Wong Cafe - Rice Street

The Wong Cafe on Rice Street in Roseville does not offer much in atmosphere; that might be an understatement.  Thirty-five years ago they moved from their long-established Selby Avenue location.  We ate at the Selby site and continue to visit them.

It appears that much of the business is take-out chow mein.  If you look past the standard fare you'll find very nice options like chicken lo mein.  The crisp vegetables and nicely quartered broccoli and egg all adds to a very pleasant entre.

The Twin Cites has certainly experience a broad shift in Chinese and Asian options since the 1970s, and unfortunately is now often represented by large all you can eat buffet options.

Wong's is a bit a throwback but we're never disappointed and the owner is focused and friendly.

Sunshine Bakery & Deli ... True Sunshine & Great Food

Oh, God blessed me today.   Noon on Sunday, hungry, what to do?

In my car, I made an important decision.  I decided to pass on the 'corporate cuisine de Shoreview' (I'd say Boreview but John will edit that out [John left it, but reluctantly]) and head west.   If nothing else, I thought, I could pick up some huevos at that place in St. Anthony that's greasy and rude, but at least offers a little something different.   Mistake.   I stepped in the front door, saw the poor people sitting awaiting their fried fate, received the rude treatment from the first staff person, and made the logical decision to step out the door and move on.

Driving west I  noticed the relatively new Ihop was out of business (gee, what a surprise) and toyed with the idea of Catalina.....a restaurant that supports a family.  But then I spotted it....at the back of a repair shop;  the Sunshine Bakery and Deli.  Sunshine on a gloomy day seemed warm and inviting.

Almost nowhere to park, but there was one spot (divine intervention?).   I stepped in and the wonderful owner greeted me warmly and helped me navigate the menu, suggesting the East African breakfast...beef suqar....I was all in.   Six minutes until hot food...now that's customer service.

Then I saw another hopeful sign....a UNIC espresso machine...the same that we have that makes classic delicious (not automated corporate speed up the line) espresso.   I ordered a latte....delicious and only $2.50.

My meal appeared....oh yum.    Beef with peppers, tomatoes, and onions on one plate and a giant folded very thin pancake on the other.   The pancake had a slightly spongy texture, was thin as a French crepe, and was just sweet enough.  The beef was finely cubed, with nice strips of grilled colored sweet peppers, tomato, and onions.   More than I could possibly eat at one sitting....for $7.95.  Oh, I forgot....and a banana (corporate diners may have forgotten what that is...it's called 'fruit').

So I sat back, enjoyed my meal and latte, listened to languages that I'll never be able to speak..or probably even understand, and enjoyed the 'sunshine' being offered at this little cafe.  The paintings on the  walls and the warm hospitality, and the sunshine, was simply wonderful..   The owners work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (and hope to stay open until 9 p.m. in the warm weather ).  I can identify : )

And, as I left, the owner thanked me with a heartfelt 'God Bless You'.   I think I've found the secret to world peace.