm forced to upgrade.  I'd love to stick with a Chevy but here in Minneapolis, the bodies rust out long before the drivetrain fails.  Might have to switch to the aluminium F150 for that reason alone.  Anyone have issues with other corrosion on their Fords?

  12. 14 minutes ago, TexasHooch said:

    he only rail that matters is the light rail, and Fridley is NOT close to it.

    On second thought, the Northstar Line has a stop in Fridley- maybe that's what you're referring to.  It's more of a commuter line though and doesn't run very often. 

    • Like 1
  13. The only rail that matters is the light rail, and Fridley is NOT close to it.  It's a reasonable Suburb to Uber from though if you aren't getting a car.

    Food: 

    Get a Ju(i)cy Lucy.  Matt's is (arguably) the original, but other good ones include 5/8, Blue Door, and The Nook.

    Bar La Grassa- This really is a must.  Others will undoubtedly chime in here.

    Travail Kitchen and Amusements- Fun spot.  Young and hip. 

    Manny's- The high end steak place.  Expensive.

     

    Drinks:

    Depends on your style. If you give me an idea of what you like I'll be more specific but in general I'll point you towards the Breweries.  Given your office location, Northeast Minneapolis makes the most sense.  There are a ton of good breweries there, Here's a few.

    Things to do:

    Eat and Drink.  Need to know your interests to give you anything else.

     

     

     

     

  14. I read the book twice, and I hardly ever do that.  I liked the movie, but not as much as I hoped.  In all, it was a great ride. The story was a bit of a lost opportunity though. 

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