PedalPub Review

Last Friday was my second time on the PedalPub. When the boss announced we would be having lunch and then doing PedalPub in the DT Minneapolis area for a company event, I admittedly was not thrilled. The first time I experienced PedalPub was with my job prior to this one, and it was not fun. I felt like I was too short to pedal and like I was going to fall off the PedalPub and die. Not a fun feeling, when you also have people accusing you of lying for being too short to pedal.

However, the second time around. I had a blast! It really is about who you are with. I really enjoy my current company, and my coworkers. We had a smaller group, and my concern for the last time I did the PedalPub of being too short was not an issue. The driver told us how to adjust our seats, but luckily I was able to be bartender again and not pedal. A bartender is necessary as the driver is not allowed to touch any alcohol or hand out drinks.

It was a great experience for us all. We were able to explore different bars in the Northeast Minneapolis area such as: Nye's Polonaise Room and Otter Saloon. My negative perspective on PedalPub has changed. Although, it really is a lot of work especially after you've had a few. I think it's more fun for a company event than for a social event.

Bar tending for PedalPub

Let me know if you've done PedalPub before and what your thoughts on it are.

Black Forest Inn Minneapolis Restaurant Review

Looking for a romantic restaurant to celebrate an anniversary or for date night?

Black Forest Inn was listed as #9 according to CityPages. The BF and I went there this past Saturday night, since our reservations for UNION rooftop fell through. Even though I booked our reservation a month in advance. They called me two weeks before my reservation that a private party had booked the Rooftop, and that their first floor was available. Pass. I didn't book a month in advance to settle for over-priced mediocre food, it was for the rooftop atmosphere.

Black Forest Inn was not a great third choice. My second choice was actually Forepaugh's despite the rumored ghosts. However, since I only had two weeks for reservations...they had zero openings for the date and time I wanted.

I have heard good things about Black Forest Inn, and they didn't seem too pricey so I thought I'd give that a chance even though it was located in/near Uptown Minneapolis which I dread...due to parking. Black Forest Inn does have a small parking lot located behind/on the side of the restaurant, but it was filled by the time we arrived resulting in a two block walk.

I had made reservations, but it wasn't necessary. Anyone would have been able to stop in without reservations on that night. We walked in...and were immediately underwhelmed. The place seemed run down. The hostess asked if we would like to sit outside since it was more romantic and pretty with the outdoor lights and fountain. Tosh thought it would be better scenery...I hesitated being in a thin dress on that crisp Autumn night.

Black Forest Inn outside seating was more romantic, despite the fact that it was raining which caused a weird dragging sound above our heads, and one near us was talking about how she saw a "cute" mouse running around. I can see the appeal for a nice warm Summer night.

Outdoor seating Black Forest Inn

For an appetizer we ordered, two potato pancakes. It was delicious, and I would highly suggest it. We both enjoyed it and immediately inhaled both pieces. "This pancake is made with grated potatoes, parsley, onion and bread crumbs. It's kinda crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle."The potato pancakes came with some applesauce as well. I'm not sure if it was because I was hungry or haven't had applesauce in a long time, but it tasted like the best applesauce of my life!

Potato Pancakes

For our main course, we decided to split their Saturday special. Veal Cordon Bleu, tender slices of breaded veal wrapped around ham and Swiss cheese and gently sauteed to order. Served with a tossed green salad. It was a good portion size to split between the both of us. I ordered this, because I shamelessly love veal. However, this dish made me rethink why I loved veal. I think what ruined this dish for me was that the combined delicious veal with Swiss cheese and ham. It wasn't a great combination, but the breading on the veal was delicious.

To wrap things up, we ended the night with dessert. The server suggested the black forest torte. Their version of "Schwartzwalder Kirschtorte is four layers of chocolate cake with cream cheese filling & kirsch-flavored cherries between the layers, topped with fresh whipped cream." It was almost amazing, but yet again it was a strange combination. Everything about the torte was amazing except for the kirsch-flavored cherries which tasted too sour and tart.

I'm not entirely sure if I would actively go to this restaurant again, but if it was a spur of the moment choice on a warm Summer night, I'd definitely give this place another chance.

Do you have any favorite romantic restaurants in the Twin Cities area that you enjoy? Please share.

Sarnas Classic Grill Review

I have no clue how we always end up at Sarnas when we are celebrating. I spent my first birthday with Tosh here, and we also ended up coming here for Tosh's celebration on his new job. I supposed both of those events took place on a Monday. That could have possibly played a role on the decision to dine here, in addition to the location in proximity to my place. 

I don't find the food to be particularly amazing, but they do have great drink specials, and Monday Bingo for $1. It's reasonably price for the food for the most part.

The first time I was there, I had their, Alaskan Fish & Chips, Alaskan Pollock filets in a tempura batter, deep fried golden brown. Served with fries and tartar sauce. I was unimpressed with the batter. It was a bit overcooked cooked, brown and too crunchy.

This time around, Tosh's stomach was a bit uneasy from his previous meal. He decided to stick to good old comfort food: Chicken Pot Pie, a creamy layer of mashed potatoes, herbed chicken, vegetables & gravy topped with a puff pastry crust. It was actually the best chicken pot pie I have ever had. It's highly recommended. The puff pastry crust is delicious!!!

I attempted to stay a bit healthier with their Caprese Chicken, grilled chicken topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato & balsamic vinaigrette on a ciabatta bun. Again, I was unimpressed. The chicken didn't seem to be cooked thoroughly, and I apparently hate ciabatta bun for bread. This is of no fault of anyone's than my own. Luckily, I was able to eat some of Tosh's meal, and we did order some appetizers as well.

Bacon Tots, were the appetizers we ordered. "A fresh new idea for a starter. Tater tots wrapped in apple wood bacon with jalapeno peppers deep-fried with a side of honey pepper aioli." It was good, but overpriced for what it was, and the portion was too small for the price. I wouldn't order it again here.

And of course with a celebration like this we HAD to have dessert. Since, it was Tosh's day, he got to choose, and a wise choice indeed, carrot cake. It was a huge slice perfect texture and frosting, and it was delicious! I'm actually wondering what happened to the leftovers...could go for some more now!

Also on Monday's they have $4 martinis and $2 bottled Miller. Sad to say, I can't recall the name of the martini I ordered, but it was amazing and strong. 

Overall, I think they have good customer service. The drinks specials are definitely worth coming for. It's an older crowd...well on bingo night it is. Overall, it's a hit and a miss on the food, it really depends on what you order. So far I've been striking out. I'm sure we'll come here again to celebrate though.

Let me know if you've been here before and what dishes I should try.

Bawarchi Biryan Point Restaurant Review

It's amazing how much Indian restaurants I've been eating at lately.

You'd think I'd be an expert now, but not even close. However, I am beginning to recognize the dishes that I enjoy. It seems that biryani is always different though at different restaurants.

We checked a new Indian restaurant called Bawarchi Biryani in Plymouth.

Like usually, the appetizer was delicious and a tad bit spicy. It was enough to get my nose running. We ordered the Bawarchi 999. It was probably my favorite item out of what we ordered. I also ordered an Indian beer called King Fisher. It was similar to the American light beers like a Coors and Grain Belt taste to it.

For our entrees we ordered gongura chicken with naan and chicken biryani. In my opinion, the gongura was the worst Indian dish I've had. The gongura chicken was too sour for my taste. It didn't seem like that large of an amount, but I had zero desire to finish it. Gongura is a dish that is typically found in the Southern part of Indian and especially from my BF's area, Vijayawada, which is unfortunate that I didn't enjoy the dish. The biryani was decent although, I thought it lacked flavor.

Bawarchi 999

Gongura Chicken with naan

Biryani Chicken

Have you been here before? What dishes have you tried? Any favorite Indian restaurants in the Twin Cities area?

Rosa Mexicano Restaurant Review

We went to Rosa Mexicano for my friend's birthday dinner. It was a great location and a fun environment with outside seating.

However, in regards to the food. It was the equivalent to generic cafeteria food. I ordered the chicken enchiladas with rancheros sauce. It just tasted like tomato soup thrown on top of a soft shell taco. It came out a bit cold as well. My friend ordered the carne asada which she thought was too salty and flavorful.

Chicken Enchiladas with rancheras

The alcoholic beverages were small and over-priced as expected for a Downtown Minneapolis locaton. The server also asked us if we would like some guacamole (for 5) with the complimentary chips and salsa. We all agreed guacamole sounded like a good idea until we saw the bill. It was $25 for guacamole, and it wasn't even that much guacamole. It was about two avocados, some tomatoes, onion, lime juice, and some salt. Super over-price. However, they were fairly accommodating with our special requests in food as well as when we were dissatisfied with the price of the guacamole they did change the price to a half order. 

Overall I'm glad we gave it a try, but I wouldn't go there again and would not suggest anyone to go there. If you are craving Mexican food in the Downtown area...Barrios might be a better option.