I had been meaning to eat at this new restaurant in town called Tilia since before it even opened. My friend from book club, Cuellar, had gotten a job there while it was still being built and could not stop gushing about the food, the space and her coworkers. I’d never heard anyone so genuinely excited about the place they worked. And her enthusiasm didn’t stop once the restaurant opened. It actually multiplied.

After a few failed attempts (lonnnnnnnnng wait times), we finally got to go eat there last night for Brad and my 4 year dateiversary. And let me just say it was TOTALLY worth the wait. We sat up on the counter/bar right in front of the kitchen, so of course Brad was in heaven. The chefs were all super nice and helped us decide what to order. Cuellar helped out in her own special way—I texted her and asked what we should order and she said, “Everything!!!!!” Ha. So here’s what we ended up ordering, a kind of Greatest Hits compilation of their most popular small plates. And let me just say, we were not disappointed once:

• Grilled Bread with Prosciutto + Fresh Mozzerella

• Shrimp with Spring Peas, Spicy Scampi Sauce and Grilled Scallion

• Roasted Chicken Thighs in a Sort of Jerk Chicken Style

• Scallops with Curry, Carrots and Marinated Mushrooms

• Caramelized Brussell Sprouts, Walnuts and Ham

Good Lord, I am SOOOOOOOO happy I started eating meat again.

This was, hands down the most enjoyable meal I’ve had in Minneapolis. And in a long time. The food was all amazing. Fresh. Flavorful. Unique. I found myself wishing I could somehow apply to be a judge on Top Chef…if THIS is the kind of stuff they eat. Also, I was wondering why anyone would pay $6 for a friggin McDonald’s value meal when they could pay $8 for the most AMAZING jerk chicken in the world. Totally beyond me. Aside from the amazing food, the service was fantastic, the atmosphere rich and inspiring. It was just the perfect little dark, romantic restaurant. I felt like we were in New York or something. I walked out of the restaurant, holding Brad’s hand, feeling as though I was in a different world. Just feeling so full and blessed and grateful. I was in heaven.