Star Prairie Trout Farm
510 Groveland Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota.
There really is not much that can be said about La Belle Vie that has not already been said in one way, shape, or form:
"La Belle Vie just may be the ultimate Twin Cities dining experience." -Jeremy Iggers, Star Tribune.
"Without a shred of hyperbole, I had just had the single best bite of food in my entire life."- MSP Food Critic, Urban Spoon.
"A must-stop for serious foodies, La Belle Vie's elegant atmosphere and unparalleled service perennially send it to the top of the Twin Cities' best dining lists (it's also garnered national recognition)." -Fodors
"Whatever I tried showcased McKee's remarkable style of cooking, one in which bold spices and cooking styles that yield concentrated flavors are deployed, but somehow muted in execution so that no element of a dish ever overwhelms or shouts over another. " -Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl, City Pages
"Any one of my first four courses could easily have made me happy in any restaurant in Minneapolis and I probably would have raved about it as being unique and wonderful tasting. Local chefs can take a lesson from Tim McKee on this one." -Twin Cities Eats
"Excellent. Fresh off a second-straight James Beard nomination for best chef in the Midwest, Tim McKee shines and produces what is widely considered the best food in the Twin Cities." -MSP Restaurant Critics
"As my fork smashed up a beautiful construction and I devoured the entire sugary city, I realized that La Belle Vie is not a place for skimping. Devote yourself to La Belle Vie's best, and you'll be rewarded with a monumental experience." -Rachel Hutton, Minnesota Monthly
The quotes from fans and critics could continue on and on. My personal experience is that of my most memorable and favorite food experience, second only to another plating by Chef McKee. Dining here is more than eating, it can be compared to a religious enlightening. A moment in time where one has the ability to experience food the way I believe we were intended to.
It has been my pleasure to sit down and talk with 2009 James Beard Award recipient for Best Chef Midwest, Chef Tim McKee, and discuss his vision of food and what has made him so successful. It appears that Chef McKee may have possibly fallen into the world of food by accident, "Originally, it was the way I paid my way through college. After college, I loved what I was doing so much, I ended up sticking with it." We can only be greatful for that! Star Prairie Trout Farm is also grateful to have the opportunity to partner with such an amazing and talented Chef who so strongly supports the growing culture of sustainable, local, and fresh food choices.
If you have not had the opportunity to experience La Belle Vie, I strongly recommend putting that on your "Bucket List!" It is truly an experience that everyone should have atleast once (or twice, or as many times as you possibly can for that matter). After you dine there, it will be no surprise that La Belle Vie was named one of America's Top 50 Restaurants by Gourmet Magazine.
