Dining with RNC delegates

LUCIA'S
1432 W. 31st St., Minneapolis
612.825.1572

Chef-owner Lucia Watson is thought to be the matriarch of local ingredients, having penned Savoring the Seasons of the Northern Heartland before such things became trendy. In Watson's relaxed Uptown bistro, wine bar, and quick-service takeout place, she serves a short menu of such dishes as spinach gnocchi with wild mushrooms, sweet corn, ricotta, and sage butter, or roasted chicken with orzo, ratatouille, and basil tapenade. If you're lucky, she'll have fresh berry pies or cobbler for dessert and space for you to sit out on the sidewalk. $$$

Jana Freiband

Elephants on parade: Check out the convention action from the rooftop patio of the Liffey

Location Info

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Cossetta Italian Market & Pizzeria

211 W. Seventh St.
St. Paul, MN 55102

Category: Restaurant > Deli

Region: St. Paul (Downtown)

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The Liffey

175 W. 7th St.
St. Paul, MN 55102

Category: Restaurant > Breakfast

Region: St. Paul (Downtown)

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Meritage

410 Saint Peter St.
St. Paul, MN 55102

Category: Restaurant > French

Region: St. Paul (Downtown)

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St. Paul Grill and Bar

350 Market St.
St. Paul, MN 55102

Category: Restaurant > American

Region: St. Paul (Downtown)

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Details

PRICE GUIDE

Based on a complete three-course meal for one, excluding tax, tip, and beverages:
$: less than $15
$$: $15 to $25
$$$: $25 to $35
$$$$: more than $35

For complete dish listings, visit our Restaurant section.

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More About

• Xcel Energy Center
• Lucia Watson
• John McCain
• Eating Out
• Meat

RESTAURANT ALMA
528 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis
612.379.4909

Chef Alex Roberts may have earned his chops at New York City's Bouley, Union Square Cafe, and Gramercy Tavern, but his University-area restaurant serves fine, flavorful fare, without any white-tablecloth snobbery. He sources ingredients from his father's farm to come up with dishes like rabbit and baby leek terrine with aioli and pickled jalapeño, or scallion pancake with slow-roasted pork, homemade hoisin, and toasted sesame. They sound deceptively simple, but they're both refined and divine. $$$

SPOONRIVER
750 S. Second St., Minneapolis
612.436.2236

The narrow, all-windows dining room across the street from the new Guthrie Theater is a modern temple of healthy eating. (If John McCain is concerned about staying spry, this is where I'd suggest he eat.) Owner Brenda Langton is as committed to local and organic produce and naturally raised meats as many others, but is also sensitive to keeping her food light on the oil, cream, and sweeteners. The udon noodle salad with a peanut-lemongrass dressing can be ordered with free-range chicken or vegetarian-favorite mock duck—it's spa fare at its finest. There are several light snacks, including a charcuterie plate with sausages, cheese, pickled vegetables, and pâté, which pair nicely with such drinks as the Honey Lavender Spritz (infused vodka, soda, and bee pollen) or a biodynamic wine. $$-$$$