One pandemic-era tradition that's worth keeping: outsourcing Easter dinner. Some of the best restaurants in the Twin Cities are offering take-and-bake meals, from kid-friendly treats and a multitude of egg-bake options to meals fit for Grandma's wedding china. Being able to carefully unwrap all the goodies instead of spending hours in the kitchen leaves more time for nibbling chocolate bunnies and hunting for that one last hidden egg.
WEST METRO, MINNEAPOLIS
Animales Barbeque Co.
Chef/owner Jon Wipfli's smoker is fired up for the holiday weekend. Meal kits include a ham-brined, smoked coppa pork shoulder, slow-cooked mayacoba beans, a pound of roasted asparagus with champagne vinaigrette, fresh hot-cross buns and an orange coriander pound cake with strawberries and cream ($125, serves five). Order via Tock for pickup on April 16.
Bauhaus Brew Labs, 1315 Tyler St. NE, Mpls., exploretock.com/animalesbbq/
Bellecour Bakery
A brunch of French finery, Gavin Kaysen's Bellecour Bakery in the North Loop will prepare the entire meal to serve two to three ($60) or four ($100) with a spinach and cheese quiche, green salad and a choice of pastries. Add-ons are available, as well, including a towering strawberry and lemon crêpe cake ($95) that's also available by the slice ($9.50). Order for pickup April 15, 16 or 17.
210 N. 1st St., Mpls., 612-223-8167, exploretock.com/bellecourbakery
Benedict's
Chef Mike Rakun's Minnetonka eatery is known for its fabulous breakfast fare. Choose from three flavors of egg bakes: ham and Gruyère, crab and asparagus, or spinach with bacon and goat cheese. Each dinner comes with cream cheese hash browns, ham, monkey bread, strawberry spinach salad and a fruit plate. Serves up to six for $125. Pick up April 16 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
845 E. Lake St., Wayzata, 952-923-1903, benedictswayzata.com