Grumpy's Bar and Grill Review

Last minute impulse stop at Grumpy's.

I've always wanted to try this place. It was pretty much as expected. If you are a huge football fan, I think this would be a great stop for you. There's TVs at every angle, and you will be able to watch any game you'd like.

They also had a $4 bloody mary bar, which I didn't take advantage of, but was glad to see the option.

In regards to their food, it was pretty mediocre and basic. It's nothing worth bragging about. We went there on a Sunday during brunch time. Tosh ordered the biggest breakfast with jalapeno bacon, and I ordered biscuit and gravy.

Let me know what you've had here and what you'd suggest if I make another visit here. 

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.

Jasla Indian FastFood Review

Jasla Indian FastFood is actually one of my favorite places to grab some Indian cuisine. It seems like we eat more diverse Indian cuisine here, but my BF doesn't like the price of it since it's more of a hole in the wall joint with similar prices to Copper Pot in DT Minneapolis.

Dahi Puri

Paani Puri

Butter Chicken and Naan

The dahi puri is freaking amazing. I'm so in love with it. We order it every time we go there. The first time and last time for me to try paani puri. It's a weird hard dough ball that you break open and pour some strange pea soup looking thing into it. It's messy and not great. It's also pretty bland and sour.

I do like their butter chicken and naan. I can't compare the butter chicken to any I've had any where else though. This place is for me, but that might be because of how close it is to my house. I think it's worth giving a try at least once and multiple visits for their dahi puri. I'm in love!

Fasika Restaurant and Ethiopian Food Review

Yesterday I grabbed dinner with my friend and her boyfriend, and the only reason I'll travel to St. Paul is for food, the Asian grocery store, and to catch up with good friends of course.

I've never had Ethiopian cuisine before so I suggested we hit up Fasika. I consider myself to be a fairly adventurous eater, but I definitely have my likes and dislikes. And I'm not sure if it was Fasika or Ethiopian food in general, but it was definitely not for me.

Since, I grew up in a mom and pops restaurant the feel and environment of Fasika I thought was adorable. Hole-in-the wall restaurants are way more genuine and enjoyable than chains.

I think for Valentine's Day they had some alcohol specials with some Ethiopian wines. Unfortunately, they no longer had any of those wines available much to my disappointment as I tried to order the sweet red wine.

My friend's boyfriend who has been there before and loves the cuisine ordered the Tibs, which I had been eyeing. My friend also ordered the tibs but the chicken version which came with rice. To change it up a bit, I ordered the kitfo.

It's always a little difficult to be more adventurous when you are with people who aren't willing to share food, fortunately my friends were as I was not a big fan of my kitfo or any of their dishes to be completely honest.

The kitfo as described on the menu is very lean beef, chopped and warmed in spiced butter, rare or medium, cooked with mitmita, served with cottage cheese and selata on Ethiopian injera (flat bread). Or in my words ground meat in some red sour stuff on top of a spongy and sour crepe. The cottage cheese and selata (salad) were decent though.

It just wasn't for me. Everything just tasted sour and not very flavorful. I was sure to try the Tibs as well to make sure that I just didn't get a bad dish. If you are curious about Ethiopian cuisine the tibs is definitely the best dish to go with. It's like a stir fry but not as flavorful. Also, I didn't like how the meat was cooked. I thought it was a bit on the dry and chewy side especially for beef being cooked medium.

Sorry for the lack of the visuals, but we/I was starving and jumped in right away.

Have you had Ethiopian cuisine? Are you a fan? What do you suggestion? Any other restaurant suggestions?