For our fourth anniversary, we decided to take a trip to the cities (that’s what we Minnesotans call the Minneapolis/St. Paul area). Reuben’s family graciously agreed to watch Helen so we could have a just-us-two outing. This was the first time we had ever been away from Helen overnight!
Here are some of the things we did and food we ate:
Starting things off right: we had supper at Chipotle. This was our first time eating there. It wasn’t out-of-this-world delicious, but I really appreciate the fact that they are GMO-free.
That evening we did some thrift shopping and stopped by World Market and Whole Foods. I was really impressed by the selection at the Whole Foods in Maple Grove. Their cheese section was huge!
The next day we did more thrift shopping, and then I forced convinced Reuben to go to The Copper Hen for lunch (it’s really not his kind of restaurant).
I ordered The Perfect Marriage cheese and meat board. I was quite impressed with the variety: house-made mustard, dates stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped in bacon, cheddar with veins of blue cheese, house-made strawberry jam, goat cheese with micro greens, fig jam, thinly sliced apples, prosciutto, another cheese, the name of which I can’t remember, and thin slices of toast. It was fun trying out different flavor combinations.
Reuben had the BLT with smashed potato “fries.” He, of course, was disappointed by his meal. He said the potatoes were falsely advertised as fries. And there was only one slice of bacon on his sandwich.
I really wanted to try one of their Bacon Blueberry Breakfast Cupcakes, but I knew I would be way too full if I did.
I also convinced Reuben to take me to Spyhouse Coffee, which was just down the street. I didn’t particularly enjoy the atmosphere. The door was open, and someone was smoking outside. The building seemed kind of run down. And the bathroom had a funny smell (needless to say, I skipped it).
My vanilla breve had a very interesting flavor. I appreciated that it wasn’t sickeningly sweet, but it could have used a hair more syrup (and I don’t like my coffee very sweet). It was very smooth, but it had a different flavor to it. Reuben said that it tasted burnt.
I don’t think I would go there again – next time I want to try out Five Watt Coffee.
After lunch/coffee we went to IKEA and The Mall of America. Then we stopped by Reuben’s favorite store: REI.
For supper we went to Red Lobster. We ordered a seafood plate and seafood stuffed mushrooms. Cheesy biscuits. What more can I say?
On our last day, we decided to divide and conquer. I went to a shopping center (The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes), and Reuben went to more guy-oriented stores.
Of course I had to roam through Anthropologie. I drooled over their amazing dishes and left with two.
And I stopped by Trader Joe’s. Their flower section was just wonderful – such variety and amazing prices. I really wanted to buy some sushi, but we had other lunch plans, and I didn’t know how it would last in our cooler.
Our last meal in the cities: Five Guys Burgers and Fries. This was another first for us. The burger was yummy, but our fries were soggy. Overall, I don’t think the taste justified the price. Culver’s is just as good, and less expensive.
It was fun to get away for a few days, but I really missed my Helen. We were so glad to be home and hug our little girlie.
If there are any Twin Cities residents reading this, please let us know if you have any must-try places to eat!
Oh man, I've never been to Culver's but my husband and I love Five Guys! He likes the soggy fries lol. To each their own!
I like your honest reviews of the places you went. Doesn't Reuben look like Helen in that picture? Oh, and happy 4th anniversary!!!!!
Fuddruckers (for burgers) and Cheesecake Factory if you've never been ^_^ Both are located very close by to the Bloomington Trader Joe's store!
Looks like fun! I'm not from the Cities 😉 and these aren't exactly in Minneapolis—but they're very close and I can recommend: D'amicco and Sons on Grand Avenue in St. Paul (relaxed café-style Italian fare; added bonus of being within walking distance of Anthropologie) and Samba Taste of Brazil in Hopkins (our waiter was really and delightfully Brazilian, which added to the ethnic experience, and the pasteles and Brazilian shepherd's pie were delicious!).
I love the Butter Burgers at Culver's! Yeah, I think fries are a very personal thing. 😉
Thank you, Mimsie! Yes, I can see more and more of Reuben in Helen. 🙂
I like the sound of Fuddruckers – scratch-made buns and choose your own toppings! And I've always wanted to try Cheesecake Factory. 🙂
Ooooh, those both sound lovely. I really enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. And Brazilian cuisine sounds intriguing.
Pizza Luce. I'm a MN native now living in San Francisco, and this is still my favorite pizza restaurant.
Also, Sebastian Joe's Ice Cream!
I've heard of Pizza Luce. Maybe I can convince Reuben to take me sometime. 🙂 And I really want to go to and ice cream shop!
Please try Lions Tap — they are known as the best burger in the Twin Cities by some. I have been going there on visits for the past 35 years! They have a limited menu and are a bit out of the way – but it is worth it.