Counter Intelligence: Lucia's gives Peeps a good name

By Rick Nelson, Star Tribune

Last update: March 28, 2007 - 3:34 PM

It's Peeps season. Even at Lucia's Bakery & Take Home (1428 W. 31st St., Minneapolis), although the aggressively fake, seasonal marshmallow treat is not being sold; it's being knocked off. "No high-fructose corn syrup or food coloring for us," said baker Susan Dietrich with a laugh. "It's an all-natural marshmallow, just sugar, gelatin, a fabulous Madagascar vanilla, Valrhona chocolate for eyes and toasted coconut for coloring." The squishy little bunny hatchlings are $1.50 a pop, or four in a tiny Easter basket (actually, it's a berry basket, but it's close) for $6.50.

A taste of history

Restaurants from yesteryear come alive on the first floor of Minneapolis City Hall in downtown Minneapolis. An exhibit, produced by the Municipal Building Arts Committee and the Hennepin History Museum, features poster-size menus from 14 Minneapolis restaurants, including the Nankin Cafe, Harrah's Cafe, Minnesota Terrace, the Butterfly and the Colonial Inn. Ah, for the good old days. At the 620 Club, a Pink Lady cocktail cost 95 cents and was "served in frosted glasses for finer enjoyment," and at Charlie's Cafe Exceptionale, steamed finnan haddie with drawn butter and parsley buttered potatoes was $1.50 and creamed chicken with mushrooms a la king was $1.25.

Around town

Two restaurants on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis have closed: Sobas (2558 Lyndale Av. S.) and Emma's Restaurant & Lounge (2817 Lyndale Av. S.).