10 Good Restaurants

I know I have not blogged for a bit, and really have nothing exciting to say. So... today I am going to tell you 10 good restaurants. Some may be obvious, while others are well kept secrets. These are in no particular order...

1. Saji-Ya - St. Paul, MN
A delicious Japanese restaurant on St. Paul's Grand Avenue. I prefer the teppanyaki upstairs where they cook on your table. The food is to die for... but save room for the green tea ice cream for dessert. Grand Ole Creamery makes it and it cannot be beat.

2. Cheesecake Factory
I have been eating there since college thanks to the one in Kansas City. I used to get the Chinese Chicken Salad, then moved to Terriyaki Chicken (always a favorite), but recently Danny introduced me to their Spicy Cashew Chicken. An amazing meal you can enjoy twice... plenty for leftovers. As always, be sure to get the Tuxedo Cream Cheesecake or the good old Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake.

3. Oak City - Bloomington, MN
A new favorite, but none the less, quite amazing. From their cheese fondue appetizer, to their terriyaki hamburger, to the banana cream pie, this restaurant has a very promising future. Once more people find out about it, they will be packing them in nightly. It is also a great atmosphere!

4. Quinton's - Lawrence, KS
A small restaurant/bar, but delicious if you are looking for something good. They mainly have soup and sandwiches and they are all great. They serve their soup in a bread bowl.... mmmmm! And sadly, my favorite of their sandwiches is the PB&J. Weird, I know... but so good! Don't forget to order the spicy chips instead of the regular.

5. Lake Elmo Inn - Lake Elmo, MN
This is one of the old "supper club" type of restaurants. A bit nicer than my other postings, but still reasonable. You get good meals with all the fixin's... including a lemon sorbet cone to cleanse the pallet before meal time, and a chocolate dipped strawberry served with your check. And make sure you get the Sin of the Inn for dessert... there's a reason they call it that!

6. Fogo De Chao - Minneapolis, MN
A meat lovers paradise... and more food than you would ever know what to do with. You could literally eat yourself sick here, but the quality is top notch. And the cheesy rolls that come with dinner... you can't go wrong with those on your table.

7. Plum Tree - Lawrence, KS
A Chinese restaurant had to make the list, and Plum Tree has always been my favorite. I like sesame chicken not fried or breaded, and they do it perfectly. I also know they have several dishes that are wonderful as well.

8. Noodles in the Pot - Chicago, IL
Not exactly a 5-star restaurant, but none the less, wonderful. And to top it off, they deliver. I always get the Pad See Ew and truly it is one of a kind. I have had that dish in other restaurants, but this one is my fave!

9. Savoy Inn - St. Paul, MN
If you want pizza, there is no better place than the Savoy Inn. It is downtown St. Paul and it is amazing. Writing this blog, I can almost taste it. But call ahead or be prepared to wait for a LONG time... I am not the only person who likes their pizza.

10. Cecil's Deli - St. Paul, MN
The good old Jewish deli from years ago. They still have the best kosher corned beef around and if you want a good sandwich, get their grilled salami without onions and extra "bird sauce" on the side. While you are at it, get your fries extra crispy and dip those in the sauce too. And don't leave without getting a raspberry hamantashen.

***BONUS***
It's not a restaurant, but Rena's Kitchen is the best food around. Granted, I grew up on the stuff, but people who didn't agree. Some of my personal favorites...

Mac N Cheese
Brownies
Peanut Chicken
Spaghetti
Family Steak
Brown Rice
Latkes
and so much more!

Check back often for more Random Ramblings!