Chino Latino

You guys, I feel like if I had to choose my last meal on earth, it might be Chino Latino.  During my business trip to Minneapolis, we had a group dinner at this Uptown restaurant touting "Street Food from the Hot Zones" and a collection of hilariously-named cocktails.  (For example, I indulged in a Crack Ho Mojito, which came with small vials of delicious fruit purees to add to my drink.  It was one of the best drinks I've ever had!)  The whole place looks kind of warehouse/non-descript on the outside, but once you're inside you feel like you've been given access to an exclusive dark and trendy hotspot.

Crack Ho Mojito, before and after

*Note...  the place was very dark and I was with my coworkers so I was trying to take quick photos without being too obvious.  So just deal with the fact that I'm not a great food blogger and go drool over Lauren's awesome photos.*
The food, you guys... the food.  Our group ordered a feast of Fidel's Capitalist Pig Roast, a Havana style suckling pig served with rice, plantains, and other trimmings.  I indulged in eating a bit of the cheek with a couple of others, crusty skin and all.  It totally transported me back to that amazing suckling pig I had in Spain!  We passed the head (and meat, of course) around to share, along with a smorgasbord of small plates.

If you ever have a chance, EAT THE CHEEKS.  Do it.

I also sampled:

• Kalbi Beef Short Ribs, marinated with asian pear and soy and served on a kimchee puree (YES, these were on the menu, and THEY ROCKED)
• Korean Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps (I didn't order these, but I sure dove in on some interested Korean fusion)

Kalbi and Bulgogi

• Some sort of calamari (I think it was the Lamma Island Salty Squid)
• Queso Fundido with Chorizo (I could eat this all day until I am bed-ridden)

• Pork Belly Steam Buns (it was like an open-faced bao sandwich with slow-cooked PORK BELLY, I die I die I die)
• Fried Ice Cream (plantain crusted coconut ice cream with bananas and caramel sauce)
• Chocolate Flandango (dulce de leche, flan, and chocolate cake in layers, which my boss has challenged me to make)

And that wasn't even everything that was ordered and passed around. You guys, I felt so fat and happy after that meal.  No words.  I was a bit tipsy from my mojito, but I enjoyed eating until the point of no return.  I felt like I was Anthony Bourdain or something.  It was epic.  I seriously want to eat here every day.
I highly recommend it if you get the chance!  Minneapolis, you've impressed me.