Sanctuary: the restaurant

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I walked into the cellar-styled Sanctuary restaurant thinking I knew how the meal would play out. Simple comfort foods assumptions were sparked by the traditional wine-cellar entry, an antique chandelier, dark wooden tones, exposed limestone walls and a glowing fireplace.

Further igniting these thoughts are the genuine bishop chairs adorning some tables and stone gargoyles protecting all who enter. But my flame of assumption was snuffed out by one glance at the menu.

Like a best-selling mystery novel, the Sanctuary menu entwines deep, complex characters with unexpected twists along the way.  If they had let me, I would have stayed all night to follow each turn of this culinary thriller. But before the lights went out, and they had to send me home, I tasted several of these extraordinary menu items. Although there were a couple plot spoilers, I tried several dishes that are certain to become classics for me.

From sweet potato egg rolls to a perfectly seared scallop topped with cranberry pesto and a champagne shot; each dish was unique with unexpected textures and flavor combinations.

I loved the smoked salmon carpaccio appetizer (texturally complex while still very light), the roasted clam soup (mellow and rich with coconut milk), and a pork shank entrée (perfectly cooked with smoky bacon, tender beans, oyster mushrooms and cool sour cream).

And just when I thought I had Sanctuary figured out (it was Miss Scarlet in the dining room with the candlestick) they threw in one last curve. After all the complexities and plot twists and turns, it turns out that the culprit, the one that slayed my heart, was a typical sideline character that usually goes unnoticed by the crowd …a dish of vanilla ice cream. This version refused to be ignored with its crisp chocolate bits, berries and a drizzle of allspice liqueur crème anglaise.

My experience at Sanctuary was extraordinary. In fact, in light of its name it would be appropriate to describe Sanctuary as divine. With its impeccable service and page-turner of a tasting menu (which changes Monday through Thursday) one thing is for sure; I’ll be back for the next edition.

Katie Cannon is the blogger behind Camacho Watcho as well as an up-and-coming Twin Cities photographer. She both works and plays in the Mill District of downtown Minneapolis.

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