It is that time of year when most Minnesotans love to go to the North Shore. If you didn’t get away over the summer to hike, camp, or get an all-around break to breathe in less humid air and no buzzing of Minnesota’s state insect- the mosquito, chances are you are waiting until the drop in temps and to see the beauty of the myriad of colors that await you in the north woods.
We ( my hubby and myself) visit the North Shore at least once or twice a season, whether camping or just for a day trip. It’s always a good time. Driving further north along the picturesque Lake Superior shore from Duluth, about 30 minutes is the small town of Two Harbors.
This is where we find one of our favorite little eateries, Vanilla Bean. It is a brown building, nothing special to look at, but it has some of the best breakfast food!
We initially discovered it simply for grab-and-go coffee. It was one of the only places in town that could make a good mocha or cappuccino. The meals are so delicious. If you are at all Scandinavian, you will appreciate the crepes! There are Norwegian crepes and Swedish pancakes. It makes my mouth water just thinking about them with lingonberries and other delicious goodies.
They say on the menu whether items are vegan or gluten-free, which I appreciate. My husband is a sucker for eggs benedict. Their menu had four different varieties. FOUR! All with poached eggs, and if you have tried making them, you know it is a talent, not just anyone can do. He said the hollandaise sauce was one of the best he’s ever tasted!
Then there’s the lunch menu. I’ve never tasted it, but I’ve heard fantastic things about the sandwiches and the out-of-this-world wild rice salad. Next time, I have to go for lunch! The restaurant's interiors are small, and seating is limited since they use their front patio in the summer when times are busier. Plus, the drinks look out of this world!
The inside reminds me of the small restaurant I grew up going to in my hometown. It wasn’t upscale or pretentious, but the food was homey and comforting. Maybe that’s the point: eating here, one can feel drawn to that feeling of home. We all know what Dorothy said, “There’s no place like home,” and Vanilla Bean has created a place to come home to with every bite.