tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74893261120604984392024-03-04T22:25:35.752-08:00Food WriteLinda, the creative and culinary force of Marianne's Kitchen shares with the community.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-61528447806721712612020-02-13T19:34:00.000-08:002020-02-13T19:34:00.251-08:00At Home $5 Dinner better than Lunch Out<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzjT5AxvPRDUW5PylVEuT1XndO4tARAcHnKqjzyH8n5xLz7DkJkENsLHlYKZyLV8WNv37xkahd2jT67GE-DEVBVOSJ24RjmIfCA85pVuGJDC4y-bVABOLL9I6X-7xtMdcwWU8SbQIK0OT/s1600/mariannes+kitchen+salad+and+brats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="mariannes kitchen st paul foodie eat at mariannes" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzjT5AxvPRDUW5PylVEuT1XndO4tARAcHnKqjzyH8n5xLz7DkJkENsLHlYKZyLV8WNv37xkahd2jT67GE-DEVBVOSJ24RjmIfCA85pVuGJDC4y-bVABOLL9I6X-7xtMdcwWU8SbQIK0OT/s400/mariannes+kitchen+salad+and+brats.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At Home from Marianne's Kitchen</span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brats & Salad </span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tonight we had something like the lunch we had hoped for....heavy on the veggies and/or fruit.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Big salads with mixed greens, strawberries & blueberries, drizzled
with a vinaigrette of mustard, J Leeper Beekeeper honey, some pear
balsamic, & a grind of mixed peppercorns.</span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUWB7pbY2iX_paN7dx5KUpIFcg00CmMNs_BzVL1DESpcPa9tKqHSejMNCTGmOQL0KaTBXVtjRTUQamTWLkN77to_YcM6JZjXS4lDtL_GpfHP_TDfYq4TF4VlhISI2ICtnReHK6fog7ajS/s1600/mariannes+kitchen+brats+on+day+old+bun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="mariannes kitchen eat at mariannes st paul foodie" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUWB7pbY2iX_paN7dx5KUpIFcg00CmMNs_BzVL1DESpcPa9tKqHSejMNCTGmOQL0KaTBXVtjRTUQamTWLkN77to_YcM6JZjXS4lDtL_GpfHP_TDfYq4TF4VlhISI2ICtnReHK6fog7ajS/s320/mariannes+kitchen+brats+on+day+old+bun.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It was accompanied
by a small sandwich (economically using my day-old ‘high quality’ bun
bargain that’s now another day older but grilled in Irish butter) with a
grilled sausage sliced in half to fit the hambu<span class="text_exposed_show">rger bun format.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
So, heavy on the greens & fruit dressed with a freshly mixed
vinaigrette, with a locally made sausage, split & grilled, in a bun
grilled in excellent </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-OdtjxyslITDOR5CAA7h7HCkF7a9_28U9iFXumtaVH4IdRTa2Zdhg3X-KNyo018_6snu3zWNdEtCKRZcEi-VNlk37sEVg79F4bvuM5Mm0tuPB-5v50dea3I2cQUcOwplDgxPE9U9P0SC/s1600/mariannes+kitchen+salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="mariannes kitchen eat at marianne st paul foodie" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-OdtjxyslITDOR5CAA7h7HCkF7a9_28U9iFXumtaVH4IdRTa2Zdhg3X-KNyo018_6snu3zWNdEtCKRZcEi-VNlk37sEVg79F4bvuM5Mm0tuPB-5v50dea3I2cQUcOwplDgxPE9U9P0SC/s320/mariannes+kitchen+salad.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">butter....topped with a drop of grainy mustard.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Total cost for our dinner for two—-less than $5 ($2.50 each). </span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QHjBxEGU8McoTrvBUbPXnpqt9m1XVE5JGDFXOey25GUnAr4bPblIuFxcMaPWXMMEKSNmAa_E1bY4BcEpYyC9Ya30PKSY-Qf2vD36CMlJ2CzG1YTx2HqwpNRW7JJ_uhkRLJo5n5S12Fzu/s1600/olivers+in+shoreview+blueberry+cream+cheese+pastry+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="mariannes kitchen eat a mariannes" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QHjBxEGU8McoTrvBUbPXnpqt9m1XVE5JGDFXOey25GUnAr4bPblIuFxcMaPWXMMEKSNmAa_E1bY4BcEpYyC9Ya30PKSY-Qf2vD36CMlJ2CzG1YTx2HqwpNRW7JJ_uhkRLJo5n5S12Fzu/s200/olivers+in+shoreview+blueberry+cream+cheese+pastry+2.jpg" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And we
saved room to try that blueberry cream cheese tart with a good cup of
coffee later (my batch of cold brew that's been steeping in the refrig
should be ready just in time to go with a tart!). It’s easy to eat well
(& tasty) on a budget—using high quality ingredients, like local
meats and fresh berries...& to splurge on a little treat.</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-60900503582187517842020-02-11T18:21:00.004-08:002020-02-11T18:21:38.536-08:00First Look - Oliver's in Shoreview<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrRrIJj8Sb5KQmd9NNyJjOewLGH3gB80yYtV5kb0GufCg_0H67FLrxAH5tU2aBO4FYCn4T2wV6zeXAxswCYbslSKVQ3YjzOt3ylnufcQkP4SE2ttxZzSdrCudBPp3D2XYfq4x6HcBpn5X/s1600/olivers+in+shoreview+menu+no+lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Olivers in Shoreview Mariannes Kitchen" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrRrIJj8Sb5KQmd9NNyJjOewLGH3gB80yYtV5kb0GufCg_0H67FLrxAH5tU2aBO4FYCn4T2wV6zeXAxswCYbslSKVQ3YjzOt3ylnufcQkP4SE2ttxZzSdrCudBPp3D2XYfq4x6HcBpn5X/s320/olivers+in+shoreview+menu+no+lunch.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First look—-Oliver’s in Shoreview</span></span></h2>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Oliver's Shoreview has opened, so we did our first 'check it out' visit.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our take: ....Oliver's is not ready yet.....some kinks to be worked out.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>First impression:</b> We found the menu burger and pizza heavy, so we had to lean on the appetizers and sides to try lunch.</span></span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What we ordered at Oliver's </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I opted for the bourbon glazed squash and the gnocchi. John went for the lettuce wraps...with chicken.</span></span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Food Code & Food Preparation </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You know I'm nuts about food code adherence....so right off the bat I
was grossed out watching the open kitchen. The guy making the food was
wearing a hooded sweatshirt with the hood strings hanging over the
food. As he prepared the 3 dishes (the place was pretty empty, so we
were the 'meals' being made at the time), I watched him open multiple
plastic storage containers and reach in bare-handed (a food code NO NO)
and sprinkle toppings on our plates of food. This is usually when I
walk out. But they're new.....you have to try to give them a chance.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
I chatted with one of the managers. I was disappointed that after she
came back from the kitchen she told me that the cook claimed to have
used tongs. I know we're in the Trump era where we're not supposed to
believe the evidence of our own eyes....but come on. I was watching,
he wasn't making anyone else's food....he had his bare hands in multiple
containers.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To her credit, she went and had a discussion with
the kitchen staff and then acknowledged that perhaps he had 'handled'
the food. So credit for dealing with the issue! We discussed his
drink (which was covered, as code requires) sitting on the counter where
you would be sitting to 'enjoy' watching the activities in the open
kitchen. We agreed it just looked tacky. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, interestingly, I
didn't mention the sweatshirt...but a few minutes later he was wearing a
short sleeved shirt and apron, wearing some gloves. So, they're
working the kinks out.....if you go, call them on issues right away...so
that over time they can evolve into a place you want to dine often.</span></span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gnocchi at Oliver's in Shoreview </span></span></h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKQqAdlH1VXrLx5Svszum1XeG1R84r2dnz5gkjFJwNidpr2HXaC1PwpvIbR0m0Ei8WYT66aeuBv6nRfPvjokYj137I2J7dxgJB6ml0et7Mzp-jlkjU35icE_YlpwiKrvrmnlkOGeQ-PK5/s1600/olivers+in+shoreview+gnocchi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Olivers in Shoreview Mariannes Kitchen" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKQqAdlH1VXrLx5Svszum1XeG1R84r2dnz5gkjFJwNidpr2HXaC1PwpvIbR0m0Ei8WYT66aeuBv6nRfPvjokYj137I2J7dxgJB6ml0et7Mzp-jlkjU35icE_YlpwiKrvrmnlkOGeQ-PK5/s320/olivers+in+shoreview+gnocchi.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The gnocchi was room temp on the edges and warm in the middle of the
plate. The real drawback...there were some charred/burnt pieces in the
mix...so if one of those attached itself to your gnocchi bite, it was
bitter and burnt-tasting. A little more care was needed in prepping
this dish. </span></span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bourbon Glazed Squash at Oliver's in Shoreivew </span></span></h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_n8_RIvzew8s90-4XRCikfGew15EUmdvMXAbyrvf1h96_MyuVp0eKqSAY8eWHHhjluAD2OZD5JLoBC0g2VDgkOZlzfZZ3LYODJqV4yDnVaZHUajGwp2L7z9Q1QMhRjSQydJIAGfFXMRe/s1600/olivers+in+shoreview+bourban+glazed+squash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Olivers in Shoreview Mariannes Kitchen" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_n8_RIvzew8s90-4XRCikfGew15EUmdvMXAbyrvf1h96_MyuVp0eKqSAY8eWHHhjluAD2OZD5JLoBC0g2VDgkOZlzfZZ3LYODJqV4yDnVaZHUajGwp2L7z9Q1QMhRjSQydJIAGfFXMRe/s320/olivers+in+shoreview+bourban+glazed+squash.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bourbon glazed squash was also uneven. There were
pieces of diced squash (small), some spaghetti squash, and then very
large pieces of parsnip(?) that couldn't be cut...think undercooked from
the fat end of the parsnip...necessary to obtain a hacksaw to cut
through it. So part overcooked, part very undercooked....and the
bourbon glaze seemed to all end up in one spot on the plate....none
around the edges...then a jolt of bourbon on the spaghetti squash.</span></span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lettuce Wrap at Oliver's in Shoreview </span></span></h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2z9Gj6dcdcqxOA3AE8ZJJ9oNvPyidfIrKFo4cuwBvyy_2np27LXzWh91fePNct5-XmHuQgFi3w3x1lyaX2K442g09tkj7D2um3lf3YTPJ-5PqwP3TtvFd3DH7Vt53YGk6DgmtOSsTGKTQ/s1600/olivers+in+shoreview+lettuce+wrap+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Olivers in Shoreview Mariannes Kitchen" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2z9Gj6dcdcqxOA3AE8ZJJ9oNvPyidfIrKFo4cuwBvyy_2np27LXzWh91fePNct5-XmHuQgFi3w3x1lyaX2K442g09tkj7D2um3lf3YTPJ-5PqwP3TtvFd3DH7Vt53YGk6DgmtOSsTGKTQ/s320/olivers+in+shoreview+lettuce+wrap+2.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The lettuce wrap appetizer also was inconsistent. John expected
lettuce wraps with pieces of chicken. The plate arrived with a bowl of
something that might be described as ground chicken chili with a
slightly Asian essence (but not the hoisin noted on the menu). The
rice strips seem to be house-made and were light and crispy. There
were rings of raw hot pepper, some green onion, and some very salty
pickled carrots atop the 'chili'. The accompanying sauce had an
unpleasant bitterness, so we didn't apply any to the wraps.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Overall impressions:</b> mixed, on this visit. </span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each dish had potential but
was unevenly executed. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> From my years serving food to the people of
Shoreview and surrounding area, the menu seems too meat-heavy with all
the veggie options as sides. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And if a side is $8.99, you probably
aren't going to order 2 or 3 of them. Perhaps a veggie sampler side
would be a good addition for the many people who are now foregoing big
meat dishes.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am thrilled that there is a breakfast
takeout/coffee counter. This is for early breakfast stops...6 to 8 am
and then menu breakfast is 8-11 in the restaurant. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On-site barista and
COLD PRESS (close to my house!!!!). </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The breakfast menu is about 8
items..croque madame (?), benedict, chilequiles (but having talked to
staff, these are really deconstucted nachos, not either baked or
stovetop real chilequiles), a scramble, eggs with meat and hash (no one
could tell me yet what Oliver's hash is), etc.</span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVSJ8EYjluo4VFHAfNWQIbrqkV4-yfB3Qmi_XwJVZAIG_0r-0-i88JlcjTgD0LZMHee6XefGOtKcFvhSF_xZqEq-QYwO2arUVF6l-RV-WDrPDxUuRe168OIYwCwkwL8RZOjSeeusNPBnx/s1600/olivers+in+shoreview+blueberry+cream+cheese+pastry+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Olivers in Shoreview Mariannes Kitchen" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVSJ8EYjluo4VFHAfNWQIbrqkV4-yfB3Qmi_XwJVZAIG_0r-0-i88JlcjTgD0LZMHee6XefGOtKcFvhSF_xZqEq-QYwO2arUVF6l-RV-WDrPDxUuRe168OIYwCwkwL8RZOjSeeusNPBnx/s200/olivers+in+shoreview+blueberry+cream+cheese+pastry+2.jpg" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, take out
pastries and little pies. We tried the lemon almond scone (it was a
little overworked, so moist but not terrific texture). We still have a
blueberry cream cheese pastry...we'll hit that later tonight! </span></span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Prices at Oliver's in Shoreview </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The take-out breakfast prices, pastry prices, and coffee prices were
very reasonable, while we felt the dining-in prices were a tad high
(average of $12 - $13 per entree). Adding a lunch menu with a limited
selection and slightly lower prices might guarantee some regular lunch
business. </span></span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oliver's Featured Item </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, we didn't try what appears to be their
featured item....pot roast with mashed potatoes and carrots. If it's
their signature, we'll have to give it a try on a future visit.</span></span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Conclusion: Oliver's in Shoreview isn't quite ready for prime time. </span></span></h3>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you go soon,
expect a few kinks...these will work themselves out over time. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
staff with whom we spoke had excellent experience from other venues, so
will bring that to play as they get in their rhythm as a dining venue. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking forward to pastry and cold press in the neighborhood and
watching the evolution of this food venue.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Details:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Website <a href="https://www.olivers-shoreview.com/">https://www.olivers-shoreview.com/</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oliver's/@45.0473684,-93.1093535,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x52b2d734022ecaa1:0xbf2914919f336f78!8m2!3d45.0473684!4d-93.1071648">Google Maps</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/olivers_mn">https://twitter.com/olivers_mn</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OliversMN">https://www.facebook.com/OliversMN</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/olivers_mn/">https://www.instagram.com/olivers_mn/</a> </span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-36351439498790442052020-02-10T14:07:00.000-08:002020-02-10T16:40:23.099-08:00El Cubano in West St. Paul is Very Good!!<div class="adM">
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<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqff2qV_0HtWj5x-x5P_HskhBRD9dFNUpB3Ygio2gd_qkG-zVJzFv5axc7eXeI4BTBHZ7LUvK2fmiO-r7ZZZYNwvCP4CNQOZzyoGPbVZJl1F_46IKg79TPHMfnW8SWR4yMnSLxe1V7-4m/s1600/el+cubano+exterior+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="674" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqff2qV_0HtWj5x-x5P_HskhBRD9dFNUpB3Ygio2gd_qkG-zVJzFv5axc7eXeI4BTBHZ7LUvK2fmiO-r7ZZZYNwvCP4CNQOZzyoGPbVZJl1F_46IKg79TPHMfnW8SWR4yMnSLxe1V7-4m/s320/el+cubano+exterior+2.png" title="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">El Cubano, West Side / West St. Paul </span></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another great new place to eat in St. Paul--hooray!!!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWuy33-xXNft4EWkIBqPuGSP2kjkj2wxhKp9eOPWqPJI67P4LJYno-jkKjgDp89Gtx7xB4EGkrNZcSeHaquVxISPWn09enO4X6e_XCLlI3ztntZQrHIGJyvotaqfdPnKjDbKTJwcgVZIw/s1600/el+cubano+plantains+plantano+maduros.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWuy33-xXNft4EWkIBqPuGSP2kjkj2wxhKp9eOPWqPJI67P4LJYno-jkKjgDp89Gtx7xB4EGkrNZcSeHaquVxISPWn09enO4X6e_XCLlI3ztntZQrHIGJyvotaqfdPnKjDbKTJwcgVZIw/s200/el+cubano+plantains+plantano+maduros.JPG" title="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Our second visit to <a href="https://elcubanofoodtrailer.com/">El Cubano</a> at Annapolis and Dodd Road on the West
Side was equally as good as our first visit about 2 weeks ago.
Fantastic...and tremendous service and conversation from mom and dad and
daughter...in this family-owned restaurant.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://elcubanofoodtrailer.com/">El Cubano</a> Visit #1 </span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBdG5Iwp9xON4ROqvZIsNGEk5X0EP1cJzwx7xQQoMfzdNJKngsKLCoNHHEeY6B1iCcT-UGbx2xK9PHm9_BffxcvW11NrFMzC6EAy9nOwJ8RFjWBc0fny_7o93Btq53QPKsJAP18aziaP4/s1600/el+cubano+cubano+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBdG5Iwp9xON4ROqvZIsNGEk5X0EP1cJzwx7xQQoMfzdNJKngsKLCoNHHEeY6B1iCcT-UGbx2xK9PHm9_BffxcvW11NrFMzC6EAy9nOwJ8RFjWBc0fny_7o93Btq53QPKsJAP18aziaP4/s320/el+cubano+cubano+2.jpg" title="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On our first visit we enjoyed a Cuban and a Dominican (the Dominican is
like a Cubano, but topped with shredded lettuce and tomato). We also
had plantains (Plantano Maduros), Arroz Con Leche (rice pudding) and flan.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://elcubanofoodtrailer.com/">El Cubano</a> Visit #2</span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTfAneOq2xlsLf_k9Ox6W-EmTjv9q1xW2sFjUqLv0S2s7GXXbmvO2bji9OkBjQ4a9kM_nh54n4PEntrLcrRmDgxA8QrjwxFnFsZIzsdgBbLjL2aIM3Q7Cmk4uul1mRa1PR_3ffE_nQvWr/s1600/el+cubano+bistec+encebollado+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTfAneOq2xlsLf_k9Ox6W-EmTjv9q1xW2sFjUqLv0S2s7GXXbmvO2bji9OkBjQ4a9kM_nh54n4PEntrLcrRmDgxA8QrjwxFnFsZIzsdgBbLjL2aIM3Q7Cmk4uul1mRa1PR_3ffE_nQvWr/s200/el+cubano+bistec+encebollado+2.jpg" title="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tonight we tasted more menu selections...the Bistek del Pollo platter (chicken platter), Bistec Encelbollado (Cuban flank steak with onions), another Cubano (you can never have too many), Ajiaco Sancocho (pork stew), empanadas, yuca frites, and flan.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOB2fnrHWv_NsnncA7WHgtldZRwFWe_Wh8JDYEAfL6-hy_S6WQppp8yJEkuao3ITOwliBYa_xz5FjvfG8IsbF-R8sjrDiwRWGoU4m3OdYv7qYmSvKMod0vrlc4DRjsW3EbDRl_DNtHMFw/s1600/el+cubano+empanada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="416" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOB2fnrHWv_NsnncA7WHgtldZRwFWe_Wh8JDYEAfL6-hy_S6WQppp8yJEkuao3ITOwliBYa_xz5FjvfG8IsbF-R8sjrDiwRWGoU4m3OdYv7qYmSvKMod0vrlc4DRjsW3EbDRl_DNtHMFw/s400/el+cubano+empanada.jpg" title="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" width="237" /></a></div>
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Everything, on both visits to <a href="https://elcubanofoodtrailer.com/">El Cubano</a>, was delish!</span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HAAJs2tWPCb4TcdQT3qRuQAr6XmkQK6JbUUABboWmWn_jkO9hS9TPNV9Ml5_mXs1hLKMSepHxHr6RVmM8TmZDbBuE3njIUviCXI12j-IiWgSxoMZ2nxYclfc4rX9ZvgoqXbLT0-wSKqR/s1600/el+cubano+cubano+sandwich.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HAAJs2tWPCb4TcdQT3qRuQAr6XmkQK6JbUUABboWmWn_jkO9hS9TPNV9Ml5_mXs1hLKMSepHxHr6RVmM8TmZDbBuE3njIUviCXI12j-IiWgSxoMZ2nxYclfc4rX9ZvgoqXbLT0-wSKqR/s200/el+cubano+cubano+sandwich.JPG" title="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
The Cubano is on a traditional roll, with generous meat and mustard.
Anne is our meat expert and she announced it to be very tasty meat
indeed. It was pressed (but not as much as the Meet Market...which I
find a bit 'too pressed') and was good-sized, served
with its own frites.</span></span></div>
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The Dominican turned out to be just as enjoyable...maybe even a little
more so if you like some crispy shredded lettuce and tomato on your hot
sandwich. It was really a toss-up with the Cubano---equally good, each
in its own way.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKw-b8IrKYUMyhyJZWBHzujkR976ROjRsbBChJkdmJanDzZvcAN7Zzjsj5xe18IgA7d4LzjRtllqyaln5th9EuyoG3f3TGc46XL3Jqw8Xyw6jXezQb_x1OhdIxe4ZOU-6UqJHShyFHmDnk/s1600/el+cubano+interior+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKw-b8IrKYUMyhyJZWBHzujkR976ROjRsbBChJkdmJanDzZvcAN7Zzjsj5xe18IgA7d4LzjRtllqyaln5th9EuyoG3f3TGc46XL3Jqw8Xyw6jXezQb_x1OhdIxe4ZOU-6UqJHShyFHmDnk/s320/el+cubano+interior+1.JPG" title="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
The sauces were great, too. The garlic and orange sauce added another
layer of flavor wherever you chose to put it. A little dunk of the
Cubano in the sauce gave it another dimension. The pink sauce had
ketchup, garlic and onion.
The green sauce had some kick (it reminded me of our own Salsa Vivaldo
with tomatillos and garlic...we added little chunks of queso fresco) and
great tomatillo essence that came through in each bite. Fresh limes
for squeezing, too.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0ISnIV3wOnE99-YiQsHAizFDhepUqaV048RJ28xh4ULFxr0z1Sm6Oi8jcjRtWEXZ2eVYq1qaUwiWpYGuEdozoZjXjOX62mXXU37BpeWuzqjps4oPd_9E7XBe9TN5zuROdqLjLC-xhK0M/s1600/el+cubano+Ajiaco++Sancocho+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0ISnIV3wOnE99-YiQsHAizFDhepUqaV048RJ28xh4ULFxr0z1Sm6Oi8jcjRtWEXZ2eVYq1qaUwiWpYGuEdozoZjXjOX62mXXU37BpeWuzqjps4oPd_9E7XBe9TN5zuROdqLjLC-xhK0M/s200/el+cubano+Ajiaco++Sancocho+3.JPG" title="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
The food is part Dominican and part Cuban.....to reflect parental
heritages. That's reflected in the decor, too...with a great mural
disguising the cooler which transports you to a different part of the
world.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2In4vJ45e0BTejHXyde-Py3xotlJoZgP3llw0qAs3QDn-pB3OxLv1F1xsAZcAaU4vfc6_Heg1iMYPnL-lJ9t7-81k-73MvtkVecMjBzHCxR75orIpsG5knXX1zDfphHw2A8SZbhFiz1FV/s1600/el+cubano+interior+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2In4vJ45e0BTejHXyde-Py3xotlJoZgP3llw0qAs3QDn-pB3OxLv1F1xsAZcAaU4vfc6_Heg1iMYPnL-lJ9t7-81k-73MvtkVecMjBzHCxR75orIpsG5knXX1zDfphHw2A8SZbhFiz1FV/s200/el+cubano+interior+4.JPG" title="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Tonight's steak and chicken platters were fantastic, too. The meats
were juicy and well-grilled, and served with rice and black beans and
plantains and shredded lettuce and tomato. And, big enough that parts
of them are currently residing in multiple family's
refrigerators. I'm a big plantain fan....luckily some people were
willing to share with me.....they were perfectly prepared. Love, love,
loved 'em.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwI1kFlu0RMf1OalhRd3vQqSeWKPe3cAU6z9gj4FO8URNwFQDv6-uvRGlKpeeMR7lYJ5YNn7onGUAJt59TgJxUeWT5EWXBsG9QqOVkhKOy9F1z-7Md8epa8R6HMfWjMzB3qWfJT8FYm6I/s1600/el+cubano+Ajiaco++Sancocho+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwI1kFlu0RMf1OalhRd3vQqSeWKPe3cAU6z9gj4FO8URNwFQDv6-uvRGlKpeeMR7lYJ5YNn7onGUAJt59TgJxUeWT5EWXBsG9QqOVkhKOy9F1z-7Md8epa8R6HMfWjMzB3qWfJT8FYm6I/s200/el+cubano+Ajiaco++Sancocho+2.JPG" title="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
We also shared a big bowl of the pork, beef, chicken and corn
stew (Ajiaco Sancocho)....the corn flavor in the base really comes through...and the big
pieces of corn...on the cob....are a delightful treat. The stewed
meat is moist and tender...no knife or fork needed...a
spoon will do. Lots of meat plus oodles of veggies, thickened with
squash. It's </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">served with a bowl of sticky-esh rice which accopanies
the stew perfectly. The bowl is big enough for two people to
share...easily!</span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXQJLqMGAcGqaO59P41eV28i0uwxAb60LGn-hC-Mpz2ssFDSfVaF6zw5as7TwL2WzF_1uNN2d_os0T7P8qfPKG3yh29usssXx6Wjc1X0QCAIKKNwvViX1TPTZT-sPyLlWYR-NnwnXQO-R/s1600/el+cubano+rice+pudding+flan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXQJLqMGAcGqaO59P41eV28i0uwxAb60LGn-hC-Mpz2ssFDSfVaF6zw5as7TwL2WzF_1uNN2d_os0T7P8qfPKG3yh29usssXx6Wjc1X0QCAIKKNwvViX1TPTZT-sPyLlWYR-NnwnXQO-R/s200/el+cubano+rice+pudding+flan.JPG" title="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
The flan is delicious (one of the few things mom lets her daughter
make.....yeah, we know that story) and so is the arroz con leche. I've
gobbled down quite a bit of these two items during and after my two
visits....eat in, take out, take some home for later.....all
great options in my opinion!</span></span></div>
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Tonight we also all enjoyed at least one </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYidoGQZBtLgMIi_6cybxEuo0NwXaydeldtl2HjxCKtkF9Za-vIvpaX7Q0dhjC4SRUvc_HG_fmtiqDfty0LFE34qxMVUdJpVcxDHOO0n4u1UacgB-PfThTMzVpLy6J0xfExZ9IEizdG7ZB/s1600/el+cubano+interior+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYidoGQZBtLgMIi_6cybxEuo0NwXaydeldtl2HjxCKtkF9Za-vIvpaX7Q0dhjC4SRUvc_HG_fmtiqDfty0LFE34qxMVUdJpVcxDHOO0n4u1UacgB-PfThTMzVpLy6J0xfExZ9IEizdG7ZB/s200/el+cubano+interior+2.JPG" title="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" width="150" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">glass of passion fruit juice.
Oh my, my---that was a bright glass of goodness during a pretty hefty
meal. Some people at our table took another glass for the
road.....yum.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfjmdie3mbpdwGrEheirP87yl3yO2ubqJEi7Rd1mcz89Uf82_W4KMkzEakbKoeRUMWn7P-Bl5ZIt2WUxnt_9WQYFw58vmXecLjjLfqnxtXFVMtwdrACb5HVLauo-1WSMkVy3nVrZpFMw4/s1600/el+cubano+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="655" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfjmdie3mbpdwGrEheirP87yl3yO2ubqJEi7Rd1mcz89Uf82_W4KMkzEakbKoeRUMWn7P-Bl5ZIt2WUxnt_9WQYFw58vmXecLjjLfqnxtXFVMtwdrACb5HVLauo-1WSMkVy3nVrZpFMw4/s200/el+cubano+family.jpg" title="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<a href="https://elcubanofoodtrailer.com/">El Cubano</a>.....what can we say....we all loved it! The family is super-nice, the service is attentive and thoughtful, and conversation is fun.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfPx6LAKbx-Rt69gKi_aSDnNONU39556Fh8vv_g3-aLxag3VSqfVeU_q_t65rcw9BFTk22rPSYOacl4cmGYCzyYEcFDHNV_BxLtRR7izK-il6Fiy3-cfvW8uumujCia4ynA-QEBxayeLJ/s1600/el+cubano+interior+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfPx6LAKbx-Rt69gKi_aSDnNONU39556Fh8vv_g3-aLxag3VSqfVeU_q_t65rcw9BFTk22rPSYOacl4cmGYCzyYEcFDHNV_BxLtRR7izK-il6Fiy3-cfvW8uumujCia4ynA-QEBxayeLJ/s200/el+cubano+interior+3.JPG" title="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Plus, the place is spotless...squeaky clean everywhere. Two dining
areas, so don't be put off if you look in the window and the room where
you order is full (as it was tonight). There's a whole other room to
accommodate you and your family.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmlvGuu_c_xDsrg7SthO5feQluDtSV0MQq-Gs6exhXv4hh4UOuZz1SBryRpk5M3zt543TZi5_eaG9ke-gpS6mwL-4a7QIGzCKpV5SNJ0OPOXyEF5jKGx2Hb7Vf-CQJz6ihyphenhyphenmtNqvn1tU5/s1600/el+cubano+black+beans+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmlvGuu_c_xDsrg7SthO5feQluDtSV0MQq-Gs6exhXv4hh4UOuZz1SBryRpk5M3zt543TZi5_eaG9ke-gpS6mwL-4a7QIGzCKpV5SNJ0OPOXyEF5jKGx2Hb7Vf-CQJz6ihyphenhyphenmtNqvn1tU5/s200/el+cubano+black+beans+2.JPG" title="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
We highly recommend <a href="https://elcubanofoodtrailer.com/">El Cubano</a>.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Details:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Website: <a href="https://elcubanofoodtrailer.com/">https://elcubanofoodtrailer.com/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/El+Cubano/@44.9197967,-93.0979208,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x87f7d50d27e8b23f:0xb80aba3e97abdc04!8m2!3d44.9197967!4d-93.0957321">Google Maps</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4ymKUQ4fFP1jtxqfP46222cvi6khemJcTZfq8H8sqWbhmkpDS_diyir4W_lnhcAypEA-zxU1XSt8Q8f7t5v0CD0tjLO8JBGSYGlVDR7wV5QflnMuTF_4pfLsfX3IuVoEGrkz8Px2IE1m/s1600/el+cubano+menu+board+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4ymKUQ4fFP1jtxqfP46222cvi6khemJcTZfq8H8sqWbhmkpDS_diyir4W_lnhcAypEA-zxU1XSt8Q8f7t5v0CD0tjLO8JBGSYGlVDR7wV5QflnMuTF_4pfLsfX3IuVoEGrkz8Px2IE1m/s640/el+cubano+menu+board+1.jpg" title="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKIBVUVxv60nI085QPmnFExSYiQuC0O4abB_rDYgocz_QLKiBhstRMhKwsTfZvcJlfNi75cixE12sijF8-UBIK6HdgftUGyWbX_s8daw4dh1uXf0OwARKbOqN-2ldVdakNJsSsE_hoq8p/s1600/el+cubano+menu+board+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKIBVUVxv60nI085QPmnFExSYiQuC0O4abB_rDYgocz_QLKiBhstRMhKwsTfZvcJlfNi75cixE12sijF8-UBIK6HdgftUGyWbX_s8daw4dh1uXf0OwARKbOqN-2ldVdakNJsSsE_hoq8p/s640/el+cubano+menu+board+2.jpg" title="El Cubano West Side West St. Paul" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-77079239027714236722020-01-29T18:41:00.000-08:002020-01-29T18:49:26.422-08:00Bonngard's Family Meats<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ILx0NIgGuHHIm1-16LCIHv14LRXEWHxxZJP49SKLIxzJc2rlaX7QJg6S7MQX0v2ssWTdDsqoH-giLWfzG-fPCGu5tJFV2U5LUCX4a4JfSZR_srMluFQ19YuiPMETzekbrQ6_ISjqTfQG/s1600/bonngards+family+meats+exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bonngard's Family Meats Cottage Grove MN" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ILx0NIgGuHHIm1-16LCIHv14LRXEWHxxZJP49SKLIxzJc2rlaX7QJg6S7MQX0v2ssWTdDsqoH-giLWfzG-fPCGu5tJFV2U5LUCX4a4JfSZR_srMluFQ19YuiPMETzekbrQ6_ISjqTfQG/s200/bonngards+family+meats+exterior.jpg" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bonngard's Family Meats</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cottage Grove, MN </span></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG853SddDaBB05EJRadJERrYTfFZmpS9RYsWSv92EWtGlc0YAgzP2Af9zqKGUVofNLMbeJNvA-S_WJqTi6sfFfIAJawdZ8xzk921TzdUaX90CmI0spwtMGWc4eaRtDDMmLacXZ7odnF_sB/s1600/bonngards+family+meats+prime+rib+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Bonngard's Family Meats Cottage Grove MN" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG853SddDaBB05EJRadJERrYTfFZmpS9RYsWSv92EWtGlc0YAgzP2Af9zqKGUVofNLMbeJNvA-S_WJqTi6sfFfIAJawdZ8xzk921TzdUaX90CmI0spwtMGWc4eaRtDDMmLacXZ7odnF_sB/s200/bonngards+family+meats+prime+rib+sign.jpg" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tuesday is your special day!</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As part of cleaning up, repairing, remodeling our farmhouse, we had a
lot of someone else's trash to discard. Part of that included massive
pieces of bad electronics. Bad enough we were stuck with them, we
couldn't lift them and they needed to be recycled.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Turns out Tuesday was a very good day. The <a href="https://www.co.washington.mn.us/604/Environmental-Center">Washington County Environmental Center</a> takes electronics...big, broken-down electronic
items. And, they have manpower....to lift gigantic discards off the
truck!
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Whew! With the satisfaction of an empty, and much lighter, truck...it was time to scope out local lunch options.
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was Tuesday. That's a very, very good day at Bonngard's Meats in Cottage Grove.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bonngardsfamilymeats.com/">Bonngard's</a> family-owned meat market used to serve deli lunch
sandwiches...but the sandwich-maker retired..so no sandwiches for
awhile.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But now, the Monday thru Friday lunch service has resumed, with a hot sandwich each day. Tuesday is PRIME RIB!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJm4gfGpZBzoynvAiUoc8qL_vWLXgIsewYBJ1Kqnhp0z1njLBLbdOOzZF_iftCH8tC05K9Juhsk2JHbithsj9NEZBOJMZ8dJT0Ckfn37i-5LJH9qfkx7JIb3_MaEu5xLJBcK-KBWSNAoEE/s1600/bonngards+family+meats+prime+rib+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Bonngard's Family Meats Cottage Grove MN" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJm4gfGpZBzoynvAiUoc8qL_vWLXgIsewYBJ1Kqnhp0z1njLBLbdOOzZF_iftCH8tC05K9Juhsk2JHbithsj9NEZBOJMZ8dJT0Ckfn37i-5LJH9qfkx7JIb3_MaEu5xLJBcK-KBWSNAoEE/s320/bonngards+family+meats+prime+rib+1.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The lunch special is a sandwich (in this case the prime rib), a side of
deli salad (Mrs. Gerry's seem to be the options), a brownie or a cookie, and a soft drink in a
can. You can upgrade to a larger bottle of soda, too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The prime rib sandwich is delish! Lots of good-tasting prime rib sliced
into manageable pieces on a serviceable white bun. The guys at the
next table were done with lunch, so they brought ove<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">r their condiment
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMmYtoBM7UZEEgvY9-SulIel5_g9oSB-5e5tfoDCzu9TIM2vD4WbIw2sOI17j9KfMaCcG2AlBH6WAZ_qdiLLGOJNgKBBwjrw-61TVSl2v-NzIrgAyMbs7fe66i2AhgBQ56krSFh9tULkR/s1600/bonngards+family+meats+decor+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMmYtoBM7UZEEgvY9-SulIel5_g9oSB-5e5tfoDCzu9TIM2vD4WbIw2sOI17j9KfMaCcG2AlBH6WAZ_qdiLLGOJNgKBBwjrw-61TVSl2v-NzIrgAyMbs7fe66i2AhgBQ56krSFh9tULkR/s200/bonngards+family+meats+decor+2.JPG" width="150" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">selection...Boar's Head many pepper mayo, horseradish,
and mustard. Yup, we tried each one on separate bites of our
sandwich. The horseradish is perfect, of course. </span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A really good lunch, centered around high quality prime rib. This was the start of a wonderful visit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After lunch, it was time to browse.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLS_X8Ymz5UDjNZZzrv3vuf7qNmMemBamN-py4Aqx9S6SsPr-w1j86lVaqgtirEwAhxudoj4NUuiZtdANTKVfHmJOHPNi9lbeGQgWl8LzMDB30UdS8j-4y-GVCjLSZSFXVRxNhYCbKc-z/s1600/bonngards+family+meats+snack+pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Bonngard's Family Meats Cottage Grove MN" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLS_X8Ymz5UDjNZZzrv3vuf7qNmMemBamN-py4Aqx9S6SsPr-w1j86lVaqgtirEwAhxudoj4NUuiZtdANTKVfHmJOHPNi9lbeGQgWl8LzMDB30UdS8j-4y-GVCjLSZSFXVRxNhYCbKc-z/s320/bonngards+family+meats+snack+pack.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Road packs are an assortment of meat sticks and cheeses in bite sized pieces....great to snack on, yup, on the road.
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lots of dog and sausage choices...like Big Hound dogs (they're really
big)....but we opted for the North County Sausage (we haven't tried it
yet) and the ANDOUILLE! We asked the owner the level of heat in the
andouille---he said about a 7 (enough for those
who want some heat, but not enough to kill you). We put the andouille
in our chicken and sausage gumbo. It browned beautifully, as meaty</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6M89-eecJbHZYAAwRImUWHpU5j0qEuprDaXCszI-_gyVkevCz0lGaf7cb4HiRTbck2FBrHkw6ZbhnZNmBPPOpkraI40k8NS_r3uyjflMMLCgcdDNxP_tqcj8hpp8GlHGj3B_LasbcchCj/s1600/bnngards+family+meats+decor+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6M89-eecJbHZYAAwRImUWHpU5j0qEuprDaXCszI-_gyVkevCz0lGaf7cb4HiRTbck2FBrHkw6ZbhnZNmBPPOpkraI40k8NS_r3uyjflMMLCgcdDNxP_tqcj8hpp8GlHGj3B_LasbcchCj/s200/bnngards+family+meats+decor+1.JPG" width="150" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and
fine-textured, and I think the 7 rating was spot on.....it held its
heat in the gumbo...in a pleasant and not overpowering
way. The grandkids (who like spicy) said it was more to their liking
than the last batch of local grocery store andouille...that washed out
in the overall dish</span>.</span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXusWKWJpWFIBoFkvZY2GpJY4cdrd7yT4j812UvTG7gZhyphenhyphenGIZl16O1kVhBhJb_7CvYKK4ns3dMd_85V53IBYLhZ7M-xosd9pkssDYW-opqUU3eBeICG2yPIRCbXoRJyqpg17km37Ee62H5/s1600/IMG_6571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Bonngard's Family Meats Cottage Grove MN" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXusWKWJpWFIBoFkvZY2GpJY4cdrd7yT4j812UvTG7gZhyphenhyphenGIZl16O1kVhBhJb_7CvYKK4ns3dMd_85V53IBYLhZ7M-xosd9pkssDYW-opqUU3eBeICG2yPIRCbXoRJyqpg17km37Ee62H5/s200/IMG_6571.JPG" title="" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But our shopping spree wasn't over. I spotted some packages of frozen
short ribs...those are in our freezer now, waiting for a good cold-spell
when some big fatty short ribs will be just what we need.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">John gravitated immediately to the breakfast sausage sliders. They
come frozen as well, so I think they'll be up north in the freezer....I
guess that's my incentive to go do more work on the farmhouse (or I'll
never get to taste one).</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFs8d1pKHTiZ43Iudmk8aOeLpIJdxpYcN5aNCPryG-aqWksTLCqbOjZcY75goczXRCiUsnwmOC58Q84WfU3clVsRq9OOsWTHdUTSMyrjmx4Ba5zf75C9yazZjEirTlIqpvXaez7pYnMub/s1600/IMG_6578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Bonngard's Family Meats Cottage Grove MN" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFs8d1pKHTiZ43Iudmk8aOeLpIJdxpYcN5aNCPryG-aqWksTLCqbOjZcY75goczXRCiUsnwmOC58Q84WfU3clVsRq9OOsWTHdUTSMyrjmx4Ba5zf75C9yazZjEirTlIqpvXaez7pYnMub/s320/IMG_6578.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tons of options in the marinated or crusted chicken breasts, too.
Pamesan-crusted, Bangkok Thai, raspberry chipotle, tortilla crusted,
parmesan crusted.....lots and lots of choices. We have a raspberry
chipotle and a Bangkok Thai in the freezer...one is
certainly big enough for two people...they are huge. We'll be
enjoying them on the days we choose to eat animal protein. I'll dream
up some recipes for each one to make a complete meal.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaqMF_k-w3war4Tf94p6Scavh1LwbGLYV-H4i-7O6ZQvbpZ1H4Ktkt0HsOAzOEpEbKEQBPmyGXZ-i0q2zqok5vNM_iANd9ESnI1h8D0gak9TMPXNsNruZGk93Aw5-2VxHBzF56P3A68O9/s1600/IMG_6576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Bonngard's Family Meats Cottage Grove MN" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaqMF_k-w3war4Tf94p6Scavh1LwbGLYV-H4i-7O6ZQvbpZ1H4Ktkt0HsOAzOEpEbKEQBPmyGXZ-i0q2zqok5vNM_iANd9ESnI1h8D0gak9TMPXNsNruZGk93Aw5-2VxHBzF56P3A68O9/s200/IMG_6576.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Note, too...<a href="http://www.bonngardsfamilymeats.com/">Bonngard's</a> has Ferndale turkey (!!!). They do their own
smoked turkey....so that's on our list for future purchases. The also
carry Boar's Head brand products, plus lots of condiments, items to make
sides (we chose the Rice River Northwoods rice
blend (I'll create something with that in the next few weeks),
Sturdiwheat products (pancake mix, bread mix and more).</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5eQNqZVLWOcPPZD7i1bzMjc4AlXVmtPgOJ06-ELQgo-YovGMGTJvcWxlgG2b_wqOvKWmaGpIDYriIcdo1fbIv3TRRPLPtvfFVqHlODM1nEVLhVQarWZ0YJ-gsde0PqQXlGUC9tGGeZawN/s1600/IMG_6580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5eQNqZVLWOcPPZD7i1bzMjc4AlXVmtPgOJ06-ELQgo-YovGMGTJvcWxlgG2b_wqOvKWmaGpIDYriIcdo1fbIv3TRRPLPtvfFVqHlODM1nEVLhVQarWZ0YJ-gsde0PqQXlGUC9tGGeZawN/s200/IMG_6580.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But, the other beautiful things are located in their meat cases. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYP1Z8oCDLihE9ZkcHg81w60nuuBgOTj9EcklDJQJTpzlsEACFWVlLYOi9TQarVMRT0ds7Twcj51cmV1u8C4J3o6aQCrDCXX8jPLinYlE3QAUJqTHf6wArAdtBc-COf9bkmOqx5d7Rw3hE/s1600/IMG_6585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Bonngard's Family Meats Cottage Grove MN" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYP1Z8oCDLihE9ZkcHg81w60nuuBgOTj9EcklDJQJTpzlsEACFWVlLYOi9TQarVMRT0ds7Twcj51cmV1u8C4J3o6aQCrDCXX8jPLinYlE3QAUJqTHf6wArAdtBc-COf9bkmOqx5d7Rw3hE/s320/IMG_6585.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> gorgeous bacon (I'm putting that on the top of the list for our next
visit), wonderful steaks, big bone-in porketta chops, hams, it just goes
on and on. </span></span><br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Everything at <a href="http://www.bonngardsfamilymeats.com/">Bonngard's Family Meats</a> </span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">looks delicious!</span></span></h3>
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy2_TBg4DKuGFL5t0ydPfx6ixABZdbZBloZETuuewROkJtLjIiQ8ZXGpHlp-QHShJQ_1XnQgKMi16LHcS99ow' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The lunch sandwiches on the other days include carved ham on Monday, the
Prime Rib on Tuesday.....and for W, Th, F...you're just gonna have to
go and find out for yourselves.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Worth the drive....have lunch, shop, dream about some fabulous upcoming meals, repeat.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bonngardsfamilymeats.com/">Bonngard's</a>.....we like it....we think you'll like it too.</span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Details:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Website <a href="http://www.bonngardsfamilymeats.com/">http://www.bonngardsfamilymeats.com/</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Location <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bonngard's+Family+Meats/@44.8475457,-92.907194,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x87f7daf9a08c3315:0x7366ce0daf38deb7!8m2!3d44.8475457!4d-92.9050053">Google Maps </a></span> </span></span><br />
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<div class="adL">
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</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-49354652857889814092019-11-28T10:41:00.000-08:002019-11-28T10:43:49.136-08:00Red Luna Taco Factory<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFehDNmBF1LOfaoZUg0lFhYC-c-BHFVplkn42TBj29ITRsM0jaFNLDRkQ_T8-L2rkLdG13JwUpmxcXHsgv5xOGzodxUeD0jEQnRLoWrOB_mqCxzjB24h7UbSIZfqay6nH79zcOtFg5j61d/s1600/red+luna+taco+factory+exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="red luna taco factory" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFehDNmBF1LOfaoZUg0lFhYC-c-BHFVplkn42TBj29ITRsM0jaFNLDRkQ_T8-L2rkLdG13JwUpmxcXHsgv5xOGzodxUeD0jEQnRLoWrOB_mqCxzjB24h7UbSIZfqay6nH79zcOtFg5j61d/s320/red+luna+taco+factory+exterior.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not Recommended: Red Luna Taco Factory</span></h2>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The vegetable fajita burrito was supposed to have grilled vegetables; they were not grilled.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ordering was awkward and disorganized.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The spicy chicken, shredded beef and carnitas street tacos were inconsistently spiced.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The chips tasted like Cinnamon Graham cereal. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As we left we were asked <i>"Was it perfect?"</i> Frankly it wasn't very good.</span></li>
<li><h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>We see no reason to return to return to Red Luna Taco Factory for a second visit.</i></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Details:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Highway 61, White Bear Township</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.redlunatacofactory.com/welcome/">Website</a><br /><i></i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULQhUVrGjv21KbQkbWKjHk7fpzzZ5FsYJ5dtlNusaMzmIT7tq9UWAwZVKq2SYQXCd0BoTy_kxD92X9gZFIP-FkFZch8CxvjVML5Hp5xAnMj_vYS4YxFpp9OheD3HBX8HdJlpstjMgbDao/s1600/red+luna+taco+factory+burrito+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="red luna taco factory" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULQhUVrGjv21KbQkbWKjHk7fpzzZ5FsYJ5dtlNusaMzmIT7tq9UWAwZVKq2SYQXCd0BoTy_kxD92X9gZFIP-FkFZch8CxvjVML5Hp5xAnMj_vYS4YxFpp9OheD3HBX8HdJlpstjMgbDao/s320/red+luna+taco+factory+burrito+2.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1gqzm6pXQ_A6vqdWlhy4ZdCyihhyphenhyphen5VSKUtDt4wllSQkjomm6RfCcbChJ64rqT8wN_WgiljexZxUSIrv8B_xKSFys0g4bMwrI79qfsx_WcMWlZyHXAgFGnrXStVjX17BgJ7V8pCKAMB4a/s1600/red+luna+taco+factory+interior+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="red luna taco factory" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1gqzm6pXQ_A6vqdWlhy4ZdCyihhyphenhyphen5VSKUtDt4wllSQkjomm6RfCcbChJ64rqT8wN_WgiljexZxUSIrv8B_xKSFys0g4bMwrI79qfsx_WcMWlZyHXAgFGnrXStVjX17BgJ7V8pCKAMB4a/s320/red+luna+taco+factory+interior+4.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-131554862224296572019-10-27T21:06:00.003-07:002019-10-27T21:06:58.427-07:00Giliberto's in Blaine ... A Game-Changer<div class="adM">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDJ61xm1fnhbAudPfK_R9mxCrNyacoDyqom_sDxbfGHNdnaDWdfIATalukMy_Tl5sQ6A3iWpXaLxR7dlZeJ7q-bOU_zH7cIdlgBKXcGSg7ynnHycTP9nzc4x4CvHGrRzSqgX5TFEkC_PM/s1600/gilibertos+burritos+and+quesadilla.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="giliberto's in blaine " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDJ61xm1fnhbAudPfK_R9mxCrNyacoDyqom_sDxbfGHNdnaDWdfIATalukMy_Tl5sQ6A3iWpXaLxR7dlZeJ7q-bOU_zH7cIdlgBKXcGSg7ynnHycTP9nzc4x4CvHGrRzSqgX5TFEkC_PM/s320/gilibertos+burritos+and+quesadilla.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Giliberto's in Blaine is a 'taco search' Game-<span id="goog_1102440584"></span><span id="goog_1102440585"></span>Changer!! </span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thanks to a friend of <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Marianne's Kitchen</span></b></i>...<b>John
G</b>...who clued us in about Giliberto's in Blaine (near the soccer
fields).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Giliberto's Take-Aways </span></span></h2>
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<li><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fantastic</span></span></b></i></li>
<li><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Huge portions (sorry John...we slipped up didn't follow your advice...ordering 2 items we had enough food for 4 people! )</span></span></b></i></li>
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Friendly staff</span></span></b></i></li>
<li><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Many, many choices</span></span></b></i></li>
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Lots of interesting condiments and sauces</span></span></b></i></li>
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Great Food!</span></span></b></i></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZl9SBeNEK_3NMnWcAgJWGTdbk34GFlCta8oFaGR6viJBmHKvayrPK3L-g8DLhaZh70GISjkWNFbXiQRljB633zs-E8_NTdMSaZtVFHFiKnIfX7-CsURlp8pTvOqHxEeNARLxDqdfiOsHD/s1600/gilibertos+interior+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="giliberto's in blaine " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZl9SBeNEK_3NMnWcAgJWGTdbk34GFlCta8oFaGR6viJBmHKvayrPK3L-g8DLhaZh70GISjkWNFbXiQRljB633zs-E8_NTdMSaZtVFHFiKnIfX7-CsURlp8pTvOqHxEeNARLxDqdfiOsHD/s200/gilibertos+interior+2.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Once we heard about <a href="https://www.gilibertos7.com/#/">Giliberto's</a>, we just had to get there. We're
always eating at odd hours...always. If we're going out, we say...'gee,
what's still open'. Usually a fast food drive-thru.</span></span></div>
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Not anymore! <u><b><a href="https://www.gilibertos7.com/#/">Giliberto's</a> is open 24x7</b></u>, you can dine in AND they have a drive-thru window.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.gilibertos7.com/#/">Giliberto's</a> opened about 4 months ago in Blaine. This is their seventh
location.....but the others are in places like SoDak or Wilmar. Blaine
is a lot more convenient!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Giliberto's Menu </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The menu is <b>extensive</b>...with many meat choices, breakfast options (yes,
even huevos rancheros), burritos, tacos, quesadillas.....many, many menu
choices.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVLQ3nq6iCZ1KAu_dAfEvaJcVXxgsJGBmV9vW3KUArmR-c4nwO3UynFK5bINVGGEm_2lWew33p7b6AVGcoOVtvfnvU9Ej5RyRuL24ipIC55_0osfe9WeL9LAbUgSQHNZQBMc2OYm__jsS/s1600/gilibertos+burritos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="giliberto's in blaine burrito platter" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVLQ3nq6iCZ1KAu_dAfEvaJcVXxgsJGBmV9vW3KUArmR-c4nwO3UynFK5bINVGGEm_2lWew33p7b6AVGcoOVtvfnvU9Ej5RyRuL24ipIC55_0osfe9WeL9LAbUgSQHNZQBMc2OYm__jsS/s400/gilibertos+burritos.JPG" title="" width="300" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
<b>We started with the '2 smaller burrito' platter</b> (so, with rice and
beans). Ha, we knew we were in trouble when that showed up. Yes, a
small burrito is not as big as the 'baby thigh' size at Chipotle, but
it's a good sized burrito--certainly one is enough
for a meal. We should have followed John G's advice and just shared
this one menu choice. We ordered a green chile pork burrito and a
carnitas burrito. We never even got to the carnitas burrito (we think
one of our grandchildren has already eaten it...we
dropped off some of the 'extras' at their house on the way home).
The </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvOBppV-Z2SkAppt8jHPvi-PDuGrqJzLqhs0bzGq8YxMdGis8M49hyphenhyphendfxWMUIgsHIjQIp06vTXx3s05RDUTz6SgilbtFlhrTCdbyLm889a_K_hW7u0wXDbDDTgCj2XGuCBamrjLhCBixf/s1600/gilibertos+condiments+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="giliberto's in blaine " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvOBppV-Z2SkAppt8jHPvi-PDuGrqJzLqhs0bzGq8YxMdGis8M49hyphenhyphendfxWMUIgsHIjQIp06vTXx3s05RDUTz6SgilbtFlhrTCdbyLm889a_K_hW7u0wXDbDDTgCj2XGuCBamrjLhCBixf/s200/gilibertos+condiments+3.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">green chile pork burrito was excellent....spicy, meaty, wrapped in a
fabulous tortilla. The rice and beans on the platter were also
excellent---and in such a huge portion that half
of that went in the to-go box, too. A whole large meal as a 'leftover'
after 2 of us tried to tackle the other 'half'.</span></span></div>
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<b>We also chose a marinated chicken quesadilla</b>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchWTF7YEkPEtNxQU2HyjdsnA13escaeelqzQeGMZ4CjUKni5S66lsQkJIfUAumIpQTLkzGD3KfQSF_dBs4uaIwW7lxDzwO0hGMohtuz6vBvk-xocijl23js7eRpGhsXM0RehDZmfkSSsP/s1600/gilibertos+quesadilla+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="giliberto's in blaine quesadilla" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchWTF7YEkPEtNxQU2HyjdsnA13escaeelqzQeGMZ4CjUKni5S66lsQkJIfUAumIpQTLkzGD3KfQSF_dBs4uaIwW7lxDzwO0hGMohtuz6vBvk-xocijl23js7eRpGhsXM0RehDZmfkSSsP/s400/gilibertos+quesadilla+2.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> This was messy----and
nobody cared! This was the most delicious marinated chicken I can
remember at any Mexican restaurant anywhere. And the tortilla <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcfs2idlVvdlDeaLKwrT-fL_YiPxPX5Yqgand7l_xeVScZNN5opwiBp2wbdHfwbP1d4xz3C0iKK1wGSY7ka59Kw8WwDefw0ODq_XxAg8mXGS4j-ee3XArhFBGzRLgmVIQn2o3GQtRzyo7/s1600/gilibertos+quesadilla+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="giliberto's in blaine quesadilla" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcfs2idlVvdlDeaLKwrT-fL_YiPxPX5Yqgand7l_xeVScZNN5opwiBp2wbdHfwbP1d4xz3C0iKK1wGSY7ka59Kw8WwDefw0ODq_XxAg8mXGS4j-ee3XArhFBGzRLgmVIQn2o3GQtRzyo7/s320/gilibertos+quesadilla+1.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a></div>
was
beautifully thin, and grilled to a crispy edge with
those delightful brown marks - as you'd expect on a well-grilled
quesadilla. It was joined on the overflowing plate with HUGE sides of
guac, sour cream, and nicely chopped ripe tomatoes. There were so many
goodies, that the condiment bar seemed almost unnecessary.....but
that didn't stop us.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3o2u3NFVEDxWSwimDrjnzS6_9dTX_vWHgpfWaw3mdo1SENZAsVmcop411xEQ3NgDfuMbnnr8Y2pLPc6iWtVCUladyUQkD_FW0OvgctZANKMEB_mYtJcPSOMBOT2PtJsIVq21UOhPFfZvR/s1600/gilibertos+condiments+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="giliberto's in blaine " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3o2u3NFVEDxWSwimDrjnzS6_9dTX_vWHgpfWaw3mdo1SENZAsVmcop411xEQ3NgDfuMbnnr8Y2pLPc6iWtVCUladyUQkD_FW0OvgctZANKMEB_mYtJcPSOMBOT2PtJsIVq21UOhPFfZvR/s320/gilibertos+condiments+4.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
<b>The condiment bar could be a meal</b>. I love, love, loved the pickled
carrots...just the right texture. The cabbage was salty and
delicious. The pico (heavy on the onion) was fresh and addicting. Four
sauces...I'll call them 'hot red', 'hot orange with bits',
'green', and 'creamy green'....a range of flavors and textures. My
favorite was the hot orange with bits....a little bit thin, with tiny
veggie pieces, and great 'warmth', followed by the 'green'. John's
favorite was the 'creamy green', followed by the 'green'.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaSivmCyRiygPUsZ1odwnn8VtC-8N_g5SHs4teERzgg7PcE96uqX0d_iWd7qae-B6OEn0RjeaT0GOgdpxBdYP1SpmX0vTvFDaYcuisNLSV81JAtR2tXaoofn5hSg7rJV01nfiMKn0af3v/s1600/gilibertos+condiments+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="giliberto's in blaine " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaSivmCyRiygPUsZ1odwnn8VtC-8N_g5SHs4teERzgg7PcE96uqX0d_iWd7qae-B6OEn0RjeaT0GOgdpxBdYP1SpmX0vTvFDaYcuisNLSV81JAtR2tXaoofn5hSg7rJV01nfiMKn0af3v/s200/gilibertos+condiments+1.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
<b>Everything was so flavorful that you hardly needed any sauces</b>. I
reserved them for accompanying the crispy edges of the tortilla from the
quesadilla, and for that first bite of burrito where there's a lot of
tortilla in proportion to ingredients. Those also
serve as a good neutral backdrop so you get the complete flavor of the
sauce.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.gilibertos7.com/#/">Giliberto's</a> also has a variety of bottled sauces if the selection on the condiment bar isn't big enough for your appetite!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETEoUv3NkGVu4X7Znl8y1AxUQrwwjmhB1qgh3ZnCAOzDQHzz12lbNH0b3bYXoALPvRQ3c2QyIJnC8NyGw3N0Jl_gfQZ-iuvRZF8VJRNhs36FdiNpDiSLw5tKVx00OA2_LQf290oiPmibv/s1600/gilibertos+condiments+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="giliberto's in blaine " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETEoUv3NkGVu4X7Znl8y1AxUQrwwjmhB1qgh3ZnCAOzDQHzz12lbNH0b3bYXoALPvRQ3c2QyIJnC8NyGw3N0Jl_gfQZ-iuvRZF8VJRNhs36FdiNpDiSLw5tKVx00OA2_LQf290oiPmibv/s320/gilibertos+condiments+2.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
<b>John G was absolutely right. This place is fantastic and the portions
are enough to feed your whole family with just a couple of selections</b>.
It will take you many visits to work your way through the whole menu.
But based on how many people were eating in
and taking out after 8 p.m. on a Friday night, we'd suggest you start
your journey soon. We think the place will be packed once everyone
finds out about it. So get there now before the lines start to form!</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Details:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Website: <a href="https://www.gilibertos7.com/#/">https://www.gilibertos7.com/#/</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Giliberto%E2%80%99s+Mexican+Taco+Shop/@45.1668051,-93.2141833,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x52b3251d858aad53:0xece792af89392d1d!8m2!3d45.1668051!4d-93.2119946">Google Maps</a> </span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-63666924156233705422019-10-27T10:45:00.000-07:002019-10-27T20:35:29.917-07:00Up Coffee ... A Weekday Favorite Delivers!!<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Up Coffee: Our Lunch Reward <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiija_sFTjuDDwbKnZu5GQZUdwvUQgLoGfvgro4CSZ5-Ey-TgiAA0qERiXq4GRuk18d9G2OpsXeRvyNLGLqTKeFHvbLR08Tu-6RoGEeWLtxsCKSyb67Yhe01SIdvPCFBRUUqNua4LKOhiQa/s1600/up+coffee+exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="up coffee minneapolis mariannes kitchen" border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="1140" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiija_sFTjuDDwbKnZu5GQZUdwvUQgLoGfvgro4CSZ5-Ey-TgiAA0qERiXq4GRuk18d9G2OpsXeRvyNLGLqTKeFHvbLR08Tu-6RoGEeWLtxsCKSyb67Yhe01SIdvPCFBRUUqNua4LKOhiQa/s640/up+coffee+exterior.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We've been working really hard lately. John has worked on the barn, dug
sumps as the climate crisis dumps more and more rain per rain event,
and generally tried to get things ready for the first snowfall. I've
had canning, baking, catering, and packaging
(endless, endless packaging), products for all the various retail
outlets that want goodies every week or so.</span></span></div>
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So after today's 'early' deliveries...we finished by 1:30 or so...it was time to stop, breathe, have some lunch.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.upcafe.com/">UP Coffee</a> is one of John's favorite places...so we headed from Annona Gourmet over the hill and down to UP.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was an excellent plan.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6b6c6jYYBWHdtab90KuNXLP4rU7FHSPidQKE1c_d5wkOgO45iT8h4Q4IXNW9DKGVXr6AoOX6n_Clco9-uabbMxMAOOt1eufkgAPPyEGKHOuwrXcOqXYZ_K6gmeVvRp_orymfjrpyFPYZQ/s1600/up+coffee+interior+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="up coffee minneapolis mariannes kitchen" border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="828" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6b6c6jYYBWHdtab90KuNXLP4rU7FHSPidQKE1c_d5wkOgO45iT8h4Q4IXNW9DKGVXr6AoOX6n_Clco9-uabbMxMAOOt1eufkgAPPyEGKHOuwrXcOqXYZ_K6gmeVvRp_orymfjrpyFPYZQ/s640/up+coffee+interior+1.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>What a wonderful lunch....including a really creative sandwich and two excellent salads.</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Up Coffee: Our Food </span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzf2h_w_0jHUfH-rlGHiwiSU008E6Jiqp64nTJcjBShyr2hAcrFUVUbBQSuf9eUtlYIvZ60pOQD2jxSHZRxa4YBricEIT1hI7VCrDO4raPahHJLPIvChL6hEBFV7eHygBLDThdJcqYIxoE/s1600/up+coffee+fall+sammie+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="up coffee minneapolis fall sammie mariannes kitchen" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzf2h_w_0jHUfH-rlGHiwiSU008E6Jiqp64nTJcjBShyr2hAcrFUVUbBQSuf9eUtlYIvZ60pOQD2jxSHZRxa4YBricEIT1hI7VCrDO4raPahHJLPIvChL6hEBFV7eHygBLDThdJcqYIxoE/s320/up+coffee+fall+sammie+3.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I went for the <i><b>Fall Sammie</b></i>....roasted squash, greens, tomatoes, creamy
sauce (sorry, I was so busy enjoying it that I forgot to read the
description) on nicely toasted bread. I opted for the 'side' of
salad...oh my, my...that could have been a whole meal.
Beautiful greens with the fruit and nut mix (cranberries, golden
raisins, currants, walnuts....just so yummy) with red onion and
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">delicately sliced tomatoes...with just the right amount of balsamic. I
made my way through 1/2 of </span></span><br />
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the sandwich (with John's help)
and 1/2 of the salad before filling a to-go box with another meal the
same size.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYJaqg8DF5BCZ4ZuDeL0Tf6psKHzozs2LY60_YFG8-ZlcMLEc_6cgi2LrroKtTV8N5ALM223G-WYAaKvl-qaWvu-IPLVjG_WdxXRuLt_Opeh7NhLjPqKxxIpJ84uazNrV43gAQLOR7Qa8/s1600/up+coffee+spicy+thai+peanut+salad+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="up coffee minneapolis spicy thai peanut salad mariannes kitchen" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYJaqg8DF5BCZ4ZuDeL0Tf6psKHzozs2LY60_YFG8-ZlcMLEc_6cgi2LrroKtTV8N5ALM223G-WYAaKvl-qaWvu-IPLVjG_WdxXRuLt_Opeh7NhLjPqKxxIpJ84uazNrV43gAQLOR7Qa8/s200/up+coffee+spicy+thai+peanut+salad+1.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
John had the fantastic, <i><b>Spicy Thai Peanut Salad</b></i>. Fresh greens, cabbage, orzo,
crispy noodles dressed with spicy dressing...it was so big we both
thought it would overflow the bowl. I had a few bites to 'help' him
clean his plate.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkplWGrT_V30pGkOQZA3JykU-4TgWNEyi7BcMVl_RFG9hkXOt4jI5wU06zeZH7sdqnVOU8D0PgVOQgcGj80Eq1FwcAlmeJaSkPCcErJlwu8WyYRwJlzdksvDR6UhbTWOvmUP7GxakoZOeG/s1600/up+coffee+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkplWGrT_V30pGkOQZA3JykU-4TgWNEyi7BcMVl_RFG9hkXOt4jI5wU06zeZH7sdqnVOU8D0PgVOQgcGj80Eq1FwcAlmeJaSkPCcErJlwu8WyYRwJlzdksvDR6UhbTWOvmUP7GxakoZOeG/s200/up+coffee+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Of course John saved room for a cookie (I frankly had a little trouble
looking at one more cookie today....and the rest of the holiday season
looms in front of me). He selected the Reese's peanut butter chip cookie. I took a
little piece 'just to taste'
<span id="m_-2758371429898262530😊"><img alt="😊" class="CToWUd" data-goomoji="1f60a" data-image-whitelisted="" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/1f60a" style="margin: 0 0.2ex; max-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle;" /> It was thick, with a nice soft middle and crispy edge...that cookie could have been a meal, too.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="m_-2758371429898262530😊"><b>We had an UP and down history with
UP</b>. Our first visit...years ago...was disappointing. But we always
try to make multiple visits because everyone has a bad day now and
then. <i><b>Today was the best day ever</b></i>, but we've had delicious quiche,
sage
pesto sandwiches, things with onion jam, great baked goods with
interesting streusels or loaded with fruit or moist and satisfying with a
cup of their great coffee.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDns7MOLFh36eMSCJxeYle2ofGEA6uEwOEVSfeQDhrGtRClUfRd6YxI0ob50bI9KZoyC58eZZeN4Ig05IA_4W7zJ6bytaC4D8qVlMks9GkBcxdDbTu8zyJmE665MZul3OwXpLTMyytZF4/s1600/up+coffee+fall+sammie+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="up coffee minneapolis fall sammie mariannes kitchen" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDns7MOLFh36eMSCJxeYle2ofGEA6uEwOEVSfeQDhrGtRClUfRd6YxI0ob50bI9KZoyC58eZZeN4Ig05IA_4W7zJ6bytaC4D8qVlMks9GkBcxdDbTu8zyJmE665MZul3OwXpLTMyytZF4/s200/up+coffee+fall+sammie+1.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="m_-2758371429898262530😊"><i><b>But my sandwich and our salads hit a
new peak</b></i>. A veggie sandwich outside the box--enthusiastically
welcomed by my taste buds. Two salads that each had their own
character, but were also equally interesting, fresh, and delish.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEYLMuJF-6mo9p20GPb44kgHAfORiYCKMeUtxFtIiEOuJJZlxZIGGR8f6LXFheTo49g3KKeymkDhZGwPl0aLyvHZ9vtWnVDLWyI-IwODNk7Fd0vFGa4lD_yRjr10rs6ny8S0ItGCuQ00w/s1600/up+coffee+fall+sammie+side+salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="up coffee minneapolis mariannes kitchen" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEYLMuJF-6mo9p20GPb44kgHAfORiYCKMeUtxFtIiEOuJJZlxZIGGR8f6LXFheTo49g3KKeymkDhZGwPl0aLyvHZ9vtWnVDLWyI-IwODNk7Fd0vFGa4lD_yRjr10rs6ny8S0ItGCuQ00w/s200/up+coffee+fall+sammie+side+salad.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="m_-2758371429898262530😊">We like UP because they don't have
extensive equipment (like <span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>Marianne's</b></i></span>) so are doing a lot more than you'd
think possible with the available equipment. That's why we like the
CoffeeShop NE, too.....using their bare bones equipment to make really
<b>tasty items</b>....that are <b>creative</b> and <b>stretch the possibilities</b> of what
you can make without a grease hood and deep fryer. That was always our
goal at <span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>Marianne's</b></i></span>.....use our measly </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="m_-2758371429898262530😊"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGHxFSqqTRgX6DVxwNppwPNmcs99kXH4ltru4-I6FL6FKYi-BkHPM7MzJHc8Rn7A0bkwxvcXCDg1B-nFn0lRRqegm-X3bcnyb_KmdVDQeOFq3IxYg6qcWy50A8L9iE1UN3Et36jMYqBxv/s1600/up+coffee+spicy+thai+peanut+salad+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="up coffee minneapolis spicy thai peanut salad mariannes kitchen" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGHxFSqqTRgX6DVxwNppwPNmcs99kXH4ltru4-I6FL6FKYi-BkHPM7MzJHc8Rn7A0bkwxvcXCDg1B-nFn0lRRqegm-X3bcnyb_KmdVDQeOFq3IxYg6qcWy50A8L9iE1UN3Et36jMYqBxv/s200/up+coffee+spicy+thai+peanut+salad+2.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="m_-2758371429898262530😊">equipment to go way outside the
bounds of what a franchised place would do
with the same equipment.</span></span></span></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span id="m_-2758371429898262530😊"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">UP Coffee excelled today at creating a lunch that was outstanding. Kudos!</span></span></span></i></span></h2>
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</div>
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<b><span id="m_-2758371429898262530😊"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Details:</span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span id="m_-2758371429898262530😊"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Website: <a href="https://www.upcafe.com/">https://www.upcafe.com/</a></span></span></span><br />
<span id="m_-2758371429898262530😊"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/UPCoffeeRoaster">@UPCoffeeRoaster</a> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span id="m_-2758371429898262530😊"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Up+Cafe+and+Up+Coffee+Roasters/@44.9926487,-93.2274055,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x52b32daa7a54486f:0xdf4e28405e5ada05!8m2!3d44.9926487!4d-93.2252168">Google Maps</a> </span></span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-55881039984990587942019-10-22T10:08:00.000-07:002019-10-22T11:00:18.760-07:00Hope Breakfast Bar<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_RwjkHIyeOpLSSyStua74-4EPOc5bWXZfulx47TQ-W3joKs-qx9rw6n9jJVP4Y5dJDKcBVPlHhfHiMJtJptO-jyL72QGzEMJd4PBzjrhRPysj3GXbZbLQPPIT7s2tXYuNE7O04yFDdyo/s1600/hope+breakfast+bar+exterior+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="hope breakfast bar st. paul exterior" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_RwjkHIyeOpLSSyStua74-4EPOc5bWXZfulx47TQ-W3joKs-qx9rw6n9jJVP4Y5dJDKcBVPlHhfHiMJtJptO-jyL72QGzEMJd4PBzjrhRPysj3GXbZbLQPPIT7s2tXYuNE7O04yFDdyo/s320/hope+breakfast+bar+exterior+1.jpg" title="hope breakfast bar st. paul exterior" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We finally made it to Hope Breakfast Bar </span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After several tries, we finally made it! Hope Breakfast Bar on a late Sunday afternoon. No
crowd, able to park (well, on the 3rd try) right in front. Time to give
it a try.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Hope Breakfast Bar's mission: </span></span></h3>
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Bringing people together for the most important meal, no matter what time of day...starting your day with optimism</h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ambiance of Hope Breakfast Bar </span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGG2ZTsfWGCRyXv5-3Sd8jVWk9nvSls_MJILq8rg57gsAIC0gOgzbjW5XUz2W6aDthkFsW2aiuMgJEgdv6zaTBOC1HHDfTUWSdk2-8-QU2yQU_UtQyJJV6Mtx8Jfx4qzF67FvIlchW_tZt/s1600/hope+breakfast+bar+interior+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="hope breakfast bar st. paul exterior" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGG2ZTsfWGCRyXv5-3Sd8jVWk9nvSls_MJILq8rg57gsAIC0gOgzbjW5XUz2W6aDthkFsW2aiuMgJEgdv6zaTBOC1HHDfTUWSdk2-8-QU2yQU_UtQyJJV6Mtx8Jfx4qzF67FvIlchW_tZt/s320/hope+breakfast+bar+interior+1.jpg" title="hope breakfast bar st. paul " width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Great atmosphere, with tall firehouse ceilings, painted black. Gold
vases on each table, adorned with fern fronds...gold tableware, too.
Egg-shaped salt and pepper shakers seem appropriate for a breakfast
place, standing in a tidy holder.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7sQSYoHpOqqHGpIc7L9nxfs6QDMRxMnr8Z0ElshtdJc0Cijifyl7i1Qf3hEkHOTUedkhFuhMj_b1-3f7ILIC9yIpNiTVX6mrel6PBfsbCW9o8y2DjtXIbqkcj6CVeOqrEWq8SZ8i5XTg/s1600/hope+breakfast+bar+salt+and+pepper+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="hope breakfast bar st. paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7sQSYoHpOqqHGpIc7L9nxfs6QDMRxMnr8Z0ElshtdJc0Cijifyl7i1Qf3hEkHOTUedkhFuhMj_b1-3f7ILIC9yIpNiTVX6mrel6PBfsbCW9o8y2DjtXIbqkcj6CVeOqrEWq8SZ8i5XTg/s320/hope+breakfast+bar+salt+and+pepper+1.JPG" title="hope breakfast bar st. paul" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Attentive service right away...but disappointment within minutes.
John wanted a <b>Pink Raspberry Passion Lemonade</b> , but they were totally out
of lemonade, so he settled for water.</span></span></div>
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The lack of lemonade was only a slight letdown but John was whiny and made it into a really big disappointment. Whatever. <b>Everything else was excellent.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our choices at Hope Breakfast Bar </span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlXw3SSXUgZJSMRtfDmXIH7rJS2e5zIUrQuqgR2JJ809tmI9b1wNz7BADudycJwhgpg8McPEeX0LzOCtYG4lwm9j0xUb_RP-SG-xtrnWg1uovv_lqjvm75OjC81XTYNBCWmVtYkJDN3fR/s1600/hope+breakfast+bar+cheesy+grits+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="hope breakfast bar st. paul cheesy grits" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlXw3SSXUgZJSMRtfDmXIH7rJS2e5zIUrQuqgR2JJ809tmI9b1wNz7BADudycJwhgpg8McPEeX0LzOCtYG4lwm9j0xUb_RP-SG-xtrnWg1uovv_lqjvm75OjC81XTYNBCWmVtYkJDN3fR/s320/hope+breakfast+bar+cheesy+grits+2.jpg" title="hope breakfast bar st. paul cheesy grits" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We ordered the <b>Cheesy Grits</b> as a starter. They were delish...creamy,
not grainy, with plenty of cheese. My <b>drip coffee was also delish</b>...so
my side of the table was a winner....wonderful grits accompanied by
full-bodied, flavorful coffee, without a hint
of bitterness. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFU9yWytGJjdFgVmlpHLkQ_7t9kMFRUYwgxJiuDLk2q35l1psjSaoI8MwJewlxyN3TpRH7NsUdnRXJ9f2QAX2_zsA9zMk0p5ELVj59pLjH4r7xc-sNkJ3cP4g5JR0W0IatnsHPSvU8Xg7/s1600/hope+breakfast+bar+drip+coffee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hope breakfast bar st. paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFU9yWytGJjdFgVmlpHLkQ_7t9kMFRUYwgxJiuDLk2q35l1psjSaoI8MwJewlxyN3TpRH7NsUdnRXJ9f2QAX2_zsA9zMk0p5ELVj59pLjH4r7xc-sNkJ3cP4g5JR0W0IatnsHPSvU8Xg7/s200/hope+breakfast+bar+drip+coffee.JPG" title="hope breakfast bar st. paul" width="150" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
It was served in a deep cup with an interesting
decorative edge....a very enjoyable coffee, including refills.</span></span></div>
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Many intriguing choices on the menu, so we just needed to pick our
starting place today. A salad and an egg dish were our first test of
the food. How did they do?</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmn9J5GxKAZjjYtFI1-1YSKaUVXJ9CWvPMq2p-_NJ5WPBJjn2kn-FH9LRi2p-n5VPmPZ-FiD7Tg7L8MJM_iSO_3NBE5o8dNg3tIMcGPRcsjbT9M4fw7n02eSX0ZC_WcbKGQjb4QDmGp1i/s1600/hope+breakfast+bar+brunch+salad+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="hope breakfast bar st. paul brunch salad" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmn9J5GxKAZjjYtFI1-1YSKaUVXJ9CWvPMq2p-_NJ5WPBJjn2kn-FH9LRi2p-n5VPmPZ-FiD7Tg7L8MJM_iSO_3NBE5o8dNg3tIMcGPRcsjbT9M4fw7n02eSX0ZC_WcbKGQjb4QDmGp1i/s320/hope+breakfast+bar+brunch+salad+2.jpg" title="hope breakfast bar st. paul brunch salad" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
The <b>Brunch Salad </b>was terrific. One of our favorite meals a few years ago was
at the Fig Cafe in California. Everything there was California fresh
and wonderfully composed. This salad could have easily been presented
to us there. Mixed, greens, brown rice, lightly 'pickled'
sweet peppers and red onion....chopped in thin and interesting
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-KE_fBBXywBQLOjokMbOobEFQL5qTPouLbTbHbdE4C5IWRNKcTT7OeAiC8SFVFUufGHRF0OVMGXrwL35AnSOhTOdxyAJoZzRRryiXqqlETfMSBhpebtdv2L4OtcmlVdkFqp2twMG0L-d/s1600/Hope+breakfast+bar+brunch+salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="hope breakfast bar st. paul brunch salad" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-KE_fBBXywBQLOjokMbOobEFQL5qTPouLbTbHbdE4C5IWRNKcTT7OeAiC8SFVFUufGHRF0OVMGXrwL35AnSOhTOdxyAJoZzRRryiXqqlETfMSBhpebtdv2L4OtcmlVdkFqp2twMG0L-d/s320/Hope+breakfast+bar+brunch+salad.jpg" title="hope breakfast bar st. paul brunch salad" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
fashion...both colorful and delightful in texture, and, for once,
adequate amounts of quinoa throughout. Nothing is worse that ordering a
salad that should have quinoa or wild rice or farro...only
to have to search to find the 3 or 4 bits of grain that you're looking
for. Here, the balance was perfect, the slicing was beautiful, the
flavor was light and not overdressed.....served in a beautiful deep
white bowl that made it easy to fill your fork with
your desired selection of ingredients for each bite. Simply
wonderful.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1w4DoOCJX0vfVkuIKE38_Mc6KARg2skeiM0TIX6PG2pjFGx8SdjY3tcSbrKZ9Ot8TnIcR2PC-IzITqDfyOtjQE_BILMqo-86J3YhVtNKNZvA_jBPNdVcN9NX9IGJUQrOWJSYaLTEXO61r/s1600/hope+breakfast+bar+farm+grazer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="hope breakfast bar st. paul farm grazer" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1w4DoOCJX0vfVkuIKE38_Mc6KARg2skeiM0TIX6PG2pjFGx8SdjY3tcSbrKZ9Ot8TnIcR2PC-IzITqDfyOtjQE_BILMqo-86J3YhVtNKNZvA_jBPNdVcN9NX9IGJUQrOWJSYaLTEXO61r/s200/hope+breakfast+bar+farm+grazer.JPG" title="hope breakfast bar st. paul farm grazer" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
John chose the <b>The Farm Grazer</b>. This hearty bowl of
ingredients was overflowing with perfectly prepared heirloom
fingerlings....all blue, red, some that looked like LaRatte...not
sure...but absolutely perfectly prepared. There was 'crisped'
spinach....John
didn't quite like the texture....it had been crisped but now was
somewhat more 'wilty' in texture. I thought it was a good texture
contrast to the potatoes and egg. John had </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKylvdy9h6jWk_OKMbqibJ8n0v2d3_yRbCx2EHYkBvKaZzkAT5PUzEgvsenbk7GV3r6A7iEQXRkncOX4b4WmlHMhdNazGPixKQ754U4ETuOrqkE4A0fSQYjHV3Zi6iapJiiqvesQ96Wq1/s1600/hope+breakfast+bar+farm+grazer+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hope breakfast bar st. paul farm grazer" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKylvdy9h6jWk_OKMbqibJ8n0v2d3_yRbCx2EHYkBvKaZzkAT5PUzEgvsenbk7GV3r6A7iEQXRkncOX4b4WmlHMhdNazGPixKQ754U4ETuOrqkE4A0fSQYjHV3Zi6iapJiiqvesQ96Wq1/s400/hope+breakfast+bar+farm+grazer+1.jpg" title="hope breakfast bar st. paul farm grazer" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
expected over-easy eggs,
but they arrived a bit too browned and clearly over-medium.
John said he would have enjoyed a few more root veggies in proportion
to the number of potatoes. I'll have to agree that a few more veggies
would have added color, texture, and flavor. We found the root veggie
part a bit overcooked. But I thoroughly
enjoyed the wonderfully prepared fingerlings...I made sure to have one
of each color!!</span></span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Overall Impression of Hope Breakfast Bar </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Overall, <b>we would describe our meal as excellent</b>. The <b>Cheesy Grits </b>
were on par with the grits at Breaking Bread in North Minneapolis (which
unfortunately closed...at least temporarily in July----we'll watch to
see when/if they re-open). So if you</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOtHUchoJD30c8Onod6YYsiKVoM611ozd9jsyuBB_3LNbrCp7mhgk5IWytvfyi1eW1RcA2kV-8nTNmJHssLrMepB8eGbluCyPm7a5P_kvckZYMg1fDMcaeFZK7-35SXnaomnZoau15A-m/s1600/hope+breakfast+bar+lunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="hope breakfast bar st. paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOtHUchoJD30c8Onod6YYsiKVoM611ozd9jsyuBB_3LNbrCp7mhgk5IWytvfyi1eW1RcA2kV-8nTNmJHssLrMepB8eGbluCyPm7a5P_kvckZYMg1fDMcaeFZK7-35SXnaomnZoau15A-m/s400/hope+breakfast+bar+lunch.JPG" title="hope breakfast bar st. paul" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
want excellent
cheesy grits, Hope Breakfast Bar is your best best right now. The
<b>Brunch Salad</b> was fantastic...among the best salads I've ever eaten.
The <b>Farm Grazer</b> was excellent in concept...it fell just a bit
short in execution. A better root veggie/potato
ratio would make it more desirable, matching the over-easy eggs to what
is listed in the menu is necessary, and the root veggies should be
cooked as appropriately as the potatoes...they were just a little beyond
what was acceptable in texture.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
But we'd say, give Hope Breakfast Bar a try. John had the
disappointments of the day, with no lemonade and an unbalanced
dish....that needs a bit of tweaking. I was the winner, with
full-bodied delicious hot coffee, a truly wonderful salad that was easy
on
the eyes and wonderful on the taste buds, plus my share of the
well-prepared cheesy grits. My only challenge was parking the car
(plus watching the 'parking enforcement' officer out the front
window...trying to figure out if we were, for sure, in a legal
parking zone). Thankfully we were, because having to get out of that
parking spot and squeeze into another spot would have been a definite
downer to my dining experience). Fortunately he checked some cars and moved
along.</span></span></div>
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</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
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</span></span>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<b>Our server was excellent and we shared a few stories at closing time
that made the experience even more memorable. An excellent meal all
around.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcM_W5Vy4UsGOvLC1nqpGQ7gHiYrHWqzBblI-7b76TGAAQ6qDUJZWoIYdvM_K0lw2cNoZYLg7Euiiig5gUdk9EEE27ehB_kono_YzlbcQdEtWFLU8bty_x2XPHewVCFC3_uZep19HwxUv7/s1600/hope+breakfast+bar+interior+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hope breakfast bar st. paul" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcM_W5Vy4UsGOvLC1nqpGQ7gHiYrHWqzBblI-7b76TGAAQ6qDUJZWoIYdvM_K0lw2cNoZYLg7Euiiig5gUdk9EEE27ehB_kono_YzlbcQdEtWFLU8bty_x2XPHewVCFC3_uZep19HwxUv7/s640/hope+breakfast+bar+interior+2.jpg" title="hope breakfast bar st. paul" width="640" /></a></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
</b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Details:</b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Website: <a href="https://www.hopebreakfast.com/">https://www.hopebreakfast.com/</a><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hope+Breakfast+Bar/@44.941144,-93.1101617,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x87f62b3c3e2fdf2d:0xf16452e949c03cbf!8m2!3d44.941144!4d-93.107973">Google Maps</a><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hopebreakfastbar/">https://www.facebook.com/hopebreakfastbar/</a><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/hopebreakfastmn">https://twitter.com/hopebreakfastmn</a><b> </b></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-18195691931368541892019-10-16T16:00:00.003-07:002019-10-17T17:29:40.156-07:00All Taco on Central ... Great Lunch<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-M0oi8v5ClgD-amwJe6qNwsJV6cxewRJ5a7rEQuKEQ3DIduJjhsK4mt2yZmNy2RgE1r5fHNbgqPI2m3oJXVE3LNbtzQ8EHGaZ9ij0IOr5qmZUaUSHupLbVygkhiu14BKmBUzvbJN9CW8X/s1600/IMG_1394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-M0oi8v5ClgD-amwJe6qNwsJV6cxewRJ5a7rEQuKEQ3DIduJjhsK4mt2yZmNy2RgE1r5fHNbgqPI2m3oJXVE3LNbtzQ8EHGaZ9ij0IOr5qmZUaUSHupLbVygkhiu14BKmBUzvbJN9CW8X/s320/IMG_1394.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All Taco on Central in Columbia Heights</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While shopping at <a href="http://www.annonagourmet.com/">Annona Gourmet</a> in St. Anthony Village, Jean the owner asked "Where are you going for lunch?" John's standard response is "Somewhere with good tacos." Jean recommended the All Taco truck on Central in Columbia Heights in the AutoZone parking lot. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The little yellow All Taco truck lunch was great.</span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our Lunch at All Taco</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our lunch was available in less than five minutes and reasonably priced at $9 for the burrito and $2.50 each for the tacos.</span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Carnitas Burrito<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEu1sBGkDC0tnOwdQ6HTelKY-QB-97rNfG31NSL5Aft1DaDnsrN4nGtbZOn2LAB9Y_SugoUTd2KZGcwifD0l9YyTe6ktZuJzv7LaXeYPXEkmG0aiGJuAsaspreNmiavMPq2gHrSFv64YRp/s1600/IMG_1395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEu1sBGkDC0tnOwdQ6HTelKY-QB-97rNfG31NSL5Aft1DaDnsrN4nGtbZOn2LAB9Y_SugoUTd2KZGcwifD0l9YyTe6ktZuJzv7LaXeYPXEkmG0aiGJuAsaspreNmiavMPq2gHrSFv64YRp/s200/IMG_1395.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
</span></h4>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYut7QvNg2qJZEBn11PSaoIj1X1t4xpjtLlUDRYqz6F1zxIBVVylgYJR342s2C2BsAB_b4N2VMmz8qNrD9QhtS9ElScNE6Qa1FNaQWoNKUFnB7vlPqlSmYQW0AOGHwhrVEr7EKAhEqAxx/s1600/IMG_1397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYut7QvNg2qJZEBn11PSaoIj1X1t4xpjtLlUDRYqz6F1zxIBVVylgYJR342s2C2BsAB_b4N2VMmz8qNrD9QhtS9ElScNE6Qa1FNaQWoNKUFnB7vlPqlSmYQW0AOGHwhrVEr7EKAhEqAxx/s200/IMG_1397.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The carnitas burrito was the highlight. Often large burritos end up with ingredients localized within the tortilla. The carnitas, corn, lettuce, beans and sour cream were well proportioned throughout the flavorful tortilla. Two salsas accompanied the burrito along with one roasted pepper that was delicious, combing wonderful roasted pepper flavor with a memorable level of heat. We considered the burrito a value at $9, and even when shared was filling.</span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Two Tacos: Marinated Pork & Chicken</span></h4>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLPNdQBlORKk21PKjHEzSs5TxU82OI4wzhb7mmjEX9MljSiNMDTC4c1dKso-L_nteIiD6Li-dT2-rto0m468tOMQVyB_QKYlaOz2j1bWau9KDmtOaHmy9f6Qzt8Lr-lzRPy2t9qs8fr5d/s1600/IMG_1396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLPNdQBlORKk21PKjHEzSs5TxU82OI4wzhb7mmjEX9MljSiNMDTC4c1dKso-L_nteIiD6Li-dT2-rto0m468tOMQVyB_QKYlaOz2j1bWau9KDmtOaHmy9f6Qzt8Lr-lzRPy2t9qs8fr5d/s200/IMG_1396.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The marinated pork taco and the chicken taco were well constructed and flavorful, with the pork taco being our favorite. The tacos were accompanied with radishes, lime and a rich and flavorful red salsa. The roasted pepper made the chicken taco come alive.</span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are in the neighborhood do give All Taco a try...they also have quesadillas and bowls.</span></h4>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Details:</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Website: <a href="http://www.alltacollc.com/">www.alltacollc.com</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/AutoZone+Auto+Parts/@45.0620597,-93.2489625,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x52b32e4bc4188327:0x4cfb23656836d4ed!8m2!3d45.0620597!4d-93.2467738">Google Maps - AutoZone Parking Lot</a> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-56413743443470541162019-09-21T10:03:00.000-07:002019-09-21T10:03:08.514-07:00Kale and Veggie Dinner from Costa Farms CSA Box<div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-testid="post_message" id="js_u5">
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Costa Farms CSA Box becomes Kale & Veggie Dinner </span></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A quick & tasty veggie meal using lots of kale from this week’s CSA box.....</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Kale pesto with fresh lemon juice, toasted almonds, Parmesan, garlic,
evoo, & a grind or two of black pepper...used to coat some
ditalini... and then topped with fresh veggies sautéed in a bit of oil
and finished with a splash of tasty balsamic.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The balsamic in the
veggies contrasted with the rich, cheesy creaminess of the kale pesto
for a great overall balance....satisfying, but not too ‘heavy’.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Sauteing
some fresh veggies...some of the kale, red onion, green beans, green
pepper...and a little pasta water to make sure the kale becomes
tender.....</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWy-N30XEwgR2UFwKG5E4C-j3Dl4yzJmyt2h_JLBWFZv8KIB5RXb5ayYDx9g9q5xTrOQ9JfmiRc4BOEIFJnWkYAeCjeOY8sLHqM94qVVUrI7z72xPq2CzUpff6vTQZsy1gYjXa7RQnikZ/s1600/costa+farms+kale+veggie+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWy-N30XEwgR2UFwKG5E4C-j3Dl4yzJmyt2h_JLBWFZv8KIB5RXb5ayYDx9g9q5xTrOQ9JfmiRc4BOEIFJnWkYAeCjeOY8sLHqM94qVVUrI7z72xPq2CzUpff6vTQZsy1gYjXa7RQnikZ/s640/costa+farms+kale+veggie+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">A splash of balsamic for a little sweetness, a little tartness....</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHEQ_f8y2n2MDgvkdNivaTqrzskSofplX2z699K5TOpwfusuihBkbE8FR3usTfJCt-W-9djcPP8f51vxD_N-60lfbGleefSC3xpi_KF8gw7Vns7DiujrI0bTJWmJsOaU_7QFDNcFoA2Va/s1600/costa+farms+kale+veggie+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHEQ_f8y2n2MDgvkdNivaTqrzskSofplX2z699K5TOpwfusuihBkbE8FR3usTfJCt-W-9djcPP8f51vxD_N-60lfbGleefSC3xpi_KF8gw7Vns7DiujrI0bTJWmJsOaU_7QFDNcFoA2Va/s640/costa+farms+kale+veggie+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Ditalini in the colander....</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqwOuEcuUrAjTh_uW7ZAPiF9Lhjx_TUvmgvzxqSdHTByXLdUO1vx7eBnZI5EJhznAo9qDGScg27k7Tro8DmliLuQGfcLMS85DT21u6cFQ5qb1iaMRXpYLMvTmzieP0K7e6x7vYq6V0h9B/s1600/costa+farms+kale+veggie+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqwOuEcuUrAjTh_uW7ZAPiF9Lhjx_TUvmgvzxqSdHTByXLdUO1vx7eBnZI5EJhznAo9qDGScg27k7Tro8DmliLuQGfcLMS85DT21u6cFQ5qb1iaMRXpYLMvTmzieP0K7e6x7vYq6V0h9B/s640/costa+farms+kale+veggie+3.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">kale pesto in the food processor....very creamy, with lots of kale flavor</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dTixRWyFenQ5IQDy2v-TAmZc4U4Fd7B7ET14RdolKfNiZWVlw_QTs906ApXikr5H1fHvya3pSzOU73dVrqprGnmo29PksHXqJPnvG3u3PbFF5BV7cLHzRaca4NVSj5m6qP8D_oLv3sj0/s1600/costa+farms+kale+veggie+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dTixRWyFenQ5IQDy2v-TAmZc4U4Fd7B7ET14RdolKfNiZWVlw_QTs906ApXikr5H1fHvya3pSzOU73dVrqprGnmo29PksHXqJPnvG3u3PbFF5BV7cLHzRaca4NVSj5m6qP8D_oLv3sj0/s640/costa+farms+kale+veggie+4.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Pasta and pesto meeting one another.....</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zsFxmT5CqxBo2N7JbxN6SeO7agP7jaAs1dkL_jVPdZxkXUMvonrikh6rPWfv-AspEX2nA3q85HDWoB2X5KXFWOHwRWYeuOydu0wST5gjqvwLHd1NByoLmreP_ozssDxfZZ6aSXLzG8Hl/s1600/costa+farms+kale+veggie+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zsFxmT5CqxBo2N7JbxN6SeO7agP7jaAs1dkL_jVPdZxkXUMvonrikh6rPWfv-AspEX2nA3q85HDWoB2X5KXFWOHwRWYeuOydu0wST5gjqvwLHd1NByoLmreP_ozssDxfZZ6aSXLzG8Hl/s640/costa+farms+kale+veggie+5.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">The balsamic gives the veggies a nice color and fragrant aroma....</span></span> </span></span> </span></span> </span></span> </span></span> </span></span> </span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-1938407071894253382019-09-18T20:07:00.000-07:002019-10-26T20:37:47.908-07:00Due Focacceria on Fairview...awkward<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>The New 'Due Focacceria' on Fairview</i></span></span></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmD4x8zFm8-JTOP6sR2E7nqP3kl_JMeINplsFBNOM4alQzz64xsRmFcW8zAggOYTgKHRnvWnZqwd1Op9-uXFAX9vxc9u-4swN8CqkFIS0M7I-NvVjJVY8G2jChmYQqnb3ldLwcrHzKaNFa/s1600/due+focacceria+exterior+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Due Focacceria exterior" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmD4x8zFm8-JTOP6sR2E7nqP3kl_JMeINplsFBNOM4alQzz64xsRmFcW8zAggOYTgKHRnvWnZqwd1Op9-uXFAX9vxc9u-4swN8CqkFIS0M7I-NvVjJVY8G2jChmYQqnb3ldLwcrHzKaNFa/s640/due+focacceria+exterior+1.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Had to check out the new <a href="https://www.facebook.com/duefocacceria/">Due Focacceria</a>....in the previous Neighborhood
Coffeeshop across from the Caribou that put it out of business, on
Fairview near St. Catherine's. (I do hold a grudge against Caribou for
their corporate strategy of locating across from
locally owned coffee shops in order to put them out of business...way
too many great places are gone because of it).<br />
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Intriguing reviews on Yelp, obtuse website....best thing to do is show up in person at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/duefocacceria/">Due Focacceria</a> and figure out what it's all about.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Due Focacceria Ambience</i></span> </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Exterior:</b> The exterior is an improvement over the previous coffee shop look, which
became a bit shabby over time....more of a clean, sleek look. The
parking lot is just as awful as ever...but we persisted and parked near a
planter of grasses.</span></span></div>
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<b>Interior: </b>The interior could be described as unfinished industrial or roughened
Italian or '20th century trying to be 21st century modern meets 200 year
old building' look. Eclectic combo of sleek and roughly finished to
look unfinished...that's the best I can do
to bring you into the space.</span></span></div>
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<b>Seating: </b>The seating seems inadequate/non-functional. The whole food prep side
of the building had tabletop along all the windows seating...so not
comfortable for any more than 2 people together since there was no way
to converse. It seems like there was adequate
space for cafe tables that might have served diners in a more
comfortable way. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the booze and espresso room there were a couple of
counter height long tables...that would have worked for a larger
group...but were partially filled by groups of 2-3 people.
There was also a long bench with 2 cafe tables, but no chairs...where
it appeared that you might wait for your espresso. <i><b>We found it an odd
configuration of seating arrangements.</b></i> There are about 30 seats (the
same as Marianne's) but we found none of the
options very welcoming. <b>Awkward</b>.</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">No WaitStaff at Due Focacceria: The staff is a terminal</span></i> </span></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRrXKTIa2PqZyyQwugTeizeAe2NHnW7mtgglBN8XX8G4nkUy58IXRBtL5wqJGvHSyGLcs-djXj1o2_4RbnR0t06gR0pfhZiV-oBGnlLk1gAqiF1qdN6_AMdFX2RIkLGq9TK_ZNYKqQiNc/s1600/due+focacceria+ordering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Placing your order at Due Focacceria" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRrXKTIa2PqZyyQwugTeizeAe2NHnW7mtgglBN8XX8G4nkUy58IXRBtL5wqJGvHSyGLcs-djXj1o2_4RbnR0t06gR0pfhZiV-oBGnlLk1gAqiF1qdN6_AMdFX2RIkLGq9TK_ZNYKqQiNc/s320/due+focacceria+ordering.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ordering is Painful</span></span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ordering</b>....you're really on your own at a screen...and don't be slow
because if your credit card isn't ready when you've completed your
order, your entire order will disappear and you'll have to start again.
We'd recommend having your card in hand when you
begin entering your order. <u><b>No cash</b></u> or human contact.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">What we ordered at Due Focacceriea...</span></i> </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As always, we tried to select from 2 different menu categories, so <b>we
chose a focaccia and a salad</b>. Since sorrel isn't yet a very common
ingredient on many local menus (and since I just created a kale pesto
recently), we opted for the sorrel pesto focaccia.....essentially
with a base of sorrel pesto as the bottom layer of the sandwich. The
pesto was topped with prosciutto and sorrel leaves. We chose the
caponata salad with farro, greens, and perfectly-made veggies (eggplant,
celery and carrots--all perfectly tender with
a hint of celery crispness).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Immediate Reaction to Due Focacceria...</span></i> </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Within a few minutes of being there, I announced to John that Due Focacceria was not a very welcoming place. Is that too strong? Maybe...I'll mull my initial response
over the next few days. John responded with <span style="color: #45818e;">"<i>That's pretty harsh...but I've found nothing to like."</i></span></span></span></div>
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<b>First, the seating was unappealing</b>.....there were a few people in the
restaurant, but with even those few, the seating options
were....non-existent. We ended up along the window in the 'single'
seats. Okay for two of us...glad we didn't bring anyone else
along for conversation.</span></span></div>
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<b>Then there was the ordering</b>. If it's dark outside</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaYMzLRVAlXwuiar7sqdK_Du6ow77TUegepy3sp9jyaecblvHpe6VehjQASZcX8gCFPZF-MQR62VYzoGetBGbUrwHfUHG7cweVo84G4_KrCeiwKuEjLM2OS5tHdzuQVkiVZMDFhG6hrO2/s1600/due+focacceria+interior+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Due Focacceria Interior" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaYMzLRVAlXwuiar7sqdK_Du6ow77TUegepy3sp9jyaecblvHpe6VehjQASZcX8gCFPZF-MQR62VYzoGetBGbUrwHfUHG7cweVo84G4_KrCeiwKuEjLM2OS5tHdzuQVkiVZMDFhG6hrO2/s320/due+focacceria+interior+1.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> and you want the
customers to do the McDonald's kiosk routine, give us some light.
You're trying to read the small menu in poor lighting, then key into the
screen...then it tells you to swipe your card....except
in the dark, you can't see the dark-colored card reader--kind of a shot
in the dark approach. If you want a drink or a receipt to show that
you really did manage to order, you have to go to the drink counter and
tell the person you're waiting for your receipt.
<b>Awkward.</b> If you want to order alcohol, you do this at the same
counter, although there are people sitting at the counter having
conversations...... Again, <b>awkward</b>.</span></div>
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So on the second try, I managed to get the order in, swipe our card in
the dark, and get a receipt (the girl's team won this round!!). John
had given up....he ordered, then tried to get his cc from his
wallet...in the meantime, our whole order disappeared
because he 'timed out' on the screen. He was now an unhappy camper (John: <span style="color: #45818e;">"</span><i><span style="color: #45818e;">I was ready to walk after the terminal ordering labyrinth...and I'm quite techie!"</span>)</i>.</span></span>
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We retreated to our seats (John: <span style="color: #45818e;"><i>"Weird seats."<span style="color: black;">)</span></i></span> and grabbed some water from the cute 'outside
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyisrFGKv6enwGqC2-ilGpn59nr5rTxfiJ-oQAo4dinYO-JBTkydd_OJoc7FHLpyz2MnYxxUpcjalPof1uAGLej9Gz6OJMtap6RrXB3riCqBM3bwK2sAhW3-0odL6WVWnzW1BuDSXm8rQY/s1600/due+focacceria+water.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Due Focacceria water station" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyisrFGKv6enwGqC2-ilGpn59nr5rTxfiJ-oQAo4dinYO-JBTkydd_OJoc7FHLpyz2MnYxxUpcjalPof1uAGLej9Gz6OJMtap6RrXB3riCqBM3bwK2sAhW3-0odL6WVWnzW1BuDSXm8rQY/s320/due+focacceria+water.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">faucet'...the kind you use to attach your garden hose to the outside of
your house. It was a rustic touch.....but turning the handle on and off
for each glass was, well, <b>awkward</b> as well.
The glass glasses were so small, that people were all taking larger
disposable glasses for their indoor dining...which seemed a little
wasteful when providing slightly larger re-usable glasses would have
been an easy fix.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">What we tried to drink at Due Focacceria...</span></span></i></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We had ordered a chai, so were hoping it would appear immediately since
it was such a windy, chilly evening. Not only didn't it arrive right
away...<b>it never arrived</b>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I looked at the food 'pick up'
counter...where a woman was grabbing her food while running
her sleeves through everyone else's food that had yet to be picked up.
Not there. I finally went to see if there was a 'drink pick-up'
counter, too. Nope. But the guy who had handed me my receipt said 'oh,
I didn't see your ticket....I'll make it right
away'. After a couple of minutes I went back and then he said he'd
bring it to our table when it when it was ready. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A few minutes later a
young woman '<b>awkwardly</b>' brought it to the table....hardly able to keep
the chai in the cup...and then didn't really
know how to give it to us--she looked really uncomfortable and
expressed her indecision in how to deliver the filled to the top
cup...because we were sitting along the window, facing away from
her....where exactly would you place the cup and saucer? I turned
and gently took it from her hands (in my best Marianne's Kitchen
balancing style)...for which she seemed grateful. The problem
now....if I returned for another meal...where DO you pick up a drink? I
have no idea.</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>The 'awkward' food pick-up stand at Due Focacceria...</i></span> </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Similarly, after a few more minutes, I looked for our food at the
'pick-up' stand. There were many food items there....all chillin' and
waiting for someone to give them some attention. But, there were 2
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-i1Ht1kTrF2kg8mJtPWF_39lXABke32yorbHQXIzjDoB30Vb7Xvb2BilYhC_y3VZdHew1AuKcr6J_EIzIwiEw8pqb7IUW7LrxeEcTpkQLh4mS1_pKc9u9f-Uul3SiSBYl58-Zl2snZls/s1600/due+focacceria+food+pickup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Due Focacceria food pickup location" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-i1Ht1kTrF2kg8mJtPWF_39lXABke32yorbHQXIzjDoB30Vb7Xvb2BilYhC_y3VZdHew1AuKcr6J_EIzIwiEw8pqb7IUW7LrxeEcTpkQLh4mS1_pKc9u9f-Uul3SiSBYl58-Zl2snZls/s400/due+focacceria+food+pickup.JPG" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Where you pick up your food...</i></td></tr>
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customers standing in the way...the guy with the sweater
with his arm on the counter where the food was sitting...ewwwwww, so no
real way to see what food was there waiting. (This is the location of
a second ordering kiosk...which you could not have used, because these
two were standing in front of the kiosk for
ten minutes waiting for their order, with the guy leaning on the food
counter). You had to be able to read the ticket to see whose food it
was....again, not an easy feat...since the plates and tickets were
inaccessible past this guy. Luckily, our food came
up just then and a young woman who tried so hard to be helpful all
evening grabbed it and brought it over to our seats. Again, I took the
salad dish from her hand and turned to put it on the 'table' and grabbed
the sandwich which was partially wrapped, but
with no plate. She offered to grab a plate for us, which we gratefully
accepted.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>Due Focacceria: Finally...the food</i></span> </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The food:</b> our conclusion is that <u>the ingredients were high quality</u>,
and the person at the 'sandwich station' or 'salad station' who seemed
to be prepping the food was doing a very careful, diligent job (there
were 4 other people at a back counter ....they
seemed to be putting food in plastic containers which were later dumped
into bins at the front station that was manned by just the one person.
Their exact roles were fairly unclear to us). </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HqVUH-e40YSUQGdZ5-Oy6jCA9FDcHq0J0XMSo88Pdlx8oYfYv5sxbFsqDXkDOyzg9KIDQeLcqavgGnqmBZHNcRnMD9vtt87Sjqapf2JjuAHykYTWx5ZrGVwxJ3u55CdL80p9ftm5uc_S/s1600/due+focacceria++focaccia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Focacceria Due Focacceria" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HqVUH-e40YSUQGdZ5-Oy6jCA9FDcHq0J0XMSo88Pdlx8oYfYv5sxbFsqDXkDOyzg9KIDQeLcqavgGnqmBZHNcRnMD9vtt87Sjqapf2JjuAHykYTWx5ZrGVwxJ3u55CdL80p9ftm5uc_S/s320/due+focacceria++focaccia.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">$14</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The sandwich</b> was
tidy....although there were almost no ingredients
in the first third of the really not all that large sandwich. Once
John removed 1/3 of the foccacia, the rest of the sandwich was tasty,
with really good prosciutto...but not much else that stood out in a
flavor profile. The sorrel was there...but in appearance
only. The foccacia itself was quite good....the right thickness, with a
chewy texture. It was a serviceable sandwich...but somewhat expensive
for the amount of ingredients....$14 for what we'd call an average
sized sandwich, somewhat under-filled.</span></span>
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<b>The salad</b> was tasty, although unevenly dressed. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rIf444lrxQCkF6Ule7CBL56PGml8HymP7vmEe9MxjKeoV48JW-4mzgEmS7z47V8RSZprYfmwglXm3I3JY5ras-dSMr7vmJarFMeCT6s1d3uSg3znoehhZGBPnEWeInCu9TclGtWracGO/s1600/due+focacceria+farro+salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Due Focacceria Farro Salad" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rIf444lrxQCkF6Ule7CBL56PGml8HymP7vmEe9MxjKeoV48JW-4mzgEmS7z47V8RSZprYfmwglXm3I3JY5ras-dSMr7vmJarFMeCT6s1d3uSg3znoehhZGBPnEWeInCu9TclGtWracGO/s320/due+focacceria+farro+salad.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Farro Salad $10</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The farro was
perfectly cooked, as were the veggies. But the bites varied in flavor
quite a bit. The serving size was adequate...but many people would
walk away hungry if they didn't add dessert to their
salad lunch....and it certainly wouldn't be a dinner course, even
though the price is $10. It was a fine salad...not an outstanding salad
and not a great value.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>We returned the chai at Due Focacceria...</i></span> </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The chai was,well, returned to the maker. It was bitter and
watery.....and we found it undrinkable. The person who carried it out
to us asked us to describe what we found unpleasant, and then explained
that they steeped their tea for 4-6 hours. John and
I both expected a rich, aromatic drink...and that isn't what this drink
was. The barista thought he might have improved it if he had steamed
the milk a bit longer...but he had already forgotten to make the
drink...so perhaps the pressure was on. They did
cheerfully exchange it for a cold brew to go.....so we took our drink
for the road.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Observing the staff, the kitchen, food handling, health codes, operations, etc.</i></span> </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We always observe the kitchen, health code, organization and staff on
our restaurant visits. We came to the conclusion that our description
tonight would be <b>'slow motion confusion'</b>. There were people in street
clothes with backpacks walking through the
kitchen and grabbing drinks or standing and talking to staff...one
later appearing as staff...a bit-um, <b>awkward</b>? The people working all
seemed a little dazed. Everything was just like molasses......sort of a
slow motion flow that wouldn't end up in disaster
if you, as the customer, paid attention and were diligent in finding
your order in the various places it might show up.
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Many, many employees...maybe 7 or 8...for about a dozen customers. On a
busy night, this could have turned into massive disaster. No one
appeared to be in charge of how things flowed....the one person doing
final food prep would set the food on the 'pick-up'
station...usually with an accompanying ticket to identify it. Then it
just sort of sat there. No apparent order....should the customer pick
it up, is someone going to bring it out to a table......again, awkward.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Due Focacceria: Overall Rating</i></span> </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We'd rate our experience for the evening about a 3 or 4 on a 10 point
scale. John might say that was too high. <b>Ordering was painful, seating
was odd, the chai didn't appear even after 2 inquiries....and when it
arrived, it just wasn't a very good chai.</b>
The food appeared at our table due to the diligence of one person...she
was the best asset they have. <b>The sandwich was good quality, but
missing ingredients on one third of the focaccia...unacceptable for
$14.</b> <b>The salad was tasty and the woman prepping
worked hard to stack it into a nice pyramid on the plate..but it was
uneven in taste and a little light on value at $10.</b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Everything just
seemed like slow motion confusion.</span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>The best word we could find to describe the Due Focacceria experience overall: awkward.</i></span></span></span></h3>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Details:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/due/@44.9272999,-93.1862695,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x87f62b878c31ab6f:0xf767aeccf60cd109!8m2!3d44.9272999!4d-93.1775148">Google Maps</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Social Media: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/duefocacceria/">Facebook</a> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iVjR-qkWVnJN34AIZgMdEwLLW2ntJ88nNaYiUVp9Gi5cw1GK276OQNCpN2pjaPgeZX4AhnjlAj06NY1dXEGQjDNUjnkyJ7dES2Yda1oWYLruUgs8FlA_EN6ZHGBtzlU3szHSXR4QmSZ8/s1600/due+focacceria+menu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Due Focacceria Menu" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iVjR-qkWVnJN34AIZgMdEwLLW2ntJ88nNaYiUVp9Gi5cw1GK276OQNCpN2pjaPgeZX4AhnjlAj06NY1dXEGQjDNUjnkyJ7dES2Yda1oWYLruUgs8FlA_EN6ZHGBtzlU3szHSXR4QmSZ8/s640/due+focacceria+menu.JPG" title="" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-5023083328432957692019-08-31T10:36:00.005-07:002019-08-31T11:17:49.251-07:00Karibu - Family Owned - Fantastic<div aria-haspopup="true" aria-label="Show details" class="ajy" data-tooltip="Show details" id=":ws" role="button" tabindex="0">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Karibu</span> <span style="color: red;">Grocery & Deli</span> on Payne AV - <i>Fantastic!</i></span></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSdrxo8UjJiZ30-oe6rbWVK-VR0USN3l5EMVKHaxk0WUxBFZo8o-btcLMa4USa6ZtYkgvt8UE5aYV_1xBUr1CaEc8SvJmcADOzyH_4hB7H6fSb07QgpKFuJrciWvky1Zxd5HpW-Wtp_eU/s1600/karibu+grocery+and+deli+exterior+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSdrxo8UjJiZ30-oe6rbWVK-VR0USN3l5EMVKHaxk0WUxBFZo8o-btcLMa4USa6ZtYkgvt8UE5aYV_1xBUr1CaEc8SvJmcADOzyH_4hB7H6fSb07QgpKFuJrciWvky1Zxd5HpW-Wtp_eU/s640/karibu+grocery+and+deli+exterior+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Speaking of independent local businesses, we just dined at another one and it's fantastic....another new favorite place.</span></span></div>
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We were driving down Payne Avenue, thinking about Magnolia's, Tongue in
Cheek, Brunson's, Tacqueria Marguez.........couldn't decide, so headed
another couple of blocks. That stunning red building....before you get
to Los Palmas or Yarusso's ...or the grocery
cart full of booze for cash place....Morelli's.......on the SW corner
of Payne and Minnehaha....Karibu Grocery and Deli.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Karibu</span> - <i>It's Family-Run</i> </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Run by a family of eight children and their mom from Somalia via Kenya, Karibu's building itself is a stunning beauty. Since one of the children is
an architect, we wondered after we left (we can't get in all the
questions in one visit...they have work to do)
if he had designed the building. A bold statement on a prominent
corner....it's surely an asset to the East Side.</span></span></div>
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When we arrived, mom and one daughter were working the kitchen. We
stared at the menu....for a very long time...trying to decide. We
focused on the East African portion of the menu for our main course and
then started working our way through the appetizers.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45NG-GJui_LDMSzGRqpNzkPLFGVLF2airA-gambt-wg6rvj72hg5dnTg4jporADiYEx5hCUPagYjiHm2QHS22BmfWbqilO7D2X-4mqqSA1_oDR0UoneOmvKP8jY1QeeNRF4q0CuQtvukL/s1600/karibu+grocery+and+deli+menu+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45NG-GJui_LDMSzGRqpNzkPLFGVLF2airA-gambt-wg6rvj72hg5dnTg4jporADiYEx5hCUPagYjiHm2QHS22BmfWbqilO7D2X-4mqqSA1_oDR0UoneOmvKP8jY1QeeNRF4q0CuQtvukL/s640/karibu+grocery+and+deli+menu+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Karibu</span> - <i>What We Ordered</i> </span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcBEVW6NboTpqY45kyY2weOKB6qFUbBtsbIzdy_nE78E-wDGdsiT6oouSEwYEANKY97CPOsopocqm0d8qGqC20RyTxLmdXqzP2v8g4vec8WQUkLrnp6KC1vXhFQp7gS-u-6-mij0hfjXo/s1600/karibu+grocery+and+deli+wild+veggie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcBEVW6NboTpqY45kyY2weOKB6qFUbBtsbIzdy_nE78E-wDGdsiT6oouSEwYEANKY97CPOsopocqm0d8qGqC20RyTxLmdXqzP2v8g4vec8WQUkLrnp6KC1vXhFQp7gS-u-6-mij0hfjXo/s400/karibu+grocery+and+deli+wild+veggie.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Wild Veggie (really not so wild) was the top of the East African
menu....so we decided to start at the top. It's a wonderfully spiced
stewed concoction of spinach, peas, and carrot served with delicious,
perfectly-cooked Somali rice...topped with a couple
of lime slices. It's accompanied by two sauces---the even-tempered
'red' sauce and it's friend...the more assertive 'green' sauce....which
makes its presence known in every bite where you invite it in
<span id="m_8441565235016730456😵"><img alt="😵" class="CToWUd" data-goomoji="1f635" data-image-whitelisted="" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/1f635" style="margin: 0 0.2ex; max-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle;" /></span>.</span></span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Karibu Appetizer Choice Challenge</span></span></h3>
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<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We worked out way down the appetizer list, as well. I opted for a
sambusa; John wanted the Viyazi Mayai (the fried mashed potato and
boiled egg ball)...but they had a big order before us and were sold
out. So, an immediate reason to plan a return visit. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmV4CetoyFR_f4QWe4qtGqAMBT-Qq-xguYRG8fljv4l-_JxUbFUqVsizZ1HQL_iN7-XfTTsWQLiHhf1l5V-5l99tokfg_r5CP2t_Spi3Oh-spoNi7BgC3wbra4p9NK3MNkuNwXxIWvZ_N/s1600/karibu+grocery+and+deli+malawax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmV4CetoyFR_f4QWe4qtGqAMBT-Qq-xguYRG8fljv4l-_JxUbFUqVsizZ1HQL_iN7-XfTTsWQLiHhf1l5V-5l99tokfg_r5CP2t_Spi3Oh-spoNi7BgC3wbra4p9NK3MNkuNwXxIWvZ_N/s320/karibu+grocery+and+deli+malawax.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Malawax sounded good to me....and I was not wrong. Think of a
crepe sprinkled with sugar. I especially liked dipping it into the
assertive member of the sauce duo....hot, then sweet...on a tender thin
crepe-like pancake. I will have one of these on
every future visit...I'm hooked!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OiXRgqRzo3Ajys2qiSgF9cf7iXxQzZq6Yg4NgChvP36j1L-AwdJiwh1fUth_SahukEMeO4GJrnud5lP3ULHqHGRUjCWlk9LB72GGuOBEmGo9FbEZneMdkGTCsxdS7JZ1DJE7H9bu9UdW/s1600/karibu+grocery+and+deli+sambusa+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OiXRgqRzo3Ajys2qiSgF9cf7iXxQzZq6Yg4NgChvP36j1L-AwdJiwh1fUth_SahukEMeO4GJrnud5lP3ULHqHGRUjCWlk9LB72GGuOBEmGo9FbEZneMdkGTCsxdS7JZ1DJE7H9bu9UdW/s200/karibu+grocery+and+deli+sambusa+2.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I loved the sambusa, too. Home-made</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> pastry surrounds finely chopped
ground beef and onions with spices...formed into a tidy triangle and
deep-fried...you shouldn't eat one every day, but it was firm, packed
with filling. with a crispy seam, and also was a
good partner for either of the sauces. I think I liked both of the
appetizers more than John did...but he was quite busy with the Wild
Veggie, so not sorry!</span></span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Karibu</span> - <i>Overall...great food...but it's more than just the food</i> </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Overall, we'd describe the experience as excellent! </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtS7xGnRIRp1yRTxcOkLjmL3kNbUBRD2h64lX0Q4jkGLpOCrXpHeeUcj_AnVmbW1QXOVXRsMRfiPknIqTbQNjA3SjvabDIQAkiLBD8w1nVC1PBXYomg_2cujOOGb2BnsN8Kb1of3WVrW0/s1600/karibu+grocery+and+deli+interior+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtS7xGnRIRp1yRTxcOkLjmL3kNbUBRD2h64lX0Q4jkGLpOCrXpHeeUcj_AnVmbW1QXOVXRsMRfiPknIqTbQNjA3SjvabDIQAkiLBD8w1nVC1PBXYomg_2cujOOGb2BnsN8Kb1of3WVrW0/s320/karibu+grocery+and+deli+interior+3.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We struck up a
conversation with a local artist who teaches after-school art classes
for local students. When he arrived, the staff immediately
said....back so soon? Good to see you again! He told them
he couldn't stay away because he was hooked on the burger. He
described it to us as a burger with lettuce and tomato (sounds average
so far)...but he continued---describing indescribable spicing and Karibu
special sauce. Yup, it will be next up on our
list...even though we're not big burger fans.</span></span></div>
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The children here have professional degrees, but mom makes sure they
each take their 'rotation' at the cafe (ah, mom power--love it!!).
Architect, school counselor, a business management guy and more in the
family.....so they each bring there own special spin
to the business.</span></span></div>
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The designated family member of the day sat down and chatted for a few
minutes...she's just graduating and in the process of taking the LSAT to
prepare for law school. She recommended the Philly cheese
steak...thinly sliced beef, grilled pepper and onions
and white cheese.....she said it's among the most popular items on the
menu.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Karibu</span> - <i>Options For Our Next Visit</i> </span></span></h3>
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<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The other East African dishes include: Suqaar (spiced steak with
garlic, green peppers and onion and roasted in a clay oven)--we've
enjoyed this at Ashama Cafe & Market on University Avenue and elsewhere, so
we'll have to do a flavor comparison in the future; Nomad's
Ari--fried goat with onion, garlic, peppers, cilantro; or Chooza
Chicken...similar ingredients also made in a clay oven. They are
accompanied by fries or rice...we recommend the rice...it was perfect.</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Also on the menu are a gyro; or a safari roll--containing either a beef
or chicken kabob in a tandoori pita. The other appetizer is a
doughnut-like Mandazi, described as having a 'little bit of a sweet
taste'.</span></span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Karibu</span> - <i>Conclusion</i> </span></span></h3>
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<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was a great visit. Clearly, the family knows the names of many kids
in the neighborhood...probably the adults, too. In that way, it was
like being at <span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Marianne's Kitchen</i></b></span>.....chatting with 'friends' who stopped by for
lunch. They've been working hard on this venture
since last Fall, are very welcoming, and produce excellent food. </span></span>
</div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Karibu Grocery & Deli <span style="color: black;">- <i>Hours</i></span></span> </span></span></h3>
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<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On the plus side, too....since we're always searching for food at odd
hours...they're open M-Sat from 9-9 and Sunday from 11:30-5.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Karibu....drive down Payne Avenue...you can't miss the distinctive red building. Stop, talk, dine, enjoy.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Details:</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Karibu+Grocery+%26+Deli/@44.9628296,-93.0764796,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x52b2d566c7b6dffd:0xc547a65388ce6b16!8m2!3d44.9628296!4d-93.0742909">Google Maps</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaribuGroceryDeli/">https://www.facebook.com/KaribuGroceryDeli/</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/karibu__?lang=en">https://twitter.com/karibu__?lang=en</a></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-86174434452508142652019-08-16T13:42:00.004-07:002019-08-16T13:42:41.344-07:00Chunky Fresh Veggie Sweet Corn Fritters<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigG5Yrlq9cAvEPcOyX4PeJY_wKcPdVRp0ZsAJuDRqc-uySwT485PXJV6AeYxu-fb8yn3Erj-SWU7F9Pp_p9ai1mm1dbiroBsJzElTcqhMcBtKrksvwEa5sETEnpgLC8romqqWtetNHLzH/s1600/mariannes+kitchen+costa+farms+csa+box.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="mariannes kitchen costa farms csa box" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigG5Yrlq9cAvEPcOyX4PeJY_wKcPdVRp0ZsAJuDRqc-uySwT485PXJV6AeYxu-fb8yn3Erj-SWU7F9Pp_p9ai1mm1dbiroBsJzElTcqhMcBtKrksvwEa5sETEnpgLC8romqqWtetNHLzH/s320/mariannes+kitchen+costa+farms+csa+box.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Costa Farms CSA Box</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Chunky Fresh Veggie Sweet Corn Fritters...Created From Our Costa CSA Box </span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All those wonderful veggies came in the <a href="https://costaproducefarm.com/">Costa Farms CSA box</a>...but no time to make
anything yesterday. So, let's pull something quick together
tonight...maybe with a variety of veggies.</span></span></div>
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Sweet corn</span></span></div>
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Green beans</span></span></div>
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Banana peppers</span></span></div>
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Onion</span></span></div>
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Little tomatoes</span></span></div>
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Lacinato kale</span></span></div>
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New potatoes</span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC82VzrBlcFnqpkuo6Db4r5PmGTwag96UNOBXuikqh_dcwC675PMW6atRmI8t6h0JvRrHoGqAFIWuykBCr3nx64sohYL3OBpb3qiHq0SsC5gSh-hJR_YIJsYVplfM37Y__dzk8jgik7zg/s1600/mariannes+kitchen++corn+fritters+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC82VzrBlcFnqpkuo6Db4r5PmGTwag96UNOBXuikqh_dcwC675PMW6atRmI8t6h0JvRrHoGqAFIWuykBCr3nx64sohYL3OBpb3qiHq0SsC5gSh-hJR_YIJsYVplfM37Y__dzk8jgik7zg/s200/mariannes+kitchen++corn+fritters+eggs.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
...and remember that carton of fresh eggs from the hens at my friend's house.....</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Time for dinner.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Chunky fresh sweet corn and veggie fritters sound great tonight.</span></span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Making the fritters... </span></span></h3>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I chopped the veggies into pieces that weren't too small, and did a
little pre-cooking on each (except the tomatoes which I just cut in
half) so they'd be crisp tender in the fritters.</span></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgk1Wmht8PYpF7fmAF4XpV_kt_S5dPaqvnN4hC-dZ6hyDt941KSg95l4BJiGXslWXDcu0Ae0Gah64G6bqxDJ4yazdSIl6HqFS88TsFpeeH9ihtE7NUW-aVLkp6W2UUWkKey2uQJH8y4ofi/s1600/mariannes+kitchen+costa+farms+csa+corn+fritters+batter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="mariannes kitchen corn fritters batter" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgk1Wmht8PYpF7fmAF4XpV_kt_S5dPaqvnN4hC-dZ6hyDt941KSg95l4BJiGXslWXDcu0Ae0Gah64G6bqxDJ4yazdSIl6HqFS88TsFpeeH9ihtE7NUW-aVLkp6W2UUWkKey2uQJH8y4ofi/s320/mariannes+kitchen+costa+farms+csa+corn+fritters+batter.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Corn Fritter Batter</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Some local brown eggs--beat them in a big bowl, add the veggies (I
cooled them before adding to the eggs). 4 tablespoons of bulka tarta
(my favorite bread crumbs from Sikora's Market in NE; if you don't have
them, use flour or fine bread crumbs you have in
the cupboard), some herbs---marjoram, dill, some powdered garlic since I
didn't have a head of garlic in the house. A few grinds of black
pepper and the 'batter' is ready for the pan.</span></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRryB0mVAg4TdaNSmW1z8qHtk3AXuZoArh6rpbTLrGTJme5C9P_nLWUPg3KfLbX2bcF2gvkuM_weWo3WIKGM3Vy1tTQbW3Y-_15TfNjJPNwuNucf_zlG-mlqwUJi2_8l7efGcBiqh7Hwz4/s1600/mariannes+kitchen+costa+farms+corn+fritters+1+flipped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="mariannes kitchen corn fritters" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRryB0mVAg4TdaNSmW1z8qHtk3AXuZoArh6rpbTLrGTJme5C9P_nLWUPg3KfLbX2bcF2gvkuM_weWo3WIKGM3Vy1tTQbW3Y-_15TfNjJPNwuNucf_zlG-mlqwUJi2_8l7efGcBiqh7Hwz4/s400/mariannes+kitchen+costa+farms+corn+fritters+1+flipped.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One flipped after a few minutes...</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
A giant dollop of the 'batter'...I could get about 4 in the pan without
them touching.....I flattened and rounded each a bit with the
spatula...and let them cook for a few minutes on each side...a little
more than medium heat, so they wouldn't brown too quickly
and would be cooked in the middle.</span></span></div>
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Nicely browned on both sides and they mostly held together...one big
tomato half popped out---but I just stuck it back in the middle!</span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-o2vYm7yoayTAag57ZAr3EQglDeISytXfUQtA7sfjKISNM4kZLanf42zJ3g2Y-RIrnpihgXk6sHkp24c9nipvoDlxw61QZ7vg2ncXx1DVpOFKhMtvOFXiYC9H0rucqpmOOHlQchtlEa_m/s1600/mariannes+kitchen+costa+farms+corn+fritters+done.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="mariannes kitchen corn fritters" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-o2vYm7yoayTAag57ZAr3EQglDeISytXfUQtA7sfjKISNM4kZLanf42zJ3g2Y-RIrnpihgXk6sHkp24c9nipvoDlxw61QZ7vg2ncXx1DVpOFKhMtvOFXiYC9H0rucqpmOOHlQchtlEa_m/s400/mariannes+kitchen+costa+farms+corn+fritters+done.JPG" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Corn Fritters!!! Time to Eat!!!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPruegwUGF6cB57OGw2ZNGFw-ZSZzF5tyJbXg7K4uoaPgD7C43JxX8g3Y6VW7rx791LpmNSsfmZPFWJlDhdHnOz9-7BKmu-zPUZbud4efJOU7hTV8H_rYL-IrJfhiEFdYhqHxc7AsuW-bH/s1600/mariannes+kitchen+corn+fritter+part.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="mariannes kitchen chunky fresh veggie sweet corn fritters" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPruegwUGF6cB57OGw2ZNGFw-ZSZzF5tyJbXg7K4uoaPgD7C43JxX8g3Y6VW7rx791LpmNSsfmZPFWJlDhdHnOz9-7BKmu-zPUZbud4efJOU7hTV8H_rYL-IrJfhiEFdYhqHxc7AsuW-bH/s1600/mariannes+kitchen+corn+fritter+part.jpg" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
I love these because you can taste each of the</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> veggies--the beans, the
kale, the peppers...each bite was unique. The potatoes added just
enough starchiness to help hold things together and the sweetness of the
corn was offset by the sharp black pepper.</span></span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sweet Refrigerator Pickles With Celery Seed</span></span>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdbIb1q9dbsbrISvg5C_StqK2gjY3wYXZtSj2LGRUdALXtdj1vWqiVvU_eYd4e7ypzXLR8KJG8uxuhX7y37uB9mDsBfui170NGWBELj8XCuV8Ly61yz9V-Sb24t43K5fPkv_rRyOR4gXq/s1600/mariannes+kitchen+costa+farms+cucumber+pickles+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="mariannes kitchen pickles" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdbIb1q9dbsbrISvg5C_StqK2gjY3wYXZtSj2LGRUdALXtdj1vWqiVvU_eYd4e7ypzXLR8KJG8uxuhX7y37uB9mDsBfui170NGWBELj8XCuV8Ly61yz9V-Sb24t43K5fPkv_rRyOR4gXq/s200/mariannes+kitchen+costa+farms+cucumber+pickles+3.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Refrigerator Pickles </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHBfXhHVbVwHNu4WSJUJQjsENsAf9fSyjX4XjMDmJ8h0U7Mo1FAjim_recPeiuza3nT6DUd2ej1OdzQhYmt_G-BSLclxGklEbGWLCYgGhwVNDNg-nrJ_pIeHwuq0PrKmPCQIq0BjCHKlb/s1600/mariannes+kitchen+costa+farms+cucumber+pickles1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="mariannes kitchen pickles" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHBfXhHVbVwHNu4WSJUJQjsENsAf9fSyjX4XjMDmJ8h0U7Mo1FAjim_recPeiuza3nT6DUd2ej1OdzQhYmt_G-BSLclxGklEbGWLCYgGhwVNDNg-nrJ_pIeHwuq0PrKmPCQIq0BjCHKlb/s200/mariannes+kitchen+costa+farms+cucumber+pickles1.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
This was a good time to break out the last of those pickles I made from
the giant cucumber in a previous Costa Farms CSA box. These were the sweet
refrigerator pickles with the celery seed...the sweetness was a light
contrast to the fritters...but for the sweet flavor
fans, the sweet corn and the sweetness of the pickles could make you
think you just had dinner and dessert.</span></span><br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-44081795854328683612019-08-12T10:18:00.000-07:002019-08-12T10:56:34.023-07:00Cafe Astoria in St. Paul .. Finally Made It There<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDpQ3Pr6xels9eanfMdIib_dtbCxY2Y1XM8tdd3i1lsYvXHC5aQoVGBCz_hWUHB-GDestYcq5946K3FtyyHSGB6NqoDC_EZfw5gchZFamooMUsulK_-De7vOYkZxeR8uECWNzoCRD2xhD/s1600/IMG_0852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDpQ3Pr6xels9eanfMdIib_dtbCxY2Y1XM8tdd3i1lsYvXHC5aQoVGBCz_hWUHB-GDestYcq5946K3FtyyHSGB6NqoDC_EZfw5gchZFamooMUsulK_-De7vOYkZxeR8uECWNzoCRD2xhD/s320/IMG_0852.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finally! Cafe Astoria in St. Paul</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
I've tried numerous times over the past year to get into <a href="http://cafeastoria-stpaul.com/">Cafe Astoria</a>....always the same....no parking anywhere in sight and a line
out the door.</span></span></div>
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I made the right turn off W 7th Street this afternoon....and there was a
parking spot on the </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpClPX39Q_uP4lW-f0gpYOM7DpbwwnZfE91WoV_OT_6MVvTbmZ8PSRsjxQ2epBxRorIQw8Gu5EwzVF7YUVamb97mhL6FisBVswcyaBFFG5eQRGXCRfXO1jubyp8vyY4ZjJUxO2xQVAgn2/s1600/IMG_5933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpClPX39Q_uP4lW-f0gpYOM7DpbwwnZfE91WoV_OT_6MVvTbmZ8PSRsjxQ2epBxRorIQw8Gu5EwzVF7YUVamb97mhL6FisBVswcyaBFFG5eQRGXCRfXO1jubyp8vyY4ZjJUxO2xQVAgn2/s200/IMG_5933.JPG" width="150" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
opposite side of the street...in front of the
dumpster! I'll take it (with a controlled U turn in the middle of the
street).</span></span></div>
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Still a line and almost no tables - but someone just left the table
right outside the front door...YES! Gonna rain? Can't tell....but
we'll risk it.</span></span>
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After all this time, I hope it's not disappointing.......</span></span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cafe Astoria Menu </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The menu is crepes, oatmeal bowls, salads, smoothie bowls, granola,
pastries...and tons of drink options. The, croissants in the case
looked fabulous...not the ones out of the box from the food
distributor...real baked croissants with that flaky, buttery
'eat me' look.</span></span>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Coffee at Cafe Astoria: Exotic</span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoM8o0NDYSo3U1cj_CdM1pYjpPJke7qsukiVwYHAMGkjwghRL1o1NiVUOZOpEUefXkxS7Vz6EUm-k3QAj7fptN1wuWDObqsmpGkm96nqjqzSUBEzy_JFlL_hRzRnyT1qEv8jyOFu2ATAv/s1600/IMG_0845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoM8o0NDYSo3U1cj_CdM1pYjpPJke7qsukiVwYHAMGkjwghRL1o1NiVUOZOpEUefXkxS7Vz6EUm-k3QAj7fptN1wuWDObqsmpGkm96nqjqzSUBEzy_JFlL_hRzRnyT1qEv8jyOFu2ATAv/s400/IMG_0845.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We grabbed a Leah's Happy Place.....a signature latte with matcha,
lavender, and pistachio. We would have opted for an oatmeal bowl, but
they were out of oatmeal. No worries....they have both savory and
sweet crepes, so the first crepe on the savory menu
was the </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzbZ7vXPh46tizQATa2-_aLv7frD6coUo8olMHP76N9w3w83T69LR4MlE1XA34EsqDx9ZaWmEyv9QhZ7z7kvcEBLNFpIaPMnLG7FMc-qOkNb4XnTqueD_hA_5bb3TlN87BvNCCYEdGxCc/s1600/IMG_5929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzbZ7vXPh46tizQATa2-_aLv7frD6coUo8olMHP76N9w3w83T69LR4MlE1XA34EsqDx9ZaWmEyv9QhZ7z7kvcEBLNFpIaPMnLG7FMc-qOkNb4XnTqueD_hA_5bb3TlN87BvNCCYEdGxCc/s200/IMG_5929.JPG" width="150" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
roasted tomato and cheddar....might as well start at the top
(and work our way through on future visits). Having something fresh
and green seemed like a good next choice, so we opted for the spinach
salad.</span></span></div>
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Parking ourselves outside at the little table, we had no idea how long
the wait would be. The 'Happy Place' was delivered to our table within
just a couple of minutes. It was a work of art....green, beautifully
completed pattern on top....offset by a giant
black serving cup. Flavor----fantastic! A little sweet, a little
'healthy', smooth, creamy, delicious.</span></span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cafe Astoria: busy staff and great customer vibe </span></span></h3>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We thought the food might take a while so we sat back and sipped on our
drink. The staff was working like mad---making drinks, making food,
running items out to tables - outside and in 2 rooms inside. It was
kind of a happy hectic vibe.....I appreciated
that so many people were coming and going that even being outside was
like being inside...with a little less crowding.</span></span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Food Arrives...Cafe Astoria Produces </span></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The food arrived in about ten minutes.....and it was beautiful. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbg7SNNoCpa6iJJXpdy2MTykTKW8GJ2YQoT7kvNAMNbELvVgIveSKIfLRw1WhSu_elDztqgE_jrcf0n_fIaURoH5fOqu5dc4vIIE-VqvACHDSC5PrgABMoWKPHI15efasBvK8txcbn_zu3/s1600/IMG_0851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbg7SNNoCpa6iJJXpdy2MTykTKW8GJ2YQoT7kvNAMNbELvVgIveSKIfLRw1WhSu_elDztqgE_jrcf0n_fIaURoH5fOqu5dc4vIIE-VqvACHDSC5PrgABMoWKPHI15efasBvK8txcbn_zu3/s400/IMG_0851.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
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<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
salad had fresh spinach (none of that wilted, </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8Q1gqyBAkaTnMXA8-cZY19jSpNSDV1R3WBV32qAJhXoAKWcYc2p6oo3J1A_4GwKDSrupw_iDaPguJQ5ZBCSkNQ56IjH3LMsLRN0jdnxDS8RRdQUoxNHYpsZ-lb1MebXg3exlTAhQ7mmW/s1600/IMG_0850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8Q1gqyBAkaTnMXA8-cZY19jSpNSDV1R3WBV32qAJhXoAKWcYc2p6oo3J1A_4GwKDSrupw_iDaPguJQ5ZBCSkNQ56IjH3LMsLRN0jdnxDS8RRdQUoxNHYpsZ-lb1MebXg3exlTAhQ7mmW/s320/IMG_0850.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
stuck-together stuff), the
creamiest chevre, salted pistachios, and fresh strawberries that
actually had great strawberry flavor--a fairly rare
occurrence. The dressing was balsamic with little bits of onion. An
excellent balance of ingredients (we had a watermelon salad at Delicata
last night and it was too heavy on arugula while being short on red
onion and cheese)....it was both attractive
and tasty.</span></span></div>
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<div style="color: black;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0wZ-c4BWR_GFyGNVTAOpXljHmBVsi1u4mLaXSqYDb3MD4fZypSAaw7QIHyFEMvTNJ8978TTj4hMXIEpPSEtMthLy0fF_qSWg7Jmx9V-C6EIuKp2E9DNMZoIKB4V4RAE752mhHcjqAA6R/s1600/IMG_5935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0wZ-c4BWR_GFyGNVTAOpXljHmBVsi1u4mLaXSqYDb3MD4fZypSAaw7QIHyFEMvTNJ8978TTj4hMXIEpPSEtMthLy0fF_qSWg7Jmx9V-C6EIuKp2E9DNMZoIKB4V4RAE752mhHcjqAA6R/s320/IMG_5935.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
The crepe was served with a small side of greens (they looked
good....someone ate them..so he'll have to report). The crepe was thin
and beautiful with great texture. There was more than adequate
filling...each bite was rich and satisfying...and it was accompanied
by some herb sour cream for extra richness if you could handle it.</span></span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Overall Review of Cafe Astoria </span></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>This meal was fantastic.</i> </span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We've hit a few 'well-publicized' places in
the last few weeks...none of them were all that great. </span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This meal, while
simply composed, was created from great-tasting, fresh ingredients and
arranged on plates to enhance the experience
with a beautiful appearance. </span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The latte was creative, beautifully
presented, and delicious.</span></span></div>
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</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
We are so glad we finally made it to Cafe Astoria.....it was worth the
wait. But we'll probably try to figure out ways to get there more often
now that we have experienced this kind of quality. Excellent.</span></span></div>
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</div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Details for St. Paul's Cafe Astoria</span></span></h2>
</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Website <a href="http://cafeastoria-stpaul.com/">http://cafeastoria-stpaul.com/</a></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cafe+Astoria/@44.9412377,-93.1097409,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x87f62ab783978f7d:0xd37971cc8047b7b6!8m2!3d44.9412377!4d-93.1075522">Google Maps</a></span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-11553458718537524512019-06-19T22:01:00.000-07:002019-06-19T22:01:35.290-07:00CSA Box #1 Asian Dinner With Chicken<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YM-lYpw_xMrNvHxZ3uOcMDF-q5DBhTPLPkuX1BQDu25Hhk44vJ0Fe1HqIu0O7i-gGbWa6kYJtn0sAzlFIYnMCFhRCE8qLws6QS7F3gCmFiYxL3gvcIAaQnIjAPZ2gX9HdqAiqWO7u_gh/s1600/costa+farms+csa+box+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YM-lYpw_xMrNvHxZ3uOcMDF-q5DBhTPLPkuX1BQDu25Hhk44vJ0Fe1HqIu0O7i-gGbWa6kYJtn0sAzlFIYnMCFhRCE8qLws6QS7F3gCmFiYxL3gvcIAaQnIjAPZ2gX9HdqAiqWO7u_gh/s200/costa+farms+csa+box+1.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This summer we thought it might be fun to sign up for someone else's
vegetables...through buying a CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture)
share.
</span></h2>
<h2>
</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAojGimTPuaGGknuLbyOL9FTUOHmifwLaYVKpKSmZPpfcyRCpiGZgcakJNlcGeSEnVi2bC7AHH7oh1c-mlKljdl970h3dK3MyPQIQab2wWRAOGaVrn5q_H8FuTPa80tOHnUn3hKVDUqKq/s1600/costa+csa+box+1+asian+dinner+with+chicken+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAojGimTPuaGGknuLbyOL9FTUOHmifwLaYVKpKSmZPpfcyRCpiGZgcakJNlcGeSEnVi2bC7AHH7oh1c-mlKljdl970h3dK3MyPQIQab2wWRAOGaVrn5q_H8FuTPa80tOHnUn3hKVDUqKq/s200/costa+csa+box+1+asian+dinner+with+chicken+3.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We'll have our own veggies, too, as the season goes along...heirloom
potatoes, shallots, fin de Bagnol beans, lettuces, lima beans,
tomatillos, French horticultural beans, baby patty pans, carrots....all
depending on what we get to before the animals get to
the veggie garden.....always a race against time (the raccoons know
exactly which night the sweet corn is ready...the night before you're
planning on picking it!).<br />
</span></span></div>
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</span></span><div style="color: black;">
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Costa Farms </span></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, we chose the mini box from <a href="https://costaproducefarm.com/">Costa Farms</a>-not so many veggies at one
time...to be picked up at Angus Meats. Great idea to pair those two,
don't you think?</span></span></div>
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</span></span><div style="color: black;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What was in CSA box #1? </span></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirel_2Zi489sSkb3Tw8DoX2TBKhVgcrtBe3HS5c4MWn8OiAg9mlGg1gpPzrtp449Zzgf28it-buXlqmPjE5c1HT6WAJP_L_4Eq_avtzJS9WsPT5XjrTs4bcWtw8lQdhVkrnFKZ5lt2QeqZ/s1600/costa+csa+box+1+boc+choy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirel_2Zi489sSkb3Tw8DoX2TBKhVgcrtBe3HS5c4MWn8OiAg9mlGg1gpPzrtp449Zzgf28it-buXlqmPjE5c1HT6WAJP_L_4Eq_avtzJS9WsPT5XjrTs4bcWtw8lQdhVkrnFKZ5lt2QeqZ/s200/costa+csa+box+1+boc+choy.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today the first box was delivered. We signed our name and popped the
top to see what was included in the box. Bok Choy, knobby green
onions, lacinato kale, the honey from Honey House, rhubarb, fresh
coriander (cilantro). Well, that's a good starting
point to turn and stare into the beautiful meat selection at Angus
Meats and create a first meal or two. An Asian dinner with chicken was
the first thing that came to mind...so time to go for<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVCu7YF6-gmWbH4IfSa7mGFyhxXnf1GRg_Eut_uaMmzfaWNAjrM-VSAPnMeScwxbLi7cEnTlxERb5_hy9X9YoHmI7cEk1C_RV7aP-WC7QrcDPxW-JaBjgnVRqkCfAkauT1u48gxZ550Dm/s1600/costa+csa+box+1+onions.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVCu7YF6-gmWbH4IfSa7mGFyhxXnf1GRg_Eut_uaMmzfaWNAjrM-VSAPnMeScwxbLi7cEnTlxERb5_hy9X9YoHmI7cEk1C_RV7aP-WC7QrcDPxW-JaBjgnVRqkCfAkauT1u48gxZ550Dm/s200/costa+csa+box+1+onions.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
it. (I don't
know what those teriyaki 'snack sticks' had to
do with dinner....but the butcher was smart enough to hand one to John
to eat in the car...so peacefulness reigned for the entire drive!).</span></span></div>
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Let's see if we can't put together a few ideas and create a fun dinner dish.</span></span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">CSA Box #1 Dinner #1 </span></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started with the chicken thighs--meaty, so they <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiEbxt1muGzLocZIgfgGRXf_Nf6DgYjCVarOfLznKtS7Q4cw_XdHU7CHLE0KSQ2t2GmbrvyoBl1DMZTKyfeGgpGV0D8Ft_uvRf8rIRzoD538MEEmwH9I89LTY-FxnKu9Afs_so9lwJNn-/s1600/angus+meats+chicken+breast+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiEbxt1muGzLocZIgfgGRXf_Nf6DgYjCVarOfLznKtS7Q4cw_XdHU7CHLE0KSQ2t2GmbrvyoBl1DMZTKyfeGgpGV0D8Ft_uvRf8rIRzoD538MEEmwH9I89LTY-FxnKu9Afs_so9lwJNn-/s200/angus+meats+chicken+breast+1.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
won't dry out as we
throw heat at them in a couple of ways. I rubbed them with some of our
Marianne's Kitchen Asian sesame ginger rub, let them rest a bit...then
popped them in the oven to cook in all of that
sesame ginger goodness.</span></span></div>
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In the meantime, I cracked open a bag of <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><i><b>'Marianne's Ginger Rice With Cranberries'</b></i></span> and put some water on the stove (I didn't even use
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX5KgUFlmjIU6sLbC1GE_vRiWqFo8s5U517WFzY1PSAjid1RpoisKfeSCXEB_bJRJ9w5g3twVvv02jIugwSI4Wnb2-R-_j92hwL23GGgUa4wDU0tmhbnlQHCcsRLxXa8W1A-o201spSgK/s1600/mariannes+kitchen+ginger+rice+with+cranberries+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX5KgUFlmjIU6sLbC1GE_vRiWqFo8s5U517WFzY1PSAjid1RpoisKfeSCXEB_bJRJ9w5g3twVvv02jIugwSI4Wnb2-R-_j92hwL23GGgUa4wDU0tmhbnlQHCcsRLxXa8W1A-o201spSgK/s320/mariannes+kitchen+ginger+rice+with+cranberries+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
stock....there would be enough flavors in the dish that the extra
chicken or veggie stock wasn't really necessary). I added
the rice and the ginger spice packet....then I stood by the stove
pondering what to do. The ginger rice mix also contains a bag of dried
cranberries....do I need them in this preparation? I thought about
pretty jeweled rice....and I went for it. (The
other option was to reward myself by eating the bag of dried
cranberries while everything cooked...that would have been good, too!).</span></span></div>
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Once the chicken was roasted, I set it aside to be cool enough to handle.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Time to dig into the CSA box to see which tasty treats to put in this
'recipe'. Bok choy, the nobby onions could be used 2 ways, the fresh
coriander would garnish the top of the dish. Oh, that honey bear was
about the make a new friend, too.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsBdIkXTJtFFZfS_Ttt4pGNHrlhPjPYLd-9GYoyH5DhjKWPf0Wq6_Z7-jqrHSUH08mIIkNfHxk2RrNQc2XIStMfVL4PzrrazQ1V6J49sr25s8dDypefQ70ihjA1HtHbHyDfoo-h5FssRv/s1600/costa+csa+box+1+asian+dinner+with+chicken+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsBdIkXTJtFFZfS_Ttt4pGNHrlhPjPYLd-9GYoyH5DhjKWPf0Wq6_Z7-jqrHSUH08mIIkNfHxk2RrNQc2XIStMfVL4PzrrazQ1V6J49sr25s8dDypefQ70ihjA1HtHbHyDfoo-h5FssRv/s200/costa+csa+box+1+asian+dinner+with+chicken+1.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
I grabbed a sweet pepper from the fridge and was ready to go...washing
the pepper, onions, bok choy. In a deep saute pan, I heated some olive
oil and then added large dice sweet pepper, the white portions of a
couple of the knobby onions--very finely sliced
into rings, and one of the heads of bok choy--rinsed, with the rattie
edges of the leaves cut off, then sliced diagonally into nice big
chunks, too. As those began to soften and brown slightly, I removed
the <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuonU3fzvRWvLBmkD70rmpm9YRSvNiA1ozF_MMWJVe9wyFRHwHagQdUaY1_qHuzUvDO4Y-SBF9708j6tD2rs8cPduMAA9gXeQdC5Q3ofu9jVXHz1n7mr-RxtHqMS2BS7u00xSqREHIlsU/s1600/angus+meats+chicken+breast+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuonU3fzvRWvLBmkD70rmpm9YRSvNiA1ozF_MMWJVe9wyFRHwHagQdUaY1_qHuzUvDO4Y-SBF9708j6tD2rs8cPduMAA9gXeQdC5Q3ofu9jVXHz1n7mr-RxtHqMS2BS7u00xSqREHIlsU/s200/angus+meats+chicken+breast+2.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
chicken from a couple of the thighs and chopped
it into large pieces. When the veggies were just about ready, I added
some Ponzu and honey (they are now new best friends) to the veggies,
stirred for a minute, then added the chicken pieces and gave it all one
last whirl in the pan.</span></span></div>
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By then, the rice was cooked, so I removed the cover and fluffed it up a
bit with a fork. I had already diagonally-sliced the tops of the
green onions and washed and dried some of the nicest stems from the
cilantro to artfully arrange on the top.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxr59z5w1GU_OSWzrZnjq6ixuv8IFHtMRVVooE5Tag2W8k2IU-Ebvbc3jCwEAHULWJT4w8wdWIp83QI4HJw8ivWuJKHeXLGnD6iKmaAM_zFhfZdlo9HXf2OEfzV8Ue1wJdx4I6GEAPdhN/s1600/costa+csa+box+1+onions+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxr59z5w1GU_OSWzrZnjq6ixuv8IFHtMRVVooE5Tag2W8k2IU-Ebvbc3jCwEAHULWJT4w8wdWIp83QI4HJw8ivWuJKHeXLGnD6iKmaAM_zFhfZdlo9HXf2OEfzV8Ue1wJdx4I6GEAPdhN/s200/costa+csa+box+1+onions+2.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Since the bowls I was using were pretty deep, I added a serving of the
ginger rice with cranberries at the bottom, a layer of the veggies and
chicken, another layer of ginger rice, and one more layer of chicken and
veggies (to make it easier to get a bite of
chicken, veggies, and rice all on one fork....and not have a ton of
rice left in the bottom). The diagonal green onions added a lot of
color when sprinkled on the top, and the cilantro sprigs added another
texture and flavor (this bunch had some tiny baby
sprouts at the top....tender and delish).</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfgEX-HAYHdMAqFUIoX6fvYfGLm-EX3blViGkgCIqkp7Uu8ZORFNxizZRYCcYsaMmgs3e634TsvcAbl_ZyhPHIokKJVj-g1yoC0FKakhUY6c4lhqGX7FMBwBLaWE0FoZ4UqCOKkma-qDI/s1600/costa+csa+box+1+asian+dinner+with+chicken+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfgEX-HAYHdMAqFUIoX6fvYfGLm-EX3blViGkgCIqkp7Uu8ZORFNxizZRYCcYsaMmgs3e634TsvcAbl_ZyhPHIokKJVj-g1yoC0FKakhUY6c4lhqGX7FMBwBLaWE0FoZ4UqCOKkma-qDI/s640/costa+csa+box+1+asian+dinner+with+chicken+4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Conclusion: CSA Box #1 Dinner </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All in all, an easy and successful dinner from the first CSA box of the
season. It combined ingredients on hand--a mix and a rub from our
Marianne's Kitchen products, a sweet pepper, and a bottle of Ponzu, some
of the contents of the CSA box plus chicken
from our pick up point--<a href="https://angusmeatmarket.com/">Angus Meats</a>. We brought it all together in
harmony...for a delicious dinner</span></span> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-66767010621153921002019-06-16T06:46:00.002-07:002019-06-16T06:46:38.124-07:00Filfillah With Our Cousin -- Great Dining<h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Plan 'B' Leads Us to Filfillah Mediterranean Restaurant ... Which Was Great!! </span></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We were going to try out the new <a href="https://www.oliveandlamb.com/">Olive & Lamb</a> last night but it
seems to be somewhat delayed. Looks like they may be just about ready
for steady business shortly- we’ll check back. Since Olive & Lamb is in one of my cousin’s neighborhoods, we planned to try it out together. So, time for 'Plan B.'</span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqMk5-8jatDCN2ONEUJFu3tAhbDoO1NFN3velefTEH_f0X6IbotS8RvWeyGvZhcXozmVN53Pcrv25LpYJmpLvwoyifNTp0CqFIlBE_mcX7s7AqIN610oiGcHAW8gtRNDRTwPxN96mNGIN/s1600/filfillah+rice+to+share.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="filfillah middle eastern restaurant" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqMk5-8jatDCN2ONEUJFu3tAhbDoO1NFN3velefTEH_f0X6IbotS8RvWeyGvZhcXozmVN53Pcrv25LpYJmpLvwoyifNTp0CqFIlBE_mcX7s7AqIN610oiGcHAW8gtRNDRTwPxN96mNGIN/s200/filfillah+rice+to+share.jpg" title="filfillah middle eastern restaurant" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
...turns out she’s never dined at <a href="http://www.filfillah.net/">Filfillah Middle Eastern Restaurant</a> (one of our favorites)
because she lives closer to <a href="http://holylandbrand.com/">Holy Land</a>...I go there when I want to shop
& eat. Off to Filfillah—-they finished their remodel fairly recently—time to check it out. Ah, order at the counter now. We can handle that—-well, I was the
designated order placer, so I ordered kind</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgrTP_KfVn-zpch0plrqsrFDw8dZX0-dUaDJalzHmRnYM3k9qZC4Xlmsz7umDPtOrq2zvG3rV70IUItehQ2omeXRTFgpnnbREVZiJ04VDbuznaEHq9mtlXzDg0AEoXph0l0AtH8PiLkT3/s1600/filfillah+pickles+olives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="filfillah middle eastern restaurant pickles olives" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgrTP_KfVn-zpch0plrqsrFDw8dZX0-dUaDJalzHmRnYM3k9qZC4Xlmsz7umDPtOrq2zvG3rV70IUItehQ2omeXRTFgpnnbREVZiJ04VDbuznaEHq9mtlXzDg0AEoXph0l0AtH8PiLkT3/s200/filfillah+pickles+olives.jpg" title="filfillah middle eastern restaurant pickles olives" width="150" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">of everything on the menu
that sounded good at the moment (reminder: the portions are huge </span>here). <b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So we ran out of room on the 4 person table for 3 people’s ‘food to
share’</span>.</b> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Is that a problem? Nah, they have to-go boxes so we</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">can take
home the leftovers.</span></span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-voeLJbIFwCY/XQZEbVj1iRI/AAAAAAAAQ6o/RKmtcQ2S0qArNw24zLwX-LItPNLIMMjiwCLcBGAs/s1600/filfillah%2Bmazza%2Bplatter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="filfillah middle eastern restaurant mazza platter baba ghanouj falafel tabouleh" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-voeLJbIFwCY/XQZEbVj1iRI/AAAAAAAAQ6o/RKmtcQ2S0qArNw24zLwX-LItPNLIMMjiwCLcBGAs/s200/filfillah%2Bmazza%2Bplatter.jpg" title="filfillah middle eastern restaurant mazza platter" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Filfillah Mazza Platter </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mazza plattter, meze plate, so many
names—-Filfillah’s is so good: dolma, baba ghanouj (spell it your way),
hummus, tons of Kalamata olives, falafel, tabouleh, a plate of rice,
house-baked Turkish bread, sauces (cucumber, tahini), & a big pile
of Feta. This platter alone might have been enough for all of us with 1 more Turkish bread. But we had to taste our way through a lot more.</span></span><br />
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<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexRGGBQSxJe4aNak_vrGB32qnknCWUoEXksM7_9toKMRqhd-yyGmSxkAB_dTSaWb9TsD116MllI822bJEUIneujXCAPycmxA7q79m5XhZPhYso-aZKSI-9Urd9VHb6vxOuVObfj9hVuNb/s1600/filfilah+shawarma+sandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="filfillah middle eastern restaurant chicken shawarma sandwich" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexRGGBQSxJe4aNak_vrGB32qnknCWUoEXksM7_9toKMRqhd-yyGmSxkAB_dTSaWb9TsD116MllI822bJEUIneujXCAPycmxA7q79m5XhZPhYso-aZKSI-9Urd9VHb6vxOuVObfj9hVuNb/s200/filfilah+shawarma+sandwich.jpg" title="filfillah middle eastern restaurant chicken shawarma sandwich" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Filfillah Chicken Shawarma </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">BK had the
chicken shawarma sandwich with fries. It arrived on a whole Turkish
bread—enough to tear off pieces to scoop up more hummus or smokey
eggplant!!! (At the end, probably 3/4 of the sandwich went to BK’s
house—-she just said she was having it for lunch today—-another whole
meal!!). It’s topped with potatoes, pickles & garlic sauce—we held
the pickles—John was already getting a heap o’ pickles on his plate.</span></span><br />
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<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMZKDyBlT79qXhOr78qIlj8ceX39Yy7s4KQor20HPqi6zmz2OQ7iSXlSviM23hH4-aGggmMvcZ_OQy5OHhkmSTiEU8_hxEKRZ6Vrkb7rv2q2BMQVhM1b_mU9mwoDewMAqGrVitJcpyGtR/s1600/filfillah+chicken+kifta+wrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="filfillah middle eastern restaurant chicken kofta wrap" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMZKDyBlT79qXhOr78qIlj8ceX39Yy7s4KQor20HPqi6zmz2OQ7iSXlSviM23hH4-aGggmMvcZ_OQy5OHhkmSTiEU8_hxEKRZ6Vrkb7rv2q2BMQVhM1b_mU9mwoDewMAqGrVitJcpyGtR/s200/filfillah+chicken+kifta+wrap.jpg" title="filfillah middle eastern restaurant chicken kofta wrap" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Chicken Kofta Wrap </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">John opted for the chicken kofta as a wrap. The chicken kofta is so
good (John ‘allowed’ me have a piece sliced off the end—so delish). The
kofta is grilled and topped with tomatoes, onions & garlic sauce.
He made it farther—he was able to eat 1/2 of the wrap.</span></span><br />
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<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRJ-jxC3eJ6979aya_rXP1jEuSS3sow1ShVOfL1H-n3sjxDRKRN-JLvNwoVsGzugYckqN2lyJAVyZiJFIsFCpo9yFQL9-_BuzjrPOSX3Tn7BAyUvYV81tKnR2LRpPcwMSoEPyTOug837s/s1600/filfillah+veggie+pita+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="filfillah middle eastern restaurant veggie pita pie" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRJ-jxC3eJ6979aya_rXP1jEuSS3sow1ShVOfL1H-n3sjxDRKRN-JLvNwoVsGzugYckqN2lyJAVyZiJFIsFCpo9yFQL9-_BuzjrPOSX3Tn7BAyUvYV81tKnR2LRpPcwMSoEPyTOug837s/s320/filfillah+veggie+pita+pie.jpg" title="filfillah middle eastern restaurant veggie pita pie" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Filfillah Veggie Pita Pie </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m a big
fan of the pita pies—-I chose veggie this time (but I’ve eaten all of
them—-no losers in the whole group). I made it through almost 1/2 of my
pie—think of this like a pizza loaded with veggies and tons of gooey
cheese—-on light, perfect ‘bread’ as the crust. Any extra piece of
crust can also be used to dip into the big pile of hummus & its pond
of excellent olive oil.</span></span><br />
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<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczDW9kkOUCRtBxHSsagGMHqbB3YM_MBHdLQxLRjBPi90AHcy15GR5PweXVLZMk0jioomGN3-QMcNea6h21eXAE8tiX5LubM5nWteqfLKbYm0P8fckBy__LC1w-Bq46FsgSbUgBmdWT1X4/s1600/filfillah+dolma+falafael.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="filfillah middle eastern restaurant mazza platter" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczDW9kkOUCRtBxHSsagGMHqbB3YM_MBHdLQxLRjBPi90AHcy15GR5PweXVLZMk0jioomGN3-QMcNea6h21eXAE8tiX5LubM5nWteqfLKbYm0P8fckBy__LC1w-Bq46FsgSbUgBmdWT1X4/s200/filfillah+dolma+falafael.jpg" title="filfillah middle eastern restaurant mazza platter" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Filfillah ... Totally Delish! </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">BK pronounced the whole thing delicious. We never</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">know which is our favorite—it’s all so good.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> If you haven’t been to Filfillah, check it out. Consistently good meals and a friendly staff.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Wd88a77gM5Q2xovfBqRXLC6-mH9ZrBFj7X9Hsduhf8oBHQeJZuV5SbI9RbDTu-QByvobM3iiQQMwerznOQabfLUXz-eD4-pmcVO2753gckCRoWPpDynTbkDhbFs3_zhsTI8aNZybBsZy/s1600/filfillah+turkish+bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="filfillah middle eastern restaurant turkish bread" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Wd88a77gM5Q2xovfBqRXLC6-mH9ZrBFj7X9Hsduhf8oBHQeJZuV5SbI9RbDTu-QByvobM3iiQQMwerznOQabfLUXz-eD4-pmcVO2753gckCRoWPpDynTbkDhbFs3_zhsTI8aNZybBsZy/s200/filfillah+turkish+bread.jpg" title="filfillah middle eastern restaurant" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Details:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Website <a href="http://www.filfillah.net/">http://www.filfillah.net/</a><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Location <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Filfillah+Middle+Eastern+Restaurant/@45.0465838,-93.2489222,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x52b32e6a902d0dd3:0xd85ea456a385657d!8m2!3d45.0465838!4d-93.2467335">Google Maps</a><b> </b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Located on Central Ave in Columbia Heights</span></span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-1656207292694809402019-06-02T21:36:00.004-07:002019-06-02T21:36:34.434-07:00Crazy Cajun --- A Melting Pot Story!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6j5W2BGavjxJ8H-2bZy1YrQNoibJZHHSHBSnUQVhkBZlCtP5oTN9m5QBesdxuR316BczFEC09Lfi6EKlbx1D-qUF8nuVdBSiyaA4g8b5G3umEWNBKinRRSj1w9PT_Hp1JKQpiQ-Z0gAs/s1600/IMG_0441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="crazy cajun brooklyn park mn" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6j5W2BGavjxJ8H-2bZy1YrQNoibJZHHSHBSnUQVhkBZlCtP5oTN9m5QBesdxuR316BczFEC09Lfi6EKlbx1D-qUF8nuVdBSiyaA4g8b5G3umEWNBKinRRSj1w9PT_Hp1JKQpiQ-Z0gAs/s320/IMG_0441.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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Crazy Cajun / Brooklyn Park, MN <<<span style="color: lime;"> <span style="color: #38761d;">YES!!</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Two words to describe the <a href="http://www.crazycajunmn.com/">Crazy Cajun</a> restaurant:</b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Perfectly Fried!</span></b></i></span></span></div>
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We were on our way back from dropping a grandkid off at an Olympic
Development soccer event in Maple Grove when hunger struck. Using our
trusty phone map and food locator, we were directed to <a href="http://www.crazycajunmn.com/">Crazy Cajun</a> in
Brooklyn Park.</span></span></div>
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We've been to this strip mall before....hard to find tucked behind other
strip malls and the Festival Foods. <a href="http://www.crazycajunmn.com/">Crazy Cajun</a> is 2 doors down
from one of our previous favorities....Gramsky's Sandwiches. Sadly,
Gramsky's is gone (25% of new restaurants fold
in two years)....we loved the food. But mom and daughter did most of
the work (gee, I can identify with that part of the story), and mom was
really tired last time we were there. Looks like maybe it was all too
much work for them. The Gramsky's space
is now a Mexican restaurant...we'll have to go back and give that a
try.</span></span></div>
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But today, it's <a href="http://www.crazycajunmn.com/">Crazy Cajun</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Crazy Cajun: Viet Nam to Lousiana to Minnesota </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now if this isn't an American story, I don't know what is. The <a href="http://www.crazycajunmn.com/">Crazy Cajun</a> is run by a guy of Vietnamese descent from Texas. He moved to MN
and missed his favorite cajun foods....so he recreated them here.</span></span></div>
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Our server, likewise, was the granddaughter of Vietnamese immigrants
from Louisiana...she splits her times between MN and Louisiana (I hope
that's Louisiana during the winter here!!!). She's not related to the
owner, but was connected by a mutual friend....so
she's worked here for much of the time the restaurant has been in
business (about 3 years or so).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We liked the food at Crazy Cajun...a lot!! </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Since it was our first visit, we tried to
sample a few items. The menu is heavy on seafood....but I have an
allergy...so we tried other options. But lots of customers were having
seafood...and wearing the appropriate bibs! We
tried the Louisiana pie appetizer, the chicken po' boy, the sweet
potato fries, and the chicken and sausage gumbo...along with a sweet
tea.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYkYcKc0kMIsRuy3v5kftuJ3j5yZDxkL4VnOj-RhEfhdw548BsAFdLyBk6CNznKOxS042SaEsCJb5LCHi3LxeUiGoFotIgowzbVdK-ETRLNmR7XDmLZ4HjfRhojW7QsGvtKvSRycKrFyj/s1600/crazy+cajun+gumbo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="crazy cajun brooklyn park mn" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYkYcKc0kMIsRuy3v5kftuJ3j5yZDxkL4VnOj-RhEfhdw548BsAFdLyBk6CNznKOxS042SaEsCJb5LCHi3LxeUiGoFotIgowzbVdK-ETRLNmR7XDmLZ4HjfRhojW7QsGvtKvSRycKrFyj/s320/crazy+cajun+gumbo.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Crazy Cajun Gumbo </span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The gumbo was full of chicken and smoky sausage...that smoky flavor
really came through. Lots of okra, not too much rice....a great
tasting broth, not too salty. The cup was a very ample portion.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Crazy Cajun Sweet Potato Fries </span></span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YynwH_uM2d3Jh-OKjgxCoDycwaxVm34Uxyx4LQK1111VbBftMQTyRyWZGVoQKBhw6Lu1GIo3r1ns_rC6WiPITgn1lV0SJWerQqRXG3_lIIiEHcM7X0dAqU35jUmDEF3hK_AZHdWIoSeN/s1600/crazy+cajun+sweet+potato+fries.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="crazy cajun brooklyn park mn" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YynwH_uM2d3Jh-OKjgxCoDycwaxVm34Uxyx4LQK1111VbBftMQTyRyWZGVoQKBhw6Lu1GIo3r1ns_rC6WiPITgn1lV0SJWerQqRXG3_lIIiEHcM7X0dAqU35jUmDEF3hK_AZHdWIoSeN/s320/crazy+cajun+sweet+potato+fries.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We fell in love with the sweet potato fries. The huge portion was
perfectly fried...not greasy...so the sweetness and fresh sweet potato
flavor came through big time. Our server apparently accidentally
brought us the horseradish cocktail sauce instead of
ketchup (I really don't care for ketchup on sweet potato fries)...the
horseradish was a great mate for the fries....a fun, fun flavor combo.
We'll have to remember to ask for the sauce next time so we can re-live
the experience. So many fries that it was
not humanly possible to eat all of them. So good I brought the
leftover home (with more sauce)....I'll try to re-crisp them in the oven
for a tasty snack. Loved 'em.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Crazy Cajun Chicken Po' Boy </span></span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoYp3aTUol4HDDtNhlMyJsUSoWep-g-sD18ny99FcjUSVe6SPvYQFQ2IR9kZCOPFH9w6k8IaZgBZ5jGYhvwWFDWKhCb7MFTpa2Aw7j4UQ0UCPA3IjSKTQSXI87-_eb-5xOflhkU37hk9i/s1600/crazy+cajun+chicken+po+boy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="crazy cajun brooklyn park mn" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoYp3aTUol4HDDtNhlMyJsUSoWep-g-sD18ny99FcjUSVe6SPvYQFQ2IR9kZCOPFH9w6k8IaZgBZ5jGYhvwWFDWKhCb7MFTpa2Aw7j4UQ0UCPA3IjSKTQSXI87-_eb-5xOflhkU37hk9i/s320/crazy+cajun+chicken+po+boy+2.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">John went for the chicken po' boy. It was a typically generous sized
sandwich with a nicely fried piece of boneless chicken....the edges were
actually crispy even halfway through the sandwich. The bun itself was
big...but actually very tasty (often this
is a let down in po' boy world). It was chewy (John found the bottom
of the bun too chewy so resorted to a knife and fork). But I found it
appealing, slathered in butter and mayo and a bit of mustard .... I ate
1/4 of the bun by itself. The sandwich was
a mouthful...the<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XFSHhnKVRbTFxUFhJhYLr2aWYorTlZwhhWDKOBhX75KSwcraErP-Mf5PlmpD1fzPK_UucFvxl2Cdddd2wlnntvSHkoj7mD_fJmUZpaOdmSfYSpihjgVqNjvddCmhyphenhyphenHF3QMqPtcotUJAe/s1600/crazy+cajun+chicken+po+boy+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="crazy cajun brooklyn park mn" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XFSHhnKVRbTFxUFhJhYLr2aWYorTlZwhhWDKOBhX75KSwcraErP-Mf5PlmpD1fzPK_UucFvxl2Cdddd2wlnntvSHkoj7mD_fJmUZpaOdmSfYSpihjgVqNjvddCmhyphenhyphenHF3QMqPtcotUJAe/s200/crazy+cajun+chicken+po+boy+1.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a></div>
big bun (slathered in fatty goodness), with lettuce,
tomato, spicy sauce, pickles, and the nice, dense perfectly fried
chicken. It did become a bit drippy, so make sure you tear some sheets
of paper towels off the roll before you pick the
thing up!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Crazy Cajun Louisiana Pie </span></span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJaYKQu9RxJ81jQ10PVJD3wdAJ32AIXk-T-pYt7DF2Uank1W-Jix0KY0VHCbmhLghHpGLIQMpmC1wanw0-mOebN6METikJUnbGj6S4nv3d1VAZ7HYEctwY45bAXHdGrGXWix1C-r8ug8Q/s1600/crazy+cajun+lousiana+pie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="crazy cajun brooklyn park mn" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJaYKQu9RxJ81jQ10PVJD3wdAJ32AIXk-T-pYt7DF2Uank1W-Jix0KY0VHCbmhLghHpGLIQMpmC1wanw0-mOebN6METikJUnbGj6S4nv3d1VAZ7HYEctwY45bAXHdGrGXWix1C-r8ug8Q/s320/crazy+cajun+lousiana+pie.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finally, we dug into the Louisiana pie appetizer at the end. Yes,
we're smart like that...deep fried pie....gonna burn the roof of your
mouth if you dig in when they deliver it! A dense meat and potato
filling in this half round hand pie....with fork marks
around the edges. It was a rich, tasty appetizer with a little bit of
zing (heat)...easy to cut in half and share (once it cools off so that
it's approachable). Good to have a cold glass of sweet tea nearby just
in case.</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Crazy Cajun Customers & Service </span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The customers all seemed to be happily enjoying their Cajun
specialties. The service was super friendly and helpful; pretty quick
food arrival, too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Overall Rating for <a href="http://www.crazycajunmn.com/">Crazy Cajun</a> Visit #1: 4 stars</span></span></h3>
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Outstanding sweet potato fries, meaty gumbo with good broth, a po' boy
on a good bun with all the fatty goodness you want, an interesting
little Louisiana handpie and great service.</span></span></div>
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We'd say: <b><i>"Try it!"</i></b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Details:</span></span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Crazy+Cajun/@45.1117196,-93.3052615,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x52b33a909c14899b:0x108b44ddf004b3f2!8m2!3d45.1117196!4d-93.3030728">Google Maps</a></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Website: <a href="http://www.crazycajunmn.com/">Crazy Cajun</a></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Menu: <a href="http://www.crazycajunmn.com/menu">Food Menu</a></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-63738535501369880392019-05-08T10:15:00.002-07:002019-05-08T10:15:38.086-07:00Mama Sheila's Soul Food Buffet ... We Are Going Back!!<div style="color: black;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22auqCR29AHpn579z9_cWOtuuhZGVgN_uLPgIHPNeTRk-pCb6r31WkX-LeTTUX5w_JLcmaUesHD7lC4zf2SALaZaMooIxNveFt_0oD7dgipVWDM8w7f2eXNeDMEK2wQNB32eJep2LFdB1/s1600/mama+sheilas+soul+food+buffet+exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Mama Sheila's Soul Food Buffet" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22auqCR29AHpn579z9_cWOtuuhZGVgN_uLPgIHPNeTRk-pCb6r31WkX-LeTTUX5w_JLcmaUesHD7lC4zf2SALaZaMooIxNveFt_0oD7dgipVWDM8w7f2eXNeDMEK2wQNB32eJep2LFdB1/s400/mama+sheilas+soul+food+buffet+exterior.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mama Sheila's Soul Food Buffet on 38th ST in MPLS </span></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, well, well. We've driven back and forth 38th St. in Minneapolis
numerous times over the last year in search of the food that you can't
find in the 'burbs. We've grown fond of the Standish, we keep missing
our chances at Victor's, we tried Funky Grits--not
as good as we expected, dined at Blackbird a couple of times--mostly
good but not always consistent. But tonight it was time for BBQ.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our Benchmark for BBQ / Soul Food </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">John's all time favorite place for BBQ was a cement block building
somewhere in rural South Carolina (I was working at a 2 bed hospital in
Tennessee and this was a side trip on they way)...with no name, just a 4
x 8 sheet of plywood that was spray painted 'BBQ
Thursday - Saturday'. And for once in our lives, it was actually
Thursday! A big cement block building filled with picnic tables in
long rows...and there, in the wall (that divided the 'dining room' from
the kitchen) were beautiful stainless steel 'troughs'
of delicious Southern favorites. Eat your fill of collards,
black-eyed peas, all kinds of BBQ meats, corned bread, mashed potatoes
and gravy....I could go on and on (and we did while we were there), grab
a sweet tea and a place at the tables. When you
can eat no more, you find the person taking your money and you pay the
$5 per person. John has never recovered....he's dreams of a cement
block building fairly often.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Mama Sheila's Soul Food Buffet: Non-descript exterior and wonderful interior</span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMBhnkLfYeY98n2gZll8BYbrmfK3xT4G1qXKx2-LBCDJdI5NaapLIs9UtqAl30ASJznxg6Z9OWXxx7IQjd8fyuNN-fWFuTZXmYHKpyddwvP4vVOHXw4yh-bzXBUYv1weSio5mhhTV9H_Q/s1600/mama+sheilas+soul+food+buffet+interior+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Mama Sheila's Soul Food Buffet" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMBhnkLfYeY98n2gZll8BYbrmfK3xT4G1qXKx2-LBCDJdI5NaapLIs9UtqAl30ASJznxg6Z9OWXxx7IQjd8fyuNN-fWFuTZXmYHKpyddwvP4vVOHXw4yh-bzXBUYv1weSio5mhhTV9H_Q/s200/mama+sheilas+soul+food+buffet+interior+3.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tonight, it's the relatively new Mama Sheila's Soul Food Buffet at 38th
and Bloomington. A really non-descript building (it used to be a
corner store and a hardware store we think), there's a banner with the
Mama Sheila's name. No permanent sign. Okay,
let's go for it.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqlakEyLEklAPCyg7JcvGI_0I516ZnkHJxZtoLwnJLqpixxxEcMg9zmHhIcLETePsz_kkY3ZkbDxEDIYImyHG_sawNn2RSNsfmCDT25FfgYGKpOhMqhSz7U6ORa48bMdZSFxvkvglIYIg/s1600/mama+sheilas+soul+food+buffet+interior+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Mama Sheila's Soul Food Buffet" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqlakEyLEklAPCyg7JcvGI_0I516ZnkHJxZtoLwnJLqpixxxEcMg9zmHhIcLETePsz_kkY3ZkbDxEDIYImyHG_sawNn2RSNsfmCDT25FfgYGKpOhMqhSz7U6ORa48bMdZSFxvkvglIYIg/s400/mama+sheilas+soul+food+buffet+interior+4.JPG" title="" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whoooooaaaaaaa......the interior is not anything that you expected when
you walked in. Pay at the counter (you can get take out for $7.95 a
pound) and specify your beverage....not unlike the typical Asian
buffet. But then you step into one of the gold-clad
seating areas and start to take in the glitz. Gold and mirrors and
chandeliers, and rows of photos of famous Black entertainers along the
ceiling; grab a booth - photos of Maya Angelou or Mae Jemison. Classic
old ceiling...but clad with gold; an aquarium
with a fish mural.... I felt like I was stepping back in time to the
age of glamour and glitz.</span></span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mama Sheila's Soul Food Buffet: How it works </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The buffet has its own room, and it's not serve yourself. The food is
safely tucked behind glass windows to keep all those grubby hands off
the serving spoons and out of the food bins. I like this already.
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For the most part, there are tags naming each of the items (there were 2
or 3 missing...a good excuse to go back for a second plate tonight).
Mac & cheese with tons of cheese on top, collards, red beans &
rice, mashed potatoes and gravy, black-eyed peas,
yams, cabbage and potatoes, meatloaf, spaghetti, BBQ chicken, smothered
chicken, jerk chicken....plus, you can ask for ox tails or catfish
(we're saving that for our next visit).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My, my, my......why haven't we heard about this place? We've driven by
3-4 times, but always spotted it on the way back from somewhere (as we
passed it saying 'hey, what's that place?').</span></span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, My! Mama Sheila's Soul Food Buffet Delivers </span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IYOT8HluRBYgESNYsKThlY7MfIVFwUcQ3UHf1ppSIQDeeB3ixtFFjnyoFPAiEd5w6BM6hF2Vx5KBpQjzzfWxxd_SdvZdT4Al-IKw5HOBoZt-NVYiqEc_nklXCTtUXTlqV6mrp4gxTXFz/s1600/mama+sheila+soul+food+buffet+food+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Mama Sheila's Soul Food Buffet" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IYOT8HluRBYgESNYsKThlY7MfIVFwUcQ3UHf1ppSIQDeeB3ixtFFjnyoFPAiEd5w6BM6hF2Vx5KBpQjzzfWxxd_SdvZdT4Al-IKw5HOBoZt-NVYiqEc_nklXCTtUXTlqV6mrp4gxTXFz/s320/mama+sheila+soul+food+buffet+food+4.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you want to try some Southern home cooking, this will fill the
bill. Good collards (although John tells me mine are better-- one of
our Southern customers at Marianne's used to tell me mine were just like
back home--I took that as a big compliment as a
MN girl), oh so wonderful BBQ chicken--light, slightly sweet BBQ sauce
on falling off the bone tender chicken, yams candied to sweetness but
holding their texture, a most interesting smothered chicken - we
couldn't get the cook to reveal even a single ingredient
in the recipe, SPICY! jerk chicken with </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60Oa2-S89tYxHg7XpF0KvvOu1K8st-DYnnf6sX9XP9rdzlqHLWTAQMGjJTRPksDyU7BEnqVLe5Pr_yLlUhCVYdHnFveBQ9Db_-kcvybddPDcC0nVW7gKvNYDhuK3orJ4AmuMwlITbOkfd/s1600/mama+sheilas+soul+food+buffet+food+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Mama Sheila's Soul Food Buffet" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60Oa2-S89tYxHg7XpF0KvvOu1K8st-DYnnf6sX9XP9rdzlqHLWTAQMGjJTRPksDyU7BEnqVLe5Pr_yLlUhCVYdHnFveBQ9Db_-kcvybddPDcC0nVW7gKvNYDhuK3orJ4AmuMwlITbOkfd/s320/mama+sheilas+soul+food+buffet+food+1.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">great flavor (interestingly,
the jerk chicken was next to the old fashioned sweet yams on John's
plate---if you had a bite of chicken that happened to touch the yams, it
was the most perfect combo of heat and sweet ever),
and many, many more choices. I liked the red beans and rice (although
the Treme version I used to make at Marianne's were waaayyy good---a
recipe from a little old Southern paperback cookbook about 10 pages
long), but John didn't care for them as much.
I didn't try the mashed potatoes and gravy, the spaghetti, or the
cornbread....just too much for one sitting.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8h-We6_VZQHFbD4u4ZST4f_ERV1hQiC8yWXJrduuBZXWmaBw-5cPp4pp1JdsSOTLmdHdtZST6vlJWAn5ypd2KUAWnRMvcLINPe-RqknjuX10gPXvjET9gyttXi_l8FU-0Xs9VUZbZC7Xo/s1600/mama+sheilas+soul+food+buffet+food+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mama Sheila's Soul Food Buffet" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8h-We6_VZQHFbD4u4ZST4f_ERV1hQiC8yWXJrduuBZXWmaBw-5cPp4pp1JdsSOTLmdHdtZST6vlJWAn5ypd2KUAWnRMvcLINPe-RqknjuX10gPXvjET9gyttXi_l8FU-0Xs9VUZbZC7Xo/s640/mama+sheilas+soul+food+buffet+food+2.JPG" title="" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHURpscBQCdgCqpeQhyphenhyphen2ZlW12Zd0tvPW6g27QWB_p0QlfFt19lDITaRd51Rnpyhli3SzZpXGm-Rm0pb6Vsn8MX-X0mGQ8qTU7CdPcPUrsq2rVwJpuhKUrhEkl_ECizNzC7VBhQ9IMExEqb/s1600/mama+sheilas+soul+food+buffet+food+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Mama Sheila's Soul Food Buffet" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHURpscBQCdgCqpeQhyphenhyphen2ZlW12Zd0tvPW6g27QWB_p0QlfFt19lDITaRd51Rnpyhli3SzZpXGm-Rm0pb6Vsn8MX-X0mGQ8qTU7CdPcPUrsq2rVwJpuhKUrhEkl_ECizNzC7VBhQ9IMExEqb/s320/mama+sheilas+soul+food+buffet+food+3.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But I did go back for a second small plate to find out what the items
were that were missing the labels tonight. Cabbage and
potatoes---really well prepared with the potatoes holding their shape
and texture (no small feat on a steam table line), the black-eyed
peas that were creamy and tender, meatloaf--meaty and not
greasy--lightly spiced....and I still passed on a few more items. John
and I shared this little plate and tried our best to make it through.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We talked to one customer in line....he comes for dinner once a week.
We had a fun conversation about our preference for this style of
'buffet'...agreeing that sometimes we can't stand the common serving
spoons. The buffet server was very good at matching
my 'size' instructions--when I said a little bit of this and a medium
amount of that, she was right-on.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you could possibly make room for dessert, tonight they had strawberry
cake, sweet potato pie, a third cake that now escapes my memory...but
was topped with a pinky topping...maybe on chocolate. I resisted
temptation.</span></span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Conclusion: Everyone should experience Mama Sheila's Soul Food Buffet </span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFbNjO4WjvIPWE0FwSrkku0PVKg3YM8pOkaEsM_FD5ICrhyovSLAyIC95hlUwp9XDZFdMWScejfZkJE7A_TRrZqJmBYKjyHUy2uoZqVn2hsfFQH-RwcBRzsegpNJfhrnlKZ-FDUyo03Ot/s1600/mama+sheila+soul+food+buffet+interior+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Mama Sheila's Soul Food Buffet" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFbNjO4WjvIPWE0FwSrkku0PVKg3YM8pOkaEsM_FD5ICrhyovSLAyIC95hlUwp9XDZFdMWScejfZkJE7A_TRrZqJmBYKjyHUy2uoZqVn2hsfFQH-RwcBRzsegpNJfhrnlKZ-FDUyo03Ot/s320/mama+sheila+soul+food+buffet+interior+1.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Everyone should experience Sheila's soul food buffet. Transforming an
old corner store into a mirrored and gold-leafed and chandeliered
'room', with classic music videos playing--not too loud--many 'smooth'
classic singing groups in matching suits. Spotlessly
clean, with comfortable booths and tables with nicely padded
chairs--this truly was an experience. The owner, a smartly dressed
older gentleman, was pleasant and cheerfully answered our questions.
One of the servers told us that they have been open just
about a year and enthusiastically asked us to spread the word about
them.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmXPm7PuXzZpcQmjzbI1M_PzZ4vrT7JQCxIlRnY8w494GvA8sj0asrTDSqxt3G2FXPwT2YBwvKs81yc4ApCOn0yOrum9zduuhG5r1atlBl9B1G1Pw9hFR0GUsUO90Qlbwx0VTu_MsJDh4/s1600/mama+sheila+soul+food+buffet+interior+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Mama Sheila's Soul Food Buffet" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmXPm7PuXzZpcQmjzbI1M_PzZ4vrT7JQCxIlRnY8w494GvA8sj0asrTDSqxt3G2FXPwT2YBwvKs81yc4ApCOn0yOrum9zduuhG5r1atlBl9B1G1Pw9hFR0GUsUO90Qlbwx0VTu_MsJDh4/s200/mama+sheila+soul+food+buffet+interior+2.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We're more than happy to oblige. This is Southern style home cooking,
served by friendly staff, in a throw-back style room bursting with
personality. The buffet is about $16.95 per person....we didn't really
look at the bill for Mpls extra taxes, etc.
The drink was included. The dessert might be, too...but who had room
(on this trip at least).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Show 'em some love...and have a great experience! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Details:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Date of Visit: 5/6/2019</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mama+Sheila's/@44.9342712,-93.2526104,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xf3c4f643d08d4d03?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjPv_Wzt4ziAhUSna0KHZ0lCB8Q_BIwCnoECAoQCA">Google Maps</a><b> </b> </span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-88057546993768378612019-05-05T06:25:00.000-07:002019-05-05T06:25:03.459-07:00Portillo's in Roseville: What has happened to this place?<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmYXNwKSPCowZfbPDo95f3-AX9-qOqIpojHm9QTV_1Xf66RIgPM4G6DfHaiaceG4faq5j4Le8R-2sX1stH2prlvg2_IRDSDgA5OvrY90eMaCpgOzm-zqjiAQfZS8HUmMDO7RWqaBIpC8q/s1600/portillos+roseville+mn+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span id="goog_1647167257"></span><img alt="portillos roseville mn review" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmYXNwKSPCowZfbPDo95f3-AX9-qOqIpojHm9QTV_1Xf66RIgPM4G6DfHaiaceG4faq5j4Le8R-2sX1stH2prlvg2_IRDSDgA5OvrY90eMaCpgOzm-zqjiAQfZS8HUmMDO7RWqaBIpC8q/s320/portillos+roseville+mn+3.jpg" title="" width="240" /><span id="goog_1647167258"></span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oh Portillo’s (Roseville, MN) - what happened to you????</span></span></h2>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Needed a quick bite
tonight after a busy day (& my horse didn’t come in at the Derby—-he
fell back during that crush in the last 1/8 of a mile). Maybe my
Kentucky Derby luck was a preview of things to come.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Pretty empty
in Portillo’s (Roseville), so we took our time ordering (no one in
front of us in line) & then one couple ordered after us.</span></span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Portillo's is Slow Even with few people </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Why did it take more than 10 minutes (maybe 15) to get 2 salads and a sandwich??? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
And who is the jerk handing out the food who throws it on your tray or
in your bag? —-John’s muffin was not a baseball—-and this guy doesn't
have Mark Hamburger's pitching arm---it ended up as a squished mass of
wetness....ewwww.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> And frankly, if I was a skinny short guy I
wouldn’t toss a guy’s food at him if he’s 6’ 2” and looks a little
grouchy (just sayin’).</span></span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Portillo's Food ... quite unpleasant </span></span></h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0LtcDEypf0BWE5IQy2Lm5oyXoqmgtYE4ctPCj5H2Woo4BDcw6EEoGT1wQH6kpqIDt10DotcXszjIgXAG_YTEL2XFhoB53qAFRUf0K4xOVvExN91gwofOe5lNOGN3yE8ztmtcTBH82cfn/s1600/portillos+roseville+mn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="portillos roseville mn chicken sandwich review" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0LtcDEypf0BWE5IQy2Lm5oyXoqmgtYE4ctPCj5H2Woo4BDcw6EEoGT1wQH6kpqIDt10DotcXszjIgXAG_YTEL2XFhoB53qAFRUf0K4xOVvExN91gwofOe5lNOGN3yE8ztmtcTBH82cfn/s320/portillos+roseville+mn.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Croissant Chicken Sandwich</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Look at this chicken sandwich....could it look
much worse? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then try to pick it up—all the ingredients hanging out...
with mayo (on the driest croissant ever that instantly crumbled). A
bunch of lettuce was on the outside of the box. Total disaster!</span></span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Portillo's Salads: the low point & the high point </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then there were the salads. My side salad was the best thing we
received—-except I watched the manager try to scrape some lettuce from
the last dregs in the pan to try to get enough for a small salad. There
were a few more toppings—-he at least tried to fill the bowl.</span></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhptdxeCBaAvuQ3KlcA9THm-qSBIIdGxnMD7yLlIEqIYwATBWNZ4nkaNM8GdALFVMd_E7x7AuNpnLBUf1AbTfZ9H-KcBAIeJXPxak-XVxOKHC5UFVn-AtTJEIvVlmRurIzbjjH5ajk0bm/s1600/portillos+bbq+chipotle+salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="portillos roseville mn bbq chipotle chicken salad" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhptdxeCBaAvuQ3KlcA9THm-qSBIIdGxnMD7yLlIEqIYwATBWNZ4nkaNM8GdALFVMd_E7x7AuNpnLBUf1AbTfZ9H-KcBAIeJXPxak-XVxOKHC5UFVn-AtTJEIvVlmRurIzbjjH5ajk0bm/s320/portillos+bbq+chipotle+salad.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">BBQ Chipotle Chicken Salad</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
John had the Chipotle BBQ chicken salad. This seemed to be the source
of our waiting time. As I passed the prep areas on the way to the
pick-up area I looked at the ‘salad station’ (too many years in the
restaurant biz—this stuff jumps out at me)—-my thought as I passed—-‘why
hasn’t anyone refilled those pans on the line’? That’s gonna mess them
up big time.</span></span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Portillo's ... lots and lots of 'waiting' and not much 'happening' </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We were the recipients of that ‘big time’...as in big wait.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
One of the managers picked up our order slip (for the 3rd time), picked
up a salad bowl, and then stared into the empty food pans. It was not a
happy look on his face. He disappeared for several minutes and
then returned with some greens in John’s bowl...which he had carried off
to some netherworld in search of lettuce. He then tried to finish
adding all the ingredients from the ‘remains’ left in a couple of pans.This was truly a scraping the bottom of the barrel experience.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> This glorious assortment of truly awful was then subject to the Mr. Toss-It treatment—-uh boy.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
We kept wondering—-there were at least 8 or 10 people ‘working’, yet
the 2 managers prepared most of our order. What were the other 8 people
doing? While we were there, the only customers were a couple and then a
group of 5 clearly coming from some dress-up event. I saw one order go
out the drive-they window. "<i><b>What was everyone doing?"</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> With a
staff that big, at Marianne’s we would have been able to crank out food
for 50 in the time we waited....and the sandwiches would have been tidy.
When the managers end up doing the work, something has gone wrong with
the ‘systems’.</span></span><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> So, here’s my plea to Portillo's:</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you’re listening; maybe you can go back and re-train them so they can find the missing ingredients from the pans. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And, please, work on that last guy’s attitude!!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">An option for recycling would also be responsible!!</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLw-XBq7K8C_RbHkCgYj0RRs2je8CrvCvR1hlCE6U8CgzmbJsrcflq91ya2_p0-MZbn2BS970NIwkRY-VaWfKPQelmIBKPN8dJcGcbUc5sQjYAp1-f4t0YEQvcoOqKQl2b-nOrM7lBrBgt/s1600/portillos+no+recycling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="portillos roseville mn no recycling" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLw-XBq7K8C_RbHkCgYj0RRs2je8CrvCvR1hlCE6U8CgzmbJsrcflq91ya2_p0-MZbn2BS970NIwkRY-VaWfKPQelmIBKPN8dJcGcbUc5sQjYAp1-f4t0YEQvcoOqKQl2b-nOrM7lBrBgt/s320/portillos+no+recycling.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No Recycling at Portillo's Roseville</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Details:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Date of Visit: 5/4/2019 @ 9:30 PM</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Portillo's+Hot+Dogs/@45.0137787,-93.1784936,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x52b32b7ca777a2bd:0x8b19e330c3f7ab18!8m2!3d45.0137787!4d-93.1763049">Google Maps</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Website: <a href="https://www.portillos.com/locations/roseville/">https://www.portillos.com/locations/roseville/</a><br /><b></b></span></span><br />
<a class="_5dec _xcx" data-ploi="https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/59526222_2442521255811388_3803420490974887936_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.xx&oh=fd770bf94260a98bd4bbc1d2d49bca66&oe=5D74946C" data-render-location="permalink" href="https://www.facebook.com/eatatmariannes/photos/pcb.2442521385811375/2442521252478055/?type=3&__tn__=HH-R&eid=ARBua0s0fg2hHD1PYgXeSiJ_ffF0dyCNMgSoTrhQn06fMZ3DO7CX7LP_0NOA6ogVrNGfEK98H0fupBds&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBAZOBiibe29XiUJ7Vu5cH4FBdrv0Lf3ZusRiqcppsjlWsomC-ngYUJkNfbpJ2mSqMAaaqLZjtqmgDsBETlup9sazQEJ7Fe34Omw-Hf9QV8MjDON-flhApD0dX2L3ujseoeIBomeopy35BWOczTjVaTGfwxXbVxh2AMDdKjZWOzPZcXfMA2NzH997nxX91U9o3DOGelUyQ1GXiOQXy8BGDft0XoOXTZ7vTy0w2874eVqxL_UrQ4it-ZUjs8MuTJih4ysp6jwc5lY2Nr2xqjD4JodzzJTDyGfshTTvAGERnj6QFBP1O0GDmLOYJ72DxxRt73D6lGHQbMV__BQ9qtiquvHQ" id="u_0_12" rel="theater" style="height: 500px; left: 0px; top: 0px; width: 333px;"></a><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-18859492365198529522019-05-03T09:46:00.002-07:002019-05-03T09:46:28.327-07:00Salty Tart on a Sunday ... St. Paul's Lowertown Delivers!<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><table cellpadding="0" class="cf gJ"><tbody>
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<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefdqqn-hwUBC18d5XLcxGwL9yXIj0KYIsAzfQMiVmS1tak6tiHwBunnd7GBbBrv-kBR6SKUsnlp2yXT5VI9Gk5HyRp7FLG-LFIZuNKOTNBz3lpgxV-_8EYPzbgk5mm9QgJA04ClkOPb9g/s1600/salty+tart+lowertown+entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="salty tart lowertown st. paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefdqqn-hwUBC18d5XLcxGwL9yXIj0KYIsAzfQMiVmS1tak6tiHwBunnd7GBbBrv-kBR6SKUsnlp2yXT5VI9Gk5HyRp7FLG-LFIZuNKOTNBz3lpgxV-_8EYPzbgk5mm9QgJA04ClkOPb9g/s400/salty+tart+lowertown+entrance.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Salty Tart in Lowertown ... wonderful!! </span></span></h2>
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<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What a great Sunday for a visit to the Salty Tart for lunch. It's a
little bit overcast, so the big windows make the space pleasant and
inviting...at any table in the place.</span></span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What to order at Salty Tart? </span></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We squeaked in on the Brunch menu which provided some interesting
options. (See our review of the Coop.....I was thinking about creating
a green shakshuka). So, as I do the first perusal of the brunch menu,
I immediately see 'green shakshuka' and point
it out to John.....who immediately orders it (I guess I'll have to use
my long fork reach across the table to give this dish a try).</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq8FttnQavUELapiWtkZvkDfALqzzjwhLj7HlLro08sE5lvrqOfumYbQG-DZGkrtECCSs25fhRLh8SJsFHpQoHkGdabMVS0uC9mF1-91ChiyufDH4SBdRzlNAMpZus59mknUZ5NBJRryW/s1600/salty+tart+lowertown+counter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="salty tart lowertown st. paul" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq8FttnQavUELapiWtkZvkDfALqzzjwhLj7HlLro08sE5lvrqOfumYbQG-DZGkrtECCSs25fhRLh8SJsFHpQoHkGdabMVS0uC9mF1-91ChiyufDH4SBdRzlNAMpZus59mknUZ5NBJRryW/s400/salty+tart+lowertown+counter.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
I moved toward the bottom of the menu and spotted curried chicken
salad. That sounded like a good contrast to what I was going to steal
from John's plate (insert evil emoji here).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
John chose a made-to-order cucumber lime soda; I opted for a cold brew.....because I have to compare them everywhere.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Now, the hard part.....grab a table along the bench at the north end,
near the windows and big, plush pillows... or a cute round table in the
middle of the room....we opted to locate close to the double doors that
head out to the farmers market spot and CHS
field. We had the view from the east windows and the windows on the
south, plus the big doors that opened every time a coffee and
treat-seeking group made their way in to look over the baked goods
counter and grab an espresso drink.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our Lunch at Salty Tart </span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFqaq-aMF8idPW7PWGijMIYQ-TSVxqIKmhYHcaslQvXcbbN4zjqABzQFhmnPRvqlevScKqUnd-yB8629jhdvaVK7ywUQJJlpcjflEtOmYViZCLE34ZnxzcUO-4Ndh5TsEcgdXjTdnpEF2/s1600/salty+tart+lowertown+green+shakshuka+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="salty tart lowertown st. paul" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFqaq-aMF8idPW7PWGijMIYQ-TSVxqIKmhYHcaslQvXcbbN4zjqABzQFhmnPRvqlevScKqUnd-yB8629jhdvaVK7ywUQJJlpcjflEtOmYViZCLE34ZnxzcUO-4Ndh5TsEcgdXjTdnpEF2/s400/salty+tart+lowertown+green+shakshuka+2.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Lunch arrived relatively quickly, and John was immediately giving his
lunch in the beautiful handled ramekin the once over. He took the
first bite...and wasn't quite sure. So, he dug in...and struck gold
(maybe green gold!!). There was baby thin asparagus,
baby broccoli, edamame, the mostly thinly sliced zucchini...all nestled
in a base of slightly spicy green chile sauce with 2 sunny side eggs
smiling up through the green sprinkling of herbs and baby veggies that
adorned the dish. John said the eggs were
perfectly cooked....a nice edge with a touch of browning, with nicely
cooked yolks. John's lunch was accompanied by 3 slices of Salty Tart
baguette....a generous portion of crusty bread with a great-textured
interior and wonderful flavor. The nicely sized
veggie pieces in the shakshuka were prepared to make it easy to get an
assortment of flavors on your fork. The only weak spot in the dish was
the average tasting green sauce....but the balance in the rest of the
dish made that fairly unimportant in the overall
composition and flavors. This was not the green shakshuka of my
imagination (mine would, of course, include some tart, citrusy
tomatillos---roasted until they started to brown slightly, and exuded
their juices which thicken on the baking sheet), but it
was a really good spin on green shakshuka....we'd order it again any
time. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFkh2I4_EoxUoc-6dwqC2GcImFwkDQzrXZbkFgT9sRwaM80W5ftRpqr-zPlJQVddxJy5xaq73alAmeaGWR-QN5sre8DJNqEcw6CyGYDG7yONxOubrBaQLOPO4jE7N8yshUdqRQ51cfclS/s1600/salty+tart+lowertown+curried+chicken+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="salty tart lowertown st. paul" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFkh2I4_EoxUoc-6dwqC2GcImFwkDQzrXZbkFgT9sRwaM80W5ftRpqr-zPlJQVddxJy5xaq73alAmeaGWR-QN5sre8DJNqEcw6CyGYDG7yONxOubrBaQLOPO4jE7N8yshUdqRQ51cfclS/s400/salty+tart+lowertown+curried+chicken+2.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6opUh6Dnw0q_2VCF-5tq8O7wOv03_M2WeVfdevw34_Qf7iUB0K9r42B7lj3cXe2DW5f7VzQZBV2pGFzQ7ph5v71eVNjb3ESE82tH2bMmL2nhCGUo3CTcFioA4ScTiFvUh355L3K86CqD/s1600/salty+tart+lowertown+green+shakshuka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="salty tart lowertown st. paul" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6opUh6Dnw0q_2VCF-5tq8O7wOv03_M2WeVfdevw34_Qf7iUB0K9r42B7lj3cXe2DW5f7VzQZBV2pGFzQ7ph5v71eVNjb3ESE82tH2bMmL2nhCGUo3CTcFioA4ScTiFvUh355L3K86CqD/s200/salty+tart+lowertown+green+shakshuka.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
My curried chicken arrived on a Michelle Gayer bun, its top jauntily
perched at an angle...revealing a mound a fresh baby arugula with some
oh-so-tender golden raisins and thinly sliced almonds. The top of the
bun had a beautiful ring of browning around the
edge, and upon inspection, was smeared with a beautiful herbed aioli.
Thick-sliced chicken pieces were curry golden on the outside and tender
and moist in the middle. The portion <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz93vUVyEzgbR5e99e1VO-LX2unfjV5Lpzt_IVFKSTQYEAaHgf9ez8IrXIxMX_xcD4otnxRjLsYmK-ivfBXWuFgSxSqrOQthhnd-EFU2v7YRK2zO9cAu3AYz04RJfbFkMhVEQi2cq5IR7p/s1600/salty+tart+lowertown+hours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="salty tart lowertown st. paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz93vUVyEzgbR5e99e1VO-LX2unfjV5Lpzt_IVFKSTQYEAaHgf9ez8IrXIxMX_xcD4otnxRjLsYmK-ivfBXWuFgSxSqrOQthhnd-EFU2v7YRK2zO9cAu3AYz04RJfbFkMhVEQi2cq5IR7p/s200/salty+tart+lowertown+hours.jpg" title="" width="150" /></a></div>
was more than adequate...in order
to actually pick up the sandwich, I encourage
eating 1/3 of the 'filling' with a fork in order to preserve your
sandwich's integrity once you lift it off the security of the plate.
Also, dip your fork-bites into the aioli...both to get the 'total
package' of flavor, but also because the aioli will not
all make it to<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeGBZ6ho8X8shsevXOAdZ0UUTpV9NG0IEKhDNzZyvVP1Yi5cuAMogElE_-U1MaX1BNbVX1SfbuFkeRkF8jtp3XCzgHre5cyR8Hj8y-cbv0czlNGpswGeGClqrN_qSiDYj-70-LBFzUmzW/s1600/salty+tart+lowertown+curried+chicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="salty tart lowertown st. paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeGBZ6ho8X8shsevXOAdZ0UUTpV9NG0IEKhDNzZyvVP1Yi5cuAMogElE_-U1MaX1BNbVX1SfbuFkeRkF8jtp3XCzgHre5cyR8Hj8y-cbv0czlNGpswGeGClqrN_qSiDYj-70-LBFzUmzW/s200/salty+tart+lowertown+curried+chicken.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a></div>
the inside of your face if you leave it all on the
sandwich once you've removed 1/3 of the ingredients....napkin truly
necessary! The bun was tender with that little crisp-grilled edge,
flavorful and with great texture. The curry was not
strong or overpowering...sometimes curried chicken leaves you with no
chicken flavor. This one could have carried a tiny bit more curry, and
still not have been overpowering. A wonderful sandwich.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpjIQCBK-5xEO5kGND_VCANgwHqH-Yuo0uc6K_kSmlhge2TdoVdlXZIQ9duCD1hBMqW1z_RN1KmWPfIH2OfPkzm5Np0l4R0YooozlYZYF3hy2WCPXAtCw9nWkAiNBY1p3NkgINbdOPa20/s1600/salty+tart+lowertown+cucumber+lime+soda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="salty tart lowertown st. paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpjIQCBK-5xEO5kGND_VCANgwHqH-Yuo0uc6K_kSmlhge2TdoVdlXZIQ9duCD1hBMqW1z_RN1KmWPfIH2OfPkzm5Np0l4R0YooozlYZYF3hy2WCPXAtCw9nWkAiNBY1p3NkgINbdOPa20/s320/salty+tart+lowertown+cucumber+lime+soda.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
The drinks were not quite as good as lunch, but certainly serviceable.
John's cucumber lime soda was a bit too sweet for me....however, after
we let it 'steep' for a few minutes after several thorough mixings with
the straw, the sweetness was better dispersed.
We think a little more lime would have balanced it out perfectly. My
cold brew was good....but I've had so many tremendous cold brews...that
this one didn't stand out from the pack. But certainly, a nice
accompaniment to the curried chicken sandwich.</span></span></div>
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</span></span><div style="color: black;">
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Salty Tart Ambience </span></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was John's first visit to the Lowertown Salty Tart (their Mpls
location has closed). I was surprised at how much he enjoyed both the
soothing, comfortable surroundings and the interesting lunch options.
He said he could make it a more frequent future
dining stop...if only St. Paul could figure out more
parking/shuttle/easy walking options.
</span></span>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Salty Tart and the Challenge of Lowertown </span></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I haven't been panhandled in a while, but we were able to grab the last
parking spot right across the street from the building. In my 10 yard
walk I was panhandled, and as I turned to step into the crosswalk (with
the 'walk' option in our favor), not one but
two cars turning left tried to take me out. </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
My recommendation for St. Paul....instead of having all of those parking
enforcement cars that circle the blocks endlessly in Lowertown
(although I have seen some pretty weird places that people thought were
'parking' on busy Saturday and Sundays there) during
the Farmers' Market, add a couple of 'here's where to park' helpers
that can direct people to parking (or some alternatives that the city
might create to make access to the market more pedestrian-friendly) and
give greater priority to pedestrians.....people
from outside the city apparently 'forget' what a crosswalk means since
pedestrians at busy intersections in the 'burbs are almost as rare as
veggie-based food there.
</span></span>
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</span></span><div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
I'd love to spend more time in Lowertown, so having the City designate
some parking areas near the Green Line to encourage us to ride light
rail from somewhere outside of downtown (without clogging up streets in
someone's neighborhood), would give us more
time to linger there, and maybe even some 'outside the box' ways to
transport your summer bounty of Farmers' Market goodies back to your car
(I usually have way too many bags that are flopping around...even
re-usable bags seem to flop around A LOT...I would
drive my fellow light rail riders crazy as my veggies fell out and
rolled down the aisle once the train was moving!!!) would make this
popular place even more accessible for all ages. A shuttle from the
Flats (there's lot of empty space there) could include
a stop at Catrina's or Babani's for lunch on the way back to load up
your car with the bounty of summer.
</span></span>
</div>
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</span></span><div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
But that's all beside the point today. We drove to Lowertown, dealt
with a panhandler and made it through the 'walk sign' without injury,
and enjoyed both the high-ceiling beautiful space occupied by the Salty
Tart, but also had two great lunch options that
were both unlike any we've eaten in the past. They had their own spin
on similar items elsewhere---making them an enjoyable 'discovery'!</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dessert To Go From Salty Tart </span></span></h3>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZCK0u2LyenOczEW8xKLuxS893WQmVG-WmJdSmBRj3tJCmA16MMhQHhTaITSDvYZI4RYiGTbCHsVSp4TxRSJ728PqcAdwR-D3teOIdx1xTg-25QqUJDA_ZEnZhw5Oz0hm9xknBr492kFd/s1600/salty+tart+salted+caramel+chocolate+tart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="salty tart lowertown st. paul" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZCK0u2LyenOczEW8xKLuxS893WQmVG-WmJdSmBRj3tJCmA16MMhQHhTaITSDvYZI4RYiGTbCHsVSp4TxRSJ728PqcAdwR-D3teOIdx1xTg-25QqUJDA_ZEnZhw5Oz0hm9xknBr492kFd/s320/salty+tart+salted+caramel+chocolate+tart.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
p.s. We couldn't come home empty-handed. A 'plain' croissant, a
savory onion tart, and a salted caramel chocolate tart await the return
of our appetites later today. They all look wonderful.</span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Details:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Menu: <a href="http://www.saltytart.com/menu">http://www.saltytart.com/menu</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Website: <a href="http://www.saltytart.com/">http://www.saltytart.com/</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Salty+Tart/@45.0024366,-93.3221895,11z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1ssalty+tart!3m4!1s0x87f7d55ae777b415:0xf1b072d3fc697466!8m2!3d44.9501816!4d-93.0852924">Google Maps</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Date of Visit: Sunday 4/28/2019 </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-83228566820772352782019-04-29T12:00:00.002-07:002019-05-02T13:57:34.306-07:00The Coop---Every Community Needs One<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEK47F8YcSOBiMJSkNaUXNfNw1i8KVm0hgEHosZaLJmf0yPF1QqkJkCTorlTwybuAsYljP7i1wojOdP1meANds0cv2cRIlFyBzAjLIDLrhmyCHkJeJvxQ19udDb6dbZ51Nw3P3upBzsQA/s1600/the+coop+south+saint+paul+exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Coop south St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEK47F8YcSOBiMJSkNaUXNfNw1i8KVm0hgEHosZaLJmf0yPF1QqkJkCTorlTwybuAsYljP7i1wojOdP1meANds0cv2cRIlFyBzAjLIDLrhmyCHkJeJvxQ19udDb6dbZ51Nw3P3upBzsQA/s320/the+coop+south+saint+paul+exterior.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Coop: Every Community Needs One! </span></span></h2>
</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Growing up in the 60s, there were lots of local places where you could
get chicken, a simple burger, hot dogs, maybe ribs...with fries, coleslaw, and other assorted side items. There were a few places to grab a
Coney Island, each with a slight variation of
what you found on top. The Twin Cities weren't into Chicago dogs in
those days and there weren't gourmet burgers either containing
interesting mixture of ingredients or topped with hundreds of kinds of
'fixin's'.</span></span></div>
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</span></span>
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</span></span>
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Most of these places have gone to their final rest...replaced by 'newer concepts'.
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</span></span>
<div style="color: black;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZL0d2VRTmbWg6RDKLZJxmGm9xHJYgrszBMDXOeCDtZ1CXL20JmoHAYz1tbKw5Uos_Z0Ca0YCg5an5WRvgpNrx_Q2yvGleQLbfytxaJayMyiUDdXZuMibTvvMC32wFER4N9IPCr0XYbS0z/s1600/the+coop+south+saint+paul+family+owned+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Coop south St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZL0d2VRTmbWg6RDKLZJxmGm9xHJYgrszBMDXOeCDtZ1CXL20JmoHAYz1tbKw5Uos_Z0Ca0YCg5an5WRvgpNrx_Q2yvGleQLbfytxaJayMyiUDdXZuMibTvvMC32wFER4N9IPCr0XYbS0z/s200/the+coop+south+saint+paul+family+owned+sign.jpg" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
But, then there's the Coop. Going back to 1963, this place has written
its own history.....and longevity. And you need to make your annual
pilgrimage to South St. Paul, both to experience the foods that
were all treats for us in the '60s and the great
personalities of the staff of the Coop.</span></span></div>
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</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Coop Staff: Fun & Efficient </span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTklVghNMGwCsN3JBgUHhom1-eFjrf-B9BPkpwkp1bHLrz3z-EvRW9PyqFOVThbCFghX5vuVwHkFrletxHQ56vkEtxhoubY-MVvNIZcGSGm4FcNCG_F46caC1xjDKw4izzKgbSrEq-9ZO/s1600/the+coop+south+saint+paul+counter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Coop south St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTklVghNMGwCsN3JBgUHhom1-eFjrf-B9BPkpwkp1bHLrz3z-EvRW9PyqFOVThbCFghX5vuVwHkFrletxHQ56vkEtxhoubY-MVvNIZcGSGm4FcNCG_F46caC1xjDKw4izzKgbSrEq-9ZO/s320/the+coop+south+saint+paul+counter.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
We were greeted by Chelsea.....quick enough to play along (and maybe
outsmart) John in his 'cleverness.' She took our order with a big
smile and bigger personality...all underplaying her superior abilities
to skillfully deliver our orders flawlessly, with
a great sense of humor...and the ability to 'one-up' each of John's
'one-ups'--the most most fun-loving approach. What a gem she is.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Anna efficiently made order after order of fries, while switching places
with Chelsea taking orders, and they each juggled an array of customers
and items, eat-in, take-out, humor the 'difficult' ones (would that
include John--not for me to judge!!!), and then
teamed the delivery of food and utensils to our tables....all with the
kind of cheerful demeanor that are so often missing in food
establishments, but that add tremendously to the experience.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzU68BhWJN2MZYKL2ydvcxuv5crwCag1s97tjC1Z0wVEGK59eoRREeobTOVFbVuxhpROePYtTFOfIKJtaR8Q2bkQCzn4fronnZM6MgvH5lQ3qqmtBKfo0174wLNhZGZ8BTNIoYyai_Ps5/s1600/the+coop+south+saint+paul+menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Coop south St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzU68BhWJN2MZYKL2ydvcxuv5crwCag1s97tjC1Z0wVEGK59eoRREeobTOVFbVuxhpROePYtTFOfIKJtaR8Q2bkQCzn4fronnZM6MgvH5lQ3qqmtBKfo0174wLNhZGZ8BTNIoYyai_Ps5/s400/the+coop+south+saint+paul+menu.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdo3TCZt4blm0fepHggyBFOs2repK3mmFmeoWZbsS6Ht_8gXq8zriof6bCGFPoK23Q4tqMDFWUka4P9ZI2K2M0fWqGC_DjJJ9yKwxk8Jd5aPWya_cHQGBjTaBAolJ1ZI2UVIUcbuzT0WYo/s1600/the+coop+south+saint+paul+exterior+sgn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Coop south St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdo3TCZt4blm0fepHggyBFOs2repK3mmFmeoWZbsS6Ht_8gXq8zriof6bCGFPoK23Q4tqMDFWUka4P9ZI2K2M0fWqGC_DjJJ9yKwxk8Jd5aPWya_cHQGBjTaBAolJ1ZI2UVIUcbuzT0WYo/s200/the+coop+south+saint+paul+exterior+sgn.jpg" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
We took a brief tour of the menu and went with two combo baskets. John
opted for the BBQ chicken sandwich with fries and selected slaw as his
option. I opted for a Coney, made their way, with fries and a Coke.
We grabbed a table near the window (this
place is mostly take-out, so only a few tables inside), where we opted
to skip playing the tic tac toe wooden game on the table in favor or
perusing the magazine rack...which inspired me to </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcdmrNrFAvY2irwjaSpFvrhoT97QxGcQHzD3JTCWDpe7ZnABjE0ynfxwipw4-QbIa_QV42u4l9W6GHLt7ckVOCVMfQxjeIEOSk0xm7CNnu3R3u78DbH-ofhp79DnjSb_P9wtCs0VQYFq1/s1600/the+coop+south+saint+paul+tic+tac+toe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Coop south St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcdmrNrFAvY2irwjaSpFvrhoT97QxGcQHzD3JTCWDpe7ZnABjE0ynfxwipw4-QbIa_QV42u4l9W6GHLt7ckVOCVMfQxjeIEOSk0xm7CNnu3R3u78DbH-ofhp79DnjSb_P9wtCs0VQYFq1/s200/the+coop+south+saint+paul+tic+tac+toe.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a></span></span></div>
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think about new food
spins. The Reinhardt food service magazine was
in the rack....looking pretty unread...so I decided to crack the spine
and take a look. It was page after colorful page of spins on traditional 'Mexican' food. There were beef cheeks and new flavors of
tortillas and page after page of drool-worthy photos.
So, in a few minutes, when our meals arrived, I was ready to chow
down.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bottom Line on <i>The Coop</i> Food: Yeah!! </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Giant baskets overflowing with fries...each with an 'entree' nestled in
the basket. Plus, John's had a portion cup of creamy slaw to fill out
his basket space...which was generous, to say the least.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0IX1e78sc0OmGYRbsu1F5YfR12S8GJbN6GEsqAAlD7KIB8PSvoczTbZujt6mZEp55s9gUzhZE1uSNDWkKreSUkJ2wUqkmNr3RTL7X4OpffeABTKYgPf9eETsICbHTQ63ljUnh7Ww2eM3/s1600/the+coop+south+saint+paul+lunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Coop south St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0IX1e78sc0OmGYRbsu1F5YfR12S8GJbN6GEsqAAlD7KIB8PSvoczTbZujt6mZEp55s9gUzhZE1uSNDWkKreSUkJ2wUqkmNr3RTL7X4OpffeABTKYgPf9eETsICbHTQ63ljUnh7Ww2eM3/s320/the+coop+south+saint+paul+lunch.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
The fries (from a pretty standard frozen bag) were perfectly fried.
They arrived hot, very lightly salted (I watched Anna salt a couple of
batches in a stainless tray)...crispy on the outside and hot and tender
on the inside. If you're going to eat 'old-style'
fries (and they should probably exist only as part of an annual
pilgrimage), these will fill the bill. And, of course, the Coop has red
squeeze bottles of ketchup, to use to fill any corner you can find in
your overfilled basket, with a big puddle of ketchup
that looks perfect against the backdrop of the black and white checked
basket liner.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRCg8DTA6s4DFQ4aZUfitXYXB8neWH7RdQeT67S4cUfNPLHbtaMinDRVMcspI2LNUvJdfwVSXtUMAmq520Vnc-xd1V8m2TND6STM_B23npSaDvTSebbp9pN7x56BSP_b2AaiYXFHWutvW/s1600/the+coop+south+saint+paul+coney+dog+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Coop south St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRCg8DTA6s4DFQ4aZUfitXYXB8neWH7RdQeT67S4cUfNPLHbtaMinDRVMcspI2LNUvJdfwVSXtUMAmq520Vnc-xd1V8m2TND6STM_B23npSaDvTSebbp9pN7x56BSP_b2AaiYXFHWutvW/s320/the+coop+south+saint+paul+coney+dog+1.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
I loved my Coney. The meat on top reminded me of things I ate in the
last century...well, maybe a ways back in the last century. The creamy
textured 'sloppy joe' meat was just as I remember it...kind of a thick
paste of ground meat that holds together (think
of a loose meat sandwich that isn't 'loose'..but held together in a
finely chopped meat 'slurry') crowning your chopped onion and mustard
topped dog on a soft as a cloud hot dog bun. Yup, a really fun Coney.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYl4t6xAaENzD-l-n23k5F-CNAYjwRxDRt5YHPpkRv5jtN4rAXOHoIfhz7DGwZjbn5PmF6t3g8HKytrrnobmV6Ez0MMUb7f0jMLg4tjV0vtla0KgNzIofEZPadKpICGgiqz8ZQ_dtvBQZ/s1600/the+coop+south+saint+paul+bbq+chicken+sandwich+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Coop south St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYl4t6xAaENzD-l-n23k5F-CNAYjwRxDRt5YHPpkRv5jtN4rAXOHoIfhz7DGwZjbn5PmF6t3g8HKytrrnobmV6Ez0MMUb7f0jMLg4tjV0vtla0KgNzIofEZPadKpICGgiqz8ZQ_dtvBQZ/s200/the+coop+south+saint+paul+bbq+chicken+sandwich+2.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEa5n41EhL3Awx9RUe1cY2nwNt5yjrNCSJez6W43AyGOMLK8uw4b2owwcPV47HxX41FRGKM5uJzMkxYmaBy0-iDfS6lYb8WXZUdyD5eU1QAFebqTlUJ9VBYFAW3I8_F6s3pP68zdEekZ1/s1600/the+coop+south+saint+paul+bbq+chicken+sandwich.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Coop south St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEa5n41EhL3Awx9RUe1cY2nwNt5yjrNCSJez6W43AyGOMLK8uw4b2owwcPV47HxX41FRGKM5uJzMkxYmaBy0-iDfS6lYb8WXZUdyD5eU1QAFebqTlUJ9VBYFAW3I8_F6s3pP68zdEekZ1/s200/the+coop+south+saint+paul+bbq+chicken+sandwich.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
John's BBQ chicken was a breaded fried chicken patty smeared with a
slightly sweet BBQ sauce on a traditional burger bun. He was
skeptical. But he was quickly convinced that this was also fun food
(not 'fan food'--he worked at the DQ as a kid---what exactly
is 'fan food' other than a marketing slogan for 3 week old chili????)
with pretty darn good flavor...the flavors of our childhoods. The piece
of chicken was perfectly cooked, with great texture, just enough BBQ
sauce to come through but not overpower, on
a fresh bun that held together for the duration. </span></span>
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The slaw was creamy and had a pretty traditional creamy slaw texture and flavor.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcj053bOsDE6Qoyzc2n5l7SwYVVInPIYdG605SBSNl5qdPGI275rsoSiSU_VsTbTY6531UOevDOmxYtwKl-qM7Lr_R5Q_utdEeqe8rjCmWKLpN7F8BiyLFCA56lUU058fe-h2lmGGR_Zow/s1600/the+coop+south+saint+paul+coleslaw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Coop south St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcj053bOsDE6Qoyzc2n5l7SwYVVInPIYdG605SBSNl5qdPGI275rsoSiSU_VsTbTY6531UOevDOmxYtwKl-qM7Lr_R5Q_utdEeqe8rjCmWKLpN7F8BiyLFCA56lUU058fe-h2lmGGR_Zow/s320/the+coop+south+saint+paul+coleslaw.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
This was a really fun stop. The staff made this 'an
experience'....delightful, but grounded in traditional, great-quality
service....finely honed over years as a family business, we think. The
food was a throw back to decades of menu items that used to be
common but are now a little harder to find. The prices are downright
cheap (a $3 hamburger!). The 'atmosphere' was perfect.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zMmig8fSgq1Ap344LXvy-aQPdSmCYKusFhkB0IutDSZZbSjDRsgk2kLJ8S7_JjxbNlls0wZ2F9rOW786UFtdrhYxmlfajPlJW80jItKb-z21yk7egN8rsdc6a5TTYmBDOZ_WSEd4BsVd/s1600/the+coop+south+saint+paul+catering+sign+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Coop south St. Paul" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zMmig8fSgq1Ap344LXvy-aQPdSmCYKusFhkB0IutDSZZbSjDRsgk2kLJ8S7_JjxbNlls0wZ2F9rOW786UFtdrhYxmlfajPlJW80jItKb-z21yk7egN8rsdc6a5TTYmBDOZ_WSEd4BsVd/s320/the+coop+south+saint+paul+catering+sign+2.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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And, thanks Chelsea for playing along...I'm sure you can 'make Renee
remember John' even after all these years (of never having met him).</span></span></div>
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The Coop in South St. Paul: Truly a memorable experience...family fun at it's best!</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Details:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Website: <a href="http://thecooprestaurant.com/">http://thecooprestaurant.com/</a> </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Menu: <a href="http://thecooprestaurant.com/menu/">http://thecooprestaurant.com/menu/</a> </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Coop/@44.8889932,-93.0393395,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x87f7d40b4f7e423f:0xa8debf3bcf79a5ca!8m2!3d44.8889894!4d-93.0371455">Google Map</a> </b> </span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-33543019917863071432019-04-22T19:36:00.003-07:002019-04-22T19:36:29.019-07:00Hagberg's Meats in Lake Elmo for Lunch and More<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks to the tip from S L Hodges, we have 'discovered' a new fun place for lunch.</span></span></div>
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Several times we've headed to Lake Elmo and turned on the 'main drag' to
grab a cup of coffee and a quick bite at Lake Elmo Coffee. Since we
always turn, we missed a great place just a little past the Twin Points
Tavern.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEONXie5S3ZroFspWawWMZfVs8O9ZR08OfY_LLUBKEir-84C-KAUkEvN5FYiAioF0RUYlAQLcENCcnyz1K_QYqeA0sHaTrp_glU-mOFVMY6MCHeWQE9o5k1tb44f_ufiKnn8YJi_qSZ_K/s1600/hagbers+meats+exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Hagbergs Meats Lake Elmo MN" border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEONXie5S3ZroFspWawWMZfVs8O9ZR08OfY_LLUBKEir-84C-KAUkEvN5FYiAioF0RUYlAQLcENCcnyz1K_QYqeA0sHaTrp_glU-mOFVMY6MCHeWQE9o5k1tb44f_ufiKnn8YJi_qSZ_K/s320/hagbers+meats+exterior.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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Hagberg's </span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Meat Place</span></span></h2>
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On a really rainy lunch hour this week, three of us took the little
adventure drive to <a href="https://hagbergsmeats.com/">Hagberg's Meats</a>, a country market, gas station, meat
market, and lunch counter. What a gem!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hagberg's Meats: Everything...Great! </span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISTBcl57oYz_I5Orm3xcVun9IT5lpEEiuvctSkiZj9DGLeVdh2tWV7qr0v974FDY5vNa0WAUoVwQrZi2cZMymWSVt-8FfRHDK_FPuOWBkQyBAeR91r9ButFZBCXvbwcjPWX4ALSrnpcAa/s1600/hagbergs+meats++meats+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hagbergs Meats Lake Elmo MN" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISTBcl57oYz_I5Orm3xcVun9IT5lpEEiuvctSkiZj9DGLeVdh2tWV7qr0v974FDY5vNa0WAUoVwQrZi2cZMymWSVt-8FfRHDK_FPuOWBkQyBAeR91r9ButFZBCXvbwcjPWX4ALSrnpcAa/s320/hagbergs+meats++meats+1.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvr4s16oAP_RG8Jgx4tEoH83MZTUqqzoPVj2lw2T5xt9UMphCCFkP1CNOk5ruk-EB8SPCquQfmSKRDB07uFI3vohH2tCFduDsfcWZJof7gd44Dxxm2x8nLTusSVnXktYaNCRZmjpNndja/s1600/hagbergs+meats+bacon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hagbergs Meats Lake Elmo MN" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvr4s16oAP_RG8Jgx4tEoH83MZTUqqzoPVj2lw2T5xt9UMphCCFkP1CNOk5ruk-EB8SPCquQfmSKRDB07uFI3vohH2tCFduDsfcWZJof7gd44Dxxm2x8nLTusSVnXktYaNCRZmjpNndja/s200/hagbergs+meats+bacon.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXs8myEPJYfrw4Yd10TjQV4uSfg-IggLiboFqxhZNTdOTB7Eczxp2nlcGA8yhbl1lwG1uGrOau3eYP0CM9Chk37FxZjs2Qzyt-6XtGBhCcU6FIFXqAoyf2q21x92A473t2t3si3o7J0PFJ/s1600/hagbergs+meats+kabobs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Hagbergs Meats Lake Elmo MN" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXs8myEPJYfrw4Yd10TjQV4uSfg-IggLiboFqxhZNTdOTB7Eczxp2nlcGA8yhbl1lwG1uGrOau3eYP0CM9Chk37FxZjs2Qzyt-6XtGBhCcU6FIFXqAoyf2q21x92A473t2t3si3o7J0PFJ/s200/hagbergs+meats+kabobs.jpg" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
The meat counter alone was worth the drive...stuffed chicken breasts,
jalapeno cheeseburger patties and bacon cheese patties ready for the
grill, stuffed beef roasts, sausages and more sausages, lots and lots of
drool-worthy temptations. Turn around, and
there's a whole cooler full of bags of dog bones! This place must
sell A LOT of meat.</span></span></div>
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The assortment of BBQ sauces was impressive, with many really good
brands of sauce. The grocery shelves had great products, too...a
carefully crafted selection of high quality goods.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOui1d3PfIXlTklXV4egRuG-_dfI-F85FDL_cwjAx96qCV7PbpCEvVMrIos88UB_10jUB-2fs2K9CUtMNOuWAKnjU7fEjyyAY45CXOuPfwuySjwvMHWSVkZoJAaNNwYsrJXsj-F-5KNPc/s1600/hagbergs+meats+ordering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Hagbergs Meats Lake Elmo MN" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOui1d3PfIXlTklXV4egRuG-_dfI-F85FDL_cwjAx96qCV7PbpCEvVMrIos88UB_10jUB-2fs2K9CUtMNOuWAKnjU7fEjyyAY45CXOuPfwuySjwvMHWSVkZoJAaNNwYsrJXsj-F-5KNPc/s320/hagbergs+meats+ordering.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
A prepared food cooler drew me in immediately with trays of mac &
cheese, mashed potatoes, and main dishes to take home for 'heat and
eat'. My hand kept reaching for a tray of mac & cheese...I
resisted temptation...this time.....another reason to return in
the not too distant future.</span></span>
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Bushel baskets of veggies in the front of the store....butternut squash,
several kinds of onions, potatoes....plus veggies, like lettuces, in
the cooler. It felt like a country store....but with great quality
grocery items...to complement the tremendous meat
selection. Additionally, a tempting array of breads and other locally
baked good in attractive bags with cello windows added additional
reasons to come back for 'groceries'.</span></span>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hagberg's Meats...How Lunch Works </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But let's get to the food. There are daily specials...today there were
3 of them. Smokehouse pork, taco boat, and chicken wild rice soup.
There was a separate menu of 'every day' items plus a menu of 3 choices
of Nordic Waffle. (Mr. Hodges failed to
mention the enticing Nordic Waffles in his hint). The specials rotate
on about a weekly basis....we'll have to go back on Cubano day (Friday
this month) and give one a try.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYUPrG_s_Flu4mV1Lq5S_6D8EkIBWY9GSoWp1jmyOxY1xU_PFTVRJzooSWGfBi9JdZeArfAteRpfPOnDrbp-bc2Si9fv3wE60OIWrTgGjH8YAAdP8-xp5atQrwAZahuxuKKtDXvWeI2Q4/s1600/hagbergs+meats+deli+case.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hagbergs Meats Lake Elmo MN" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYUPrG_s_Flu4mV1Lq5S_6D8EkIBWY9GSoWp1jmyOxY1xU_PFTVRJzooSWGfBi9JdZeArfAteRpfPOnDrbp-bc2Si9fv3wE60OIWrTgGjH8YAAdP8-xp5atQrwAZahuxuKKtDXvWeI2Q4/s640/hagbergs+meats+deli+case.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's also a deli case with great selections like: broccoli salad,
their great combo of baked beans that includes gigante beans--wow!,
potato salad, .....</span></span></div>
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So, we decided to go for a range of options for our first visit. One
person went for the special of the day: smokehouse pork plus a cup of
the wild rice soup, one Nordic Waffle--the breakfast version with egg,
cheese, and bacon (this was a difficult decision..they
all sounded great), and an assortment of goodies from the deli case
including the broccoli salad and the gigante bean baked beans (4 or 5
kinds of beans....I could tell you more but someone was hoarding!!!!).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Hagberg's Meats: Well...How Was Lunch?</span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UKzGtzMdwfg-U9aHY4FJTWrve4XcsUpctkg1Ei3G6EZfaikDuQIAYLIBAxDHeaIrfWtEmpGhzaTvJoRRh1m6PFzn5WQxTGPJTP6ylc4wsIdB2WkdcAKCw7u4sEKKKSgA9xArDgEQDxlf/s1600/hagbergs+meats+smokehouse+pork+sandwich+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Hagbergs Meats Lake Elmo MN" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UKzGtzMdwfg-U9aHY4FJTWrve4XcsUpctkg1Ei3G6EZfaikDuQIAYLIBAxDHeaIrfWtEmpGhzaTvJoRRh1m6PFzn5WQxTGPJTP6ylc4wsIdB2WkdcAKCw7u4sEKKKSgA9xArDgEQDxlf/s320/hagbergs+meats+smokehouse+pork+sandwich+1.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's start with the <i><b>smokehouse pork</b></i>. A giant sandwich loaded with BBQ
pork, crispy fried onions, and slaw on a giant bun. This required a
fork....I mean really, really required a fork. You could eat for half
an hour before you set down your fork and tried
to pick this baby up. It was a meal for many.....let's just say that
eating the whole sandwich AND some wild rice soup....too much for our
whole table...and probably for most people. The sandwich was
YUGE....and don't forget...tasty.</span></span></span></h3>
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I've only had one other <i><b>Nordic Waffle</b></i> (at the coffee shop in downtown
Columbia Heights (name???)). These are very popular at the State Fair,
too. The one I had in Columbia Heights was good....but not all that
memorable. The one at Hagberg's had an unforgettable
ingredient.....really, really meaty tasty bacon. I would rate this
bacon an A. A good egg, lots of cheddar, wonderful bacon...on a folded
soft but firm slightly sweet Nordic Waffle...it was hard to put it down
(and yes, I shared the bacon with others....a
little reluctantly <span id="m_-1801544398668561627😟" title=":worried:"><img alt="😟" class="CToWUd" data-goomoji="1f61f" data-image-whitelisted="" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/1f61f" style="margin: 0 0.2ex; max-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle;" /></span>). Delightful!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTzLalIkj58hWjqOhBkfBn5gDID9fe9O5yhxoZYbNp3SFQoNe20N1n61HlzfJ8spMDP00_2ApHZSbebX0Ntc0XYqWGBCnhre2ZZ3MWVWImR60vtnKLCd6SuvhzFFDPi7Rju6y7WrdqHUl/s1600/hagbergs+meats+wild+rice+soup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Hagbergs Meats Lake Elmo MN" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTzLalIkj58hWjqOhBkfBn5gDID9fe9O5yhxoZYbNp3SFQoNe20N1n61HlzfJ8spMDP00_2ApHZSbebX0Ntc0XYqWGBCnhre2ZZ3MWVWImR60vtnKLCd6SuvhzFFDPi7Rju6y7WrdqHUl/s320/hagbergs+meats+wild+rice+soup.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Our 'deli selection' lunch companion was somewhat quiet. Then I
noticed why. The broccoli salad had disappeared and I had to reach
very, very carefully for a bite of the baked beans in order to maintain
the integrity of my digits. They were fantastic.
The 'selection' person also decided on the cutest mini carrot cake with
cream cheese icing (yes, I was <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_gtqzy32oYdiCX-ycrDpNE_-RN8WpUBkLVqUKbzftoWpi9tRGa-IxFLuOqSLTbBDjO7LtcUdJ4GA9LOCnYmD_yegfzq2crySylrh81crMQGZ6WzVkxj_2lewfpE__ftR1u2VCcb8Uq_l/s1600/hagbergs+meats+beans+and+broccoli+salad+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hagbergs Meats Lake Elmo MN" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_gtqzy32oYdiCX-ycrDpNE_-RN8WpUBkLVqUKbzftoWpi9tRGa-IxFLuOqSLTbBDjO7LtcUdJ4GA9LOCnYmD_yegfzq2crySylrh81crMQGZ6WzVkxj_2lewfpE__ftR1u2VCcb8Uq_l/s200/hagbergs+meats+beans+and+broccoli+salad+1.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a></div>
allowed a small bite....but between my
Nordic Waffle and 'helping' with the pork sandwich and soup, a small
bite was all I could handle. Hagberg's had
monkey bread and one or two other selections left in the bakery
case.....I think the morning crowd had raided it pretty effectively.</span></span></div>
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Just as we were wrapping up our lunchtime, an older gentleman sat down
at the next table....with a basket containing a smokehouse pork. He
was baffled. Finally, he said out loud...how are you supposed to eat
this? We laughed and said to start with a fork.....and
eat a LOT of it with the fork before trying to lift it. He TOTALLY
AGREED and set off to find a fork, chuckling all the way. He's probably
still working on that thing today!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hagberg's Meats: We're Definitely Headed Back</span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-EVsxHhsLPppR3fkcU2JaIhR3FSlpjZRhWiH_QL6ARvryiRFv50PskWJf0wmOjI0OO9fNiU35f_PIMjkRLkymCderGuB5fvOwOUx7Kct3eLEQ2kfZncBXqiy1gBeVVW4J_QxsJpsfbvh/s1600/hagbergs+meats+meat+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hagbergs Meats Lake Elmo MN" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-EVsxHhsLPppR3fkcU2JaIhR3FSlpjZRhWiH_QL6ARvryiRFv50PskWJf0wmOjI0OO9fNiU35f_PIMjkRLkymCderGuB5fvOwOUx7Kct3eLEQ2kfZncBXqiy1gBeVVW4J_QxsJpsfbvh/s200/hagbergs+meats+meat+2.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What a great experience....the essence of a traditional small town
grocery and meat market...but with high quality baked goods, grocery
items, lunch and deli selections, and bushel baskets of veggies. We
plan to return to try some of the take home items<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqX61KfnEHJqNnr5R6GzdSOhBAnZXxOZFsENNl47Rj2eW6yMV3krKL4yrhpMXYK7dtYFu0Dhi7pVDcwRHWyGcHIBSkxVIvxh48oTOnVWyw3GIr2fuvp9UnGSmZCcorgwDn0vnHlNSJzTH/s1600/hagbergs+meats+frozen+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Hagbergs Meats Lake Elmo MN" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqX61KfnEHJqNnr5R6GzdSOhBAnZXxOZFsENNl47Rj2eW6yMV3krKL4yrhpMXYK7dtYFu0Dhi7pVDcwRHWyGcHIBSkxVIvxh48oTOnVWyw3GIr2fuvp9UnGSmZCcorgwDn0vnHlNSJzTH/s200/hagbergs+meats+frozen+1.jpg" title="" width="150" /></a></div>
(like
the mac and cheese), some meat choices--maybe we'll start at one end
and just work our way across the case over the course of a few
months...well, maybe many months. The bakery items in the cello window
bags will be on the list, too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Hagberg's-The Meat Place...the total package! </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I'd call it the meat, deli, bakery, take
home, make your dog happy place. But I suppose that won't fit on the
sign.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Details:</b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Website: <a href="https://hagbergsmeats.com/">https://hagbergsmeats.com/</a><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Directions: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir//45.0032824,-92.876231/@45.0032986,-92.9462743,12z">Google Maps</a><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Menu: <a href="https://hagbergsmeats.com/lunch/">Lunch</a><b> </b> </span></span><div class="adL">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-25948678273956519372019-04-20T20:21:00.001-07:002019-04-20T20:49:05.780-07:00Sante Fe Coffee and the El Pariente Food Truck on a Friday Night<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">El Pariente Food Truck & Sante Fe Coffee on a Friday Night in St. Paul </span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Finally, a beautiful Spring evening in Minnesota. Time for a short drive and maybe a few treats.</span></span></div>
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We started out trying to find a new coffee shop on Payne Avenue that
John had read about recently. But on the way, we passed the food truck
by Johnson High School - and I thought - oh food truck--maybe 'orange
sauce'!
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We like the food truck in the Mexican bakery parking lot by Johnson, but
we also really like the El Pariente food truck that parks at
Hillcrest. So we make a quick left turn on Maryland and go in search of
my favorite sauce.</span></span></div>
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An interesting find, though...a new place is taking over on the corner
of Payne and Maryland in the Mr. Pete's location (someone rammed a car
or truck into Mr. Pete's a while back....that looked like it was pretty
much the end for them. John liked eating there....reminded
him of a couple of places in Chicago that served a wide assortment of
pretty fast food). So, we'll check out the new taco place when they
open the doors.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">El Pariente Food Truck is Awesome </span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2Ne5JvY3I_f-2LrDs_n_tQk4svgb06YdaPdeZmk8aLQ3G-SLKhcsrQ-diXDImMySi83pC_zNEyQRCRxycdec0mY8dTw2aDyeYURWtQk5hU5A5IjiWY8tSgEOpMbksHvUfwjgF6jteoQB/s1600/El+Pariente+Food+Truck+Hot+Sauce.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="El Pariente Food Truck Sauce" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2Ne5JvY3I_f-2LrDs_n_tQk4svgb06YdaPdeZmk8aLQ3G-SLKhcsrQ-diXDImMySi83pC_zNEyQRCRxycdec0mY8dTw2aDyeYURWtQk5hU5A5IjiWY8tSgEOpMbksHvUfwjgF6jteoQB/s400/El+Pariente+Food+Truck+Hot+Sauce.JPG" title="" width="300" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Meanwhile, back to my quest for sauce. Yes, oh yes!!!!</span></span></div>
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The El Pariente truck is sitting in the empty lot that used to be
Hafner's and they are OPEN! Our favorite employee is taking
orders....that usually means great service, really quick.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKH1P9Yt0ORr-EApVDuOo1tCnlENakoDAD27KT7g3KzRWwDWoRK2BV5vVBKBSJgqFokepkztKV6i06uYGjXdwVDK_Ki3IGAJL0q9mVIIJeNHfK7j1PaMc_su9_sAA6r77Pn8eY4tdW9f8/s1600/El+Pariente+Quesadilla.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="El Pariente Quesadilla" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKH1P9Yt0ORr-EApVDuOo1tCnlENakoDAD27KT7g3KzRWwDWoRK2BV5vVBKBSJgqFokepkztKV6i06uYGjXdwVDK_Ki3IGAJL0q9mVIIJeNHfK7j1PaMc_su9_sAA6r77Pn8eY4tdW9f8/s200/El+Pariente+Quesadilla.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
I am here for sauce, so it doesn't matter which of the great items I
order....I just need a platform for my sauce(s), pico, and sour cream.
So, it's the cheese quesadilla for me.....I don't think I've found a
more buttery cheese anywhere than the cheese on
this quesadilla at El Pariente.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXe0OI2e5Wj7ozWGOfKMK5l4nuoFAHujthQNVCS9LLVvTYl_Jg2jpISA_Ze874skd5kDwwnhLFgCu9G-o2PyQdmsUm223VM5Uom9rLY3LAA063bl3i2YoA_64N631Max-JYJOX6pGjo0RZ/s1600/El+Pariente+Food+Truck+Burrito.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="El Pariente Food Truck burrito" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXe0OI2e5Wj7ozWGOfKMK5l4nuoFAHujthQNVCS9LLVvTYl_Jg2jpISA_Ze874skd5kDwwnhLFgCu9G-o2PyQdmsUm223VM5Uom9rLY3LAA063bl3i2YoA_64N631Max-JYJOX6pGjo0RZ/s200/El+Pariente+Food+Truck+Burrito.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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John went for a burrito. First of all the tortilla was very tasty and tightly wrapped. The image is a partial image of the 8-9" delight. Often burritos are overloaded with filler (rice and beans). The El Pariente carnitas burrito was primarily hot flavorful carnitas. The beans were great. Pico de gallo, as fresh as can be and a little rice wrapped up the burrito package. John ate about a third for dinner, ate another third for breakfast Saturday and the final third for dinner Saturday evening, claiming with each third that it was the best burrito ever..</span></span></div>
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A bottle of Mexican Coke from the cooler....enough real sugar for us to share.</span></span></div>
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Oh yeah....everything I could possibly want inside the box. A big
cheesy quesadilla cut into four giant wedges (2 for now....2 for
sometime tomorrow when I really, really need a break from doing more
work)..and a portion cup of tomatillo salsa, a cup of pico,
a cup of sour cream......and my favorite friend---the hot 'orange'
sauce. And, it's my lucky day...John is not eating 'hot' stuff this
week, so all of his salsas are mine, too (I guess there is a reward for
making dozens and dozens of cookies and cookie
plates for everyone).</span></span></div>
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I am sooooo happy right now. Buttery cheesy perfectly browned
quesadilla with alternating bites of pico, sour cream, green salsa, and
my delightful 'orange' salsa. I'll finish writing this in a little
while...I'm kinda busy right now
<span id="m_-5885247997367618435🙂" title=":slight_smile:"><img alt="🙂" class="CToWUd" data-goomoji="1f642" data-image-whitelisted="" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/1f642" style="margin: 0 0.2ex; max-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle;" /></span><span id="m_-5885247997367618435🙃" title=":upside_down_face:"><img alt="🙃" class="CToWUd" data-goomoji="1f643" data-image-whitelisted="" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/1f643" style="margin: 0 0.2ex; max-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle;" /></span><span id="m_-5885247997367618435😊" title=":blush:"><img alt="😊" class="CToWUd" data-goomoji="1f60a" data-image-whitelisted="" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/1f60a" style="margin: 0 0.2ex; max-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle;" /></span></span></span>
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Ah, what a perfect evening. Warm, sunny weather....it's Friday, and
I've finished most of the cookies for tomorrow.....and a dinner full of
favorite things.</span></span></div>
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What should we do now? El Pariente Food Truck sets a High Standard</span></span></h3>
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Hey, let's see if we can find that Mexican coffee shop that John was talking about.</span></span></div>
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<b>Linda:</b> <i>"John, what's the name?"</i></span></span></div>
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<b>John:</b> <i>"I don't remember."</i></span></span></div>
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<b>Linda:</b> <i>"Where's it located?"</i></span></span></div>
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<b>John:</b> <i>"On the corner just north of the old Ward 6."</i></span></span></div>
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<b>Linda:</b> <i>"That can't be. Marquez is on that corner, they're still in business." </i>(because they have really good food).</span></span></div>
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<b>John:</b> <i>"I don't know. Let's go look."</i></span></span></div>
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Yup, Marquez still in the same place. We drive about 3 more blocks and
try to figure out what he's talking about. Circle some blocks. Wait,
maybe that's the place you're thinking of...a Mexican bakery....we've
never been there. Let's check it out.
</span></span>
</div>
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</span></span>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bakery Stop: San Miguel Pastelerilla </span></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9CwmvJz_9tYTfewW8V9TIUA3WOoEP11SITGiA0Uq4N6oJR2RVZ5RZvDYbBSkb0td6JXRdGZrv2bjfww3Yd7q_H8-ZAtF4Ae7fCg6duiZjyctzjaqTbs0dAGEWDyfir7k3YHNATj_t2Vi/s1600/San+Miguel+Pastelerilla+Bakery+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="San Miguel Pastelerilla Bakery 1" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9CwmvJz_9tYTfewW8V9TIUA3WOoEP11SITGiA0Uq4N6oJR2RVZ5RZvDYbBSkb0td6JXRdGZrv2bjfww3Yd7q_H8-ZAtF4Ae7fCg6duiZjyctzjaqTbs0dAGEWDyfir7k3YHNATj_t2Vi/s200/San+Miguel+Pastelerilla+Bakery+1.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We wander into San Miguel Pastelerilla. John is saying something, but
I'm not paying attention because there are soooooo many baked goods I've
already worked my way past the first case and am perusing the second
case....with a long was to go before I'm done.</span></span></div>
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</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Apparently, this isn't the place. John says the place he's thinking of
has espresso drinks and fruit drinks, and serves breakfast or
lunch.......
</span></span>
</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhux-pCGyUYQgC_6Bp5gzTM8UG9gWVNV6vpyGXbcaDCIr60W64OkYJqVczyAm12C8Lsp21lNuHyxxVITEjMe0B641ERPu3IUpY9AkiCpj44bcSYcyWwZjZ4J6DhViRFeZPl41HEH0t6m4n8/s1600/San+Miguel+Pastelerilla+Bakery+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="San Miguel Pastelerilla Bakery 2" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhux-pCGyUYQgC_6Bp5gzTM8UG9gWVNV6vpyGXbcaDCIr60W64OkYJqVczyAm12C8Lsp21lNuHyxxVITEjMe0B641ERPu3IUpY9AkiCpj44bcSYcyWwZjZ4J6DhViRFeZPl41HEH0t6m4n8/s320/San+Miguel+Pastelerilla+Bakery+2.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">San Miguel Pastelerilla</span></span></b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Fine. But I'm not leaving without some of these goodies. We grab a big
round tray and a giant tong...it's hard to not fill the tray to
overflowing (if you know the size of Mexican baked goods.....a couple of
items pretty much take up the whole tray). But
4 is enough...for now. I may need to keep up my strength while we
wander in circles trying to figure out if there really is this
mysterious coffee shop somewhere on Payne Avenue.
</span></span>
</div>
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</span></span>
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</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Maybe it's on Arcade. So, we drift over to Arcade and drive north, then
turn around and drive south. Nope, no such place here. I've now
opened the bag of goodies and am taking a bite off a pastry that I would
describe as a big Mexican cannoli, with a rich,
creamy filling plus a sugared exterior. I hope we find this place...I
could use some coffee about now!</span></span>
</div>
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</span></span>
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</div>
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</span></span>
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<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Let's start over at Payne and Maryland and work our way south....it has to be somewhere.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We finally find the coffee shop: Sante Fe Coffee </span></span></h3>
</div>
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</span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSlvlEvPZIu2BZXBUU5A0HLaKhDlcxTecxZ6ahAlkFNg3V3o5EjW2HMRR-HMBdpNsLLCRzFtrn3ealMTQUgZglgxU4t5qYiiqZKgWH6qqHCc_QysBTFl3XhzjRAeFz40z6iHZ8XqFZ_iH/s1600/sante+fe+coffee+shop+exterior+payne+avenue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Sante Fe Coffee Shop" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSlvlEvPZIu2BZXBUU5A0HLaKhDlcxTecxZ6ahAlkFNg3V3o5EjW2HMRR-HMBdpNsLLCRzFtrn3ealMTQUgZglgxU4t5qYiiqZKgWH6qqHCc_QysBTFl3XhzjRAeFz40z6iHZ8XqFZ_iH/s320/sante+fe+coffee+shop+exterior+payne+avenue.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
About 3 blocks into this adventure, I say, <i>"John, is it the Santa Fe Coffee Shop?"</i></span></span></div>
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</span></span>
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</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
John keeps driving and then finally says...<i>"Oh, yeah, that might be
it." </i> So, around the block and fortunately, a parking place right in
front.</span></span></div>
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</span></span>
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</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
At this point, it doesn't matter if this is THE PLACE or NOT....I'm getting coffee!</span></span></div>
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</span></span>
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</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
A charming young woman comes out of the back of the cafe and takes my
order for an iced mocha (that will go well with anything in the bag of
goodies from the pastelerilla).</span></span></div>
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</span></span>
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<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
John then peruses the place and says <i>"I'm not sure this is the place"</i>...
followed by <i>"Wait, that menu board looks like the one I saw
on-line---maybe this is the place."</i></span></span></div>
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</span></span>
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<div style="color: black;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTz3x6A2nIQFmrXKR0z-_QUfXU_ds-0TsXxcazuWn1uQVGRoONy0uuFch5cvg2Sx5jfIk1O0OAqBsXHAOcScFt0KQw1fuNXgY-p2M725sQLZH-EJarpwyjgRRMQ0WzMm7PBwBeQwe42_WB/s1600/sante+fe+coffee+shop+interior+payne+avenue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Sante Fe Coffee Shop" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTz3x6A2nIQFmrXKR0z-_QUfXU_ds-0TsXxcazuWn1uQVGRoONy0uuFch5cvg2Sx5jfIk1O0OAqBsXHAOcScFt0KQw1fuNXgY-p2M725sQLZH-EJarpwyjgRRMQ0WzMm7PBwBeQwe42_WB/s320/sante+fe+coffee+shop+interior+payne+avenue.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
I ask the nice young woman how long they've been<span id="goog_1786478645"></span><span id="goog_1786478646"></span> open at this
location. A little over 2 months. <span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">BINGO!!!</span></span> This place was not a
figment of John's all too creative but sometimes questionable
imagination.</span></span></div>
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</span></span>
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</span></span>
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<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Very good iced mocha....and looking over the menu, I think we'll be back for a meal some day soon.</span></span></div>
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</span></span>
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</div>
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</span></span>
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<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
All in all, a great little Friday night adventure. Food as good as we
expected at the food truck, stumbled upon a bakery with a selection so
big we could barely take it all in, and a new coffee place that has some
interesting menu items that beckon us back
for a future visit.</span></span></div>
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</span></span>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</b></div>
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</span></span></b>
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<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
A great way to end the day.</span></span></b><br />
<div class="adL">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-19049906290725452522019-04-20T15:02:00.003-07:002019-04-20T16:19:15.215-07:00Bark and Bite on Marshall in St. Paul ... NOT a 5-Star Experience<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">
<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7isULedrMRo8iGOBXm9gD1T5KHyjnjDysFfJZALaysXpJ_kfiSv659aZHjsgdm4Mgz4RPdfA85FOosJbHMBVChBvcOK-Be9ebVL9Y_n-ywBq7zJf2kKjdvsn6A4xRd2RR6Ql_Tfnz9b6g/s1600/bark+and+bite+exterior+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Bark and Bite St. Paul Marshall Street" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7isULedrMRo8iGOBXm9gD1T5KHyjnjDysFfJZALaysXpJ_kfiSv659aZHjsgdm4Mgz4RPdfA85FOosJbHMBVChBvcOK-Be9ebVL9Y_n-ywBq7zJf2kKjdvsn6A4xRd2RR6Ql_Tfnz9b6g/s320/bark+and+bite+exterior+1.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bark and Bite on Marshall in St. Paul</span></span></h2>
</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ok, let's just say it and move on.....we had a great string of food over
the last month....until we went to the <a href="http://barkandthebite.com/">Bark and Bite</a> today. So, I'll
keep this simple.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div style="color: black;">
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</span></span>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Of the items we chose, the only that seemed to have redeeming value were
the collard greens with turkey and the Vodka chile bbq sauce. The
rest of the meal was, unfortunately, throw away.</span></span></div>
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</span></span>
<div style="color: black;">
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</div>
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</span></span>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
We each ordered a regular sandwich and side; John decided to go mostly
veggie-based, so he had the vegan BBQ Jackalope with a side of collards, and I opted for the
shredded turkey with arugula potato salad.</span></span></div>
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</span></span>
<div style="color: black;">
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</div>
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</span></span>
<div style="color: black;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bark and Bite Problem #1 </span></span></h3>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9xL1nnb3F40Q3ijtpoimDLgVnD0Ni8fpi-_Xram_tu1_0jDuN4SHZWXenG3FgtdiMz4w_HO_wUgkKGsJubmeOTZHmF_0o9-OCg07c95YhLwDEg2_RXx3NYrAZtKG8pagTBksJ1tXW2A6/s1600/bark+and+bit+ordering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bark and Bite St. Paul Marshall Street Order" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9xL1nnb3F40Q3ijtpoimDLgVnD0Ni8fpi-_Xram_tu1_0jDuN4SHZWXenG3FgtdiMz4w_HO_wUgkKGsJubmeOTZHmF_0o9-OCg07c95YhLwDEg2_RXx3NYrAZtKG8pagTBksJ1tXW2A6/s200/bark+and+bit+ordering.jpg" title="" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ordering at Bark and Bite</span></b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The problems started almost immediately. John inquired about a side of
the cider vinegar slaw...$1.99 on the menu of 'sides'. The cashier, who
already had a bit of an 'attitude' said it wouldn't be a side like the
kind that came with the 'sandwich and side'
(are you confused already) but it would be a full side for $3.99. But
the menu clearly says 'SIDES' with a list of sides from $1.99 to
$4.99. We couldn't seem to communicate that John wanted the side
listed on the menu. So, we finally gave up and skipped
it.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
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</span></span>
<div style="color: black;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EXyudb1JaDB8LSmHwLscKclgB6IKQ12hdg4reRnQg_cGKKBUe1KEor8HGQkYy3EFhche5imofthL4DRrGJBIZhy6KpLCvQfgA4rjSVarbeD07_G9aA_0v2Z4rzs9eWd9OJ01iYqcemhc/s1600/bark+and+bite+table+setting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EXyudb1JaDB8LSmHwLscKclgB6IKQ12hdg4reRnQg_cGKKBUe1KEor8HGQkYy3EFhche5imofthL4DRrGJBIZhy6KpLCvQfgA4rjSVarbeD07_G9aA_0v2Z4rzs9eWd9OJ01iYqcemhc/s200/bark+and+bite+table+setting.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
The place was about 1/4 full, a little after 12:30 on Saturday
afternoon. So the wait wasn't very long...less than 10 minutes. They
call your name...which is a little dangerous when you're with someone
named 'John'. So they called John and 3/4 of our order
was correct....luckily the cook/owner caught the mistake and the right
food was placed on the trays.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div style="color: black;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj864Ow_n_IveGnIPXG7ZgKoKIlYore-csBsvSAGOWa4iF5xEEFOqThi0wiSuRIT2zTUR4t2U5KtKV-H914P9UMkWZIjnroBMcijRy4ksnkHIj7hvPP-NfwAGmfuaab6ZrHWB3PAlALoQbd/s1600/bark+and+bite+wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj864Ow_n_IveGnIPXG7ZgKoKIlYore-csBsvSAGOWa4iF5xEEFOqThi0wiSuRIT2zTUR4t2U5KtKV-H914P9UMkWZIjnroBMcijRy4ksnkHIj7hvPP-NfwAGmfuaab6ZrHWB3PAlALoQbd/s200/bark+and+bite+wall.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
I will start positively by saying the presentation is a lot tidier than
Old Southern BBQ. Same idea...a piece of paper on a small sheet
pan. Here, the paper is an actual basket liner (red and white check)
and the messy foods are placed in paper baskets.
(At Old Southern, too many things end up as a messy wet pile on the
torn brown paper lining the basket....drippy!).
</span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6osfqAM7Lt1paqLnEDkdvW-wkFySj8xHV8RwFnSIwjX4-K0yp51XPKO0y-uFbynjUvuwtKGCSGsGeSIpHatqda5IZQ1IJctpeyorLEO0Xtcl6oNIHIFza5VDlmwKs6_gzciiBsVw0zoKf/s1600/bark+and+bite+collard+greens+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bark and Bite Collard Greens St. Paul Marshall Street" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6osfqAM7Lt1paqLnEDkdvW-wkFySj8xHV8RwFnSIwjX4-K0yp51XPKO0y-uFbynjUvuwtKGCSGsGeSIpHatqda5IZQ1IJctpeyorLEO0Xtcl6oNIHIFza5VDlmwKs6_gzciiBsVw0zoKf/s400/bark+and+bite+collard+greens+1.JPG" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bark and Bite Collard Greens</span></b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: black;">
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</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
We tried the collards first, and they were decent. They contained
pieces of turkey and had some spice. They were perhaps the best thing
in the assortment of items we ordered.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
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</span></span>
<div style="color: black;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bark and Bite Problems ... A Few More </span></span></h3>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeohJGgh5QBrkBlU3GCrBUAgcmsA7nAkvDTFnNEqYqAez-7879cnnKKEndqRIzLp8ESTO1tvqBdUh3SNBgGtJmR6B72-cc2sZyUY3ecTo4Nlxve_tECaRtuVjeHrrKiBC2nVlgAGtTOIjZ/s1600/Bark+and+Bite+Shredded+Turkey+Sammie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bark and Bite Shredded Turkey St. Paul Marshall Street" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeohJGgh5QBrkBlU3GCrBUAgcmsA7nAkvDTFnNEqYqAez-7879cnnKKEndqRIzLp8ESTO1tvqBdUh3SNBgGtJmR6B72-cc2sZyUY3ecTo4Nlxve_tECaRtuVjeHrrKiBC2nVlgAGtTOIjZ/s320/Bark+and+Bite+Shredded+Turkey+Sammie.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bark and Bite Shredded Turkey</span></b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It went downhill from there. The Vodka Chile BBQ sauce on my turkey
had a bit of heat and the flavor was fine. I appreciated that it was
thicker than the sauces at Old Southern, which I find way too runny.
The problem on my sandwich was that the sauce was
the best part. The turkey itself was pretty flavorless (I expected a
nice smoky flavor....Ferndale's smoked turkey has outstanding<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8MZzjPaPSQtU0S71TqCsZC-2ajudP3Jyhz4k9P4bmge9V1Vou7zu8mGSjxDyV0_pnBQhgk0FYdeYjAsJNM5hQYd0PkX3vy2XKkp29QxT6jIpPrww6CtTA8hWNfzKI1cVFiHmmNbB2Kjr/s1600/bark+and+bite+dry+turkey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8MZzjPaPSQtU0S71TqCsZC-2ajudP3Jyhz4k9P4bmge9V1Vou7zu8mGSjxDyV0_pnBQhgk0FYdeYjAsJNM5hQYd0PkX3vy2XKkp29QxT6jIpPrww6CtTA8hWNfzKI1cVFiHmmNbB2Kjr/s200/bark+and+bite+dry+turkey.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Mighty Dry Turkey</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
flavor
without doing a thing to it, except slicing up a nice thick piece to
enjoy). This turkey was extremely dry...after
I used up my sauce on the first 3 bites, I started dipping my turkey in
John's sauce to try to get <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwbZ1enZZLYdXCdF8bnB0Pu9K3_IIS1ZOYqResXt5fNdIQqd0L94VB0gO3lLlpBojaXjIyNIGma6BS6HJbDKw0VYeU_vGPefsNlkqaW5pYTIabphFezEzJM7NrCrvgoeOnoGyq64sDJhY/s1600/bark+and+bite+dry+bun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bark and Bite very dry bun" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwbZ1enZZLYdXCdF8bnB0Pu9K3_IIS1ZOYqResXt5fNdIQqd0L94VB0gO3lLlpBojaXjIyNIGma6BS6HJbDKw0VYeU_vGPefsNlkqaW5pYTIabphFezEzJM7NrCrvgoeOnoGyq64sDJhY/s200/bark+and+bite+dry+bun.JPG" title="" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Very Dry Bun</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
enough moisture into it to make it edible.
I tried eating it as a sandwich, but the bun was so dry that it
immediately cracked and fell apart in my hands (oh
what a mess!).</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMda8lTDTVdmVyqSC8HR1bDfn4JKlDtTVfvCXQ5JFcMsRAigntTQy2MYxZRIW4IsUBsW34on1q-9pbP7vCRDQ3tumDlneifzEsaQ3BDfNx3ntx02QLnDSNhxL4qsyCzM0eRygmEgXbYQ23/s1600/Bark+and+Bite+Arugula+Potato+Salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bark and Bite Arugula Potato Salad" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMda8lTDTVdmVyqSC8HR1bDfn4JKlDtTVfvCXQ5JFcMsRAigntTQy2MYxZRIW4IsUBsW34on1q-9pbP7vCRDQ3tumDlneifzEsaQ3BDfNx3ntx02QLnDSNhxL4qsyCzM0eRygmEgXbYQ23/s320/Bark+and+Bite+Arugula+Potato+Salad.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Bark and Bite Arugula Potato Salad</b></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
I had high hopes for the arugula potato salad. But, it was overdressed
with a flavorless dressing. The spice came from the arugula, but they
included the stems that were so chewy that I personally couldn't bite
through them. The red potatoes were a good
idea....they just didn't finish cooking them before they went into the
salad (I always use the Barefoot Contessa method for preparing potatoes
for potato salad..it's nearly foolproof). So, here was a <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_bCR-OlW0TyhBexdMU7WPXUyi9y72PbyEaf61QCG8ZsS8z5yOV-FZKFNantGjt3R4dVcVMA_7xz_fNyhCIBhDFSBJ0XfoT01NlDSuyR8frET8tT_Pys1NOh13C4VrEVoJUlNXWs3DPfy/s1600/bark+and+bite+potato+salad+closeup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_bCR-OlW0TyhBexdMU7WPXUyi9y72PbyEaf61QCG8ZsS8z5yOV-FZKFNantGjt3R4dVcVMA_7xz_fNyhCIBhDFSBJ0XfoT01NlDSuyR8frET8tT_Pys1NOh13C4VrEVoJUlNXWs3DPfy/s200/bark+and+bite+potato+salad+closeup.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Way Over Dressed</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
good idea for
a side, but the execution failed. If they
had put the extra 2 minutes into the potatoes, trimmed the arugula
stems, dressed it with half as much dressing...and maybe used any
spicing (a pinch of salt would have been acceptable), they could have
pulled this one off. But today they didn't.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZx15AASbKGmKqXRsJ5IWqXD0Xfae7qkZPM7oWJq64rLLO4nUI2i2UU-uT4bBgxq0VP7e_f6thgX2WXEX9wCYjqydIwKuNLwzpl1i0grWplp1JcrQxWB5TgYb7XWpUM9wu4AEILHlFe0jS/s1600/Vegan+BBQ+Jackalope+Sammie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bark and Bite Vegan BBQ Jackalope Sammie" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZx15AASbKGmKqXRsJ5IWqXD0Xfae7qkZPM7oWJq64rLLO4nUI2i2UU-uT4bBgxq0VP7e_f6thgX2WXEX9wCYjqydIwKuNLwzpl1i0grWplp1JcrQxWB5TgYb7XWpUM9wu4AEILHlFe0jS/s320/Vegan+BBQ+Jackalope+Sammie.JPG" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bark and Bite Vegan BBQ Jackalope Sammie</span></b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Let's turn to John's vegan meat. This is always an iffy proposition.
We learned that early on with 'meat' from the Herbivorous Butcher served
at 2 different restaurants. We had a vegan Philly at the Howe...and
it was a fantastic Philly....of any Philly
we've had...with meat or 'meat'. Then we had the same thing at J.
Selby. That was a disaster. The difference....the cook at <a href="http://www.howempls.com/">The Howe</a>
knew what to do with the 'meat'. It arrived with a nice 'sear' on it,
giving it the texture of a Philly with beef.
The Howe served an excellent 'meat' sandwich. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
At Bark and Bite, the 'meat' was in the <a href="http://www.jselbys.com/">J Selby's</a> fashion....jiggly like
custard...so think of a bite of custard with okay BBQ sauce on it. I
tried a diced piece and a piece that looked like it had 'pulled
texture'....but the texture was the same in both.
Too jiggly, even for 'meat'. The 'Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce' was too
reminiscent of ketchup...so now you're at custard with a ketchup-like
sauce. Yeah, John couldn't eat it either.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Luckily, that left a lot of 'sauce', so I used it to try to moisten my
dried turkey. I just couldn't cut or eat the larger pieces...a fork
wouldn't go through them.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<div style="color: black; text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Conclusion: This Visit to Bark and Bite was a Disappointment</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jiggly 'meat',
really dry buns and really dry turkey, over-dressed under-cooked potato
salad that cried---please, a pinch of salt, and one okay sauce and one
that was not as good. The staff, including
the owner, apparently didn't know their prices, either. A woman and
child were at the next table with a half rack of ribs. The woman was
struggling to bite the meat off the bones and the little boy couldn't
seem to get any meat...only a messy face...the
meat seemed not ready for prime time...too chewy for both of them.</span></span>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Feedback to the Bark and Bite Owner </span></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I spoke with the owner because a server asked how the food was as John
was already out the door and I was pretty close behind him. He didn't
'get' my comment about the price of the slaw...obviously neither he nor
his 'cashier' knew the price (my guess....they
hit a square on the screen and it rings in automatically--so his lack
of knowledge made him mislead John about pricing' losing a couple of
bucks off our check and off his own tip). I described the texture of
the 'meat'...and it was clear it was all too much
information for him--he nodded and said, 'oh, ok'. He did offer to
pick up the tab. I declined and said that I would prefer he focus on
the food instead.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
<b>I hope this place improves.</b> Their food truck was apparently
successful, and the space is quite workable (it's the old Heirloom
kitchen). But, part of having a restaurant is actually running it.
So, the people in the open kitchen shouldn't be eating then
working on customer's food. Open drinks, lack of hand-washing...you
all know those are my pet peeves. This place needs a bit of work on
'operations'. Cooking the potatoes in the salad; not overcooking the
turkey until it's too dry to swallow, knowing
the menu.....all part of the bigger program. The menu had some
interesting ideas.....now <b>the kitchen just has to learn to execute on
their vision</b>.</span></span><br />
<div class="adL">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
</div>
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Details:</span></span></b></u></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://barkandthebite.com/">Website</a> </span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BarkandtheBite/">Facebook</a> </span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/barkandthebite?lang=en">@BarkandtheBite</a> </span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bark+and+the+Bite/@44.9481054,-93.1948658,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x52b32df525b5d1c3:0x46cf36cc92addfea!8m2!3d44.9481054!4d-93.1926771">Location Via Google Maps</a> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489326112060498439.post-9285861901593651232019-04-14T20:53:00.000-07:002019-04-14T20:53:15.737-07:00Que Viet Village House NE Minneapolis<div class="aju">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2y-PTdNxEGA_eMQrjaOEHx2jtI4uAYZYEMovGM5CaGPulnh3UqAmASDiVvMsUd2rsjjB5gTnvzTVulUFf8XD_jurVzpP8HqpQQGq57h769rikNQJG4Y3z3ozvtno59CeEelnIRHJo42nu/s1600/que+viet+village+house+one+exterior+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Que Viet Village House" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2y-PTdNxEGA_eMQrjaOEHx2jtI4uAYZYEMovGM5CaGPulnh3UqAmASDiVvMsUd2rsjjB5gTnvzTVulUFf8XD_jurVzpP8HqpQQGq57h769rikNQJG4Y3z3ozvtno59CeEelnIRHJo42nu/s320/que+viet+village+house+one+exterior+1.jpg" title="Que Viet Village House" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Que Viet Village House</span></b></i></td></tr>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Que Viet Village House </span></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">NE Minneapolis</span></span></h2>
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We needed a quick Sunday night dinner...there was a meeting at the CoffeeShop NE, so the rest of the place was full.
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So, we headed down the street to Que Viet Village House...squeaking in just in time (8 PM close on Sunday).</span></span></div>
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We didn't want to keep them after closing...they've already worked all
day...so we decided to split the <i><b>veggie egg fu yung</b></i> and John added a
bowl of <i><b>egg drop soup</b></i>.
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Everyone who works at Que Viet is so friendly and helpful. I think if
you've had a bad day or listened to any political news, it's a good
place to escape and just have a really pleasant break from what's going
on in the rest of the world.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzuCW0yQ1hCk9Eom39gZUYtY90vyH_V5dt31BgQmzxXepNHQ2TNYNPKGrkLfWkhnZ71Muo6Zk39YcaXVrJuGFvevqM-ejIUZlcAdQ_ilJ87AuOTjOKBdlZYtroS7Klk4r2aZ9vOO1RVhZ/s1600/que+viet+village+house+egg+drop+soup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Que Viet Village House" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzuCW0yQ1hCk9Eom39gZUYtY90vyH_V5dt31BgQmzxXepNHQ2TNYNPKGrkLfWkhnZ71Muo6Zk39YcaXVrJuGFvevqM-ejIUZlcAdQ_ilJ87AuOTjOKBdlZYtroS7Klk4r2aZ9vOO1RVhZ/s400/que+viet+village+house+egg+drop+soup.JPG" title="Que Viet Village House" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
John's soup arrived right away, steaming hot. Big chunks of egg and
thick rounds of spring onion...in a delicious broth...not salty; very
flavorful.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv4LzDfuv5-mkRoAPL_2JkuYDJdd5S6gNoclPCiy-50gNR3ymaHOUaAFbg7e3donWHy8y1aJ5vMVDZYA9tKRPv57QQ5hucbCEBzWvuWSILLNrD1tHv_L_ph7jPL4-GojmZv_abnHB4irS/s1600/que+viet+village+house+vietnamese+coffee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Que Viet Village House" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv4LzDfuv5-mkRoAPL_2JkuYDJdd5S6gNoclPCiy-50gNR3ymaHOUaAFbg7e3donWHy8y1aJ5vMVDZYA9tKRPv57QQ5hucbCEBzWvuWSILLNrD1tHv_L_ph7jPL4-GojmZv_abnHB4irS/s200/que+viet+village+house+vietnamese+coffee.JPG" title="Que Viet Village House" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
John was absorbed with (or absorbing) his soup when our egg fu yung
arrived, so I thought I would dig in and grab a big patty. But they're
just too big! I lopped off 1/3 of a patty, added some rice to my
plate, and drizzled a nice dollop of 'gravy' over
my rice. Steaming hot, full of veggies and cellophane
noodles...with a crispy edge---that cooled off enough for a first bite
while we waited for the 'middle' to cool off enough. Soooo tasty!!!</span></span></div>
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</span></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKwfPlZM60pk67rs7rHUR64MpqHJyUGr80tyUtxYf-VEGDHW68l8SD-wA3RxAO8O4IGURV6zST2UBrJ2fa_6kofVjirhyphenhyphenMy8xmTHBbLF0sTPHIVsY3Wdvue5TUb8la1-WocY54zQ9laP4/s1600/que+viet+village+house+egg+foo+young.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Que Viet Village House" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKwfPlZM60pk67rs7rHUR64MpqHJyUGr80tyUtxYf-VEGDHW68l8SD-wA3RxAO8O4IGURV6zST2UBrJ2fa_6kofVjirhyphenhyphenMy8xmTHBbLF0sTPHIVsY3Wdvue5TUb8la1-WocY54zQ9laP4/s320/que+viet+village+house+egg+foo+young.JPG" title="Que Viet Village House" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Que Viet Village House Egg Foo Yung</span></b></i></td></tr>
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We managed to polish off 1 1/3 patties between the two of us...but the
rest had to take a ride home with us. I was tempted to open the box
before I put it in the fridge (the box was warm...ummm)...but I
resisted temptation. Before I left Que Viet, I ordered
a Vietnamese coffee to go....so I was enjoying some delightful sips of
creamy coffee. And, there will be more leftovers for tomorrow
<span id="m_2800774819954948068😋" title=":yum:"><img alt="😋" class="CToWUd" data-goomoji="1f60b" data-image-whitelisted="" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/1f60b" style="margin: 0 0.2ex; max-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle;" /></span></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUns4_fdartOEKcmNY74yU8-D5ByK9IhWqNCT9IE8b28UnWBxehM5yCydMXNp_TmvsZP8XwDABTaePw_405RmllxEV_eiGbEfwEaWtWmywZy1VHxOVri0-Oz_1OkmQMmWnjbOior26tC1O/s1600/que+viet+village+house+one+exterior+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Que Viet Village House" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUns4_fdartOEKcmNY74yU8-D5ByK9IhWqNCT9IE8b28UnWBxehM5yCydMXNp_TmvsZP8XwDABTaePw_405RmllxEV_eiGbEfwEaWtWmywZy1VHxOVri0-Oz_1OkmQMmWnjbOior26tC1O/s320/que+viet+village+house+one+exterior+2.jpg" title="Que Viet Village House" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Que Viet...wonderful food, served steaming hot...and by far the
friendliest staff we've encountered in months...maybe years. </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You feel
good just talking to the people. The food is an over-the-top bonus!</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Details:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Que+Viet+Village+House/@45.009968,-93.2392733,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x52b32db880bdb4af:0xecf69fb5951d6563!8m2!3d45.009968!4d-93.2370846">Google Map</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Menu: <a href="http://places.singleplatform.com/que-viet-village-house/menu?ref=google">Good Options</a> </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0