No. 24: Crescendo

By Albert Lea Tribune

Nestled in the center of downtown Albert Lea, Crescendo Exquisite Food & Fine Wines features California-style cuisine reflecting influences of classic French, Italian and Eastern origins.

The restaurant draws people not only from the Albert Lea community but also from across the country, said chef and owner Robert Tewes.

“We’re really amazed at the diverse people who come in each weekend,” Tewes said.

The restaurant, in business since 2001, comes in at No. 24 on the Tribune’s list of 25 favorite places of Albert Leans.

Crescendo’s menu features over 100 choices of food friendly wines from California, Italy, France, Australia, New Zealand, Chile and Spain.

The menu changes roughly every eight weeks, depending on when certain produce is in season. It regularly features seafood and beef and uses locally and organically raised products when possible.

One of the restaurant’s draws is its wine dinners, for which Tewes has brought in winemakers passionate about their craft who he works with to carefully pair wine with food.

“We’ve had a couple standout vineyards who have been here,” he said.

Contributing to Crescendo’s casual elegance, Tewes performs nightly for patrons on a baby grand piano.

Tewes complimented his staff, many of whom have been with Crescendo since it opened.

Crescendo, at 118 S. Broadway, is open from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

 

25 favorite places 

The Tribune staff compiled what it feels are the 25 favorite places of Albert Leans. The results will be published over the course of the coming month. What will be No. 1? Agree or disagree, it will be enjoyable to mull over and discuss. Send feedback to letters@albertleatribune.com.