Dinnertime!!!

I've been MIA for 90 days and I apologize for my absence.  I've missed all of you and I'm so glad to be back in the swing of things.  The last ninety days have been filled with broken New Year's resolutions, (curvy is in, right?) spending hours shoveling snow to get my car to the other side of the street, (did I mention they sell snacks at the Impound lot?) eating my body weight in Girl Scout cookies (damn you, Samoas) and having my ass kicked by some microscopic bug from hell which left me bed-ridden twice. (flu shot works, not!) Despite these small hiccups, I was able to check out several new restaurants in the Twin Cities with my fellow "girls on the go," venture to many destinations (Vegas, Charleston, San Diego, Salt Lake City...) shop new stores and find a lot of new amazing products. (can't slow us "girls on the go" for too long) We're looking forward to sharing all of this with you!
One of my New Year's resolutions was to hone my culinary skills. If Gwyneth, Eva and Sheryl Crow have time to write a cookbook filled with their fabulous recipes, I should be able to find some time to whip up a couple masterpieces, right? I began my crusade for culinary excellence by checking out books, shows and magazines that could fit into my busy lifestyle. I tried a few meals from Rachel Ray's cookbook but lost interest by the time the I had to find fresh chives in the dead of winter. (30 minute meals, my ass). I watched Giada at Home whip up pancetta and cinnamon waffles from scratch. (translation for me, Eggos with Rediwhip) and I picked up Paula Deen's magazine called Home Cooking and decided it would be easier copying that wicked hairdo than her recipes. 
Alas, I gave up after a month of third degree burns from searing tuna, Carpal Tunnel from whipping egg whites and going partially deaf from setting off my smoke alarm every time I turned on the oven. (I was a hot mess!)  I decided to hand in my spatula and food processor and enjoy some good ol' comfort food at the newly renovated Urban Eatery. 

What: Urban Eatery Restaurant- newly renovated View Restaurant
Where: Located right by Lake Calhoun in Uptown Minneapolis
What to expect: Great wood decor, fabulous lighting and urban touches throughout the restaurant. Love the large chalkboard wall. Upscale casual atmosphere.
What to order: Starters: Sweet potatoe fries and the crispy tofu. Entrees: Whisky soy grilled salmon and the spicy lamb burger. Also their Happy Hour has great wines and apps from 4 to 6 pm daily.
 
Gigi's Tip:  Want to get the inside scoop on other locally talented chefs, check out the book The Culinary Mistress, A love affair with food by Geri Wolf.  A wonderful hostess gift and a great read. $19.95.