Cuisine: Steak
Restaurant Features: Bar, Valet Parking
Location: Downtown Minneapolis
Address: 26 6th Street South, Minneapolis, MN‎ -(612) 339-0909
Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30a-2:30p    Dinner  Sun-Sat  4:30-10pm
Links: Murray’s Website Google Map

Marquee ~ Murray’s Restaurant

Atmosphere: Opened in 1946, Murray’s is one of the oldest established Steakhouses in the Twin Cities area.  Located in the Heart of Downtown on 6th St at Hennepin Ave, Murray’s is a big, open space that resembles an old ballroom.  With the chandeliers, white table clothes and mirrored, curtained walls, I almost felt like I was at a wedding reception.

Inside Murray’s Restaurant

Murray’s has a Cocktail Lounge that is just to the right of the main entrance.  The Cocktail Lounge has been a popular place to catch a drink while waiting for a fabulous steak meal for seven decades!

Bar Area ~ Murray’s Restaurant

Menu: Starters at Murray’s include Smoked Shrimp, Crab Cakes, Steak Tartar, Shrimp Cocktail, Calamari, Walleye and Wild Rice Spring Roll, Tuna Tartar,  Lobster Tail Skewers, Escargot, Halibut Cheeks, Truffled Mushroom Canape, Broiled Oysters and Appetizer Sampler (crab cakes, shrimp, and spring rolls).

Salads include Caesar Salad, Gorgonzola Pear Salad, Crab and Mango Salad, The Wedge, Roasted Beet Salad and Cole Slaw.

Entrees include a variety of delicious steaks including the famous Silver Butter Knife Sirloin Steak ( 28 or 42 oz of aged beef), 14oz New York Strip, 14oz Peppercorn Strip, 10 oz Filet, 8 oz Sirloin, 20 oz Ribeye, 28 oz Bone-in Porterhouse, Tenderloin Medallions, Cedar Plank Salmon, Lobster Tail, King Crab Legs, Pork Chops, Chicken Saltimbocca, Beef Tenderloin Sandwich, Rack of Lamb and a Burger.

Price guide: Appetizers $9-37   Salads $5-15    Entrees $16-53   Butterknife Steak $94/$135
Weekly Specials:

• M-F 4:30-6pm Early Bird 3 Course Dinner $19.95
• Sun-Thurs 3 Course Dinner $29.95
• Friday Night Special Dinner for Two  20oz Beef Tenderloin $69.95

What we ordered: My companions and I started with this complimentary basket of bread.  There were dinner rolls as well as seasoned parmesan toast.  The toast was delicious, salty with just a subtle hint of parmesan cheese and butter.  Warning! It is hard to resist this heaping basket of carb goodness.

Bread Basket ~ Murray’s Restaurant

We also had an order of Calamari that was served with a seasoned mayonnaise. The portion was decently sized for the price. We all agreed that it was good and cooked just right so that the texture of the calamari was cooked without being chewy, but the breading wasn’t quite crispy enough and easily fell apart.   Although I liked it, I probably wouldn’t order this again.

Calamari ~ Murray’s Restaurant

There was no doubt I was going to order the Ribeye, my “usual” steak.  One bite had me declaring this the best steak of my life! The ribeye was huge; 20 oz without the bone.  I ordered it medium and it was cooked just the way I like it.  I could tell that the quality of this steak was excellent, it was extremely tender and seemed to be completely gristle free.  The fat was barely noticeable except for the delicious flavor it added.  The aged beef had a robust flavor and was really well seasoned while also being served atop a small amount of au jus.  Magnificent!! Worth every penny of the $42 price tag.  It was served with choice of potato or salad.  I had baked potato which was also very good.

Ribeye Steak ~ Murray’s Restaurant

One of my companions ordered the Porterhouse, a giant 28 oz bone-in steak containing the short loin and tenderloin, unquestionably the best part of the beef.  This steak was also amazingly tender and juicy.  Choice of potato was fries, which were fresh cut and lightly fried.

Porterhouse Steak ~ Murray’s Restaurant

French Fries ~ Murray’s Restaurant

Two of my companions shared the Silver Butter Knife Steak for Two, a giant 28 oz Strip Sirloin.  One bite and you might just think this sirloin is tenderloin, it was so tender.  I am not typically a fan of sirloin but I tried this steak and can attest that it is exceptionally tender and flavorful.  With the Steak for Two, each person gets choice of salad or soup and choice of potato.

Silver Butterknife Steak ~ Murray’s Restaurant

Dinner Salad ~ Murray’s Restaurant

Service: We were lucky to get a table on a busy Thursday evening, after arriving at a late hour and not having a reservation.  Our server was very professional and the rest of the wait staff was very efficient at clearing plates, refilling drinks, etc.
Overall Impression: I had high expectations for a Steakhouse that is commonly ranked in the Top 3 and I was not at all disappointed with our food or service.  I was a little surprised that the decor didn’t see to have been updated in many decades, but if you want a good steak, you can’t go wrong with a steak at Murray’s.  I highly recommend the Ribeye!

Cuisine: Street Foods from around the Equator:  Asian, Caribbean, Mexican, South American, and Polynesian
Restaurant Features: Banquet Room, Bar
Location: Minneapolis (Uptown)
Address: 2916 Hennepin Ave  Minneapolis, MN  55408  ( 612) 824-7878

Hours: Sun-Thurs  4:30pm-1am   Fri-Sat  4:30p-2am

Links: Chino Latino Website Google Map

Outside Chino Latino

Atmosphere:  Chino Latino is located in Uptown on Hennepin Ave at Lake St (across from Calhoun Square).  It is a cool and chic restaurant that runs two stories, with most tables set closely together.  Most of the tables are big enough for larger parties, but there is also a extra-long community table on the lower level that allows for much bigger parties.  One side of the restaurant hosts a sushi bar, the other side has a giant bar that illuminates the entire restaurant with its orange glow.  The kitchen is on the lower level, as are the bathrooms.

Inside Chino Latino

Inside View of Chino Latino

Menu: The Menu at Chino Latino is printed on a daily basis, so items may vary depending on season and availability.

Tacos include Barbacoa (shredded beef), Tinga (stewed chicken), Crunchy Carne, and Mijangos (stewed chicken).

Sushi Options include Chipotle Salmon Roll, Salmon Roll, White Tiger Roll, Tuna Tataki, Weed Eater, Kalifornia Krab Roll, Spicy Mango Shrimp Caterpillar Roll, Ring of Fire Roll, and Sushi Sampler.

Little Dishes on my visit included Habanero Poppers, Queso Fundido, Chinese BBQ ribs, Black Laab (Thai lettuce wraps),  Jerk Chicken Skewers, Shrimp Feast, Tostada de Tinga, Firecracker Wings, Popocatepe (nacho-style fries), Potstickers, Shrimp Wraps, Shrimp Lollopops, Plum Blossom Salad, Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Cup, Empanada de Janeiro, Pescado Ahumado, Satay, Nachos del Sol, Chicken Enchiladas, Calamari, Mushi-Buro Beef, Crispy Saigon Rolls, Spicy Edamame, and Polynesian Pupu Platter.

Bigger Dishes to Share include Carne Asada Ala Moreliana (taco platter), Coconut Shrimp Curry, Mahi Mahi, Lo Mein, Philippine Paella, Fish Taco Platter, Banana Boat Chicken, Cuban Pork Roast, Mandarin Beef Stir Fry, Jerked Chicken, Big Chipotle Burrito, Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice, Miso Noodles, Kung Pao Chicken, Argentine Rodizio Roast, Cuban Pig Roast, and Cuy (roasted Guinea Pig).

Dessert Options include Deep Fried Snickers, Molten Chocolate Cake, Fried Bananas with Coconut Ice Cream, S’Mores Platter, Chocolate Flandango (flan layered with chocolate cake), Brownie Tres Leches, Fried Ice Cream, Mango Spiced Cake, Ice Cream, and Banana Split.

There are countless “Hot Zone Cocktails” at Chino Latino including a variety of Mojitos, Martinis, Margaritas, and many other fruity drinks.  Several Beers and Wines also available.

Price guide: Tacos $3-4  Sushi $12-25  Little Plates $7-17  Big Plates  $19-35  Desserts $6-14

What we ordered: **Must warn you that these photos are not very good, I was forced to use flash because of the eerie orange glow**

I started with the House Margarita, made with Sauza, fresh lime juice and Triple Sec.  Maybe I have gotten spoiled with all the sweet margaritas I have had lately, but I thought this margarita was terrible! It was bitter and strong, no matter how many limes I squeezed into it, it did not get much better.  A few of my friends had the same one and enjoyed it.  Must be a matter of preference, but I would not get it again.

Margarita ~ Chino Latino

I ordered the Pescado Ahumado, a delicious dish of bite-size pieces of smoked swordfish tossed in a light, creamy citrusy dressing, served with fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, and thick corn tortilla chips.  I loved it!  The smokiness of the fish was subtle but gave it such a nice flavor, there was no hint of fishiness at all.  The texture of the swordfish was very dense, almost more like poultry than fish.  Excellent choice!

Pescado Ahumado ~ Chino Latino

One of my companions ordered the Chicken Enchiladas.  There were 3-4 corn tortillas stuffed with shredded chicken and black beans, then covered with a spicy chile salsa and topped with shredded lettuce, sour cream and tomatoes.  I tried some of these enchiladas and thought they were good, but not a highlight on the Chino Latino menu.  So many other fun and yummy things to try!

Chicken Enchiladas ~ Chino Latino

Another companion ordered Fried Rice with Chicken.  This was a giant order of fried rice, with tons of peppers, green onion, egg and chicken.  Absolutely delicious!

Chicken Fried Rice ~ Chino Latino

Another companion ordered the Potstickers, an order of six large pan-fried dumplings stuffed with chicken and vegetables.  Served with a ginger-soy dipping sauce.  Very yummy!

Postickers ~ Chin Latino

Another companion ordered the Ochos Rios Jerk Chicken Skewers, one of the best things that I tried! The chicken was very spicy and served with a delicious, refreshing mango pico de gallo.  The sweetness of the mango was the perfect compliment to the spicy chicken.

Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa ~ Chino Latino

Another companion ordered the Nachos del Sol.  These nachos were unlike most you might be familiar with, because they were served with fried plantain chips instead of tortilla chips.  The bowl contained black beans, chorizo, pico de gallo, queso fresco, sour cream and jalapenos for dipping the chips.

Nachos ~ Chino Latino

And last but not least, is the Sushi Sampler that two of my companions shared.  Just one look at this tray and I was envious of their choice! For $25, this is the best sushi deal you can get at Chino Latino because you get to try the Tiger Shrimp Roll, Mango Shrimp Caterpillar Roll, Wasabi Tuna Balls, and Chipotle Salmon Roll.  Outstanding sushi!

Sushi Platter ~ Chino Latino

Service: We had very good service while at Chino Latino.  We had a party of eight without a reservation but they were able to seat us without too long of a wait.  The drinks took some time and the food was brought out as it was made, so we were all eating at different times.  One thing that is very nice is that Chino Latino has some round tables and booths made for up to 10 people so we were all able to conversate more intimately and there is a lazy-susan in the middle of the table to easily share dishes.
Overall Impression: I love the food at Chino Latino and think the concept of  ”street foods from the hot zones” is absolutely genius.  I wish the prices were a little more affordable so I could eat there often and try everything on the menu!

**This is a Mini Review while working in Austin, TX this summer**

Cuisine: Burgers, Shakes

Addresses:

10515 North Mo-Pac Expressway, Austin, TX‎ –       (512) 524-2400‎

201 University Oaks Blvd #1380  Round Rock, TX 78665       (512) 381-3310

5601 Brodie Ln #1300 Sunset Valley, TX 78745      (512) 735-2800

Links: MIghty Fine Burgers Website

MIghty Fine Burgers ~ Austin, TX

Atmosphere: Mighty Fine offers counter-service so the restaurant is designed to lead you to the ordering line upon entering.

Counter Service @ Mighty Fine Burgers ~ Austin, TX

The large space is open, with long picnic tables arranged in rows for family-style seating.

Inside Mighty Fine ~ Austin, TX

There is also a covered outdoor eating area, adjacent to the entrance.

Outdoor Eating Area @ Mighty Fine ~ Austin, TX

What I ordered: I had the 1/4 lb Burger, Fresh Cut Crinkle Fries and a Strawberry Shake.  Mighty Fine prides itself upon their fresh, ground on-site beef that is formed into patties by hand.  The burger was very good, its freshness apparent (juicy but not greasy).  The 1/4lb burger was just the right amount for me when combined with the fries and shake, otherwise I would’ve ordered the 1/2lb.  The fries were awesome; fresh, crinkle cut and fried in peanut oil.  The strawberry shake was made with Blue Bell ice cream and strawberry puree sauce.  It was very good however I would love for a Malt option.  I love strawberry malts and couldn’t find any place in Austin that served them.  (I didn’t look real hard though)

Burger, Fries and Shake @ Mighty Fine Burgers ~ Austin, TX

Overall Impression: These are some Mighty Fine Burgers!

**This is a Mini Review while working in Austin, TX this summer**

Cuisine: American, Steak

Addresses:

1101 South Mo-Pac   AUSTIN   TX, 78746   (512 ) 330-0030

6007 North IH 35    AUSTIN   TX, 78723   (512 ) 451-6555

5510 S. IH 35 Building C   AUSTIN   TX, 78745  (512 ) 442-6448

14010 N. US Hwy 183, Bldng. B    AUSTIN   TX, 78717  ( 512) 258-3733

Links: Texas Land & Cattle Website

Outside Texas Land & Cattle ~ Austin, TX

What we ate: We started with the complimentary loaf of bread, served hot from the oven.  It was soft and warm inside with a beautiful golden brown crust.

Bread & Butter @ Texas Land & Cattle ~ Austin, TX

I also grabbed a Frozen Margarita at the Bar during Happy Hour (happy hour specials are good only at the bar).  This was a pretty big drink, served in a tall, frosted glass.  Very tart and strong, took me awhile to drink it all.

Margarita @ Texas Land & Cattle ~ Austin, TX

We ordered the Fried Jalapenos appetizer, which were thick slices of jalapenos battered and fried then topped with bacon pieces and melted cheddar cheese. These reminded me a lot of potato skins but with jalapeno instead of potato.  These were tasty and crispy and only slightly spicy, especially when dipped in the ranch that is served with them.  Excellent choice!

Fried Jalapenos @ Texas Land & Cattle ~ Austin, TX

There was no doubt that I would get my usual steak, the Ribeye.  I ordered the smaller 12 oz, medium.  Very good steak!  It was char-grilled, tender and juicy.  I never eat the fat on a steak but love the flavor it gives it.  I also eat horseradish with my steak because I love the spicy sinus-clearing sensation that it gives me and think it really goes well with beef.  I had my choice of potato and got the loaded baked.  Oh, I love steak and potatoes!

Ribeye and Loaded Baked Potato @ TX Land & Cattle ~ Austin, TX

I also got this little cup of chili that didn’t excite me very much.

Chili @ Texas Land & Cattle ~ Austin, TX

Two of my companions ordered the Smoked Sirloin wrapped with Bacon ,one with Baked Potato and one with Sweet Potato.  I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I had never seen a baked sweet potato until this moment.  It was slit open and loaded with butter and brown sugar.  One bite had me wishing I had ordered it too, I loved the sweetness of it.

Bacon Wrapped Sirloin @ TX Land & Cattle

Overall Impression: We had really good service and our steaks were also very good and  reasonably priced.  I don’t think you could go wrong at Texas Land and Cattle (Unless you;re a vegetarian!)