In episode 6 of the podcast we told you we were headed to LoLo American Kitchen in Stillwater, MN for dinner after recording. One of our favorites. Little did we know there was going to be a 2 hour wait. It was 6:30 and we were starving from the day's hike. I had Googled the area restaurants earlier that day just to see who was still open after the year we've had, had seen Feller and giggled at the name - to me it sounded like an old southern grandpa with laugh lines saying fellow. Luckily, it was only about a block away from LoLo, so we wandered that way to check their wait times.
Also, a 2 hour wait. But, the silver lining - Feller has a bar attached, The Long Goodbye. It's first come, first served seating and there were a few spots open. The best part? You can order the entire menu at the bar! We cozied up at the corner of the bar which was spacious and round; widened to the point of feeling like it's own high-top table. The decor is trendy and modern, but tastefully minimal. They updated everything to feel relevant while still paying homage to the space's roots.
The location is the historic site of a former brewery. As their website so eloquently describes it: "Stillwater’s rich brewing tradition emerged amid this growth, to quench the thirst of hardworking fellers. In 1868, the Joseph Wolf Brewery was built into the bluffs where Lora now stands. It was connected to a series of caves used to store beer and source spring water, thus tapping into nature’s resources and harnessing natural refrigeration. The beer was advertised as a healing elixir: 'an efficient antidote against fatigue from strenuous work, play or the weakening of old age.'" An antidote against fatigue from our day hike; how serendipitous.
The cocktails are unique twists on the classics. I.e. the Straight Cash Homie which is a rye whiskey old fashioned. Alec was excited by their selection of bourbon. The service is friendly and quick; sitting where we were allowed us to chat with the bartender throughout our meal and get great suggestions. Most important: the food is phenomenal.
What We Ate:
FORAGERS CROSTINI
local chèvre, marinated mushrooms, ipa honey reduction, porcini crema, herbs
PASTA NERO
lobster, tomato, ‘nduja cream sauce
VENISON BOLOGNESE
gnocchi, fennel pollen, brown butter crumb
The crowd favorite was the Foragers Crostini. Such a simple concept, but the flavors were incredible! The attention to detail of each element, the earthy mushrooms playing off the sweet honey glaze. I will order this every single time. We highly recommend each of our entrees as well. The Pasta Nero was creamy with a little heat. The Venison Bolognese was comforting and filling.
We may have a new favorite in Stillwater. I'll let Alec do his rating system on it, but suffice it to say we recommend everyone check out Feller and The Long Goodbye. You may just want to stay a little longer after saying goodbye the first time.