Jfood finds Kings Wine Bar (MSP) - Nice Neighborhood Place
Once again Jfood tried to go to the Fair, and once again traffic had different plans. So he had a backup plan to try either Café Grand or Victors on S. Grand. When 35W came to a standstill, Jfood exited at 46th and he headed west. When he reached the intersection of South Grand Jfood found two places, Café Ena and Kings Wine Bar that were alive with people. He parked, looked at both and wandered into Kings. Why he chose Kings over Café Ena he has no idea but it was a relaxing, pleasant environment, the servers were extremely friendly and helpful and the food was good. It was a place you almost wish were in your own neighborhood for those nights when you are too pooped to cook.
Jfood decided to sit at the bar. He received the menu and a wine list. The menu is not extensive, by any stretch, but has some basic choices:
http://kingsmpls.com/menu_dinner.html
Jfood chose a cup of onion soup and the Macaroni and Cheese (at the suggestion of his neighbor at the bar).
It is important to remember that Jfood described this as a neighborhood place and the dishes reflect that theory. The onion soup arrived, not in a usual crock but in a soup bowl, with a slice of bread floating on top. The bread had some melted cheese atop. Jfood tasted the broth and was impressed. It had pretty good flavor. Jfood asked the bartender if the stock was made at the restaurant and he was emphatic that everything was made there. The next bite included a few onion pieces. Here is where there will be a difference of a homemade and a restaurant made (with a few exceptions). Jfood enjoys his onions extremely soft in his onion soup, which requires an incredible length of time in caramelizing. These onions still had snap to them and were probably caramelized for less than an hour. Not a criticism, just a point of reference. The cheese and the bread were good as well. Jfood thought this place had some legs.
The Mac & Cheese arrived in yet another soup bowl. The chef decided to use Orchiette as the pasta and with Jfood's view of the kitchen the brand was De Cecco, nice choice. There was plenty of cheese sauce and the chef added breadcrumbs on top and placed under the broiler. Jfood waited a bit until it cooled and started to eat. The pasta was still firm, which is a great sign for the individual preparedness of the dish versus a scoop out of a pre-made batch. The flavors were interesting. Some like a more cheddar-y flavor than this presented, which was a mild cheese with a bit of a hint on what Jfood would characterize as a horseradish undertone. The breadcrumbs on top gave the dish a nice crunch to the smoothness of the mac and cheese. Overall Jfood thought it was good.
Jfood wanted something sweet and asked about desserts. He decided on a blueberry crumble. Home made whipped cream was also offered on top, nice touch.
It arrived in yet another soup bowl. The bowl was very hot since the crumble was baked in this dish. The bartender scooped some whipped cream on top and Jfood started his dessert. The berries were very sweet as they should be in the upper mid-west in September, the topping was also nicely done and the whipped cream was very good as well. It was a nice end to a nice meal.
Is Kings Wine Bar a destination restaurant? Not really. Is it a good place to go for some almost-home cooking after a long day at work? That is how Jfood would characterize it. The chefs take personal care of the food, the servers are extremely helpful and friendly and the atmosphere is very relaxing. What more could you ask for in a local haunt?
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On topic: Really like the description of the mac & cheese, and the distinction that some places are perfect for the niche of serving the neighborhood.
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Honestly, if you want to go to the fair, you might want to try a park and ride. They are very convenient and intuitive. Thanks for the feedback on King's, though.
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re: jfood
I understand your reticence Mr Old Dog- but really, consider the possibilities...a whole busload of fellow fair goers who you could pump, I mean query , as to their most recommended Fair Foods! It's actually really fun, but then I'm a life-long bus rider, no driver's license....
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