Friday, May 22, 2009

I'm no Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl, but... LA CHAYA!

Last night, I went out to dinner with my group of fabulous Mamas. Our monthly dinner dates are always packed full of good conversation, good food, and fabulous friendships. We make a point of trying out small and local restaurants, and visit a new one each month.


La Chaya was the chosen restaurant for the month of May. It is a restaurant in south Minneapolis, somewhat near Uptown, and looked intriguing enough from a drive-by to warrant a visit.


And, WOW, what a restaurant! The ambiance, the wait staff, the FOOD.


You may recall the weather this past week to be absolutely beautiful. Bright blue skies, a slight wind, warm temperatures. As our reservations were at 8:00, though, we reluctantly passed on a table on the back patio in fear of the evening becoming too cool once the sun set. However, we were delighted to see that the indoor seating area had two large doors that were flung open. Light muslin curtains hung over the open doorway, permitting us to experience all the delights of outdoor eating without feeling the nighttime chill.


La Chaya's menu is small, but exquisite. There were more than enough options for the carnivore and "snobby vegetarian" alike. The Mexian-Mediterranean fusions created fun twists on old favorites.


However, it was the Daily Specials that really generated excitement. With the first mention of the herb-infused crab cakes, all of our eyebrows raised, and by the time the host described the final item our jaws had dropped to our knees and our laps covered in drool.


I started with the spinach salad that was served with carmelized apples, magical walnuts, and a truly sensational balsalmic reduction vinegrette. It was even more phenomenal than it sounds. I ended with the artichoke soup that quite literally was HEAVENLY. I have never been more stunned at a first taste. And my delight grew with every bite, so much so that by the time I was scraping the bowl, I was nearly swooning. I could desribe the soup as liquid velvet seducing my every taste bud, but even that description would do the soup a disservice. My mouth is actually watering right now as I type this. And, while La Chaya is not the cheapest restaurant I have dined at, that bowl of soup was $4. FOUR dollars! It was, very literally, the best $4 I have ever spent.


I can't describe myself as a foodie, and I am a far cry from being a food critic. Additionally, the audience of this blog is quite limited. However, I feel I must do everything I possibly can to promote this restaurant and increase their business. If only because it is the best way I know how to ensure future bowls of artichoke soup and other delights will cross my palate.

Check out their website for more information: http://www.lachaya.com/

3 comments:

  1. Kim -
    Awesome review! I love it and loved the dinner out with you all. It is a new favorite of mine. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your weekend.

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  2. Wow! Sounds delicious...I want to go!

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  3. PS You sound like a professional reviewer...maybe you should become a restaurant critic so you get to try new restaurants all the time and then write about them...how awesome would that be???

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