Can't Forget the Cherry, Lucia's: A Review

In my mind, there are a few quintessential Minneapolis adventures. Lake Calhoun and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Here is a Calhoun pic from Tuesday's adventures. I don't believe any justification is necessary, right?

Believing that today was going to be the last day before the thunderstorms roll in, we thought a picnic in the sculpture garden would be a fitting way to spend the afternoon. This is another one of those things that always sounds like a good idea but something benign like the need to sit around doing nothing gets in the way.

We pedaled up to Lucia's To-Go for our to-go lunch. It's on Hennepin and 31st in Uptown. We'd never been but this is an established joint which comes highly recommended.

Pip got a Salami, Pesto, Spinach, Provolone sandwich with a Veggie Salad, Peanut Butter cookie, and a Root Beer.  I got Brie, Prosciutto, Arugula sandwich with a Cup of Fruit, Chocolate Seasalt cookie, and a Grapefruit Izzy.

The folks at Lucias were helpful, friendly and excited about our adventures. Every thing about our lunch in the garden was fantastic. Relaxing and tasty. The sandwiches were the right size and great blend of ingredients. We very much recommend this place, and suggest the pairing of some fun outdoor adventure.

The coupon was $3 off a purchase of $10 and yes of course we had two. Total Savings: $6. Total miles biked: 12.

Proudly Serving Minneapolis Tap Water, Red Stag Supperclub: A Review

So, this afternoon led us to North East Minneapolis. For those that don't know, this is a distinct neighborhood and not just a directional orientation. It's the home to a few gems like Nye's Polonaise Room, the best Polka bar in town and Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge, whose cedar plank flooring is actually carpet.

Our destination was Red Stag Supperclub. The name can be deceiving. Sometimes makes me think of a smokey dinner theater, when in realty its the first LEED-CI certified restaurant in Minnesota!

After perusing the menu, we were happy to find that they are "proudly serving Minneapolis Tap Water (Still and Sparkling)"

For lunch, we chose to split a cup of Chilled Cucumber and Watermelon Soup with Poached Shrimp. Tasty and refreshing. The surprise bites of Cantaloupe made it something to write about. Pip had the Mac and Cheese with Lobster and I had the Grilled Chicken Cobb. The Mac and Cheese came in its own ramekin nice and hot, golden brown on the top and cheesy melty on the inside. The salad came with an Egg and Bacon strips, and Avocado with Seasalt. What's not to love about that.

We heart this place and will definitely return. Recommended! An added bonus, the coupon was buy one get one free for lunch. Total savings: $12. Total miles biked: 10

Right off the Bike Path: A Review of Trotters

For lunch, we biked over to Trotter's Cafe on Cleveland just south of Marshall in St. Paul. I've been to Trotter's a couple times before and have always enjoyed my food, but it's located just off my normal biking routes, so I often roll bye and forget that it's really close.


On a staff recommendation, Kate had the "Grilled 232 Focaccia," which has mushrooms, red onions, roma tomatoes, smoked basil gouda and sprouts. I had a bite and it was warm and delicious. Kate gave it a thumbs up, but did offer a small critique that the bread was a little too soft.

I had a 1/2 turkey sandwich and the Lemon Israeli Couscous Spinach salad. The sandwich was standard, but the salad was outstanding. The lemon added a bright flavor and the addition of golden raisins gave the otherwise savory salad a nice sweetness. We've been making a lot of couscous salads recently and this one has inspired me to explore some new recipes.


Our coupons got us each 25% off an item. Total savings: $3.75

Definitely recommend Trotter's if you're in Merriam Park and looking for a lite lunch.

It's Lunch Time, I'm Starving! Anodyne Coffeehouse: A Review

Today we spent the morning at home, left over bagels and stump grinding from previous posts. By the time we got out the door to start our Chinook Book adventure, we were starving. For lunch, we headed to the Kingfield neighborhood which is just east and south of Uptown, to a neighborhood cafe called Anodyne Coffeehouse.

Much like May Day, I really enjoyed the environment and the people watching and spent some time wondering why there were so many people hanging out on a Tuesday at 2. The staff was friendly and excited about our adventure.

They recommended we try the specials. Turkey, Bacon, Arugula, Pesto sandwich with Blue Corn Chips and a pickle for me (not a fan of pickles but am a fan of the clean plate club). Pip had Spicy Chorizo wrap. Mine was good though could have used a better bun. I find hamburger buns really only fitting on a cheeseburger. Pip said his tasted like a taco bar and was easily more than enough for one meal.

Overall, we liked it as a good neighborhood joint but probably won't go out of our way to go again.

The coupon was buy one sandwich, get the second half off. Total savings $3.75.