La Belle Vie, Minneapolis, February 23, 2007
To celebrate both our birthdays and his recent bonus, my husband G. Grod made surprise plans for a babysitter and dinner out at La Belle Vie. Earlier that day, we took baby Guppy to the doctor. He’d had a cold, then spiked a fever, so we feared an ear infection. The doctor allayed our fears and said it was just a virus. We also worried about the impending winter storm, but decided to venture forth in spite of it all.
It was well worth it. We chose the five course tasting menu, and supplemented with
the foie gras first course and an additional dessert. La Belle Vie has food that is both delicious and well-presented. Each dish has numerous ingredients, yet none are superfluous, and all are complementary. From the amuse bouche of tuna tartare, to the post-check plate of petit-fours, everything was exquisite. The foie gras, with its caramelized exterior and melting interior, nearly brought tears to our eyes. That was G. Grod’s favorite, but I couldn’t decide between the Moroccan spices of the quail and the perfectly done char. It was a stunning meal, and its memory lingers long into the mundane reality of this week.
Truffle-Poached Florida Pink Shrimp with Tangerine Reduction
Sautéed Arctic Char with Razor Clams, Salt-Cod Stuffed Squid Ink Ravioli and Bibb Lettuce
Caramelized Foie Gras with Porcini Mushrooms, Sweet Potato-Chestnut Gnocchi, and Marsala
Pan Roasted Quail with Carrot Fondant and Moroccan Spices
Roasted Lamb Ribeye with Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Salsify and Red Wine
Lemon-Scented Financier With Blood Orange Curd, Mascarpone Sorbet and Candied Kumquats
Chocolate Custard Cake with Coconut Sorbet and Sweet Curry Foam