Now Chef-Owned! Read our City Search review
Located just south of Northfield, Minnesota, a college town of 17,000 residents, Fermentations is open for dinner six nights per week. A forty-five minute drive from Minneapolis/St. Paul, we draw customers from both the local community and the Twin Cities metro area. We are the first wine bar in the area, and many of our customers are wine novices. Thus, we make a priority of extensive offerings by the glass and flight. Approximately 50 wines are available by the glass.
Flights give customers an opportunity to compare and contrast wines at a reasonable price, or to sample several before selecting a glass or bottle to accompany their meal. Each of the 16 wine flights on our menu consists of a two ounce tasting glass of 3 wines from a common region or varietal. The three wines within each flight vary by price and other characteristics. Seasoned wine palates can enjoy the Amarone or Napa Cabernet flights, while novices often opt for the Rosé and White Zinfandel flight.
We periodically upgrade the wine list so that we can always offer new options to loyal customers. Likewise, our menu changes every two weeks. This gives us the ability to feature dishes appropriate to the season, and to utilize the best ingredients available at the time. It also gives customers an opportunity to taste their favorite wines with numerous dishes.
Food and wine pairings play an important role in shaping both our menu and wine list. The menu includes suggested wines for each dish, and are always happy to offer more specific advice to customers.
Fermentations’ mission is to deliver excellent food and wine to our customers in a casual, comfortable atmosphere.
Don't let the little non-descript former milltown fool you...for it holds one of Twin Cities' most hidden gems in Fermentations. If the readers aren't aware, the restaurant is now (recently) chef-owned. Paul and Joan are full of passion and will dazzle any "Big City" diners who are too pretentious to think outside their little box. Definitely give this little gem a try. Fresh, fresh seafood. Wonderful decor. Service has always been well above average. Listen, having dined extensively through all the local magazines' "Top Picks" blah, blah, blah, I'd put Fermentations up against any similar establishments in the Twin Cities.
Pros: Chefs' creativity, desserts, visit this soon-to-be top-ten Twin Cities restaurant
Cons: the small town might scare you...don't worry, go inside and start eating
Overall user rating: Highly Recommended