Barrio - Nicolette Ave. - Minneapolis, MN

This place is on my top places to visit whenever I go home. The atmosphere alone will draw you in, not to mention their guacamole is to die for. If you are in the area, I would suggest you make this one of your stops to grab a drink or a quick bite from their small plates menu.

Pictures include: chicken enchilada, made to order guac, views of the inside of the Minneapolis location.
For full menu check out this link: Barrio

• Cuisine: Latin- tequilla bar, small plates (tacos, enchiladas,etc.), large plates

• Favorite Food Items: Made to order guacamole, chicken enchilada, chicken and black bean tostada

• Price: $$- Tacos and small plates are certainly quite affordable. Large plates are little more pricy but if you are looking to get full I would recommend splitting some appetizers and a large plate. Prices range from $4 for a taco or enchilada un up to $22 for a pork tenderloin platter.

• Ambience: Barrio has a couple locations, (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina), but the Minneapolis chapter takes the cake. A small space with lots of character. The room has high ceilings, dim lights, upstairs and downstairs dining, bar seating and a patio for those warm nights. The bar has a huge wax candle that has melted and molded its way onto the counter top giving off an intimate vibe. On the wall directly across the bar black and white western films are played on a white screen for all to enjoy.

• Dress Code: Trendy-Casual. I would consider nice jeans and fancy top to be acceptable with a pair of heels or ballet flats. Think "going out for a night on the town" attire. Men could get away with a graphic tee here as long as its coupled with a nice pair of jeans and a styled look. 

• Shell's Rating: 4 out of 5 -Although the guacamole is amazing, they don't seem to fill the bowl as much as they should, but that's a not a game stopper. The scenery alone will draw me back to this place. They are open late as well which is a plus when downtown. Service has been pretty decent but it is popular so if you don't make a reservation you will be waiting...or if you get lucky you can grab a seat in the bar for full menu and happy hour service.

Harvard Square Cafe - Bonita Ave. in Claremont, CA

Harvard Square Cafe has a lot of taste and charm. This place is located near a variety of unique shops, business, coffee shops and other adorable restaurants. The menu is tailored to an audience with a more "refined" palate. This would not be a restaurant for the picky eater or small children. I would like to return sometime to try some other items off the menu.

Pictured above: Restaurant and patio, Eggs Benedict (again no ham, + avocado and spinach) and the highly recommended baked brie.
See the whole menu for this restaurant here: Harvard Square Cafe

• Cuisine: "French Inspired" Dishes- open for brunch, lunch and dinner- pasta, salads, sandwiches.

• Favorite Food Items: Baked Brie Plate - consists of a small salad, grapes, apples, and brie cheese baked in a warm, flakey pastry dough.

• Price: $$$- Brunch and Lunch prices range from $7 on up to $18, where as dinner starts as low as $7 and goes up to $30. Most dishes range from $11-20 between the two meals.  

• Ambience: Diners at the cafe have the option of dining inside in a quaint dining room filled with garden paintings and ivy, or outside on the patio where you can do so great people watching or catch some rays on a nice summer day.

• Dress Code: Business Casual to Dressy. I would feel comfortable wearing a sundress, or a skirt or nice shorts and a dressy top. For men I would suggest a nice pair of jeans or khaki's and a collared shirt. Flip flops would be alright for both sexes on a warm day. I would rule out loud graphic t-shirts and exercise clothes.

• Shell's Rating: 3 out of 5 -Many of the food items seemed a bit overpriced, but I will need to return to this place sometime to try a larger selection. I also would rate it a 3 out of 5 because there are many other restaurants within a closer drive that I would choose to go to first, but if I was in the claremont neighborhood I would certainly go back and try something new...and then shop around town, seeing as it is located in a fun community. 

Martha Green's Eating Room - E Citrus Ave. - Redlands, CA

If you make a visit to the Inland Empire and somehow don't make it to Martha Green's, you will have truly missed out on the most savory meals you would have ever had in your life. I have been to Martha's countless times and have tried a variety of items off of her menu.  The building is not that big so if you have a larger group be prepared to wait a while, but I promise it will be worth your time.

Pictured from top to bottom: Customized Eggs Benedict with no ham, add spinach and avocado; Veggie Breakfast Skillet. Check out more menu items from Martha's here: MArtha's Menu

• Cuisine: Traditional breakfast, soup, sandwiches and wraps, bakery (bread + sweets)

• Favorite Food Items: HANDS DOWN the BEST Eggs Benedict I've ever had (I sub out the ham and add spinach and avocado) with home fries.

• Price: $$- Most items come with a choice of side and you will leave full for around $10-12 including tip. I think the items are reasonably priced for all the food you get. Items in the bakery are also decently priced. Only kicker is they will not take a credit card in the bakery without a service charge unless your item is over $10, so make sure if you are in the mood for a cookie, brownie or cupcake to have cash on you.

• Ambience:This establishment gives off a vibe that makes you feel like you are dining in the home of a friend. With brightly colored walls, fruit and roosters adorning any open area; this is a cozy place to grab breakfast or have tea and sweets and catch up with friends. 

• Dress Code: I'm going to go ahead and say just about anything goes here. I have gone wearing lounge pants and a t-shirt with flip flops and I have also stopped by for a bite to eat after church (dress and heels). I felt comfortable wearing both extremes.

• Shell's Rating: 4 out of 5 - I will give this a 4 because the lunch items at Martha's are good, but not my favorite. Sometimes the service is a little slow but overall this place has a friendly atmosphere and delicious breakfast food. If I am in the mood for my eggs bene I wouldn't even DREAM of going anywhere but Martha's.