MikeM

Minneapolis, Minnesota - All of the items listed are readily available from the grocery or speciality markets.

Regarding Jamie's comment - obviously she can have an opinion regarding Ripert's food. I think it's more in the context of the forum that she said it in. Hey - I respect people who don't feel the need to kiss a little ass to get ahead. But it doesn't always hurt either. My point - Jamie's on Top Chef NOT because she was a well known chef, but rather because she WANTS to be a well known chef. I certainly don't think doors are slamming on her - but it certainly doesn't help her cause to make that comment KNOWING it will be published on national television.

Actually, more like KFC's popcorn chicken. Fantastically yummy! Eating a perfectly prepared sweetbread for the first time was one of the best food revelations I've had in my life!

Stan - I apologize for immediately jumping on you as a result of your post. It just seemed to me that your post was more about stereotyping midwesterns than about the food or the economy. It's a soft-spot issue for me.

We went to Restaurant Alma again last night with friends. Wow! Every time I dine at this place the food is consistently fantastic. Anyone else been there lately?

Sorry you had a bad experience - believe me, I grew up in NW Iowa/Nebraska and it is highly unusual to receive a "lean" prime rib. Further, most people in this area of the country do not need to be educated regarding the virtues of fat marbling in beef. I'm responding to your post because I'm just curious - what would have been the appropriate way for the server to address your table? Would it have been better for her NOT to ask how your meal was? I don't get it. Also, what type of service were you expecting? I'm guessing this wasn't a "white table cloth" establishment. Finally, what do you believe the restaurant should have done in response to your experience?

David - I posted a number of restaurants above. However, looking back at your post I would highly recommend these two restaurants: Heartland (www.heartlandrestaurant.com) Alma (www.restaurantalma.com) Both are into the slow food movement. Both chefs are true craftsmen, at all times attempting to use local ingredients whenever possible. The food is not overplated, and is quite simple, yet absolutely fantastic. I hope you enjoy the Twin Cities!

What is the relation? ← Same chef, I believe, but of the two, my wife and I enjoyed Cue much more. The space is amazing, on the river, etc., and the seasonal food not too shabby either. Heartland is good for being close to Izzy's ice cream. ← Prior to Cue, Lenny Russo was the executive chef and owner of Heartland. In or about 2006, Cue hired Russo as its executive chef while Russo's wife managed Heartland. (I believe Russo's sous chef also took over the Heartland kitchen) However, after only one year, Russo left Cue and returned to Heartland. I do not believe Russo has any ties to Cue at this time. Needless to say, since Russo's departure, the food at Cue has significantly declined and I would not recommend the same.

If your looking for moderately priced slow food and/or bistro type restaurants: Corner Table Alma Broders Craftsman Lucias Heidi's 112 Eatery Asian restaurants: Little Szechuan Tea House

I tend to feel a little sorry for Bourdain ... he began his television career making a name for himself eating wildly crazy food (i.e., still beating cobra heart etc). Now people expect Tony to eat this stuff. It seems to me like he's trying to get beyond this, but unfortunately I don't think he can escape the label. Maybe the Vancouver episode is more Bourdain than many of his fans would like to believe. If you look at his reaction to eating Tojo's sushi - looked to me like Bourdain was certainly enjoying himself. Of course, I don't know him - so everything I said above is likely BS... Wait - who the hell can feel sorry for someone who has a job like Bourdains? OK - so everything I just said above is completely BS!

I understand your disappointment, I'm sure the show barely touched the tip of the iceberg regarding Vancouver. It seems like almost everyone has that reaction when No Reservations covers their city. I can remember the Seattle episode sparked similar disappointment among the locals. However, I was scouring the internet the following day to plan a trip to Vancouver. I guess the episode worked for me!

I completely agree - the Vancouver episode was great!

Good to know - thanks!

Anyone dined here lately? If so please let me know your thoughts.

I agree that a slow braise is the way to go. However, I grew up with my grandmother making pig cheeks on a regular basis. She actually cut the cheeks into cutlets and then seasoned them with salt and pepper, floured the cutlets and then pan fried them. Once finished she made a pan gravy from the rendered fat - believe me there was plenty of pork fatty goodness. She called them "pork cutlets" and I had no clue they were actually pig cheeks until I was a teenager. The cheeks were "chewey" but in my opinion it didn't matter b/c the flavor was outstanding.