Camille's Sidewalk Cafe Review

Once upon a time two girls walked into a sidewalk cafe on a quiet snowy Monday.

Hold on! A sidewalk cafe...in the snow??

When Christine and I walked into Camille's Sidewalk Cafe, the atmosphere was cozy and filled with Christmas music. Camille's definitely brings in the lunch break crowd, and the business was in full swing. Specializing in wraps, paninis, and sandwiches, Camille's mainly draws in females of all ages. So all you single guys, this is a chance to keep your eyes open for a quick conversation and hopefully make a big impact on a pretty gal.

Although we both have been to Camille's before, we took a moment and squinted at the printed menu behind the counter before placing our orders. I settled on the Napa Chicken Panini ($6.95) and added a cup of Gouda and Red Pepper Soup ($2.75). Christine attempted to order the Chicken California Wrap ($5.95) and a Jingle Java Latte ($3.50), a festive holiday feature.

We slid our coats and bags into a booth and went back up toward the front to wait for our numbers to be called.

When we sat down with our baskets the first thing Christine commented on was the functional presentation. It was a classic setup with a printed logo tissue sheet, the sandwich, tri-colored chips accompanied with a togo side of salsa, and the mini bowl of soup on my entree.

Our first bites were nothing more than ordinary. However, Christine's wrap was extra ordinary only because it was not the one she ordered. The California Wrap is a blend of romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, black olives, carrots, provolone, and honey-mustard dressing. What she got was the Chicken Caesar Wrap. Even though she verified her number at the counter and asked which plate was hers, her order was wrong. Being the easy-going and ceaser-loving type, she was happy with it.

My panini was much more bland than expected but was tolerable. The herb fococcia bread was crispy on the outside and the provolone was melted on the inside over grilled chicken, sundried tomato pesto paste, mushrooms, and a balsamic glaze. The original setup also calls for raw onions but I passed. Onions are bad enough when diced for cooking purposes and I certainly did not want them lingering on my tastebuds. The diced chicken was flavorless and prepared without any seasonings of any kind. The mushrooms had the texture of the type you buy in a tin can when you're too lazy to prep fresh ones, and the balsamic glaze was too sweet and soaked into the fresh bread like hot tar on a paved road.

Maybe my Aunt Lynda isn't as crazy as I once thought for carrying hot sauce in her purse.

The Gouda Red Pepper Soup was hearty and rich. Thankfully, I enjoy tomato soup, which served as the base, because the description didn't refer to any tomatoes whatsoever. Nevertheless, it made a good dip for my bread and tortilla chips. Even though the soup had a very misleading name, I still found it to be very "good-a."

In the future I will be returning to Camille's. Not because of the food, but because they offer a laid back and casual atmosphere that I find inviting and warm.


Camille's Sidewalk Cafe
1216 West 41st Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605) 333.9727

Hours:
Monday-Friday
7:30am-9pm
Saturday
8am-9pm
Sunday
9am-8pm

Happy (belated) December!

Hard to believe that Christmas is only weeks away.
And the snow is here!
Okay. It does suck to drive in, especially when the view from your front windshield looks like this, but I like the snow. That is, in moderate and windless conditions.

Plus the weather is something we can all complain about and find common ground. Think about it. It definitely helps break up the awkward silence at the extended-family holiday get togethers.
Try it. I guarantee it.

Happy belated December to all.

Minerva's Restaurant Review

The downtown area of Sioux Falls seems to have it all: diners, specialty stores, apartments, bars, and Falls Park. Nestled in the heart of it all is Minerva's Restaurant. So I invited two friends, Ryan and Christine, out for dinner. After living in Sioux Falls for over three years and hearing great stories about it, I went to try it for myself. After all, they say seeing is believing.

The first thing you encounter in any establishment, whether you acknowledge it or not is the atmosphere. It was dark, alluring, but also inviting. After our brisk walk in the 40 degree weather, I was relieved to step inside somewhere more comforting. Minerva's has a rustic feel to it that has aged with time and experience since its establishment in 1977.

Reservations are recommended, but because we chose a Tuesday evening, we were able to walk in and be seated immediately. Right away we were greeted with waters and had a few moments to settle in and become acquainted with drink and food menus. When we were ready, Christine and I ordered a bottle of Smoking Loon Pinot Noir ($24) to share and Ryan ordered a classic Crown Royal and Coke ($5.50).

Our server, Katie, had formal skills that could impress even the rudest guest. Not only did she do a great job of presenting and pouring the wine, but overall she is a well-rounded server. She was able to describe, in full detail, the Seafood Mac & Cheese and Crab and Potato Crusted Salmon. She also recommended her favorite of the two and was neither pushy nor impatient.

After much debate, I settled on the Seafood Mac & Cheese along with the salad bar ($19.95). Shortly after we placed our order, our server brought out a mix of white and wheat sliced baguettes accompanied with chilled butter.

The salad bar was fresh and offered a variety of salad toppings, cheeses, and soups. One downside was the limited choice of greens. The iceberg mix sufficed but I was, however, glad to see a salad bar attendant behind me keeping the lettuce bright and stocked. The salad bar, even a meal by itself ($10.95), offered items such as pickled herring, potato and Waldorf salads, and two varieties of soups. An item that makes this Sioux Falls salad bar unique was the fresh cheese blocks accompanied with your choice of crackers or mini bagels. These cheeses paired with the rich aroma of our Pinot Noir had me craving more as we chatted and drank together.

Unlike a typical casual dining restaurant, we were able to enjoy our time and conversation together over drinks and a light salad before our main entrees arrived. In a jeans and tshirt establishment (Applebees, Chili's, TGIFridays, etc.) the atmosphere is rushed and according to the clock, convenient. There, the goal is to pull in and push out as many people as possible in a limited amount of time. At Minerva's, from the time we ordered to the time we got our food was approximately a half hour. At any casual dining restaurant the food would more than likely be free if the ticket time ran that long. But in fine dining, time is set aside when good company, service, and drinks come together. The pace of our evening was outstanding and seamless.

When our entrees arrived, the plating was tidy and everything came out looking delicious. Ryan and Christine's steaks were done just as they had asked and liked. My mac & cheese kept its heat until the last bite. The cavatappi noodles were thoroughly cooked without sticking together and were tossed in a white Tillamook cream sauce. The hearty shrimp, salmon, and diced scallops reminded me of digging for treasure. Not that the pieces of seafood were scarce, because there was plenty, but because each piece of fish I found delighted me. The dish was neither too salty nor had the overbearing distinction of shellfish.

Dessert was a delightfully large portion (enough for all three of us to share) of Tiramisu ($5.50). The sweet chocolate was just the right touch to battle the strong Kahlua coffee base. Both sauces were layered beautifully over the soaked sponge cake creating a sweet ending to a great night.

Overall, Minerva's is an excellent place to treat yourself to a relaxed friendly environment. Well, that is if you can get there. Parking is limited on Phillips Avenue. However, the chase to downtown and trolling for a space is worth it. As an added bonus, you'll get to enjoy all the other businesses on the way: art galleries, bookstores, and clothing stores. Also, because Minerva's is a fine dining restaurant, children will most likely be left at home or with a sitter. In the restaurant I worked in, screaming children, high chairs, and an explosion of food was the norm. But at Minerva's, all that was heard was the soft jazz music and the mumble and laughter of other guests.

Minerva's Restaurant is a great establishment that can accommodate parties as large at 60 in their private room downstairs or as small as two people. They not only met my expectations but also surpassed them. My first experience left me feeling not only satisfyingly full, but also eager for a return visit. Turns out all the gossip was right because I am now a believer.



Minerva's Restaurant
301 S Phillips Ave.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104
(605) 334.0386

Hours:
Serving in the Dining Room
Lunch 11:00 - 2:30
Dinner M-F 5:00 - 10:00
Sat 5:00 - 11:00

Limited menu available at the bar
from 2:30 pm until 5:00 pm

The Pre-Minervas Blog

For all of you non-Sioux Falls savy readers out there, Minervas is THE prime fine dining restaurant in the city. Or so I've heard.

I have yet to experience the thrilling food that will (hopefully) tantalize my tastebuds and leave me hungry (but not litterally) for more.

I decided to poke around on their website for some standard run-of-the-mill info. I ran into professional photos, hours, dinner and lunch menus, and a full wine list. The wine list especially perked my interest with many familiar as well as unfamiliar names. I am anticipating the formal wine service with high expectations.

A whole wine bottle for little me? (I am after all, 5'0 and weight a smidge over 100 lbs). No no. My guests for the evening are two good friends, Christine and Ryan. Christine shares a love for wine with me as well as a background in restaurant experience as well. And Ryan well, Ryan loves food. Neither have been to Minervas and it will be a new and exciting experience for all!

Watch for the review that should be posted no later than this Friday!

"Hi how are......'WATER!'"

The opportunity of being a server can be very rewarding. On a daily basis you have the chance to meet great people and hear amazing stories. Unfortunately, servers also put up with a lot of rude and intrusive guests.

And there's always a few in the bunch; the guests that everyone on the waitstaff wants to kill.

More specifically, these are the people that think they should have it all: the perfect waiter, the cut of steak from a heifer that shits diamonds, and of course, a price they see fitting to pay when the show is over and done.

Here are a few helpful hints from an experienced server:

1) Your server cannot read minds. Ask nicely and you shall receive.
2) If you only order water, be happy with the damn water. It's not a complicated beverage. Don't tack on modifiers like no ice, little ice, extra lemons, etc.
3) The staff is, essentially, there to make you happy. But don't abuse this privilege. Be respectful and courteous while treating yourself to an enjoyable evening.

So the next time you're out, keep it simple and keep it easy. Everyone should have to wait tables for one week before they die. And if this task was even remotely possible, the restaurant business would be a whole different game.

Things you will always find in a restaurant

Things you will usually (if not always) find in a restaurant:

1) Drama
2) A drunk guest
3) A drunk employee
4) Lists that never get done
5) Empty boxes (if you're moving, have your friend save them for you!)
6) Someone who speaks very little (if none at all) English
7) Lovers
8) Plenty of sharp knives. So be nice to the kitchen and waitstaff.
9) Little children screaming at their parents
10) An explosion of crumbs and ground in noodles into the floor once the screaming children and stressed-out parents have left
11) Servers left phone numbers instead of a tip (oh the stories)
12) Enough cigarettes in the coat room to feed your addiction for half a year
13) Haters (see # 7)
14) A shortage of salt and pepper shakers/grinders (because guests have and more often than not act upon the urge to take them as "souvenirs")
15) Guests who think their server will not realize these salts and peppers are missing after they have left

And the list goes on and on...

"Shaken, not Stirred"

At least that's how James Bond prefers his martinis. But I bet he's never had one from an anonymous casino and bar in Sioux Falls.

Nestled into the Beakon Centre, Martini's Casino & Lounge is a destination no bigger than a few hundred square feet. The lounge and casino, conveniently separated by the bar, each appeal to different crowds. The lounge area forms an inviting atmosphere created by dim lights of hazy yellows and reds. The casino, on the other hand, is illuminated with neon lights and the glow of video screens. And last but not least, the area that ties it all together, is the bar.

The bar area is tidy yet small, but still manages enough room for countless flavors of vodka and top shelf alcohols. Overwhelmed with many delicious sounding choices, I settled on the Peppermint Patty Martini just in time for the holidays. It is sophisticatedly shaken with White Creme de Cacao, White Creme de Menth, more cream, and garnished with a pattern of chocolate syrup. Thicker than the average martini, it will coat your mouth and tummy with warmth. Another drink I sampled, which my bartender personally recommended, was the Bubblelicious Martini. Composed of Midori, bubble vodka, pineapple and cherry juices, this martini is a work of art. Beside the visual appeal, it not only smelled like bubblegum but also tasted like bubblegum.

On the other side of the room from this bar is another bar. However, is is not your average bar. Instead, it is a free-of-charge candy bar. Items include M&M's, pretzels, cheese puffs, and even an occasional Twinkie. And germaphobics don't need to worry. The restrooms are clean and the casino supplies ample hand sanitizing systems for all.


These systems work to everyone's advantage whether they are a smoker or non-smoker. Because of South Dakota's unique laws regarding public smoking compared to the rest of the states, smoking is allowed. One downside to such a great casino and bar is the poor ventilation.

On the other hand, because Martinis is a small and fairly new establishment, it is rarely busy. Therefore, if the number of bar patrons is low, chances are the number of smokers will be too. However, the fact is is a fairly empty bar can cause issues. Ladies, be warned. Because the bar is so little, making an escape from a man who is not Prince Charming is not only difficult but IMPOSSIBLE. Speaking from experience, Martini's is not the place you can get lost in a crowd because simply put, there is no crowd.

But don't let this scare you. Martini's is a place to relax with friends and have a few premium made from scratch drinks. The best part is, if you gamble and support the casino with approximately a minimum of 10 dollars, the bartender just might set you up with a free tab for the evening.

I dare James Bond to find a better martini.


Martini's Casino & Lounge
4823 S. Louise Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD
605.275.4823

Hours:
Monday-Sat: 8am-2am
Sunday: 12pm-2am

Smoking: Yes

*As I was talking to one of the head bartenders, he informed me that Martini's picks up a guest's tab on an individual basis. In other words, be polite and start with a minimum of 10 dollars on the casino floor. The max amount of free drinks is three (at the price of seven dollars apiece) so don't be stingy. Be respectful and support Martini's if it is a place you enjoy visiting from time to time.
**Also, if your tab for the evening is free, don't forget to tip!

Coffee Slut

According to some people, coffee is a disgusting blend of bitter beans but to others, like myself, coffee is comfort. And comfort is a warm feeling of familiarity to us all because it is consistent. Although I don't consider myself a full-blown coffee slut, I do enjoy a good brew when the mood strikes. One late night I set out to find a tasty cup of coffee for a little pick-me-up and found myself at the Starbucks on 41st and Louise Ave.

Being in the holiday spirit, I ordered a "tall" (a "small" in my mind but otherwise known as a 12oz.) seasonal Peppermint Mocha. I thanks the baristas and walked out. Immediately after the first sip I was disappointed. My coffee had the temperature of a cup brewed by a frozen Eskimo who would be thankful to have any minuscule amount of heat in a drink. It was lukewarm at best. I gulped it down as fast as possible to prevent it from icing over like a pond in December.

I returned the next day at 10am to again test drive the same drink. The shop was quite busier compared to the previous night and was filled with bleary-eyed business folk. Trial two was warmer, but not by much. I was once again served a tepid drink.

Sad to say, but this Starbucks is a letdown in both price and quality. A painful total of $3.48 was sacrificed for each attempt that produced a cold drink, and because it was cold, a thick drink, and because it was thick, a gritty drink.

I recently took a road trip and needed a warm cup of caffeine to keep me awake. And the crappy cup of automatic Cenex-style cappuccino I paid for one dollar and some odd cents was a much better deal.

Needless to say, I will not be returning for a comfy cup of coffee to the fancy money-sucking corporation know as Starbucks. Cenex here I come.