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Hello and welcome to this weeks Friday Feast. This week we took the ballzy journey down St. Paul's diverse concrete jungle better known as University Ave. After getting sworn at and nearly popping a tire because of the never ending construction I finally made it back to Little Szechuan to get a to-go menu so I may write this quippy excerpt. We had been there earlier and no doubt recognized for either our real estate dominance in St. Paul or because she works at another establishment we frequent...forgot to ask her. Anywho.. here's the meat....

Taste of Szechuan Chicken- Strips of chicken done szechuan style. Slightly sweet yet spicy pieces of chicken that were slightly crispy on the edges and yet wonderfully tender throughout. Different flavor than I have had when ordering szechuan but not in a bad way. Was delicious.  3.5 out of 5 forks

Pickled Vegetable Fish- I thought it to be risky to order something that has pickled and fish in the title..but what the hell. I was surprised to taste the moist fish in the incredibly clean and fresh tasting broth. Very unique, but you would need to love fish for you will be tasting it for a while after. 3.5 out of 5 forks

Cumin Lamb- I love me some lamb. Was slightly disappointed by this for it was a bit dry. Good, spicy complex flavor but needed some moisture. 3 out of 5 forks.

Little Szechuan has been widely known as one of the most authentic szechuan restaurants in the state and is frequented my one of our Andrew Zimmern. I think I need to stop by few more times, damn it, to see if will surpass my precious Tea House. Definetly worth a try and am looking forward to some response.

 Hello feasters and welcome back to this weeks edition of Friday Feast.I don't know about you but I am always hungry..especially for Mexican food. This week won't disappoint for we are bringing you the delectable y authentic creations of  La Mixteca on Portland Ave in Bloomington. One regular touts that they do not "Americanize" their food and make it just as they would in Mexico. Here we go..........

Torta Cubana- sandwich with hot dogs, ham, chicken breast, chorizo, eggs, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, jalapenos, cheese and mayonesa.

This sandwich has hot dogs in it. THIS SANDWICH HAS FRICKIN HOT DOGS IN IT!  4 out of 5 forks

 

Pollo Crema Guisado- chicken with onion in a creamy chipotle.

The chicken was good but what I want to know is how they make that naughty chipotle sauce. It is extremely creamy and has a kick. It may be one of the best guisado I have ever had and we all know how many that is. 4 out of 5 forks.

Roasted chicken with rice and refried beans.

The chicken had great flavor but was a tad dry. The refried beans were amaze-balls and may have had soem sort of pork flavoring in it...which means awesome. the rice was typical but had potatoes in it...crazy. 3 out of 5 forks.


I would fo sho visit them again. It seemed uber authentic and different. It is at times hard to find something new in the world of Mexican food.

Welcome Featsers to this weeks edition of Friday Feast. This week we bring out to Pizzeria Lola located on Xerxes Ave S in Minnepolis. We of course saw this place on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and had to put it on our lets shove their food into our faces list.

 

Here we go.. Korean BBQ Grass Run Farm beef short ribs, mozzarella, scallions, arugula, sesame & soy-chili vinaigrette Was hoping for more short ribs but in their defense I always hope for more short ribs. Lot's of Arugula that is tossed in the vinaigrette piled on the pizza which means its healthy. 3.5 out of 5 forks The Sunnyside- La Quercia guanciale, pecorino, cream, leeks & two soft eggs About time! They throw a couple sunny side up eggs on the pizza and then lets them run all over the damn place. Wish leaks were little more cooked. Seemed a bit like straw. Love the cream, the fancy bacon and the eggs. I would order this every time I go. Plus, your wife can't yell at you for eating the leftovers for breakfast because it has eggs on it. 4 out of 5 forks Lady ZaZa house-made kimchi and Korean sausage, serrano peppers, scallions, sesame & soy chili glaze Great flavor. Had a touch of heat. Kimchi was awesome and the Korean sausage(giggle) was delicious. Very unique flavors on a pizza. 4 out of 5 forks The crusts on the pizza were perfect. Slightly crispy yet chewy. Service was great and fun. I will be back to try more of their pizzas.

 

 

 

Hello Feasters and Happy Memorial Day weekend. Three day weekends always get me thinking about food and with the nice weather we are going to have this weekend it got me thinking about the Caribbean. Marla's Caribbean cuisine that is. Marlas is located on Bloomington Ave in South Minneapolis. Marla grew up in Trinidad and Tabago and moved here when she was just 15. She thought it a great idea to combine Indian and Caribbean flavors considering the large Indian population in the Caribbean. Hope you're ready to over eat!


Pelau- rice and pigeon peas stewed to perfection in a caramelized sauce mixed with coconut milk and other flavorful spices-

What a great rice dish. Deep flavors, sweet and plentiful. We ordered it with beef. Sweet, savory and satisfying. 3.5 out of 5 forks.

Trinidad Roti Wrap- Roti is a Trinidad flat bread and comes with your choice of Curry, Jerk, or StewBrown Down

The is like the chipotle burrito of Trinidad. It covered the whole gd plate! I was unfortunately sharing so I couldn't pick it and make the the other diners feel uncomfortable. The bread alone was worth it. Chewy, unique, durable and went perfectly with the curried goat that we asked to be stuffed in it. The usually tough goat was surprisingly tender and the curry was as good as you'll taste. 4.5 out of 5 forks

Jamaican Jerk- A spicy traditional dry rub or marinade made from scotch bonnet peppers. Served with either white rice or red beans and rice.
Sweet and spicy. Good amount of heat, The sauce was outstanding. The chicken seemed a bit overdone and would have like more of it. red beans and rice were perfect. 3.5 out of 5 forks.

Callaloo- Okra, spinach, coconut milk, and an array of spices cooked for hours to create a delicious of mouth teasing flavors. Served with white rice or red beans and rice.

Extremely unique flavor and texture. It was creamy, had intense flavor and surprisingly sweet. Heavy spinach flavor. We order with shrimp which was great. Would probably be best with the white rice. I think it is a must have if you like trying new things 4 out 5 forks.

Marla's was a fun new addition to my favorite restaurant list. The food was fun, full of flavor and unique. The portions were large and the service friendly. Give Marlas a try, you'll love it.

 

Hello again Feasters! This week we took one out of the Diner, Drive-ins and Dives book and visited the Dari-Ette Drive-in located in St Paul's East side. Serving traditional American and Italian Cuisine for 4 decades along with hot dogs makes this a worthy grub spot. Let's see what they got...

Meatball Sandwich- Fresh bread, big meatballs, very good traditional sauce. The texture of the meatballs were a bit grainy. Very good sandwich. 3.5 out of 5 forks
Wings- Surprisingly good wing. Good size and the sauce brings be back to the old school wings before every bar tried to be unique. 3.5 out of 5 forks.
The Italiano- It's the meatball samich but with Italian sausage. Would have like more sausage and maybe some peppers and this would have been awesome. I did eat it in 7 seconds so it had to be good. 3.5 out 5 forks
Spaghetti- Old school sauce. Very smooth sauce. I like a chunky, sweeter sauce but for the purest, it is great. 3.5 out 5 forks.

Fun location that brings you back to the old days when samiches were a quarter. Fun places the bring the family. You can get good burger and dogs with a malt or sghetti and meatballs. I will visit this place again. Give it a try.

Good afternoon Feasters and welcome to this weeks edition of Friday Feast. This weeks review is brought to you by the Grape NOS high performance energy drink I am drinking while writing this. It is delicious and reminds me of the cough syrup we drank as a kid and as a dare in college. Speaking of cough syrup, have you heard of The Smack Shack? It is a food truck Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays and served at the 1029 Bar Tuesdays - Sundays. If this confuses you you're an idiot, see below. I want everyone to pay attention because one of the delectable edibles below may or may not change your life.

Lobster Roll
Chilled Lobster with Cucumber, Tarragon, and Lemon Aioli on Griddled Milk Bread

I happen to be an expert when it comes to Lobster Rolls because I am fat and like food. This version of the Lobster roll crispy warm buttery bread and generous portioned cool lobster filling. Would have liked more tarragon and aioli to make it more creamy. The cucumber was a nice touch. CUCUMBERS ARE ALWAYS A NICE TOUCH  3.5 out of 5 forks.

Roasted Leg of Lamb Sandwich
With Harissa, Saffron Aioli, and Fennel Seed Slaw

We love samiches here at Land and Living Realty. This lambwich was very tasty indeed. Chewy bread, saffron aioli was perfect for the perfectly cooked lamb. Came with a dipping sauce.....yeah dipping sauce!!! 4 out of 5 forks
Lobster Mac
Mac & Cheese with Lobster and Taleggio Cheese

HOLY $#*@ This Mac was amazing. Creamy as it gets, good lobster ration, crunchy bread crumbs, and corn was added to help remind you what you ate for lunch later in the day. I would go to The Smack Shack just for this. 4.5 out of 5 forks

Smack Wings
9 Wings with Zesty Buffalo Sauce

Just so you know, they have wings on the menu. Zesty was the pefect decsriptor for spiciness. They were not very hot. Good sized wing and the sauce was good. Wold not be disappointed if you had a hankerin for wings....unless you want them hot. 3 out of 5 forks

Me like Smack Shack. The Mac n Cheese will bring me back for sure! Cool local bar atmosphere and the server was adorable and friendly. Great bar with , TV's, good service, pull tabs and good food!

Smack Shack Food Truck
On the streets of Minneapolis for lunch on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays!

Smack Shack at The 1029 Bar
Our full menu is available at The 1029 Bar
Monday: The kitchen is closed
Tuesday: 11:30am-11:00pm
Wednesday: 11:30am-11:00pm
Thursday: 11:30am-11:00pm
Friday: 11:30am-12:00am
Saturday: 11:30am-12:00am
Sunday: 11:30am-9:00pm


1029 Marshall Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
(612) 379-4322

Feasters, today we review food so good that it made 2 chubby kids giggle like little girls and another chubby kid get in a high speed police chase. He got from NE Mpls to Sole Cafe on Snelling Ave in St. Paul in 8 minutes. Rightfully so because I believe we have found the honest politician, the power hitting Mauer, the interesting cat owner, the leprechaun with a pot of gold, or any other mythical character you believe in. Sole Cafe has been voted best Korean cuisine by City pages and by me....enough said.

YUGAEJANG- Spicy beef soup with green onions, vegetables, and noodles.

Huge bowl of spicy noodle soup. Had eggs and veggies and packed with flavor. Goes great over rice and in my mouth. 3.5 out of 5 forks.


PORK BULGOGI- Thinly sliced tender pork, seasoned with special chef sauce.

I am not sure what the chefs special sauce is,mainly cause she won't return my calls, tweets, pokes or door knocks, but with the tender melt in your mouth pork and onion it may be one of the best pork dishes I've had. Ax aroun, it may be da best on earf dog. 4.5 out of 5 froks


TOFU DOLSOT BIBIMBOP- Hot stone bowl with rice that's mixed with red pepper sauce, tofu, egg, and vegetables.

Since having this dish I keep thinking of the 3 girls from Hanson singing about it...BIBIMBOP!!! Very unique dish served in a scalding hot stone bowl which makes some of the rice crispy. The sauce gives it some kick and the egg makes it ok to eat for breakfast! 3.5 out of 5 forks.


KOREAN SEAFOOD PANCAKE- Traditional Korean pancake with seafood

This traditional Korean pancake gave me a traditional American condition that rhymes with stoner. The crispy hashbrown based pancake stuffed with seafood and veggies was amazing. The interior was almost creamy and the sauce that came with it I would have, might have, drank. Make sure this is part of your order. 4.5 out of 5 forks.

Sole Korean Cafe was great in every aspect. The service and recommendations were spot on. The decor was authentic. Price point was perfect especially for the portions and the food was like nothing I have had before. It was unique with their textures, combination's and flavors. They even brought out an assortment of traditional Korean appetizers free of charge, which is custom. We will be back soon..probably next week.

Great afternoon feasters and welcome back to this week edition Friday Feast brought to you by Land and Living Realty. In continuing support for our small business owners on University Ave we bring you bring this sophisticated review of East African Cuisine at Flamingo Restaurant in St. Paul. When brought to our table we were told how the construction has effected her business greatly. We asked for 4 dishes that best showed what her establishment had to offer.


Sambusa - 3 crispy, homemade pastry shells stuffed with your choice of lentils or beef

We chose beef and if any of you think you would choose lentils then you should wear zubaz and combat boots so we know who you are The sambusas were served with creamy yet spicy sauce. The sambusas themselves were well seasoned, moist little meat pockets. If you dunked them in the toilet they would be toilet pockets. Great start to the meal 4 out of 5 forks.

Curried Lamb- cubed lamb, mixed vegetables cooked in a mild curry sauce

Very mild curry taste but curry nonetheless. I enjoyed it for I am a curry fan. The lamb was a titch dry but other than them ruining the damn meat it was good:)3 out of 5 forks

Good afternoon Feasters and damn-it , welcome! This week we support our struggling small business brothers and sisters on University Ave in St. Paul by throwin' down at Jj's Fish and Chicken. After driving down University for an excruciating 7 1/2 minutes we had finally arrived but unfortunately I had yet to decide on fish or chicken. Luckily, the more than friendly gentlemen taking our order said they were noth very good so we order both:) He also mentioned we order too much food and that  I should be ashamed of myself. Actually, I think it was I that felt ashamed rather than him saying so but I was too busy looking at desserts.

Catfish Fillet- You get an enormous amount of catfish for one order along will some tasty fries. You get tartar and the usual hot sauce along with it. The fish was moist and flavorful and reminded me of Big Mama's when I was little. The breading was light and not too much breading. 3.5 out of 5 forks

Walleye Fillet- Son of a bitch I love walleye. These were big fillets and fried perfectly. I have had walleye numerous times but can't say I have had it fried with hot sauce. It was dyno-mite!!!! 3.5 out of 5 forks.

Hush Puppies- I am not quite sure what is in these fried balls from heaven, but these balls were some of the best I've tasted. Very flavorful tasty to Mr. Jj's ensemble. 3.5 out 5 forks

Wings- Who in their right mind doesn't love wings? Everybody loves them and Jus didn't disappoint. They were fried and lightly dusted with a special seasoning.A very good wing. 4 out of 5 forks.

Give Jj's a try y'all. The food is good, big portions and friendly, knowledgeable service!

Welcome back and Happy Easter Feasters! This week we bring you 40 years of great Italian cooking in Mamas Italian and American cuisine on Rice St. in St. Paul. Mamas is a local favorite that serves lunch and dinner, all you can eat Spaghetti or Mostaccioli on Tuesdays, and provides personal TV's for every booth. The places was packed for lunch, dine-in and take-out customers. After a short wait we were brought to our table by our friendly waitress.

Special Deluxe Pizza- sausage, pepperoni, green pepper, mushrooms, and onions.

Happen to be my favorite ingredients in, on or around a pizza. They to not skimp on the ingredients and if you look closely at the  pizza the toppings form a face that looks like Geraldo Rivera. 3.5 out of 5 forks


"NEW" Flavor Explosion- sausage, pepperoni, bacon, pineapple and banana peppers.

The combination of juicy, salty meat with some sweetness and a hint of spice does create a bit of an explosion right before swallowing. Crispy crust, hearty sauce and generous amount of cheese. 3.5 out of 5 forks


Cheese Hot Diego- smothered in sauce and cheese

Thick, flavorful sausage Diego covered in an insultingly beautiful amount of cheese and sauce. One of the best I have had. 4 out of 5 forks.


Mostaccioli- sausage or meatballs

With a great sauce it would be hard to screw up pasta. The noodles were perfect, chewy and held the sauce nicely. Meatballs you can tell were homemade and the cheese was generous as usual. 3.5 out of 5 forks.


Mamas is a great Italian spot and gives Cosetta's a run for its money. Mamas gives you a mini ice cream with the tab and the employees are always friendly. If you are in the mood for some great Italian grub, give mamas a try.