photo by kari.volkmanncarlsen

I have discovered a vegan goldmine in uptown Minneapolis. It goes by the name of French Meadow Bakery. I just went there for dinner and was absolutely floored by their culinary genius. I enjoyed a savory vegan calzone (normally served as an appetizer) filled with hearts of palm, cherry tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and fresh basil, topped with a decadent roasted tomato sauce. It melted in my mouth and left me in a euphoric state. Emory had an amazing butternut squash gnocci (which I tried) and it was also divine. Emory and I devoured our meals and licked our plates with glee. For dessert (naughty, naughty) we shared a vegan chocolate turtle cake that was moist, not too rich, and just about perfect. You could taste the freshness of their local organic ingredients.

And another lovely trait about French Meadow is their portions. They aren’t gigantic- they’re just right. We were fully satisfied without doubling over in pain by the end. Which I appreciate.

The atmosphere during the day there is a hopping bakery. And by hopping, I mean, good luck finding a table at lunch time. This place is popular! On a Tuesday night, it’s still popular, but not overwhelming. And we got a table right away, adorned with candles, fresh flowers, and surrounded by birch trees dressed in white lights (man, I wish I would have brought my camera!). Our waiter was wonderfully attentive, and our bill was very manageable.

Overall, I give French Meadow five stars. We will definitely be going back again. Hopefully soon. Note: French Meadow Bakery also offers all natural food products sold in grocery stores.

French Meadow Bakery
2610 Lyndale Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55408