By Aubrey Schield

Perusing the bookshelves at my favorite book store just got even better, thanks to a gourmet restaurant. Barnes & Noble Kitchen, located within the Edina Galleria location has officially set the bar for bookstores. And it’s a high one.

I’ve always been prone to spend hours inside these bookstores, leafing through favorite authors’ new works, reading back covers and skimming prologues. While I enjoy searching for hidden titles in used bookstores like Magers & Quinn and Half Priced Books, sometimes it’s nice to pick up a slightly-more-expensive copy of a new bestseller. Barnes & Noble’s expansive stores and lengthy inventory make them perfect for these outings, and now their recently renovated location in the Galleria amps it up even further with the unveiling of the Barnes & Noble Kitchen.

The location has an airy aesthetic, reminiscent of an Apple store. While I rather enjoyed getting “lost” within the claustrophobic shelves of Barnes & Nobles’ yesteryear, I figure the sleek interior design mirrors changing times, and it’s something I could get used to. Not to mention, it gives you full view of the shopping section from your table in the Kitchen.

With seating for only 100 (they have tables, bar stools and loungy seating for all types of relaxation), the Kitchen is intimate, despite its modern feel. You would assume this is a seat-yourself situation. And you’d be wrong. With the exception of the walk-up coffee and libations bar, a host will seat you in the dining section. And while the atmosphere and service are top brass, the menu is really the thing that shines.

I visited the Kitchen to see for myself what all the hullabaloo was all about. Let me tell you, it wasn’t for nothing. The menu was crafted by a man named Sheamus Feeley—you may recognize the name from his Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch restaurant in California. Feeley’s menu features ingredient-driven, American fare with a perfect balance of Midwest approachability and five-star-restaurant extravagance.

I ordered the hummus plate as an appetizer and was pleasantly surprised by homemade hummus (my waitress told me they go heavy on the tahini, making a uniquely creamy version) and homemade lavash toast. And though Twin Citians have been gushing about the brisket burger (and for good reason, it’s delicious), I decided to try the salmon, which is served on a bed of tabbouleh salad and punctuated with a basil, pesto-like dressing, next. To call this food fresh would be a terrible injustice. The Kitchen is so dedicated to using brand spanking new ingredients that they don’t even have a freezer. (Well, they do have a tiny one to store ice cream that gets dolloped on a seasonal fruit crisp.) To top off my dining experience, I had the butterscotch pot de crème dessert. The creamy, delightfully sweet dessert is perfect for two (I still have leftovers waiting for me at home).

As you may have guessed, the price tag is not quite as friendly as the wait staff. While the Barnes & Noble Kitchen might look like a studying college student’s dream, the price point is, unfortunately, it’s most obvious gourmet restaurant calling card. However, this shouldn’t be an issue for folks shopping in the Galleria, where high-end brands like Tory Burch and The North Face find a home.

Overall, I highly recommend the recently opened Barnes & Noble Kitchen. Everything off the menu is good, and dining with a new book in hand is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Now let’s hope they open another location soon!

By Aubrey Schield

As a teenager growing up in the western suburbs of Minneapolis, there was an unspoken agreement among my circle of friends that stated the following: Uptown is the coolest area in the Twin Cities, and we will dedicate our babysitting money and barista tips to fancy nights out on the town as frequently as possible. We will also move into one of those old duplexes someday when we can afford the rent.

Since then, I’ve come to realize that Minneapolis and St. Paul are home to many wonderful neighborhoods that are each unique in the things they have to offer—restaurants, outdoor attractions, museums, etc.—and simply in their ambience. In fact, many Twin Citians are now looking to Northeast as the “new Uptown”. While I’m a huge fan of the microbreweries and St. Anthony Main scene, Uptown will always have a special place in my heart.

I guess this article is my “Ode to Uptown”—really it’s my favorite way to experience this area of the Twin Cities. Starting from the northern end at the intersection of Hennepin Avenue and 24th Street with Spyhouse Coffee, let’s work our way south for the ultimate Uptown experience.

Spyhouse Coffee Roasting Co.
Located in an early 1900s brownstone on Hennepin Avenue, Spyhouse has what has long been my favorite cappuccino in the Twin Cities. As a former barista who worked for national chains (no offense intended, Caribou), I love watching the folks behind the counter craft coffee beverages like artists. Yes, it’s a bit pricier than bigger names and your wait time might be longer than in the drive-thru of a Starbucks, but, for my money, it’s worth it.

Nico’s Café and Tequila Bar
Don’t be fooled—this house sandwiched by Namaste Café (amazing Indian) and a bank chain isn’t just another Uptown abode. It’s the home of Nico’s Café and Tequila Bar. If the weather is warm, sit outside on their quaint patio under string lights as you chow down on anything from their extensive food menu. Enchiladas, tostadas, tacos, nachos—honestly, you can’t go wrong. To make your Nico’s experience complete, be sure to order a house margarita, made with selections from their laundry list of 100 percent agave tequilas.

Sencha Tea Bar
Back in the day (when I was in high school), this tea hotspot was known as the Tea Garden. Despite the name change, Sencha remains as popular today as it was all those years ago. And for good reason. Read our review of Sencha here.

Wheel Fun Rentals kayaks on Lake Calhoun. Image by Erica Loeks

Chain of Lakes
Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun rest on the western edge of Uptown. These lakes are part of the larger system known as the Chain of Lakes, a prized possession of Minneapolis for all outdoor enthusiasts. Offering miles upon miles of paved walking, running and biking paths, as well as boat slips and recreation rentals (check out Wheel Fun Rentals for paddleboards, kayaks, paddleboats and more), it’s the ultimate nature expedition only a few steps from the vibrant city.

Magers & Quinn Booksellers
Step inside this bookstore in the heart of Uptown’s shopping district (located around the intersection of Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street), and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the Beast’s lavish library from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Magers & Quinn is my favorite bookstore to spend an hour or two (or more) in because of its extensive selection of both new and used volumes. Just when you think you’ve explored the entire store, you’ll realize there’s an entire back section with vaulted ceilings and tall bookshelves like the ones in your university’s library. It’s a quiet spot to read the first few pages of new additions to your home anthology, and the staff are incredibly knowledgeable. I love perusing books with a coffee in hand, so, if you’re like me, swing by Dogwood Coffee Co. across the street beforehand.

Chino Latino
Owned by the same folks who brought you the huge pasta portions at Buca di Beppo and delicious cuts of steak at Pittsburgh Blue, Chino Latino features foods from the hot zones of the globe—Central and Southern America and Southeast Asia, mainly. I love coming here with a big group of friends and ordering a couple items from both the “Little Dishes to Share” menu and the “Bigger Dishes to Share” menu. The prices aren’t too friendly at first glance, so sharing is a great way to keep everyone’s bill in check. And when it comes to mixology, Chino Latino can’t be beat. I’m partial to the El Orgasmo (as a teenager I was forced to order the non-alcoholic “Fake Orgasmo”, which, admittedly, always made me blush). NA or not, the drink is a delightful slush of pineapple served in the fruit itself. Another favorite is the Crack Ho Mohito, which comes with vials of blackberry, strawberry and passionfruit puree, so you can mix up your own, err, cocktail.

Stella’s Fish Café & Prestige Oyster Bar
By day a gourmet seafood restaurant. By night a dance club. On the weekends, Stella’s is the place to be for a night of getting jiggy with it. Enjoy 2-for-1’s on Saturday nights and explore the second level of the restaurant, which has a separate room with live DJ as well as a space for live music with local bands playing on the regular. Weather permitting, don’t miss the rooftop for an unparalleled view of Uptown and the city that lies beyond.

By Aubrey Schield

It’s no secret that Twin Citians enjoy a good cup of coffee. Just look at the number of local cafes, roasters and international companies that have their roots in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Caribou Coffee got its start here in 1992. Peace Coffee has been roasting its fair trade beans at the Minneapolis roastery for 20 years. And driving through the quaint, residential neighborhoods of the area, it doesn’t take long to find a local favorite churning out carefully crafted espresso drinks, brewed coffee and homemade pastries.

One of my favorites in town is Vicinity Coffee. I sort of stumbled on the coffee shop when it went by its former name, Bull Run Coffee. I had recently moved to South Minneapolis and came upon the Lyndale Avenue location during a bike ride one day. An admitted coffee-addict, I’ve considered it my personal mission to seek out the best espresso drinks in town. For awhile I was quite hung up on the delightfully creamy cup at Spyhouse Coffee, but one visit to Vicinity (then Bull Run) made me change my allegiances completely.

When I go to a coffee shop, I’m not just looking for quality of the drink. I’m noticing the atmosphere, the seating, the decor and, naturally, friendliness of the baristas working behind the counter. (In high school I earned money for gas as a barista so I’m especially curious about that last one.)

Vicinity’s two locations (the second is located in the darling Kingfield neighborhood on Nicollet Avenue) offer atmospheres that, in my opinion, are crucial for a great coffee joint. First, the meet-up-with-friends and chat-over-coffee ambiance is strong at the Lyndale location. And second, Nicollet’s shop is perfect for sitting down with a handcrafted espresso beverage and from-scratch sandwich or breakfast omelet and getting some work done. Plus, on warm summer days, you can opt for a scoop of Sebastian Joe’s ice cream.

While the two differ in ambiance, the quality of their coffee doesn’t waver. Ask your barista about the various brewing options, like French press or pour over, or if you’re feeling a bit more daring, try one of the specialty lattes. These infuse housemade syrups with crowd-pleasing flavors like Nutella, cinnamon and black Hawaiian sea salt. (On my next visit to Vicinity, I will be trying the Shot in the Nutz, a creative spin on the traditional mocha.)

As for the beans going into your cup of Joe, they are all roasted locally in small batches to ensure freshness and, ultimately, deliciousness. The craftsmanship that goes into each drink is equally impressive; baristas steam and froth milk carefully to the perfect temperature while pulling delightfully bittersweet, creamy shots of espresso. And, like any worthy coffee bar, there’s a quaint design delicately etched in the top of the drink.

The next time you’re in the vicinity, consider stopping by one of their South Minneapolis locations. (Pardon the pun—I couldn’t resist.)