Pip's Plate

What better way to celebrate a baby shower than with a summery, refreshing mocktail? If you want an alocholic version of this, just add vodka or rum and replace the elderflower syrup with St. Germaine or some other elderflower liqueur.

Virginique

makes: 1 mocktail

1 oz elderflower syrup

1/2 oz fresh lime juice

3 oz club soda

ice cubes

lime wheel for garnish

Directions

1. Mix together elderflower syrup, lime juice and club soda in a low ball glass. Add ice cubes and garnish with the lime wheel.

I once visited a place in Seattle called I <heart> Sushi (where “<heart>” = the symbol of a heart). I secretly call Sushi Tango my own personal version of I <heart> Sushi ’cause it is so good!

Sushi is like a drug. Once you taste it, you gotta have more and more and more and more. But unlike drugs, you can’t OD on sushi. Thank God for that – at least one drug that is great in excess.

Sushi Tango is my personal favorite for sushi in Minneapolis. (However, I am consistently scolded for not having been to Origami-not-in-a-mall or Midori’s.)

I have to argue that they have the best Hamachi I’ve ever had. I tried and tried and tried to unconvince myself of that when I was in California last June, but the hamachi out there didn’t come close to Sushi Tango.

The wait staff is great (ask for Amy, Hope or Moon), and the sushi chef’s are a comical crew. I love watching them on a busy weekend night.

I’d definitely recommend the Yummy Roll – it’s not on the menu, but it’s a must. It’s a spicy, tuna, avocado, chili sauce rolled inside out then rolled in tempura flakes. It’s a sensational textural experience. It’s sweet, savory, spicy, cruncy and smooth all at once. True to its name, it’s totally yummy!

The Tai (red snapper) that Tango puts together is to die for. Ask for it right when you sit down because it’s very popular and is often out. They serve it will a little grated cayenne and a sliver of lemon. Very, very good.

Also recommended options: Mutsu (super white tuna), Aji (spanish mackerel – incredibly good), Caterpillar roll, some of the best miso soup, awesome home made egg rolls that are piping hot.

Also, their oysters are phenomenal. They serve regular or spicy with ponzu sauce.

Go ahead and get yourself there. It’s worth it.

Sushi Tango

Calhoun Square, second level

Minneapolis, MN 55408

612.822.7787

This classic cocktail is light, fruity and crisp all at the same time. It’s perfect for starting a night of celebration.

1 sugar cube

bitters

champagne

lemon twist

Place the sugar cube in the bottom of a champagne flute. Dash 5-7 drops of bitters on the sugar cube – just enough to soak the cube. Top off the glass with champagne and garnish with the lemon twist.