takeout journal Rick Nelson Leave the cooking to these takeout experts

Locavore-minded soups, salads and sandwiches, plus heat-and-serve meals (lasagna, shepherd's pie), and first-rate provisions from Baker's Field Flour & Bread and Red Table Meat Co. 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily.

117 14th Av. NE., Mpls., 612-354-5093, kieranskitchen.com

Here's a fun Friday dinner idea: chicken and chorizo paella, served with salad. Preorder, then pick up on Friday between 4:30-6 p.m.

3001 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 612-824-4417, kitchenwindow.com

The regular breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are available at this bakery/cafe, along with a half-dozen family-style meals (chicken saltimbocca, shrimp scampi), plus family-style entrees ranging from chicken pot pie to tater tot hot dish. 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. daily.

1565 Cliff Road, Eagan, 651-340-7809, themasonjar.us

This appealing newcomer specializes in tandoor oven-baked flatbreads topped with globally inspired ingredients. Consider chicken marinated in Greek yogurt and freshly ground spices, or lamb meatballs seasoned with cardamom and almonds. The stuffed potato cakes with a golden raisin-ginger sauce are a must. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.

"We're doing a take on the drive-through hamburger joint, the model is In-N-Out Burger," said chef Adam Eaton. "We're trying to do Dinette-ish food, with a little bit of a twist, and have a little fun with the menu." Expect to encounter Eaton's fanatically popular cheeseburger and bologna sandwich. Noon-8 p.m. Thu.-Sun.

261 E. 5th St., St. Paul, 651-800-1415, saintdinette.com

Pick up a family-size meal from rising star chef Yia Vang, who is offering fried chicken or barbecued pork, purple sticky rice and roasted root vegetables. Order online and pick it up at Vang's trailer outside Sociable Cider Werks. 4-7 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 1-7 p.m. Sat-. Sun.

1500 NE. Fillmore St., Mpls., 612-431-5285, unionkitchenmn.com