Duluth, MN – Clearwater Grille Review

Amble up the North Shore of Lake Superior, you’ll be treated to some gorgeous scenery as well as a choice of hot spots for haute. The Clearwater Grille strives to serve ultra tasty food in a casual atmosphere; it’s located in the building locals know as the former “Lakeview Castle.” Boasting a large area for… Continue reading Duluth, MN – Clearwater Grille Review

Maestro Dobel Tequila – The New Holiday Quaff of Choice

The holiday season is approaching, and as usual, it can be fraught with social crises – what to give as a present to the special client, relative, or BFF. How to impress when invited to holiday open houses, or hosting parties? Should you bring the same old bottle of wine you have year after year?… Continue reading Maestro Dobel Tequila – The New Holiday Quaff of Choice

Chicago, IL – Czech Plaza Review

When I was younger, I used to make my restaurant selection by noting whether or not five words emblazoned their front door: “Most major credit cards accepted.”  These days my criteria tends more to noting their longevity in business, and I am especially happy to sample most restaurants that have been around fifty years or… Continue reading Chicago, IL – Czech Plaza Review

Duluth, MN – Grandma’s Free Vet’s Meal

Among the many restaurants honoring past and current troops today, was local Duluth eatery Grandma’s Saloon and Grill.  Vets and actives could chose one of seven specials for their complimentary feed. Our favorite group of Duluth vets descended upon Grandma’s Restaurant and went with the “Clubhouse Wrap”, which the menu describes as thick-cut bacon, smoked turkey,… Continue reading Duluth, MN – Grandma’s Free Vet’s Meal

Scanlon, MN – Rendezvous Bar Review

Preliminary visit in advance of Todd Eckart show this Friday nite.  The Rendezvous has a new chef, new menu, and might be the perfect night out for out-of-towners hitting Spirit Mountain, or visiting Duluth for the Beargrease Sled Dog race. Sampled the Vous Dous wings, (their hottest!), excellent, with house-made blue cheese dipping sauce.  Lots… Continue reading Scanlon, MN – Rendezvous Bar Review

Veteran’s Free Lunch – Texas Roadhouse

The Texas Roadhouse chain was one of many eating establishments that participated in the free feed for active miltiary and vets this year; the event takes place annually on Veteran’s Day in November. Minnesota Burger Bureau Chief Kawika and his fellow Vietnam era veterans headed to the local outlet for lunch.  The group enjoyed a… Continue reading Veteran’s Free Lunch – Texas Roadhouse

Taipei, Taiwain – Belgian Beer Cafe Review

Nestled in the heart of Taipei, within eye shot of the 101 Tower, one of the newer outlets of the Euro chain Belgian Beer Cafe gets  raves for their brews and grub.  The 50+ outlet chain, with locations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and now in North America, celebrates the quaffs and food of… Continue reading Taipei, Taiwain – Belgian Beer Cafe Review

Duluth, MN – Taste of Saigon Review

A popular street food in Vietnam, Pho (which can be pronounced a number of ways, don’t let anybody tell you different!) is a soup consisting of broth, linguine-shaped noodles, herbs, and a variety of meat choices, primarily beef, chicken, or shellfish. The geographical origin and timing of its origin is subject to debate. When i… Continue reading Duluth, MN – Taste of Saigon Review

Oscar Mayer “Bun Size” Smokies Review

I’m so old, “Little Smokies” weren’t around when I was a little smokie.  Yet Hormel ‘full size” smokies were a regular part of my family’s weekend breakfast. Saturday breakfast was a big event at our house, my dad often cooking, and it was such a spread that kids often slept over on Friday nite to… Continue reading Oscar Mayer “Bun Size” Smokies Review

French River, MN – New Scenic Cafe Reviews

Food so fresh you’ll want to slap it. Revisit old Highway 61, and you might not feel like Bob Dylan, but you’ll be in for a culinary treat or two along this scenic road which runs from Duluth, MN to Canada. Just past French River, you’ll notice the New Scenic Cafe, a plain and simple… Continue reading French River, MN – New Scenic Cafe Reviews