Meritage

Although I love chocolate, my favorite dessert is crème brûleée. I don’t order it often, and have made it once, so I decided for my birthday to Google “best place in the Twin Cities for crème brûlée” and the Meritage popped up as number one. 

The Hamm building in St. Paul, where Meritage is housed.

My birthday, the first day of spring, was a beautiful, sunny day. Gary and I decided to go to the Meritage for lunch, on our way to Como Park Conservatory where we were going to take in the sight and smells of spring flowers.

I was impressed with the Meritage, a French restaurant in St. Paul, near Rice Park. Although we had trouble finding the door to enter, once inside a man who seemed to be in charge apologized for the difficulty in finding our way in. In the summertime the door on the street is unlocked, but in the winter they keep that door closed for warmth and redirect you with signs to an interior entrance. 

Inside the Meritage restaurant.

The Meritage is a small, intimate restaurant in a historic building, with old wood, mirrors and a wall of windows. We requested to be seated by the window, looking out at the Landmark Center. There was a fresh tulip on each table and a server came around with fresh bread served from a basket. Our waitress was friendly and very good. We told her it was my birthday and we were at the Meritage to try their crème brûlée. She said she’d set two aside. 

For lunch we split an omelet, which was delicious, and then our waitress brought out our much anticipated crème brûlée. She had placed one lit birthday candle on the side of my plate, which was a fun, added touch. I was so excited to taste the crème brûlée and it did not disappoint either one of us. It was excellent. 

Crème Brûlée with birthday candle.

After such a pleasant experience, we got our bill and the waitress had listed my dessert as complimentary. What a great birthday surprise. 

Como Park Conservatory with spring flowers.

One time I made crème brûlée, with a friend. The two of us would cook together occasionally, trying different recipes…and crème brûlée was one of them. I must say ours turned out well… and was very tasty… and we had fun in the process… but I’m not inclined to make it on my own. I’m happy to know about this wonderful little spot in St. Paul with the best crème brûlée in the Twin Cities.

10 thoughts on “Meritage”

  1. That sounds like a wonderful day Valerie. Belated happy birthday 🎈🎂🎉 Lori
    (I also truly enjoy creme brûlée!
    P.S. we just returned home last night from Oklahoma. I got your message. Call when you have time.

  2. I tasted creme brulee for the first time several years ago at the NAPA Christmas party at the home of Randy’s employer. That dessert proved divine.

    What a lovely setting for you to celebrate your birthday and enjoy your favorite dessert. Happy birthday, a tad late!

    I want to see the flower show at Como, which is only a short drive from the eldest daughter’s home.

    1. I hear all about the good food at the NAPA party! It doesn’t surprise me they served creme brulee.
      Thank you for the birthday wishes. I continue to celebrate. 😉
      I hope you get to see the flowers at Como. It’s nice your daughter lives so close. Izzy would love to see the flowers too, especially with grandma!

      1. We missed the NAPA party this year as that’s the day Amber went into labor with Isaac.

        I need to work on creating a love for flowers in Izzy. Maybe I will buy her some flower seeds and a flower pot for her third birthday next week.

        1. Having her grow flowers is great idea but I don’t have much luck with seeds in pots, except in the ground. Hopefully, you’ll do better.
          The colors at Como are so bright…she’d like seeing the colors I’m sure. I can’t believe she’s turning 3!

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