Homes MSP Real Estate Blog: Food and Drink

Food and Drink

February 05, 2012

Mort's Deli... a taste of New York in the heart of Golden Valley

Craving an authentic New York Style Jewish deli sandwich, but where to go in the Twin Cities? After the Lincoln Del closed in 2000 there was a void until Mort's Delicatessen opened in Golden Valley in 2008. With corned beef and pastrami piled high just like at New York's famous Carnegie Deli, now you can once again eat your heart out!

Family owned and operated, enjoy looking at the wall of family photos... love the complimentary plate of pickles served at your table (same as at the Carnegie in NYC)... and be ready to take some home for another meal (sandwiches are huge)! Did I mention they go through more than 1,000 pounds of corned beef a day?!

Dreaming about living near Mort's Delicatessen? See homes for sale in Golden Valley... Mort's is in the northwest corner of Olson Memorial Highway (Hwy 55) and Winnetka Avenue.

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email - Golden Valley Realtor

Posted by Sharlene Hensrud in Food and Drink, Homes for Sale, Life in Minneapolis-St. Paul | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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January 15, 2012

Burgers, malts and phosphates...

Nothing says comfort food like burgers, malts and phosphates (ok, burger and malts)... and Snuffy's Malt Shop with an old-fashioned 50's style atmosphere is a favorite neighborhood stop for many. My husband always loves an excuse to stop at Snuffy's, and for years I had assumed their St. Paul location on Cleveland Avenue near St. Thomas, Macalaster and St. Kate's campuses was their original shop. A few years ago I was told their Roseville location was the original one... does anyone know the real scoop?

They currently have five locations throughout the metro, but I always associate it with St. Paul. Their malts are yummy (I always order a half shake), and they serve up some interesting burger variations complete with toasted buns. I must admit that I don't think their fries and onion rings are the best, but it's a great stop for all ages when you are craving a burger dive joint.

Does anyone else besides me wonder what phosphates are? I plead guilty to never having had one, but it seems to be a big deal in 50's diners. So... I had to look it up. Here is a definition I found online...

"Phosphates are beverages using carbonated soda water, flavored syrups and phosphoric acid, an ingredient still used today in many brands of soda-pop like Coke. Popular flavors included cherry, lime, chocolate and vanilla. Phosphates are a great non-dairy alternative to milk shakes and are often sold at 50’s style dinners."

Snuffy's serves phosphates, so stop by if you are looking to satisfy a craving or just want to experience one! Snuffy's has been recognized by the NY Times, Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine, Twin Cities Reader, St. Paul Pioneer Press, Star Tribune and The Minnesota Daily.

Want to live within walking distance of a Snuffy's? Check out homes for sale near Snuffy's Roseville at the corner of Larpenteur and Lexington ... homes for sale near Snuffy's St. Paul at Cleveland and St. Clair ... homes for sale near Snuffy's Edina at Valley View Rd and Wooddale ... homes for sale near Snuffy's Minnetonka at Minnetonka Blvd and County Rd 101.

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email - Roseville Realtor

Posted by Sharlene Hensrud in Family Fun, Food and Drink, Sunday's Site | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

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November 06, 2011

Where to find the best authentic French baguettes in the Twin Cities

Craving an authentic French baguette? The kind that is crispy and flaky on the outside, light and tender on the inside? We are blessed with many wonderful bakeries in the Twin Cities, but the one that keeps getting nods for the best authentic French baguettes is Rustica... named one of the top 10 bread bakeries in America by Bon Appetit Magazine.

In the words of the owner, “It’s all about mouth-feel. We want the crust to be crisp and light with an open crumb structure.” The perfect baguette experience is ultimately a personal thing... where do you find your 'perfect baguette'?

If you find it at Rustica they take care to make sure it will be consistently delicious each time you visit.

In addition to their traditional loaves they also create special loaves each day, such as Pugliese, a wheat bread with chunks of roasted potatoes and Cañadas de Azúcar, a flat bread baked with olive oil and sugar sprinkled on top. Their pastries, cookies and desserts are also not to be missed.

Located in Calhoun Village at 3220 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55416 near the Chain of Lakes and the Midtown Greenway trail, it's a perfect place to pick up a fresh loaf of bread and head over to one of the nearby lakes to contemplate the writings of Omar Khyyam...

A Book of Verses underneath the Bough,
A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of Bread-and Thou
Beside me singing in the Wilderness-
O, Wilderness were Paradise enow!

Check out homes for sale near the Chain of Lakes, Rustica and Midtown Greenway. (Please be patient while the link searches for the most current listings...pass your cursor over the dots on the map or scroll down for property information.)

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Minneapolis Realtor

Posted by Sharlene Hensrud in Food and Drink, Homes for Sale, Life in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Sunday's Site | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

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October 09, 2011

Best suburban coffee shop... awesome atmosphere in Eden Prairie's historic Smith Douglas More House

Not your typical suburban (or even urban!) coffee shop, Eden Prairie Dunn Bros Coffee is awesome enough to be a destination spot. Located in the historic Smith Douglas More farmhouse built in 1877, it is loaded with atmosphere inside and out. It's a great spot to relax under the trees on the romantic outdoor patio or chill out in the multiple rooms of the historic house.

The addition built in 2002 when it became a coffee house is much like a typical coffee stop... leaving the whole historic house and grounds as wonderful places to sit for a spell. Multiple rooms and corners with easy chairs and tables make it a great place for meetings or a private conversation... perfect for the book clubs who meet here regularly.

The big chalk calendar on the wall in the 'order room' gives the schedule for the month, with events including regular wine nights, live music, art shows and community events. Next weekend, October 15 and 16, 2011, they will be hosting a shopping event featuring vintage and refurbished furnishings, home decor, harvest botanicals, gifts and other treasures.

In addition to their Dunn Bros 'better-than-fair-trade' coffee which they buy directly from the farmers and roast onsite, they serve wine and soups, sandwiches... have free wi-fi...

This unique coffee shop is at located at the Smith Douglas More House, 8107 Eden Prairie Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55347.

See Eden Prairie homes for sale around Dunn Bros Coffee. Eden Prairie is a young community (average age 45) with over 2,200 businesses. Eden Prairie is a suburb known for its good schools and rated America's #1 Best Place to Live by Money Magazine in 2010.

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Eden Prairie Realtor

Posted by Sharlene Hensrud in Food and Drink, Homes for Sale, Life in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Neighborhoods, Sunday's Site, Things to Do | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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September 04, 2011

One of the few remaining vintage drive-ins

Dari-ette Drive-In, now celebrating their 60th year on St. Paul's east side, is one of few remaining vintage drive-in restaurants. As their name suggests, they serve real soft-serve ice cream... as their sign suggests, their menu has an Italian-American twist that is freshly cooked to order. This is not a fast food drive-through!

I discovered the Dari-Ette when I was searching for classic 1950's drive-ins last year, and after a visit I tasted why this family owned east side staple is still around... it's a nostalgia trip to be served in your car, but it's the quality homemade food that keeps people coming back.

You can drive up to be served in your car in classic drive-in style... order inside at their few cozy booths... or sit and eat under their patio umbrellas. They are known for their homemade marinara sauce which they serve not only on their spaghetti, but also their pizza burger and famous meatball sandwich, with huge meatballs on soft and squishy bread. They even sell the sauce to take home by the quart or gallon.

Food is cooked fresh... reviews tell why this classic drive-in is still a neighborhood staple after all these years. You can follow them on Facebook for their specials... currently serving deep fried pickles in honor of the State Fair. A family owned restaurant, it was started by the parents of the current owner in 1951... she has worked here all her life.

Visit the Dari-ette at 1440 E Minnehaha Ave, St Paul,MN55106... see homes for sale near Dari-ette.

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email - Twin Cities Realtor

Posted by Sharlene Hensrud in Food and Drink, Homes for Sale, Life in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Sunday's Site | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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July 17, 2011

Izzy's Ice Cream Cafe... home of the 'izzy' scoop and the ice cream hot dish

Hot summer days make one think of ice cream, but any day is a good day to stop at Izzy's Ice Cream Cafe... included in Minnesota Monthly's Best of Summer 2011 for good reason!

Home of the 'izzy' scoop, an additional small scoop of another flavor to top off your cone... and the ice cream hot dish of 32 izzy scoops in a red hot dish, their continually changing 32 innovative flavors will keep you coming back for more. Visit Flavor Up on their website for current flavors (updated every 3 minutes!) or follow them on Facebook et al to see new flavors as they are added.

They involve the whole community in their annual 'People's Flavor Awards' where customers give new flavor ideas, Izzy’s makes the ice cream, and the whole community votes on their favorite new flavor. Some of the winners make it into their regular rotation, such as 'Italian Strawberry', which was the winner in 2001.

Their shop is located right next to their factory, which they claim is the only ice cream factory operated by solar power. They offer tours and celebrations for young and old alike.

The last time we stopped there was a kid's birthday party in progress... the kids were wearing aprons and hair nets and ordering their ice cream sundaes, must have finished their factory tour. We weren't part of the party, but had an equally fun time figuring out what flavors to order. My husband had salted caramel with a chocolate 'izzy' scoop, which he said was wonderful. I had a delicious flavor with an usual name but can't remember the details, just that it was unique and wonderful! ...something like 'Before the Rain' or something like that? It was blueberry ice cream with graham cracker crumbs, and nuts (and maybe chocolate chunks?)... topped with blueberry cheesecake 'izzy' scoop.

Izzy's Ice Cream Cafe is located at 2034 Marshall Avenue in St. Paul, MN 55104... in a very walkable neighborhood near St. Thomas University where it can be fun to pick up a cone and go for a neighborhood stroll.

Click here to see currently homes for sale in the area around Izzy's Ice Cream Cafe on Marshall between Cleveland and Wilder in St. Paul, MN. (Please be patient while the link searches for the most current listings...pass your cursor over the dots on the map or scroll down for property information.)

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email - St. Paul Realtor

Posted by Sharlene Hensrud in Food and Drink, Homes for Sale, Life in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Sunday's Site, Things to Do | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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July 03, 2011

Birchwood Cafe... keeping traditions of freshness and community alive

"Innumerable measures bring us this food...We should know how it comes to us."

This Zen meal prayer welcomes you into the Birchwood Cafe, a neighborhood cafe where the creative menu changes weekly reflecting seasonal and local ingredients. Located in the Seward neighborhood southeast of downtown Minneapolis bordering the Mississippi River and Highway 94, the 'Nice Ride' bike sharing station at its door and nearby multiple bus stops reflect this eco-friendly community gathering spot.

Situated in the most liberal neighborhood of Minneapolis not far from several university and college campuses, it isn't surprising that it's a popular meeting spot for friends and neighbors to gather and chat about local issues and politics. And the deliciously fresh, continually changing menu of this eclectic organic kitchen with local artist displays have also made it a destination spot well worth the trip!

I love the funky, friendly atmosphere, delicious food... and its location just a few blocks from the River Road Trail along the Mississippi River from Minnehaha Falls (actually extending all the way to Fort Snelling State Park and beyond) into downtown Minneapolis. It's also a great place to stop for some Izzy's ice cream on the Minneapolis side of the river!

Click here to see currently homes for sale in the area around the Birchwood Cafe in the Seward neighborhood at 3311 East 25th Street, Minneapolis MN 55406. (Please be patient while the link searches for the most current listings...pass your cursor over the dots on the map or scroll down for property information.)

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email - Minneapolis Realtor

Posted by Sharlene Hensrud in Food and Drink, Homes for Sale, Life in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Neighborhoods, Sense of Place, Sunday's Site, Things to Do | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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June 19, 2011

Riverfront dining... with wine at cost!

Had lunch at Vic's at St. Anthony Main on the historic riverfront in NE Minneapolis this week. Great food, great view, great outdoor patio... AND they have over 100 bottled wines they sell at cost so you can buy a whole bottle for your table for not much more than the cost for a typical glass!

Enjoy free weekend concerts, take a stroll along the riverfront, walk over to Nicollet Island, bike the Stone Arch Bridge to the other side of the river to Mill City Museum and Guthrie Theater... or take a Segway or Carriage tour.

This weekend this area is abuzz with the Stone Arch Art Festival, which takes place every year on Father's Day weekend. This historic area where the city of Minneapolis began is always a great destination!

Click here to see condos, lofts and other homes currently for sale in the area around St. Anthony Main in Minneapolis, MN. (Please be patient while the link searches for the most current listings...pass your cursor over the dots on the map or scroll down for property information.)

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email - Minneapolis Realtor

Posted by Sharlene Hensrud in Food and Drink, Homes for Sale, Life in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Sunday's Site, Things to Do | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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May 22, 2011

Great licks at Edina Creamery

We are lucky to have so many wonderful neighborhood homemade ice cream shops in the Twin Cities. As I criss-cross the metro area I can find reasons to stop at most of them, but one that keeps calling me back for its creamy, smooth texture and flavor is the Edina Creamery, on France just south of 50th.

Once called the best ice cream in America by Gourmet magazine, the shop has a 1950's atmosphere. When I stopped yesterday I got my favorites, strawberry and butter pecan. The previous owner told me that what made their strawberry ice cream so delicious was a strawberry slurry combined with strawberry chunks... yum!

The heart of the Edina Art Fair, the first official Minnesota art fair of the seaon the first weekend in June and the second largest, is just down the street at 50th and France... a great time to stop in at 5055 France Ave S 55410 for a lick!

Click here to see homes currently for sale in Edina and Minneapolis, MN near the Edina Creamery at 50th and France. (Please be patient while the link searches for the most current listings...pass your cursor over the dots on the map or scroll down for property information.)

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email - Edina and Minneapolis Realtor

Posted by Sharlene Hensrud in Food and Drink, Sunday's Site, Things to Do | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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April 17, 2011

Park Tavern... a St. Louis Park gathering spot for over 50 years

The original Park Tavern in St. Louis Park, MN dates back to the early 1900s, when it was located at the corner of Louisiana Avenue and Minnetonka Boulevard. But it wasn't until St. Louis Park's population exploded after WWII, when 60% of the city's homes were built (in the 1940s and 1950s), that Park Tavern added pinballs and it became a neighborhood gathering spot.

When Louisiana Avenue was expanded in the 1980s the old Park Tavern was destroyed and a new Park Tavern was built 4 blocks away at 3401 Louisiana... expanded to also include a bowling alley.

Today the neighborhood Park Tavern tradition is stronger than ever. It is a dining and entertainment gathering spot for all ages. From casual dining... to kid birthday parties... to PINGO (their own version of Bingo)... to Karaoke... to bowling... it's hard to drive by without seeing a full parking lot!

St. Louis Park is a popular first-ring suburb bordering Minneapolis on the west. With easy access to downtown Minneapolis and the city lakes, great schools and affordable homes it's easy to see why about 45,000 people love calling St. Louis Park home.

Click here to check out homes available for sale around Park Tavern in St. Louis Park, MN. Please be patient while the link searches for the most current listings...click on the map to zoom in until you see icons on the dots, then pass your cursor over them for property information, click for property details.