"**Date Night at Nolabelle**
We had a fantastic evening at Nolabelle for their soft opening. Given that it was a trial run, we didn't expect everything to be perfect, but overall, it was a delightful experience.
For appetizers, Michael chose the pretzel-covered goat cheese balls while I opted for the blueberry chicken tacos. Both were tasty, though a bit more seasoning would have taken them to the next level. Having salt and pepper on the table would have made the appetizers truly standout.
Next, I had the arugula apple salad, and Michael tried the tomato bisque with a grilled cheese dipper. My salad was excellent, but unfortunately, the grilled cheese came out cold, the cheese wasn't melted, and the soup was lukewarm. It tasted good nonetheless, but I'm sure both dishes would have been much better served hot.
For our entrees, Michael had the shrimp and grits, and I had the pork schnitzel. The shrimp and grits were seasoned perfectly, and the grits were the best I’ve ever had! The fries with cheese sauce that accompanied my meal were crispy and delicious, and my salad was bright and fresh. However, the pork cutlet was overcooked and a bit tough.
Despite these few drawbacks, it was one of the best meals we've had in Mankato. I genuinely hope this place succeeds! The drinks were good and reasonably priced, and the waitstaff was friendly and very apologetic about the slow service."