We haven’t done a “Get to Know Us” in a long time. We were running out of category ideas, so we had to have a brainstorm session. This was one of the topics we came up with. Next time we see you, it’s likely that we will take you to one of these two places. Have a great weekend everyone! 🙂

Day 26: Favorite place to hang out in Minneapolis

Erick: Starbucks, Galleria Mall, Edina, MN

Let’s face it, you may not know this about me, but I, Erick Horrmann, am a big-time creature of habit.

I LOVE going to the same places, getting the same things, knowing exactly what my experience is going to be like, and it’s always going to be great. For me, Starbucks will always fit these requirements. All of the stores are basically the same.

You can always order Pike Place blend (one of my favorites) and a cup of coffee tastes the same in Minneapolis, MN; Ft. Collins, CO; Beijing, China; and Charlotte, NC. No matter where you are, a cup of Pike Place will always be the same. It’s amazing!

The Starbucks in the Galleria Mall in Edina is one of my favorites for many reasons. It is where I meet up with THE Dan Hogan every week for coffee. It’s where they have the new Clover coffee machine, if I’m every feeling “elite” in my coffee selection. It’s where “the espresso guy” from a great little coffee shop near our house (that Courtney’s probably going to tell you about after my post. Yea, I know her that well :-P) frequents when he’s not at his coffee shop. He’s solid!

Basically, I love the same-ness … which makes it sound boring, but it’s not. It feels like home :-).

Courtney: Patisserie 46
http://www.patisserie46.com/

I. love. this. place.

When I’m not having the best of days, I go here, and *boom* I’m better. Good people and good food do this to me. They know me here. I like when people know me.

They make all things pastry, along with crusty and chewy baguettes, tarts, cakes, homemade ice cream, sandwiches, quiche — and to top it off, really yummy espresso and coffee to go with it all. Seriously, you should go here.

If I didn’t already have a job I love, I’d work at the Patisserie. I’d learn how to make beautiful croissants from chef John, and drink coffee with the entire south Minneapolis neighborhood. Everyone in south Minneapolis comes here … or at least that’s how it feels. This place is always busy. Always. That’s how awesome they are.

I was talking to my friend Jason the other day — he’s the one who makes my Americano — and Jason told me that they almost opened the store in Eau Claire, WI. But things fell through, and so they’re here. Where I live. Praise the Lord.

It’s delicious, friendly, cozy, and so beautifully delicious that I just need to tell you more than once.

They are off of 46th and Grand avenue in south Minneapolis. Let me know when you’re free. I’ll buy you an Americano and pain au chocolat, and we can talk away the troubles of the day in front of the fireplace. Seriously, let me know when you’re free.