Diner's Journal: Three more food trucks land permanent homes in Minneapolis

May 15, 2015 at 6:41PM
Photo by Rick Nelson Slow-roasted, miso-scented, Minnesota-raised pork, sassily served with a tangy ginger slaw and pickled onions from the Sassy Spoon, which started as a food truck but now has a permanent location, too.
Slow-roasted, miso-scented, Minnesota-raised pork, sassily served with a tangy ginger slaw and pickled onions from the Sassy Spoon, which started as a food truck but now has a permanent location, too. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

More and more food trucks are landing permanent homes. Hurrah.

Cafe Racer Kitchen owner Luis Patino has given the former Donut Cooperative a cheery once-over, and is serving the lively Latin American fare that has made his vehicle a destination. Roast chicken and slow-braised pork is routed into entrees (with delicious side dishes, headlined by a carrot soufflé), open-faced arepa sandwiches and salads. The well-embellished hot dogs have also made the move. Dinner Tuesday through Saturday, lunch Saturday and Sunday.

2929 E. 25th St., Mpls., www.caferacermn.com

At her colorful Sassy Spoon, owner Tamara Brown channels her nutrition counselor background into highly appealing, comfort-minded (and gluten-free) dishes. The counter-service operation's don't-miss dish is a carryover from the truck: slow-roasted, miso-scented, Minnesota-raised pork, sassily served with a tangy ginger slaw and pickled onions. Dinner Wednesday through Saturday, brunch Saturday and Sunday.

5011 34th Av. S., Mpls., 612-886-1793, www.sassyspoontruck.com

Out with the old, in with the new, right? That's the case in the downtown Minneapolis skyway system, which improved exponentially in March when Vellee Deli took over a space previously occupied by a Taco Bell and began serving its trademark Asian-flavored burritos (bulgogi beef, Thai-seasoned curried chicken) and excellent BBQ pork banh mi. And yes, the hot sauce isn't kidding around. Lunch Monday through Friday.

109 S. 7th St., Mpls., 763-350-2994, www.velleedeli.com

about the writer

about the writer

Rick Nelson

Reporter

Rick Nelson joined the staff of the Star Tribune in 1998. He is a Twin Cities native, a University of Minnesota graduate and a James Beard Award winner. 

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