Fusion

It had been a long week, so Debbie and I decided to treat ourselves to happy hour on a recent Friday evening. Fusion advertised several great specials, so we thought that would be the best place to get the most bang for our buck.

Fusion took over the old Zeno space, but I think it’s actually the same restaurant, just redefined (especially since they still have the Zeno sign up outside? Weird.) The old Zeno was a modern, open, dimly lit space best known for being a wine/coffee/dessert bar. In contrast, the new Fusion reminded me of Jeannie’s bottle in “I dream of Jeannie” with its draperies and padded booths. Just replace all of the pink with deep hues of burgundy and gold.

Our waiter was great. He gave us several recommendations and gave us plenty of time to think about what we wanted to order. After much deliberation, we started out with the baked goat cheese dip. The dip came topped with a dollop of sundried tomato relish and was served with fresh, warm focaccia slices (which we found out was bottomless as we kept being served more bread!). The dip was basically just warmed goat cheese. I love goat cheese, so I did enjoy it, but I guess I was expecting “wow” or something that transformed it from “just” goat cheese. As for the tomato relish, I was very sad (I love sun dried tomatoes just as much as I love goat cheese) that the cheese completely overpowered it making the relish undetectable.

I also ordered a yellow tail maki roll which was very good. Even Debbie who begrudgingly took a piece said that she thought it was good too (I’m going to make a sushi lover out of her one of these days!) Next time, I want to try one of their specialty rolls (all sushi is ½ off during happy hour! I told you they have good deals!)

Next, we ordered Pizza – yum! Waiter described it as “Christmas” and that is what it was! Sweet chewy figs with salty bacon and drizzled with a sweet reduced balsamic. Poor Debbie – I think she only got like two pieces and hogged the rest.

We also split the Smoked Turkey, Brie, and Apple Panini . I was really excited for this sandwich as I adore Brie – especially with fruit, but unfortunately, my excitement dwindled after the first bite. The sandwich could have been much improved by replacing the sliced deli turkey with fresh breast meat and using an apple mostarda rather than just raw apple slices.….oh, yeah, that’s Bewiched Deli – Fusion could definitely take a lesson from them when it comes to sandwiches!

I finished my meal with a French-pressed decaf coffee – I was relieved that Fusion kept the Zeno coffee (and dessert – although I didn’t order any this time around). I just love that they serve your coffee in your own little personal French-press pot!

So, despite it’s flaws, there is enough about Fusion that I enjoy to bring be back: good service, great prices, some descent menu items…..any yes, my personal French press!

Additional Details:
1. Website: www.fusionmpls.com
2. I hate parking in Uptown! But, the best lot to park in for Fusion is right next to the Lagoon Theater (At Lagoon and Girard Ave S.). Fusion is about 2 blocks west of the theater on Lagoon.