Linda & John's 2014 Favorite Food Finds

As often mentioned the downside to owning a cafe is that there not much in the fridge at home.  During the day we're busy preparing food.  Obviously we taste the soups and salads and specials but in quite small portions.  At the end of the day the fridge at the cafe never has any 'leftovers' because there isn't anything left.  And so the conversation goes:  "I'm starving.  There was no time to eat and there's nothing left.:"  "OK, so where to you want to eat?"

In consideration of the last day of 2014 we thought we'd share some of our after hours food choices.

• Pink Flower:  Vietnamese.  Always friendly and inviting, consistently good with the best egg rolls in

  

  Pink Flower Egg Roll

  the Twin Cites.  We appreciate the food and the non-buffet friendly service.
• Mama's:  Just down Rice Street Mama's offers great Italian dishes and pizza in a pleasantly crowded and friendly atmosphere.  Be prepared to sing happy birthday when it starts.  We favor the Deluxe Sampler.
• Romolo's:  A short drive to the Phalen neighborhood should include dinner at Romolo's.  The owner stops by each table and shows sincere appreciation.  The pizza is very good.
• Ingredients:  White Bear Lake offers several great dining opportunities and we'd put Ingredients near the top.  Favoring local produce and products, we've never had a bad meal and a recent visit was our top dining out experience of the year.
• Pezzo:  Just across the street from Cup 'N Cone in White Bear Lake this is a newcomer following a Chicago concept restaurant (Chicago is a food Mecca) offering seasonal salads, a good wine selection and good pizza.
• Olive's:  Their first location was in Marine on the St. Croix (now closed) but we were happy to find their new location very pleasant (also in White Bear Lake).
• Cafe Biaggio:  This is a very nice upscale Italian dining experience on University and Raymond.  The grilled Romaine appetizer was out of this world.  The service is phenomenal.
• Cheng Heng:  Everything is a complex and delightful taste experience in this Cambodian restaurant on University Avenue near the Capital.  The owners are very appreciative and often offer to make special dishes.  Their story of success is part of the American dream.
• Big Marina Deli:  Northeast Minneapolis offers many venues but this is a hidden gem.  Located in a

  

  Big Marina Deli

  former 7-11 it's not fancy but it's Middle Eastern buffet is incredible with meats, vegetable dishes and salads not found elsewhere.  We both find the eggplant salad irresistible.
• Twisted Fork:  This is our Grand Avenue favorite for contemporary American food and has never been a disappointment.  We hate to admit it be we found it on a Groupon deal and re-visit often.
• Los Ocompo:  When asked "what do you want to eat?" John invariably responds with "a good taco." Obviously that's not what he wants but we head to Los Ocompo (several locations) where traditional food that people from Mexico eat can be found.  Don't expect the standard taco, burrito, enchilada platter of more Americanized versions.
• Blue Collar Barbeque:  Head north up to Lake Drive to find these veterans of the traveling barbeque competition crowd.  After tiring of dragging trailers and equipment everywhere they've settled down in a recently vacated Asian restaurant and server very good take out barbeque.
• Taco Truck East 7th & Lafayette:  When we actually do seek out a taco there is a taco truck parked just east of Lafayette on East Seventh (across the street from the Holiday Station) that is really good.  On a summer evening sitting on the tailgate of your vehicle with a few tacos and a Jaritos cannot be beat. 
• Trung Nam:  On University Avenue near the Capital are the very best croissants in the Twin Cities.
• Holiday Station Old Fashioned Chocolate Donuts:  We talk a great deal about healthy food and you'll rarely find us in the burger and fries line but we will share one weakness.  Holiday has the best old fashioned chocolate iced donuts to be found.  To Holiday's credit you can also get fruit and a nice Asian salad.  If we have to pick one gas station to eat at this is it.