Rock Elm Tavern

The former location of Eat Shop in Plymouth on Highway 55 win Plymouth as a new tenant called Rock Elm Tavern. Let's hope this one sticks. That location must be cursed or something. I had noticed they had a birthday club so I joined and got a coupon around my birthday for a free hamburger, so we thought that was a good excuse to visit. The restaurant has been downsized slightly, what used to be the bar area is now a gym of some sort.

We visited for dinner on a Sunday evening and were seated right away. The server came by after a few minutes and took our drink order and recommended a few items and pointed out some specials. The menu features burgers and also has salads and a nice variety of entries with something for everyone.

They had a Sunday special of a Minnesota tap beer and a cheeseburger for $12, so John went with that.

I had the bleu burger with montfort bleu cheese, bacon, roasted tomato aioli, lettuce and fries. The server said the fries were made in house, but they tasted like standard frozen fries to me. The burger was cooked medium as ordered and very juicy. The bun was fresh and soft, but strong enough to hold up to the juices from the burger.

Our server was excellent and the food was good at a competitive price. I'm not sure if it is worth driving across town for, but if you live in the area it is worth checking out.


Rock Elm Tavern
16605 County Rd 24
Plymouth, MN 55447
Phone: (763) 208-4451
http://www.rockelmtavern.com

Loring Pasta Bar

We went back to the Loring Pasta Bar recently as we were in Dinkytown for hockey game recently. I had called ahead for a reservation, which was probably a good idea since it filled up pretty quickly as they had been closed for a wedding earlier in the afternoon.

key lime martini was rich, creamy and fantastic!

John had the flat iron teak adobo with baby red potatoes, watercress salad, chimichurri burgundy demi-glace, mushroom and eggplant risotto. He said the steak was excellent and cooked medium even though the server never asked how he wanted it cooked.

I had the goat cheese ravioli with house made ravioli, fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, chicken. It was very filling with lots of tender ravioli and I loved the goat cheese as opposed to dairy cheese.

The food was excellent once again and the service was pretty good. The room and ambiance were great as always, there was a three piece band playing on stage throughout the meal. This is defiantly one of the more upscale choices in Dinkytown as the area is mostly fast food and bars.

Loring Pasta Bar
327 14th Ave SE,
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 378-4849
http://loringpastabar.com/

Mercury Dining Room and Rail

The old location of Brasserie Zentral has been reopened recently by the Blue Plate restaurant group and is now called Mercury Dining Room and Rail. It is skyway accessible and just off Marquette by the light rail in the Soo Line building.

We were seated right away and the service was great throughout our visit. The room is light and bright with lots of large windows on two sides.

My co-worker had the muffuletta sandwich with bologna, ham, olive relish, provolone on herb focaccia. He said it was very good.

The other co-worker had the grilled cheese with avocado. It is served on sourdough and has Parmesan, cheddar and provolone cheeses with ginger tomato chutney and avocado. It was a huge sandwich and looked great.

I had the Caesar salad. It was a little different than usual as it had roasted Brussels sprouts in it in addition to the usual ingredients. I like it with the Brussels sprouts as it added a different flavor and made it feel very filling.

Even thought Mercury had just opened a couple dos before our lunch visit, everything was great and seemed to be running smoothly. I look forward to going back again soon.


Mercury Dining Room and Rail
505 S Marquette Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Phone: (612) 728-1111

4 Bells - revisit

We went back to 4 Bells recently to celebrate my birthday. I don't have a lot to say about it as the food and service were excellent again, but I did take photos, so I thought I'd share everything we ordered.

Black Beard's Revenge & Blueberry Smash drinks

We started with market ceviche, which was scallops served with plantain chips. Very fresh tasting. 

I had the scallops which were served with butternut squash, curry, mango, cashew nuts and cilantro. The scallops were prepared perfectly. 

We also had the brussels sprouts side to share- very good, grilled and a little spicy.

John had the halibut with peperonata, pesto and smoked olives.

4 Bells
1610 Harmon Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone:(612) 904-1163
www.4bells.com