Feast your eyes on: The Modern Cafè

The Modern's cheery exterior

The Modern Cafè in Northeast Minneapolis lives in the at perfectly balanced world of times past, present and to come. The bricked building with it's Art Deco vintage interior invites customers in for a warm, comfy meal—while the art work,  splashes of color and menu items let you know you'd better not make you mind up about the place just yet.

The building that houses The Modern has spent many-a-year as a hot-plate coffee and eggs place, and the smell and vibe lingers faintly in the air. But the fresh, locally sourced ingredients come to your table in an inventive and simple way. Changing seasonally, the menu offers touchs of comfort food from all over the world, all with a Midwest twist. The sweet pea wontons are the best of spring in a crispy Asian wonton with a drizzle of chili oil. The tednder stewed pork is sweet up-front with smoky and spicy flavors at the end. All this is melded by a velvety polenta cake and a few wedges of avocado.

The food does not taste fussy, but it has clearly been fussed over by an attentive and imaginative kitchen and wait staff. The wine and beer list handsomely compliment the menu offering, and you can catch half-priced wine night on Tuesdays.

For dessert, which is seasonal as well (and is not posted anywhere but in the minds of the servers) was apple cobbler and chocolate pot de crème with a peanut brittle wedge. Delicious!

Put frankly and simply, The Modern is just that; a modern twist on the American diner with wonderful (all-be-it a little pricey) menu items. A Twin Cities original, that continues to re-invent itself while staying rooted in the basest culinary urges of its customers.