Common Roots Cafe
Before the holidays, we planned a night out with some friends. We would grab some dinner and then go to the British Ad Awards showing at the Walker Art Center. I had never been to the British Ad Awards so I was looking forward to an edgy, (maybe a little racey), humorous evening. Although some of the ads were so long (in my opinion), there were several that were my favorites including this amazingly wonderful Walkman Project ad, the always amazing Skoda car/cake ad, this provocative Levi’s ad, this beautiful Nike ad, and this hilarious VW commercial (watch out for language if you’re at work). There were many great ads and I can appreciate the ad that did win, but I don’t know that it was my favorite. Here it is, the Gorilla ad. Anyway, the British Ad awards were a good time and I’ll have to go again next year.
Before the Walker, however, we grabbed some dinner at the Common Roots Cafe. We had heard a lot of great things about this place, including a comparison to the Birchwood (which is high standards for me). I was also excited to go to Common Roots because of its dedication to local ingredients. In fact their website has a great map of all their suppliers, showing all Minnesota and Wisconsin suppliers.
The inside of Common Roots is open and airy with floor to ceiling windows in the front, light colored wood floors, tables and chairs, and two seating areas. The style is very much like Birchwood with a deli counter for salads and a menu with choices of hot food items. I had heard great things about the Rootsy Lucy (their version of the Jucy Lucy), but it wasn’t a special that day, so I went with the 100% grass fed burger and a Surly on tap. I also ordered a salad for the table to share before our food came out (I was pretty hungry and couldn’t wait). We took our number stand to our table and sat down to enjoy.
The salad, which was sweet potato and curry, was out of this world fantastic! The flavors were sweet and just strong enough and the vegetables were tender but not falling apart. In hindsight I wish I had just ordered a huge serving of it for my meal…it was that good.
Our burgers arrived, looking beautiful with the array of colors in the roasted red peppers and lettuce greens. Unfortunately the first thing I noticed was that the bun was on the harder side (I love a soft, doughy bun) and that the bun bottom was soggy from the burger grease. And although I did enjoy the taste of my meal, the greasiness just didn’t set well with me. I tried to make a few excuses for it, but ended up just realizing that it was too greasy (running down my hand greasy). Perhaps it needed to sit just a bit longer after cooking before serving. I’m a little torn on my Common Roots Cafe experience…On one hand is its atmosphere, dedication to local ingredients and the salad were fantastic. On the other hand is its bun and greasy burger. Not a complete loss, but I was disappointed. I will definitely need to return to Common Roots to give it another go.
Common Roots Cafe
2558 Lyndale Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN
612.871.2360
After the British Ad Awards, I went to First Ave. to photograph the Soul Asylum concert for Metromix. A couple pictures are below, but for more photos of the concert, click here. All in all it was a fun, busy evening. Lots of laughs, some great curry and a little music. Not a bad way to start off the holidays.
Tags: concert, restaurants, twin cities
January 8th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Had a very similar experience at Common Roots. Was underwhelmed, but may return for a bagel or sandwich – or a bagel sandwich. I think salads and quick-serve is the way to go there. Dinner at a coffee house is not a great idea.