Four Stars Feedback in today's edition
Here's the latest from the Four Stars file, running today -- wish I'd heeded the tip from my friend Gourmanda regarding the Old Village Inn -- she dined there a week before my column ran last week and said, "It's gooood."
By Jay Furst
furst@postbulletin.comLast week’s Four Stars column on great restaurants in the Rochester area to enjoy filet mignon produced these sirloin tips -- make that filet mignon tips -- from readers.
Mike Jacobson, a Rochester reader, says the Old Mill restaurant in Austin is one of his favorites for both filet mignon and prime rib -- “and the setting is fantastic, overlooking the Ramsey Dam. The restaurant is an old flour mill along the Cedar River just north of Austin, converted to a restaurant.
Mike also says the desserts are “to die for...the only bad part is the 40-mile drive” from Rochester.
I know the Old Mill well and can verify that Mike knows what he’s talking about. The restaurant’s at 5446 244th St. and you’ll want to call for reservations at (507) 437-2076.
Jon Pieper, owner of the Old Village Hall restaurant and pub in Lanesboro, pitches his filet as “one of the best in Southeast Minnesota at one of the best prices.” Their current preparation for the filet is “chili rubbed, grilled and finished with a caramelized shallot port sauce.” Served with the fresh seasonal vegetable and roasted garlic mashed potatoes, it’s a deal at $25.
The restaurant, which as the name suggests is in the 120-year-old village hall building, is at 111 Coffee St. My wife and I had a terrific meal there not long ago, and if you like Amish quilts and local art work, you’ll find the second floor dining room especially cozy.
Incidentally, the restaurant is planning a “Steak Lover’s Weekend” for Jan. 29-30, but you don’t have to wait that long to check out their filet. For reservations, call (507) 467-2962.Sandy, a reader in Spring Valley, says, “Don’t pass up the Branding Iron in Preston. An 8-ounce filet is $21.95 and the 10-ounce is $24.95. They’re great tasting, cooked on an open grill and the meal comes with a sumptuous soup and salad bar. Decor and view are great.”
I’ll just note here that one reader who disagreed with one of my Four Stars picks last week asked whether advertising has an influence on the restaurants we feature. Short answer: No. Longer answer: Nope.
Another fairly unpleasant reader who shall remain nameless said, “I cannot believe you did not include Michaels as one of your Four Stars recommendations. I can’t help but wonder if you did not become intoxicated with the high prices at Pescara, 300 First and Chester’s, and equate high price with high quality ... I will stick with Michaels, a locally owned, community-focused business that for many years has provided outstanding quality, without price-gouging their customers.”
I promise I wasn’t intoxicated by the high prices, nor was my boss, who paid the bills -- and in last week’s column I gave high marks to Michaels for both quality and reasonable prices, while acknowledging that Pescara charges Twin Cities prices for its outstanding food.
Our goal with Four Stars is to make four recommendations, mention plenty of other good places to eat, and then get your recommendations into the paper as well. How are we doing? Send comments to furst@postbulletin.com or call me at 285-7742.
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