Tilia

Just returned from a wonderful dinner at the new Linden Hills restaurant, Tilia.

We arrived just in time and were seated immediately. The room was bustling with every generation and illuminated with tea lights. We started with delicious celery root soup with oysters and a smoky sauteed kale. We shared the pot of meat which tonight featured duck confit- it was delicious, salty, and well-balanced served with touches of onion, spicy mustard and butter to smother on a crusty baguette.
Before our entrees were delivered, the owner brought us two complementary dishes to sample. The first was a crisp and light salad with thinly sliced radish and peppers while the other was a warm squash pasta with gorgonzola and walnuts in a creamy decadent sauce that made our mouths water upon first glance.
Our entrees arrived a while later as the restaurant was packed but we were content sipping beer and talking about how delicious the starters had been. Our entrees included more squash pasta, a spinach salad with bacon and almonds and a fresh potato pasta smothered in bright green parsley pesto. Nothing short of heavenly.
Taste buds dancing and stomachs at capacity, we called it a night. I will definitely be returning to Tilia.
Next time I plan on sitting at the bar facing the open kitchen, a concept that I adore. Hurry in for an early dinner or late snack to avoid waiting.

2726 W 43rd St. Minneapolis.

Maria's Cafe

I've been losing sleep over something lately.

I finally realized the issue that was causing my insomnia- I don't know the secret ingredient to Maria's corn pancakes.

My best friend took me to brunch last weekend in Minneapolis. Little did I know it would be a life-changing experience.
Maria's Cafe is a Colombian restaurant that is whipping out delicious fusions of North and South American traditions. It has earned the reputation of some of the best brunch in the twin cities. I now know why...
As I grabbed a menu it was abruptly stolen from my grip as my friend informs me that she will be ordering. "Two corn pancakes please."
After my first bite (the life-changing experience) I understand the uselessness of the menu- I would never need it again. These were magical. The pancakes were sweet and savory with cojita cheese on top, giving the gooey chewy corn a perfect salty kick.
We ate it silence until they were almost gone. I know that we were thinking the same thing- how does she do this?! They say Maria goes into the kitchen at the crack of dawn to mix up the batter to ensure its secrecy. She is the only one who knows the recipe.
That's going to change, I thought, as I rapidly imagined ideas that would involve hidden cameras or breaking and entering.

After exhausting the idea, we paid the bill and walked out planning the next visit to Maria's- preferably the next morning.

1113 E. Franklin Ave Minneapolis. Get 'sum.

"Sushi"

Fun little appetizer for a party- Bite size pieces that taste like a lil sushi roll. Sliced cucumber functions as the vehicle for a homemade cheese blend (greek yogurt, cream cheese, creme fraiche and dried herbs) smoked wild alaskan salmon and capers. Fresh and delicious- good way to welcome Spring!

Consider This

 These are a list of foods to consider avoiding. Interesting article. I disagree with the first one because I have read conflicting articles on the benefit of canned tomatoes. The rest seem like fairly easy foods to skip.

http://foodfreedom.wordpress.com/2010/06/11/7-foods-so-unsafe-even-farmers-wont-eat-them/

My Sugo Sauce

This was my version on my family's traditional "sugo" sauce, a pasta that my Italian grandmother used to make. Sugo essentially means sauce in Italian. The basics are tomatoes, garlic, and meat. I made a version similar but some delicious adjustments.
I used hot italian sausage, chorizo, tomatoes, and garlic. Once that was hot and delicious I added the noodles and almost an entire bag of spinach. I choose egg noodles simply because I love the texture. After I scooped the pasta into bowls, I threw a generous handful of parmesan and candied cashews on top. I candied the nuts about an hour earlier so they were cool and not sticky. It was delicious and I think Nonna would be proud.

Get Poppin

My soup needed a lil something extra so I throw on some fresh popped popcorn. It added a fun texture and flavor. I am a huge fan of toppings on soup. Actually, I am a huge fan of toppings on everything. Try any of these topping ideas next time you laddle up a bowl:
-Avocado
-Crispy panchetta or bacon
-Grated cheese
-Crisp Shallots
-Fried Sardines
-Popcorn!

Good Morning

Waking up with an espresso from my wonderful Nespresso. mmm