Bar La Grassa cocktails?

[salvage7]

Heading there tomorrow night, and didn't see any cocktail recommendations in the other threads. Does anything stand out?

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Bar La Grassa
800 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401

[Latinpig]

I am going to have to disagree with Mr. Ballinger on the wine list. Anyplace that has Kistler at retail pricing is good in my book. They also have some great bottles not seen on most winelists in town such as Martinelli, Kongsgaard and Hundred Acre at acceptable prices is ok by me. To say that these wines do not approach the quality of the food would be highly debatable.

[Brad Ballinger]

And I'd counter that many of what you've listed are not the best wines to pair with the food on the menu. This is like when Aquavit would present its "steak house" wine list full of chardonnay and cabernet.

[Latinpig]

First, that does not adress pricing whihc was one of your main gripes. Second, there are plenty of good Italian wines on the list as well at reasonable prices. Look, the list is not perfect, but there are more gems at dam good prices than 90% of the places in town. Emphasis on price. Could we get picky and say that not all wines match the cuisine to an exact T. Yes. However, I have had Kistler there with some of the pastas and it works beautifully. I would also add that the CnDPs go great with most of the meat pastas. In short, I think this type of list and the approach they have taken should be encouraged.

[dahlsk]

Back to the original topic of cocktails, I've had 2 from their menu recently. Actual names are escaping me (and really should be on the website!) but 1 was a margarita with some serious chili bite (too much bite for me personally) and the other was a bit of a girly drink but strong and tart enough to be really tasty. I think it had a champagne float and it was pink and had grapefruit in it. Sorry I can't recall more, but put the drink menu on the website Isaac!

[diesel]

Was there (BLG) for the first time last weekend. I had a Negroni that I found too sweet and not as cold as I would like it. Just run of the mill. I agree with the poster who said the cocktails are nowhere near Bradstreet (never been to LBV and haven't had a cocktail at Solera).

A few of my dining companions ordered something that started with or contained the word "red" and was a mildly beet-flavored concoction. It was pretty interesting, at least. Something different. And topped with a pickled ramp, which was kind of fun. Still not knock-your-socks-off.

The food was SO wonderful - I keep thinking about it and wishing my budget allowed for visits more than once or twice a year. Specifically, the calamarata with raw tuna and the gnocchi with cauliflower and orange just keep haunting me (in a good way). Enjoy your meal!

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Solera
900 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

[Foureyes137]

Their cocktails are of the standard variety, but well made (I love their negroni and old fashioned) and they have a few specialties...but nothing on the level of LBV, Solera or Bradstreet.

Their real plus at LaGrassa is their wine program, especially Italian varietals. Good prices by the glass, and a well-balanced list of bottles.

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Solera
900 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

[Brad Ballinger]

The wine list could be much better in terms of selection and pricing. It doesn't approach the quality of the food or the thought put into the menu. But it's passable.

[Foureyes137]

Agreed, it could be better...but so could all wine lists everywhere ever.

My point is that forgoing cocktails for wine may be a better option at this establishment.

[salvage7]

Interesting, but no thanks, beer or cocktail for me.

[Brad Ballinger]

Agreed with that second sentence.

[Seige]

OMG - yes, the wine! Get the Anna - it's a great little red that always goes with everything we order there.