124377 Tue Jul 19 20:45:40 -0700 2005 4 8 Midwest 0 675460 We're needing quick recommendations for this Saturday night (July 23) in MInneapolis. Lucia's and Solera are already covered in the nights preceding. We don't particularly want something as involved as Levain or Auriga, but something nice for a birthday celebration for 4 people. I know this is cutting it pretty close, so I'd appreciate any feedback. Tue Jul 19 20:45:40 -0700 2005 0 sumac 1 675465 We continue to have very good success at Café Barbette on Saturday nights, espcially if you go early. If you arrive by 6:30 or 6:45 you will surely get a table. They also take some reservations. The food is not super-A-list, but its quite good and there is an excellent variety of lighter and heavier items: salads, appatisers, full entrees, meat, fish, risotto (typically excellent), etc. The wine list is very nice. Try the Dragon still rosé or the Haton rosé Champagne. In St. Paul dining outside on the patio at the Barbary Fig is a great way to spend an evening if it isn't too hot. The food is superb and reasonably priced. Best fish and veggies in town. Walk to the Grand Old Creamery after dinner for homemade ice cream. Wed Jul 20 10:20:40 -0700 2005 675460 0 Michael Florey -- St. Paul/MN 1 675470 I stand by Zander in St. Paul, especially their fish and fowl dishes, and their jambalaya. They take reservations and have a phenomenal wine list. Wed Jul 20 12:12:41 -0700 2005 675460 0 Alice 1 675473 My birthday choice is usually Restaurant Alma. My husband's choice is always Vincent. Although, from what I've been reading, I might choose the 112 Eatery for the next celebration, if I could get reservations. (I haven't been there yet.) Or, if wanted to recover from the $$$ splashed out at Solera and Lucia's, I would chose Tanpopo - a very casual-hip place with delicious Japanese food. Wed Jul 20 14:23:42 -0700 2005 675460 0 AnneInMpls 1 675479 Thanks for the suggestions. Hopefully we'll be able to get reservations at one of them. They all sound good. Wed Jul 20 17:13:29 -0700 2005 675460 0 sumac