Restaurant suggestions for a 17th birthday dinner - a challenge for MSP Chowhounds

[suburban_mom]

My oldest turns 17 on Sunday and our family tradition is the birthday person picks their dinner. He likes to eat out so we need to figure out where to go. He will try almost anything (tongue, chicken feet, frog legs) and likes everything from sushi to steak, Thai to Mexican. The only parameter is he has siblings who are 10 and 12. All 3 kids are "good" diners.

So, where do you suggest we go? And why? Don't worry about cost.

Thanks!

[suburban_mom]

Masu Sushi and Robata was excellent. We will definitely go back. We started with edamame, duck gyoza, and fish chips. Not sure if we would do the fish chips again. The definitely need the sauce that comes with them but we did eat them all.

We had the firecracker roll and the rainbow roll. Both were good but nothing mind blowing. Got the uni nigiri just because I've never had uni. I think I would have liked the uni shooter that was a special instead. The child who ate the uni thought it was ok but prefers octopus instead.

The robata was a treat. We got sweet corn, ribeye, pork ribs, and bacon wrapped shrimp. When we go back we will get more robata and less sushi.

Desserts were mango dingo, mochi, coconut creme brûlée, and machata ice cream. All were well received.

Can't wait to go back.

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Masu Sushi and Robata
330 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414

[suburban_mom]

Thanks for all the suggestions. He liked the idea of Masu Sushi and Robata so we have a reservation there. Plus, the siblings love Japanese too so everyone is happy.

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Masu Sushi and Robata
330 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414

[sandylc]

My son loves Masu. Have a great time!

[danionavenue]

Meritage for rabbit might be fun for an adventurous eater.
Santorini for greek food is always good.
Sea Change would be fun too.

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Meritage
410 Saint Peter St, Saint Paul, MN 55102

Santorini
13000 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Sea Change
806 Second Street S., Minneapolis, MN 55415

[foreverhungry]

Masu Sushi and Robata might be a good option - given the range from sushi to robata to ramen, there's something for everyone. A call ahead with the information that the dinner is for a 17 year old that will try just about anything might even bring some specially created dishes for the table - Masu has the management and staff that's willing to accommodate, and given the style and quality of cuisine, they probably have access to a lot of very unusual items.

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Masu Sushi and Robata
330 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414

[suburban_mom]

Masu Sushi and Robata it is. Reservation is made!

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Masu Sushi and Robata
330 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414

[ibew292]

V-44 and Travail are great but for a treat that they probably have not had I would recommend Saffron(they serve brains) or Gorkha(goat MoMo). Both are great.

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Gorkha Palace
23 4th St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

[kevin47]

Can't go wrong with either, but the chance to eat the brainchild (pun intended) of an Iron Chef contestant would be a thrill if I were in high school. Both V-44 and Saffron sport a solid mocktail list.

[Seige]

We took my newly-minted 15-year-old niece to Victory 44 for her birthday. Granted she lives in ND and isn't really exposed to that kind of cooking so it had extra allure, but she absolutely LOVED it. And they have the perfect burger, which if all else fails, should make the 10 and 12 year olds pretty happy. Why Victory 44? It's different and delicious. I'm not recommending Travail only because I've never been there, but the concept is certainly the same and if your son is adventurous with food, I think either are a good choice.

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Victory 44
2203 44th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN

[semanticantics]

I was going to suggest Victory 44 as well. Travail is a great option, but there is a lot of rigamarole to get in / food in a timely matter. Either place ought to embrace the kids. Both have fun / adventurous food. I believe at the moment Travail might have a bit more out-there food, like sweetbreads and brain, but I think only brain would be in the 10-course tasting menu for 2. Check either places Facebook pages for most recent menus (they are vague and change a lot).

If price isn't a worry, Heartland might be cool, a sushi place on the day of delivery, or maybe a new cuisine to the 17 yo, maybe Indian? Dosa King and India Palace come to mind.

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Victory 44
2203 44th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN

[sandylc]

Wow! Great challenge! Congrats on raising food-savvy kids! They really are the most fun.

Are they looking for a sideshow or is a quiet place O.K.?