Chianti Grill

Chianti Grill
2050 North Snelling
Roseville, MN 55113

Catching up with Aaron J last night. We went to the new location for the Chianti Grill up in Roseville. In their previous location, Ian and I would stop in occasionally after going to The Source to look at comic books or magic cards. Our regular order was house red wine (can you guess their house? Chianti of course!!), maybe a flatbread pizza (shrimp and pesto - spectacular!), and the most amazing chocolate cake EVER. It was gigantic and paired so well with the wine, that we ordered it every time. And we're both a little spazzy about dessert!

Now the space is lofted, and very open, and really really beautiful. But it has certainly lost some of its previous cozy qualities that brought us back over and over. I ate a salmon salad, which was perfect. Crisp and flavorful greens, a light and sweet dressing, and just the right amount of salmon that it made for a delicilious, fulfilling meal.

Experience Ratings:
Ambiance/Space: 8
The place is welcoming, well lit, and well decorated. The bar area is tucked back just slightly for a separation from the dinner crowd which keeps you in touch with the rest of the restaurant, yet lets you sit a bit more casually in a high backed booth. All around, very nice and very comfortable.
Bathrooms: 7
Unremarkable. Clean, big, well-decorated. And since the place is brand spankin' new... they better be clean!!
Food/Drink: 7
Good here, good at the last location. Yum Yum Yum. The salad was the only thing I have ever ordered that wasn't off the happy hour or dessert menu though because I think their prices are just a little high. Somehow, I let the Downtown Minneapolis places off the hook for their pricing. If it were even just slightly less expensive, it'd be my watering hole.
Service: 9
They notice when we need them, and leave us alone when we don't!
Overall: 7
Just lovely! The prices keep out the hipsters and us youngins though. I think I'll drive to Upown next time.