Psycho Suzi's

Another gem near and dear to our hearts located off of the Mississippi River down on Main St. in NE Minneapolis. We come here on weekends for the tropical mimosas (yum!) and the brunch specials, but this one day, we came after a looooooong day of work to enjoy the nice weather as we overlooked the river and gazed off into the setting sun. Did that sound cheesy? maybe. But it was pretty perfect....

For meat eaters, they have a TON of stuff. For us veggie folks, they have about 5 or 6 items, but this place is definately worth a looksy.

The decor is tiki meets tattoo parlor meets 1950s. The carpet is a wood design (tricky tricky) and there is a waterfall and giant tiki head that grrets you upon entering inside. We hit up the patio this one night though, which is approachable from the parking lot. Which reminds me! The parking lot is a madhouse. If you go there peak hours (happy hour and any time on the weekend) people usually end up parking a block or two down the street (don't pay for valet...you can easily find your own spot if you don't mind a bit of walking or you can do what we do and creep on people walking through the parking lot in hopes of a nearby spot, hehe).

Anyways, the outside is absolutely GORGEOUS! On a warm day, it could be a 45-hour wait and on this night, we waited for about 25 minutes. If you are waiting though, don't fret; you can head to the bar for a drink or go down to the dock and look out at the river. Either way, you win :-)

I suggest getting a spot right on the edge closest to the river (best view). PLUS Psycho Suzi's patio is totally doggie friendly and if you bring your pooch, sitting on the edge makes it less easy for him/her to either be stepped on. We bring our little Billie with us ALWAYS and she likes sitting on the edge of the patio looking out at the river :-)

His: He got 'The Charger' which is simply a bacon cheeseburger with tots. Crispy, delicious, heaven-sent, melted in your mouth, golden brown...droooooolllllll. You know in The Simpons when Homer thinks of food and starts drooling and making weird sounds? That's what I am doing as I think of their tots...but back to his burger! Of course all I can et from him is "Is good", but I figure by the rate and speed that he ate it, it was REALLY good. It looked good, from a vegetarian point of view. If it had been a veggie patty with facon (fake bacon) strips, I would've grubbed down on that.

Hers: I got The Delta Royale which is a veggie patty, melty gooey provolone, red pepper sauce, and onions. Tots on the side <insert Homer Simpon-esque drooling>. Seeing 'veggie patty' on a menu makes me extremely nervous. Sometimes they can be amazing. Sometimes they can be straight up crap-on-a-bun. Sometimes people understand that 'vegetarian' doesn't mean 'take away the taste'. Psycho Suzi's understands vegetarians! THANK. YOU. This burger wasn't only incredibly moist, it was absolutely delicioso. I'm not sure what was in it, but it was a mix of rice (?) and various veggies. Of all of the veggie patties I have had, this is one of the top ones for sure. It was juicy, flavorful, and didn't make me feel like I was vegetarian forced to eat a bland rock resembling a burger just because I chose not to eat meat! The toppings were equally yummy; gooey tangy cheese, perfectly caramelized onions, and the red pepper sauce was the icing on the cake! It was tangy yet sweet and didn't overpower the burger like I thought it might have. It was a pleasant little after taste to the burger. The ONLY thing I would've liked to change about this burger was the bun. The bun reminded me of those buns you see on the rack in the packaged bread aisle; like it got run over by a cart, trampled on by a football team, and then drop kicked back onto the rack. I think it would be ideal on a toasted onion bun or just a simple, thick wheat bun. But the insides were grrrrreat!

The price came to about $42 with both meals, two adult beverages, and tip. The beverages are kiiiiindaaaaa spendy, but they make a mighty fine margarita!

Taste: 5/5 (yum yum yuuuum)

Service: 5/5 (speedy, friendly, quirky, fun)

Atmosphere: 5/5 (great view no matter the day of the week or time of the day!)

Pricing: 4/5 (a taaaaaaad spendy, but the food and the atmosphere is worth it!)

This is Char and Ant peacing out. And remember; food is our saviour!

El Taco Riendo

Hello boys and girls! It's been a while, but we are still at it! That's why you all get the pleasure of TWO blogs in one day (yes....two in one day!).

This particular post is dedicated to a favorite of ours. It's in our Top 3 favorite places to go...maybe even the number one place that we go to; El Taco Riendo aka The Laughing Taco on Central Ave. in NE Minneapolis. This place is amazing. I strongly suggest that you even stop reading and head over there ASAP!

We usually get the same things when we visit, but they are so fabulous, I think we would shed a tear if we changed our minds and got something else. So here it goes. Let the drooling commence!!!!!

We usually get take-out but did eat inside once. It's a cute little place with multi-colored sombreros and various Mexcian-authentic decorations around. When you walk in, the smell of toasted tortillas and fresh made ingredients immediately hits you. It makes me want to sprint up to the counter, leap over, and start shoving my face with all of their homemade goodies, but alas, I wait.

When you walk up to the counter, it's a bit too tall for me so I usually stand on my tippy toes to see all of the fresh made ingredients. It's like I'm a kid in a candy store; eyes big, mouth wide open, tummy grumbling. The same two guys are always behind the counter. I'm sad to say that I don't know their names, but they are some of the nicest people I have ever come into contact with; this time around when we came, they even remembered what we order!! Kudos!!

This time around (and like most) Rene ordered one taco; onions, carne asada (homemade), and cheese-not sure if this is homemade, but I wouldn't be surprised if they had a cow hidden back there somewhere and made their own version of this decadent dairy deliciousness. He also got a burrito; refried beans (yes...I'm going to say it..homemade!!!!), carne asada, and cheese. I get THE WORKS (veggie-style); refried black beans, pico, cheese, guacamole, onions, and rice all wrapped up in a freshly warmed tortilla. Mmmmmmm.....I might even stop right now and go get one...

So here is the deal with his; his taco didn't last more than two bites. When we got into the car, he immediately devoured it before we hit the stop light at the end of the block. The juice from the carne asada was dripping down his fingers and with every bite he said "MMMmmmMMMmmmmMMMMmm". I think that it's safe to say that he really enjoyed it.

Now for the burritos, we like ours differently. He prefers his hot/warm while I usually throw mine in the fridge until it's cold. For his burrito, when asked, he said that it's the closest thing to California since he moved back to Minnesota several years ago. "It's the most delicious burrito that I have ever had in my entire life" is what I can get out of him. And for him, a picky eater, that means a whooolleeeee lot!

My burrito is equally amazing. I don't even know if I can put it into words. The first bite just makes me feel like I want to eat 10 more. The first thing that hits is the creaminess of the beans and the spice within the rice. It's not spicy like it's hot, but more so spicy with various Mexican-based spices. Then the creamy gooeyness of the cheese cools your pallette right before the BANG hot spicy goodness of the fresh pico. My mouth is drooling as I speak!! Plus it's all wrapped up in a semi chewy tortilla that contains everything right down to the last bite (which is personally my favorite; it's like all of my favorite ingredients melt into one gloriously amazing delicious bite). After eating our burritos, we both lay on the couch like beached whales we are so full, but yet we still strangely crave one more tasty morsel.

I am convinced that we eat here so much per month that we must be paying all of their utility bills. But who can resist!!! Please go here now. And if you don't live nearby, find someone who does or drive all the way because you WON'T REGRET IT!

For one taco and two burritos, it costs about $16 with tip. It's money well earned DEFINATELY well spent.

Taste: 100/5 (seriously, stop what you are doing and go here. If they are closed, itch a tent outside and wait until they open the next day)

Service: 5/5 (incredibly nice, friendly, speedy, and remembering our order is a strong A+)

Atmosphere: 4.75/5 (it's a tad small and not too fancy schmancy, but a cozy place to scarf down some taty Mexican fare)

Pricing: 5/5 (what a deal for a ton of food!)

This is Char and Ant peacing out...or shall I say ADIOS! And remember; food is our saviour!...with El Taco Riendo as a close second!

Broders Cucina Italiana

Ant and I have some favorite foods. We both like tacos, sandwiches, pasta, etc. But above anything and everything else, a food that we could eat at any time of the day, every day.......pizza. We make homemade pizzas, we get delivery pizza, we usually order pizza when eating out, and we even have a pizza pillow. Yes, a pizza pillow.
Our restaurant today was all because of an episode of  'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives' (yes, Triple D recommendation again) which we watched this morning. This time he was in South Minneapolis up on 50th and Penn at Broders' Cucina Italiana. Initially the chef was showing him how they make their homemade pastas, which looked amazing, so our tastebuds got interested then. But after a commercial break, he brought out the big guns; homemade pizza on an 18-inch crust covered in golden brown cheese. Our  plans for the day immediately got changed as we threw on our shoes and were out the door on 'Operation: Get That Pizza Pie!'

Upon arriving at Broders', it was kind of confusing. There was a tiny 'store' on the left side which had homemade pastas, sauces, etc. and then to the right was a deli case and eating area (eating for about less than 20). We pre-ordered a large 18" cheese pizza to go. I approached the counter a little timid; two cash registers with a crowd bumbling around trying to figure out where to pay. It was my turn about 3 minutes later, I paid ($15) and in a few short seconds, a giant white cardboard pizza box was warming up my hands. I struggled to get this massive thing out the door! Ant and I resisted opening the box until we  got home, but the delicious smells filled the car...smells I hope still linger until we can make it back for THE BEST PIZZA WE HAVE EVER HAD!!

We opened the box and popped a few slices into the oven (it had gotten a little cold on the way home). When it was nice and warm, we got our pieces, sat on the couch, and 'cheers'ed two giant slices together before immersing ourselves into these slices of heaven! Let's break it down my layers.

The crust: Ant would say that this is the most important part of a pizza. Sometimes they are too hard, sometimes too soft, sometimes too soggy, sometimes just plain old wrong. But this one was perfecto! The color was a golden brown and the word 'crispy' was defined by this crust. When someone came up with the word 'crust' this is what they were talking about! And one of my favorite parts is that it is crispy warm or cold! The sauce: I have never personally been a fan of too much sauce, but this sauce was amazing! It didn't have too many seasonings or spices to overpower the taste of a simple tomato sauce. It encompasses your mouth upon entering and still is present after the slice is down. Absolutely amazing. The cheese: Not too much, not too little, just right. Golden brown, chewy yet melts in your mouth. I do believe they use a couple different cheeses for the topping and whatever the combo, they ace'd it!!

All of the three aspects make up what a pizza should always taste like! We could eat this everyday and never get sick of it. Totally worth the trip and what a great price for so much delicious pizza!!
Who doesn't like pizza?!?! We recommend that EVERONE IN THE WORLD visit Broders' and grab a pizza. There are 12 inch ones available, but this pizza should always be bought in the 18-inch size. It's too delectable for anything less! You can get all kinds of toppings (for an additonal fee per topping); next time we'll get half pepperoni, half goat cheese.


Taste: 5/5 (this place defines pizza)

Service: 3.5/5 (they don't really help out the bumbling crowd, but are friendly once you can find someone to help you out)

Atmosphere: 4/5 (a bit confusing and cramped, but fancy and cozy)

Pricing: 5/5 (great deal for a TON of pizza!)

Char and Ant peacing out! And remember, food is our saviour....food and pizza!

Holy Land

If food is our saviour, Ant & Char just got saved!!

After a long week of work and school, we were tying to decide on what we were craving. After a bland week of whatever-we-can-make meals (who wants to cook after a long day of work and homework...NOT ME!!), we chose to shove our faces at Holy Land Deli in N.E. Minneapolis. We initially chose to have take out and good thing we did because the second we walked in, and for the few minutes we were waiting, WE WERE FREEZING! Upon leaving, my fingers and toes were ice cold!

Anyways, we walked in, looked around the attached market for a bit (will definately need to come back to this later!) and then stood in line for about 30 seconds to place our order. As an appetizer we got Somalian Samosas, he ordered a gyro meal (came with french fries), I ordered a falafel (no meal, no fries), and then a piece of baklava to share. While waiting, the aromas were filling up our nostrils and our stomachs were growling. When she called our number (244!!), we grabbed our bag, and rushed home to partake in our newest food venture.

The samosas were 2 for $4. Each of them were about the size of one's palm. Lightly fried, not oily, lightly crispy, and OH SO DELICIOUS! One bite made us each want to take about 200 more, but alas, it was gone in 5 simple bites. It was filled with veggies and savory Middle Eastern-based seasonings. What a great beginning to our meal.

So here is the low down from the vegetarian point of things...wowowowowowowowowow. First of all, this gigantic burrito-like vessel was JAMMED PACK full of falafels. For anyone who has never had a falafel, it's ground chick peas with a bunch of spices and (I think) vegetables, which are then rolled into balls and deep fried into a soft crunchy tasty treat. It might sound a little intense hearing it's deep fried, but it's not oily in any way and you don't get that 'my-face-will-be-covered-with-zits' feeling after you eat them. Anyhoo, along with the about 10 or so golfball-sized falafel balls that they crammed into a pita, there was creamy cucumber sauce (tangy, yogurty, with the perfect amount of cucumber freshness), chopped cucumbers, lettuce, and then I think it was hummus at the bottom of the pita. I attempted to pick this giant thing up and take a giant bite, but the moment I took it in both hands, everything fell apart so I just had to dig in with a fork! If you're afraid to get messy, DON'T BE because then your tastebuds would be greatly missing out because EVERYONE NEEDS TO EAT ONE OF THESE FALAFELS! And what an absolutely great deal for only $6.99!!!

Of course I can't comment on Ant's meal, but he got an equally large size gyro (not joking when I say the sandwiches are a tad smaller than the size of a football); a pita filled with lamb meat and vegetables...lettuce, onion, etc. He got the meal so for an extra $1.00 more (totaling $7.99) he got two handfuls of fries (which I did taste...they were okay.. a little soggy for my liking), and a medium soda. Ant says it was too big for him. The woman at the counter, who by the way was very friendly, asked him if he wanted it to be child-size or regular-size and he says he would've been perfectly satisfied with child-size. He opted out of the creamy white sauce that usually accompanies gyros, but he says it was still great. There was a lot of meat with a good portion of vegetables inside. As he quotes "food is my saviour, I got saved tonight". Two thumbs up from the meat P.O.V.

Our meal ended with the piece of baklava. I have tried it before, but was never a fan of this flaky treat. The piece we got was about the size of a deck of cards and cost $1.99. My mind was changed about baklava with just one tiny bite! It was flaky yet creamy (in a weird way) with an apple-y, cinnamon-y, sweet spice-y flavor. It wasn't too sweet and, after feeling incredibly full, it was a perfect ending to our perfect meal.

Taste: 5/5 (everyone must try!!!! you won't be disappointed!!)
Service: 5/5 (speedy and friendly)
Atmosphere: 2.5/5 (we came around dinner time and it was empty, however, it was very cold)
Pricing: 5/5 (a fantastic price for the amount of food you get!!!)

If you're around Central Ave in N.E. Minneapolis and want a filling and savory meal that please you're wallet,  Holy Land is the place to go!

Char and Ant peacing out! And remember; food is our saviour :-)

The Wienery

Our first blog begins with THE WIENERY over on the West Bank by the U. We went to this spot because we both have seen it on Guy Fieri's 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives' and anything Minneapolis/Minnesota related that is on a popular show is a 'must' if you're a local. Anyways, parking sucks in this neighborhood, but we were lucky enough to find a spot right across the street (going on Sundays = not having to pay for parking). Upon entering, I'm not going to lie, it is rather frightening. Everything is covered in dust. There is a deer head off to the left on the wall that is wearing a hotdog hat...both of which are covered in decades of dirt. Sit at the counter with your back facing the wall and you are good to go. I must say, this place has awesome service. Today it was packed and we got our menus in about 30 seconds, orders taken in 15 and then about a minute our food was in front of us. The menu has burgers and hot dogs on one side and then breakfast on the other. We went at around 1pm and so our appetites were feening for some hot dogs.

Ant got an Italian sausage, picnic-style. This had baked beans, cheese, and coleslaw (minus the coleslaw because he has a strong dislike of ANYTHING that is white or creamy). I got the vegetarian Italian sausage, mexicali style. This was covered in cheese, baked beans, onions, and spicy little green peppers. I must say, this place is definately delicious! We both finished in about 30 seconds. If you like spice, the peppers (on my hotdog) are an amazing kick of heat in every bite. There was just enough cheese to have a melted bit in each bite and the baked beans didn't make the bun soggy at all. While attempting to get Ant to describe his dog, all he has to say is 'is good'. He thinks he could make a better one himself (he would prefer a few different touches pertaining to the order in which things are layered, etc) but he said he will definately come back.

Now let's get to the best part of all...PRICING! Our total meal (with complimentary water) was $8.00 (sodas are only about $1.50 if you feel the need to wash everything down with a carbonated beverage). We both felt satisfied and good to go until dinner time.

Taste: 4/5 (Tasty and filling)
Service: 5/5 (quick and kind)
Atmosphere: 3/5 (dirty yet quirky)
Pricing: 5/5 (cheap and cheap!)

So if you are in the area and looking for a quick cheap bite that will keep you satisfied for a few hours, we definately recommend this place...vegetarian friendly :-)

Char and Ant peacing out. And remember; food is our saviour.