Rudy's Red Eye Grill

4940 Hwy 61 North
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
651-653-6718
www.rudysredeye.com


Rudy’s Red Eye Grill: Great food; even better service. At first glance, Rudy’s is your standard American steakhouse, but after a closer look under the hood you’re immediately made aware of its distinction. Rudy’s décor consists of leather-bound booths and chairs, dark wood tables, deep red walls, and a cozy brick fireplace. They serve several cuts of well-marbled grade-A beef, low-balls of stiff cocktails, and a bread basket with house-made honey butter. Sounds reminiscent of a typical steak joint, right?

On the contrary, Rudy’s special ingredient (besides their incredible food) is their exceptional staff. Several of their servers, cooks, bartenders, and managers have worked at Rudy’s for years, adding a charm unusual in today’s food service industry. My hat's off to you, Rudy's staff, for maintaining patronage through admirable means like impeccable service instead of reverting (like so many others) to cheap gimmicks and obnoxious flair.

As ass-kissing isn’t typically my M.O., I’ll make my way to what’s weighing on all our minds – the food. The menu is extensive and provides something for everyone. If you’re not into steak; there’s always chicken, ribs, or seafood. If you’re a P.E.T.A. member, you have an array of pastas and salads from which to choose. For the sake of brevity, I’m going to narrow down Rudy’s sizable menu by discussing my personal favorites.

1) New Orleans Shrimp: Found under appetizers, this scampi-like dish consists of succulent jumbo shrimp en flambée in melted compound butter, redolent of garlic, white wine, and a secret blend of Cajun spices. If you’re dining alone or your date dislikes seafood, this is a large enough dish to eat as an entrée. Don’t forget the best part – dunking your crusty artisan bread in the buttery aftermath.


2) French Onion Soup: While this soup is one of my all-time favorites, ordering it can be hit-or-miss due to the myriad of varying recipes that exist. Rudy’s happens to serve one of the best this side of the Eiffel Tower. The brandy-infused broth adds a special kick, while the bread and melted provolone cheese is grounded in deep tradition.

3) Angus Medallions – Dianne Style: As one of the most popular entrée items, these four ounce tenderloins are served as either a couple or ménage a trios (your choice). A happy ending is sure to ensue after ingesting medium rare (or to your liking) cutlets smothered in an earthy mushroom sauce spiked with brandy, worcestershire, and scallions. Other versions of the beef medallions include Mushroom Bleu or Blackened with Béarnaise; both strong contenders to the Dianne.

4) Sweet Potato Hashbrowns: Like most restaurants, all entrees are served with a choice of potato. Rudy’s list includes loaded baked potato, French fries, mashed potatoes, au gratin potatoes, or sweet potato hashbrowns. In all honesty, I find potatoes to be a boring and trite filler. So, my recommendation is to try something different, something not offered at every Tom, Dick, and Harry’s. The sweet potato hashbrowns are where it’s at. They’re fried to a crisp perfection and then topped with maple sour cream and diced green onions. It's an odd yet scathingly brilliant concoction.


5) Rudytini: And now for the piece de resistance: The Rudytini. It's a knock-you-on-your-ass, no holds barred cocktail. Similar to a drink my friends have coined as “strip-and-go-naked” (for obvious reasons), the Rudytini is sweet, fruity, and seemingly harmless. Caution is easily thrown to the wind with this potent mixture of raspberry vodka, pineapple and cranberry juice, and a splash of Rose’s lime juice. Frozen raspberries adorn your glass and add a tart treat at the end; much like the milk dud at the bottom of a waffle ice cream cone. Another fun addition is the shot of brut champagne that accompanies your drink. At your discretion, you slowly pour the shot into the Rudytini for a sparkling effervescence. Because this drink is served with the entire shaker, one Rudytini is more than enough (well, for light weights like me anyway).


Whether you’re recovering from a bender or looking for a place to grab a bite to eat after church, Rudy’s serves Sunday brunch from 10am-1pm. Even though I have yet to try their seafood benedict, steak and eggs, or pecan encrusted French toast, I can safely say it looks sensational. Otherwise, Rudy’s hours of operation are as follows: Monday – Thursday from 11am-1am; Friday – Saturday from 11am-2am; and Sunday from 10am-12am.

Although Rudy’s Red Eye Grill is one of the finer places to dine in White Bear Lake, its friendly, neighborhood charm makes you feel at home -- quite the opposite of a stuffy, pretentious steakhouse. In short, if you're looking for a classy yet laid back experience with fantastic food and service, make it easy on yourself - head to Rudy's Red Eye Grill.

Mindy’s Rating: 9/10 Sporks!

Cheeky Monkey Deli

525 Selby Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-224-6066
www.cheekymonkeydeli.com


I’ve dined at Cheeky Monkey many times and I can safely say that you’ll never encounter mediocrity -- their food is either delectable or down-right dreadful. It’s bizarre to have had some of the best and worst food all in one spot.

To start on a positive note, the most scrumptious, homemade cream of mushroom soup I’ve ever encountered anywhere was at Cheeky Monkey. At the risk of sounding dramatic, it was an honor to be in the soup's presence, as its every bite brought me closer to food ecstasy. It was so good I was suspicious of its origins. Did someone steal Seinfeld’s Soup Nazi’s secret stash of recipes? After all, only the expertise of the Soup Nazi would know that drizzled basil oil atop the soup would send this random pairing from the minors to the major leagues; all in one flavor-loaded bite.

I was so moved by the experience that I tracked down the chef and gave him a pat on the back for his astounding efforts. As I was certain it would be added to a weekly rotating list, I asked when he’d be making it again. To my chagrin, the chef said he had haphazardly thrown it together, not recalling the exact measurements and thus wasn’t sure when it would be served in the future, if ever. Being a somewhat regular customer of Cheeky Monkey, I’ve kept my eye open for this culinary treasure for nearly two years. On occasion, I’ve been fooled by imposters, ordering what sounds like the original, but inevitably tastes like disappointment.

Also on Cheeky Monkey’s list of homeruns: cumin pork and pickled celery root slaw sandwich served hot on ciabatta, arugula and bacon salad, and the pot roast dinner. Otherwise, the menu is a smorgasbord of failures consisting of cold, hot, and pressed sandwiches as well as salads, soups, and sides. In all fairness, besides the pot roast, I have never tried their hot pots or hot plates (scone pot pie, cumin pork shoulder, and meatloaf) because they aren’t served until after 3pm and I typically hit up the Cheeky Monkey during the lunch rush.


More often than not, I’ve been disappointed with Cheeky Monkey’s Sunday brunch. I’ve ordered a few salmon concoctions that smell (and I’d assume taste) like Liz Taylor’s old lady perfume. Speaking of Liz Taylor, many of their sandwiches could use a makeover -- they’re just missing that certain something…that one ingredient that would tie it all together to make one perfect edible package.

I do like Cheeky Monkey’s ambiance, as it has an old school charm coupled with a modern twist. The aged brick building contains funky modern lighting, bold red walls, and a cozy fireplace, creating a quaint yet hip locale for a small get together. Their cheese and meat boards go for $10 each and they serve a decent selection of wine and beer. I believe you can bring your own bottle of wine for a small corking fee.

As a restaurant that opened its doors in the height of the economic decline, I give them credit for reasonably pricing their menu items; the majority of their food is priced between $5–$8. As you can see, I have mixed feeling about this restaurant. Because the menu items differ greatly in deliciousness, I recommend pinpointing a few menu favorites and then sticking with them, creating your very own Cheeky Monkey staples.

Mindy’s Rating: 6/10 Sporks

Trieu Chau

500 University Ave. West
St. Paul, MN 55103
651-222-6148


Trieu Chau: Authentic? Check. Affordable? Check. Delicious? Check. If you’re jonesing for the real deal -- some honest-to-goodness Vietnamese cuisine -- Trieu Chau is not to be missed. Trieu Chau is part of the slew of Southeast Asian restaurants lining University Avenue and its ambiance is typical of the “hole-in-the-wall” ethnic eateries found on that strip of Frogtown, but something sets Trieu Chau apart from their competitors -- something organic, cleansing, or dare I say Zen.

Known for their pho – a traditional Vietnamese soup made with beef broth, rice noodles, and various odds and ends of beef – Trieu Chau is recognized (in my eyes anyway) as a leading contender in medicinal foods, much like grandma’s homemade chicken noodle soup. Whether I need to cleanse my palate, jump start my digestion, or shake off that “oh shit, I think I’m getting sick” feeling, a ladled pot of beefy, savory goodness always does the trick. Not to mention, pho comes with its own fun factor: it’s served in an enormous bowl fit for the likes of Paul Bunyon and is accompanied by a side platter piled high with bean sprouts, lime wedges, mint leaves, fresh jalapenos, and crushed peanuts. In the end, there’s no one else to blame for the citrus or spice level, as you’re your own dictator in that regard.


If beef isn’t your bag, Trieu Chau also serves similar soups made from chicken or seafood stocks with added proteins ranging from pork, chicken, and meatballs to squid, tripe, and bean curd. Perhaps you’d prefer egg noodles over rice noodles? That can be arranged as well. The versatility of pho is endless. Considering the colossal portions, $5.50 – $6.25 per bowl is a steal. In fact, nothing on Trieu Chau’s menu is over $10, including chow mein, lo mein, and an array of stir-fry dishes. If you’re feeling daring and want to widen your ethnic scope, try a new beverage, such as Xi Muoi (salted plum juice), Sinh To Trai Cay (durian, sour sop, or jack fruit shake), or Soda Sua Hot Ga (soda with egg yolk and condensed milk).

Although Trieu Chau serves a few Americanized Asian favorites like cream cheese wontons and sweet and sour chicken, their secret lies in their clientele – the majority being of Vietnamese descent. As a rule of thumb, you know the food is authentic and well-prepared when the customers hail from the country that inspired that particular restaurant's cuisine. With that in mind, skip the beef fried rice and go for the gold. I implore you to step outside your comfort zone and try something new; if not for you, then for your sheltered taste buds. Trieu Chau couldn’t be a better place for experimentation, as their staff is friendly and helpful, and you won’t go into the poor house while exploring new food frontiers.

Mindy’s Rating: 8/10 Sporks!

Shamrock's

995 West 7th St.
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-228-9925
www.crshamrocks.com


After being diligent about my calorie intake the past few weeks, I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to indulge my craving for a rare, greasy cheeseburger loaded with raw onions, pickles, and jalapenos – the ultimate PMS conqueror. Initially, I planned to head to one of my ol’ stand-bys (Fuddruckers, Smash Burger, or The Bull Dog), but I soon recalled my friend razzing me for never trying Shamrock’s, a St. Paul burger staple. Known for their Juicy Lucy’s, Shamrock’s has never been on my radar. Some may find it blasphemous for a Minnesotan to dislike Juicy Lucy’s, but let me state my case before I’m unjustly persecuted. In order to melt the cheese nestled between the two beef patties, the burger must be cooked to a minimum of medium. And if my burger isn’t kicking and screaming, what’s the point? All the flavor, juices, and tenderness originate from the blood and fat, and if those elements no longer exist, frankly, I’m not interested. My taste is far too impeccable to settle for a dried out hockey puck.

That being said, Shamrock’s has several other non-Juicy Lucy options to choose from, so I opted to finally give this West 7th fixture a college try. As I was ravenous when I arrived, I ordered off the starter menu: four hot wings and four Minnesota Wild wings. The hot wings are your everyday, garden variety bar fare that aren’t particularly noteworthy, whereas the Minnesota Wild wings are a unique sauceless sensation. Each piece is herbed, breaded, and deep fried, a delicious snack-size version of crunchy Southern fried chicken.


As for the burgers, the waitress recommended her two favorite menu options, so my boyfriend and I took her advice and ordered the Triple B-Bourbon Bacon Burger and the Lodge Burger. After all, their descriptions sounded enticing. The Triple B-Bourbon Bacon Burger is a 1/3 pound patty topped with cinnamon brown sugar bacon, smoky cheddar cheese, and bourbon sauce. Simpler in nature, the Lodge Burger is concocted of bacon, lettuce, tomato, smoked cheddar, and chipotle mayo. As our order reached the table, the burgers looked…well, the way a burger should look – sturdy, plentiful, and mouth-watering. I cut my burger in half and dove in. To my dismay, I was instantly disappointed. The patty was small and overcooked and the bread was reminiscent of a day old McDonald’s bun, minus the sesame seeds. Shamrock’s burgers are, as I initially expected, below average and a complete waste of calories.

In all honestly, Shamrock’s food and ambiance are what they should be, a mediocre, local place to grab a pint and a burger with your buddies at happy hour. It’s not a restaurant to cross town for to indulge a deep-seeded craving for sensational food. It is what it is, and I can accept that. So, the next time I’m in the market for a run-of-the-mill experience, I’ll keep Shamrock’s in mind.

Mindy’s rating: 3/10 Sporks

Mesa Pizza

1323 4th St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-436-3006
www.mesapizzamn.com


A few weeks ago, I attended a friend’s wedding reception at the Varsity Club in Dinkytown. As their late night snack they served pizza; the ultimate indulgence for drunk party-goers. There was the safe, but boring pepperoni pizza to please the masses. Also in the line-up: margarita and Hawaiian pies, but the show stopper consisted of 20” of hand-tossed dough piled with elbow macaroni oozing with a blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar. That’s right, you heard me correctly folks – mac-n-cheese pizza! Albeit corny, just like my friends who tied the knot, the coupling of pizza and mac-n-cheese are a match made in heaven. Something like the Midwest's answer to soul food, this simplistic combination conjoins decadence and down-home nosh with its mix of chewy, comforting carbs smothered in gooey, cheesy goodness. Before leaving the reception, I hunted down the groom to ask where this edible incredible came from. Conveniently, the restaurant’s located directly across the street and goes by the name Mesa Pizza.

A few weeks later, I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to indulge in another piece (or three) of Mesa Pizza’s mac-n-cheese masterpiece. Come to find out, the mac-n-cheese pie is one of their least unusual concoctions. I’m most intrigued by their BBQ Steak and Fries pizza (just like it sounds), as well as the Southern Gentleman (Cajun chicken, mashed potatoes, bacon, and cheddar cheese). And if that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, they have approximately 40 other traditional and bizarre combinations from which to choose.


As Mesa Pizza caters to college students, the prices are reasonable and all of their pies are sold by the slice; a definite advantage if you’re too scared to order a whole Guacamole Burrito or Chicken Cordon Bleu pizza. If you have the cojones to order an entire pie, I should mention they only come in BIG; no smalls or mediums. A 20” cheese and pepperoni will set you back $13, while specialty pizzas are priced at $22.

As for ambiance, there isn’t any. It’s fine for those grabbing a quick slice for lunch, but otherwise I’d suggest savoring this doughy delight while in your PJ's watching reruns of “Little House on the Prairie” or “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (or whatever guilty pleasure you turn to while in the throes of gluttony). Depending on your location, Mesa Pizza may be able to deliver. They’re open from 11am to bar close Monday-Saturday, and 11am to midnight on Sunday. With Mesa Pizza’s wide range of hours and menu options, there’s no excuse not to try something new one of these days. Goodbye pepperoni and sausage pizza; hello tortellini pesto and spicy chicken quesadilla pizza!

Mindy's Rating: 7/10 Sporks

La Sirena Gorda

Midtown Global Market
920 East Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-870-0037
www.lasirena-gorda.com


La Sirena Gorda - the shining star of Midtown Global Market's ethnic food court. What's better than Mexican? That's right, Mexican seafood. It's an entire restaurant devoted to my favorite foods - shrimp, squid, octopus, mahi-mahi, grouper, crab, and clams - all prepared with south-of-the-border staples like chile, lime, and cilantro. The menu is small yet diverse, offering an array of flavor packed goodies. Among my top three: (1) Enchilada de Camaron, a blue corn tortilla filled with sauteed shrimp with onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and guajillo sauce; (2) Pescando Grande, a whole tilapia fried in garlic mojo de ajo sauce served with rice, avocado sauce, pico de gallo, and tortillas; (3) Tacos de Pulpo, rings of octopus sauteed with pico de gallo and chipotle aioli.

As a self-proclaimed foodie, it's embarrassing to admit that I'm not a fan of ceviche (raw seafood marinated in lime juice), but La Sirena Gorda does serve it and I'm assuming it's top notch. Also, I have yet to try their salads; although I can verify that they appear bountiful and crisp. The Ensalada de Cancun consists of baby greens and orange vinaigrette brimming with crab cake, grilled shrimp, and ahi tuna topped with jicama, oranges, avocado, and tortilla strips. What's not to love?


About a year ago, I ate at La Sirena Gorda for the first time. Although Midtown Global Market is nowhere near my neck of the woods, I ventured back the next day to pack my cheeks with their authentic edible gems once again. There are several other incredible ethnic eateries at the Midtown Global Market, including Manny's Tortas, West Indies Soul, and Holy Land Grocery and Deli, but I'd highly recommend you put La Sirena Gorda at the top of your list. You have no excuse. The parking's free (in the ramp) and the culture's rich. Enjoy!

Mindy's rating: 8/10 Sporks

Twisted Fork Grille

1342 Grand Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
651-690-5901
www.twistedforkgrille.com


I tried it once. I tried it twice. I want to like it, but I don't. It turns out the new Twisted Fork Grill on Grand Ave. in St. Paul isn't really all that "twisted." The menu items sound interesting and somewhat innovative - such as the bison meatloaf and bacon sandwich, coffee marinated flat iron steak, peanut butter and banana stuffed French toast, and lavender creme brulee - but the food simply lacks flavor. There tends to be a problem when the menu items sound more delicious than they actually taste. Just as Gary Busey is often described as the poor man's Nick Nolte, the Twisted Fork could be referred to as the low-grade Longfellow or Highland Grill. I've personally tried six or so menu items and only one is of noteworthy depiction - the crispy Amish chicken legs. This appetizer is three legs of chicken marinated in a fiery blend of chile and honey and accompanied by a cabbage-carrot slaw. Reminiscent of Buffalo Wild Wing's Asian zing wings, these deep fried drummies serve a powerful punch of both sweet and spicy. In this case, the garnish is just as impeccable as the chicken, as the slaw is drenched in the same aromatic marinade.

The Twisted Fork's breakfast is served from 7am-2pm daily; while lunch and dinner range from 11am-close. As my visits were during lunch, I didn't pay close attention to their wine and beer list, but my friend mentioned that they have a decent selection of micro-brews.

The ambiance is friendly, clean, and relatively average. The small size of the restaurant makes the corporate feel (Green Mill owns and operates the Twisted Fork) slightly less annoying. On a positive note, the wait staff are attentive and helpful, offering suggestions to those who inquire. What the Twisted Fork lacks in taste, they make up in convenience, congeniality, and neighborhood charm.

Mindy's Rating: 4/10 Sporks