eat & drink: August 2008

A big Thank You to Ken Abdo
for taking me to all these wonderful places...

Nye's Polonaise Room
Named Esquire's Best Bar in America (read the Esquire article to really get a feel for it), Nye's has occupied the same spot in the Twin Cities since 1950. I read online that if they made a sequel to Fargo, the first scene would be set here, and that truly paints a proper picture of the place. The shiny gold vinyl booths and sing-along piano bar made this place the epitome of cool for the generations of Polish-Americans who populated northeast Minneapolis ("Nordeast" to locals). Thankfully, the old-timers are still hanging around.

Most of the pleasures to be had at Nye's are joyously lowbrow, and Twin Citian's know them well: The World's Most Dangerous Polka Band, with Ruth Adams, the band's toothless accordion player (Documentary Short on TWMDPB); Sweet Lou, who has lead the piano bar for over 30 years; the formica tables and glittery plastic booths. Everybody says that stepping into Nye's Polonaise is like stepping back in time, and, for once, it's true.

Nye's Polonaise Room / Northeast Minneapolis / 112 East Hennepin Avenue / Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414 / 612.379.2021 / www.nyespolonaise.com / Google Map

Manny's Steakhouse
"Life Is Good At The Top Of The Food Chain"

This award-winning local steak house (one of the Top 10 in the country) got a serious makeover in 2008 and a sister location in Miami, Florida. Now in the beautiful, historic Foshay Tower, Manny's is still thick with all of the meaty, traditional fare and atmosphere that would make The Rat Pack proud: juicy and generous steaks, lobsters and side dishes. But the new Manny's puts a unique twist on the steaks-and-chops joint by sprucing it up with healthier dishes and modern black-and-white décor that's as tantalizing as the marbleized cuts of beef.

Manny’s serves USDA-certified, dry-aged, center-cut beef, hand trimmed by master butchers. The menus reflect the availability of locally sourced ingredients but always offer chops, chicken and live cold-water lobster. Count on stone crab claws and fresh Alaskan King Crab legs when they’re available, along with specialty cuts of steak.

Side dishes and appetizers easily accommodate two or more. Hashbrowns serve up to five people (though the portion I was served seemed double that), and for dessert the whiskey bread pudding, freshly doused with Maker's Mark, fills a 25-ounce goblet. The hot fudge and caramel-covered macadamia nut brownie a la mode will satisfy at least 4 to 6 people.

The wine list: in addition to a 300-bottle regular list, there is also an extensive reserve list with deeper vintages.

Manny’s does not observe a dress code. There’s no charge for plate sharing. Just come as you are – and eat like never before.

Manny's Steakhouse / 825 Marquette Ave S / Minneapolis, MN 55402 / 612.339.9900 / www.mannyssteakhouse.com

Murray's Steakhouse
"Home of the Silver Butter Knife Steak"
For an authentic Minneapolis dining experience, don't miss Murray's Steak House on 6th Street. It was established in 1946 by Art and Marie Murray. The famous steak house was called the "Home of the Silver Butter Knife Steak" by Mr. Maurice Dreicer, world traveler and author of the book "The Diner's Companion." This is where Jimmy Jam eats every time he's in town.

Murray's / 26 S. Sixth St / Downtown Minneapolis, MN 55402 / 612.339.0909 / www.murraysrestaurant.com

Emily's Lebanese Deli

Emily herself can often be found working the main room, which is comforting, but the atmosphere and decor are not the reason to visit Emily's Lebanese Deli; diners sit at uncovered to-close-together tables next to out of date oversized refrigerators, but the food itself is reason enough. The Tabouli is some of the best I've ever had and the RAW Kibbe is delicous. First timers can opt to have the Kibbe, a blend of cracked wheat, raw ground beef and spices, baked; but to do so would be a shame because the texture and flavor of the more traditional raw version is something to be savored. This is the kind of food your mom would have made, if your mom was Lebanese and cooked amazing Lebanese food.

Emily's Lebanese Deli / 641 University Ave NE / Minneapolis, MN 55413 / 612.379.4069 / Reviews on Yelp

Cool Hotels in Minneapolis:

Chambers - The Luxury Art Hotel of Minneapolis
901 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
P 612.767.6900
www.chambersminneapolis.com