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| By: Jon Sullivan |
No cinicism here. Just classic heat pounding, stomach flipping L.O.V.E.
Minneapolis was recently voted the healthiest city by Forbes. Frankly, it’s impossible to rejoice in that success without acknowledging all the healthy and more importantly, utterly scrumptious, eateries that the City of the Lakes has to offer. Next time you are out for a walk in Uptown or on a bike ride down the Greenway stop by one of these body benefiting bistros (and let’s be honest if you get in your car and drive there that’s a-ok too).
French Meadow Bakery & Café was a defender of all things organically grown before it was cool. Their diverse menu and laid back atmosphere make eating right easy. An even bigger claim to fame is that this local spot was the first certified organic bakery in the US. A haven of suitable treats, French Meadow Bakery & Café has an intimidating pedigree, but more importantly it has the chops to back it up. My must eat from their extensive menu is the turkey wild rice soup. Imagine tasting Minnesota. Seriously, that’s what the soup tastes like. You also can’t go wrong with their signature gnocchi, made with butternut squash. It melts in your mouth and you will be shocked to learn it is 100% vegan.
Another must is Spoonriver. A gourmet spin on sustainable dinning, this restaurant is situated in the Mill District. It boasts a bountiful menu that is sure to please everyone and Chef and restaurateur Brenda Langton manages to craft food that is award winning without taking its self too seriously. On your next date night you can eat your fill without fasting first. The Spoon Dips, which feature a white bean-edamame, are out of this world. The roasted free range chicken molé tacos are another absolute must try.
Finally, we must address what I consider to be the holy grail of all meals, brunch. If you want something unique, delicious, and waist line approved then Birchwood Café ought to be on your list. This funky joint offers the whole shabang from the very vegan to sinfully carnivorous. On late Sunday mornings in fall the zucchini & ricotta buckwheat waffle will warm your belly and maybe even your heart. The guilt-free foodie will delight in their house-made granola.
With all of these fun fresh options it is no wonder Minneapolis is a prime example of good health. To stay fit here we lace up our running shoes, dig out our yoga pants, but most all, we eat.
