
Thank you to FCS Professionals member Anne Boyer for providing this month’s restaurant review. In keeping with our theme of health and wellness, she introduces us to one of her new favorite Minneapolis eateries, Tao Natural Foods.
With the Twin Cities being voted best local food scene by USA Today last year and Food and Wine’s “America’s next big food city,” the food culture here in our backyard is something to be truly excited for. It is something I quickly noticed and immersed myself in when I first moved here over five years ago, realizing this one- of- a kind and passionate food community. Not only can you find an abundance of exceptional chefs, innovative restaurant ideas, and diverse cultural food, this area is exceptionally health driven with an abundance of delicious, healthy dining options to explore.
Given this assignment, I had many ideas, but there is one, in particular, I have recently ventured to I wanted to highlight. It is a hidden gem in uptown that I finally had the chance to explore and has become my new favorite spot. Tao Natural Foods on the corner of Hennipen and 22nd is an organic café, coffee shop, and health foods store with a unique and diverse selection of fresh and all- natural food options. The community atmosphere and feel of this small café makes the experience all the better. With big windows and a European style front with quant lights, this place is perfect anytime during the day, alone or with a small group.
The menu ranges from a full coffee shop serving fair trade coffee, amazing smoothie bar with unique flavors and protein combinations, fresh made juices, local kombucha on tap, tonics and herbal formulas, to nourishing breakfast options like bowls and ancient grains, salads, unique wraps, macro-bowls filled with grains and power foods, and gluten free/ vegan desserts. The whole menu can be made gluten free serving gluten free wraps and breads as well, something I am always excited for.
Here is a photo of their Sunshine Bowl filled with quinoa, mixed greens, beets, spiced sweet potatoes, sprouts, mixed herbs, chevre, topped with a poached egg +lemon vinaigrette with a sage pear kombucha on tap from Deane’s Kombucha.
While the food is exceptional, one of my favorite aspects of this little café is their support and collaboration with local vendors and farms, and their use of organic, non GMO, free range, hormone free, and sustainable ingredients for their entire menu. Once you enjoy your meal, you can even explore their health store where they offer an amazing selection of bulk herbs, teas, supplements, foods, health services and even community classes. There is something for everyone and you never know what you may discover or learn!
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