Heidi's Minneapolis

SoG Score: Food: A- | Ambiance: B+
Type: American, modern
Address: 819 W 50th St
Minneapolis, MN 55419
612.354.3512
Price: $$$

We've been wanting to try Heidi's for some time now but hadn't gotten around to it 'til last weekend. Heidi's is Stewart Woodman's newest moderately priced endeavor- he was named one of the best new chefs by Food and Wine magazine in 2006 and had previously opened some high-end Minneapolis restaurants. He bills it as "familiar foods made extraordinary" which I think is an accurate description. It's a tiny space, redecorated in rich colors with luxurious and artistic accents, including an ornate ceiling and a simple music stand as the welcome desk to create a romantic ancient/modern feel.
For appetizers, I had the foie gras crépe which was your typical melt in your mouth foie gras experience with the added bonus of sweet hibiscus syrup. The texture of the lentils was a little odd against the creaminess of the foie gras but it took on some of the flavor of the foie gras and made it feel like you were getting a bit more foie gras than you paid for. Jeff had the diver scallop on a piece of bread with mustard seeds which had good flavor but the scallop was a touch overcooked.
For our entrées, I had the Australian sea bass with parsley, parsnips, and mussel foam (pictured right). This was prepared beautifully- the first bite was bliss- creamy, milky, buttery. I'm not the biggest fan of butter, so around halfway through I couldn't stomach any more butter, but it was definitely a delicious dish. Jeff had one of the evening specials- a beef tenderloin with a heavenly sauce made of foie gras (pictured left)- pure perfection.
We'll have to stop by again for a cheese plate and dessert as we were too full to even think about it.
the good: I think Stewart Woodman got it right, it really is familiar foods made extraordinary, well-priced: appetizers average around $8 and entrées around $18.
the not so good: we were seated right away with our reservation, but rumor is even with a reservation you should be prepared to wait.
Overall: definitely recommended: don't forget to visit my new favorite store, Patina, right next door.

Redstone American Grill

SoG Score: Food: B Ambiance: A
Type: American
Address: 8000 Eden Road
Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (multiple locations)
Price: $$$

Classically American, Redstone offers simple American favorites in an upscale Midwest lodge setting. If you're lucky to find a thunderstorm-free day to go, the patio (at the Eden Prairie location) itself makes it worth the visit, overlooking a pond with a few Bellagio style fountains. It's an ideal versatile setting guaranteed to impress for a business lunch, a night out with friends, brunch with your in-laws, or a dinner date.

The food is reliably decent but not spectacular. Appetizers were very artfully presented, and the buffalo shrimp was particularly good. The sea bass was a little fishy, lacked imagination, and was a touch overcooked. Their twists on banana creme pie and fresh berry tart were the highlight.

the good: patio, beautiful setting, live music
the not so good: long-wait on weekends, pricey for quality of food
Overall: recommended: worth a visit for the atmosphere