April showers bring May rice paddies

Indonesia is the world's fourth most populated country. Over 44 percent of the 95 million workers are agricultural workers, producing, among other things, palm oil, rice, tea, coffee, spices, and rubber. Indonesia mastered wet-field rice cultivation, shown above, as early as the eighth century BCE (thank you, Wikipedia), helping it to become the main staple food.

Indonesian cuisine is a collection of dishes from all over the 6,000+ islands that make up Indonesia. Rice, together with poultry, beef, seafood or lamb make up many of the common dishes. Indonesian cuisine has combined its own native spices and cuisine with influences from India, the Middle East, China, and Europe to create a richly-flavored offering. Popular Indonesian dishes include satay, beef rending, and sambal.

Bali, the next stop on the Twin Cities World Tour, is described as “Indonesian soul food in a sleek and striking modern space.” So join me there on Friday, April 30th at 7:00 p.m.

Bali Indonesian Cuisine
1410 Nicollet Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612.354.3302

Mówię po polsku!

After last month's successful trip to King's for some great Korean food, this month we're heading to Nye's Polonaise Room for some authentic Polish food. Rated the best bar in America by Esquire Magazine, Nye's is where Captain Kirk would have visited "had he come to Earth in Nordeast Minneapolis circa 1968 and had wanted to seduce a Polish princess" (yes, City Pages is ridiculous).

The plan is to meet up on Saturday, March 27th at 7:00 PM. There is also a piano bar and Polka dancing if you're up for it. As always, please let me know if you are coming so I can make reservations in advance. See you there!

Restaurant Info:
Nye's Polonaise Room
112 Hennepin Ave. E.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612.379.2021