Chole Chole
Namaste Cafe

Namaste Cafe

2512 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, United States

Cafe • Full • Indian • French


"We visited Colette last night after a concert at Music Hall. The location and space (formerly occupied by Zule) is inviting and familiar. First of all, our experience was great. The service was attentive and friendly and the food was excellent. We tried the laminated brioche and a couple of salads, including the beet salad. The 3 of us shared the cote de boeuf (36oz ribeye) with the pomme purée (mashed potatos). The ribeye was cooked more slowly and was served slices with a red wine reduction. It was absolutely fantastic and plenty for 3 hungry diners to share. We shared a mille feuille pastry with tasty cappuccinos for dessert. We would have preferred less finishing salt on the steak and a few more layers of pastry with less cream filling, but no real complaints regarding our choices. The principal complaint relates to the menu, which is sparse, even for a bistro. There were only 3 appetizers sweetbreads, salted cod, and pate. It would be great to have some lighter or vegetarian starters. The laminated brioche was interesting to try, but it’s mostly butter and really too heavy to be the only bread offering. At $5 per roll it’s also a bit cheeky. Finally, the shareable plates sole and steak options were highlights of the menu, but the restaurant should offer one of two sides to complement the main dish. Perhaps haricot vert or something similar. For an otherwise polished experience 5 months after opening the menu u still felt like a work in progress. Looking forward to returning to Colette in a bit."

Il Forno Pizzeria

Il Forno Pizzeria

8941 N Westland Dr, 20877, Gaithersburg, United States

Cafés • Pizza • Italian • Pizzeria


"Typically, I order just two items there: the G5 Pizza (a white pizza topped with basil oil) and Lamb Saag (tender lamb cubes in a spinach curry sauce). I enjoy them together, creating a delicious combination of lamb, spinach, and cheese. And I can’t resist getting a mango lassi every time! Most of the patrons seem to prefer takeout, but over the years I've spent here, I've always chosen to dine in, often with a large group of friends or occasionally on a date. One of the best things about introducing people to this restaurant is that they often return, bringing friends, family, or coworkers along, and they tell me they had a wonderful experience too. One quirky aspect of this family-run Indian restaurant is that they’ve started producing their own frozen food line, which is sold from freezer cases at the front. I assumed this targets those who buy fresh food but I could be wrong. I would be interested in trying them, but given how close I live, I’m not particularly motivated to purchase frozen Indian meals. If they made frozen pizzas with lamb saag, I’d definitely have to give that a try! Sometimes I feel that review pages attract negative feedback from those intent on criticizing places. Consequently, many of the quirky and interesting restaurants are unfairly rated. This restaurant is certainly unique, and I personally love it. If you enjoy great food and distinctive, quirky eateries, you absolutely should give this place a visit!"