Archives 2007 - how the
story began... (scoll down for the start)
Thursday
- December 13, 2007
Chanukkah
is over and we are fast on our way to Christmas - where has the
year gone?
Before
we know it is will be 2008. Speaking of which, we will be hosting
a late seating, reservations only, for New Years Eve. Guests can
be seated at 10:00pm, order from a special holiday menu (not to
worry about favorite dishes, most of the regular menu will be available
as well.. Then, party favors and a champagne toast at Midnight.
I really think it will be a beautiful and romantic setting to bring
in the new year with style.
We
will host dinner seating before that, with the last seating at 7:30pm
- but all 10:00pm seatings should be booked in advance. Call us
- we'd love to have you join us! 651.222.5670
Check
out our newsletter next week where I will feature Mr. Ross, our
Maitre d' Fromage, and Kris Kelly, our latest edition and friendly
face at lunch.
Sunday - December 2, 2007
Last
night was utterly beautiful. Snowflakes swirling their way through
a tree lit city, a full restaurant of subdued revelry. It was truly
picturesque. Tonight I think I may even try to take a picture. But,
sometimes the moment is just there and then gone.
I
truly was surprised at how many people bore the elements in order
to join us last night. We anticipated a number of cancellations,
which were far and few between. I suppose in Minnesota, people grin
and bear it - as the alternative would be to hibernate until May.
We
hosted our first wine lunch yesterday with Ray Zemke and The
Cellars. It was a lot of fun and a full house. It looks like
we will be hosting a wine dinner with Sichel Wine (of Chateau Palmer)
& Bourget Imports on March 13. Let us know
if you want to receive information on it.
Friday
- November 23, 2007
Morning
after Thanksgiving, restaurant very slow. As is to be expected I
guess, as downtown St Paul is really in need of retail. When the
offices close and there are no events - yes, downtown St Paul can
be very quiet.
On
the other hand, there is a beauty in even that. Last night we hosted
an Orphan's Thanksgiving Dinner at the restaurant. Russell and I
had our families with us, some in from Florida and Seattle. We also
hosted some of our friends and staff with their families and friends.
And, we had a couple of guests who were walking down the flurried
sidewalks of an empty downtown looking for a place to have dinner.
We invited them in, a little awkward for them for the first few
minutes I am sure. But, by the end of the evening we were having
conversation about travel and moving and being new to the Twin Cities,
and I am so glad they came in - that is what the holiday is all
about.
We
had three 25 lb turkeys, green bean casserole, potatoes, stuffing
and all the rest of the traditional trimmings. We had good wine
and good conversation. With four pies, made from scratch; apple
pecan from Ross our Maitre D, and turtle pumpkin, made by my mother
- we finished off a holiday with the calm lethargy that this annual
meal is supposed to close with.
Thank
you to all of our staff, family and friends (old and new) for sharing
a nice holiday with us.
Monday
- November 5, 2007
Now
that I have a moment to sit down and catch my breath... 
We opened November 1st to a wonderful crowd of people. We filled
the restaurant to about 3/4 capacity, twice, in order to give the
kitchen a little of a transition and the front-of-the-house an opportunity
to keep perspective.
It was a very successful night. Our dedicated staff put on their
best faces and rolled with the glitches in the computer systems,
and worked their way through the rushes. I honestly don't think
it could have gone better. The energy in the room was, in a word,
beautiful.
Then
came Friday - and our first pre-event rush. Let me just say that
it was intense. We filled every seat in the house by 6:30pm, and
then filled it again after events let out for a fun filled late
night. We even had the pleasure of welcoming back guests who had
visited our first night who felt they wanted to come back for another
selection from our menu - which was very flattering, to all of us.
 To
add to the intensity of the evening, Russell and I support the Animal
Humane Society and have for years (we have two amazing rescued animals
ourselves, Posie is pictured to the left), and it just so happens
that Friday was their annual
Chefs, Cats & Canines fund raiser - which of course we had to
make time for. It is such a great event.
Throughout
the weekend we did have a number of guests wish us luck, comment
on the dining room, and compliment their experience. Many of the
downtown locals came in as well. We truly appreciate the patronage
and we hope to see you all back again. As we all know, to keep chef-driven
/ independent restaurants alive - it is important to frequent them.
Thank you to all of our guests who have visited during our opening
weekend. It is your support that matters.
Friday
- October 26, 2007
We
are less than a week away from opening. And, if you have interest
in getting in for Opening Night, November 1st - I would strongly
suggest that you either call with specific details 651.222.5670
(how many, what time, name, and phone number) or log onto Open
Table as soon as possible. Once we book, we will be booked,
so-to-speak. And, it looks like we're ready!
We
received delivery on our tables Wednesday and they are just beautiful.
The whole dining room has come together. Part of me wanted to
post a picture, but the other part won out thinking that the surprise
will be better.
Today
our signage went up. That was really exciting. We all - the entire
staff - stood out on the street to evaluate. It must have seemed
a little odd to passers-by with a gaggle of people standing across
the street staring at the restaurant.
 On
to more important topics - we would like to introduce you to our
Pastry Chef, Jessica Entzel.
Jessica
joins us from a seasoned background working for Jean-George Vongerichten
at Chambers Kitchen, as well as Wolfgang Puck at 20.21. When we
hired her we were the envy of many kitchens around town, and not
just for her skills in pastry, but for her character. We are very
fortunate to have her join our team.
Jessica
was trained in the culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu, Minneapolis.
While in school she competed in several cooking competitions where
she fell in love with pastry. She furthered her knowledge by training
under a Master Chef in France. See
a preview of her menu.
Monday - October 22, 2007
 Today
was a big day - in two opposite ways.
First,
we were supposed to receive delivery of our tables today. Supposed
to. Our POS system was scheduled for installation, missed that
mark too.
It
is a solid reminder that we have only so much control here. Patience
is necessary to have things happen, and happen well. We actually
don't think that it will ultimately push back our opening date
- it will just add a little more pressure. Though, this is all
part of this industry.
Then,
the second aspect; we hung our beautiful Architectural
Antiques find - they are lovely. And, about 400 lbs a piece!
We
bought these months before we secured the space. A lot of our
process in building this restaurant has been faith. You have to
believe it to make it happen.
OK,
sorry to get all philosophical, but today we were able to put
our own imprint on a space that will take on its own life. Or,
at least that is what successful restaurants do. It's lightning
in a bottle.
Wednesday
- October 17, 2007
Russell
and I just got back from a quick trip to NYC so he could go home
and visit family and see his little sister get married before
we open. Neither of us anticipate a vacation for some time to
come, so it was a nice getaway. We were able to get into Per
Se as walk-ins! It was a very fitting way for us to celebrate
all of this - a 20 course meal that inspires and true warmth in
hospitality.
 After
all the dirty work and the painting - as you can see Russell on
a step ladder - the place is starting to really come together.
We received
delivery on our chairs yesterday, we anticipate the tables on
Monday. We are having the secret Architectural Antiques find installed
later this week. The kitchen will be put back together and Russell's
new toys delivered(Jade stoves, etc) and installed hopefully by
Friday.
As of now,
everything looks on target for a November 1st opening. I can't
believe I am even saying that! We are not going to be taking reservations
via Open Table until November 6th, just in case some unforeseen
delay keeps us from our target (I am much more comfortable calling
people personally whom have been given notice already, so we will
take limited reservations via telephone). 
Otherwise, the
Open Table system is up and running, so if you wanted to plan
an evening out, or to come in for your first lunch with us - don't
hesitate.
After all
of this work I do have to say at this point - we have an amazing
staff. We have hired about 95% of them and we couldn't be happier.
They have pitched in right along side of us. Check back next week
to meet our Sous Chef, Matthew Hughes, and our Pastry Chef, Jessica
Entzel!
Wednesday
- September 26, 2007
 The
windows are papered over, but don't let that mislead you that
there is not progress happening. We just don't want you to see
the mess.
We have
ordered our
chairs, we have ordered our computers and systems, we have
hired about half of our staff (which I will be posting profiles
for once a month). We're making progress.
We are finding
that this process is about 1 million details. Yesterday we had
a discussion about soup. I love soup and Russell's
Harvest Pumpkin Soup (his Mother's recipe) is among my absolute
favorites. He brought it to W.A. Frost a few years ago and we
plan to bring it back at Meritage.
So, in this
decision and process we have had to decide: what to put the soup
in; what to line it with; what soup spoon to use, and how to serve
it. Four decisions, just for soup.
As a brief
update - it looks like we will be opening near the end of October.
We thank everyone for their interest and support. We hope to see
you back here soon.
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