OUR SCENE | DINING OUT
Lavender Editorial Staff Choose Their Favorite Dining Spots BY RANDY STERN
As I mentioned before back in our Spring Dine & Drink issue this year, we love to dine out. That includes our staff and contributing writers. After all, we need to get out, patronize our favorite restaurants, eat our favorite dishes, relax, and unwind from our busy routines. Through the ebb and flow of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we still patronize our favorite places. Whether it is going out to our favorite restaurants or ordering them for delivery, we make sure that our favorite meals are presented to us for us to enjoy! Without further ado, here is some of our favorite places to eat…
STEVE LENIUS
Jakeeno’s 3555 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis www.jakeenos.com I have loved the food and atmosphere at Jakeeno’s for years. My partner Bill and I have our “usual”—we split a small antipasto salad and then split a medium House Special pizza. Both are so good that we have eaten them for years and never gotten tired of them. Occasionally we will change things up, though, and order pasta—spaghetti and meatballs, stuffed shells, chicken parmesan over spaghetti. Again, all are excellent. During good weather, the patio in the back is a very pleasant place to be. Service is great, and friendly instead of pretentious. Jakeeno’s is Italian comfort food at its most comfortable.
ISAAC JOHNSON
Catrina’s – St. Anthony 2510 Kenzie Terrace, St. Anthony, MN www.catrinasgrill.com/minnesota/st-anthony/ Of course you love Chipotle, but what if I told you there is a local option with more options and better flavor. Catrina’s has everything you could want in a casual Mexican grill. They have over 10 different protein options, over 10 homemade salsas, all served your favorite way with your choice of Mexican sodas and beer. Named and decorated after the famous symbol for Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) its a great place for you and all your friends to celebrate deliciousness in the colorful and warm atmosphere all year round! Don’t forget to grab a punch card!
Photo courtesy of BigStock/Grekov
KYATCHI 3758 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, MN 308 E. Prince St., Ste. 140, St Paul, MN www.kyatchi.com Not many people seem to know that baseball is huge in Japan. You won’t see a sushi menu quite like this. Kyatchi’s selection of gourmet hot dogs compliment the framed jerseys on the walls. The mounted swordfish silently judges while you enjoy their former ocean mates. The sushi is served in such a crisp and elegant way that elevates it from other sushi experiences. Additionally they serve noodle and rice dishes as well as a suburb selection of Japanese whiskey and sake. Make sure to enjoy the pleasure of their Kara-age, a fried chicken dish served with lemon and Japanese mayo. You’ll order it every time.
PIZZA PUB 500 3rd Ave. SE, Pine City, MN www.mypizzapub.com/pine-city This is as good as small town pizza gets. The small chain has been around for over 30 years. Cliche as it may be, they have a secret sauce that’s tough to beat. Amazing specialty pizzas like chicken Alfredo, and cheeseburger, as well as customizable options up to a 28-inch pizza! Burgers, craft beer, salad, wings, and pasta are all part of their repertoire. Set in a medieval castle theme, they have a lunch buffet, fireplaces, arcade, and axe throwing.
LINDA RAINES
The Naughty Greek 2400 University Ave. W., St. Paul, MN www.thenaughtygreek.com My choice for a local favorite would be The Continue on page 52
50 LAVENDER JUNE 2-15, 2022
