To determine America’s favorite food, the people over at Where the Locals Eat have created their own version of March Madness called, “FOOD FIGHT: Online Bracket Challenge”. It is an online game where 64 of America’s favorite dishes square off in head-to-head match ups, seeded in brackets like the NCAA tournament: burgers vs. nachos, bagels vs. sushi, pizza vs. ribs – and the grudge match everyone is talking about – hotdogs vs. Buffalo wings. Pick your favorite foods and help us determine America’s champ.

GRAND PRIZE – APPLE iPAD: The contest is free and we will accept entries until March 19th at 6pm. The person who scores the most points, will win an APPLE iPAD. We will reveal the first round results on March 22, and the winner will be crowned on March 31. Go to www.WhereTheLocalsEat.com/challenge, to see the official rules and to submit your ballot.

Three Special Events on Sunday, March 14th
To Help Heidi’s and Blackbird Restaurants Recover

Your support is needed! Please visit Fork the Fire to see how you can help.

Can’t make it Sunday, but want to help out?

Any checks should be sent to:

Blackbird and Heidi’s Benefit Fund
Central Bank
2120 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55405

The donations will be split equally between the funds, one for each restaurant and we will be working with the individual owners to distribute funds where needs are the greatest.

Mercado Hours: Mon-Sat 7a-9p    Sun 7a-8p
Links: El Burrito Website Google Map

Atmosphere: El Burrito is not only located within the heart of St Paul’s Westside “District del Sol”, but is arguably the “Heart” itself.  El Burrito Mercado is the place to go for anything you would need for preparing Mexican Cuisine and located within is also a wonderful little restaurant.

The Express Restaurant is open all day and offers counter service.  This is where you must order breakfast and lunch.

There are a couple of tables in the seating areas near the service line, if you’d like to take in the action of the Mercado around you, otherwise there is a great dining room tucked around the corner to the back.  The room is decorated more like a traditional Mexican restaurant with tiled floors, earth-colored walls and royal blue accents.  The walls are hung with Mexican artwork.  The Restaurant offers table service at dinner only.

There is a self-service bakery counter in the middle of the Mercado, near the restaurant.

El Burrito Mercado has just about anything you would find in a market in Mexico.  They have a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, a variety of Mexican cheeses, creams, chorizo, a big selection of meats and seafood, corn and flour tortillas, and a large selection of imported non-perishable groceries.  I discovered you can even buy mango flavored lollipops that are coated in chili! (However after trying one, I do NOT recommend)

Express Menu: Items are served with Mexican or Cilantro Rice, Frijoles Ranchera, Fried Pinto Beans or Fried Black Beans.  Includes Burrito Original (filled with choice of meat, beans, rice and cheese), Burrito Ahogado (burrito smothered in sauce and cheese then baked), Burro Gigante (2 ft burrito!), Tamal en Hoja Platano, Tamales, Milanesa (thin chicken or steak breaded and fried), Torta Minnesota, Torta Mexico, Quesadilla, Tacos, Nachos Supremos.

Meat choices include Puerco en Verde, Barbacoa (shredded beef), Birria (shredded beef in spice and chile), Carnitas (shredded pork), Pollo Mexicano, Pechuga de Pollo, Carne Asada (marinated steak), and Cecina (thin, cured steak).

Restaurant Dinner Menu: Appetizers include Chips & Salsa, Chipotle Chicken Wings, Chicken Flautas, Quesadilla, Fiesta Chicharron, Chips with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo, Molletas (bread with beans and cheese), and Queso Fundidio (melted Mexican cheeses).

Salads include Nopalitos (sliced cactus, onion, tomato, cilantro and jalapeno vinaigrette), Verde con Cilantro Aderezo (romaine with cilantro vinaigrette), Chicaharron (pork rinds on top), and Caesar Salad.

Entree Specials that are made with Masa (corn) include Gorditas (small thick tortilla made with corn dough), Quesadillas made with Corn dough (and choice of meat), Huarache (corn dough fried and topped with beans and choice of meat) and Sopes (corn dough fried and topped with meat).

Beef Entrees include Carne a la Tampiquena, Carne Asada, Molcajete de Carnes Mixtas (steak, chicken, pork, carnitas, cactus, chorizo), Bistec Mexicano, Puntas de Bistec, Lomo Salteado, and Sizzling Fajitas.

Pork Entrees include Chuleta de Puerco Relleno, Carnitas en Comal, and Cochnito Pibil (slow roasted pork served in a banana leaf).

Chicken Entrees include Enchiladas, Chicken Mole, Pechuga de Pollo en Crema Poblana and Fajitas Tropical en Molcajete.

Vegetarian Entrees include Roasted Chili Poblano, Beans & Cheese Tamales and Vegetable Fajitas.

Fish & Seafood Entrees include Pescado en Hoja Platano (tilapia served in plantain leaf), Pescado Empanizado, Tilapia Veracruzana, Camarones a la Diabla (shrimp in spicy sauce), Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (shrimp in garlic butter), Camarones a la Mexicana, Camarones Envuelto en Tocino Relleno de Queso y Chipotle (shrimp filled with cheese and wrapped with bacon), Tacos de Camron y Queso, Coctel de Camaron, Ceviche de Camaron (lime cured shrimp mixed with pico de gallo), and Ceviche de Aquachile.

All items on express menu can also be ordered from Dinner Menu.

Dessert items at El Burrito include Tres Leches Cake, Mango Cheesecake, Chili Powder and Chocolate Flourless Cake, Flan, Homemade Pound Cake with Fresh Strawberries, Gelatina, and Chocolate Cinnamon Cheesecake.

Price guide: Appetizers $5-7 Salads $4-5  Masa $7  Meat Entrees $8-10  Seafood & Fish $11  Desserts $4-5  Express Restaurant Entrees $7
What we ordered: I was really at a loss of how to order, so I went with the Barbacoa Plate with a side of corn tortillas(3).  I was given a very generous heaping pile of tender, shredded beef which I wanted to make tacos with.  There was enough to make 5 or 6 tacos! The plate comes standard with lettuce and tomato but I also asked for cilantro and onions, and shredded cheese.  The meat was really good and the rice and beans were decent (good but nothing too special, kind of on the boring-side).  The corn tortillas were small, hot and fresh.  I liked that they has a salsa bar and tried both green and red.  I liked both but the red just wasn’t spicy enough for me (I like HOT), the green was slightly more spicy.

My companion ordered a Quesadilla con Carnitas, which came with a generous serving of beans and rice.  The Quesadilla was made with a couple of large flour tortillas, grilled to a bubbly, golden brown and filled with melted Mexican cheeses and tender shredded pork.  Lettuce and chopped tomatoes were served on top.

Service: The line at the restaurant was fairly long at lunch time, but moved very quickly.  I basically told them what I wanted and they prepared my order in front of me within minutes.  Depending on what you order, some foods like quesadillas and enchiladas take a little longer to prepare.  There was a self-service salsa bar and drink station at the end of the line.  When we finished our meals we weren’t sure if we were supposed to bus our own trays or not but they did have a couple of servers who came and bussed our table for us.  The restaurant offers table-service only at dinner.
Overall Impression: I thought the food was pretty good and reasonably priced but the atmosphere was what made the visit memorable.  It is enjoyable to browse around the market and purchase items that you would not find at your local Cub or Rainbow stores.  El Burrito is Mexican-Cooking Heaven!! I look forward to warmer seasons and the Corn Roast they have outside El Burrito on the weekends. I also want to go back to the Restaurant for dinner and order off the menu! Live Music on weekend evenings!

Cuisine: Italian
Restaurant Features: Bar, Live Music, Nightclub, Sunday Brunch, Student Discount
Location: Minneapolis, MN (Dinkytown)
Address: 327 14th Av. SE. Minneapolis, MN 55414 612.378.4849
Hours: Mon – Thu: 11:30 a-9p      Fri – Sat: 11:30 a- 11p       Sunday: 11a-9p
Links: Loring Pasta Bar Website Google Map

Atmosphere: The inside of the Loring Pasta Bar is not only super cool, but breath-taking and romantic as well. Located inside a beautifully renovated building in Dinkytown (formerly known as Gray’s Drug Store) , the Loring Pasta Bar is an amazing site to see.  Ceilings are 2-3 stories high, with an upper-eating area overlooking the court-yard style main dining room.  Large trees and beautiful plants line the perimeter (glass windows are often opened or removed during summer months to really give you the feeling of eating outdoors.).  They also have live music every night from 6-9pm, usually in the form of a jazz band.

Besides having additional tables for dining in the upper level, there is also this cute little romantic lounge.

Menu: Appetizers include Artichoke Ramekin, Ciabatta Bruschetta, Fried Calamari, Pan Fried Potstickers, and Spicy Tuna Sushi Roll.

Salad options are the House Salad, Caesar Salad, and Salade Sauvage.

Pastas on the menu seem to change frequently and may include Beef Shortribs Farfalle, Fettuccini Carbonara, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Roasted Chicken and Mozzarella Ravioli, Linguini with Clam Sauce, Mushroom Penne, Cheese Tortellini Classico, Cheese Tortellini Nuovi, and Mac N Cheese.

Menu entrees also seem to change at least seasonally and may include items such as Seared Sea Scallops, South American Beef Tips, Grilled Salmon, New York Strip, Beef Tenderloin, Osso Buco (Braised Veal), Blackened Catfish, and Shrimp or Chicken Vegetable Stir-Fry.
Price guide: Appetizers $8-9 Salads $5-7  Pasta $13-17  Entrees $16-23

Student Discount of 30% with Valid Student I.D. (Excluded 6-9pm Fri & Sat)

Special Events:

• Salsa Dancing every Friday and Saturday night 10pm $8/10  (18+)
• Live Music from 6-9pm every day
  

Sunday Brunch Buffet: $10.95/Students $15.95/Adults

• Items change weekly but always include a variety of breakfast items, lunch items, pastas, desserts and fresh fruits.

What we ordered: We started with an order of Bruschetta, a savory mix of  roasted red peppers, chopped golden tomatoes, fresh basil and fresh mozzarella, topped with a balsamic sauce, all sitting on little toasts of ciabatta.  The four pieces didn’t go far but everyone enjoyed it.

I ordered the Cheese Tortellini Nuovi after much deliberation and asking the server for suggestions.  A pleasant choice!  The bowl-sized portion of tortellini was bathed in an enticing cream sauce, rich in flavor from a mix of spices.  The pasta was topped with sliced prosciutto and toasted pine nuts, a symphony of textures.  Oh Heavenly pasta!

One of my companions ordered the Spicy Tuna Roll, a large order of 9 pieces.  The roll had raw tuna, avocado, cucumber, spicy mayo, carrot and rice.  Served with a side of edamame ( wasabi and ginger too, of course!)

Another companion ordered the Roasted Chicken with Mozzarella Ravioli.  The raviolis are hand-made and tossed in a Napolitana sauce (concassed tomatoes, roasted garlic, basil, and extra virgin olive oil).  The bowl was topped with a serving of roasted chicken and freshly grated cheese.

We were celebrating a birthday that night and so one of my companions enjoyed this Chocolate Souffle with Vanilla Ice Cream.

Service: It was very busy on this Saturday night and parking can be scarce; options are metered parking or pay lots.  I ended up parking in a lot a few blocks away.  We had a reservation for a fairly large group and they were able to seat us all promptly.  Our server was really efficient at serving a large group.  Our visit extended over a couple of hours as we enjoyed our food and company, with food and drink served throughout the time.
Overall Impression: I enjoyed my visit to the Loring Pasta Bar just as much (if not more) than my first visit three years ago.  The atmosphere is really cool and they have a variety of pastas and entrees on the menu.  Seems like it would be a cool place to come for Salsa dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.

Atmosphere: The inside of Aesop’s is very small, with just a couple of tables and a row of chairs along the back wall.  Order at the counter and watch your food being prepared just a few feet away.  Outside there is a cute little patio area with an wooden overhang for shade during the warmer summer months.

Menu: Deli Salads include Garden Salad, Chicken Rotini, Vermicelli, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Tuna Pasta and Thai Peanut Pasta.

Cold deli sandwiches are served with pickle and chips.  Meats include Roast Beef, Turkey Breast, Smoked Ham, Hard Salami, Pastrami and Corned Beef.  Cheese options include Cheddar, American, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Pepper Jack.  Veggies include Lettuce, Tomato and Onion.  Bacon also available.

Hot Sandwiches include The Porker (shredded BBQ Pork), Beef Brisket, Reuben, Rachel, Philly Style Steak & Cheese, Chicken Philly, French Dip, Philly French Dip, Broiled Chicken Breast, Grilled Cheese, and Grilled Deli Sandwich with Cheese.

Aesop’s also has 1/3 lb burgers with choice of toppings.
Price Guide:

Weekly Specials:

What we ordered: I ordered a Reuben which is usually one of my favorite varieties of sandwich.  It was made with marbled pumpernickel bread and despite being grilled, the sandwich was somewhat soggy (which I attributed this to being boxed-up to-go).    The corned beef seemed to be of the sliced processed variety rather than real brisket, and was very mildly flavored.  The sandwich had several slices of melted Swiss cheese and a mayo-type spread (not thousand island). The sauerkraut was almost non-existent on one half but heavy on the other.  It came with a pickle spear and potato chips. Not the Reuben of my dreams.

Upon recommendation from the staff at Aesop’s, I ordered the Porker sandwich for my companion.  Very good! The sandwich was piled high with tender pulled pork, tossed lightly in a BBQ sauce that was somewhat spicy and peppery. The top and bottom bun were thick sesame seed buns, toasted.  The meal also came with a side of beans that were somewhat sweet yet savory with chunks of bacon and a side of creamy coleslaw.

Service: The staff at Aesop’s Table were very friendly and readily offered suggestions from the menu.  Food was prepared quickly in front of me while I waited.
Overall Impression: Very good prices for the amount of food you get, service is fast & friendly.  I would get the Porker sandwich again but not the Reuben.

I know it is short notice but I have a Family 4-Pack to the Mpls Home & Garden Show to GIVE AWAY.  There are a bunch of really cool cooking demonstrations and such happening at The Kitchen Stage, see schedule below.  Leave a comment with your e-mail if you’re interested in attending the Home & Garden Show sometime this weekend.  I will draw a winner Friday at 2pm and have the 4-Pack of tickets waiting in your name at Will-Call.

The Kitchen Stage presented by All, Inc.

Thursday, Feb. 25:

11:00 AM -  Healthy Kitchens – Healthier Lives, Brenda Booth

12:00 PM -  Heavy Table blog, James Norton and Becca Dilley

* The Master Cheesemakers of Wisconsin book signing

1:00 PM -  Barefoot Wine, Randy Arnold “The Barefoot Guy”

2:00 PM – Sanctuary Restaurant

3:00 PM -  Star Tribune, C.J.

4:00 PM -  KARE 11, Bobby Jensen and Belinda Jensen

5:00 PM -  Mpls St. Paul Magazine, Stephanie March – Dining Editor

6:00 PM -  KSTP-TV, Vineeta Sawkar

7:00 PM -  TJB Homes, We Built It

Friday, Feb. 26:

10:00 AM -  Vincent A Restaurant

11:00 AM -  K102, Donna Valentine and Muss

12:00 PM -  KSTP, Leah Mclean

1:00 PM -  Barefoot Wine, Randy Arnold “The Barefoot Guy”

2:00 PM -  Healthy Kitchens – Healthier Lives, Brenda Booth

3:00 PM -  Oceanaire, Rick Kimmes

4:00 PM -  Bryant Lake Bowl, Chef Al Potyondy-Smith and Sous Chef Lance Fier

5:00 PM - Queen of Cakes, Cake decorating with Terri Leckas

6:00 PM -  CRAVE Restaurant, Sushi Chef Tony Lam

7:00 PM -  ShopNBC, Daniel Green

8:00 PM – Cities 97, B.T. Turner

Saturday, Feb. 27:

10:00 AM – Twin Cities Live Signature Restaurant, Gianni’s Steakhouse

11:00 AM - Twin Cities Live, John Hanson and Elizabeth Reis

12:00 PM -  KARE 11, Pat Evans and Diana Pierce

1:00 PM -  Barefoot Wine, Randy Arnold “The Barefoot Guy”

2:00 PM -  Healthy Kitchens – Healthier Lives, Brenda Booth

3:00 PM -  OM Restaurant, Chef Raghavan, *660 Curries book signing

4:00 PM -  ShopNBC, Daniel Green

5:00 PM -  M.A. Rosko & Jason Mattheson – FOX Hotdish Contest

7:00 PM -  All Inc. – Francesca

8:00 PM -  TJB Homes, We Built It

Sunday, Feb. 28:

9:00 AM -  LOVE 105

10:00 AM – KSTP – TV, Art Barron

11:00 AM -  KSTP-TV, Megan Newquist

12:00 PM -  CRAVE Restaurant, Chef Eli Wollenzien

1:00 PM -  Blue Ribbon Baking, Majorie Johnson

2:00 PM -  Jazz Co. Cafe, Chef Eric Schmitt

3:00 PM -  ShopNBC, Daniel Green

4:00 PM -  MN Bound/Schumachers, Ron Schara and Chef John Schumacher

Atmosphere: Al Vento is conveniently located on the corner of East 50th St and 34th Ave S in South Minneapolis, not far from the Lightrail line.  The restaurant is in a brick building, with one open room serving as the dining room and bar area, and the kitchen tucked away in the back.  The mood was romantic, with soft lighting from both the hanging pendant lights and the soft glow of the table-top candles.  The space efficiently accommodates enough tables to intimately seat maybe 40-50 guests.  Our server, Alexandro, just added to the ambiance with his authentic Italian accent.  The name “Al Vento” means “with the wind” in Italian.

Menu: Appetizers include a variety of Bruschetta including Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and White Bean, Artichoke/Mozzarella/Basil and Roasted Peppers, Eggplant Caponata, and Olive Tapenade with Goat Cheese. Other starters include Mushroom and Pork with Apple Chutney,  Stuffed Mushrooms, Mussels in White Wine & Garlic, Tomato Bread Soup, Smoked Salmon Crostini with Mascarpone and Berry Compote, Cavatelli with Swiss Chard Truffle Pecorino and Brown Butter.

Salads offered at Al Vento are the Caesar, Red Beet with Candied Walnuts, and the Mista with Fennel , Blood Orange and Herb Goat Cheese.

You can also order a variety of pizzas including  the Neopolitan, or one with Salami/Artichoke/Tomato, the Red Potato/Spinach/Gorgonzola/ Red Onion is a unique combo and last but not least, the Fennel Sausage/ Roma Tomato/ Herb Goat Cheese.

There are a handful of delicious Pastas on the menu at Al Vento, with the menu rotating items on a regular (if not daily) basis.  Menu items on the night of my visit were Spaghetti and Meatballs (which is a true winner even if you rarely order spaghetti at restaurants),  Risotto with Roasted Cauliflower and Pecorino, Bucatini alla Amatriciana with Pancetta Tomato and Chili flake,  Maltagliati with Braised Pork Olives and Chestnuts, and Fussili with Tiger Shrimp and Pancetta in a Tomato Sauce.

The Entree items also change on a regular basis, depending on the season and what ingredients can be obtained locally.  Current menu includes Braised Pork Shank with Saffron Risotto and Gremolata, Sea Bass with Root Vegetables and Red Pepper Sauce, Parmesan Chicken Breast with Roasted Vegetable Gratín, Grilled Steak alla Pizzaiola with Gorgonzola Sauce and Potato.

Desserts are all homemade and include Vanilla Gelato,  Semi-Fredo Hazelnut Custard, Chocolate Oblivion (pastry crust with chocolate ganache and strawberries), Tiramisu, Olive Oil Cake (with fresh berry puree and hazelnuts), and the Creme Brulee Trio (chocolate, vanilla, pistachio).

In addition to a full bar, Al Vento offers a variety of coffee drinks and Italian sodas.

Sunday Brunch: European-style buffet featuring fresh fruit, salads, pastries, meats, cheeses, smoked salmon, waffles, house made sausage, eggs benedict, breakfast potatoes, a chocolate fondue fountain with strawberries and more that rotates from week to week,. $14 for adults, $7 for kids.  Adult brunch includes a bottomless mimosa.  Every Sunday from 10 to 2.  Reservations accepted.

Price guide: Bruschetta $4-5  Antipasti $7-9  Salads  $7 Pizza $9-11  Pasta $13-15  Entrees $17-20

Happy Hour: Happy Hour every day from 4:30 to 6.  1/2 price all bottles of wine,   $5 select martinis.

Weekly Specials: Sundays and Mondays- Half Price Wine all night
Tuesday Night Date Night-  3 Courses for $20 a person.
What we ordered: We started with the complimentary freshly baked Italian bread with a side of olive oil.  Like everything at Al Vento, the bread was made from scratch.  It was lovely, thick and dense, seasoned with Italian herbs and very flavorful.

Al Vento has many selections of Bruschetta so I ordered the one that caught my eye. It had chopped artichoke, tomato, roasted red pepper and fresh homemade mozzarella.  I don’t hesitate to say this is one of the best bruschetta I have tried.  Every ingredient was so fresh and brought a great mix of flavors.  Artichoke and roasted red peppers were a genius addition to the traditional tomato and basil.

We also tried the Sicilian Stuffed Mushrooms, an excellent choice. The order came with four mushroom caps that were stuffed with a blend of walnuts and herbs,  topped with bread crumbs and cheese, then baked.  The mushrooms were placed atop a pretty arrangement of colorful dipping sauces.  Great combo of textures and flavors.

There were many entrees on the menu that sounded wonderful but I have really been craving seafood lately so I chose the Fussili Shrimp Pasta. The dish was a generous portion of homemade fussili pasta loaded with at least 7-8 giant tiger shrimp.  The pasta was tossed with homemade tomato sauce, small chunks of pancetta (cured Italian bacon), fresh garlic, red chili spices and other herbs.    The pasta was cooked perfectly, the tomato sauce was fresh with subtle kick from the red chili, and the little bites of pancetta provided even more texture and taste than the shrimp alone.  I was very pleased with this dish!

My companion ordered the Braised Pork Shank.  The pork was extremely tender and juicy after being braised; it was first seared to give it a brown color then roasted in seasoned broth.  Fabulous! The pork was topped with a gremolata consisting of chopped garlic, parsley and lemon zest then surrounded with a saffron risotto.  The citrusy mix of herbs was a pleasing compliment to the rich taste of the saffron risotto.  My companion and I both loved this dish, it is hearty and warming on a cold winter night.

We also ordered dessert at the suggestion of our server.  The homemade Vanilla Gelato at Al Vento is better than any I have had locally.  Gelato is usually made with less fat and more sugar than traditional ice cream; this version is the perfect blend of both creamy and sweet, with the rich taste of real vanilla bean.  Heavenly!

We also tried the Semi Fredo, which was a very unique dessert made of semi-frozen hazelnut custard.  The flavor of the hazelnut reminded me slightly of peanut butter, but much more rich and less sweet.  The strawberry and chocolate sauces that were drizzled on top were a perfect match to the hazelnut.  As for the texture of this dessert,  I have a hard time wording its uniqueness; it was very cold yet not frozen or creamy smooth like gelato, ice cream or other frozen custards.    Word cannot do it justice, you must just try it to see what I mean! You’ll love it.

Service: We were lucky enough to find a space in the parking lot and get a table on a busy Tuesday night.  Our service was excellent!   Our server, Alexandro, was great at explaining items on the menu (with his authentic Italian accent) and had some suggestions that were real winners.  Drinks were refilled quickly and food was timed so that we were able to enjoy our appetizers without rushing to finish before our entrees came.  The manager was also very inviting and helpful and seemed to genuinely care about every customer dining at Al Vento.

Overall Impression: This was my first visit to Al Vento and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The food is wonderful, authentic Southern Italian, everything is made from scratch, and many ingredients are locally produced….. all for prices less than I expected for such a nice restaurant.  The Tuesday Date Night special (3 course meal for $20/person) is a phenomenal way to try a variety and the Sunday Brunch sounds excellent as well.

American Motorsports Bar & Grill ~ Cottage Grove

• All-You-Can-Eat Fish & Chips  $11.95

Baja Sol

• Shrimp taco, shrimp burrito, shrimp salad, shrimp arroz, shrimp fajita, fish tacs, fish burrito, crusted tilapia

Bennett’s Chop & Railhouse

• $26.95 All you can eat Snow Crab Legs

Cafe Twenty Eight

• $14 Beer battered walleye, fries, tarter & cole slaw.

Groveland Tap

• All You Can Eat Fish Fry

JJ’s Bierstube-

• $11.99 All You Can Eat Cod (with coleslaw, fries & toast)

Lake Elmo Inn

• Seafood Extravaganza Buffet 5-9pm  $50 per person Includes:
• 3-4 oz Lobster tail brought to your table
• Crab legs, crab dish, 4-5 other seafood salads, 4-5 salads 4 fruits, crab claws, shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, sushi, seared ahi tuna, and prime rib station
• Reservations highly recommended!

Mac’s Fish & Chips

• Baskets (Fried Haddock, shrimp or clams) served with Fries & Coleslaw

Mystic Lake Casino ~ Ribbons Steakhouse

• Seafood Spectacular  Two Lobster dinners for $19.99
• Each dinner includes a 12-14 oz. whole Canadian lobster served with drawn butter, fresh lemon, baked potato, corn on the cob, dinner roll with butter and a house salad with your choice of dressing.

Oak City

• $11.95 All You Can Eat Walleye Fingers

Obb’s Sports Bar & Grill

• $10.75  All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry

Rascal’s

• All-You-Can-Eat Beer-Battered Walleye

Red Stag Supper Club

• Fried Fish Baskets:  Blue Gill ($13/19), Northern ($12/17) or Cod ($11/15)
• Cornmeal Breaded Calamari, fried smelt, fried oysters, king crab linguini, seared scallops, and fried trout

Shamrock’s Irish Pub

• Fish Fry or Fried Shrimp with fries and coleslaw $9.95

St Clair Broiler

• $11.95 Fish fry Served with your choice of soup, salad or cole slaw and a choice of baked potato, garlic mashed potatoes or fries.

Tavern on Grand

• $13.95 Teriyaki Glazed Walleye Dinner
• $8.95 Walleye Cakes
• $10.95 Walleye Bites Basket
• $15.95/21.95  Walleye Fillets (blackened, fried or grilled)
• $17.95  Stuffed Walleye

Tavern on the Avenue

• $9.95  All-You-Can-Eat Cod, choice of potato and cole slaw

Tiffany’s Sports Lounge-

• $10.95. Alaskan Pollack battered in Summit Pale Ale.   Served with hand cut French fries

Yarusso Bros-

• $9.75 Italian Baked Catfish with spaghetti and salad

I wanted to give you the inside scoop on a new Daily Deal site that launched today in the Twin Cities called LivingSocialDeals. Each day, LivingSocial members will receive one fantastic deal with discounts of 50% or more at local restaurants, bars, salons, spas, theaters, events, and more. Why not take advantage of  great deals while also helping out local businesses??

The concept is simple: there’s a lot of power in numbers. Buying power, that is. Local businesses let us offer deep discounts to large
online audiences. It’s great for everyone involved – our members get to enjoy all the best their city has to offer at half the price, and
local businesses get free advertising and a boatload of new customers in just one day.

When you see a deal that tickles your fancy, here’s what to do:

• BUY. Get in on the deal of the day
• SHARE. If 3 of your friends buy the same deal, you get 1 FREE
• WAIT. Your deal will be ready to print within 1 business day
• PRINT. Follow the instructions on your deal and redeem it
• SAVE. Enjoy your favorite spots around town at huge discounts

Head over to LivingSocialDeals and sign-up to get e-mail alerts with each new daily deal!

Hope you enjoy the changes!