Why is Kincaid's always at the top of Minneapolis Reader Polls?
August 22nd, 2006
I don’t understand what is up with the people in Minneapolis and the reader polls that our magazines/publications put out. Namely: MlpsSt.Paul Magazine and Minnesota Monthly.
Somehow, Kincaid’s restaurant is always at the top of lists. If it’s not number 1, then it’s at least in the top 5. Come on, people! Seriously! It’s been done so many times before. There are so many better restaurants with better service, better food, more original and creative food, better atmosphere and simply better everything.
For example, if you like seafood, try JP American Bistro. The fish is always good. Or try Lucia’s, which features a different menu each week. I’m always impressed with Auriga‘s scallops and visually pleasing plating.
If you like creative food, try Five in Uptown or Cue at the new Guthrie (currently featuring elk).
Somehow Kincaid’s always ends up in the “Most Romantic” category. I’m not quite sure how that happens – the restaurants are (1) a chain, and (2) so much like a hotel. Instead, try the “kissing booth” at Amore Victoria. Or visit the Loring Pasta Bar in Dinkytown for a truly luxurious atmosphere (I love the jewel tones, organic Art Nouveau metal work, and plush fabrics), but make sure to ask for a quite table. You can even stay for the burlesque show for something a little more exciting.
If you’re interested in something more ethnic, go to Gardens of Salonica for a fantastic Greek experience. The art adorning the restaurant is enough to make me want to go back. If you’re looking to throw a dinner party, they do a fantastic tasting menu with wine pairings for an astonishingly low price. El Meson is an excellent choice as well. I haven’t tried the paella, but I hope to get to that soon. Sushi Tango has the best sushi in town in my opinion. Try the Tai and DON’T miss the Hamachi sashimi (California’s hamachi didn’t even come close to comparison).
I’ve given up reading any Minneapolis and St. Paul reader polls of restaurants. They inevitably are answered by minivan-driving suburbanites who frequent Perkins for a night out because going into the city might be too much excitement.
If you’re uncertain about which restaurants in Minneapolis and St. Paul are worth visiting, here are a couple sites that might help you out: Dining for Sport and Crappy Table.
November 15th, 2006 at 4:01 pm
Kinkaid’s is decent, but that’s it. I think it’s always ranked so high because Kinkaid’s has been around the cities for a heck of a long time and has been very consistent over that time. It’s also one of those places that’s like the beginning step to finer dining. It plays it safe using things everybody recognizes rather than seeing how creative it can be. It’s much better than the ‘normal places’ people go and does what it does well without fear of ever confusing anybody or ‘offending’ them with their offerings. It wins for the same reason Perkins wins for best breakfast with food I consider bland even by nursing home standards.