random places we went to in November

From our house hunting expeditions, we've visited these fine establishments in the Twin Cities in the past month.

The Best Steak House in Midway, St. Paul.

A misnomer. Not really the "Best", nor is it a "Steak House" in the finer sense of the word. This Greek family run restaurant is a blast from the past, this is the kind of place I would have eaten at when I was in college. Once we entered we were greeted by the extremely friendly line cook [he might have been the owner], and ordered from the menu hanging above him. I got the Cat Fish Sandwich with fries, Jamie decided on the Saturday Steak & Shrimp special.

Grab a tray, move down the line. Grab a salad bowl filled with iceberg lettuce, bacon bits and croutons from the refrigerated display case, move down the line. Grab napkins and silverware, move down the line. Order a soft drink and pay at the cashier, move down the line.

We sat close to the entry, the place was rather crowded for late afternoon, and I enjoyed people watching while Jamie watched football on the telly. There were quite a few regulars, it seems, as everyone who walked through the door was greeted warmly. Our food was brought to us when it was ready. My catfish sandwich was perfectly fried, between two slices of generously buttered Texas toast [just really thick slices of soft white bread], and fries that looked and tasted like McDonald's fries. mmm. Jamie's well-done steak were slices of gray meat, as you would expect from a place like this, with perfectly breaded and fried shrimp that probably came from a bulk bag and a baked potato. The clientele, friendly service and no-frills atmosphere make this a great little neighborhood joint.


Bread & Chocolate in Summit Hill, St. Paul.
At the open house realtor's recommendation, we were planning on getting lunch at Cafe Latté, but the popular lunch spot was packed to the gills, so we went across the street to their other establishment, Bread & Chocolate. They just have sandwiches and baked goods. My grilled cheese and Jamie's tuna melt were okay, nothing too special. We also got some pastries to go, and I think Jamie said it was the best chocolate croissant he's had in a while. Our new house is within walking distance to this and other great restaurants and shops along Grand Avenue. :)


Hot Plate in Nokomis, Minneapolis.
A quirky little diner in the middle of a quiet neighborhood. There were figurines and tchotchkes everywhere. It's a small space with limited seating so we had to wait around 15 minutes for a table. Good diner fare and the kitschy décor make this a memorable breakfast place.

The clock hanging over the doorway didn't even tell the correct time, and I kid you not, this EXACT same clock is hanging in my mom's kitchen. What are the odds of that???


Wuollet, various locations, we went to the one in St. Paul.
You know we can't resist a good pastry, and neither can our realtor, it seems. He brought us to Wuollet after a failed house viewing [the previous agent mistaken took the front door key with them], and we were happy to stuff our faces with Almond Angel Puffs [delicate puff-pastry filled with almond and egg-rich homemade custard, covered with sliced almonds and sprinkled with sugar], Chocolate Raised Donuts and Devil's Food Cupcakes. House? What house?