One Of The Best Restaurants In Minnesota Is Hiding In This Small Town

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.

Inside, the restaurant is bright and airy, with an appearance much like that of any small-town, family restaurant.

It's not until you're handed the menu that you begin to realize that you've been deceived by Suzette's humble trappings.

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.

Seriously, look at this rack of New Zealand lamb!

And don't even get me started on the dessert menu, which includes a Napoleon, two types of soufflés, and a crème brûlée.

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!