Mingling with the Fish - Stella's Fish Cafe

Uptown was host to the most recent Sample Circuit event - Stella's Fish Cafe. The place was filled with beautiful people as there were many events going on, and I came early enough to see upfront how much planning and preparation goes into the production of these events. We hung banners, laid menus, and filled gourmet goodie bags, among other things. (Speaking of which, they were awesome - Stella's Gift Cards, Lehmann Farm cinnamon cherries, Nutrisoda energy drinks, bottled water, Minneapolis/St.Paul Home magazine, and a Kowalski's recipe magazine.)

One of my first trips was to the bathroom as my (almost) favorite part about going to restaurants is seeing what they've done with the bathrooms. I think it says a lot about a place when they pay attention to that detail, and can greatly add to the experience of being taken care of. These bathrooms were bright, shiny, and clean. If you ever get tired at Stella's, walk into their bathrooms and your mind is sure to perk-up. Their sinks have a lot of character as they look like wash bins - something one would, maybe, clean fish in.

Sure enough once 5:30 hit, people were already in the door waiting to sample. One of the first ladies I met was a corporate jet flight attendant who found out about the Sample Circuit while she was dining at a restaurant that was concurrently hosting a Sample Circuit event. She came alone and was most excited to meet new people in Minneapolis and to gain some ideas for catering on the corporate jets.

There was a good mix of people who came alone to mingle with new people (like the woman mentioned above), and groups who came to hang out together. I couldn't help myself from approaching a certain table of light-hearted women who were very obvious that they were having a great time, grinning from ear to ear. The ladies found out about the Sample Circuit because a friend from Target recommended it to them. As the group of girlfriends tries to get together once a month, the Sample Circuit events have turned into their meeting place. They nearly reminded me of older versions Samantha, Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda as they sipped, laughed, and gossiped.

As the waiters and waitresses started to bring platters out, my attention shifted from the people, to the food. The night was gradually reminiscent of the shore as the light buttery fish aroma caressed the room and the hum of conversation sounded like rolling waves. I absolutely loved the Ceviche - a citrus marinated fish salad, served with tortilla chips, but I think it could also be called a 'chunky fish salsa.' The colors in the salad were half of its grandeur- pinks, oranges, greens, whites, reds, and purples. The swordfish and halibut added an appropriate amount of 'fishiness,' not too strong to prevent one from going back for another plate - which I did within minutes.


The Grilled Salmon with Creole Hollandaise looked and felt like little pillow nubs, so light and soft. I usually hate hollandaise sauce, but was surprised to taste it wasn't overtly lemony. The last dish I ate was among the best. The Blackened Blue Marlin with caramelized onions and bleu cheese. The latter two additions typified that I'd fall in love immediately. My instincts didn't let me down, once again. This was perfect - the crispy, pan-seared, nut-colored coating on the outside was so enticing. You know the color when you have that perfectly toasted marshmallow? Take that one shade darker and you've got the Marlin. I am currently making my way through a block of bleu cheese at home by myself and thought I'd be sick of it by now, but the Marlin reminded me of my love for the stuff.

In all, the fish at Stella's was very approachable, and I would recommend it to anybody who is new to seafood. It beats Kipper Snacks by a long shot, but is far-removed from a ritzy restaurant. It's just fish - captured well.

Beverage sponsors included:
Lehmann Farms
Sorella Wine & Spirits