ZV Sioux Falls Recommends...

PARKERS BISTRO
210 South Main Avenue, Sioux Falls

(605) 275-7676

Parker's has been open for awhile now and we have hesitated to say anything, not because we don't love it (we do), but because it has been hard to get a table. We have been watching our neighbors, Stacey Wieland and her amazing kids, transforming the old Hamburger Inn into a wonderful addition to the downtown family. Their loving renewal of the building and many months of cooking, training and fine tuning have paid off with a great dining experience.

We have visited frequently since they opened and it gets better every time. We liked the crab spring roll when we tried it during their opening week, but imagine our delight to discover it was even better six months down the road! I could tell you about the lamb sausage they make and smoke themselves or the desserts and breads that are made from scratch in-house; pork chops to rival a great steak; risotto almost as good as my wife's; the blue cheese tenderloin sliders... yes, I could tell you about all these things, but then I would be wasting time better spent eating at Parker's.

QUEEN CITY BAKERY
201 North Weber, Sioux Falls

If you haven't discovered Queen City yet, you are in for a treat. But first, let me bring to light several personal beliefs that color this review.
1) I don't like bakery goods that are short on quality ingredients and high in sugar content....nor do I believe that everything in a bakery can or should be made from the same kind of dough.
2) A great cookie or a muffin or scone made from scratch...these are important things to my quality of life.
My bias revealed: Queen City is the real deal--artisan baking using the best ingredients. Just try the double chocolate cookie--"For two dollars apiece?" you might ask uncertainly. But just taste it... that's right, stuff that cookie in your mouth like it's the last one on earth. And you'll want to; that taste is the difference between using a chocolate that costs $45. lb and using the usual stuff. Quiches, Cheddar Chive Biscuits (we buy in bulk), the cutest cupcakes...and lots more. Sit at the counter and marvel at Mitch's banter or head upstairs where you can grab a table and enjoy a great cup of coffee or tea, with your favorite Queen City delectable.

ZV Fargo Recommends...

DOWNTOWN FARGO

If you haven’t been Downtown Fargo in the last year or two, you owe yourself a trip.  New and improved shops of all kinds and Fargo’s best restaurants make it a must-visit!

NICOLE’S FINE PASTRY
13 So. 8th Street, Fargo

The go to place for the finest made-from-scratch desserts: cakes, chocolates, croissants and much more.  With its newly expanded seating area, Nicole’s is now a great place to linger.

C. LIZZY’S
410 Broadway, Fargo

Cari and Liz are the geniuses behind this one of a kind, handcrafted wonderland.  Much of the delightful art and gifts you will find here are made on the premises; the rest are handselected from artisans across the country.

JOSIE’S CORNER CAFE & BAKE SHOP
524 Broadway, Fargo

Since the closure of Dakota Soda (aaahh) Josie’s is Downtowns most authentic lunch spot.  Tracey and her staff are the sweetest people and never fail to make you feel at home; the food is akin to what your Grandma (after all the place is named after Grandma) would make you for lunch, hearty and reasonable.  Don’t forget a homemade cookie for later!