112 Eatery (10-11-2013)

112 Eatery
Minneapolis, MN
Friday, 10/11/2013
http://www.112eatery.com/

I've never had a nice dinner in Minneapolis before but a conference brought me to downtown and a chance to explore the city core.  Surprisingly to me, downtown Minneapolis has quite a lively scene with a diverse group of 20-30 somethings walking the streets, drinking, eating, and eventually lining up at the many clubs within walking distance from my hotel. 

Yelp and Trip Advisor had 112 Eatery ranked very favorably.  Looking at the menu online, it had plenty of food I found interesting.  Executive chef and owner Isaac Becker is apparently a James Beard winner for Best Chef Midwest in 2011.  My friends were coming in to town a little later so I dined on my own at the bar.  People in the Midwest are known to be very friendly, and I certainly didn't lack any conversation at the bar.  They did keep making fun of me for snapping photos of my food though....  

 Olives & Honey Almonds

Focaccia Bread

Summit Brewing Co, Extra Pale Ale, St. Paul, MN [$5]

Fried Sweetbread with Pickled Shallots [$12]

Tagiatelle with Foie Gras Meatballs [$12]

Roasted Carrots with Honey & Pecorino [$7]

Nori Encrusted Sirloin with Ponzo [$32]


Verdict

Pros:
- tasty contemporary food = one of the city's most popular dining destinations
- foie gras on the menu?  I'll take it!  Still can't believe California banned this stuf...
- very diverse selection, everyone can find something they will like on this menu
- walking distance from the downtown scene, though it is in the the more "artsy" warehouse district
- nice people all around!

Cons:
-  this is so picky, but some dishes had half portions and some didn't.  Why not offer half portions on all of them and let me experience more plates?
- no idea that green blob in the sirloin dish was pure wasabi.  I guess I should have known better given the Japanese inspired ingredients on the dish.  But guess who ate a huge dollop and had his sinuses immediately burned?