Wednesday December 30, 2009

Machine Shed 12-30-09

I went to dinner with Kyla, her family and her boyfriend. We decided on the Machine Shed in Woodbury. I have always wanted to go, so I was very excited. We entered to find a cute gift shop. This reminded me of the Cracker Barrel and I wondered if I could get 3 sided with my meal like before. This excitement was short lived. The hostess sat us and presented us with six small jelly glasses and a pitcher of water. She did not pour us water or say anything to us from what I could hear. The lighting was dim and strange. It was almost like an old police interrogation room. After reviewing the unappealing meat packed menu for a few minutes and not seeing one server we ran for our lives.

Sunsets 12-30-09

Onward to Sunsets we went. As we entered we were greeted by two nice hostesses. This establishment was filled with patrons enjoying themselves and the lighting was gentle. Much different from the "Shed", which I now shudder at the name. We were promptly sat and presented with menus and specials. Our drinks were ordered and brought by our server. We ordered our meals and were offered crusty french bread and butter. We obliged and devoured four baskets throughout the meal. This bread was obviously very tasty. Soon after our soups and salads arrived, they were nicely prepared. My caesar salad was quite delicious after I squeezed a lemon I requested over it. The greens were fresh and the dressing was creamy and full of flavor. I opted for the crab cakes as my main course. The consistency was that of pate and the flavor rang a little fishy. To speak nicely, they were not good at all. I could barely swallow one, as there was no need to chew. I also sampled the Kung Pao Beef. The vegetables were crisp and the sauce had a nice kick. The beef was tender and juicy with no trace of grisle. Our bills arrived and I was pleasantly surprised to find out I was only charged for my salad. Our very observant server noticed our faces after trying the crab cake and took it off my bill without saying a word. A search of Sunsets on the internet produced "upscale casual dining", which is exactly right.

In closing
Atmosphere 9
Service 10+
Fare 9 (if you don't count the crab cakes)
Overall recommendation: Ask the server about the food.

Keep on eating!
Jackie the Grazer

Cooper 11-17-09

Kyla and I went to Cooper for lunch. It is a fresh "Hot Spot" in St. Louis Park, in the East Side development. Upon entry the decor and architecture was absolutely charming. It was like taking a step back in time. We bellied up to the bar because the place was nearly packed to the gills. The bar staff greeted us promptly with menus and took our drink order. After taking a quick overview of the quite small menu, Kyla decided on the Wee Lunch Special and I on the Chicken Bites. Kyla's meal contained a very small salad, a hand full of fries and a mini burger. The salad looked good. It was comprised of mixed greens and on the lighter side of being dressed. The fries were very well done, but seemed like they sat in the window too long because their insides were soggy. The burger was appealing to the eye, but nothing special. The chicken bites description was not what I was presented with. The menu read along the lines of lightly breaded and lightly fried. What I received were odd bits of chicken that I would not call lightly breaded and were absolutely over fried. This was certainly not worth the $9 price tag. What goes on in the kitchen is just as important as what goes on in the dining area. I definitely think there needs to be more attention to detail in that respect. I hope Cooper finds a way to make the food preparation the main course instead of the decor.

In closing
Atmosphere 10+
Service 9.5
Fare 6
Overall recommendation: Go for a cocktail and enjoy the view.

Keep on eating!
Jackie the Grazer