MPR's Midmorning talks food with MSPMag, Strib

My aunt and uncle call it "Fogo de Blow Chow," and having experienced personally the (thoroughly enjoyable) hedonism and gluttony of it all, I can testify to the sentiment. It's the type of place (according to both your stomach as well as your wallet) you can really only go once a year, if that.

So I was a little surprised, pleasantly though, to hear both MSPMag's Adam Platt and the Strib's Rick Nelson speak rather glowingly to Kerri Miller today on MPR's Midmorning not only of the meatcentric chain's all-you-can-eat-but-fill-em-up-with-starches-first business model but also the quality of the food, and not only the meat but the mind-blowing salad bar as well.

It appears you're actually getting some quality grub at Fogo and are not just paying for the waiters' cute gaucho outfits. (Side note: One of my favorite things is seeing those guys out of context, like at the bus stop. It's the best.)

It was a great show, a full hour, in which Miller guided Platt and Nelson on a whirlwind tour of their faves and super faves.

Some tidbits: Small plate specialists Solera won repeat mentions, not only for the talent of new chef J.P. Samuelson (formerly of J.P.'s Bistro) but also for its suitability for teens and veggie heads (prom goers, take heed).

South Minneapolis's Citizen Cafe also won praise from both (more heartily from Platt), as did Black Sheep Pizza, Lucia's and Sapor. The guys laid off the thumbs downs, with the sort-of exception of Nelson's mention of Laredo's Tex-West, which, despite naming it the worst meal he had last year, he's going to try again and has high hopes for now that they have a new chef.