• Crab cake starter (shared) $11
• Parmesan Encrusted Walleye w/ Caesar salad $18
• Caramel and chocolate sundae (shared) $5

Ole Store actually contacted us and told us about their new restaurant. While that did not help them get any special treatment, it was fun because for a split second it felt like we were real reviewers who actually got press on restaurant openings, etc. What did help get them special treatment in being "picked" quickly from our basket is our friends in Northfield that we were eager to get together with for dinner.

I had not been to Ole Store before the renovation, but I liked how it turned out, it seemed to fit the neighborhood perfectly. Casual enough for a cup of coffee, but nice enough to sit down to dinner with a bottle of wine.

The food was good, everything was prepared competently, done to the right doneness level, etc. I am not sure it worth a drive to Northfield, but if you have friends in the area, or are simply visiting Northfield for any other number of reasons, I would give it a try.

• Shrimp scampi w/ tomato basil soup $15

We met friends in Northfield for dinner and had a decent meal at the Ole Store. It was nothing to knock your socks off, but it's a good restaurant if you live in the area. I liked the crab cake starter even though Renee's opinion was lukewarm. I liked the meaty texture and the quantity of seafood, but I would have to agree that we've had much better crab cake dips. A zestier, simpler dip would have been better than what I considered to be overly thick and creamy.

I really enjoyed the tomato basil soup. This is the type of soup that would be worth dropping in frequently for a quick and economical lunch (with the delicious bread, of course). I would describe the shrimp scampi as standard and a good value. The price was right and the shrimp were plentiful, but it was really a basic dish. So if that's your bag, it's great. It's better than the national chain restaurants, if that helps (but that's true at most places in my opinion).

The caramel and chocolate sundae was less impressive. We shared the dessert and we both noted that the ingredients were nothing special. Not special ice cream, not special sauces. Save the calories and/or wait for ice cream until you get home. But don't let that stop you from frequenting the Ole Store if you live within a reasonable driving distance (or you're going back for a college reunion).