Realism has always fascinated me. There is something about the double take that reels me in. The process of deciphering the artist’s intent feels a bit like a scavenger hunt. All full of adventure and stuff. The Walker has a show right that is jam-packed with great works of realism. It’s called “Lifelike”, and it’s only there for a few more days, so make haste to check it out if you haven’t already.

I went last week with the hubby for a little date night action. Can’t beat $2 parking and free admission! We wandered the gallery, he tolerated my insistence that we read every artist statement, and I even laughed at his jabs toward some of my favorite pieces. This is true love, folks.

Good art should always be followed by good food, so we made our way to The Strip Club in St. Paul. Don’t get the wrong idea. It’s a steak place. DUH! The reviews were top-notch, and we were in the mood for meat. Once glance at their menu, and I was already liking their personality. The service was over-the-top amazing. Everyone was super friendly, helpful, funny and personable. We were impressed before the food even landed on the table.

Speaking of the food.

At our server’s recommendation, we started with an order of tenderloin schiacciatta. What is that, you ask? Well let me tell you. It’s (raw, but warmed) grassfed beef, a cooked (but runny) duck egg, greens, lemon, and truffle oil, all enjoyed on toasted croustades. I pretty much died. We also sampled the market salad, which, for a starter salad, was pretty fantastic. For the main course, I got the duck breast, which was served with some sort of green sauce and a rutabaga, apple, lentil, and green onion chutney. The server suggested that I “heavily invest” in the green sauce. I did. And did not regret it one bit. We finished with dessert. I can’t recall now was it was. Maybe because of the pinot noir? At any rate, it was an all star meal. The details were meticulous. The presentation, nothing less than stunning. I’ve already mentioned the service. Yes. It was good. Quite good.

My only negative comment is this. The location isn’t great, and I didn’t love the atmosphere. I’m all about the feel of a place, the design, and the details, and I just wasn’t impressed on that end. That being said, the food is well worth it, so I’d recommend a visit!

Butcher & the Boar. I’d heard the buzz, read rave reviews (I.E. “One of the most anticipated restaurants of the year. All that is hot right now can be found here.” – Star Tribune), and longingly eyed the menu online. So, yes, I suppose I had built it up in my mind. Just a tiny bit.

Round about last Thursday, I made my way there to see if all the hype was true. First things first. Their logo, website and signage had the designer in me swooning. Upon sitting down at a marble topped table, under schoolhouse lights, one glance at their menu undid me. At this point, I didn’t CARE what the food tasted like. I was smitten.

We ordered a smoked beef long rib, a coal fired sweet potato, and skillet cornbread to share. Can I just say that every bite was a little taste of heaven? Really. I have no words. Best meal in the city. Yes, I tend to exaggerate, but I’m not lying. It was that good. We finished with a slice of grasshopper pie. The cool, minty flavor subdued the heat of the smoked long rib, making for a perfect finish.

I could go on, but I won’t. Instead I will tell you to GO! Try it. You’ll love it. Promise!

Yes, I am writing a b*local post about a burger franchise. I know. I KNOW. Buckle your seatbelt, baby, because it won’t be long before these posts will feature b*hway downing KFC and drinking Frost Top root beer.

Okay, I promise not to go there if you indulge me just this once. Let’s talk about Smashburger. Ever heard of it? No? Well, my condolences. Yes? Then skip the rest of the post and check back Friday.

Every once in awhile, this girl CRAVES a good burger. I will go to the ends of the earth for said burger, and I will likely order it with either BBQ sauce and bacon OR mushrooms and swiss. Really depends on my mood. And the weather. And the color of my shirt. Now, I know the city has better burgers to offer, but I also happen to have a soft spot for sweet potato fries, so when I was in a burger-and-fry mood last week, my thoughts quickly drifted to SMASH. Smashburger DOMINATES in the sweet potato fry division. At least when it comes to fast-food joints, they do. (The best SP fry in the city award goes to Loring Kitchen + Bar) Anyways, I hastily made my way to Smash with the hubby, and ordered up a big burger and fries and a malt. And then I ate all of it. Every.last.bite. Nom, nom, nom.

On Friday we’ll talk about spinning. This is how I allow myself to stuff my face with burgers and fries and not feel an ounce of guilt! Toodles!!

I don’t know much about mediterranean cuisine, but I do know a good meal when I meet one. About a week ago, I made a very delicious acquaintance indeed when I visited the Barbary Fig with a group of friends. Now, this is the type of place you could pass a million times without noticing it. It’s also the type of place you could walk into and wonder if you made the right decision on your dinner reservation. But persevere, my friends! The atmosphere may be nothing special, but the food is out of this world.

We started with hummus, and before the plate was clean, one friend remarked, “I can’t wait to come back here.” The main courses arrived shortly thereafter, and it was settled…this place is definitely going to get a return visit from myself and members of the entourage! I had an open face lamb gyro, and it was spot on. Piled high with tender meat, caramelized onions and fresh tomatoes, then drizzled with a homemade yogurt sauce and topped with feta cheese. Yes, it was delish.

The Barbary Fig is located on Grand Ave. is St. Paul, and is just a few blocks down from some fantastic shopping. And don’t forget to save room for dessert and stop in to Grand Ole’ Creamery or Cafe Latte up the street!

Hello, dears. I’m here today with another edition of b*local! It’s Friday, so that means you have a whole weekend ahead to check out my latest local love. Spill the Wine is on Washington Ave in Minneapolis. It’s one of those places I go back to. Over and over again. The atmosphere is to die for. The wine list is varied and interesting. And as an extra added bonus, they have great food! A couple weeks back, I went with my hubby for a late night drink, which turned into a late night bite. We shared a burger and fries and a piece of their german chocolate cake. Their fries are ridiculously good. Remarkable, really. This place is perfect for date night, or girls night. It’s cozy, but spacious, so you don’t feel crammed next to other wine-sipping patrons. Also, its location on a busy corner makes for a fun view of the city, traffic and passers by. Bottom line — if you are local and you love wine and tasty bites, visit Spill the Wine.

Happy weekend!