Before robins and tulips, the first signs of Spring for me are:
1. A sighting of someone wearing shorts, while the snow is still on the ground,
2. A motorcyclist all bundled just to be the first on the streets and
3. Minnesota Monthly Restaurant Week!!
Last week, I got to visit 2 restaurants that were offering special tasting menus: Kafe 421 and Ginger Hop
Kafe 421 421 14th Avenue Southeast Minneapolis, MN 55414-2005 (612) 623-4900 www.kafe421.com $15 Dinner Menu Starter: Greek Salad—Romaine hearts, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, green peppers, feta cheese, kalamata olives and oregano vinaigrette Entrée: Vegetarian Moussaka—Layers of potato, eggplant, zucchini and tomato topped with a thick béchamel and parmesan crust served with pomodoro Dessert: Ouzo scented crème brulee Baklava a la mode Overall: I wish I would remember to go here more! Good wine list, good food and the parking lot off 5th St SE validates (so I only had to pay $2). They also have a meal deal on Tuesdays and Sundays – check out the website for more info. |
Ginger Hop 201 East Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55414 (612) 746-0305 www.gingerhop.com $15 Dinner Menu Starter: Three cream cheese -OR – cream cheese and onion wontons Entrée: Sweet Green Curry -OR- Thai Fried Rice Dessert: Ginger ice cream with a ginger snap cookie Overall: The service was pretty lacking this night and I wish they took reservation instead of just call ahead. The sweet green curry is real spicy, with no warning, hoping that next time I can order with a reduced spice level. However, I learned that if I see coconut curry on the menu, I will ordering it again and again! |