LEFT: Jambalaya is a savory entree available at Redemption in Faribault. TOP: A wedge salad at Redemption ABOVE: A loaded Bloody Mary with a chaser is among the specialty cocktails awaiting customers at Redemption.
Dining is By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor
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hen the occasion or mood calls for an upgrade beyond the completely casual, it isn’t always easy to think of the right place to go. And in a region that’s notably more dress-down than dress-up, what exactly constitutes “fine dining?” Maybe it means a place with tablecloths and cloth napkins; those definitely kick environments up a notch. Or to some, it might be leather booths and craft cocktails that elevate the experience. Even if some of the classier area eateries don’t always wish to strictly classify themselves as “fine dining” establishments, you somehow know one when you see it. Take, for instance, Redemption Kitchen & Cocktails in downtown Faribault.
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Beautifully situated in a refurbished historic building first constructed in the 1870s, Redemption’s brick walls (dignified stone graces the lower level, which can also double as a private party space), high ceilings, pendant lighting over an extensive bar, dark wood chairs and handcrafted wood tables all set the scene for enlightened dining. “We don’t like to call it ‘fine dining,’ but instead we say it’s the finest dining within Faribault,” said Redemption General Manager Jessica Eskelson. “The owners tried to keep all of the building’s classic features in place and emphasize its historic aspects.” Only a few other local establishments have done the same, she says. “Elegant” is an adjective Eskelson uses to describe Redemption, and the atmosphere makes it an attractive place, not only for customers, but also for employees. “One local artist did some paintings for us, and another created a living plant wall [in the back room on a south-facing north wall],” said Eskelson. “We’re trying to open the eyes of Faribault residents to the wonderful art made here by featuring local artists’ work and creations, along with amazing food and beverages.” After all, terrific dining is the target for which Redemption
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and other aspirational “fine dining” restaurants are aiming. And Eskelson is proud to say Redemption readily achieves that goal. “I don’t think anyone else offers food like Redemption does,” said Eskelson, mentioning fan favorites such as Asian-seasoned lettuce wraps, artisanal wedge salads, a shrimp-stocked jambalaya, chicken tortellini, dry-aged ribeye, sirloin and tenderloin meals, a smokehouse platter for two (“It’s a very generous serving size,” Eskelson hinted) and six dessert options — something to suit every palate preference, including tiramisu, cheesecake, strawberry layer cake, three-layer carrot cake, five-layer chocolate cake and a to-die-for bread budding accented with seasonal fruits (peaches have been a recent highlight). And even though Eskelson says Redemption is “elegant but accessible” — meaning shorts and sandals are acceptable, but it’s also the type of place about which some couples might say, “C’mon, honey, let’s get fancy and go out on a date” — she guarantees first-rate service and equitable treatment for all customers. “You come here for an experience, and we are going to make that experience excellent; we’re not settling for anything less,” Eskelson said. Proof of this arrived in the form of a recent customer service
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