Photo by Todd Buchanan
Remember the old Rosewood Room? I do.
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and those of us who can recall the romantic Rosewood Room when it was on the seventh floor of the Northstar hotel (now at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Minneapolis) will be thrilled to hear this news. Executive chef Chris Dwyer is bringing the romance back: His elegant, five-course dinner features old favorites, like chilled Vishyssoise, Beef Wellington, Veal Oscar, tableside Caesar salad, crème brûlée chocolate flourless torte, and berries zabaglione. These items and more will be available for sweethearts from February 13 through 16. Pre-dinner treats include hors d’oeuvres and a glass of Prosecco in the Minnetonka Lounge. Price is $120 per couple.
There are some memorable pre-order add-ons, such as Bananas Foster and baked Alaska for two. Plus, Dwyer will offer after-dinner drink specials, like Brandy Alexanders and Irish Coffees.
I recall the majestic view of the long-gone swimming pool adjacent to the restaurant. These menu items will help bring back all those good meals and memories. For a reservation, call 612-338-2288.
Rosewood Room
Crowne Plaza Hotel
618 Second Ave. S., Minneapolis
Good Day Cafe for All-Day Breakfast
Where can you eat breakfast all day, along with lunch and dinner items that alert your taste-bud memories back to the dining table of your youth?
Breakfast at Good Day Cafe starts at 7 a.m. It includes fabulous smoothies and coffee drinks. (My fav? The Peppermint Patty: espresso, dark chocolate, mint flavoring, steamed milk, and whipped cream.) Plus, you can order waffles, crepes, omelettes, quiches, eggs Benny, and their famous “GDC” potatoes.
For lunch and dinner treats, check out the turkey pot pie, tuna melts, and a myriad of fabulous salads, sandwiches, crab cakes, and serious soups. Owner Nancy Webb and her crew—from the back to the front of the café—treat guests as part of the family. Yes, there is a great happy hour, as well. They added a bar area a few years ago (called the Bad Day Bar). It’s pretty cool to nab a seat there when everything else is full. Plus, in the spring and summer, I’ll let you in on a special secret: There is a grassy outdoor patio in the back.
Good Day Cafe
5410 Wayzata Blvd., Golden Valley
Seven for a Special Occasion
This two-story wonder (plus a summertime rooftop) on the corner of Seventh and Hennepin has changed decor, chefs, and management a few times since its beginnings. But the sensational sushi and steaks have survived all the turnabouts.
The private dining menu at Seven, by chefs Nestor Villafuerte and Jonathan Robles, has all the sizzle and style one would expect for special occasions. Starters range from lobster guacamole to spicy tuna tartar and lamb lollipops. You can order sushi platters of any size and shape. These items are on the regular dinner menu, seven nights a week, along with chicken, seafood, and beef entrées made to perfection with all the trimmings.
Ask for Judy Cook or Yoom Ngyen to show you around, and make reservations for their Lunar New Year party on January 31. There will be free champagne and a special sushi menu, plus lion dance and fire acts. Another event, on February 9, lives close to my heart, since I co-founded the Charlie Awards. This is the ninth year, taking place at 3 p.m. at the Pantages Theater right next door. (Find tickets here, or call 612-767-3217.) Seven will host the after-party following the awards ceremony. (Shameless plug, I know.)
Seven
700 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
Sue Zelickson (Sue Z.) is a James Beard Award-winning food media personality, philanthropist, and longtime contributor to Minnesota Monthly and WCCO radio. She has founded the Charlie Awards, the Women Who Really Cook networking organization for women in the local food industry, and the Kids Cafe at Perspectives, Inc., which improves access to nutritious meals for families in need. You can find her buzzing around from event to event throughout the Twin Cities, helping to raise funds for charitable organizations, including some she has had a hand in building.
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