Meet the Newest Stars in Minneapolis’ Dining Scene: Blondette and Miaou Miaou
On the lookout for the next great place to eat? Look no further than Minneapolis, Minnesota. Though often overshadowed by more well-known foodie cities, Minneapolis is a hidden gem in the restaurant world. Its vibrant, ever-evolving dining scene is introducing two new concepts this fall at Rand Tower Hotel: Blondette and Miaou Miaou.
A Culinary Mastermind
Paving the way for these new food and beverage venues is Minnesota Monthly’s 2022 Chef of the Year, Daniel del Prado. The Buenos Aires-born chef and Twin Cities restaurateur is helping to bring notoriety to Minneapolis’ foodie reputation with a variety of innovative restaurants.
Martina, an Argentinian-Italian restaurant in Linden Hills, was del Prado’s first restaurant concept, and Oaxacan Mexican-influenced Colita his second. He has continued to open new and creative spaces including Rosalia Pizza, Josefina, and Cardamom. His current project, the dining outlets at Rand Tower Hotel, mark his first venture into hotels.
Bon Voyage!
Bringing distinct points of view on French cuisine, these outlets will take guests on a journey to bon appétit. The adventure begins on the first floor at Bar Rufus, which opened in July 2022. This Art Deco lobby bar serves French bistro-inspired dishes and cocktails and features a daily happy hour, Le Happy Aperitif, from 4-6 pm.
From there, continue to the 5th-floor cocktail lounge, Miaou Miaou, for large-format cocktails showcasing French island rhums. End your journey at Blondette, where you will dine under the stars in Rand Tower Hotel’s one-of-a-kind rooftop dining room.
The Cat’s Miaou
Inspired by the lion cubs of the Lafayette Squadron, of which our founder Rufus Rand was a member, Miaou Miaou is Rand Tower Hotel’s 5th-floor cocktail lounge. The lounge honors post-prohibition cocktail culture while ushering in the innovation of now. The drinks have French ingredients with an almost tropical flair. Offering cocktails made to share and chic spaces to unwind, Miaou Miaou serves as a welcoming, playful gathering place for guests. The lounge also features small bites alongside its thought-provoking cocktail menu.
Signature items include In the Clouds with Gran Dovejo Blanco tequila, peche, Lustau Fino sherry, citrus, and bubbles, and large format punches such as Kitty Kitty Punch with Clairin Communal rhum, mango, papaya, vadouvan, and lime.
Miaou Miaou is open Wednesday and Thursday from 5 pm-10 pm and Friday and Saturday from 5 pm-11 pm.
Rooftop Rebel
Blondette is the premier restaurant on the 5th floor of the Rand Tower Hotel. French, but not quite, the menu is described as “French Punk”. Chef del Prado is pushing the boundaries of the Minneapolis culinary scene by turning timeless cuisine on its head. Dishes are made with classic French techniques and Pacific Northwest ingredients. They’re served beneath a retractable roof exposed to the stars twinkling above downtown Minneapolis.
Signature dishes include King Crab a la Plancha with remoulade, soft cooked egg, salmon trout roe, mache; Fricassee of Sweetbreads with pommes puree, chanterelles, spinach; and Foie Gras selections showcasing a myriad of cooking styles of Foie.
Blondette is open Wednesday and Thursday from 5 pm-9 pm and Friday and Saturday from 5 pm-10 pm.