Minneapolis Observer Quarterly - Mezzrow at Large

The Rich Don’t Eat Like the Rest of Us

Tue, 24 Jan 2006 23:19:46 -0600

Fitzgerald would have loved the elegant—and pricey—dining at La Belle Vie

By Leo Mezzrow
F. Scott Fitzgerald would love dining at La Belle Vie (510 Groveland; 612/874-6440), now relocated in Minneapolis from Stillwater where it established its reputation as one of the state’s best restaurants. Fitzgerald’s old haunt, The Commodore, is now condominiums, and its legendary bar and restaurant is closed, but Minneapolis’s 510 Groveland was a contemporary showplace of its own.

In Good Company

Tue, 24 Jan 2006 23:23:48 -0600

In the tradition of great Stillwater-area restaurants, the Bayport Cookery takes its place among our best dining experiences

By Leo Mezzrow
The old political slogan “A chicken in every pot!” seems to be amended in the Twin Cities today to add, “and a restaurant on every street corner!” The phenomenon is without precedent in my memory. New bistros, deli, white tablecloth, and ethnic restaurants are opening daily—not only in the downtowns, scattered business districts, and shopping malls, but virtually every neighborhood seems to be the site of some local culinary activity. It is very difficult for your food critic to keep up with all the activity. It’s a good thing that many or most of the new dining rooms emphasize healthy foods and cooking. (I haven’t stepped on a scale in months.)

A Four-Star Foray

Tue, 24 Jan 2006 23:27:46 -0600

Our culinary correspondent begins his search for the best restaurant in town

By Leo Mezzrow
Now that Goodfellow’s and 510 Groveland have closed, as have several other top restaurants in recent months, the recurring question can be timely repeated: Which is the best restaurant in the Twin Cities?