Harborview Cafe

This past Sunday I took an excursion with some of my fellow classmates/friends from my program to Lake Pepin to eat lunch at Harborview Cafe. We were also going to stop at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha which is nearby, but we happened to see a lot of eagles perched in trees and flying around on our scenic drive so we skipped the center. And when I say scenic drive, I mean it, it may be one of the best places to go to look at fall colors (which were just starting to turn--I may need to return if I have time one day this fall).

I came on here to share the report that the food was very, very good. Not surprising if you check out the reviews for the restaurant. Although (per usual) there were people waiting outside for the restaurant to open, we were lucky we didn't have a long wait and were able to be seated right away. The service was friendly. The proportions were quite large and the entrees were spendier from about $16-$30, but it was well worth it. They also only accept cash or check. I ended up getting the telefonos which are like a Roman-style, stuffed rice ball (is the best way I can think to describe it). The restaurant just said risotto, but it was like a rice and cheese ball. Yum. Their fish looked excellent, but due to the recent discovery that I have high levels of mercury in my system I am a little hesistant to eat fish. Which is a total bummer! But at least I have a better idea about why I can be mad as a hatter ;)

Here are some photos of the field trip. It felt good to be with school friends away from school and the stress of school. I think another field trip will have to be scheduled. Unfortunately looking at the calendar it might have to be after the semester is over!

Camille and me waiting for the cafe to open


Liz, Em and Ang


The girls


My meal, the telefonos


Ang's rainbow trout


Group shot after the meal

An old, but new fave restaurant: Tao Foods Cafe

My uptown appearances are rare, but when I am there I like to try new things. Today I had the pleasure of spending the midmorning/afternoon hours with my friend Colleen. Beyond catching up with one another which is always wonderful and needed, I have to comment on the little cafe we chose to stop at for lunch. The cafe is called Tao Foods Cafe (part of Tao Natural Foods) check out their website here. They are organic and holistic, and I loved it. The place has been open since the 1970's and has come to be a beautiful and tasty little operation. Apparently they recently added a cafe section to it which is the only part of the store that I visited. (I've spent enough money on supplements/vitamins/herbs lately I didn't even dare to visit the back of the store).

I must say that I tried the Jade Splendor juice blend, which although a steep price ($6.50 for a glass of juice), the combination of apple, pear, parsley and lemon was AMAZING and so refreshing! Well worth it...(So good that I am blogging about it!) Just the pick-me-up I needed and very satisfying.

Which also reminds me that I still have a dream of making my own cookbook, and I need to remember to bind together some thoughts for creating my own Jade Splendor concoction! Thank you Tao Foods Cafe, Jade Splendor and Co for reminding me of one of my life dreams :)

Now...where to start?