Northeast Food Notes

(Last week was a little quiet around here, I know.  Pick up the September 25th issue of vita.mn to find out what I was so busy doing.)

Sen Yai Sen Lek Thai Rice & Noodles is now open on Central at Lowry, in the old Palm Court space.  Just one off-the-menu vegetarian entree, however they've placed little yellow boxes next to all the other dishes that can easily be made vegetarian.  Haven't dropped in yet, but I plan to very soon.

I have been enjoying Ramadan along Central Avenue, though.  Tonight was Crescent Moon Bakery, though we went for the Afghani Pizza not the Ramadan buffet.  Holy Land always rocks a mean Ramadan buffet, too, and they've got other specials going on throughout the store. 

Stroll on in after sunset and reap the culinary benefits of yet another holiday from another culture--St. Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo, Rosh Hashanah (honey apple cake, yum!), etc.--but do it before September 30th because that's the last day of Ramadan.

Just a reminder that Fugaise is celebrating its 3rd anniversary this week with a special tasting menu this Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  Reservations are still available, so call Fugaise at 612-436-0777 or reserve your table online.  Here's the tasting menu ($75), wine pairing optional ($55):

Heirloom Tomato “Soup and Salad”
Basil, Sweet Corn, Tomato Water

Scallop
Cauliflower Flan, Curried Mussel Nage, Salmon Roe

Wild Mushroom Tart
Poached Egg, Bacon, Gruyere Fondue

Duck Breast
Chickpea Fries, Tomato Jam, Smoked Paprika

Beef Striploin
Salsify, Raddichio, Red Wine

Lemon Panna Cotta
Strawberries, Mint, Honey Froth

Fugaise is vegetarian-friendly, and that goes for the tasting menus, as well. Give them 1-2 days' notice if anyone in your party doesn't dig on the dead animals.

Comments

[Sarah Buckley]

Ryan and I are going to try out the new place tomorrow for his B-Day.... if you see him on the streets people give him a shout out!! Big 33
I realized that the people who own the new Tai place live up the street from us. They are a nice NE family. Members of the co-op and always at the farmers market on University. I can only imagine they use fresh yummy food to make their dishes. I will report back tomorrow. Since I am off the dead animals I will experience how easy it is to make some stuff vegi. I wish them the best and know they will be busy... cause it is the only Tai place on this side of town... if it is good food they should clean up!!!

[foxmarks]

I stopped in for some take-away dinner. I was greeted promptly, and escorted to the bar to place my order.

I chose a fried tofu appetizer (Taohoo Tod), a noodle dish (Pad Kee Mao), and a Boylan’s soda while I waited. Service was friendly and quick. All together, my total was under $18.

The tofu had a nice texture. The accompanying sauce was more sweet than spicy. The noodles had an gummy/oily texture in a good comfort-food way. The vegetables in the dish were still toothsome and their flavor distinct from the noodles.

Overall, the spice was lively but by no means “hot”. Next time I might ask for a little more kick. But, I love raw jalapeno and use Tabasco by the spoonful instead of the drop.

[foxmarks]

Just noticed, on my receipt the noodles are “Pad Kee Meow”. Anyone missing their kitty? :-)