On a tangent, the attached Buon Giorno Market is also a lesser-known south-of-the-river treasure for lunches, desserts (also among the best in MSP), Italian groceries and virtually undiscovered brick oven pizzas (only after 5:00 p.m.)

Even further under the radar is Perron’s Sul Lago in Prior Lake. While not as excellent as I Nonni, this is a nice place that deserves far more credit and business that otherwise goes to Chianti Grill. I had a rustic braised lamb special on one of those minus-40 degree wind chill January nights a while back that was in the top handful meals I had that whole year. It’s one of those places like House of Coates that feels like it’s much farther away from central Apple Valley than it is.

On a side note–back to Chianti–I love carrot cake, and that carrot cake to feed any army at Chianti is excellent. THAT’S an item there that’s well worth the cost.

http://www.inonnirestaurant.com
http://www.perronssullago.com

I cant argue about the location, although it appears to have been there for the better part of a couple decades, so I dont know if I can hold it against them.

As far as overprices, I guess it depends on what you are comparing it to. For a really good Ribeye, with some of the best hashbrowns on the planet, and great veggie sides, I really dont find it overpriced. I would say its comparable to any steakhouse in town, and I have always enjoyed the steak.

Laughably anachronistic: Well, my first thought is someone has word of the day toilet paper and wanted to show off todays word. But assuming that is not the case, I will just say that I think the old style dark woods, dark leather, lounge singer, simple menu, aged staff, and dark interior are part of the charm. They certainly are not something from the 90’s or the 00’s, but again, to me that is part of the draw.

To each his (her) own. There is no accounting for taste, and for me, I simply fall back on tried and true measurements. Quality food. Friendly service. Reasonable Value.

Jensen’s? Save your money. Horrible location, ridiculously overpriced, laughably anachronistic. I wouldn’t deign to eat Italian at that place.

They make a number of dishes with rice noodles and sauces without gluten. I believe they even serve gluten free beer.

Not a lot of restaurants are accommodating to those with special dietary needs. It’s a treat to be able to eat out.

I have been to Redstone before and enjoyed what we had but I didn’t do an official review because I was lazy :)

Emphasis mine:

It is not OpenTable’s fault that someone else was able to book a reservation faster that you. OpenTable only provides the vehicle in which you book your reservations. The actual restaurant is responsible for their availability. Before your go blaming OpenTable for the fact that your reservation vanished blame yourself because you were not logged into your OT account prior to starting your search for a time to dine. Come better prepaired next time and maybe you will get the reservation time you requested!!

Thanks for playing.