One Of The Best Restaurants In Minnesota Is Hiding In This Small Town
By Trent Jonas|Published August 04, 2023
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Trent Jonas
Author
Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
Banrith Yong is a classically-trained chef who earned his culinary chops in Europe over several years before bringing his impressive skills to Minnesota. In 1998, he and his wife, Joleen, opened Suzette’s in an unassuming building along U.S. Highway 169 in Jordan. Specializing in “fine European cuisine,” humble Suzette’s is one of the best restaurants in Minnesota.
When you see the Suzette's sign along Highway 169, and the small, low-slung building behind it, announcing "fine European cuisine," we'd forgive you for being incredulous.
Its next door neighbor is a used car lot, and it's across the street from the monstrous collection of yellow quonset huts that make up Minnesota's Largest Candy Store.
It's definitely not where you would expect to find fine European cuisine.
The menu is full of classic fine dining dishes of a type that's difficult to find these days. When was the last time you saw an escargot appetizer on a menu - let alone, steak au poivre served with lobster?
You'll also find en croute selections, like chicken wellington.
Many modern kitchens may consider these types of dishes anachronistic, but as someone who grew up watching Julia Child cook on PBS, I am rapt by Suzette's menu.
The one disadvantage of Suzette’s rather intimate space is that it can fill up, so reservations are recommended. Visit the restaurant on the web to book your table, see the full menu, or learn more about Chef Banrith Yong’s background. If you’re not from the area and want to make a weekend of it, there are a few vacation rentals in the area, so you don’t have to drive far on a full stomach. (Autumn is a lovely time to visit this part of the state!)
Have you dined at Suzette’s in Jordan? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
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