IGT Great Plains Conference Party, Brackett’s Crossing Country Club, Lakeville, Minnesota

Club sandwich and sea salt fries, The Meadows Grille, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Prior Lake, Minnesota

Lunch at TNT Homestyle Diner, West Fargo, North Dakota

Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream, Fargo, North Dakota

The Big Ginger at The Local, Minneapolis, Minnesota

BBQ Chicken and Ribs, Tamarack Restaurant, Fortune Bay Resort Casino, Tower, Minnesota

Several weeks ago, Colleen requested Mother’s Day lunch reservations at Gather, the new D’Amico restaurant at the Walker Art Center. Located in the same space as Wolfgang Puck’s old 20-21, we secured a noon reservation and headed over today.

The space is mostly unchanged, although the Warhol paintings are gone from the entry and there are a line of nice padded leather chairs in the bar and lounge area. The view of Hennepin out the window is still spectacular and a lot of people decided to sit outside on the balcony patio (we decided to skip that this time).

I thought the food was pretty good before, but it looks like the new place is in good hands too. Gather has a guest chef program that brings in people for one month at a time – local heros like Steven Brown (Tilia), Isaac Becker (112 Eatery & Bar La Grassa) and Tim McKee (La Belle Vie).

The current menu on their website was a little different from the one they used today. My non-alcoholic cocktail, the “spring fever,” wasn’t on the web version, but the kid’s drinks were (the push pop – blood orange, cherries and pear nectar). Colleen had a mimosa and there were several Mother’s Day specials, including a sweat pea and shrimp risotto with watercress pesto that she ordered.

I ordered another special, soft scrambled eggs with chive Mascarpone, bacon and baguette (above), but it looked like they were serving a lot of Eggs Benedict (and Champagne) today. Kid one had the buttermilk-marinated chicken, while kid two ordered the grilled cheese with white cheddar. Both added french fries, that came with an awesome truffle aioli (at least I thought it was awesome).

Everything was very good and service was outstanding. Prices were reasonable for this type of restaurant, but it was still nice to have the Walker member discount. I recommend checking it out, but make sure to be mindful of their strange hours (open for lunch Tuesday – Sunday, 11:30am – 2:30pm and dinner Thursday evenings, 5pm – 9pm).

BBQ pulled pork sandwich, chips, chicken white rice soup and 1919 root beer ($16), Colossal Cafe, St. Paul, Minnesota

Croissant breakfast special, Bay Street Grill, Fortune Bay Resort Casino, Tower, Minnesota

http://www.amsterdambarandhall.com/

The award-winning fried chicken at Pizza Ranch, Lakeville, Minnesota

Family pizza night at Carbone’s on Randolph, St. Paul, Minnesota

Continuing on with the ten favorites theme I started a few days ago, here is my initial pass at outstate Minnesota. There is a heavy focus on the northern part of the state, as I’ve spent the most time there. Other areas are very nice too, but maybe that can be a third post down the road.

1. Devil’s Kettle Hiking Trail

Part of the Judge C.R. Magney State Park, the trail to the Devil’s Kettle is pure North Shore beautiful. It’s not too long or too tough, so almost everyone can do it, and I just love that we haven’t figured out the mystery of where all that water goes.

2. World’s Best Donuts and Sven & Ole’s Pizza

Grand Marais is such a beautiful town. I’ve been lucky enough to visit almost every year of my life, so I’ve had plenty of time to see the dining options come and go. These two establishments are firmly planted within shouting distance of each other and continue to be must visits on every single trip I take.

3. Lutsen Mountains and Lutsen Resort

Lutsen has always been Minnesota’s only “real” ski area and I love visiting any time of the year. The golf course added another dimension and the original Lutsen Resort on the lake holds special memories of my friend Megan’s beautiful wedding on the beach.

4. Gooseberry Falls (above) and Split Rock Lighthouse

Gooseberry Falls State Park represents everything that is good about the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Gorgeous setting, nice visitor center, easy access off highway 61, miles of great trails and photogenic waterfalls. And it’s all free.

Just down the road, Split Rock isn’t free, but what a wonderful historic site. Another great visitor center, friendly, informative guides, super cool lighthouse structure and a beautiful hiking trail down to the lake and the iconic photo opportunity that awaits.

5. Ely Blueberry Festival

This is a relatively new thing for me, but I’ve been to the last two Blueberry Festivals in Ely and will plan to keep coming back. My parents have been going for years and it’s just down the road from work, so I think it’s officially tradition now.

6. The Wilderness at Fortune Bay and The Vermilion Club

Speaking of work, it’s a no brainer to include The Wilderness at Fortune Bay, Golfweek’s #1 public course in Minnesota.

Best. Benefit. Ever.

After the round, the food at the resort is good, but nothing compares to the VC. You know your foursome needs a Bamboozler…

7. Grandma’s Marathon

This race lacks the total spectator count of Twin Cities, but it’s so very special in a different way. Taking the train to the start, the beauty of Lake Superior, the crowds when you enter the city, the party at the end – Grandma produces a world-class event. A true showcase for the city of Duluth.

8. Tobies Caramel Rolls

Not quite halfway between the Twin Cities and Duluth, the pit stop in Hinckley almost always means a visit to Tobies. And Tobies means caramel rolls – soft, sweet, sticky caramel rolls. Yum.

9. Brainerd Area Golf – The Classic, The Pines, The Preserve and Deacon’s Lodge

While I’ve photographed all of these courses, I’ve actually only played two of them (The Classic and The Preserve). Throw in Golden Eagle and you have a solid week of great Minnesota resort golf. One of these years I’ll organize a buddy trip to do just that.

10. Greg’s Meats

Last, but not least, Greg’s Meats is located just north of Cannon Falls on highway 52. While they have lots of great things for sale, all I have to say is: beef jerky time!

What else do you like outstate?

Hot ham and cheese sliders with fries, Bay Street Grill, Fortune Bay Resort Casino, Tower, Minnesota

http://instagr.am/p/KDXwoAzcdr/

The City Pages Best Of issue got me thinking about some of my favorite things to do around this wonderful part of the country. I’m sure I’m missing things (and may change my mind), but here’s an initial shot at a metro area list. Ideas for outstate Minnesota are floating around in my head too.

1. Minnesota State Fair (above)

I write about this every year, so I won’t rehash, other than to say there’s a reason I’ve been to this every year since I was born. Pure awesomeness in so many ways – food, entertainment, people watching and much, much more.

2. Twin Cities Marathon

This also gets a lot of coverage on this site, as I’ve now run it 8 times. The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America® earns that circle “R” with fall colors, loops of the Minneapolis lakes, a stretch along the Mississippi River and a great finish down Summit Avenue past the Cathedral and State Capitol. Plus you never forgot your first.

3. Lebanon Hills Mountain Bike Trail

If you like mountain biking, this is my “don’t miss” track for the entire region. I’m relatively new to the sport, but I could ride this every day and not get bored.

4. Mall of America

A lot of locals say they hate the MOA, but sorry Burnsville Center, you just don’t cut when it comes to shopping on a grand scale. It can be overcrowded at times and I’m not a huge fan of the restaurants, but it’s still the place your visiting relatives and friends want to go when they come to town.

5. Barbette and Prohibition at the W

So many good restaurants in Minneapolis, but Kim Bartmann’s Barbette in Uptown continues to be my favorite because of one thing: flat iron steak frites. Mmmm…frites.

I’m not really a bar hopper, but Prohibition’s combination of Foshay architecture and atmosphere, great service, lovely views from the 27th floor and the wonderful ephiphany martini (Grey Goose La Poire, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur and Duvalleroy Champagne) could turn me into a regular.

6. Cecil’s Deli, Carbone’s Pizza and Ristorante Luci

Since I grew up in St. Paul, it’s much harder for me to pick one favorite restaurant in that fair city. Therefore I present three: Cecil’s Deli in Highland Park for the hot pastrami sandwich, the original Carbone’s Pizza on Randolph and Ristorante Luci for some of the best Italian food I’ve had anywhere. Rotating daily through these three for the rest of your life wouldn’t be a bad thing.

7. Hockey at the Xcel Energy Center

While this is the State of Hockey, our teams have had their ups and downs lately. One thing is certain, though, the overall hockey fan experience at the X ranks right up there with the best anywhere. Be it the NHL’s Wild, the hockey Gophers or the state high school tournament, I loves me some hockey in downtown St. Paul.

8. Chain of Lakes

Heading back across the river, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes is really the crown jewel of the Twin Cities. That’s hard for someone raised in Saint Paul to admit, but it’s true. Whether you run, walk, bike, rollerblade, sail, kayak, swim, drive, ski or skate them, you’ll be hard-pressed to not feel good about it afterwards. All that plus great park facilities and food options too.

9. First Avenue & 7th Street Entry

My first show at First Avenue was Living Colour in 1993. Somewhere I have a scan of all the tickets from early shows I attended, back when they had cool sparkly ink and you could usually score free tickets to another show each time you left the building. Can’t wait to get back to see the latest enhancements to the room…

10. Hazeltine National and Interlachen Country Club

Minnesota has a lot of great public golf courses, but there is nothing quite like these two private clubs. If you have the connections, make it happen. Both have history, conditioning, great staff, strong layouts and a day on the course you’ll remember for a long, long time.

Any favorites I missed?

Kid one, two and an extra one, Buffalo Wild Wings, Eagan, Minnesota

If this was the award for winning, I’d train much harder. Get in Gear check-in, Minnehaha Park, Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Wilderness club sandwich and waffle fries, The Wilderness at Fortune Bay, Tower, Minnesota

Bone-in pork chop with baked potato and corn on the cob, Tamarack Restaurant, Fortune Bay Resort Casino, Tower, Minnesota

• Dinner at The Bachelor Farmer
• Pizza Ranch fried chicken
• Eat at Tilia in Linden Hills
• Lindey’s Prime Steak House
• Order the Depot’s Diamond Dog
• Breakfast at SAP’s Colossal Cafe
• Give Pizzeria Lola a second chance?
• Fries (no onion) from the Amsterdam Bar and Hall
• Happy Hour at La Belle Vie
• Golf Virginia, Eveleth and Wolfridge
• Tour the Root Beer Lady Museum
• Ride the Lake Vermilion Mailboat
• Gamble at White Oak, Palace and Northern Lights
• PR at least one race (any distance)
• Take Beaudry to Black Bear, Lutsen and Brainerd

Rick Nelson of the Star Tribune said the best ribs in the Twin Cities are at the 128 Cafe (128 Cleveland Avenue N, St. Paul, 651-645-4128). When I worked in St. Paul, I must have driven by that place across from the University of St. Thomas campus a million times, but never ate there. After emailing them a request for a Sunday night reservation, Colleen and I finally visited this past weekend.

I started with the ginger-soy sirloin skewers with purple cabbage slaw and spicy cashew sauce ($9), while Colleen tried the soup special (tomato basil, $4). We shared a really good Caesar salad ($7) before the main course, which I totally agree with Mr. Nelson – these were the best BBQ baby back ribs I’ve ever had (full rack with mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables and sweet spicy bbq sauce, $30).

The meat literally fell off the bone and the sauce had just the right amount of kick. Our waiter recommended a red wine to go with the ribs (Zinfandel, Kazmet Valley, Graziano, CA 2009, $11), which to my novice wine nose was almost reminiscent of Scotch. Colleen had her favorite sparkling water (San Pellegrino) and we shared a bowl of Izzy’s vanilla ice cream with hand-made chocolate sauce ($7) for dessert.

The room was much smaller than I expected and the ambient noise level was very low (despite a full house). The service was very slow – it took almost 15 minutes before someone took our order – and we were there for nearly two hours. Maybe we caught them on a short-staffed evening, but the quality of the food more than made up for it. If you like ribs, call and make reservations now…

Swedish meatballs & lingonberry juice, IKEA, Bloomington, Minnesota

Kids (plus one) at IKEA for dinner, Bloomington, Minnesota

The ham and scrambled egg Wednesday special, Baystreet Grill, Fortune Bay Resort Casino, Tower, Minnesota

Fiesta guarding the Liquid Ice energy drinks and Dr. McGillicuddy’s cherry, Fortune Bay Resort Casino, Tower, Minnesota

The new walleye wrap with fruit and a raspberry lemonade, Wilderness Grill, Tower, Minnesota

Marathon spaghetti, Grandma’s Saloon and Grill, Duluth, Minnesota

http://www.vita.mn/story.php?id=146188085

Bacon cheeseburger and fries, Gordy’s Hi-Hat, Cloquet, Minnesota

After trying unsuccessfully for a few weeks to get Saturday night reservations at The Bachelor Farmer, we decided to try for one of the other hot new restaurants in Minneapolis, The Butcher and the Boar (1121 Hennepin Avenue).

After working at the Dakota, this is Jack Riebel’s first restaurant on his own. The bar is beautiful and has a floor covered in pennies. The smallish dining room has several larger wooden tables and a row of small marble tables that seemed just a tad too close together (the servers had to squeeze in to deliver our orders). What looks to be a beautiful outdoor patio should be opening shortly.

The drink selection was large and varied, with a decided focus on bourbon. There were many sampler flights available and I tried the “three styles of bourbon” for $12, which included 3/4 oz. tastings of Maker’s Mark (wheated), Redemption (high rye) and an exclusive Butcher and the Boar single barreled Knob Creek (low rye).

Colleen wanted Crispin cider, and she actually had three varieties to choose from (original, Browns Lane and Stagger Lee). The table also had a large glass bottle of water and the observant wait staff always seemed to appear at just the right time to keep us topped off. If beer is your thing, the row of taps at the bar looked to be a mile long.

Our friendly and knowledgable waitress spent a lot of time with us explaining the menu. We started with the Wild Boar ham,
B&B pickles and molasses bread ($8), which was Colleen’s favorite item of the night. She followed that up with the Berkshire pork and cheddar sausage with broccoli, rye & hard cider sauce ($12) and a side order of bourbon orange carrots ($8).

I ordered a medium flatiron steak ($24, above), which was just perfect (and my favorite thing of the night). It was accompanied by a few of their Fulton beer-battered fries, which I also really liked. I made the mistake of ordering two more sides (Texas toast and buttermilk mash, $3 & $6), which were good, but way too much food.

The desert menu had lots of great options, but Colleen decided there was a chance of egg in most of them (she’s allergic). I ordered the bourbon and Coke float ($7), which was actually just bourbon-flavored ice cream and not actual bourbon. Bonus points for Mexican Coke, though.

Overall, this was one of the better meals I’ve had in a while. It’s always fun to check out the hot new kid in town, but too often you get “opening night” jitters in one form or another. The Butcher and the Boar has been open for roughly a month and seems to have almost everything figured out already. We’ll definitely be back – hopefully outside on the deck…

National Grand Champion Jerky, Greg’s Meats, Hampton, Minnesota

Lunch with Mr. Miller, hot pastrami on egg white with swiss and fries, Cecil’s Deli, St. Paul, Minnesota

The Peeps Store, Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota

Egg drop soup, Ho Ting Chinese Cuisine, Eagan, Minnesota

Roy’s Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé Flourless Chocolate Cake with a Molten Hot Center served à la Mode, San Diego, California

Ice water with fresh lemons, Marriott Marquis & Marina, San Diego, California

Marinated steak with garlic toast and chipotle chili aioli, Bub’s @ the Ballpark, San Diego, California

Family dinner at Uptown Cafeteria and Support Group, ordered the “Apple Sauced” cocktail with Night Train chicken & waffles, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Baystreet Grill breakfast special, Fortune Bay Resort Casino, Tower, Minnesota

Cucumber Sake Martini, Nami Sushi, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Wall decorations at Barrio Tequila Bar, Lowertown, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Walleye poor boy sandwich and fries, Tamarack Restaurant, Fortune Bay Resort Casino, Tower, Minnesota

Dinner, drinks and visiting by the fire with Ann and Steve, Birch Point, Lake Vermilion, Minnesota

Tandori style pork tenderloin served over sour cream mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, with a caramelized fennel/onion ragout, in a creamy asparagus sauce, El Meson, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Juicy Nookie Burger and chicken strips, Casper’s & Runyon’s Nook, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Apple slices and caramel, Baystreet Grill, Fortune Bay Resort Casino, Tower, Minnesota

Wisconsin Girl Scout Peanut Butter Sandwich cookies, Tower, Minnesota

Kids one and two (plus one more), Raising Cane’s, Burnsville, Minnesota

Kid one and two at Annie’s Parlour, Dinkytown, Minneapolis, Minnesota