Bode Gray's — Restaurant in Waconia

I figured it would take 10 more years of social progress before we saw a restaurant with the culinary artistry and European panache of Bode Gray’s in Waconia. Nestled in a town known for its conservative charm but largely uninspired franchise-laden gastronomic landscape, Bode Gray’s stands as a beacon of epicurean brilliance.

Upon entering this culinary sanctum, one is immediately enveloped in an ambiance that whispers sophistication. The decor, a harmonious blend of modern minimalism and classic European elegance, sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

The menu is nothing short of a magnum opus. Each dish is a testament to the chef’s virtuosity, a symphony of flavors that dance upon the palate with an almost transcendental finesse. From the Roasted Duck that tantalizes the taste buds with a promise of the delights to come, to the pièce de résistance that leaves one in a state of gastronomic rapture, every bite is an odyssey of taste.

The culinary offerings are an eclectic mix of traditional European techniques and avant-garde innovation, resulting in a tapestry of flavors that is as complex as it is sublime. The Tortellini alla Casper, for instance, is a masterclass in rustic refinement, its velvety sauce and tender meat a homage to the culinary traditions of Burgundy. The Roasted Squash Risotto, a creamy dream infused with the earthy essence of pepitas could easily hold its own against the finest trattorias of Milan.

What truly sets Bode Gray’s apart, however, is its astonishing affordability. In a metropolitan setting, one would expect to pay a princely sum for such gastronomic grandeur, yet here, in the heart of Waconia, one can indulge in a feast fit for royalty at a fraction of the cost. It is, quite simply, a revelation.

The only place serving better cocktails than the restaurant itself are made manifest by the enlightened mixologists through the rear entrance of The Brass Hat, an attached Speakeasy that transcends you into the era of prohibition characterized by the same heroic opposition that envisioned Bode Gray’s arrival in a town never before acquainted with the culinary divine. Here, the cocktails are not mere drinks but exquisite libations meticulously concocted with an almost alchemical precision, each sip a journey through the esoteric and the divine.

In summation, Bode Gray’s is not merely a restaurant; it is a culinary pilgrimage, a testament to what is possible when culinary passion meets artistic ingenuity. To dine here is to experience the zenith of gastronomic delight, and for this, we owe a debt of gratitude to the culinary visionaries behind this extraordinary...

UPDATE: I’m sorry you felt the need to respond to my review the way you did with the same attitude you have in person! We are all struggling actually; but I wanted to treat myself to a nice dinner with good wine. I went because I knew the food was good and the construction didn’t bother me. But I gave my review with the honesty of the current situation! Good you have kids specials; but this is not a space for kids and if it was a bunch kids I walk out. Because definitely not paying Your prices with screaming kids in my ear because WHERE you sitting them?? The seating is not good at all and if you get seated in the time out corner which I got TWICE! The server has to be fantastic Not to forget you there because you are completely hiding. People need to know the prices are high and the servers is NOT the best. Again your response was enough for people to know. All 3x the worst service came from the front of the house. END: First time I came was ok; I was interested and came back! Second time was a good experience and won me over for a 3rd time and on the 3rd time; I see the flaws! Upscale prices and selection with a poor waitress who doesn’t know your high end items or the wines! Coming here with the construction IS A PAIN!! the dinning seating is small and limited; with a section that hides you complete from waitstaff; living you completely depending on them remembering to check your drinks; had she done that I would have gone at least one more glass of wine. It gives dive bar and high end which doesn’t work well when your prices are that high! $47 plates of food and $13 glass of wine minimum then you should deliver the high end experience you are...

Waconia food scene is definitely lacking. Decided to try BG’s “Italian speakeasy “….first never been to any establishment calling their food Italian that didn’t offer bread service. Ordered two pies and two pastas. One pasta was a “kids half” portion. None of the came out together to start. After all the food was out I did ask about bread and the rookie bartender/server started to try and explain what ciabatta was ( we were embarrassed for her). The kids portion was slightly larger than the full portion spaghetti and meatballs. I did ask for the bolognese with the spaghetti as I’m fond in most good authentic Italian joints the flavor. This was bland probably “authentic “ with too much veg, lacked flavor and needed salt. The meatballs were moist but flavorless globs of meat crying for salt. 9yr old like her Alfredo, wife enjoyed her pie while my son had a hard time with his pepperoni. Kept saying the cheese tasted funny. I tried and tended to agree. With the pizza oven they have I would expect better finish results. The dough is fantastic, really liked the chew, sauce was good but gooey white mess of cheese on both . No bits of blistered cheese that focuses flavors and salinity that’s usually amazing with pizza and high end ovens. I would note we went on a sun at around 445 and the place was half full with what seemed like a large staff presence so at least no perceived issue with being busy or short staffed. It’s great and I hope they force Lola’s and others to improve , in the same token may try it again...