I think it's fitting to tell everyone that when we came to Broder's in 2007 for the first time, we dined with Mark and Anjuliet Hagen. During the meal they mentioned to us that we should start a blog and review the restaurants we go to...so here's to the two of you.
Last night Akleema and I went to Broder’s Pasta Bar on 50th and Penn in Minneapolis. The occasion was our good Friend Brian’s Birthday. We had dined at Broder’s once before and really enjoyed our experience, so when it was mentioned we were excited to try it again.
Akleema and I arrived earlier then Mike and Brian with the hopes of surprising Brian. We arrived at 6:30 pm on a Thursday and the wait was already at 45 minutes to 1 hour. Fortunately, they offer a causal sitting area for guests to enjoy wine or beer during their wait. Our server was very attentive and seemed knowledgably about different wines, etc.
We were finally seated after a 1 hour wait. Our table was a little cramped in the corner, but we made it work. By this time we were all starving and couldn’t wait to order some Antipasti. After just a few moments our server appeared and took our drink and food orders.
Our starters arrived within a few minutes, along with a basket of bread.
After we devoured our starters and two baskets of bread, we ordered our main course.
Akleema and Erik
Brian(Birthday Boy) and Mike
Moretti Beer and Chainti Wine
Mussels with White Wine Sauce ($12.25)
The Mussels in white sauce were also very well prepared. The sauce was rich but not over powering. The mussels were tender and not too chewy. Soaking a piece of the bread in the white sauce was an added bonus.
Crispy Fried Eggplant ($6.25)
The Eggplant was amazing!!! Light and crisp, they tasted a lot like French fries. The mascarpone dipping sauce was a little too hardened to properly apply it to the eggplant.
Akleema ordered the Rotolo con Grancio ($13.25)
Homemade pasta rolled with crab, spinach, mushrooms, ricotta cheese and tomato besciamella. The dish was tasty, though a little too 'fu fu' (not to be confused with Kung Fu) for a neighborhood restaurant. Honestly, it looked like an appetizer to me. However because of the three baskets of bread I was more than comfortably full.
Erik ordered the Risotto del Giorno ($12.75)
Butternut squash risotto with crimini mushrooms and caramelized onions. For a little meat, I added spicy Italian sausage. I loved this dish. The right amount of cheese and pasta. The butternut squash was perfect. And I love the addition of Italian suasage.
Mike ordered the Linguine con Vongole ($15.95)
Homemade pasta with clams, red onions, pancetta, spicy peppers and white wine. He loved this dish, however, he thought it was too salty. The pasta was perfectly cooked.
Brian ordered the Quadrucci con Pollo ($15.95)
Homemade Pasta, fresh greens, chicken, prosciutto, almonds, asparagus balsamic vinegar and mascarpone cheese.
Flourless Chocolate Torte ($5.50)
This was very good, however, it was more like a fudge then a torte. The mascarpone cheese was not rich enough to cut the overpowering torte.
Pumpkin Cheese Cake ($6.25)
Wow!!! If Fall came in a Cheese Cake it would look like this. Great pumpkin taste with spicy overtones and a great gram cracker crust. Do not miss this one!!!
In honor of Brian's birthday, they presented this dessert with a candle, which was a very nice touch. No clapping or singing which was also very much appreciated.
Double Espresso ($4.75)
It's hard to screw up this classic...
Our overall impression was good. Service was attentive, however, it did seem that they wanted to turn the tables, the server dropped the check off without us asking for it. Our food was tasty and very well presented. And of course almost anything tastes good while in good company. Thank you Mike and Brian for including us in your special day. You both are truly great friends.
Akleema & Erik
