Minneapolis people... restaurant recommendation?

[american_mama]

My DH recently got some significant help from some friends in Minneapolis and I'd like to send them something as a thank you. If I get a restaurant gift certificate, what places would you recommend for a special dinner out that you wouldn't otherwise treat yourself to? Our friends are in their 40's, have pretty adventurous taste and have lived in Minneapolis a long time.

We lived in Minneapolis years ago, and the only place I recall is Aquavit. Does that still have any special factor?

In a non-food idea, is there any big upcoming special event that I could get them tickets for? It could be a couples night or a family event.

[Nu_mama]

If they are adventurous, THE place to go right now is Travail Kitchen and Amusements. It is hard to get into because of their unique set up; the chefs prepare the food and serve it to the tables, no reservations, you wait in line until there is an open seat. They have been written up in Bon Appetit in America's best new restaurants 2011. I'm excited just thinking about it. They are on FB and you will see a massive following. Here are the Yelp reviews:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/travail-kitchen-and-amusements-robbinsdale

This is where I would want to go. Also, they are best known for their 10 course menu that changes frequently and is $60-$70/2 people. I would be thrilled to get a gc for there! Hope this is helpful, I just get so excited about this place that I probably am not typing real coherently. ;)

[wallawala]

Restaurant Alma

Devastatingly good, locally sourced food. Fabulous for special night out. The one place my frugal nonfoodie DH will eat a $100 meal and not complain about. I'm a foodie and love it!

http://www.restaurantalma.com/about_us.aspx


They are a well known "secret" in minneapolis. Not at all trendy, but trendsetting and consistently good. Not stodgy. Chef Roberts won the 2010 James Beard award.

[roobee]

I was going to say Travail too :) we live close enough to walk there - it's not fancy but the food is just amazing.

Otherwise tickets to A Christmas Carol at the Gutherie would be nice too.

[boulemaman]

send them to the "Marvel Bar" and to the "Bachelor Farmer" restaurant - both brand new, right next to each other - and so much fun!

http://heavytable.com/the-marvel-bar-in-the-north-loop-minneapolis/

http://thebachelorfarmer.com/

[american_mama]

Thanks, all. I stumbled on chowhound.com while googling Aquavit (which apparently closed in 2003) and read about Victory 44 and Travail. I'd want to go to either, preferably Travail. Lots of love for Alma on that board too, but how long has it been opened? Our friends are your typical south Minneapolis-Carleton-involved in local politics types, so I wonder if it's the kind of place they would have already been too. Or is it the kind of place everyone wants to go to, but often doesn't due to price, crowds, etc.?

[Nu_mama]

Funnily enough, my circle of friends are Carleton-political types. We would choose Travail. It really is an awesome experience, so much more than a meal. Your friends would be right at home there.

[MommytoEliana]

You've gotten some great suggestions. Travail is high on my list of places to go; it's gotten amazing reviews. I've not been there yet, and if I didn't already have a Groupon-type deal to a different restaurant, we'd be going there for our anniversary next week.

Heartland in St. Paul is delicious and great for a special night out. (http://www.heartlandrestaurant.com/index2.php#/home/)

W.A. Frost in St. Paul is nice too; DH and I went there for a date night last winter. It may be a bit more old-school than your friends would like, though. www.wafrost.com

La Belle Vie is THE premiere restaurant in the Twin Cities for a special meal, but it is pricier than Travail. Depends how much you want to splurge with this gift for your friends. http://www.labellevie.us/

Broder's Pasta Bar is our favorite standby restaurant--amazing homemade pasta--but it's a place your friends have probably been. http://broders.com/pasta-bar/index.html

What a great gift you are giving them! I'm jealous. ;-)