Out at Rudy’s Redeye Grill in Rosemount, MN for dinner with Kim before going to see Taledega Nights (which was sold out so we had to get tickets for the 9:30 showing) We’ve been getting some searches on the site for “Rudy’s Redeye” and “Rudy place so I figured I best get over here and give you all something to read ;)

Rudy’s Redeye Grill has locations in both White Bear Lake and Alexandria. They are also related to Axel’s River Grille in Mendota. All are apparently exclusive to Minnesota but with the Rosemount location it appears that they are continuing their expansion.

From the outside it looks like any other chain restaurant (think Ruby Tuesdays) but the inside is something else entirely. It’s warm (lots of hardwoods and deep reds), nicely decorated, and honestly I felt *way* underdressed until I saw that 99% of the patronage was dressed as poor or poorer than I was :)

We were greeted and told that we had about a 10 min wait walking in at ~6pm unless we wanted to sit outside. With the temps in the mid 80s today we opted to absorb more of the warm glow and sit on their comfy sofas near the front door.

We were seated about 5 minutes after taking a seat in their Pier Oneish sofa lounge and were treated to a knowledgeable staff member who educated us about their wine and bar specials. We opted for non-alcoholic drinks even though their bar looks well stocked and quite inviting ;)

The menu was fairly simple. A large single page of options in large text. I didn’t bother to do any math but I’d that the average prices were around $20. I was a little surprised by the high prices and by the order choices of our fellow patrons, I would guess that they too were expecting something a little less expensive. They do have some $9 appetizers, burgers, and pizzas for $10 if you are looking for something more “average” but I would guess you would be coming here for huge pork and beef dishes instead.

The waitress was in a rush — wanting to take our order almost immediately as if I had been here before and knew what I wanted. After some silent suggestions that she move along, she did.

I decided on their 14oz pork tenderloin medallions with twice baked potato (they have several potato choices including smashed (like Copper Bleu), baked, twice baked, and shoestring) and vegetable. Kim ordered Axel’s pan fried walleye with toasted almonds. Sounds good so far. I was surprised to be asked how I wanted my pork cooked (nice touch especially in Minnesota) and then ordered a Caesar side salad.

The salad came out quickly and was loaded with freshly grated cheese. The waitress kindly asked if I would like some fresh ground black pepper — bring it on! Very fresh and crisp, well done. Not the best Caesar salad I’ve ever had but certainly better than average.

While waiting for our main entrees, Kim mentioned several interesting things:

1. With all their fancy artwork, decorations, and ambiance, they have rough terry cloth napkins on the tables. While very useful they don’t match the rest of the decor. Strange — more fitting for a wings/ribs place, not here.

2. The waitstaff is rushing around everywhere. We experienced *no* waits on anything after the initial 5 mins to be seated but they could slow down just a bit IMHO :)

3. This restaurant is *far* nicer than Copper Bleu and you don’t feel like you are sittng in your neighbors lap (like both the Copper Bleu and Viva Italia in Eagan)

Out food came out quickly and was impressive to look at both in presentation and portion size. My pork medallions (3) were smothered in some sort of mango salsa, came with a side of green beans and carrots tossed in what seems like a light teriyaki sauce or thai peanut (which I could have done without). The twice baked potato was huge, cheesy, and was on its own plate. Kim’s *huge* piece of walleye was smothered in almonds and the second she put the first bite in her mouth I knew my meal would not be disappointing. She was just nodding and smiling after the first taste — heh.

As I said before, I was surprised when the waitress asked how I wanted my pork cooked. She offered that most people would prefer it medium to medium well but that they temperature check them to ensure they are fully cooked. I ordered mine medium and while they were a little on the rare side I still enjoyed them — especially with their excellent fresh from the grill char taste. Mmm. Note: if you are squeamish about the color of your pork, I suggest you get it well done :)

Kim’s walleye *was* tasty (I actually got a taste because the huge portion allowed for that this time ;)). She is going to end up taking this home yet she’s already interested in “seeing” the dessert menu “even though she’s not going to order any”…. Sure Kim ;)

Another “rush” came in around 6:40 and we were waiting a bit after dinner (time for me to write this up heh) and we watched a *ENORMOUS* piece of cheesecake (literally two slices stacked on top of each other) go by… Soon after our own waitress brough the dessert tray to tempt us and tempt us it did; so much so that, as predicted, Kim folded and ordered a dessert.

I went with their “Death by Chocolate” a *very* rich warm brownieish cake with frozen raspberries, blueberries, and whipped cream drizzled with a raspberry sauce. Kim went with their “Baked Alaska”, a merengue covered chocolate cake with mocha flavored ice cream. Wow. It was so large that Kim couldn’t finish it while complaining, “I wish we could take this home!”

Our total bill, before tip, was $56.00. Not bad for what we had tonight but still out of the “average” range.

Based on what we experienced tonight, I *highly* recommend Rudy’s Redeye Grill above any of the other local “hotspots” in the South Metro, except maybe Stefano’s in Burnsville. The decor, service, and food are all excellent and certainly rival what you’ll find at the more expensive Copper Bleu.

Kim agrees ;)

See all the pictures from today here (mobile).

I had swimming again last night. I wasn’t nearly as excited as I was for Tuesday’s disappointing set but that was only for fear that my sore shoulder would act up again. Knowing that I wanted to still get in more than 3000, I went searching through the USMS forum and found a set that was a close match to what I was looking for — some good swimming along with some good leg work to round out the practice.

200 S/K/P/S                                        800

Repeat Eight Times:

8 x 75 BK/BR/FR                                    800
1 x 25 FR EZ
:45 rest

Repeat Three Times:                                   

1 x 200 on 4:00 PULL                               1050
3 x 50 on :50 1>3 Fast! 

Repeat Four Times:

1 x 50 on 1:00 kick moderate
2 x 25 on :30 Kick FAST                            400

1 x 200 WD                                         200

                                                   3250

I felt pretty good — I was doing my best to mix up the strokes to give the shoulder some variety. I had only one little twinge of pain during the sets but it never returned — woot! As I was starting the kick set I never figured I’d finish in time (by 7:00) but luckily I had started a bit before 6:00 due to the *on-time* lifeguard. Woo!

After swimming I went home and had dinner w/Kimmy, watched some stuff on Tivo with her, and then headed over to Applebee’s in Rosemount, MN to worship at “The House of Dean” w/Dave. Dean was away on vacation in Vegas and his replacement, Mary, was a worthless and crappy bartender who shortchanged Kim on her Oreo milkshake, wasn’t quick in getting me my beers, and had absolutely no personality whatsoever. Based on the shortage of “regulars” that I usually see at Applebee’s, I would have to say that Mary chased everyone way and they are all waiting for Dean’s return.

See all the pictures from today here (mobile).