If you’re looking for a place that will satisfy your hunger pains and worried mind, I may just have a place for you. If you’re looking for a place that will have you feeling like a fool and falling in love with the food, I may just have a place for you. And, if you’re looking for a place that might just have you on your knees and begging for more, I may just have a place for you.
Now, before you go insane, that place I am speaking of is a place called Lela and it’s located inside the Bloomington Sheraton off Hwy 100. I was invited to Lela’s for a special event to recognize those of us who have been Yelp Elite Members for 5 years or more thanks to our awesome Community Manager, Kara. The culinary team at Lela provided us with a 4-course meal where they showcased their talents from the kitchen as well as their talents from the bar. And, while our pairings are not yet on their regular lunch/dinner menu, I personally think they should be!
Let’s start this thing off with a fantastic appetizer. Blackened Shrimp Skewers, that were seasoned perfectly and sitting atop a delicious chipotle aioli. Hints of light smoke from the chipotle aioli combined with the perfectly seasoned and cooked shrimp had me wanting more. Alongside that was the La Fleur – a hibiscus wild flower infused champagne that was perfect for this first dish.
Course number one followed shortly after with a showcase of their house made pasta that is prepared and cooked on a daily basis. Pasta Primavera was our first course that was prepared with a light, yet full of flavor, buttery and creamy sauce. This dish was made with artichokes and while I’m not a huge fan of this veggie, It worked for this dish. To help was it down, we enjoyed a sampling of The Greenway – a gin, cucumber, lime and mint refresher drink. Again, not a big fan of this veggie, until now.
Conversations had started about our favorite spots around town when course number two arrived. A braised Bison Short Rib over Garlic Potato Puree. WOW, just WOW! Fall off the bone, perfectly prepared and seasoned bison with some of the most amazing potato puree one can enjoy. I was even lucky enough to get a little marrow out of my bone – bonus for me! This dish was paired with the Smokey Rouge – a sage, watermelon, Mezcal, tequila and agave martini that was delish. A nice smoky hit at first sip with a refreshing finish on the backside.
Finally, after an enjoyable night of culinary expertise, fun conversations and meeting new Yelpers, our dessert arrived to the table. Salted Caramel Tiramisu with a house made whipping. I tend to go for other desserts not being a coffee guy, but this might have been the only Tiramisu I’ll eat again. And, to tap off the night, some Tawney 10yr Port. Sweet with just a hint of dryness for this VERY occasional wine drinker.
This truly was a wonderful culinary experience and I tip my chef hat to the team at Lela, Kara our awesome Community Manager and all of the great company around me. This is definitely a place I would love to listen to Clapton acoustically at while I enjoy some culinary perfection!
Lela
5601 W 78th St
Bloomington MN 55439
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