I’m shocked the scale is up five pounds today. I was expecting at least 10! In addition to my quest for the best pecan roll, here’s what I ate at my tried-and-true Minneapolis restaurants.
The Local. As promised, this was the first thing I ate in the Cities. And you know what? EPIC FAIL! Sure, the rachel was always casual fare, but it used to be the best! I don’t even recognize it anymore: the turkey is dry, the ingredients aren’t proportioned, and the fries taste like they came from the freezer. ICK! This place is no longer on my must hit radar for food, but will always be my favorite downtown happy hour destination. Just stick to drinks on the patio and you’ll be fine.
Moose and Sadie’s. I first went to this cute little cafe on last year’s voyage. It’s quickly won me over as if I’ve been eating there since day one. In addition to a great pecan roll, this cornmeal pancake (with real butter) was superb.
Sally’s. My vote for best bar food in America. We played it healthy with salads (mine’s BBQ chicken), but there’s no way you can make a stop here and miss the waffle fries.
Chino Latino. My photos didn’t turn out so hot, but that taco above cost $1 during the amazing late nite happy hour (they also have an after work one). You have to love a restaurant that serves both Mexican fare and sushi: that’s the spicy mango shrimp catapelliar roll. I also love the queso fundido.
French Meadow Bakery. My second favorite place in the Cities for breakfast. You can’t miss the cinnamon roll. Yes, that’s a cinnamon roll, not a piece of cake. It’s bigger than my large coffee cup! I also adore their pancakes. That’s a blueberry cornmeal one. Carbo loading!
Figlio. This is my other favorite happy hour in the Cities, and it lasts almost all day on the weekends. That plate of sliders and fries? Three dollars! Wine and beer? Three dollars! Unfortunately it might be closing/reconcepting soon, so go while you still can.
Uptown Diner. My favorite breakfast ever. In addition to the world’s best pecan roll, they have a ridiculously good eggs florentine (pictured above) and Cajun breakfast (my two faves). Plus it’s cheap!
Bruegger’s. I love this bagel chain, but unfortunately I can’t get my fix in New York. The herby turkey sandwich is my favorite (roasted turkey, light herb garlic cream cheese, sundried tomato spread, lettuce, and red onions).
Sebastian Joe’s. I accidentally left this off the list of favorite Minneapolis restaurants, even though it’s just an ice cream parlour. Best ice cream in the Cities, and maybe the world. It’s well worth the almost always wait. I indulged in raspberry chocolate chip and danish nut roll, but after sampling Max’s Oreo, I now know you can’t miss that flavor.
Phew! Time for a diet!
