I fainted at Al's Breakfast

I went in with my mind set on eating some great grub. I even came on the day that Jim mans the griddle. However, while waiting in line behind happy eaters, I felt the beginnings of dizziness. My knees buckled. My body began to sweat. My vision became tunneled. Then, as I took a step toward my seat, I fell.

Yes folks, I fell over just before being served delightful breakfast goodness at my favorite 13 stool diner.

I made my way out of the place, embarrassed. I wasn't hung over, I didn't have that fainting sheep disease. I wasn't sure what happened. And I definitely didn't get any breakfast.

According to the medical staff at Regions Hospital, I experienced syncope. It happens to a lot of people, I guess. The conditions were perfect for my spell. No food, standing for a long time in one place, hot environment. Presto chango. Joy doesn't get Al's because she suffered a fainting spell. Boo.

However, I archived some photos of a previous week's experience. Ha HA! Success.

That time, the time I didn't faint at Al's, I ordered my favorite omelet: The Smokey. It has bacon, sharp cheddar and tomatoes. Deliciousness. All the ingredients are hearty and flavorful. There's no need to put sauces on top, but a little ketchup can be a nice addition.

I sometimes order walnut pancakes, a short stack, with real maple syrup. Hearty and satisfying.

The cooks make all the food from 50-year-old recipes, from scratch, with full fat ingredients. You're never going to find egg whites and skim milk on the menu. However, if you do have a few specifications, they will cater to them, maybe.

I truly love the whole experience of Al's because it reminds me of going to the cabin. The people are truly Minnesotan with a bit of hipster grunge involved. The shelves have world money all over them. Child guests get dinosaur toys for play while waiting, and hot sauce is always an option. There's even a triple berry jam that tastes better than the typical concord grape variety.

Now, if you visit Al's, make sure you don't faint. But enjoy the time waiting and eating. Don't go with more than 3 people or the conversation will be busted up, and you can't save spots in line. I learned this the hard way.

Buster's Cuban Style

I spent the weekend showing off Minneapolis eats to my friend from Pasedena, Melanie. Though I ate like the hungry caterpillar, I wanted to highlight my favorite new meal.

Butster’s on 28th is in a really normal neighborhood in south Minneapolis. Next door: the Baker’s Wife, a bakery worth visiting. On the other side: a biker’s coffee shop, a new concept to this part of town. It’s a seemingly inconspicuous block of businesses. But inside Buster’s, the beer list goes on for two pages, with descriptions, the food is all unique and the wait staff knows what they’re talking about. Though the TVs weren’t the highest caliber for the Lakers vs. Celtics game, the high backed wooden booths are beautiful. Though the locale isn’t huge, the atmosphere is cozy and packed. You might have to wait for lunch or dinner, but its worth it.

I went out on a limb. Instead of ordering the Bison Burger, which is alright, I put my chips on the Elian Gonzalez. You betcha. That little Latino boy made it to Florida on a raft, back to Cuba and onto a menu in Minneapolis. A lot of traveling for this guy.

This Cuban sandwich is made complete pickles, medium mustard, pork and ham. Served on Baker’s Wife focaccia, I was amazed at the flavor. I’d recommend this and the turkey sandwich with guacamole. My sister wanted to know how they made the guac. I told her to ask but rationalized that there is probably avocado in it. She pursed her lips.

For about $15, and a stop at Buster’s on 28th, you’ll be glad to have found a new favorite in Minneapolis.