120447 Mon Jan 28 15:30:29 -0800 2002 7 8 Midwest 0 656629 Went to Zelo for lunch last week. Sesame crusted walleye was not as fresh as one would expect. The service was mediocre at best, ranging from forgetful of requests to simple neglect. I would only go back when forced to for another business luncheon. As in most metropolitan areas, the best food and service seems to be on the fringes here. Went to Ay Caramba in Mpls for dinner one night and had very good tacos and chalupas, though I would prefer a bit more grease. We hit a jackpot in St Paul, thanks to other local chowhounds. Went to Burrito Mercado after Como Zoo last Saturday. I ran in to get a dozen tamales to go, then stopped by Mi Tierra for a tortilla and salsa. (Unfortunatly we had brought sandwiches to feed to kids at the zoo so lunch was done) Ahhh - wonderful tortillas. This Texan was transported back home!! We will be back with appetites. Anyone been to Amanacer across the street from the Mercado? Mon Jan 28 15:30:29 -0800 2002 0 Chuck K 1 656630 "Anyone been to Amanacer across the street from the Mercado?" Once. I'd have to try it again before I can form an opinion but my first impressions were neutral. I had to ask for hot salsa to accompany the complimentary chips. I ordered a three taco plate, one pork, one chicken and one tounge. The tounge was hands down the best. The pork was dry and the chicken was chicken. I would go back again if only to try more dishes featuring tounge. Mon Jan 28 16:00:51 -0800 2002 656629 0 Sven 2 656635 Tounge? Is this the same as tongue? El Amanacer-if you get there at the right time (early afternoon), you get to watch really cheesy Mexican soap operas and Mexican quiz shows on TV! Which implies that a good number of Mexican residents from the neighborhood eat there. Tue Jan 29 11:40:37 -0800 2002 656630 0 Michael Penfield 2 656648 I bet Sven's wife doesn't know he's running out to get some tounge. Although, my guess is that she would enjoy the tounge taco even more the Sven (enjoy's the taco). Wed Jan 30 20:43:59 -0800 2002 656630 0 Gino 1 656642 If you liked El Burrito, you should also try Chiapas on Central Ave North, Mpls. I'm not a Texan, but I like it alot. I'd be interested what you think. Wed Jan 30 11:07:09 -0800 2002 656629 0 Kate 2 656643 Thanks for the recommendation. Where on Central Ave? We are living on 1st Street for another month or two, so it may not be too far. Wed Jan 30 11:45:01 -0800 2002 656642 0 Chuck K 3 656649 I'm a big fan of Chiapas, too. It's on Central just south of Lowry. Wed Jan 30 23:57:14 -0800 2002 656643 0 Steve 3 656668 I'll be guessing, but I put it in the low twenties. Other things in that neighborhood: The Jerusalem Market, farther out. In the direction closer to you, Patel's Indian market. Where they sell mixes for making Indian breadstuffs, addictive chili-lime pickle, and a chai tea in a plastic jar, turquoise lid. It's a brand called "Fantasy". I boil a couple of bags with some crushed cardamom pods and slices of ginger root, turn off the heat, stir in a big tablespoon of honey. Pour it in a cup with half and half or soy milk and its a terrific alterrnative to the cloyingly sweet carton variety. Even farther out, and recently relocated, the Udupi Indian restaurant. Call for hours, et al. It's vegitarian, and everything I've ever eaten there has been very good. Sun Feb 03 10:18:09 -0800 2002 656643 0 Kate