The Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis, near the University of Minnesota’s West Bank, is a vibrant community of immigrants, college kids and young families. One gem, nearly hidden in an unassuming residential area, is Tracy Singleton’s Birchwood Cafe.

Offering an edited, delicious menu of brunch options, soups, salads and sandwiches, that focus on locally sourced and grown produce and grains, free-range eggs and fair-trade coffee, this cafe quickly won over all seven members of my group with its home-cooked taste. The bright, smallish cafeteria was nearly bursting with diners, mostly young adults and older couples without children. Luckily, we were able to cobble together enough tables and chairs for all of us. We all ordered separately at the counter, then waited with our numbered flags at our table.

I had the delicious combo meal of a half Wild Rice and Pecan Turkey Salad sandwich and cup of Coconut-Carrot-Ginger soup. It was wonderful. The crunchy, nutty texture and flavor of the wild rice paired perfectly with the pecans and turkey. The soup was a big hit, sweet and creamy with just a hint of spiciness from the ginger. I loved it, and so did all my friends who tried it.

My boyfriend, the only male member of our gathering, ordered the Lamb Gyro. He had asked specially for it to be made with real lamb strips, since it normally comes with lamb sausage or a meat substitute. They were able to accommodate this request. As usual, I had to steal a taste. The tabouleh was perfectly fresh and tangy, fresh vegetables, and the lamb was seasoned perfectly.

My sister got their Grass-fed Beef Stew, which was the featured entree that week. She loved it; tender meat and vegetables with a heap of mashed potatoes mounded in the center of the bowl. It came with a side of bread.

Other items ordered were the Beet and Cheese salad, the combo with Chipotle BBQ Tofu sandwich and the carrot-ginger soup, the Cheese personal-sized pizza: featuring a generous sprinkling of watercress and a banana pepper, and the combo of a deli salad and cup of the favorite Carrot-Ginger soup. A few of the brownies were also tried, which were declared quite sweet.

Birchwood Cafe also serves Sweet Cheeks Baby food and Izzy’s Ice Cream.

To go:

Birchwood Cafe

http://birchwoodcafe.com/

3311 East 25th Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55406

612-722-4474

Maria's Cafe

When feathery ice crystals etch your windows, when snow banks force you to cross the street at the corners, when each breath seems to freeze your lungs and eyelashes, your daydreams start to revolve around getting warmer. Save your vacation time for a beach escape by gathering with friends at your favorite brunch spot. Maria’s Cafe at the Ancient Trader’s Market in South Minneapolis is the perfect place to relax with delicious food, live music and conversation that will make you feel like you are on a sunny vacation.

Maria’s Cafe is a Columbian restaurant whose fabulous menu is filled with delicious offerings. Maria Hoyos included offerings that will please everyone with traditional Columbian food like Huevos Pericos (think egg tacos with salsa), as well as a Columbian take on American favorites such as chocolate chip pancakes and omelets. Find traditional breakfasts under the Saturday and Sunday Specials including ripe plantains or sauteed yucca, beans, Arepa, scrambled egg and sausages. Their delicious tropical juices will have you dreaming of the Caribbean.

My favorite breakfast menu item is the plantain pancakes with cotija cheese. The pancakes are wonderful, and truly allow the flavor of plantain to come through. The plantain is enhanced by the savory cotija cheese. The corn pancakes are also popular, and Maria serves each pancake with her special toppings and includes maple syrup. Add just a little to allow the full flavor to come through. Usually, just one of these huge pancake fills me up, making Maria’s Cafe ideal for families and those on a budget. If you want a table, go early! This family-friendly cafe fills up fast with large groups and couples, and stays quite busy into the afternoon on weekends.

To go:

1113 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404

612-870-9842

http://www.mariascafe.com/