Bascali’s Brick Oven
My favorite dish at Bascali’s Brick Oven is the Wood Roasted Chicken & Garlic over linguini with a roasted garlic sauce. I definitely recommend Bascali’s; I go to this mom and pop shop often and I’ve never been disappointed…except once I ordered the vegetarian chili by mistake, which I don’t recommend. But just because that’s not my thing. You might like it. Bascali’s Brick Oven from davideerickson at YouTube.
Bascali’s Brick Oven
1552 Como Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108 [MAP]
(651) 645-6617
The History Of Prohibition
I was catching up on some podcasts and just finished listening to a Fresh Air program from May that I thought was fascinating. Terry Gross interviews author Daniel Okrent about his book Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition
Between the years of 1920, when the 18th Amendment to the Constitution was passed, and 1933, when the 21st Amendment repealed the restriction, it was illegal to sell, transport or manufacture “intoxicating” beverages for consumption in the United States.
But Prohibition didn’t stop drinking; it simply pushed the consumption of booze underground. By 1925, there were thousands of speakeasy clubs operating out of New York City, and bootlegging operations sprang up around the country to supply thirsty citizens with alcoholic drinks.
Fresh Air: Prohibition Life: Politics, Loopholes And Bathtub Gin [MP3]
Cheeky Monkey Deli’s Meatloaf Sandwich
I stopped by the Cheeky Monkey Deli in Saint Paul on Selby Avenue yesterday and got a meatloaf sandwich to go. The meatloaf sandwich includes meatloaf, of course, as well as cheddar cheese, bacon, spicy mustard, and pickled chilies on toast. It was delicious. Found at YouTube from davideerickson.
Why Men Drink Beer [INFOGRAPHIC]
Dutch Brewery Releases Strongest Beer (60%) In The World
Crave At The Galleria In Edina
I finally got around to trying out Crave. I know I’m late to the game but now I can see what I was missing.
I visited the Crave at The Galleria in Edina on Friday night about 6 p.m., so I got in just before the dinner rush began. We were seated quickly and courteously and escorted to the back dining area, a well-lit room due to the floor-to-ceiling windows. There was a fire crackling in the fireplace at one end of the room. The fire, the lighting, and the uncluttered solid wood tables contributed to an ambiance of comfort and elegance.
We had yam and beet chips for an appetizer and I was surprised to learn that they are delicious…just something about the word “yam” that has always struck me as inedible-sounding.
I had a gin and tonic for a cocktail because most places don’t know how to make a good gin and tonic. The waitress asked what kind of gin I wanted. Sapphire. The trick to a good gin and tonic is 1) using good gin, 2) going easy but not too easy on the gin, and 3) a tall glass. Crave got everything right but the tall glass. It was wonderful.
For my entree I chose the Roasted Chicken & Penne, made with roasted red pepper, kalamata olives, Donnay Farms goat cheese, and organic basil. I wasn’t too hungry so I chose the small size. The meal arrived served in a tilted bowl and proved delicious, as they mixed the aforementioned ingredients with shaved garlic and topped it off with a sprinkle of pine nuts.
I was full by the end of the meal; the small portion proved more than enough. The prices are a little on the steep side but the food is well worth the extra dinero. The chocolate-covered raspberries from nearby Bissinger’s were the perfect desert.
I’ll be back.
Crave at The Galleria
3520 W. 70th Street, Edina, MN 55435
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Bissinger’s – Chocolate-Covered Raspberries
As Summer approaches every year, I always anticipate July because it is in that month that Bissinger’s in the Galleria in Edina starts selling their seasonal chocolate-covered Raspberries, an absolutely delicious treat. I went again yesterday and here’s the evidence.
Here’s a photo slideshow of the chocolates:
Q Fanatic BBQ
Q Fanatic is my new go-to restaurant whenever I’m in the area. Located in Champlin, Minnesota, the place is tucked away in a little strip mall just off Highway 169.
Words, photos nor video can do justice to the most charming thing about the place: The moment you walk through the door of Q Fanatic, you’re hit with a wall of smokey, St. Louis barbecue aroma. The ribs are wonderful, of course, but try the sandwiches, too. My favorite thus far is the rib tip sandwich with Espresso BBQ sauce.
Though I love this place, some of the sides have kept it from being a 100% positive experience. My mashed potatoes for one meal tasted just…weird. They only tasted normal after I brought the leftovers home, threw some garlic and sour cream on them and reheated. Also, I’ve tasted bland, uninspired coleslaw before, but I’ve never had slaw that was too vinegary. Until now, that is.
Nevertheless, Q Fanatic is well worth a visit…and return visits.
Hop Henge At Muddy Pig
I had some Hop Henge Friday night at The Muddy Pig in Saint Paul. They served it in these very glasses. The beer is made by Deschuetes Brewery out of Portland, Oregon, and, according to Deschuetes: “Hop Henge started its life as an India Pale Ale, but this year it was bumped up to ‘Imperial IPA’ status, with a hefty dose of additional hops.”
If you like Surly’s Furious, you’ll like Hop Henge.