Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Another Mouth to Feed
Sorry to drop off the face of the earth for a while. I’ve been busy with the great pleasure of eating hospital food while we ushered in lovely little Tobiah Rae Grumdahl: 7 pounds, 5 ounces, 20 inches long, loud as a tornado siren, and cute as a bean. Baby Tobi is actually a couple weeks old as I write this, and her appearance on earth has once again brought to the fore one of the most dire food-related issues in the Twin Cities: Seriously, who do I have to kill to get decent delivery food in this town?So far on this convalescence we’ve enjoyed take-out from Jasmine Deli (twice), Lucia’s (thrice), French Meadow, Holy Land, Common Roots, Los Ocampos, the barbecue counter at the Shuang Hur on Nicollet, and—need I even type it, or is it just taken for granted—the holy trinity of south Minneapolis take-out: Lunds, Kowalski’s, and the co-ops. (And let me just say: I’m not knocking take-out; take-out is wonderful.)
But isn’t delivery a little more wonderful? As far as I can tell, now that Rotisseria is closed, the only South Minneapolis food-delivery options are: pizza and pizza-like things from the usual suspects (the likes of which, sadly, do not include Punch or Pizza Nea), sandwiches from places like Golooney’s and Caffrey’s, Chinese from the less desirable Chinese joints, gyros, and burritos from Burrito Loco.
The restaurant-delivery service “Waiters At Your Service” seems to be closed, which doesn’t surprise me. A few years ago, when I tried to write about it, I learned that I needed to set up an account and order a day in advance, which seemed completely antithetical to the spirit of delivery. Another local restaurant delivery service, “mychefexpress.com” does exist, but seems to deliver food only until 2 p.m., which is to say they deliver lunch. But lunch is not a problem. Lunch is why God, in his infinite wisdom, made string cheese and bananas. (Um, yes, you read that right: I’ve been reduced to pilfering my two-year-old’s string-cheese. It’s not foie gras, but it’s not Cheerios off the floor, either, which I imagine is the next step down—and lurking in my future.)
So, please, help! Is there any delivery I’m missing? I just checked the Leaning Tower of Pizza website and learned I can get cigarettes delivered. Well, that would be great—if I smoked. Ooh, and they deliver Red Bull too! Which would be useful if I needed any help at all staying up all night. But I don’t.
Posted on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 in Permalink



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Reader Comments:
Can't help you on the delivery, but congratulations on the new one! Be thankful for the takeout options you do have, I'm sure you know that things are much worse in other parts of town. (Ever tried to get lunch in Hopkins?) This could be a great business opportunity for a neighborhood 16 year old. Or if distance is not a factor, a younger kid on a bicycle.
Dara, we miss you! Looking forward to meeting Tobi and having you back in the office. In the meantime, please call Broder's. I generally pick up pasta for parties and such, yet I know they deliver because I've considered that option. Standard courier fees apply, but really - who can put a price on Penne Rosa al Rosmarino?
As a mother of an infant myself, I can verify that there aren't many options for delivery, but there are lots of good premade entrees at the local supermarkets & co-ops. Lunds' quiches are surprisingly good and keep well-- I ate about 2/3 of a quiche lorraine one night when I was pregnant.
I'm not sure if he still delivers, but the Rotisseria is further east on Lake Street now (I think near Bloomington Ave). A friend recently introduced us to that place. It's not much to look at but the food is good.
Dara, Congratulations on your baby girl! When I was on bed rest with my first child I got my few delivery options in S. Mpls down...yes, you are right...there are few.
Here are some I found:
Scott Ja-Mama's - (depending on how far South you are) chicken and ribs in less than 30 minutes at times!
Pizza Luce - I got to know the delivery people quite well sadly... they will deliver tiramisu and pints of Ben & Jerry's.
Chris and Rob's - (Joey D's) Would hand me over chili dogs and cheese steak sandwiches with a straight face while I was 9 months pregnant and answering the door in my pj's.
Broder's - lots of options and they have "family meal" specials for each night of the week.
Have yet to find any good Chinese delivery...
I know! You should get Scott Pampuch to cater you in some meals! He could work out some kinks with his idea of making food at Corner Table and bringing them to another location! (yours!)
Dara,
Congratulations! Oh, how the time flies. My son just finished the 8th grade and is headed to high school next year. I do remember the Cheerios on the floor and wishing we had a dog to help "sweep".
I am the owner of www.mychefexpress.com and came across your article this morning. Ironically, we are starting residential dinner delivery south of the river tonight (6/15/08). I would like nothing more then start offering residential dinner delivery in south Minneapolis. As soon as we get the restaurants in your area on board and hire a few drivers, we can make it happen.