It's Greek to Me

Next month we're heading to Gardens of Salonica for some "traditional and modern Greek cuisine." Owned by Anna and Lazaros Christoforides, the Northeast cafe and deli uses local, all-natural and organic products as much as possible. They also feature an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu for all you herbivores.

Gardens of Salonica was the City Pages' 2010 "Best Greek Restaurant" winner. The Moussaka (shown to the right), which is the "Greek version of lasagna: layers and layers of comfort," was also nominated as one of the 100 favorite dishes.

Dinner will be Friday, June 10th @ 7:30 PM. I'll send out another reminder that week, but you can RSVP here if you'd like to join us.

Gardens of Salonica
19 5th St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612.378.0611

A West African Adventure

Akwaaba, which means welcome in the Twi language of Ghana, is a tiny, windowless restaurant tucked away in the back of a small African grocery store. Owned by Edoh Akakpo, an alumnus of Augsburg College, and run by chef Rafiat Moustapha, Akwaaba was the May stop of the Twin Cities World Tour.

The atmosphere was a little intimidating. The long tables all faced the center of the room and the menus had no prices. A large group of Somali women were also there for a party, so we were serenaded by the fantastic mixing of African music and 90s R&B. The big-screen LCD TV, which was installed just in time for the World Cup, showed an African movie.

At the same time, the food (I had the jollof rice with beef) was great. Make sure you try a little of the hot sauce as well--notice the emphasis on little. No joke. Now that I know what I'm getting into, I would definitely go back! It was an experience I won't soon forget.

Akwaaba Restaurant
1823 Nicollet Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612.872.4414

A Transatlantic Detour

City Afrique was closed for renovations this month, so we ended up dining at the Ecuadorian/Columbian restaurant La Colonia. My favorite part was the fried plantains, which were perfectly ripe and came on the side of most entrees.

The portions were enormous and prices reasonable. Just ask Rachelle--she ordered the Picada "La Colonia," shown below, or giant plate o'meat as I like to refer to it. Go check it out!

La Colonia Restaurant

2205 Central Avenue Northeast

Minneapolis, MN 55418

612.706.4146