Corner Table Menu

Corner Table Restaurant Review:

The bounty of Minnesota and Wisconsin farms is celebrated at this unassuming café, located in a modest brick building at---in a nod to its name---the corner of 43rd and Nicollet. At first glance it appears to be one of the many neighborhood spots that have sprung up, but taste a few samples of chef Scott Pampuch's boldly straightforward cooking and you'll quickly realize why this restaurant is a destination for Twin Cities diners. The menu changes monthly to highlight local, seasonal ingredients, but it always includes lovingly braised pork and beef dishes as well as salads and soups. Vegetarians are in for a treat, and those seeking a more elaborate experience should invest in the daily five-course, improvisational tasting menu. The small cheese selection highlights the very best of Midwestern artisanal producers, and the somewhat narrow wine and beer lists are noteworthy for discernment and affordability. Inventive desserts are often memorable, like a maple thyme pot de crème and a chocolate cake rich with espresso, balsamic sauce and malted vanilla ice cream. For the ultimate in local and sustainable dining, try the 100 mile tasting menu, a unique concept in which each dish is sourced from the immediate region.