Restaurant Alma [MSP]

[dave43]

Did a search and didn't find a thread dedicated to Alma. I recently read that Jfood said this was his #1 spot which is impressive considering he has scoured all of the good spots in town. I'm going tonight and was wondering if anyone could suggest what Alma does well...Their "go to" dishes. Thanks.

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Restaurant Alma
528 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

[karakutie]

3 course dinner was absolutely delicious last night. Tried the terrine, mixed greens with shrimp and calamari, polenta, crepe, scallops and mahi mahi. We loved every single dish. Champagne with the meal made it even better. Dessert was the chocolate ganache cake--by far the best ganache cake I've ever had.
Service was pleasant and attentive.

[mplsbruin]

My wife and I dined at Alma about 1 month ago. The meal was superb. Service was spot on. My white wine by the glass was very good and what I noticed was the very generous pour - a large glass gave you plenty of room to swirl even with the generous amount. It really caught my attention vs what I'm used to getting at most places. I wonder if others experience the same.

[soupkitten]

i concur-- it's a big pour. also nice is that they will graciously split glasses of wine between 2 people (giving the party two 1/2 glasses). otherwise the tasting menu w wine accompaniments might be a little too tipsy for some folks. i heart alma.

[BigE]

First of all, the 3 course is a no-brainer, as jfood said.

If it were me, I'd get the rabbit terrine first (although you can't go wrong with the salads).
Not sure about second...they all look fantastic. I've had the masa cake and the prawns. Both are excellent.
Entrees are a toss up too. The pheasant is sublime, but so is the ribeye. I could get any one of those and be happy.

That menu has me thinking it might be time to return.

Just a note...if you go there a few weeks/months down the road, be sure to check the menu because it will change.

[eburke91]

get the mezzaluna.

you won't be disappointed.

stay away from the swordfish - you will be disappointed

[jfood]

neither are on the current menu

http://www.restaurantalma.com/menu.aspx

[eburke91]

hmm, must have changed very recently.

I'm so disappointed...

[jfood]

doing the three course tasting menu is a no-brainer. It basically gives you the third course for a buck.

Jfood just looked at the current offerings. Two points.

1 - he is going there next week given the choices
2 - for his belly, he would look at
- Braised rabbit terrine (he also loved the idea of the souffle but he is most allergic to hazlenuts)
- gnocchi or prawns (that's a tough one)
- pheasant, especially if they prepare it in the pan by constantly overlaying the hot pan drippings over the skin

Just some thoughts

Enjoy

[TonyO]

Based on CH recs, we will be at Alma when we visit Minnesota from Burlington, VT the weekend of November 21/22. Looks great !

[dave43]

Everything was excellent. I would give the rundown but our waitress said everything was changing the next day. The terrine was excellent....the sauce was incredible. Both entrees the ribeye and the scallops were great, it was hard to pick a favorite.

[Foureyes137]

I'm with Suzie, there is nothing they do poorly (we eat at Alma twice a month).

I definitely recommend doing the tasting menu, and don't miss out on a very considerate wine list and very literate servers that can help find what you want.

[St Paul Susie]

Alma does everything well. Personally I haven't had anything off the current menu. (which is a sign that I should be making a reservation!)

However, I'd recommend asking your server for specific guidance.

The 3 course tasting menu is a must.

[karakutie]

Have reservations here tomorrow and have never had the chance to go prior. Thinking of doing the 3 course tasting. Would like to hear the highlights of your dining experience.

[rjayasuriya]

Thanks for doing this Dave...I was about to do the same today since we are thinking about making reservations at Alma for our anniversary. Please report back your experience. By the way...their 3 course menu looks great!