Turtle Bread is everything I love about middle America: a happy, smiley place that specializes in something and does it well. As much as I secretly (or not so secretly) adore the surly waiters here in France, there’s something about people who love what they do and do it with a smile that is so easy to find in America, and yet so easy to forget once you’re over here in France.
The place itself is sweet and sunny and open. The second you walk in, you are greeted by a table of fresh loaves of bread, wrapped up and ready to go, as well as another of my favorite American standbys, the free sample. If I lived in Minnesota, I’m sure that I would become a regular here, coming to pick up loaves of specialty bread. The ones they had that day included herbed breads, sourdoughs, whole wheats, and even a chocolate bread. (There were free samples of this one… it was delicious. Not too sweet. I could see how it would be perfect with a little cream cheese, fromage frais or even just some demi-sel butter.)
Turtle Bread also does soups, which is the reason that my friend, the bride, and I went that day. She ordered a squash soup and I had vegan minestrone, which was surprisingly flavorful considering the fact that there was no pancetta, no chicken broth and no parmesan cheese. Each bowl of soup comes with a slice of bread, which was also quite delicious. The crust was nice and sturdy: perfect for picking up the last drops. I also ordered a salad, which was dressed lightly with a delicious vinaigrette.
We have specialty shops here in France, but for some reason, it doesn’t feel the same to me. In the States, even chains like this one can feel family-run and friendly. I guess what I’m trying to say is, I’ve never had such a happy bowl of soup.
Turtle Bread
4762 Chicago Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55407
tel: 612-823-7333
http://www.turtlebread.com/
Love.