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City Cast Twin Cities

Keep It Local

Keep It Local by City Cast Twin Cities features spotlights on local businesses we love and personal, curated, and neighborly recommendations that will help you live your best Twin Cities life right now. So, if you’re ready to ditch the national chains, e-commerce giants, and big box stores,

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Winter Keefer

Choo Choo Bob’s store manager Biel Wiel (pronounced “wheel” and yes that’s his real name) starts his workday revving up a model train and filling a bouncy house with air. He then suits up in overalls and a train conductor hat, ready to usher kids onward into the store’s interactive playspace.

Located in St. Paul’s Union Depot at 214 4th St. East, Choo Choo Bob’s is a well-known and long-running Twin Cities model train store. But in 2019, it was bought by owner Jenny Moberg who evolved it into what it is today, Wiel said. “We still sell trains and toys, but now we also sell an experience.”

The store’s pay-to-play playspace and event space includes a bouncy house, an engine full of toys, multiple interactive train tables, and even a bubble machine. The bright and welcoming atmosphere makes it perfect for a birthday party, event or casual hangout on a hot day.

A former desk job worker, Wiel said he now looks forward to coming into work each day.

“My favorite part is the constant sound of joy and play,” Wiel said. “Instead of staring at a laptop all day, I’m surrounded by kids laughing and the bubble machine going. I’ve heard kids yell ‘bubbles’ more times than I can count.”

If you’re looking for a particularly special time to stop in, every Monday and Friday at 10:30 a.m. Engineer Paul comes by to play music and read stories. Parents may recognize Paul from “The Choo Choo Bob Show.” A bonus: hosted by the store about a decade ago, the show is still 

. So if your kids love story time, you can continue the fun at home.

Regular admission into the playspace is $10 per child ages 1 to 10, $2 for adults, and free for children under 1. They also offer a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) deal for twins. As a twin myself, I thought that was pretty cool. Story time is included in the admission price. Event pricing and booking details can be found on Choo Choo Bob’s 

Located in St. Paul’s Union Depot at 214 4th St. East, Choo Choo Bob’s is a well-known and long-running Twin Cities model train store.

More Than a Model Train Store in St. Paul's Union Depot

More Than a Model Train Store

Whether you're looking to get outside or find an indoor hang and escape the heat, we’ve got you covered.

This free outdoor play area in Bloomington’s Hyland Lake Park Reserve is sure to get your kids excited and (hopefully) tucker them out. Set in the back of the park’s wooded area, the sheer size of

 makes it a perfect place to spend an entire afternoon. If you’re worried about losing a kid because this place is so big, don’t fear. It’s fenced in and there’s only one exit. Sit back, relax and let those kids run and slide to their hearts’ content.

From drop-in roller skating to birthday parties and special events, this family-friendly roller skating rink is bound to be a hit for your kids. 

 in Burnsville offers skate rentals for newbies and classes for those who get the skating bug and want to come back for more. The rink includes an arcade and snack bar, and parents/guardians who accompany their children but aren’t skating get in free.

Nothing hits quite like a waterslide on a sweltering summer day. While Minneapolis might not be Wisconsin Dells, we can still find that slide. For $10 per person (ages 3 and older), 

 in Northeast Minneapolis offers three water slides, including a tube slide. The park also features a log water walk, interactive spray features, and lap swimming lanes.

in Minneapolis is the little cartoon caricatures that play on the screen after each bowler takes their turn. It reminds me of my own hometown bowling alleys. This nostalgic local hangout is the perfect place to take the kids for a round of bowling and a bite to eat. Mom or dad could even get a beer. Fun for all.

Family-Friendly Summer Hangouts in the Twin Cities Metro

Family-Friendly Summer Hangouts 

Roseanne Pereira

In June I went to a picnic where I had a “

 feeling. I kept going back for more. Later I found out the event had been catered by 

. Originally from the South Carolina Lowcountry, Johnson was raised in the Gullah Geechee culture.

“Many people are familiar with Southern food,” Johnson says, “but fewer have experienced authentic Lowcountry cooking prepared by someone who grew up in that tradition.” After tasting this food, I couldn’t agree more.

In case you’re unfamiliar with this part of American history, here’s a refresher. The 

 are descendants of enslaved West and Central Africans who lived on isolated coastal and Sea Island plantations from North Carolina to northern Florida. In part because of their geographic isolation, the Gullah Geechee managed to retain African traditions, distinctive foodways, and strong communal ties despite centuries of enslavement. It’s worth underlining how their advanced farming know-how led to enormous contributions to American cuisine.

, “Africans had been cultivating African rice for nearly three thousand years, along with many other crops that grew in hot regions, such as yams, black-eyed peas, peppers, okra, and watermelon. This generational knowledge carried on through enslavement … Gullah Geechee people were responsible for developing irrigation systems and dams, and cultivating crops like indigo and the nationally recognized Carolina Gold rice. Known for its fluffy texture, this made white slave owners in Charleston some of the wealthiest in the nation.”

For Chef James Johnson, Lowcountry and Gullah Geechee cuisine is rooted in bold flavors, resourcefulness, and cooking techniques passed down through families. For instance, smoking and grilling are important in the cuisine. Meats are prepared over oak wood or through slow-smoking methods that allow the seasonings, natural juices, and smoke to develop over time.

“Whether it is our Grilled Turkey Wings, Smoked Beef Short Ribs, Carolina-style barbecue, Citrus Grilled Chicken, or Lowcountry Jerk Chicken, we believe great food comes from patience, quality ingredients, and respect for traditional cooking methods,” he says. This means wherever possible, sourcing from local farms and producers that share his commitment to quality. All of the turkey 

Other items on Cooks of Hope’s menu include Lowcountry red rice (pictured up top), curry perlo, shrimp and grits, smoked fish and crab stew, Sea Island Salmon, Pili Pili chicken, collard greens, and seasonal Southern cobblers.

The Pili Pili chicken, a vibrant dish made with hot peppers, is a reflection of Johnson’s family story. It’s a popular dish in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where his wife, Peguy, is originally from, and he credits other African influences on the catering menu to her.

“More than anything, I want people to know that every dish has a story … our menu reflects the people, places, and cultures that have shaped our family,” Johnson says. “It is an honor to share those flavors with the Twin Cities through every meal we serve.”

I went to a picnic recently and thought, “How is this food so good?”.  Later I found out it had been catered by Cooks of Hope, founded by Chef James Johnson.

Gullah Geechee and Low Country Cuisine in the Twin Cities

Gullah Geechee and Low Country Cuisine 

You may think you’ve tried it all, but have you tried 

 showcases Peru’s Nikkei cuisine, which blends Japanese culinary techniques with Peruvian ingredients. 

 include tiradito (a Peruvian dish of thinly sliced raw fish, cut sashimi style – 

 ceviche style) as well as Japanese-style grilled skewers paired with Peruvian sauces, like the chicken yakitori with huacatay (an herb with minty, basil-like notes) sauce. Also available are sushi, tempura, and Peruvian classics like causitas (various salads – like chicken or tuna – made from a Peruvian yellow potato base), and aji de gallina, a chicken stew made with aji amarillo sauce. There’s also a lineup of pisco-based cocktails including a spicy maracuya (passionfruit) sour.

A love story led to this food truck’s unique combinations of cuisines – Polish and Jamaican. Dishes include “currogi,” 

’s own invention – a chicken pierogi with curry sauce, as well as savory Jamaican beef patties, cabbage rolls, jerk chicken, and kielbasa sausage. Among the most popular items are 

 signature smoked turkey leg, potato and cheese pierogi, and Island Breeze – a drink made of ginger, watermelon, and pineapple.

You’ve probably had Indian food, but have you had Pakistani food? 

 offers Pakistani and North Indian specialties – dishes like chicken malai botti (chicken skewers known for the creamy, melt-in-the-mouth texture), achari chicken (a curry made with spices used for pickling), and beef seekh kabobs (spicy, ground beef skewers). Of course, on offer too are a variety of biryanis - chicken, mutton, or beef. These are aromatic, one-pot rice, vegetable, and meat dishes cooked slowly on low heat so the spices infuse everything in the pot.

How about some Japanese-Italian in the North Loop? 

? Anyone up for pizza with spicy raw tuna and cilantro? The Isaac Becker pizza, named for the chef at Burch Steak, is just one of six Neapolitan-style pizzas on the 

. Other pizza topping combinations include: miso pesto with Parmesan and walnuts (on the Verde), or shrimp, charred cabbage, 

You may think you’ve tried it all, but have you tried these fusion cuisines in Minnesota?

Hungry for Something More in Minnesota?

Hungry for Something More?

Summer staycation, anyone? Check out these spots for some West 7th possibilities.

 started as a bike-based subscription program with bikers delivering loaves to customers. Now as a brick and mortar business, its specialty is naturally leavened bread. Each loaf starts with wild yeast and includes locally milled flour. The community-supporting bakery’s menu includes a soft sandwich bread called “fwuffy” (pictured above), cardamom spinners, scones, baguettes, cookies, croissants, and more.

 on Sundays (from 4 - 9 p.m.), one child per paying adult? Now you do! The 

 (that come with homemade fresh cut fries) are vast – from Shamrock burgers like the Deluxe West 7th (with bacon, smoked cheddar and BBQ sauce topped with a green pepper wheel, pulled pork, and onion strings) to their famous stuffed burgers. I have it on good authority that one of these, the Pepper Jack Hannahan, is the way to go - a pepper Jack cheese-stuffed burger, with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. Also super-popular are their Pot O’ Gold wings. Or, perhaps you would rather enjoy Leprechaun Legs? These deep fried green beans could be yours to try, too.

First opened in 1857 by Bavarian immigrants Anton and Wilhelmina Waldmann, this is the 

 built in the Twin Cities. It reopened in 2017 with a menu featuring natural, local ingredients and a focus on traditionally crafted, housemade 

 (modern interpretations of classic styles) and 

 (including bratwurst, currywurst, landjäger). Sides include chilled red cabbage, mashed potatoes, and spätzle. Enjoy the attention to detail and commitment to history in their European-style outdoor biergarten.

, there was a lot of soul searching. Sabrina Boualaphanh and Eric Phothisanh 

, including cooking schools in Thailand and a life-changing trip to Luang Prabang, Laos, where the couple ate meals prepared by local villagers and heard family stories. The resulting authentic Laotian cuisine menu includes crispy chicken over garlic chicken fat rice, Lao-style short ribs, and duck noodles made with rotisserie-aged duck. Mouth watering yet? I haven’t even gotten to the O.G. wings or the crispy rice salad. As their website says, “After the satisfaction of this meal, may you continue to act with good will and be blessed with everlasting compassion.”

Summer staycation, anyone? Check out these food and drink spots for some West 7th possibilities in St. Paul.

St. Paul's West 7th Food and Drink Crawl

West 7th Food and Drink Crawl

., you’re in for some foliage. With hundreds of live plants, the lush atmosphere makes for a relaxing summer spot. Co-owner Matt Holton studied horticulture and helped create the bright, greenhouse-like atmosphere. Wandering Leaf is family-friendly and even welcomes (leashed) dogs. They routinely host trivia and bingo, put on classes about plants and nature, and have special programming like Brew Babies, where twice a month on Wednesdays, space is reserved at the brewery for parents with young children to meet up and build relationships.

Located in a strip mall with ample parking, the spacious brewery is close to Aldi,, bubble tea shop Tii Cup, and family-run restaurant 

. The brewery doesn’t have a kitchen, but serves snacks like beef jerky, animal crackers, and popcorn, and allows patrons to bring in food from neighborhood restaurants. It also sometimes hosts food trucks. 

, most of which are gluten-reduced. One collaboration with Soul Lao called Super Lao Key is a popular, sticky rice lager with flavors of coconut and pandan. Another, Creeping Lotus, is a triple hazy IPA with flavors of papaya, mango, pineapple, and tangerine. There’s also Bloom. With flavors of cara cara orange, guava, and passionfruit, some consider it the very taste of summer. Darker beers include Hemlock, a dark German lager, and Geographic Oddity, an English porter.

Co-owner Robby Reisdorf says, “We are always striving to make better beer,” and recommends the Helles lager, Ossuary, which won gold for Best German Pale Lager at this year’s 

. For non-drinkers, non-alcoholic beer, kombucha, carbonated tea, and soda are all available.

Reisdorf says though the brewing industry as a whole is struggling right now, the community is still so helpful and supportive. “For any problem we’ve encountered, there are many other breweries that have faced it,” he says. “They are willing to give advice and help.”

This week, Wandering Leaf Brewing Co. is hosting an 

. Yes, you read that right. You can relive the best parts of summer camp, 

, of course, beer. Camp-inspired activities include tie-dying, cribbage, friendship bracelet-making, planter painting, and brewery experiences like tours, talks on carnivorous plants (!), a “Bonsai and Beer” workshop, and beer poking – a 400-year-old German tradition that involves plunging a red-hot metal rod into cold, malty beer. The camp is just one of the many engaging activities the brewery continually tries to offer to ensure it is an inviting space.

Reflecting back, Reisdorf says, “There have been a million surprises, challenges, and small victories,” like how people from all over come to the taproom because of their love of plants. What keeps him going is “the community that has supported us.”

If you’ve never been to Wandering Leaf Brewing Co., you’re in for some foliage. With hundreds of live plants, the lush atmosphere is a relaxing summer spot.

St. Paul's Wandering Leaf Adult Summer Camp

Wandering Leaf Adult Summer Camp

And welcoming is one way to describe Marhaba Mediterranean Grill’s atmosphere especially during the World Cup, where games are shown on screens throughout the restaurant. The alcohol-free restaurant has been in operation since 2012 and is family-owned.

“Soccer is a huge part of Egyptian culture,” Mohamed Shehata, Marhaba’s owner, says. “We show every match, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere where fans of every country can come together to cheer on their teams. Families are always welcome, making it a great place for parents, kids, and friends to enjoy authentic food while experiencing the excitement of the tournament.”

Marhaba serves authentic Egyptian dishes made fresh daily from family recipes passed down through generations. Some of their most popular 

 include kofta kabob, chicken kabob, beef and chicken gyro, falafel, koshari, hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, and freshly baked pita bread. (Did anyone else just get very hungry?!)

 include baklava, kinafa (golden shredded pastry over sweet cheese in syrup), and basbousa, semolina cake served in citrus blossom syrup.

There are a few different ways to approach the restaurant including ordering items a la carte off the menu, or by partaking in unlimited visits to their lunch or dinner buffet. Shehata recommends the buffet for first timers since you can experience the variety of Egyptian flavors in one meal. He also recommends the fresh hibiscus juice, a refreshing traditional Egyptian favorite.

For Shehata, the tournament and restaurant are aligned in other ways, too.

“The World Cup brings people together, and that's exactly what Marhaba Grill is all about,” he says. “It's one of our favorite times of the year because it creates a sense of community that goes beyond soccer.”

Marhaba Mediterranean Grill’s atmosphere is welcoming, especially during the World Cup, where games are shown on screens throughout the restaurant.

World Cup Fans Welcome at Minneapolis' Marhaba Grill (Buffet Alert!)

World Cup Fans Welcome at Marhaba Grill (Buffet Alert!)

Ninth Street Soccer and Coffee (Minneapolis)

If you’re looking for an atmosphere that’s energetic, welcoming, and fun for all ages, why not head to a place that celebrates soccer and community year-round? At 

, parents can watch games inside the cafe while their 

 on a nearby indoor field for free. A full espresso bar, smoothies, and local beer are all available, and Ninth Street will screen the finals right on their indoor turf, projected onto the wall.

This Highland Park family-owned and operated spot has been around since 1971. With 37+ TVs throughout – including popular dual-TV booths – no seat has a bad view. During the World Cup, 

” to their American grill-style menu – those are four different flavors of wings inspired by countries competing in the cup, including French lemon pepper beurre blanc wings and Mexican mango tajín-chamoy wings.

This women-owned, popular mercado and cantina on the West side features vibrant community watch parties, projector screenings on their spacious outdoor patio, and game-day food and drink specials. 

 food and drink offerings include classic margaritas, nachos, and tacos, as well as horchata and Mexican coffee. Games are also 

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee (Blaine, Eden Prairie, Little Canada)

, (also known as Khalyet Al Nahel, a honey-drizzled sweet bread stuffed with cream cheese) or other traditional Yemeni sweets. And check out location-specific discounts, like 15% off for wearing your favorite national team jersey.

If you’re looking for an atmosphere that’s energetic, welcoming, and fun for all ages, why not head to a place that celebrates soccer and community year-round?

Family-Friendly World Cup Watching in the Twin Cities

Family-Friendly World Cup Watching

I first visited Tamu Grill at Taste of Minnesota with my mother, who used to live in Kenya. She’s a hard grader yet gave their samosas two thumbs up.

At the festival this year, the beef samosas will again be served, along with vegan samosas, Kenyan beef sausage, passion juice (a drink made from passion fruit), and Kenyan coffee. A must-try is Chef Jojo’s seasoned fries – he uses a house spice blend on the fries I’m still thinking about. Manager Fanaka Ndege tells me this year the seasoning will be on sale, dubbed “potato buddy.” Another new offering will be Kenyan beaded bracelets from Nairobi.

Ndege’s top recommendation for someone new to Tamu Grill is to try their beef samosas and fries. “It's delicious, filling, and most importantly easy to eat on the go. And if you're a spice lover like me, we'll have hot sauce on the side you can add!”

Tamu Grill is a weekend restaurant (available for dine in/take out: Fri to Sun. Hours: 2 - 8 p.m.) and posts updates on TikTok (

). Ndege says a phrase that characterizes what they offer is, “The taste of Kenya in Minneapolis.”

For instance, he says, “it’s very rare to find ugali in the Twin Cities.” This is a staple of Kenyan cuisine that resembles cream of wheat shaped in a round ball. It’s made from scratch with cornmeal and water and served hot. Ndege says, “it screams ‘home’ for those familiar.” It pairs well with other offerings at Tamu Grill like tilapia fish, beef curry, and coconut-curry beans. Other offerings at the restaurant include slow-cooked greens (collard and spinach) and chapati (pan-fried flatbread).

The restaurant offers many vegan and gluten-free options and Chef Jojo stays away from excess grease. This is another reason those tightly wrapped samosas are so good! You can eat flavorful without feeling weighed down. That means more energy to wander the festival and try even more.

Many consider Chef Jojo, the man behind the menu and a person noted for his tremendous hospitality, a pillar of the local Kenyan community. He grew up in Nairobi, where he got exposure to a variety of foods, including Middle Eastern, Indian, and Kenyan. 

He relates his food philosophy on Tamu’s website: “I believe one does not have to be wealthy to enjoy delicious food. I cook from my heart, enjoy experimenting with spices, and go for flavor.” I saw this philosophy come through firsthand when tasting Tamu’s food. If you try it at Taste of Minnesota, maybe you will, too.

Tamu Grill: Kenyan Food Spotlight in Minneapolis

Tamu Grill: Kenyan Food Spotlight

The food and music festival, Taste of Minnesota, converges in downtown Minneapolis this week. Check out this sampling of the varied cuisine all found in this one great state.

This Spanish one-pot wonder will delight you. 

 offers a signature chicken and chorizo paella with optional add-ins of fried egg, seafood (shrimp, clam, and mussel), or both. They’re also serving agua fresca with flavors such as Guava-Hibiscus, Mango-Pineapple-Basil, and Mixed Berry-Mint. The paella is made on the spot in enormous paella pans so you can see the crisped-up Bomba rice with all the fixings come together in front of your eyes.

Hot hushpuppies – crisp and golden on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside – are on the menu at popular 

. The goal is to experience a bit of NOLA culture with every plate of food – whether fried catfish, fish and shrimp po’ boys, gumbo, or cajun fries – all craveable soul food served with Southern hospitality.

A beloved Egyptian street food dish, koshari, is yours to try this weekend from 

. Each bowl includes rice, pasta, lentils, and a savory-spicy homemade tomato sauce topped with fried onions. There are three varieties – the classic veggie koshari, beef, or chicken. For those who enjoy a little extra heat, a signature garlicky vinegar sauce and a mild hot sauce are also available.

You can taste the Caribbean twist in the food served up by 

. At Taste of Minnesota, this includes Puerto Rican rice made with a sofrito base of cooked down aromatics and peppers.

Esquites (Mexican-style corn bowls) are on offer from 

. The roasted sweet corn is served hot with cotija cheese, tajin, mayo, cilantro, and lime. The family-run business has its roots in Ukraine, where Oleg Peliavskyi once operated a flower farm. War forced the family to relocate and pivot. Since then, the corn and sweet potato offerings cooked in The Orange Roaster’s custom-built roasting machine have been a treat at farmer’s markets around town.

The food and music festival, Taste of Minnesota, converges in downtown Minneapolis this week. Check out all the cuisine found in this one great state.