When Minnesota temperatures take their inevitable downward dive, one of the best ways to warm your soul is with a bowl of chicken wild rice soup from French Meadow Bakery and Cafe in St. Paul. French Meadow has been one of the best comfort food restaurants in Minnesota for nearly four decades, and its version of this Bold North classic is one of the state’s favorites.
Why French Meadow Bakery and Cafe Is One of the Best Comfort Food Restaurants in Minnesota
The original French Meadow opened on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis as the first certified-organic bakery in the U.S. The St. Paul location is still owned and operated by the Gordon family, who launched the business more than 40 years ago. Over the decades, the restaurant has racked up numerous local accolades, and Bon Appétit magazine has twice recognized French Meadow as one of the country’s 10 best bread bakeries. Between its national cred as a bakery and its long-term status as a beloved local eatery, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that French Meadow is one of the top comfort food restaurants in the country that locals swear by.
The Soup That Locals Order When the Weather Turns Cold
Minnesota’s unofficial state dish is chicken wild rice soup. While it can’t be said that chicken wild rice soup is “uniquely” Minnesotan, the Land of 10,000 Lakes produces more wild rice than anywhere else in the world, so the state has a legitimate claim on it. And few places do it as well as French Meadow Bakery and Cafe. French Meadow’s version of this comfort classic is neither a watery broth nor a thick cream-based soup that squelches the flavors of the ingredients. Rather, it’s a hearty, well-seasoned stew thick with Minnesota-grown wild rice and sizable chunks of white-meat chicken, as well as carrots and scallions—served with a slice of buttery, toasted sourdough, all for around $10. With the first steaming spoonful, you’ll feel yourself thaw from the inside out and understand why French Meadow’s chicken wild rice soup often ranks among the best in Minnesota. In fact, I’d put it up against any of the best soups in the U.S.
What Else To Order at French Meadow Bakery and Cafe
French Meadow offers several menus – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – of delicious options made from locally sourced, ethically produced, and sustainable ingredients, including a large selection of vegetarian and vegan options and comfort foods in Minnesota. Their vegan black bean chili offers as much of a winter warm-up as the chicken wild rice soup, and a cup of the tomato basil soup is a perfect complement to the incredible grilled cheese sandwich. I also love the eatery’s “zone” omelet, three egg whites with one yolk, spinach, goat cheese, roasted tomatoes, and scallions, for a hearty breakfast or brunch. The daytime menu also features a good selection of sandwiches and salads, and evening diners can choose from an array of entrees like bourbon-glazed salmon, wild mushroom pasta, and braised beef. Of course, French Meadow is a nationally renowned bakery, so you’d be remiss if you didn’t grab a chocolate chunk brownie for dessert or take some baked goods home with you.
What To Know Before You Go
French Meadow Bakery and Cafe in St. Paul is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Adjacent to the Macalester College campus on Grand Avenue, French Meadow is popular with students and has a full coffee bar for folks who need a pick-me-up for studying or to stay warm on a cold day. The restaurant also offers beer, wine, and a full selection of craft cocktails.
This award-winning bakery and cafe serves one of the best versions of a classic Midwestern comfort dish, which puts it in the same conversation as some of the best restaurants in Minnesota. When the weather cools down this year, a bowl of chicken wild rice soup from French Meadow Bakery and Cafe is one of the best ways to stay warm in the Bold North…