JP American Bistro – Minneapolis MN

I have dined at JP’s 7 times in the last 12 months and every time we go, the food and service is outstanding. Our last visit was no exception.

http://www.jpamericanbistro.com

Whenever we go we tend to create our own tasting menu. We order and split 2 appetizers and then each order entrees and split a dessert. This time we began our meal with the Tuna Tartare with Chipotle in adobo sauce on House Pickled Pineapple with baby arugula. We had this the last time we were there just 3 weeks ago. It is a fantastic dish. I really like the way the pineapple works with the tuna. It is light, fresh and flavorful.

We decided to try a salad for the second course. The Butter Lettuce Salad with Apple Gorgonzola Blue Cheese and toasted Hazlenuts dressed in a lemon Vinaigrette was very good. It was a nice balance of flavors and textures. Everything was excessively fresh.

Those who want something more traditional should order the Bistro Salad with Manchego. If it is your first visit to JP’s, don’t miss their specialty pizza. I have had several duck variations that were outstanding. All the pizzas are unique and make a nice first course to share.

I chose to drink the Mason Sauvignon Blanc for our first courses. Our server brought me a taste of the “la poule blanche” sasha lichine, languedoc ‘05. I should have gone with this instead. It would have been a nice match to our dishes. I would recommend it if you like a nice clean dry white wine to begin your meal.

For entrees we had the Slow Roasted Wild Acres Duck Breast on Yukon Gold Potato Puree with Brussel Sprouts, Bacon and Black Mission Fig Demi Glace and the Oven roasted Prairie trout with Cayenne Shrimp Stuffing served with lemon rice pilaf. Both entrees were excellent. The duck was cooked perfectly. My favorite part of the dish was the Mission fig Demi Glace. The sweetness was a nice complement to the meat. The trout was also good the stuffing had a nice kick to it.

We ended up being too full for dessert this time so we skipped it.

JP’s also features a private dining room. We rented it last summer for a company event. Our 20 guests were able to order off the menu. It is a nice place to have an event for up to 25 or 30 people.

With Spring here now an Summer right around the corner, I am expecting that JP’s will have some new lighter menu options. I’ll be back next month to learn for myself.

PROS: Great service, Inventive menu, reasonably priced high quality wine, comfortable and casual dining environment

CONS: Parking can be challenging especially on the street, there is a pay lot behind the restaurant. Bring plenty of ones. The parking machines are really irritating