Bite Of Minnesota: Now Open: Terzo

Last week, I had a happy hour date set up with some friends from a previous job. Plenty of time was spent discussing available dates and possible locations. Babysitters were secured, work tasks were prioritized, and three hours before go time, someone backed out, followed by another, and yet another.

Determined to save the evening, the two of us who remained jumped at the chance to check out the newly opened Terzo Vino Bar in the old Pierre's space in south Minneapolis, which opened two nights prior by the Broder family (yes, of Broders Cucina fame). Four and a half hours later we were finally asking for our check.

Why such a long evening? First, good company and conversation goes a long way as does a solid wine list, a varied menu, and attentive wait staff. We worked our way through crisp white wine, full-bodied rose, and smooth-drinking bubbles all on the advisement of our server and sommelier, who not only provided spot on recommendations but also gave some reasoning into why the wine made it onto the list.

As for food, we started with the skewer del giorno (skewer of the day), which was a hazelnut stuffed cherry, wrapped in lardo, rolled in crushed hazelnuts and drizzled with a cherry reduction. At $1 a skewer, it was an easy sell and quite delicious. Shortly after, we devoured a cheese and prosciutto board and started to eye our neighbors' food selections. The space itself is quite small and we weren't the only ones with food envy. When a neighboring table ordered the frutti de mare (a chilled seafood dish), two others placed an order for the same (including us).

I enjoyed my first visit to Terzo, and I'm eager to return to try a few more menu items and discover new wines. They don't take reservations, so come early or late to avoid the dinner rush or grab a seat at the bar while you're waiting.