January 2007

Town Talk Diner

by Martina Priadka

Diner: A small, inexpensive restaurant often resembling a railroad dining car where customers eat at the counter and in booths.

Town Talk Diner: A local diner made with three parts experience, one part excellent taste and two parts sense of humor served up with a whole lot of style.   And of course there is the necessary counter dining.

The rest of the dining room seats 80 and is the perfect spot for anytime of the day or night.   The relaxed atmosphere and the menu, a combination of creative and traditional, make for easy transitions from breakfast through late night.  

No longer do I have to take the drive up north to Lake Edwards and have my paddleboat-brandy slush moment.   I may not be on the lake but the brandy slush at Town Talk Diner sure brings it all back.   Now if I could just get Aaron or Tim to do a Loon call for me I might have the total package.   Hmmmm.....

Managing partners Aaron Johnson and Tim Niver have the sense of humor and laid back attitude to pull off a Loon call, a Brandy Slush or a Mickey's 40 oz.   They also have the skills and background to put in the little bit of fancy that sets this place apart from all others.   A trained Chef, Aaron has also managed Cosmos and D'Amico Cucina while Tim has honed his skills in many top restaurants across the country including Restaurant Aquavit and Martini Blu in Minneapolis.

The third part to this successful recipe is David Vlach, Executive Chef and Managing Partner.   David has worked from California to New York for well-respected Chefs such as Thomas Keller and Marcus Samuelsson as well as adding to the Minneapolis scene with the opening of Levain with Stewart Woodman and 20.21 at the Walker.

This trio, along with the skilled staff backing them up, make for foolproof recipe for the ultimate diner.   It is a place where the traditions of Northeast Minneapolis meet the high demand of Uptown's chic.   Everybody fits in and leaves satisfied.   From the "kitchen sink" burger ($10.75) to handle the hunger of a post shift restaurant staffer to Fisher Farm Pork Chops with Potato Pancakes and Apple Cider Sauce (17.50) for those with local taste who are hard to please like my Grandfather. The smile on his face after this dish was a rare and wonderful sight.

Even vegetarians have a great selection with the Organic Tempeh Sandwich with Monterey Jack Cheese, Tomato, Avocado, Sprouts and Soy Scallion Mayo on Wheat Toast ($9.75) or the Classic Beet Plate with Pickled Beets, Roasted Baby Beets, Goat Cheese, Walnuts and Pomegranate Vinaigrette ($8.95).   A teenage palate is pleased with a classic Grilled Cheese ($6.50) or big plate of sticky Pancakes ($7.75).  

I have yet to find a way to go wrong here and I think there is no point in searching.   Why mess with a perfect recipe?   Thanks Guys!

Town Talk Diner | 2707 ½ E. Lake Street| Minneapolis
612.722.1312 | www.towntalkdiner.com

...Now That's Theskini!::permalink


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