Tasty Bits

something lovely from celeste?

First off, did you see this piece on kids’ menus? I’ve been noticing the ‘chicken finger pandemic’ myself for a while now, but thankfully there are places that try to feed kids, not just pacify them. Craftsman, with their finger-free kids’ menu of fresh but friendly food, comes directly to mind. I have to say, my kids aren’t saints or elite eaters by any means, but because our home dinners are not restaurant-style (no special orders!), the 4 year-old has grown up eating tilapia, zucchini, goat cheese and spinach with the rest of us. It’s actually easier than trying to make meals to fit everyone.

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I wandered into the new Wayzata Eatery the other day. They’ve just opened with a “Fine Casual Dining” motto in the old Louie’s Habit spot. The space has been made a bit more comfortable, but it still has a dark and clubby feel. The menu looks interesting: Nueske’s BLT, parm crusted grilled cheese, wild mushroom lasagna, and an $11 Wagyu burger. The first menu wasn’t proofed very well, but crispy leaks and pine nutes are forgivable. Word is, the owners have a history in foodservice, but more on the commercial/supply side. Apparently this is their first restaurant, but they have plans to turn the old Shelley’s Woodroast into a seafood restaurant later this summer. Let’s hope it’s nothing like the Billfish concept that failed across the street.

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Always looking to give something cool and different to the grad, this year I’m bringing personalized, stenciled chocolates from Chocolat Celeste. That and a fat check.