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From the moment my my husband and I walked in, we got the idea that while this is an upscale restaurant, we wouldn't see self-congratulatory rigidity. Everything is warm, intentional, and ""just so"" without being sterile. It was obvious by the owner's kind and relaxed demeanor and chatter-filled atmosphere that we were going to be taken special care of without the pressure to play hoity-toity. \r
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My husband was so impressed with Mark Nazigian, the owner, who wasn't standing either front or back shuffling his staff about perfecting everything. But in the most unobtrusive way, between hosting and quietly mingling, he would from time to time pick up this and that. A man appreciatively at home in a second home. \r
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Our server was both delightful and knowledgable of the menu, describing each dish in an engaging way without making us feel he was auditioning off-Broadway . (I especially liked the Chef's creative descriptions on the menu - ""Preambles"" ""Notables"" ""Imperatives"" - who wouldn't want to keep eating, or at least keep reading?!)\r
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And, thanks to Chef Tommy Hearn, our server did, indeed, deliver gifts to our taste buds! Nothing a city kid like me couldn't recognize, but salmon, chicken, lamb, and duck (yes, I ate off my husband's plate) so tender, with sauces so perfect in texture and taste, it was a one-table holiday feast. The extremely scrumptious duck - the dark, sweet sauce completed it - was especially memorable!
Pros: Incredibly unforgettable food!
Cons: Far drive from St Paul if weather's bad
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