I just heard about a cool game going on at Where The Locals Eat.

To determine America’s favorite food, the people over at Where the Locals Eat have created their own version of March Madness called, “FOOD FIGHT: Online Bracket Challenge”. It is an online game where 64 of America’s favorite dishes square off in head-to-head match ups, seeded in brackets like the NCAA tournament: burgers vs. nachos, bagels vs. sushi, pizza vs. ribs – and the grudge match everyone is talking about – hotdogs vs. Buffalo wings. Pick your favorite foods and help us determine America’s champ.

GRAND PRIZE – APPLE iPAD: The contest is free and we will accept entries until March 19th at 6pm. The person who scores the most points, will win an APPLE iPAD. We will reveal the first round results on March 22, and the winner will be crowned on March 31. Go to www.WhereTheLocalsEat.com/challenge, to see the official rules and to submit your ballot.

Several Twin Cities Restaurants are teaming up together to host a Benefit on the behalf of  Heidi’s and Blackbird, the two popular Minneapolis restaurants that were destroyed in a fire a few weeks ago.

Three Special Events on Sunday, March 14th
To Help Heidi’s and Blackbird Restaurants Recover

Your support is needed! Please visit Fork the Fire to see how you can help.

Can’t make it Sunday, but want to help out?

Any checks should be sent to:

Blackbird and Heidi’s Benefit Fund
Central Bank
2120 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55405

The donations will be split equally between the funds, one for each restaurant and we will be working with the individual owners to distribute funds where needs are the greatest.

Cuisine: Authentic Mexican, Fish & Seafood
Restaurant Features: Counter Service, Live Music, Market, On Site Parking,
Location: St Paul, MN (District del Sol)
Address: 175 Cesar Chavez St. St. Paul, MN 55107   651-227-2192

Mercado Hours: Mon-Sat 7a-9p    Sun 7a-8p
Links: El Burrito Website Google Map

Atmosphere: El Burrito is not only located within the heart of St Paul’s Westside “District del Sol”, but is arguably the “Heart” itself.  El Burrito Mercado is the place to go for anything you would need for preparing Mexican Cuisine and located within is also a wonderful little restaurant.

The Express Restaurant is open all day and offers counter service.  This is where you must order breakfast and lunch.

There are a couple of tables in the seating areas near the service line, if you’d like to take in the action of the Mercado around you, otherwise there is a great dining room tucked around the corner to the back.  The room is decorated more like a traditional Mexican restaurant with tiled floors, earth-colored walls and royal blue accents.  The walls are hung with Mexican artwork.  The Restaurant offers table service at dinner only.

There is a self-service bakery counter in the middle of the Mercado, near the restaurant.

El Burrito Mercado has just about anything you would find in a market in Mexico.  They have a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, a variety of Mexican cheeses, creams, chorizo, a big selection of meats and seafood, corn and flour tortillas, and a large selection of imported non-perishable groceries.  I discovered you can even buy mango flavored lollipops that are coated in chili! (However after trying one, I do NOT recommend)

Express Menu: Items are served with Mexican or Cilantro Rice, Frijoles Ranchera, Fried Pinto Beans or Fried Black Beans.  Includes Burrito Original (filled with choice of meat, beans, rice and cheese), Burrito Ahogado (burrito smothered in sauce and cheese then baked), Burro Gigante (2 ft burrito!), Tamal en Hoja Platano, Tamales, Milanesa (thin chicken or steak breaded and fried), Torta Minnesota, Torta Mexico, Quesadilla, Tacos, Nachos Supremos.

Meat choices include Puerco en Verde, Barbacoa (shredded beef), Birria (shredded beef in spice and chile), Carnitas (shredded pork), Pollo Mexicano, Pechuga de Pollo, Carne Asada (marinated steak), and Cecina (thin, cured steak).

Restaurant Dinner Menu: Appetizers include Chips & Salsa, Chipotle Chicken Wings, Chicken Flautas, Quesadilla, Fiesta Chicharron, Chips with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo, Molletas (bread with beans and cheese), and Queso Fundidio (melted Mexican cheeses).

Salads include Nopalitos (sliced cactus, onion, tomato, cilantro and jalapeno vinaigrette), Verde con Cilantro Aderezo (romaine with cilantro vinaigrette), Chicaharron (pork rinds on top), and Caesar Salad.

Entree Specials that are made with Masa (corn) include Gorditas (small thick tortilla made with corn dough), Quesadillas made with Corn dough (and choice of meat), Huarache (corn dough fried and topped with beans and choice of meat) and Sopes (corn dough fried and topped with meat).

Beef Entrees include Carne a la Tampiquena, Carne Asada, Molcajete de Carnes Mixtas (steak, chicken, pork, carnitas, cactus, chorizo), Bistec Mexicano, Puntas de Bistec, Lomo Salteado, and Sizzling Fajitas.

Pork Entrees include Chuleta de Puerco Relleno, Carnitas en Comal, and Cochnito Pibil (slow roasted pork served in a banana leaf).

Chicken Entrees include Enchiladas, Chicken Mole, Pechuga de Pollo en Crema Poblana and Fajitas Tropical en Molcajete.

Vegetarian Entrees include Roasted Chili Poblano, Beans & Cheese Tamales and Vegetable Fajitas.

Fish & Seafood Entrees include Pescado en Hoja Platano (tilapia served in plantain leaf), Pescado Empanizado, Tilapia Veracruzana, Camarones a la Diabla (shrimp in spicy sauce), Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (shrimp in garlic butter), Camarones a la Mexicana, Camarones Envuelto en Tocino Relleno de Queso y Chipotle (shrimp filled with cheese and wrapped with bacon), Tacos de Camron y Queso, Coctel de Camaron, Ceviche de Camaron (lime cured shrimp mixed with pico de gallo), and Ceviche de Aquachile.

All items on express menu can also be ordered from Dinner Menu.

Dessert items at El Burrito include Tres Leches Cake, Mango Cheesecake, Chili Powder and Chocolate Flourless Cake, Flan, Homemade Pound Cake with Fresh Strawberries, Gelatina, and Chocolate Cinnamon Cheesecake.

Price guide: Appetizers $5-7 Salads $4-5  Masa $7  Meat Entrees $8-10  Seafood & Fish $11  Desserts $4-5  Express Restaurant Entrees $7
What we ordered: I was really at a loss of how to order, so I went with the Barbacoa Plate with a side of corn tortillas(3).  I was given a very generous heaping pile of tender, shredded beef which I wanted to make tacos with.  There was enough to make 5 or 6 tacos! The plate comes standard with lettuce and tomato but I also asked for cilantro and onions, and shredded cheese.  The meat was really good and the rice and beans were decent (good but nothing too special, kind of on the boring-side).  The corn tortillas were small, hot and fresh.  I liked that they has a salsa bar and tried both green and red.  I liked both but the red just wasn’t spicy enough for me (I like HOT), the green was slightly more spicy.

My companion ordered a Quesadilla con Carnitas, which came with a generous serving of beans and rice.  The Quesadilla was made with a couple of large flour tortillas, grilled to a bubbly, golden brown and filled with melted Mexican cheeses and tender shredded pork.  Lettuce and chopped tomatoes were served on top.

Service: The line at the restaurant was fairly long at lunch time, but moved very quickly.  I basically told them what I wanted and they prepared my order in front of me within minutes.  Depending on what you order, some foods like quesadillas and enchiladas take a little longer to prepare.  There was a self-service salsa bar and drink station at the end of the line.  When we finished our meals we weren’t sure if we were supposed to bus our own trays or not but they did have a couple of servers who came and bussed our table for us.  The restaurant offers table-service only at dinner.
Overall Impression: I thought the food was pretty good and reasonably priced but the atmosphere was what made the visit memorable.  It is enjoyable to browse around the market and purchase items that you would not find at your local Cub or Rainbow stores.  El Burrito is Mexican-Cooking Heaven!! I look forward to warmer seasons and the Corn Roast they have outside El Burrito on the weekends. I also want to go back to the Restaurant for dinner and order off the menu! Live Music on weekend evenings!

This is an update to the original review I wrote in March 2007.  Time for an update!

Cuisine: Italian
Restaurant Features: Bar, Live Music, Nightclub, Sunday Brunch, Student Discount
Location: Minneapolis, MN (Dinkytown)
Address: 327 14th Av. SE. Minneapolis, MN 55414 612.378.4849
Hours: Mon – Thu: 11:30 a-9p      Fri – Sat: 11:30 a- 11p       Sunday: 11a-9p
Links: Loring Pasta Bar Website Google Map

Atmosphere: The inside of the Loring Pasta Bar is not only super cool, but breath-taking and romantic as well. Located inside a beautifully renovated building in Dinkytown (formerly known as Gray’s Drug Store) , the Loring Pasta Bar is an amazing site to see.  Ceilings are 2-3 stories high, with an upper-eating area overlooking the court-yard style main dining room.  Large trees and beautiful plants line the perimeter (glass windows are often opened or removed during summer months to really give you the feeling of eating outdoors.).  They also have live music every night from 6-9pm, usually in the form of a jazz band.

Besides having additional tables for dining in the upper level, there is also this cute little romantic lounge.

Menu: Appetizers include Artichoke Ramekin, Ciabatta Bruschetta, Fried Calamari, Pan Fried Potstickers, and Spicy Tuna Sushi Roll.

Salad options are the House Salad, Caesar Salad, and Salade Sauvage.

Pastas on the menu seem to change frequently and may include Beef Shortribs Farfalle, Fettuccini Carbonara, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Roasted Chicken and Mozzarella Ravioli, Linguini with Clam Sauce, Mushroom Penne, Cheese Tortellini Classico, Cheese Tortellini Nuovi, and Mac N Cheese.

Menu entrees also seem to change at least seasonally and may include items such as Seared Sea Scallops, South American Beef Tips, Grilled Salmon, New York Strip, Beef Tenderloin, Osso Buco (Braised Veal), Blackened Catfish, and Shrimp or Chicken Vegetable Stir-Fry.
Price guide: Appetizers $8-9 Salads $5-7  Pasta $13-17  Entrees $16-23

Student Discount of 30% with Valid Student I.D. (Excluded 6-9pm Fri & Sat)

Special Events:

• Salsa Dancing every Friday and Saturday night 10pm $8/10  (18+)
• Live Music from 6-9pm every day
  

Sunday Brunch Buffet: $10.95/Students $15.95/Adults

• Items change weekly but always include a variety of breakfast items, lunch items, pastas, desserts and fresh fruits.

What we ordered: We started with an order of Bruschetta, a savory mix of  roasted red peppers, chopped golden tomatoes, fresh basil and fresh mozzarella, topped with a balsamic sauce, all sitting on little toasts of ciabatta.  The four pieces didn’t go far but everyone enjoyed it.

I ordered the Cheese Tortellini Nuovi after much deliberation and asking the server for suggestions.  A pleasant choice!  The bowl-sized portion of tortellini was bathed in an enticing cream sauce, rich in flavor from a mix of spices.  The pasta was topped with sliced prosciutto and toasted pine nuts, a symphony of textures.  Oh Heavenly pasta!

One of my companions ordered the Spicy Tuna Roll, a large order of 9 pieces.  The roll had raw tuna, avocado, cucumber, spicy mayo, carrot and rice.  Served with a side of edamame ( wasabi and ginger too, of course!)

Another companion ordered the Roasted Chicken with Mozzarella Ravioli.  The raviolis are hand-made and tossed in a Napolitana sauce (concassed tomatoes, roasted garlic, basil, and extra virgin olive oil).  The bowl was topped with a serving of roasted chicken and freshly grated cheese.

We were celebrating a birthday that night and so one of my companions enjoyed this Chocolate Souffle with Vanilla Ice Cream.

Service: It was very busy on this Saturday night and parking can be scarce; options are metered parking or pay lots.  I ended up parking in a lot a few blocks away.  We had a reservation for a fairly large group and they were able to seat us all promptly.  Our server was really efficient at serving a large group.  Our visit extended over a couple of hours as we enjoyed our food and company, with food and drink served throughout the time.
Overall Impression: I enjoyed my visit to the Loring Pasta Bar just as much (if not more) than my first visit three years ago.  The atmosphere is really cool and they have a variety of pastas and entrees on the menu.  Seems like it would be a cool place to come for Salsa dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.

Cuisine: American, Bar-B-Q, Delicatessan
Restaurant Features: Catering, Counter Service, On-Site Parking
Location: St Paul, MN
Address: 919 North Dale St  St Paul, MN  55103     651-488-6591
Hours: Monday-Friday 11a-6p
Links: Aesop’s Table Website Google Map

Atmosphere: The inside of Aesop’s is very small, with just a couple of tables and a row of chairs along the back wall.  Order at the counter and watch your food being prepared just a few feet away.  Outside there is a cute little patio area with an wooden overhang for shade during the warmer summer months.

Menu: Deli Salads include Garden Salad, Chicken Rotini, Vermicelli, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Tuna Pasta and Thai Peanut Pasta.

Cold deli sandwiches are served with pickle and chips.  Meats include Roast Beef, Turkey Breast, Smoked Ham, Hard Salami, Pastrami and Corned Beef.  Cheese options include Cheddar, American, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Pepper Jack.  Veggies include Lettuce, Tomato and Onion.  Bacon also available.

Hot Sandwiches include The Porker (shredded BBQ Pork), Beef Brisket, Reuben, Rachel, Philly Style Steak & Cheese, Chicken Philly, French Dip, Philly French Dip, Broiled Chicken Breast, Grilled Cheese, and Grilled Deli Sandwich with Cheese.

Aesop’s also has 1/3 lb burgers with choice of toppings.
Price Guide:

Weekly Specials:

What we ordered: I ordered a Reuben which is usually one of my favorite varieties of sandwich.  It was made with marbled pumpernickel bread and despite being grilled, the sandwich was somewhat soggy (which I attributed this to being boxed-up to-go).    The corned beef seemed to be of the sliced processed variety rather than real brisket, and was very mildly flavored.  The sandwich had several slices of melted Swiss cheese and a mayo-type spread (not thousand island). The sauerkraut was almost non-existent on one half but heavy on the other.  It came with a pickle spear and potato chips. Not the Reuben of my dreams.

Upon recommendation from the staff at Aesop’s, I ordered the Porker sandwich for my companion.  Very good! The sandwich was piled high with tender pulled pork, tossed lightly in a BBQ sauce that was somewhat spicy and peppery. The top and bottom bun were thick sesame seed buns, toasted.  The meal also came with a side of beans that were somewhat sweet yet savory with chunks of bacon and a side of creamy coleslaw.

Service: The staff at Aesop’s Table were very friendly and readily offered suggestions from the menu.  Food was prepared quickly in front of me while I waited.
Overall Impression: Very good prices for the amount of food you get, service is fast & friendly.  I would get the Porker sandwich again but not the Reuben.

2/26/10  2:18pm  ETA: Congrats to the winner of the Family 4-Pack Jennifer Sasik-Arhart
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I know it is short notice but I have a Family 4-Pack to the Mpls Home & Garden Show to GIVE AWAY.  There are a bunch of really cool cooking demonstrations and such happening at The Kitchen Stage, see schedule below.  Leave a comment with your e-mail if you’re interested in attending the Home & Garden Show sometime this weekend.  I will draw a winner Friday at 2pm and have the 4-Pack of tickets waiting in your name at Will-Call.

The Kitchen Stage presented by All, Inc.

Thursday, Feb. 25:

11:00 AM -  Healthy Kitchens – Healthier Lives, Brenda Booth

12:00 PM -  Heavy Table blog, James Norton and Becca Dilley

* The Master Cheesemakers of Wisconsin book signing

1:00 PM -  Barefoot Wine, Randy Arnold “The Barefoot Guy”

2:00 PM – Sanctuary Restaurant

3:00 PM -  Star Tribune, C.J.

4:00 PM -  KARE 11, Bobby Jensen and Belinda Jensen

5:00 PM -  Mpls St. Paul Magazine, Stephanie March – Dining Editor

6:00 PM -  KSTP-TV, Vineeta Sawkar

7:00 PM -  TJB Homes, We Built It

Friday, Feb. 26:

10:00 AM -  Vincent A Restaurant

11:00 AM -  K102, Donna Valentine and Muss

12:00 PM -  KSTP, Leah Mclean

1:00 PM -  Barefoot Wine, Randy Arnold “The Barefoot Guy”

2:00 PM -  Healthy Kitchens – Healthier Lives, Brenda Booth

3:00 PM -  Oceanaire, Rick Kimmes

4:00 PM -  Bryant Lake Bowl, Chef Al Potyondy-Smith and Sous Chef Lance Fier

5:00 PM - Queen of Cakes, Cake decorating with Terri Leckas

6:00 PM -  CRAVE Restaurant, Sushi Chef Tony Lam

7:00 PM -  ShopNBC, Daniel Green

8:00 PM – Cities 97, B.T. Turner

Saturday, Feb. 27:

10:00 AM – Twin Cities Live Signature Restaurant, Gianni’s Steakhouse

11:00 AM - Twin Cities Live, John Hanson and Elizabeth Reis

12:00 PM -  KARE 11, Pat Evans and Diana Pierce

1:00 PM -  Barefoot Wine, Randy Arnold “The Barefoot Guy”

2:00 PM -  Healthy Kitchens – Healthier Lives, Brenda Booth

3:00 PM -  OM Restaurant, Chef Raghavan, *660 Curries book signing

4:00 PM -  ShopNBC, Daniel Green

5:00 PM -  M.A. Rosko & Jason Mattheson – FOX Hotdish Contest

7:00 PM -  All Inc. – Francesca

8:00 PM -  TJB Homes, We Built It

Sunday, Feb. 28:

9:00 AM -  LOVE 105

10:00 AM – KSTP – TV, Art Barron

11:00 AM -  KSTP-TV, Megan Newquist

12:00 PM -  CRAVE Restaurant, Chef Eli Wollenzien

1:00 PM -  Blue Ribbon Baking, Majorie Johnson

2:00 PM -  Jazz Co. Cafe, Chef Eric Schmitt

3:00 PM -  ShopNBC, Daniel Green

4:00 PM -  MN Bound/Schumachers, Ron Schara and Chef John Schumacher