My husband is a burgers and fries guy. I guess that just happens when you are allergic to anything with fins or feathers. This year, I asked him to give me a list of his Top Ten Burgers and Fries throughout the Twin Cities metro. He gave me the lists separately, because very rarely will the fries and burgers both be extraordinary. They deserve to stand on their own. This post is the edition on fries, as you may have guessed from the clever title.
For me, when it comes to French fries, I can take ‘em or leave ‘em.
Let me rephrase that.
If the fries are there, I will eat them. And I will eat too many of them. But I don’t ever crave fries. I don’t say to myself, “Oh… I sooooo want some fries tonight.” But if I did {and maybe you do}, I’d want them to be the best stinkin’ fries ever.
I’d want them to be worth it.
While I’m working on losing weight, ordering something at a restaurant sans fries is the way I tend to go. If I’m feeling that rare “need” for fries, I will steal a few of Rob’s. {I find it much easier not to eat too many if the fries are not mine or if it wasn’t established up front that I’d be sharing them with someone.}
When I received back the list of Rob’s Top 10 Fries in the Twin Cities, I got this as the number one answer:
Pops for Champagne – Chicago
“Words cannot do them justice. Firm outside, soft inside, brown buttery, boiled goodness.”
Um… I’m sorry, honey. We can’t just get in the car and go there for dinner. I know you loved them beyond anything you’ve probably ever eaten, but they just don’t count! Still, I guess you win because they made it into the blog post anyway!
So here are my husband’s Top 10 favorites {with his descriptions!} within dinner-driving-distance of those of us in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro area. If we’ve written a Restaurant Impression on the restaurant, I’ve linked to it. Feel free to add your comments if you have enjoyed {or didn’t enjoy} fries at any of these establishments.
Rob’s Top 10 Fries in the Twin Cities
1 ) Red Stag Supperclub – Minneapolis | Great local potatoes and the olive oil/rosemary seasoning works wonderfully.
2) Harry’s Cafe – Lakeville | A multi-stepped fry, Harry’s Angela Fries are terrific with their mozzarella drippings. A side of ranch dressing (the only fries on my list benefitting from ranch) sets them off!
3) Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant – Minneapolis | Perfect pomme frites served with bearnaise.
4) Devil’s Advocate – Minneapolis | Wow. What great fries! I remember the bartender calling them something that went over my head, but the fries resonated!
5) Burger Jones – Burnsville | Served in a cute tin, and not a small order, these are wonderfully cooked fries. A side of chipotle aioli doesn’t’ hurt.
6) Barbette – Uptown/Minneapolis | Wow! FRENCH fries.
7) Forepaugh’s – St. Paul | Comparable with Burger Jones fries in size, flavor and texture, but Forepaugh’s often overcooks their fries and dries out the inner potato goodness.
8) Groveland Tap – St. Paul | Cajun Fries…yummy slender little spuds.
9) McDonald’s – USA, not France | Not every McDonald’s correctly serves them the way they should, but when you run in to the perfectly cooked batch, they’re hard to beat. Paris McDonald’s use a different oil (coconut? palm?), and the fries don’t taste as good as they do here.
10) Vincent – Minneapolis | Funny. A French restaurant with fries patterned after McDonald’s. These are quite tasty. But, not quite as good IMO.
What makes the perfect French fry for you?
At which restaurant in your neck of the woods would we find your favorite fries?
Cheers~
Carrie & Rob
Hi Carrie, my internet has been down so I’ve been MIA…lol! I’ll be back to blogging next week
My favorite fries. Seriously, probably one’s I have made I home. I know you’re not a fry fanatic but, you may want to make these for Rob, they are soooo good! http://twodogsinthekitchen.wordpress.com/2012/04/20/alley-fries-with-balsamic-glaze-and-beginners-bbq-sauce/ Other than that, I don’t really order them either but, I do like McD’s fries too 
All my friends think I’m crazy because I don’t really like fries. There was one good kind that was covered in bacon, cheese and truffle oil (I think) that were really good, but besides that I’m not a big fan. I can let an entire side sit on my plate and not eat them. If I had to pick, I would go with fries from Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant.
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