Saint Dinette

We stopped for brunch at Saint Dinette on our way home from Stillwater after a wedding there the night before. Once we got into St Paul, it took a bit to figure out where a good place to park would be. We ended up in the ramp for the St Paul Union Depot. At the restaurant there was a short wait for a table, and we ended up sitting at the bar as spots opened up before a table did.

I had the scramble with crimini mushrooms, goat cheese, chive and toast. The eggs were so light and fluffy and I adore goat cheese, so that was the perfect addition to the eggs. I asked for jam for the toast and got a mango pineapple jam that was really excellent.

John had the cheeseburger. This burger has been written about a lot since saint Dinette opened and now I see why. It is two thinner patties, and the meat is so rich, juicy and flavorful. It could not be a better burger.

John also ordered a side of fries. Can’t go wrong with a good crinkle cut fry.

The service was friendly, helpful and great overall. We probably need to go back so I can try the shrimp and grits. Though I’m sure everything else on the menu is perfect as well. Saint Dinette is worth the trip to St Paul.


Saint Dinette
261 5th St E
St Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 800-1415
https://www.saintdinette.com/

Hai Hai

There’s been a lot of buzz around town since Hai Hai opened in Northeast Minneapolis last fall. It is owned and operated by the people that also own Hola Arepa, another popular eatery in South Minneapolis. We tried to arrive early on a Saturday afternoon to beat the crowds, but everyone else had the same idea we did. We just added our names to the wait list and enjoyed a drink while we waited. They do not take reservations and it is not that large of a place, though the back patio will make it quite a big bigger once the weather improves. So, be prepared to wait. We waited about 45 minutes I think.

MSG Margarita So Good 

bar

Lychee Keen

We started with fried wontons filled with cream cheese, chicken liver pate and a side of passion fruit dipping sauce. The chicken liver pate made the flavor very rich and meaty.

Next up, were the water fern cakes. I wasn’t sure what we were ordering here, but I had heard these were a must try. They are steamed rice cakes with mung bean, ground pork, crispies, scallion oil, nuoc cham and Thai chili. Essentially, these are rice in a bowl, with a bunch of stuff on top and they are quite delicious. The toppings add a ton of flavor and texture and overall it is a light and flavorful snack. They really are a must try item!

Next up was the fried Brussels sprouts from the vegetables section of the menu. They are cooked with nam jim herb vinaigrette, roasted green chile paste, pork belly and puffed rice. The pork belly added an earthy flavor to the fresh and flavorful brussel sprouts. These were excellent and not spicy or anything, just very flavorful.

Next, we went with the sugarcane shrimp under the assembly required section of the menu. These are shrimp mousse cooked on sugarcane skewers with lettuce, herbs, rice noodles, peanuts and nuoc cham. Somehow, I missed the fact that this was shrimp mousse and not whole shrimp. The shrimp mousse ended up tasting a bit fishy. This wasn’t my favorite item of the night.

We really enjoyed Hai Hai and thought it was a fun dining experience with new and interesting foods, to us anyway. The cocktails are excellent and we found the service to be willing to offer menu suggestions and help whenever needed. The place is mobbed and busy, so I don’t imagine lingering is encouraged, but we didn’t feel rushed at all. The busy atmosphere ended up feeling fun and festive. I think we need to return and try a few more items on the menu like the crepe and the fried rice.


Hai Hai
2121 University Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
Phone: (612) 223-8640
https://www.haihaimpls.com/

The Kenwood Restaurant

We’ve been meaning to visit the Kenwood for some time now, but it always feels like it is out of the way. Turns out it is rather conveniently located near Lake of the Isles and not far off 394. Of course we visited for breakfast, because brunch is the best.

I had the Huevos Rancheros with pork, potatoes, fried egg and harissa. Some avocado and jalapenos were also on the plate to add flavor as needed. This was amazing. The pork was tender and juicy and the harissa added a bit of spice if you needed it, as did the jalapenos. This looked impressive and it really is a must try at the Kenwood.

John had the simple breakfast with rosemary potatoes, bacon and scrambled eggs. This was a pretty basic breakfast, though it was all very well done, with fluffy eggs and think perfectly crisped bacon.

He also tried the pancake with black walnut better. The pancake was a fluffier pancake than we usually prefer, but this had excellent flavor and a nice crispness on the edges too. Yum.

We ended up sitting at the counter to reduce our wait time a bit as this is not a large restaurant. It was a little chilly when the door opened and closed, but not bad as the kitchen was in front of us and provided heat. The service was good and we really enjoyed all of the food. They really do great things with even the most basic of breakfast items. I want to go back and see what they do with lunch and dinner foods.



The Kenwood
2115 W 21st St
Minneapolis, MN 55405
Phone: (612) 377-3695
http://www.thekenwoodrestaurant.com/

Peg's Countryside Cafe

Peg's Countryside Cafe is one of those places that used be out in the sticks, but now it's in the suburbs. But it seems to have remained the same for many years. It is a a tiny place, in what looks like an old house with a couple rooms for seating and a tiny kitchen on the side. The walls are plastered with country themed knick knacks and photos of long-time customers. We arrived rather early on a Sunday morning and were seated immediately.

John had the Rancher's breakfast with toast, eggs, meat and hash browns. The blueberry wild rice sausage was a bit gimmicky- it was a little sweet and sort of bland. It was interesting try try anyway.

The pancakes were very sweet- fairly light and fluffy though. 

I had the 2 x 2 x 2 with a side of hash browns. The bacon was very good; thick and crispy. The hash browns were ok and the eggs were as ordered.

The service was quick and efficient and the prices are quite affordable. The tables are wedged into the space, so you get to know your neighbors whether you want to or not. I'm not sure the food stands out enough to make the trip across town, but if you live nearby, it is a great option.


Peg's Countryside Cafe
842 Hwy 55
Hamel, MN 55340
Phone: (763) 478-6869
http://www.pegscountrysidecafe.com