The Heartland and I are having an affair. Just when it seems that nothing original was ever going to take hold, and last (!) in the Twin Cities, Heartland is still over in Mac-Groveland four years later. It's one of the few restaurants where you don't have to worry that your dollar is going to get stretched too far and get nothing in return. On a recent visit my date had a lovely pecan-encrusted walleye, with grilled green onions with an herb butter sauce. It was perfection. The flavors were solid and uncomplicated. It made one want to drink a gallon of Montrachet. My entree was a seared goose breast with golden raisins, braised red cabbage, and a veal glace that was a perfect balance of earth and sweet. I think the thing that I love most about Heartland is the wine list, the bar manager obviously sees no need to punish people for having good taste at any price range. The markup on all the wine is uniform, unlike most restaurants where the least expensive wine is doubled or even tripled in price! Service is effecient and friendly. I like my service reserved and competent, not overly familiar and inept. And last, the desserts are modestly portioned and never cloyingly sweet. I'd recommend Heartland to anyone for any occasion. The only drawback is that Heartland isn't near any other venues for after-dinner plans. One does have to drive to downtown, still only five minutes away. However, their new wine bar next dar does ease the conundrum of what to do after dinner.
Pros: wine list, consistent food, professional staff
Cons: location
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