We tend to think of New York City, San Francisco, and New Orleans when it comes to the best of the best dining destinations. But the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN) are becoming hot spots for culinary creativity right this moment. The area has enormous amount of talent and it seems that you can’t go anywhere here without finding a James Beard Award winner chef. A wonderful new restaurant has opened up in my neighborhood and you won’t be disappointed. So glad this my home!
italian eatery
ie is a South Minneapolis neighborhood restaurant located right off East Minnehaha Parkway and Cedar Ave (4724 Cedar Ave).
ie is inspired by the dining traditions of the Italian family; community, laughter, and conversation.
Earlier this month my husband and I dined at ie with friends. Couldn’t believe what they done with space. We had been a patrons of the former restaurant there. I felt warm and cozy while dining. The place is buzzing and welcoming. Music was a little loud but what restaurant isn’t like that now a days. Great place dine for date night or a special occasion with a large group. They certainly had modernized the space into something beautiful.
Service was wonderful. Waitstaff was very attentive and knowledgable about the menu. Our waitress was able explain the dishes on the menu well. She told us her favorites too.
The menu is a la carte, it has two sizes of entrees 8 or 12 ounces, and fair priced. We shared the Roman meatballs and pan fried yam ravioli with our friends. Hands down the yam ravioli was the winner of the two. Just delightful. The meatballs were what every Italian grandma would hope for. My husband and I split the Grilled Mussels which was a disappointment. Buster’s on 28th are much better! We shared the Bucatini which was made with the house made fennel sausage, smoked paprika, white wine, and pecorino. Wish the sausage was spicy otherwise very good. A spicy sausage would give the dish another level of good flavor. The Mushroom Cappelletti was made with crème fraîche, whiskey barrel-aged shoyu, roasted mushrooms, and thyme. Totally to die for and very decadent!!! A must have. To drink I highly recommend the Chanti Classico. It was full bodied and quite smooth. Last but of course not least was the chocolate olive oil torte we ate for dessert. It was goey brownie like topped with whip cream, toasted pistacio, and sea salt. Loved the nutty sweet and saltiness of the dessert. Nothing beats homemade pasta, meatballs, and pasta.
This is the sort of place you sink into your seat and stay awhile. Great food and drinks. We left satisfied and happy. What great addition to the neighborhood! We will be back soon hopefully for brunch this time.
Northerly Nosh 