Are you missing spice and variety in your daily meals? Then put zest and flavor back on the table. When you need inspiration, check out the following Maple Grove restaurants for entrees that are sure to give you a citrus blast that’ll leave your taste buds begging for more, and remind you that warmer weather is just around the corner.
Lemon Chicken and Orange Chicken
China Dragon
The folks at China Dragon have taken chicken to a whole new level. They start by cutting large chunks of white meat chicken and coating it in batter. Then they deep fry. “We fry the chicken until it is crispy and golden brown,” says employee Stephanie Carroll. “We drizzle it with a sauce made of freshly squeezed lemon juice.”
Is lemon not your cup of tea? Try China Dragon’s orange chicken, another front-running citrusy favorite. “The sauce for orange chicken is sweet and savory while the sauce for lemon chicken has a refreshing tangy flavor,” Carroll says. Each dish is served on a bed of lettuce with a side of white rice. $10.60 each.
11251 96th Ave. N.; 763.493.5170
Orange Honey Glazed Salmon
Maynard’s Restaurant
Available during lunch, dinner and now as a brunch option, this dish features grilled Atlantic salmon with a spicy orange honey glaze that is sure to make your mouth water. A side of fresh mixed vegetables and a baked potato means you’ll have little room for dessert. For only $17.95 you can treat yourself to a symphony of springtime flavors.
21415 136th Ave. N., Rogers; 763.428.0700
Broiled Walleye & Raspberry Rhubarb Crisp
Are you a fish lover? Then you’ll want to try the broiled walleye at Dehn’s Country Manor. Served year round, this 8 - to 10-ounce skin-on walleye filet is broiled in lemon garlic butter and served with house made tartar sauce and a choice of soup or salad, and a potato or steamed broccoli for $18.95.
“Many of our patrons live in the southern states during the winter and walleye is not readily available in that region,” says manager Michael Dehn. “One of the first things they do when they get back to Minnesota in the spring is come out to Dehn’s for a good walleye dinner. In Florida, they have plenty of ocean fish but, oh, the walleye! They miss it so much.”
Make sure to leave enough room after your dinner for a seasonal fruit crisp dessert ($6.95) such as apple-cranberry or raspberry-rhubarb.
11281 Fernbrook Lane; 763.420.6460
Coconut Shrimp Salad and Southwest Salad
Get ready for two salads that exemplify deliciousness. Indulge in this salad of mixed greens, diced pineapple, red onion and poblano peppers topped off with four jumbo coconut shrimp, all dressed with a cilantro lime vinaigrette. Bruce Michaelson, manager of Highlander Pub, sums up a second salad that will intrigue your senses: “Our southwest salad has the same cilantro lime vinaigrette dressing but comes with shredded romaine, black beans, roasted corn, pico de gallo, avocado, shredded cheese and tortilla strips.” The salad is $10; give the meal a twist by adding chicken for $4 or steak for $6.
7801 County Road 101; 763.494.8844
Bruschetta Salad
Even if you’re not a pizza fan, don’t let that dissuade you from visiting Solos Pizza Café. Salad lovers rave about Solos’ bruschetta salad, which features fired-braised chicken, black olives, gorgonzola, bruschetta and shaved parmesan, all tossed in a mixture of orange and lemon balsamic dressing for the citrusy zing we love. $8.25.
13356 Bass Lake Road; 763.551.9999
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(Photo Courtesy of Solos Pizza Café)
Chicken Fajita Taco, Rusty Taco, BBQ Pork Taco and Margarita
A taco is only as good as is its garnishes—and that final touch is one of Rusty Taco’s specialties. The chicken fajita taco ($2.50) is first brined, then seasoned and seared on the grill for a moist flavor and topped off with fresh pico de gallo and cilantro. Don’t forget the hint of lime—be sure to sprinkle liberally. The signature rusty taco is packed with sweet and meaty flavors featuring marinated pork, pineapple, onion and cilantro ($2.50).
The barbecue pork taco will have you asking, “Did I really taste a soft drink in my taco?” And the answer will be “yes.” Not only does this taco come with pork marinated in the house-made barbecue sauce, but it features flavors of chipotle, cherry and Dr Pepper. The ride doesn’t end there; lime coleslaw tops off this taco along with a side of extra lime.
With all of these tacos, you’ll need a refreshing beverage. Why not try a margarita? All margaritas at Rusty Taco are made with fresh lime juice, tequila and homemade syrup ($4.50).
6346 Vinewood Lane N.; 763.355.5064
