Um. Shouldn't that be Pique-nique d'Automne? I'm actually quite certain it should. I couldn't find a Contact Us place on their site to suggest the change. Maybe I'm wrong? It's been while but I did study French for many years and lived there for four years.

I really think along with the "Next Great Chefs of the Twin Cities" , the Chef de Cuisine from the 112 Eatery should be recognized that night. He's a good friend of mine and does a great job at the restaurant.

Totally agree with your spin on Clancy's. I continue to shop there because the place is still the same to me and the quality still crazy good. What's not to love? The level of service is outstanding and I love being able to grab a bottle of Captain Eli's parrot punch to enjoy with my corned beef sandwich.

I also think there's something nice about being able to say "can you french a couple rib steaks for me?" and have them know EXACTLY what that means and do it beautifully. Clancy's is worth the drive every time.

What about the guy across the street from 112 @ Saffron? Shouldn't that guy be in the "Next Great Chefs of the Twin Cities"?

I have been to Saffron several times and his food is out of this world!

Has anyone else been there? and what did you think?

I didn't know Landon moved to Levain. Or, hell, maybe I did; I can't keep up anymore. His short stint at Barbette was awesome, though.

I cannot figure out why Erick Harcey of the Nicollet Island Inn is allowed to fly so far below the radar? The property is a landmark, the food is midwest friendly with the sophistication necessary to attract the serious diner, and yet???

Andrew-

Thanks for looking into the Clancey's gossip. My intention was to say that his firing was fact, the rest was rumor. Had the rumor not come from close to the source, I'd have dismissed it outright.

If they continue to run a first rate operation then they'll continue to do well, and more power to them. I'd hate to lose my source for foie gras and wild boar.

-K

Alexis, you're reading the post wrong, Langdon is still at Barbette.

Jamen, are you kidding me about the Nicollet Island Inn?
Unless things have changed there dramatically over the years it isn't even worth being in the discussion.

I do agree about Denny at 112. He's great.

And I LOVE eating at Saffron. That place doesn't get enough recognition.

Kate, I have only been in the cities for the past year, but during my time out on the east coast, and in other countries with gastonomic pedigree, I would say the ambience, the service the quality of the food, and the value of the experience rival similar restaurants in all of those markets.

I'm just mad about Saffron. Saffron's mad about me.

I couldn't agree more about Saffron. One of the best meals in town. "Sameh" is really on top of his game. What about Chef -Brian- at Alma also one of the best.

And L-
Things have changed dramatically at the Nicollet Island Inn. We are very proud of what we are doing. We are using several local farms and sustainable product.Something that was not part of the past. We have a unique setting and a regular clientele that we gear torwards but are really trying to expand into the current market and change the "past" about the Nicollet Island Inn.

Also...
I would put two of my sous in the "next Great Chefs" category:
Jes Werkmeister (formerly of Fugaise)
Ryan Stetschulte

These two are really great also!!!

Hmmm, it seems there are many unsung sous and chef de cuisines being overlooked by the folks at Cosmos.

Maybe it would be a good posting for Andrew...take a look at who's really cooking and creating your food. I know there are new items on the menu at the 112 that are not Isaac's, I'm sure it's the same at other spots.

L- Happy to hear you know Denny and share my thoughts.

Erick- Very happy to hear things have changed at Nicollet. I ate there in February for the first time, and was really unhappy. Looking forward to giving it another shot!

Oops. Guilty of reading while hungover.

I agree with all the praise that Saffron is getting here. I had a fabulous meal there!

Saffron. Come on! Pretty weak. Been their twice and was really disappointed both time. Once again, all the foodies in the Twin Cities continue to pat themselves on the back while eating poor food. No matter what you continue to say to yourselves, too many "acclaimed" places in this town are truly mediocre! That is why Five, Levain, and Auriga closed and why 112, Alma, Lucia's stay open and continue to succeed. They are good. Rather than criticizing the Twin Cities as not being food friendly, when are people going to take a hard look at overpriced poor executed food and place the blame where it belongs. Minnesota nice doesn't mean you should over pay for mediocre food.

By the way, Brasa stinks! $14 a plate for this type of food is ridiculous. Better to get carnitas on lake street. Dara and the gang are a true joke! How about a critical review once in a while.

dan from sf,

clearly you're just trying to get us riled up with a lot of vague and derisive comments. if you're going to criticize the food offered in our town(s), you're going to have to be more specific, and also prove to us that you know what you're talking about. otherwise, you're a bully. and not a very interesting one.

Hey Dan,

Not all of us exist merely to fuel the hype machine. Check out the October issue of Mpls.St.Paul for a more skeptical take on Brasa. It's diffifcult to have a balanced take when all of us root so hard for great chefs and the local food movement, but I agree--it's pricey, a lot of the food was bland or overcooked when I dined there in August, and 90 degrees is too warm for a dining room.

I live in KC. MO, but know someone who lives in MN.and is trying to find GOOD ethnic restaurants and having trouble. The ones she has tried have been bland and unsatifatory. Any sugestions or ideas would be greatful.

Julie

Dan From San Fran, thank you so much for setting us Minnesotans straight with your superior San Fransiscan palate. You have to understand... we consider anything that doesn't involve tater tots and cream of mushroom soup to be fine dining. Thankfully though, we have you here to tell us what is good and what is mediocre. Regarding Auriga, do you think it was stricktly the mediocre overpriced food that caused it to close? Or could other factors like say, the Guthrie relocation, have played any part in that at all?

Another question; what do you think of LBV, Solera and Cosmos? I used to pat myself on the back all the time while sitting there enjoying what I thought was pretty exceptional food. But now I'm not sure what to think. Please weigh in - I'm sure the masses want to know what Dan From Prestigious San Fran thinks!

Dan from San Fran,
You crack me up! You think Five was great but the 112 isn't? Maybe you're missing the concept. Do realize Alex at Alma is a James Beard nominee? You usually don't get nominated if you suck. I think you have Ron Burgundy syndrome. You're kind of a big deal. Get over yourself.

Back to Vegas and the VMAs. I notice that you state the SO was with you and you JUST HAPPEN not to mention the Britney underwear episode--are those two things related?

As for Dan, I am almost willing to bet, according to him, there would be no mediocre, overpriced plates in San Fran. One man's manna is another's bulls testicles [sorry AZ, but that episode really got to me]--Dan may not have enjoyed Saffron but that in no way means others did not or find the food high quality. Lets see, the terms "mediocre" "weak" among others are used-without casting doubt on the quality or professionalism of Saffron, I wonder if Dan's attitude made it into his food courtesy of some waitperson, chef, etc. Bet if he is like this here, he is a pill in public.

"Bland and overcooked" would be my response as well but I apply it to the 112. I had heard so many great things about them and was excited to eat there as my wife and I did for our anniversary in June. The service was fantastic! One of the best service experiences I can remember, our waitress knew when to be there and when not to be there, she was neither stuffy nor too casual. The food was another story. I ordered the ahi, most expensive item on the menu at the time, which was ok, it was the anniversary and for an evening price did not matter, and I was in the mood for some ahi. Four very small rubbery cubes of tuna arrived with what seemed to be a runny mayonaise drissled over the top, absolutely bland and uninspired. My wife had Halibut which was fine, certainly better than my entree,no complaint, just not inspirational in any way. I know I am just one experience on one evening, and I know the place is quite popular so people must be finding something there we did not, just have to say that I don't understand the hype surrounding the 112!

I like Saffron. I also like Brasa and will like it more when it is consistant and don't think it's all that pricey considering it costs about the same as take-out dinner from Surdyk's. I like Justin Timberlake and also wish Mtv showed more music videos.

A bit off topic here - while getting off the 98th St. exit in Bloomington, I noticed the building that housed Surabi (sp?) has been demolished. Any word on what happened here? I always enjoyed their food...

Hi Andrew, I am from Minnesota and I LOVE Bizzare Foods. My boyfriend and I are looking for some different places to go in the Twin Cites areas. Can you recommend some places for us to try! All types of food are welcome!