A few weeks ago my husband and I moved across the state line from Missouri to Kansas. It has been quite the experience, and while it seems as if everything has gone wrong with our actual home, one thing has been a shining star throughout the ordeal — the local food. We live in a Russian meets Central American neighborhood, and one thing is for sure: we've never eaten better!
My husband and I both speak enough Spanish to make our way through our new neighborhood without any complications and we've been exploring local dives and tiny mom and pop places on the nights we've been too tired to cook at home. We've eaten simple foods with fresh ingredients that sing in your mouth and leave you feeling completely satisfied. We're not talking premade dishes that just have to be reheated; we mean chicken grilled over a wood fire the second you order it, and house pickled onions!
Our local grocers and produce stands provide us with all sorts of fresh produce and meats (including all the wibbly organ bits too!) that are often hard to find in more traditional supermarkets. We haven't had to dig through a bin of cilantro once to find a bunch that didn't look like a drowned rat, nor have we had to ask the butcher for a specific cut of meat. (Our previous standard grocers usually just carried fat steaks, roasts and ground burger.)
Prior to moving we would visit this neighborhood when we felt like eating cuisine from these parts of the world, but there's something 100% different about living here and eating here instead of just coming this direction when you feel like a taco. Though we probably prepared food like this 3 to 4 nights a week at home (before moving), being submerged in the culture has us eating this way almost every night and it's not only saved on our food budget, but has also altered the cravings we have for additional items such as snacks, beverages and more.
We're glad we made the move. It's like taking a mini vacation in your home town, though enjoyably, this is one vacation we never have to leave! Do you live in a neighborhood that caters to specific ethnicities? Do you love it? Hate it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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(Images: Nimetimesthree, Flickr member California Avocados, The Infamous Gdub licensed for use by Creative Commons)
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Where do you guys live? We're on the MO side- We had our baby in KCK at Mercy and Truth and spent a lot of time in the neighborhoods trying different little restaurants and shops. We enjoyed it. Too bad they have a pit bull ban or our entire family (pit bull and all) would move over there!
I love my neighborhood (Northeast Minneapolis or Nordeast, for many) of nearly a decade now.
It used to be blue collar Eastern European and there are still vestiges of that heritage but the main thoroughfare now features Mexican, Indian, and Middle Eastern/Mediterranean (including Holy Land, my fave) groceries and restaurants on one end, while cafes, bistros, and an amazing wine and cheese shop populate the other (gentrified) end. The local natural foods co-op, farmer's market, and churches and bars of all kinds mingle in between those two ends.
I'd say that my neighborhood has completely influenced the evolution of my cooking, drinking, and eating habits. And I'm thankful!
Slow Lorus - We used to live in the same neighborhood and I could write a whole new post on the area. I think everyone should spend time there to experience all that it has to offer!
runaroundrachel - That's something we're keeping under wraps for the time being, but if you're a good detective you might be able to piece it together!
ugh, how can you put such a delicious photo up and not tell us what it is?
melle - The opening image is of al pastor tacos, the one below is of a beef sope and the final is of paletas!
I lived on the outer rim of a Bosnian neighborhood in St. Louis. Bosnian bread! And pickles!
Slow Lorus, i'm from NE Minneapolis too and love the multicultural atmosphere, particularly Central Ave. Thanks for the Holy Land recommendation. My favorite is Adelitas Bakery, a small hole-in-the-wall place with fantastic danishes and croissants. Have you tried Surabhi Indian Cuisine yet?
@sarahrae -- I think so too! It's grown so much in the last decade or so...I remember when the Quarry shopping area was an actual quarry.
@sandhya -- Yes, there's so much to explore in our neighborhood! I haven't been to Surabhi (that's not in N.E., is it??), I'm still mourning the loss of Bombay 2 Deli. Their chaats were soooo good and they were 5 blocks away.
I console myself with Crescent Moon's Afghani pizza (w/loads of green sauce), pulled pork sandwiches and cava at Brasa, pastitsio at Gardens of Salonica, cabbage rolls at Kramarczucks, hot italian sausage from Delmonico's, local Ames Honey from Eastside co-op...wow, I could go all day long!
@Slow Lorus, omg, thank you so much for all the lovely recommendations!! We moved to Saint Anthony a month and a half ago after 4 years in Eden Prairie and have been exploring the restaurants in this area.
I made a note of Crescent Moon's Afghani pizza, but it looked seedy from the outside and didn't want to step into it unless i've read the reviews. I'll try it soon. Also on my list is Russian Tea House on University Ave. Surabhi is on 98th Street/old shakopee road and the food is phenomenal.
Love the article. We live on the KS side of the state line, in Rosedale (down the street from KU Med) and heartily agree.
One of our favorite places is the grilled chicken/onion place you mention (El Pollo Rey) and the local butchers, grocers, etc.