Bright’s Northfield Restaurant Blog

Everywhere we go these days, the same basic menu appears before my jaded eyes. How about putting at least one thing on the menu that is different that is delicious that looks incredible and let people flock from miles around, nay, may visitors come from country wide just to look at your exquisite artistic food offering.  Just one, people.  I cannot eat one more veggie burger, chicken sandwich, shrimp alfredo, without at least having something to look forward to after the meal, or during the meal that would make me feel like the effort to come to your place and spend my money was worth every bite.  Just one thing!  Think European bakeries, a lovely quiche, or something from your childhood, real mac and cheese with bread crumbles on top, and even greater things might be cooked up to show appreciation for the customer.  The Middle Eastern restaurants often offer free baklava.   It shows appreciation and it is appreciated.   I like that.

Well, at least I know why.  For so many years my dh and I have been on a quest to find good eateries and great scenery and nice people and comfortable places to sit my self down.  We have found the good eateries and the great scenery and some very nice people, but dang nab it, so few places can I say I was comfortable.   Maybe this is the key to why America has grown so rotund.  We are carrying around our own seating because the places we go to be served and entertained and comfortable no longer provide cushioned seating, let alone, flattering lighting, save George’s Vineyard and Perkins, Sammy’s Pizza, booths only, and a few others, a very few others.

I know it is costly,restaurant owners and designers, but I think people would be more inclined to come out and give you business if they didn’t have to feel so pressed to leave right away.   Please install at least some soft seating.  My butt is too boney to enjoy  wooden seats these days.   And while you are at it, please give some thought and some tests to the lighting you install.  It’s a make or brake kind of deal for some of us.  We want to be looking our best when people are sitting across from us looking at all our perfect and imperfect features.

I am particularly fond of Native American art and crafts. Maybe because I am part Mahican, or maybe because it’s just beautiful natural art with much respect given to the process and the sacred animals and plants that are often used.

Last week, as we visited the National Eagle Center, we came across one of the artist who make the rattles and talking sticks sold at the Center. Many weekends at the Eagle Center feature one or more artists that will demonstrate and show their wares.   March 24 and 25 are the next dates.

Dick Mindykowski – Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Chippewa craftsman creates woodland gifts created from wood and animal products harvested from the outdoors. Walking sticks, canes, turtle rattles, beaver shields, dream catchers, leather pouches. All hand tanned and carved.

Native Design is the name of the organization that came from Altoona, WI, just east of Eau Claire.

Their address is 1324 Glades Drive, Altoona, WI, 54720, cell; 715-579-3049

Ask for Dick Mindykawski or Lac Courte Orelles

I really appreciate the great effort it takes to run a restaurant from finding a good location to gathering all the tools and furniture and appliances, lights and utilities, rest rooms, floors, parking area and maintenance of the aforementioned.

I really appreciate the knowledge and temperament that a restauranteur and staff require to welcome the public into
a particular space for a particular purpose. I really do.

But I miss one or three things very badly. I miss booths and music and good lighting.

Now, I know that music is hard to come by because the music distributors have a hold on the pockets of everyone who wants to hear previously recorded music and the licensing cost each year runs in the thousands of dollars. But, I do see on the Internet there are alternatives.

And I miss booths. I miss the wall, the soft seating and back support. I miss the corner to stuff my purse,
coat and gloves in without falling out one side. I miss the seclusion and the ability to look out as well. I miss booths.
I know they are expensive. But hard wooden chairs hurt my boney butt. And my gloves slide off the chair next to me. I can see everyone and everyone can see me. Why, their chairs can touch my chair!

The other thing people are not paying much attention to is lighting. No one wants to appear less good looking than they really are and nothing can undo a day at the spa better than bad lighting. But, you need to put enough light on the food so people can see what you are trying to get them to eat. Take soft lighting and spread it around evenly.

Oh, yeah and I almost forgot. I love the vase and little flowers, even if they are silk flowers, though one real one is kinda nice.

Many thanks to the folks who do provide us with the nice amenities that make eating out such a delight! As for the rest of you, get a clue, many of us can cook pretty well at home, so it’s not just about the food, it’s about the atmosphere and being well served during a nice break in routine.

We had a great pizza, gyros and pulled pork sandwich with super cole slaw. But today, I want to talk about the French fries…or whatever you call these beautifully created morsels of heavenly light batter and flavor. The bbq sauce is also great because it is sweet and has a hint of perfume to it that left me lingering over my happy experience even as the big trains rolled a few yards from our table.

When in Lake City, check them out at
800 West Lyon Ave. Lake City, MN 55041. 651-345-5762.