123557 Tue Dec 07 17:02:25 -0800 2004 9 8 Midwest 0 671148 Husband and I are visiting his parents between Christmas and New Year's. We'd like to enjoy one nice dinner in the Minneapolis area. The in-laws live in Plymouth, but we're willing to drive up to about 45 minutes to get there. Open to any and all suggestions-we like all food, but would like to have a nice, upscale dinner for just the two of us. Price is not an object. Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Tue Dec 07 17:02:25 -0800 2004 0 Samantha 1 671155 I'd vote for Vincent, on Nicollet at 11th Street in downtown Minneapolis. Lovely ambience -- white tablecloths, flattering lighting, huge windows onto Nicollet Mall -- and really excellent food. French cuisine, but not stodgy; terrific wine list; wonderful desserts; good service. It's my favorite spot in the city for a special meal. Tue Dec 07 23:06:17 -0800 2004 671148 0 McGeary 1 671162 Hi Samantha, I second the recommendation for Vincent. If you'd like an after dinner drink, head over to Nicollet Island Inn which, in addition to being one of the most romantic settings in MSP, is always beautifully decorated for Christmas. While it isn't generally regarded in the area's "Top 10" for cuisine alone, I think it's worthy of recommending for your meal as well. Others to consider would be Levain and Bakery on Grand in South Minneapolis. I'd imagine the homes on Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles (very close by) will still be decorated for the holidays. If you're up for an additional 15 minute drive (pushing your 45 minutes total), I would suggest A Rebours (bistro) or St. Paul Grill (steaks) in downtown St. Paul. Rice Park is gorgeous and festive at this time of year (both restaurants are adjacent). All of the trees are filled with white Christmas lights, and the temporary ice rink next to the Landmark Center is about ready to open. On your way back west, take Summit Avenue through St. Paul and check out the opulent holiday decorations (the Governor's mansion was one-upped by an unbelieveable tree across the street this year!) If it's a snowy night and you'd like to stay closer to Plymouth, you can do well at Ravello in nearby Long Lake or Biella in Wayzata. Have fun. Wed Dec 08 10:14:37 -0800 2004 671148 0 MSPD 2 671171 I second MSPD's recommendation of the Nicollet Island Inn, though it is not always in the top 10 when considering hot, 'of the moment' restaurants. I consider it to be a Minneapolis classic and always a treat - wonderful food, ambience and service in an historic inn located a bridge away from downtown. Very charming and situated along the Ol' Mississippi - I love the history of the place. It's especially lovely on a night with fresh fallen snow. The horse drawn carriage regularly 'clip clops' by outside the windows and is available for your own moonlit exploration of the island and great views of the lights of downtown Minneapolis. Bring your heavy coats and enjoy! Wed Dec 08 23:26:43 -0800 2004 671162 0 Suzie 1 671165 I would agree with the recommendations of both Vincent and Levain. May I suggest Goodfellow's in downtown Minneapolis? Order the 6 course chef's tasting menu - it's a great way to enjoy a little of everything from the menu. I ordered it a few months ago with a friend and we had a terrific meal and it was a great way to spend 3 hours. Wed Dec 08 13:25:12 -0800 2004 671148 0 AnnyM 1 671167 Here's another vote for A Rebours. The bar at the Saint Paul Hotel is a great place to start out with a cocktail, too. And one of my favorite red meat experiences is Kincaid's. These places are all within a block of each other in downtown Saint Paul. Kincaid's will validate parking at the ramp behind them, if you care. Vincent is very well thought of. I had a perfectly nice dinner there a while back, but I can't tell you what I had. I can, though, remember everything I've had in several visits to A Rebours. Wed Dec 08 18:24:51 -0800 2004 671148 0 ajs 1 671192 Can't go wrong at Vincent. He makes some of the best soup I've ever had (and my Dad made great soup). Also corkage is reasonable ($15 I think) so you can bring a special bottle of wine if you like. If you want someplace a little more hopping, Oceanaire Seafood room is a blast. Kind of like a rat pack era supper club, with excellent seafood. We're dining there with friends on 12-30. Stop in, I'll buy you a Martini! Fri Dec 10 09:28:36 -0800 2004 671148 0 Michael Florey 1 671202 If price is no object, my wife and I were in Minneapolis just before Christmas last year, and enjoyed dinner at Cafe Lurcat (1624 Harmon Place). Small, so reservations are a must. Staff is polite, expert, and not pretentious. Bonus: it's close to the Walker and the new Guthrie, if you're making a day or a night out of it. Sat Dec 11 10:50:44 -0800 2004 671148 0 Tom 1 671262 Thank you so much for all of your suggestions. We've decided on Vicent due to our affinity for French food. Will report back after we go. Definitely looking forward to it! Tue Dec 14 14:36:02 -0800 2004 671148 0 Samantha 1 671499 I am sorry I did not see this sooner but you mentioned a willingness to travel up to 45 minutes. May I suggest the next time you're in Plymouth that you try W.A. Frost & Company on Cathedral Hill in St. Paul. They too have a great reputation for great food and no one has better ambiance than they do. The building is on the National Historic Registry as a landmark. Sitting on the corner of Dale & Western it has an old world charm with brick walls covered with original oil paintings imported from Europe. Wood floors covered with Persian rugs and a fireplace in almost every room. They also have the nicest patio for outdoor dining anywhere in the Twin Cities and Metro Area. As if this were not enough they have won nearly every dining award there is in the Twin Cities and have been doing so for more than twenty years. Link: http://www.twincitiesdiningguide.com/pages/w_a_frost_&_company_profile.asp Image: http://www.twincitiesdiningguide.com/images/profile/banner-wafrost.jpg Sat Jan 01 16:37:41 -0800 2005 671148 0 Jim Byrd