Sunday Morning Stroll, Blue Moon: A Review

Despite what you may be hoping for, we kept it low key this final day of adventure. It was like 90 degrees when we woke up. Even though rain and thunderstroms were predicted all weekend, it's been nothing but sunny and hot. Champagne problem in MN, I know.

This morning we walked to 39th and Lake for a coffee and a pastry at Blue Moon Coffee Cafe. Super friendly neighborhood joint with a colorful welcoming interior. We reminisced about our week and wished for more days of adventure. An Iced Latte and Cherry Chocolate Scone for me and Coffee and Cinnamon Twist Muffin for Pip. Oops, looks like we enjoyed ourselves so much, we forgot to take a picture before it was all gone.

The coupon was for half off an organic coffee drink. Yes, recommended especially if you live in the zone. With two, total savings: $3.50

PS. The day lilies are in bloom! I hope you enjoyed the flowers I passed along the way as much as I did.

Cactuses and Tiny Puppies, Seward Cafe: A Review

Keeping it local this morning with a stroll down Milwaukee Ave to Seward Cafe. We drive by this joint most days, stare at it from the windows of Luce, and think of it when at the Coop. Despite all this, we've never been. Jacob also gave me lots of coupons, so we better figure out if we like this place.

When we walked in, I was immediately struck by the decor on the window sill...

An interesting selection of cacti and porcelain dogs, all with a layer of dust indicating love and neglect simultaneously.

Anyways, at the Cafe we were greeted with a smile and instructed to take a menu and fill out our order. "This place is more deli style than restaurant style" the dude behind the bar said. We hit submit on our order, and waited at our table for our name to be called over the intercom. The food was good but basic. I created my own omelet with Spinach, Mushroom, and Feta. Pip got Super Green Earth breakfast: Cheddar, Broccoli scramble melted over Hash. We liked the 2 egg and half order options respectively. Remember we are pretty full these days.

Really, the food was just fine. I don't really think a food photo will add anything to this post. This dirty hippy spot was much more of an experience. With its wobbly, rickety picnic tables in the pleasant tree- filled back patio and the above child art adorning the walls, on the right occasion we would definitely return.

Our coupon was buy one get one 1/2 off. Total Saving: $3.75

PS. The Birchwood still wins.

May Day in July: A review

Happy 4th of July folks!

For breakfast this morning, the original plan was Moose and Sadies but unfortunately the coupon was only valid after 3. Boo. Anyways, Plan B turned out to be a big win. We ventured to May Day Cafe which according to Yelp is the quintessential Powderhorn Park cafe.

This hipster joint sure did deliver on the its promise. More pictures would have helped prove the point but this was the best one that I got.

The inside is a no nonsense coffee shop with recycled furniture and long tables for big groups or clusters of strangers. At 10 this morning the line was out the door but the service was fast and efficient. If you like neighborhood community, fixed gear bikes, and mismatched socks, check this place out.

The coupon yielded half off coffee and a pastry and today we decided to each use a coupon. Zucchini Bread and Coffee w/Cream for me. Stawberry Danish w/Cream and Coffee Black for Pip.

Total Savings: $5. Total Miles Biked: 5. Overall highly recommended!

Common Roots: A Review

So for breakfast with Dan, Annie, Ellis and Smokie we served Perfect Scrambled Eggs - the latest Cooks Illustrated recipe, pineapple, bacon, breakfast cupcakes, and the bagels from Common Roots.

Unfortunately for the bagels, I'm pretty sure the other offerings stole the show this morning. I did enjoy their garlic chive cream cheese with my Plain bagel but the eggs and pineapple stood out, in addition to the delightful bacon/maple syrup cupcake to finish things off.

Common Roots had a great patio which looked very appealing on this sunny Sunday morning. (Ours was a to-go order.) And the staff was super friendly and excited for our week of coupon-aided eating. In summary, I thought the bagels were good but fairly unremarkable. If you like a crustier skin to your bagel with a good dusting of ingredients atop, they delivered. If you prefer your bagel a bit doughier, you might find them too dry.

Any bagel enthusiasts been there with something to share?

Bagels and Cream Cheese: Common Roots Cafe

This goal of one meal a day using the Chinook Book is already proving difficult. Weekend popularity has made it difficult to actually consume a meal using a coupon but we are making do.

Next up, early Sunday morning bagel run to Common Roots Cafe. For those from the cities, it's in the same spot as Soba's next to the CC Club. Delightful little shop with everything you would assume a hipster coffee shop would contain including a healthy dose of asymmetrical haircuts and ray ban sunglasses.

The coupon yielded 12 bagels for the price of 6. Garlic, Poppy, Sesame, Wheat, and of course everyone's favorite Plain.