Secrets of the City

Dropped by there on opening day. Seems like a nice operation, very pleasant, food is good though not fancy. The eating area seems a bit small, even by Birchwood standards. Sandwiches, pizza, soups, breakfast items (they open at 6:30). Plus it’s a block from where I work.
I recommend the turkey w/ apple slices pannini … = crazy delicious.

I always thought that Cliquot Club was such a cool name. I’m a sucker for alliteration. And Qs.

Another great restaurant in that neighborhood is True Thai, it’s one of my favorites.

Ugh, I had the worst meal at True Thai last week! I was going to write about it on the blog, but my stomach churns every time I start typing the words.

Hmm… I haven’t been to True Thai since they put up a Bush/Cheney sign in their window. I can’t think of a better way to ingratiate yourself with the neighbors in Seward…

huh. I’ve always liked the food there, and have never noticed a B/C sign, but apparently I stand corrected. Luckily there are many other great Thai restaurants to choose from, but that’s neither here nor there. How bout that Northern Clay Center? They sure have some nice pottery.

I’m a big fan of the quaint Pizza Luce in Seward. Hitting that and the Seward Coop to pick up a few things makes for a nice chill night. The key, of course, it to eat first or plan on ending up with more carob cookies than you could possibly eat before their non-preservativeness turns them into hockey pucks.

I’ve been to the new Clicquot Club Cafe twice now, and in my opinion the place has lots of promise. The two menu items I’ve tried (A fabulous grilled cheese, and a pretty good pannini sandwich) have both been tasty and affordable. If anything, the menu is a bit daunting–there are well over two dozen sandwich options to choose from–but the coffee is good and they have free wi-fi. It’s worth it just to stop by for some coffee to see how much hard work went into restoring the former corner grocery. The two diamond-shaped skylights are a particularly nice touch.

I may be a bit biased (as the cafe is located a block from my house), but this a welcome addition to the neighborhood, which, as has been noted, is fast filling up with Uptown refugees looking to “settle down” while remaining in the city. And yes, they do indeed serve Orange Crush.

I’ve had great meals at True Thai. I stand behind them and wish the Cliquot Club good luck as the more the merrier. Another eating establishment in that area provides a cohesive neighborhood feel that is sometimes lacking in the Twin Cities.

Sounds like the fans of the Seward neighborhood hate diversity.

hey cjc, i know 11 people who live in seward who voted for bush/cheney, oh the agony of it all

Yes, we’ve got “Orange Crush”…and let me say, the sign really does work…we’ve sold quite a bit.

We’re honored to be the guardian of such an important Twin Cities landmark and to have the opportunity to refurbish part of Seward’s rich history. Now that were open we look forward to meeting you and serving the community.

And to the folks in and around the neighborhood who’ve been watching us work on the building for nearly 2 years we’d like to say, Thanks for your support it has been a source of inspiration through the long process.

See ya soon…

Bryan Maher
Clicquot Club Cafe
2929 East 25th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-850-9124
info@clicquotclubcafe.com

True Thai has two owners, one Thai and apolitical, one American and [expletive deleted].

While the food at any restaurant can vary a bit from night to night, True Thai is easily the most authentic Thai restaurant in the Twin Cities, and goes to great expense to fly in fresh lime fruit and leaves to make their incredible sweet curries.

The Thai owner is a public health nurse and runs a VERY clean kitchen. She also has gone out of her way to help her employees, and is a very popular employer with a waiting list of people wanting to work for her.

I also have done some work for them, so I am a bit biased, but if you love Thai food, you’ll love True Thai.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that they were one of the first restaurants in town to serve Bell’s Two Hearted Ale!

If you drink wine with Thai food, you’re missing out. It’s beer food, and the better the beer, the better your meal will be.

I went to the Clicquot Club Cafe this evening… I dig. I recommend. I’ll be back soon. Thanks for the heads up, Taylor.

I’m such a lucky girl to live around the corner from Clicquot Club Cafe and am thrilled that they are finally open. I’ve been in a few times and have enjoyed everthing that I’ve tried.
On another note, I like the food at True Thai but am boycotting the place due to the male co-owner being a total prick to me on multiple occasions; it’s too bad because I am craving the food!

I went to the Clicquot Club tonight. Good eats. Friendly service. The Orange Crush was satisfying in lowball glasses. Will definitely be back.

I love the Clicquot Club!! Finally we have choices!! Great Artichoke Dip, Great Pizzas, and absolutely great music… The coffee is strong, and delicious!! And they make great Lattes too!!

I live in Mullan, Idaho, sure wish the Clicquot Club was in my neighborhood.

We have gotten several takeouts from True Thai and although the food is good, it is such a pain to deal with the owner that we tend to go elsewhere rather than deal with his obnxiousness. If you call in an order he either doesn’t answer the phone, puts you on hold forever, or tells you to fax in your order. Well you go in to pick up your order he acts like a total ass. I don’t know why he doesn’t let his employees handle that part of the business because he obviously is totally lacking in people skills.

Bryan Maher and his friendly staff at Clicquot Club Cafe are the best I’ve come across in a long time. Thanks for the great addition to the neighborhood!

…and, of course, Aaron Olson, Benjamin Anderson and Christie, too!

I live between both of these fine institutions, and they both offer outstanding food. The Cliquot Club folks have outstanding taste & are wonderful hosts – the neighborhood is far better with it. True Thai offers outstanding food, and one shouldn’t boycott merely because of a rightish dour owner. I’ve eaten or taken out there 20+ times and never has he been rude to me, although I admit he his not the cheery & welcoming sort.

I can’t believe how fantabulous the food is at the Cliquot Club Cafe! I thought it was just another coffee shop–oh, how wrong I was. Try the hummus–garlicky goodness! True Thai is also delicious, but the guy working there (I don’t know if he is the owner) was so rude that the yummy food is not enough to ever draw me back there. Moti Mahal, the Indian restaurant down the street, has great service and some of the best Indian food I’ve had in the Twin Cities. Pizza Luce, Second Moon, El Gaucho…what a great neighborhood I live in!

we frequent the CCC and think it is FANTABULOUS. We live a half block away, so we’re there often; whether it’s eating a meal or just stopping by on our daily walks for coffee. They have great chai and a super good mocha. for food, i recommend their brownies (holy goodness…) and they have awesome pizza. And if you don’t try the Artichoke Dip, YOUR LOSS! The CCC really brings something to Seward, we LOVE it. SoOO glad it’s here!

I see a lot of commenting about the True Thai and I must say I agree with “Keith R”, the dude at the counter is so shady! Geez.

I have been here too many times to count and have introduced dozens of folks to this place which I have come to feel is my “CHEERS.” The food is fabulous and the assortment is amazing! The only problem I have is, the service. Sorry Bryan! I have waited at length to be waited on (even when it is obvious they know I am here). The bill is rarely brought to the table and if you go when it is even slightly busy, one of the guys is sure to freak out and get short with you because he s “stressed.” For the average person, the service is far too slow to go here for lunch on a regular basis during the work day; who gets 90 minutes for lunch? Great place with great potential, need to work out the service quirks. Check out books on service like “Life as a Daymaker,” which is by another local guy who has done himself proud. Love, love, love your place and food but not so in love with the speed or inconsistent friendliness of the folks!—–

I thought the owner seemed like a bit of an ass. okay food though…but not actually worth the price. And the music was really obnoxious. I’d go back…but only to grab a coffee and then get the hell out.

I am just lovin’ the CCC. i was in there today and it was quite busy but everyone held it together. the waiter i had new it would be a while before we got our food but he kept us laughing and our drinks full. he could use a shave and a hair cut but its cute. i still cant thank you enough for giving us an alternitive to the B*tch wood. what ever you are doing in the kitchen keep it up. its so good it must be sinfull!!!
much love

Are you crazy…the Music rocks! I totally dig sitting in the window rocking out while reading/studying and throwing back one of the best (if not the best) cups of coffee in town…Did you know they’ve got free refils. I agree the staff is a little strange…but what cafe in town doesn’t have a staff that’s a bit strange…they’ve always treated me well.

The Cliquot Club is a great place in a decent neighborhood. Great food, too. One thing that is quite impressive is the artwork outside. There’s a metal sculpture of a guitar that must be at least 10 feet tall. Who is this artist?

Yeah CCC is the best! Bryan and Aaron rock. The artist is a friend of mine named Jaak. He does some amazing work. I think he has a website but I’m not sure of the URL. Peace&.