Pommes Frites at Meritage. Photo by Andy Lien.
The snow has returned and it’s winter again. We could mope about the silly promises of the groundhog or we can dig into some deliciously cozy dishes while the fluffy stuff lasts.
Cupcakes at The Copper Hen Cakery & Kitchen
Make plans to stop by the adorable restaurant on Eat Street to pick up a bite or two and at least half a dozen of the utterly decadent chocolate buttercream cupcakes for a couch party tomorrow night. Owners Chris and Danielle Bjorling will appear on CNBC’s “Restaurant Start Up” making a pitch for a restaurant expansion. In the short time they have been open, the savory meals, baked goodies, and full bar have drawn in an ardent local following. One taste of those cupcakes and it’s easy to see why. 2515 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-872-2221.
Rye Pancakes at Upton 43
Sure, I’ve already mentioned Erick Harcey’s new restaurant a time or two, but that was before I discovered my most favorite dish on the menu. The deeply flavorful fluffy flappers are draped in birch syrup (sap from a birch tree, as opposed to the more common maple syrup). I want these guys morning, noon and night, but thus far, they aren’t on the brunch menu. So, dessert for dinner it is. 4312 Upton Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-920-3406.
Pommes Frites at Meritage
It’s winter carnival time! As much as I love to bathe in the perfume of the kettle corn vendor on Rice Park by the snow sculptures, the dish I warm my fingertips on are the perfect French fries inside Meritage. No matter what that ground hog says, I’m predicting another six weeks of sweater weather. Which means, don’t skimp on the Béarnaise sauce. 410 St Peter St., St. Paul, 651-222-5670.
