I’ve had an incredible two weeks of eating at three of the top restaurants in Minneapolis, and I’ve found some things you’re going to want to try.
Heidi’s
A lot of us have been eagerly anticipating the opening of Stewart Woodman’s new restaurant, Heidi’s (2.0). I ate there before it opened, so I trust things have only improved since the preview.
EAT THIS: The hors d’oeuvres are incredible—a couple bites, enough to get your taste buds excited for what’s to follow. I loved the pickled beef tongue and roasted shitake mushroom salad. The best $2 you can spend in a fine dining restaurant in Minneapolis.
The appetizers are more like small courses, and the taste of Stewart’s Mussel Soup is still dancing across my tongue. This is a true revelation. No mussels in it: It’s mussel broth with roasted parsnips and a tomato stew. The crunchy parsnips are genius. And it’s $9.
If you’re a foie gras lover, the Foie Two Way is also amazing. The seared foie is over dried fruit chutney, and the terrine is on this really clever peppercorn pound cake.
All the entrees are under $20, and make sure you save room for Heidi’s desserts: I can’t wait to have the frozen yuzu and sesame souffle again. It was killer ($8).
Corner Table
Scott Pampuch took a brief break two weeks ago, closing Corner Table to freshen up the look inside and freshen up the menu. It looks great and tastes better.
I’ve been to Corner Table a handful of times over the past four years, and I’m telling you, Pampuch is at the top of his game right now. We tasted every item on his new menu.
EAT THIS: The rabbit terrine ($10) was amazing and the lamb tartare ($9) topped with egg yolk was luxuriously smooth.
You can tell Pampuch is having fun: He’s put a chicken confit on his menu, served with a funnel cake.
The main proteins were also fantastic—you can’t go wrong with any of the things we tasted. The menu changes every month, so get to Corner Table in the next couple weeks.
Piccolo
I finally got here. I know, take away my restaurant writer card. Dara loved this place in her review. The Star Tribune just named it the restaurant of the year. We went on a Sunday night, and frankly, I’m pretty sure that chef/owner Doug Flicker wasn’t there. Which says quite a bit about the quality here, because everything was amazing.
If you love food, you’ll love Piccolo. Inventive flavors, beautiful plating, perfect execution.
EAT THIS: It’s all incredible. Just look at these slow cooked beef cheeks.
I think the blood sausage with fried peppers was my favorite dish. The textures on this were fantastic—the peppers smokey with the perfect amount of bite.
The portions are small, but think of this place as a do-it-yourself tasting menu. You can do four courses for $40-$50 a person.
