Article Surfing Archive

Scott Review...

I rarely tip over twenty percent. The service at the Palomino was so fantastic, the tip reached the forty percent level. We were greeted with a smile, genuine enthusiasm for the food and dedicated to the customer. She was proud to be working at Palomino.

I love the portebella mushroom soup. Finest in the cities. But I do not like the fact I must purchase a large bowl for my appetizer. I have enjoyed the bowl as an entree on a previous visit. I asked if a small cup was available. It was not. To my surprise, I was served a small sample of both the mushroom soup and the seafood chowder. Perfect portions. Wonderful tastes and refreshing to have my simple needs met by a waiter who understood her companies kitchen and how to work for the guest.

The Asiago_almond crusted sea scallops were great. Scallops are always at risk to be over cooked. These eight scallops were moist and presented on a caramelized sweet onions, roasted red peppers, and asparagus. The atmosphere was enhanced by the sun setting on the large room. It was difficult to pass on dessert.

During the cool months in Minnesota, the soup and warmth of the Palomino is inviting. I look forward to going again.

Adam's Review...

I seldom have good things to say about national chains. Other than Morton's (which is good in some cities and bad in others) and The Capital Grill, Palomino is the rare exception to this rule. In fact, I remember being surprised to learn they were a national brand after I first ate there, years ago. This place consistently delivers a bang for the buck.

The Rigatoni Bolognese is my favorite dish. It's been on the menu forever and I always struggle to order something else. I first had it when I was in junior high. I don't like it as much as I did back then, having since eaten my way across Italy several times and learned what great pasta is all about, but I dare you to find a more flavorful noodle dish in this town for the price. Sure, the rigatoni isn't the greatest quality and it is usually overcooked, but the sausage and cream more than make up for it.

During my most recent visit, I started with the caesar salad, which was passable. I think the best appetizer is the portabella mushroom soup. It's a fantastic balance of sherry, cream and earth fungi. You can't go wrong. Equally exceptional was the soup of the day, a salmon chowder in lobster bisque. I know that sounds like two separate dishes, but the hardy salmon perfectly blended with the sweet lobster. So many lobster bisques fail from being too sweet, too rich, or both. The salmon is the perfect solution.

Cathy, our waitress, was excellent and happy to accommodate special requests.

If you want a night out downtown, allow me to suggest this: Park in the La Salle ramp and go to Palomino after 10pm. Cocktails and bar menu plates are half price. After a couple drinks, have your parking validated and then walk to your next destination, like Chambers or Solera.

Bottom line: I would go here again.