Well, my favorite little neighborhood Bistro is no more.  Gone with the way of the economy, Sauced had to close its doors last week after a brief year, leaving me without a refuge for the likes of neighborhood chains like Applebee’s.

John and staff made a concious effort to bring a new level of food experience to North Minneapolis.  Hopefully others will follow in their footsteps and realize that there are people living in this area of the city that do appreciate quality food.

Thank you, John.

(p.s. – if you know where my husband & I can find a restaurant serving a really good duck breast in town, please inform!)

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If you have been looking for a place to find a seared duck breast that reminds you of your last trip to France, look no further, friends. My husband Bob & I stumbled on this wonderful, small neighborhood bistro a month or so ago and have been back several times. Run by a young, vivacious husband and wife team and a really great staff, this restaurant is located in the Camden area of North Minneapolis.  Just the type of restaurant we need here.  I mean, we REALLY need this restaurant.

John Conklin, the chef (or cook as he likes to be refered as), is brilliant and dedicated to traditional French fare with an American twist, giving it’s roots to the name Sauced. The potato leek soup is divine and the grass-fed beef tenderloin with the burgundy veal demi-glace just melted in my mouth. But I will have to say that the duck breast so far is my absolute favorite.  Pan seared and served with wonderful juices, it practically transported me back to my time in France this past summer.  And that alone warranted a hug to the chef that prepared this for me.  Save some time and order the puff pastry dessert of banana creme with a rum chocolate sauce or you will have to wait a good 10 minutes for the order – they bake it fresh.

The staff is very knowlegable about their wines and offer great suggestions for paring with your dinner, appetizers or even desserts.  They don’t have a full liquor license yet, but do offer a nice selection of beers as well.  Half price bottles of wine on Tuesdays and happy hour. They also have a Monday night football ‘beer & grub’ special.