Yum! Go to PUBLIC kitchen + bar

This weekend was full of good food, better cocktails and great people. On Friday evening I spent my night celebrating another year of life for one of my friends. After a few days of deliberation we chose to spend her birthday dinner at PUBLIC kitchen + bar across from Mears park in Lowertown of Saint Paul. Best decision!

I adore dressing up and grabbing dinner and cocktails with girlfriends, especially in celebrations for birthdays. This restaurant was a great choice for just this type of event. From its cozy décor, right when you step in you feel welcomed. The open layout makes it for a great place to dine with a large group or just a fun date night for two.

Mixed Greens salad

I found this to be a great opportunity to put my thoughts on the food and experience. To begin, I ordered the best cocktail. Titled the Moonwalk, it was a mixture of Grand Marnier (a type of brandy, which I totally had to Google), champagne, rosewater, grapefruit and finished with a lemon twist. Served chilled in a champagne glass, it took me every bit not to finish it in 10 seconds. After looking over the menu for several minutes, I choose something light but made sure to ask for a side of protein with it. I choose the Mixed Greens salad, it was a refreshing combination of tart and sweet lemon vinaigrette on top of mixed greens with sliced radish, pickled shallots, topped with goat cheese and slivered almonds. Talk about delicious. It is a vegetarian dish, but I asked for sliced grilled chicken to be added. It is also one of there gluten free options out of many.




Salmon

I made sure to document other dishes that were chosen by some of the girls I had had dinner with. One in particular just screamed eloquence, which was their Salmon. Added to the dish were some of the best grilled Brussels sprouts I have ever had. The Salmon laid on top of a beurre noissette crème fraiche, which was a crème sauce that had an almond and salty taste. It was almost too pretty to eat. It is also one of their gluten free options. 

This restaurant has such a lively atmosphere and its décor alone will make you want to stay. The lounge downstairs is a great place for friends to gather for drinks, then head upstairs for the true dining experience. A merry place for events, birthdays or even a weekend night date. I truly recommend!

Other fun dishes I couldn't miss to share...

 

Grilled Steak Salad

Shrimp Scampi

 (neither one are of their gluten free options)

Bon Appetite my fellow students