Jolly Quenchers

By Kelly Westhoff

Minnesota Palate, November/December 2004

Go have a drink at the Mpls Café. In fact, have more than one. The bar's new four-page cocktail menu will make this an easy task. What won't be easy, however, is deciding which drinks to choose.

That's where the helpful staff comes in. The bartender I met was passionate and impressively knowledgeable about cocktails and the origins of fermentable grains and fruits. "I'm geeked," he smiled and wasted no time in setting a glass before me.

He mixed me a Midnight Moon—a tweaked version of a classic drink served at the Ritz Paris. This champagne cocktail looks like fall and is even served with a sliver of green apple over the rim. The tickling champagne bubbles and crisp apple scent are pure pleasure.

On the other hand, the Ginger Raspberry Zinger is a drink that could get you in trouble. Tart and fruity, it's the kind of treat that's gone before you realize. Go ahead though, and order a second. Or even a third for that matter. The Zinger is a part of a new "mocktail" line—drinks served up alcohol-free.

Those in search of a virgin night on the town should beware the Dulce Diablo—a devilishly kickin' shot of jalapeño-infused tequila. The shooter is served with a squirt of mango puree inside. But don't count on the sweet fruit for relief; it's been infused with a habanero. Yikes! My gringa tongue was yelping.

The Orange Truffle was more to my liking; you'll find it under "decadents" on the menu. Meant to be an aperitif or after-dinner drink, the truffle comes with shavings of Godiva chocolate—both white and milk—floating on the surface.

Yet there's more to the bar than mixed drinks. The wine list has been revamped, a bold move for a bar that's earned Wine Spectator awards for the past six years. The new list is heavy with international choices specifically selected with the dining menu in mind.

Sangria fans will smile to find both white and red mixes at the bar. The red is a house specialty: the recipe belonged to the owner's mother.

If you go

Where

Mpls Café
1110 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis
Corner of 11th St. and Hennepin Ave.
612-672-9100
www.mplscafe.com

Hours

Opens daily at 4
Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri. and Sat. open until 2 a.m.
Sun. and Tues. until 1 a.m.

Parking

$3 valet service off 11th St.
Pay lot on opposite corner
Street meters

Drinks to try

Midnight Moon
Sangria
Dulce Diablo
Orange Truffle
Ginger Raspberry Zinger

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