![Fresh Beets on the kitchen counter fresh from the Wise Acre Eatery. ] TOM WALLACE • twallace@startribune.com __Assignments #20018935A_ July 14, 2011_ SLUG: rn0728_ EXTRA INFORMATION: The Wise Acre Eatery restaurant, 5401 Nicollet Ave South, Mpls, MN, has been open for a couple months. People: A portrait of Chef, (CQ) Beth Fisher, and a portrait of Fisher and GM (CQ)Caroline Glawe. Food: Fried chicken, "Shades of Summer" salad, and the custard sundae of the day. _Names were CQ'](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/XEH5BT6KCIJDKENE2HO5ASH4YA.jpg?&w=1080)
Environmentally conscious Common Roots Cafe caters to breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy-hour crowds with a monthly menu that emphasizes uncomplicated, affordable fare. Vegetarians and vegans are more than welcome; fans of local craft beers will feel right at home, and the baking crew cranks out the Twin Cities area's bagel to end all bagels.
2558 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., 612-871-2360, www.commonrootscafe.com
At sprawling, handsome Heartland Restaurant & Farm Direct Market, chef Lenny Russo changes his dinner menu daily, and includes a three-course fixed-price option ($45 for meat and fish, $35 for vegetarian). Lighter appetites should consider a seat in the bar, and there are plenty of take-away options in the adjacent well-stocked market.
289 E. 5th St., St. Paul, 651-699-3536, www.heartlandrestaurant.com
Wise Acre Eatery chef Beth Fisher has a single source for the vast majority of the ingredients in her kitchen: the restaurant's farm. Located about 45 minutes west of Minneapolis in Plato, Minn., the busy acreage produces pristine beef, pork, poultry, eggs and truckloads of vegetables and fruits, and Fisher's farmhouse-modern cooking uses them all to their best advantage. Don't miss the frozen custard.
5401 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., 612-354-2577, www.wiseacreatery.com
RICK NELSON
