We are actually making a dent in our Diners, Drive-In’s & Dives restaurant list here in Minneapolis. Let me tell you, it hasn’t been exactly easy, the list is rather lengthy, but slowly but surely we’ve been making our way around town. I have to admit it has been rather fun! The latest crossed off the DDD list: Victor’s 1959 Cafe.

Victor’s 1959 Cafe has been inching its way towards the top rather quickly however as I love small, kitchy, restaurants that serve delicious food without being overly fancy and stuffy. Located in South Minneapolis, Victor’s itself is tiny. The walls are bright, the patio upbeat with cuban music and the vibe is what I would consider to be eccentric. And absolutely perfect on a summer day.

I was surprisingly in the mood for a mojito (I’m normally just a wine girl) but Victor’s doesn’t have a liqour license so it is beer and wine only. I was a little disappointed until I saw a champagne mojito on the menu….

It was amazing/life-changing/completely delicious and I’m actually glad they didn’t have a regular mojito – this was bubbly, refreshing and we will be making them at home soon. Seriously.

In terms of food though, which was the whole reason we were there, we started with the Cubano Mix – a plate of fried tostones, croquetas and empanadas. Much of the food reminded me of the food I ate in Haiti- fried plantains, rice, beans, etc. and brought back many good memories.  The appetizers were pretty average – they were good, but nothing amazing.

We weren’t really there for the appetizers though, we were there to try the “as seen on the food network” specialties: the Sandwich Cubano and Ropa Vieja. The Cubano was the classic sandwich – ham, pork, pickles, swiss and mustard between pressed bread. It was simply delicious. And everything I had hoped for.

The Ropa Veija (literally “old clothes”) was outstanding. Served with your choice of rice and beans (we went with rice + black beans) and some plaintains, this was amazing. You can tell that the meat simmers for hours, it is so flavorful.

I love living in a city with so many cultural food dishes to experience – it is one of my favorite things to do! Victor’s was great and definitely a trip if you are in the twin cities!

Victor’s 1959 Cafe

3756 Grand Avenue South

Minneapolis, MN

612-827-8948

I’ll be working in Florida this weekend at the Gluten Intolerance Group Conference, but hopefully most of you will be celebrating the 4th with a long weekend, delicious eats and maybe a fun summer cocktail or two!

4th of July food is a must, right?

Which is why I’ve compiled this list of some of my favorite foods and drinks this 4th of July! Some are healthy, some are not. Either path you choose, enjoy your meal, enjoy your family and/or friends and enjoy our freedom!

Mains:

Italian Chicken Burgers

Tijuana Dogs

Mexican Black Bean Burgers (The Healthy Everythingtarian)

Parmesan Pesto Veggie Sandwich (Pinch of Yum)

Chipotle Steak Sliders (In Good Taste)

Shrimp Po’ Boys (baked not fried from The Avid Appetite)

Starters and Sides:

Guacamole Bar (so fun!)

Greek Potato Salad

Orange Ale Viniagrette & Arugula Salad

Grilled Cauliflower, Sage & Brown Butter

Grilled Green Beans with Dill Feta (Fake Food Free)

Peach, Proscuitto & Chevre Crostini (Eating for England)

Bean & Feta Salad (A Fit & Spicy Life)

Quinoa with Zucchini, Blueberries & Feta (Bran Appetit)

Drinks and Sweets:

Heirloom Tomato Bloody Marys

Cucumber, Mint & Basil Vodka Spritzer

S’mores Bars (Satisfy My Sweet Tooth)

Firecracker Whoopie Pies (Annie’s Eats)

Summer Desserts (Foodily)

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