Green Spoon an affordable spot near the U

Article by: RICK NELSON , Star Tribune
Updated: September 14, 2011 - 3:46 PM

Chef John Robinson emphasizes fresh ingredients and attentive cooking.

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University of Minnesota students and staff -- and Gophers football fans -- listen up: There's a notable new dining option near TCF Bank Stadium.

At first glance, Green Spoon appears to stick to a fairly familiar format: waffles, French toast, omelets and pancakes in the a.m., followed by wraps, panini, salads, sandwiches and a sampling of entrees (a puff pastry chicken pot pie, beer-battered fish and chips) for the rest of the day.

But chef John Robinson distinguishes himself by emphasizing fresh ingredients and attentive cooking. It's the kind of place where a chicken Caesar wrap makes a favorable impression, and an imaginative soup has the ability to bowl a diner over. This one, anyway.

There's also an occasional flash of a Korean accent -- a layer of tangy kimchi in a pulled pork sandwich, bulgogi-style beef in a Philly-style steak sandwich -- a welcome influence, no doubt, from owner Jinsoo Park.

Robinson keeps prices affordable for the student-loan crowd -- breakfast can be had for $5, sandwiches run $7 or $8, and the top entree price is $12 -- and portions are more than generous.

Pastry chef Stacy Stapleton fills her display case with an ever-changing variety of cakes, cookies, scones, muffins and sweet buns. There's a modest beer and wine selection, the young counter-service staff is all smiles and the stylish setting could double as an Ikea showroom.

GREEN SPOON

Where: 2600 University Av. SE., Mpls

Hours: Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat.

Info: 612-208-0529, greenspooncafe.com