Photo by Joy Summers
Hello and welcome to Tuesday! Did you know that’s what day it is, because apparently, the week has started and I’m already behind? I hope you had a spectacular 4th of July. I spent the day shuttling my kids from pool to backyard to street side modest fireworks, and no one lost a finger. Plus, we all went to bed stuffed with pulled pork. I’m calling it a win. To get caught up on this holiday week, I’ve got a few delicious plans to motivate those of us crazy enough to be attempting work.
Number 11 at Naked Nina’s
This gorgeous little juice bar in St. Paul’s Cathedral Hill neighborhood is fast becoming a new obsession for me. Rather than reaching for the afternoon caffeine boost, I make a run for this serene location and dive into a juice made from blueberries, strawberries, banana, almond milk, and almond butter. It’s rich, just sweet enough to feel decadent and as dreamy as an ice cream cone. It’s a great meal on the go or replacement for the coffee that always leaves me crashing and in need of a nap later in the day. (While you’re over there, feel free to press your nose against the glass at the forthcoming Revival space. Let me know if you see any action. So far, I’m not seeing all that much movement.) nakedninas.com
Blueberry Scones at Brake Bread
While we’re in St. Paul and partaking of the berry bounty, you’ve got to stop by the new “brakery” (it’s a bakery, but they deliver by bike, hence…) It’s on West 7th and inside are these light and fluffy blueberry scones that are the best thing to happen to a blueberry since the invention of the muffin. I just adore their crumbling little bits of goodness. While there, be sure to grab a loaf of bread (they slice upon request.) The white sandwich bread speaks to the not-so-silent child within me. brakebread.com
Chicken and Waffles at Handsome Hog
Have you gotten your new issue of Minnesota Monthly magazine yet? This month Jason and I visited Handsome Hog on the edge of Mears Park in Lowertown. I cannot say enough nice things about the chicken and waffles. If you’ve wondered until now what the sweet and savory obsession is all about: this dish is the answer. The chicken is beautifully coated in crispy skin that’s wonderfully juicy inside, lightly drizzled with dark maple syrup, and set atop a perfectly bite-sized, beauty of a waffle. There’s just a bite of spice and a welcome twang of tartness from pickled strawberries all tied together with lavender honey butter. The dish is available both on the dinner and lunch menu. handsomehog.com
