122963 Thu Jun 17 10:52:22 -0700 2004 3 8 Midwest 0 668288 I've been trying to stay up on the TC's dining alternatives and have a ten day trip coming up later this month. I always return to Lucia's and Chet's, but need some further guidance on a couple of dinners and some lunch alternatives. Levain is on the radar, and I'll have to get a new head cheese t-shirt and a lunch at Kramarchuk's (sp?). Is La Belle Vie holding up to the years? Is Giorgio still cranking it out? Thanks in advance. Thu Jun 17 10:52:22 -0700 2004 0 K. Gerstenberger 1 668292 La Belle Vie is moving downtown, accross from its sister Solera, next uear. For now it is still in Stillwater, and as good as ever, in my view. We are going there tomorrow. All of my recent meals have been exceptional. You can search the archives for the usual suspects, but here are a few good ones: Oddfellows -- 2 blocks from Kramarchuks. Great food and cheap corkage. Alma Sapor Dakota -- heavier Midwestern food, but very well executed in a beautiful new space Bakery on Grand Hell's Kitchen -- great, creative breakfast in downtown Minneapolis on 10th St. La Bon Vie -- great, creative breakfast on Selby Ave. in St. Paul (try the "green eggs and ham") Barbary Fig -- eat outside on Grand Ave. in St. Paul. Best grilled fish in town. Thu Jun 17 11:34:00 -0700 2004 668288 0 Michael Florey--St. Paul/MN 2 668294 I would agree with the above recommendations. I would also add Red to this list. I've eaten there 4 times recently and have throughly enjoyed each item that I have tried. It's located in the Foshay tower on 9th St. Thu Jun 17 12:50:23 -0700 2004 668292 0 AnnyM 1 668344 Giorgio is still around, although the Lake Street restaurant closed recently. My experiences there lately have been inconsistent ... sometimes good, sometimes so-so, and we suspect one case of food poisoning. You might want to try Solera, the tapas restaurant in downtown Minneapolis created by the owner of La Belle Vie. You'll probably need reservations for dinner. Mon Jun 21 09:22:46 -0700 2004 668288 0 Jordan