Frontera Grill

I was just in Chicago and was able to eat lunch at Frontera Grill. If you ever find yourself in Chicago, you should go. It's amazing. You won't regret it.

Iowa City, Part II

I said a couple days ago that I'd soon be writing about all the wonderful food we ate in Iowa City over Memorial weekend. It's time.

We went to Iowa City for the express purpose of eating all the food that my husband loved in college. I'd been to a couple of them, but most were new to me. It was a fun weekend.

We started out with cheeseburgers at a tiny dive bar called George's. My husband says he knew vegetarians that made exceptions for George's cheeseburgers. Apparently at one time this place was called George's Buffet, but it's about the farthest from a buffet you can get. I think the food options were hamburger, cheeseburger, and chili. That's it. I was impressed. While too heavy on the mustard, it was an excellent cheeseburger. Definitely go if you're in the Iowa City area.

Next was a beer & some little beer battered cheese at Brother's. It's a pretty typical college bar in every way, but the outdoor patio was nice and the cheese was good.

Dinner was a calzone at Sam's Pizza. This place was the inspiration of the entire trip. I'd been there before. My husband raved about the calzones all the time, and when I had my first, I thought it was good, but nothing special. But the next day, I wanted another one. Three days later, I still wanted another one. A week later, still wanted another. In fact, I'd like one right now. See for yourself - doesn't it look delicious?

Yep, I know you want one...

Before going back to the hotel, we stopped for a drink at The Sanctuary. I wish Minneapolis had a place like this.

The next day, we hit up The Vine for their famous Maple Hot wings. Yum. I don't have pictures, but you should go there. If you want a more traditional restaurant atmosphere, go to the Coralville location, but if you want a more tavern-like atmosphere, go to the original one in Iowa City.

In the meantime, we made several trips to The Dublin Underground. It's a tiny little Irish pub that serves a beer called Dempsey's. It's actually brewed in Wisconsin, but it was tasty nonetheless. If you ever find it in a liquor store or on tap, try it. Again, why doesn't Minneapolis have a place like this?

We finished off the trip with lunch Monday at Micky's Irish Pub. It's nothing special, just a small bar & grill with good sandwiches.

Oh, and the funniest part of the trip:


You saw that right - that's a grilled cheese cart.

RIP Grandma's Restaurant

Image from GrandmasRestaurants.com

Today, May 22, 2008, Grandma's Restaurant on the West Bank of the University of Minnesota will close it's doors for good. The restaurant has operated from its West Bank location since 1981.

Your cheeseburgers and mozzarella sticks will be deeply missed. You will never be truly replaced.




Please don't close.

Murray's

Last week I made my first trip to Murray's steakhouse. It's generally agreed to be the best steakhouse in the twin cities metro area. I don't think the filet mignon can be beat. It's a family-owned restaurant that's been in the same downtown location since 1946. They're famous for having the 28 oz "butterknife" steak. In short, they claim their steak is so tender you can cut it with a butterknife. I didn't try it, but I'd believe it. If you're ever in Minneapolis, check it out.

Murray's Website

Photos Courtesy of twincities.citysearch.com and Murray's Restaurant websites.

Oceanaire Experiences

I've been meaning to blog about this for awhile now, but Wii got in the way. So, almost a month later, here goes.

My office Christmas party was at The Oceanaire Seafood Room. I don't eat seafood, but was assured by my bosses that they also had excellent steaks. They did. My filet mignon was one of the best I'd had. However, the caloric highlight of the meal was the plate of creamed corn we ordered as one of our sides. I could've easily eaten the entire plate meant to serve approximately 8 people.

When I got home, I did a quick search for a copycat recipe, and much to my surprise (and delight), I found one! Please, enjoy the recipe. And, if you're lucky enough to have an Oceanaire in your city, you need to try it out as soon as you can.

The Oceanaire's Website

Oceanaire Creamed Corn
Recipe from RecipeGoldmine
Serves 8

2 quarts heavy cream
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons white pepper
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon nutmeg
3 to 5 pounds corn, fresh or frozen
1 leek, finely diced
Fresh parsley, chopped

Simmer the cream in an uncovered stock pot until it is reduced by half. Add salt, white pepper, sugar, and nutmeg. While the cream continues to reduce, add the corn and lower the heat. Bring the mixture back to a slight simmer while stirring occasionally. Add the leek and stir constantly until the pieces break down. Continue cooking the mixture until the corn is done and the desired consistency is reached. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Barbeque!

It's hot. I don't feel like cooking. Tonight, we decided to get takeout from Famous Dave's. I know it's a chain, and some people frown upon that, but it's really not justified. I challenge all the nay-sayers to try it. Their barbeque really is fantastic.