sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name....

A few years ago, my now 19 year old daughter would go and hang out with a few of her friends and sing karaoke. I wanted to go and hear her and hang out with her so I went with them. It was at the Eden Prairie Applebees.

I had so much fun that pretty soon it was a given that Wednesday nights would be spent listening to Kate and Co. singing their song list. Pretty soon, "Don't Stop Believin" by Journey became their signature song.

...and whether we knew it at the time or not, we had slowly become "regulars" at our neighborhood restaurant.

 (my daughters singing karaoke at the EP Applebees)

The staff at the Eden Prairie Applebees is incredible. They are well-trained to know the menu upside down, and aren't afraid to recommend their favorite food items, or steer you clear of the "not as good" entrees.

Brent Thompson, one of the servers there, told me about grilled chicken wings that aren't even on the menu (yet.) They are mild buffalo wings that essentially get dry seasoned on the grill. They are so delicious, that I buy extra when I am in a large group for everyone to try and  am known for passing a drummy over to someone who is having trouble deciding what to order. Brent said they are called "yahdi" wings, but won't swear to the spelling. I just know they are awesome.

(Brent holding an order of Yahdi wings)

The one room design of this Applebees (located less than a mile from the Eden Prairie Center) feels like a big family room, especially on nights when they offer karaoke, Bingo, etc. I am a little partial to Monday "Burger Nights" as any burger on the menu is $5. The Cowboy Burger is my winner, with bacon, cheese, a nice smokey sauce and frizzled onions.

(birthday dessert: hot fudge sundae)

I love this place, and am going to miss it when I make my big move in two weeks. If you haven't been to an Applebees in awhile, stop in and try the Yahdi wings. For added incentive, they are half-price 2-5 and 9 til close, 7 days a week. 

Cheers!