Top Five Reasons to Go to Brasa Premium Rotisserie
Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 8:36AMStory and Photos by Julie Craven
Before you even walk onto the patio at Brasa Rotisserie there are the smells. From specialties inspired by the traditional flavors of the southern U.S., Caribbean and Mexico, the aromas alone make you think about two things: a local beer and a menu. Chef Alex Roberts, with his Brasa locations and Restaurant Alma, is on the exclusive list of Minneapolis chefs doing amazing things with casual cuisine.
Here are five more great reasons to visit Brasa:
1. The menu has changed a lot in the last two years. Brasa was, and still is, known for shareable, family-style portions and now they've added a plate category. Individual options of their menu favorites. The family option is still on the menu, items that feature their signature, locally sourced and organic ingredients and fair trade coffee and tea.
2. The great outdoors! Patio dining plus stunning weather equals instant amnesia for a Minnesota winter. May 1st is typically when the big doors open, but as the natives know, some years winter tends to hang around, so that date has been subject to change.
3. There are daily specials as well, and the weekend specials sound particularly appealing - ribs and wings! Brasa’s Facebook page is the place to go for live music updates, and the music is oftentimes a month-long residency.
4. The chicken! We ordered chicken two ways: a Rotisserie Chicken Plate, roasted whole with a Creole-style dry rub, and the Pulled Chicken Plate, smothered with a saucy combination of light cream pepper gravy. Both were delicious.
5. Brittany! Our server was a delight, so knowledgable about the menu and enthusiastic with our questions. Brittany's personal favorite entrees are the Rotisserie Chicken and the Slow Roasted Pork. Her favorite sides? Collard greens, rice, and one a bit more unexpected - yucca, thick cut and like French fries with a dipping sauce. She solemnly declared that Brasa, “is the best place to work because everything is so delicious.”
Brittany's advice for first time guests at Brasa? The Rotisserie Chicken with collard greens and the Spicy Masa Corn Cakes. Next time, I'm going for one of the bowl items. The Gumbo Fried Rice with Okra, Shrimp, Peppers Andouille & Scrambled Egg looks absolutely terrific!
Location: 600 E Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55414
Website: www.brasa.us
Julie Craven can be reached at julie@millcitymedia.org
