Where do you want to eat?

I've been tagged with a meme for the first time. This is so exciting. What is a meme? I'm so new I had to look it up. Clare's Dad sent me this idea so I'm going to give it a whirl. I only hope I can live up to his expectations. I don't want to disappoint Clare.

This meme involves the following rules.
*Link to the person who tagged you.
*Include the state and country you live in.
*List top five favorite local restaurants.
*Tag five other people and let them know they’ve been tagged.

Mt. Fuji is a hibachi restaurant in Maple Grove, MN. We were a little nervous going here the first time. Lady Di and Number One son tend to eat on the picky side. Sweet Pea and I, by contrast, brought our own chopsticks and bibs. It was a lot of fun. The chef was very entertaining. He made an onion smokestack complete with train whistle. The kids loved the spatula clanging and knife banging. But the thing they will remember best is when the chef got a good flame going on the grill, then brought out a little wooden doll about the size of a pop can. When he pushed down on the doll's head, the doll's pants lowered and water squirted the fire out. I think all four of us squealed like pigs. Then we ate like pigs. Even the finicky ones.

Another of our favorites is Daddio's in Elk River. As you would expect by the name, this is a 50's style burger joint. However, they have the best tacos in our area. Who would have thought that we would find good Mexican food in the middle of milkshakes, burgers and Elvis. This place actually has a life sized Elvis in the front window. A few televisions also show 'The Lone Ranger' reruns while you eat. High Ho Silver!

Last St. Patrick's Day we visited The Local in Minneapolis. I don't think I had been to a real Irish Pub before. We went with our friends who are Irish and had a blast. The food is authentic and the beer comes in pints. They also turned out to be the largest seller of Jamison Irish Whiskey in the nation. We helped them along a little bit with sales on that day. I don't suppose they have a bagpipe band march through the bar every night, but for Irish food, beverage, and atmosphere, it is the best.

The Time Out in Elk River is a sports bar with a very good restaurant. Lady Di and I each had a melt-in-your-mouth steak. After our meal we played pool and darts with our friends and decided to save the karaoke for next time.

The last eatery we enjoy visiting is Sticks in Minneapolis. The chicken and vegetables are very good. Sticks is part of the ACME comedy club. They usually have pretty good comedians and very often have a national comic. Our favorite is Nick Swardson. Check him out if you get the chance.

As you can see, our considerations in dining center around the level of kid friendliness and entertainment. We enjoy good food but are not really gourmands. Time spent together is more valued than what we ate. Being entertained during the meal creates more memories for us and the kids. I hope this helps someone who is looking for somewhere to eat. Because these establishments are definitely places to eat.

Now it's time to pass the fork to five others for culinary direction. I'm going to tag five people that Lady Di and I enjoy reading. Visit DJKirkby, Blog of Rand, Denver Dad, The Hygiene Chronicles, and Epixstix. Check them out if you like.