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