• Empandillas $7.95 (shared)
• Robalo a la Parrilla con Pipian (Grilled Sea Bass) $24.95
• Tres Leches de Chocolate $8.95 (shared)

Babalu was a bit of challenge for me. One one hand, I had one of the best meals I have had this year, on the other hand, I don't think I would really want to go back.

The food really was excellent. The Empandillas were spicy, the accompanying dipping sauce was great. The grilled sea bass was perfectly done and the pumpkin seed sauce with mangos perfectly complimented the fish, really one the best dishes this year. The chocolate tres leches cake was amazing. I have had this dessert several time over the course of my life and I have never understood the appeal. I now understand the appeal.

The service was very well done. From the waiter to the host to people who brought out the food, everything was done well attentive, but not obtrusive. The room was well appointed, the chairs comfortable, sound level right and the lighting low.

But I wouldn't go back, why I can't quite put my finger on. Everything was perfectly done, but somehow there was no personality and I don't even think that explains it, but that is the best I can do. I would be interested to be there with live music which they apparently have all the time, that may help, but I am not sure.

• Churrasco Argentino (Grilled Beef Tenderloin) $24.95

Babalu is a scene today, but not necessarily a permanent fixture. Over 2 ½ years ago, one Twin Cities professional restaurant critic quipped, "Welcome to your next six months." Some of that crowd has moved on and a hard core dinner and dance crowd remains. Oh, and the food we had was remarkable, which comes as a surprise because each of the major Twin Cities restaurant reviewers found faults with the food. We really didn’t expect outstanding food, and we were pleasantly surprised when Babalu far exceeded our expectations. I can only hope that it’s because Babalu has maintained stable talent in the kitchen and smoothed out any rough edges. I would hate to rate Babalu excellent only to hear disappointing feedback from readers.

The empanadillas were flavorful - they were out in mere seconds after we ordered, leading us to believe they had a bunch pre-made for a Saturday night. But so what? They were very good - certainly recommended, although hard to say if they are among the best of the Twin Cities based on our limited experience.

The Churrasco Argentino was a great steak. I would put it up against the downtown steak houses for tenderness and flavor, and it was cooked to order perfectly.

I was also impressed by the tres leches de chocolate. Like some other restaurants these days, they’ve raised the price and portion size, so you might as well share your dessert. One redeeming feature: the portion size really is two, not four, six, or higher. A second redeeming feature: the cake is good.

If I were to go back, it would be for tapas, empanadillas, or dessert. That notwithstanding, I’ll bet Babalu will have a solid core dinner and dance crowd for a long time to come.