Boneyard and a Melting Backyard!

Minnehaha Creek Meltage

Could it be true that spring weather has finally arrived in Minny? I know that rumors of snow are circulating today...but I'm blocking that out and instead focusing on the beautiful day we had yesterday. I hope you all were able to get out and enjoy a piece of it. T and I walked around Harriet and I'm pretty sure all of the inhabitants of Minneapolis had the same idea. Dogs, strollers, walkers, runners, and the occasional over-zealous biker trying to weave through the traffic, all came together to enjoy the sunshine and cheer on the melting. 

T and I uncovered our patio furniture early in the day. Given the sun exposure of our backyard, this did involve a bit of ice chipping (T obliged even though he thinks I'm a bit nuts)... I was determined to take advantage of every sunny moment! Someone else was pretty excited to have her favorite sunning-spot back in action as well. 

 

 Outside of the sunny weather, the highlight of the weekend was trying out the new uptown eatery, Boneyard Kitchen & Bar with my good friends on Saturday night. This restaurant opened about a month ago and is located where Old Chicago used to be on Hennepin Ave. It has a summer comfort vibe with a nice mix of modern/industrial decor touches. My fave component was the back wall display of cast irons skillets. They have a fun variety of "libations" to choose from, including craft cocktails and a large variety of beers on tap. I tried the Point Brewing "Burly Brown" out of Stevens Point, WI, and really enjoyed it. 

Our server recommended the Crab Hush Puppies and the Deviled Eggs, so we opted for both. 

 

It's hard to go wrong with hush puppies...fried dough? I'll take it. We all really enjoyed the curry-mustard dipping sauce they were served with. 

 

 An inside view for you. Light, puffy, and crunchy. Again, fried dough...it's tough not to like. 

 

 I was most excited to try the deviled eggs. Are deviled eggs making a come back? How do you feel about it? As someone who frequently has hard boiled eggs for lunch...I'm in full support. Seriously though, is this a thing? Martha Stewart has been pinning recipes for several gourmet recipes lately. I digress...back to these deviled eggs: they were delicious. I  loved the jalapeno and bacon toppings-a bit of salty crunch, and a bit of zippy spice. 

 

The menu has a lot of great choices, and it was hard to turn down fried chicken and waffles, but we all ended up ordering the "3 Meat Combo," mostly because we couldn't decide which meat we most wanted to try! The platter (enough for at least two other meals), came with brisket, pulled pork, st. louis ribs, coleslaw, and a buttermilk biscuit. You also got to choose two sides. I opted for sweet potato french fries and mac and cheese (made with pimento cheese). 

I really enjoyed the ribs, especially because they are served with 3 bbq sauces for you to choose from. Truth be told, I didn't even get to the brisket or pulled pork at the restaurant because I was stuffed. I took those parts home and T and I made wraps with them for lunch on Sunday. I enjoyed the sweet potato fries dipped in the mustard-based bbq sauce, but I wasn't super thrilled with the coleslaw or mac and cheese. This discussion on Eater Minneapolis suggests that if I visit again, I should go for the cottage fries. 
*Update: a friend gave a strong recommendation for the cornbread, mashed potatoes, and baked beans as alternate side choices!

 Overall: the vibe was fun and the bbq/beer were tasty. Most importantly, I got to spend time with my favorite people sampling food. It doesn't get better than that.  So far, Boneyard has gotten positive reviews on Yelp, and I saw a tweet from MSP Magazine yesterday that the outdoor patio was packed. So, here's hoping it stays around!

Have you tried Boneyard? What other new restaurants are on your radar?

Wishing you a great week, 

-The Delicious Dabbler

Post Blizzard Plans? Head to Brasa

Happy Friday dabblers! Did you survive the snowpocalypse? A lot of hibernating was done at our house last night, and a lot of shoveling was done this morning. I saw some quality "stuckness" on my drive in today. Many a car was stranded in a plow pile.

In honor of the return of our winter-tundra weather, I thought I'd share a great dinner spot that will be sure to warm you up. A few weeks ago, T and I ventured over to Brasa on East Hennepin in Minneapolis. The vibe is casual, and the food is delicious. Think lots of wholesome, well-sourced ingredients cooked low and slow with great depth of flavor.

T and I wanted to be able to sample a bunch of the different meat options, so we got small sizes of the Smoked Beef, Slow Roasted Pork, and Pulled Chicken. We also tried the Roasted Yams and Andouille, and the Creamed Spinach with Jalapeno. The spinach side was absolutely amazing...I think we easily could have devoured a large of that and called it good.

 T and I had been to the St. Paul location awhile ago, and we both remembered ordering the Slow Roasted Pork and loving it. It was an easy decision to get it again and the garlic/lime flavor is just killer good.

 

I was most excited to try to the Pulled Chicken this time around. Its pretty hard to say no to something that is listed on the menu as "simmered in light cream and pepper gravy." Sold. It was delicious and would be the perfect comfort food to pair with our current weather.

We rounded out our sampler trio with the Smoked Beef. We both wanted to try the Sweet-Spicy BBQ Sauce and it was great. Definitely the most "zesty" plate on our table. 

If you are looking for a post-blizzard pick me up, head on over to Brasa. Next time we go, I am hoping to try one of their sandwiches. The Slow Roasted Pork Sandwich with ginger mayo, cilantro, and pickled vegetables is calling my name.

Have you dined at Brasa? What menu items did you love?

-The Delicious Dabbler

Get Thyself to Birchwood

Howdy everyone. Happy Wednesday. I'm feeling particularly jubilant because of our 40 degree weather today. Just the hint of spring weather makes my tropical-wanting soul fly. (Yes, I know there is a winter storm warning going into effect tomorrow...deny deny deny). 

Have you tried Birchwood Cafe yet? Birchwood is one of my favorite Minneapolis brunch (and all meals) places. If you haven't checked it out...go this Saturday! This Saturday at 9pm, Birchwood will close in order to undergo an expansion/remodel. Birchwood raised over $112,000 through a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign in order to pursue this project. How cool is that? You can read more about it on their blog. 

T and I went there for brunch a few weekends ago to get our last waffles in before they close the doors.

I love places that give you your own mini tea pot. (T...put me in the picture! put me in the picture!)

T loves a good buttermilk waffle. It's his go-to breakfast/brunch order when we eat out. As a future-post-teaser, I may or may not have just purchased a 1950s wafflemaker off ebay as T's birthday present.

I got my favorite- The Savory Waffle. The flavors rotate seasonally. This one was a sweet potato, quinoa, and parmesan waffle topped with cranberry-apple chutney, ginger-honey butter, spiced walnuts, bacon lardoons (...just beyond good), and a sunny-side-up egg. Yum. Yum. Yum.

Birchwood is the best and I can't wait to visit them for a post-renovation waffle.

-The Delicious Dabbler

Dabbling in Dana Point, CA

Last weekend, T and I flew out to CA to visit my aunt and uncle who recently moved there. They are some of my favorite people in the world to just be with, so I was so looking forward to the visit...and being in beautiful CA was a total bonus. My aunt is also one of my greatest food and entertaining inspirations. She is passionate about food and can transform the most simple ingredients into a delicious and special experience.

After we arrived, my aunt picked us up at the airport and we headed to nearby Laguna, CA, to eat at Carmelita's. Chips, salsa, and black bean dip (a personal favorite), are served to every table and we supplemented that deliciousness with guacamole. The presentation was whimsical with plantain chips and cotija cheese. 

At the recommendation of our server, T and split a tacos platter complete with steak, chicken, shrimp, and queso fundido (cheese, pico, bacon, chorizo, and guacamole). It was easily enough for three and that queso fundido was lusciously indulgent. 

After lunch, we walked along the boardwalk (cue  The Drifters "Under the Boardwalk") in Laguna. I loved all the bright colors and graphic patterns of the umbrellas. 

After a post-lunch nap on the deck, my aunt and I went for a walk in a nearby preserve. Prepare for a gorgeous scenery photo montage. 

What is it about being next to the ocean that is so calming and serene?

And, because you already know that I find wildlife warning signs oddly entertaining, here's another gem for you. No goring this time, but a gem nonetheless. 

That night, we made BLT pizza on the grill. My aunt picked out the recipe because she knows that T has a particular love for bacon. The cheese and bacon "sauce" were rich and creamy and the fresh tomatoes and arugula were the perfect balance.

The next day we tried paddleboarding for the first time, and ate another delicious meal at Maro. It was so fun to get to try some of my aunt's favorite restaurants and get a sense for her eating experience now that we are in different cities. It was also so lovely to be able to relax outside after the last several crazy weekends. I got to read cook books and food magazines out on the deck while occasionally dosing off. It made me reflect and realize that I haven't been able to slow down and enjoy cooking as much as I love to in the last month. The beautiful recipes inspired me to refocus on making complete meals during the week and to start baking for fun again. Remember, "When in doubt, bake it out."

Our trip concluded with breakfast in the company of my favorite flowers. So happy. 

In the midst of a great chat about book recommendations with my uncle and T, I got to enjoy this amazing omelet. Bacon, spinach, cheese, and tomatoes enveloped in the fluffiest eggs. Add toasted olive bread with butter...perfect. In addition to being one of the most wonderful women I know, my aunt also happens to make the best omelets. How lucky am I?

Cheers to wonderful food enjoyed with the people you love, 

-The Delicious Dabbler

Are You Surprised?

In a recent post, I raved (perhaps too much) about the bacon at my favorite restaurant,  Wise Acre Eatery ("Wise Acres"). After reading about my love for this establishment once before, I imagine that you are not all that shocked that I have since been back. While it is first on my list for brunch, it is also very close to first on my list for lunch, or any other time I wish to be consuming and enjoying delicious food. This particular instance was an impromptu lunch date with my mom.

We shared a bowl of the chowder of the day, which was pork and garlic. Can we just talk about the chowder selections for a minute? Order the chowder! The flavor rotates, but consistently contains delicious pork and showcases simple and delicious flavors.

We also both ordered the brie and bacon burger...what a perfect combination. Melty brie, the freshness of basil, a juicy beef patty, and of course- a thick and crispy piece of bacon. Yummmm. The burger was served with crunchy fries, and housemade ketchup and pickles.

 

For the love of all things bacon, go order this burger. 

Happy local dining, 

-The Delicious Dabbler 

Brunch at Wise Acres

Yesterday was my grams and I's annual pot-planting party. It is one of my favorite spring traditions and the first time we have gotten to do it at our new house. During the move, my mom gifted 6 gorgeous, cobalt blue pots to us and they are the happiest part of our front step. This years mission was to fill them with color and joy.   

 Grams and I headed over to Tangletown Gardens to scope out the flower selection, only to realize that the store wasn't open for another half hour. What are two gardening gals to do?  Fear not for our time-occupying abilities...right across the street from Tangletown is the oasis known-as Wise Acre Eatery ("Wise Acres"). 

Wise Acres is a farm-to-table eatery (the food is sourced from the Tangletown Garden 100-acre farm located in Plato, MN),  and is my favorite restaurant in our neighborhood...given the number of fabulous restaurants in Minneapolis- that is truly saying something. What is it about this place besides the wonderful ingredients and the blend of agricultural/industrial/modern decor (the restaurant is located in a renovated auto-body shop)? It's the BACON. Berkshire and Large Black hogs are raised on the farm and provide the delicious pork that permeates the Wise Acres menu. From the daily-chowder, to the breakfast dishes, to the brie and bacon burger,  to the butter that is served with a side of bread...I highly encourage you to consume something with pork. 

Before I end my pork-ramble, I will also throw out to you dabblers that in the warm seasons, the walk-up counter at Wise Acres is the perfect stop for house-made custard in a waffle cone, particularly if the flavor of the day is mint-chocolate chip. Just saying. Okay, now to the point :) My impromptu stop at my favorite spot reminded me that I had brunch photos that I had yet to share with you all. Given the number of times that I find myself eating here, not having a post about Wise Acres seemed like a food-blogging crime. These photos are from earlier this month, a Sunday-brunching adventure with my dad. 

My favorite way to start all mornings: delicious tea. 

Wise Acres has wonderful baked goods, and you can scope-out the choices as you walk by the counter to your table. My choice was a lavender-strawberry scone and it was marvelous. 

My dad went with the espresso donut-muffin. Think about the taste and consistency of a light cake donut, in the form of a muffin, that has been rolled in cinnamon, sugar, and espresso. Yum. 

My dad ordered the CSA Hash: scrambled eggs with herbs over an assortment of delicious veggies, served with herb aioli, toast, and most importantly...a generous portion of cottage bacon. 

I ordered the special that morning. Pulled pork served over toasted tortilla strips with green pepper sauce, and topped with two poached eggs. It was Cinco de Mayo weekend and this creation was the perfect choice. 


So if you find yourself hungry and remotely near Nicollet Ave S, hurry over to this wonderful spot and feast :)

-The Delicious Dabbler

Broders' Pasta Bar

Last night, my mom and I headed to Broders' Pasta Bar for an impromptu dinner date. What a lovely way to end a Monday :) Broders' is incredibly popular and it is usually very difficult to get a table or a spot at the bar. Luckily for us, Monday at 5pm is the perfect time to score a seat and we cozied up to the bar with a great view of the wine selection and the chefs preparing the pasta dishes in the open kitchen.

Insalata di Stagione: Mache, arugula, sliced strawberries, pine nuts, and pecorino cheese crisps, dressed in a simple vinaigrette. You can see that I love a healthy dose of black pepper. Each table has its own grinder, which I also love because then you avoid the awkwardness of making your server crack pepper for what seems to be an incredibly long time.

Ravioli con Taleggio: cheese ravioli, artfully plated with asparagus, delightful prosciutto pieces, basil, and parmesan.

Vanilla bean panna cotta with prosecco braised rhubarb sauce. The flavor of the sauce was a little off for me, but the cloud-like texture and creaminess of the panna cotta was wonderful. A fun way to end the meal.

Wishing you moments of unplanned food-wonder this week, 

-The Delicious Dabbler

The Snook Inn, Marco Island

What a truly funny weather day we are having. The comedic-highlight for me occurred this afternoon on the St. Paul U of M campus. I happened upon the U of M plant sale as I was leaving work and during the last hour of the sale, everything was 50% off. 10 arborvitae trees later, I was hauling a flat of 5 foot trees 1/2 a mile to my car with swirling snow and minimal visibility. My future plant privacy fence is now happily resting in our dining room next to the window, waiting for winter to end and the ground to thaw. 

Perhaps finishing up my series of Florida posts will bring about the end of the blizzard we are currently experiencing...? 

Let's go with that theory. 

Enter into our blizzard-ending theory, the Snook Inn...my favorite, quirky, delicious, best-dine-in-scenery, location in Marco. 

The Snook is located right on the water and if you happen to be traveling by boat, you can pull right up to the dock for dinner. 

That view is pretty hard to beat. In the background is the bridge onto Marco Island. 

Hello friend. 

I absolutely love a good-sized water glass. 

We started with calamari, one of my all-time food favorites. I loved the simplicity of this version. Light batter, a healthy dose of black pepper,  and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice...wonderful :)

I went with the broiled seafood combo: shrimp, grouper, scallops, and mahi-mahi surrounded a delicious portion of crab stuffing. 

Crab + stuffing = happiness. 

Despite the waterfront-setting, hubs went with his typical: steak. 

After dinner, we sat along the dock and took in the view. 

Just floatin'. 

We saw three dolphins  and naturally, we named them and created background stories for their fishing and swimming patterns. Just as hubs was trying to convince me we had seen enough, we saw a fish jump out of the water only to be caught mid-air by the open mouth of one of our storied dolphins. It was quite the thrilling end to our dining experience. 

This sign made me laugh at the time. In light of today's weather, it is even better. 1 inch...cars will be towed!!

Happy blizzarding, 

-The Delicious Dabbler