July 2004

The Tin Fish

by Martina Priadka

Everyone who lives in Minneapolis knows that the very first moderately warm day of the year, hundreds of the hibernating souls pull out their shorts, rollerblades and bikes to make the desolate lakes area of Uptown look like a fitness conference. Now that summer is in full swing, the lakes are only like that on the weekends and back to normal during the week. Everywhere that is except the refractory at Lake Calhoun.

Known as the spot to be on hot summer days and nights in Minneapolis is newcomer, Tin Fish! Open air seating right on the lake allows all to enjoy the lakes even more than before. In addition to the old standbys of popcorn, ice cream and sodas, the menu has grown to include a wide variety of sea foods. From fish tacos (with your choice of fish, shrimp or calamari), fish sandwiches, crab cakes, fried oysters and calm chowder, to a wide variety of combo platters and grilled plates. Not in the mood for fish? No problem! They also serve the more traditional fares of hot dogs, seasoned fries, cheese quesadillas and good 'ol PB&J. For those of us old enough to remember, they've even brought back the famous Rainbow Cafe Burger.

Don’t know what you are in the mood for exactly? Well, you will have plenty of time to think about it, as the line can often be fifteen deep. And this is not a fast food counter so expect all orders to take about 15 minutes to prepare just like a normal restaurant. But don’t worry; the people watching and scenery are enough to keep you stimulated while you are waiting.

Lunchtime pulls in the family crowd where moms or dads take the kids out of the house and entice them to walk all the way around the lake with the promise of a messy taco at the other end. You will also find bikers treating themselves after a good workout or a suit and tie type taking his or her hour lunch break in a serene setting. Evenings find all these types and more including that interesting first date, friends hanging by the lakes, couples watching the sunset and families getting a dinner by the water.

The management and staff are incredibly welcoming and accommodating. They have truly adopted the working by the beach attitude and are happy to encourage all to join them. A nice side note is that this is still a part of the parks system so your dollars will make their way back into the maintenance of the parks and lakes. Why didn't they think of this sooner?

The food is tasty and inexpensive, the service is great, the management is friendly and the scenery is beautiful. And, no, none of the fish are fresh from the lake, so order up some salmon tacos, get messy and spend some time doing something new by the lakes!

...Now That's Theskini!::permalink


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