A few minutes from the Ridgedale Mall in the west suburbs, just off west 394, sits BLVD Kitchen and Bar off Wayzata Blvd. It shares the same parking lot as Dick’s Sporting Goods and Michael’s Minnetonka.  It’s an upscale, polished bistro that instantly feels warm and welcoming. BLVD may be in the West Metro suburbs but it is far from unprepossessing. Modern meets rustic with concrete decor; exposed-brick and reclaimed-wood. Adding to the elegant, yet casual environment, BLVD has a perfect sense of luxury hidden in a suburban strip mall. Complete with a gorgeous patio and an outdoor fire pit for the warmer months. Now, I’m not usually one to offer suggestions as to what to try but I will this time. If you come for brunch, get the apricot cream cheese French toast. Lunch more your thing? Try the ribeye sandwich, salmon sliders, crab cake BLT, Chili lime chicken or the Blvd royale with cheese burger and truffle fries. Dinner instead? Get the herb rotisserie chicken, pan-seared Chilean sea bass, lobster mac and cheese, filet mignon sliders or the kobe short rib tacos. Stopping for Happy Hour? Order the Moscow mule, mojito, or the bloody Mary. Okay, okay, so if you’re more like me, you’re really going for the dessert. Don’t fret! Get the creme brûlée, chocolate cake, lemon bread pudding or the salted caramel sundae. Don’t worry, I didn’t eat it all myself! Only most of it…

In case you need some help deciding what to do for New Year’e Eve, they still have availability. If you don’t already have plans, call and make a reservation for their 4 course dinner for two. You won’t regret it!