City View Grille

This place is located on the campus of St. Paul College right by the Cathedral. The food is prepared by the students and they have a rotating menu. I showed up for the Asian buffet and wasn’t sure what to expect but left pleasantly surprised.
For lunch, it was 12 dollars and they don’t take credit card… yet. We were served an amazing chinese bun right as we entered. They hit the recipe for this right on the head. I’ve had a million of these and this is one of the best. This is better than buffet food but also a little more expensive. All the food had sort of a yeah but sort of deal to it. For instance the fried rice was flavorful, made with fresh vegetables and not too salty but rice was overcooked. The cream cheese puffs were the best flavored I’d ever had but they were cold. The desserts were very good (cheese cake, chocolate cake and crème brullee) but had nothing to do with Asian food. Selection was big but half the food was a little cold. They had a tasty but cold sweet and sour which was big on flavor and had a little kick but the crust was a little soggy.
This is close to 2 stars for me but they scream of potential so I’m looking forward to trying these guys again for a different service.

This place blew my taste buds away!!! All the flavors and seasoning of the food created an orgasmic party in my mouth. It was quiet, attention to detail very good.
If you have spent close to $ 30 for the Old Country Buffet and left that establishment grossed out and felt very let down, try this place. Very much worth every cent.
I would have to say the flour-​less chocolate cake was the height of my evening. It didn’t even taste like cake more like candy-​mousse. So rich you only needed one to satisfy.

I hate to share this secret because it’s great to be one of just a few tables — but it’s not fair to be greedy, so I’m letting everyone know about this GREAT DEAL!!!
The City View Grille is part of the Food Service program at the St Paul Tech school just off I94 in St Paul. They have an open dining room during their three semesters — and I’m telling you: the food is absolutely delicious at a very inexpensive price! There is usually a choice of 4 appetizers, 4 – 5 entrees and 3 desserts. The appetizers run about $ 2-​$ 5 the entrees are $ 4-​$ 8 and the desserts about $ 3. But people, this is FINE DINING food!!! It’s a fraction of the going price. Now I admit, sometimes something might not be done expertly, but it’s a school after all — these people are still learning, but it’s to OUR advantage because it’s so good.
Watch out for parking on the street (permit only in most areas) — go to their lot, and walk into the front door –down the hall and VOILA! The hours are on their website — it’s usually Tues-​Thur for the regular dining room — and then they have special (ie wonderful) buffets on Friday at noon and Friday evenings.
Did I mention that one of the Chef/​Instructors specializes in artisan breads? I’m just sayin’