Read The Hobbit while eating the French-Kissed Italian Toast from Edina Grill. Photos: Chris Emeott
Eat, read and repeat during a daylong literary escapade through Edina and Linden Hills.
I love adventure—both the physical thrill of exploring the world around me and the mental escape of diving into a book, letting a writer transport me to far-off places, real or imagined. Another passion of mine is the hunt for my next read, whether in a cozy library or a charming bookshop. Sometimes, I dedicate an entire day to the search. So, what better way to celebrate adventure than by taking you, my dear readers, on a family-friendly booklover’s tour of Edina and Linden Hills?
A Tolkien-ish Breakfast: Start your day with a breakfast that is reminiscent of Gandalf’s from The Hobbit. He ate two whole loaves of bread with masses of butter, honey and clotted cream. While we all won’t have the appetite of a wizard, the Edina Grill has a breakfast that is pretty close and is more delicious. The French-Kissed Italian Toast is made out of thick slabs of ciabatta bread that’s dipped in egg and grilled to perfection. It’s served with maple syrup and whipped butter. It’s perfect for easing into a day of bookish adventures.
Turn Back Time: Visit Wild Rumpus, and pick up a classic novel from your childhood that your kids will also adore. This beloved indie bookstore is a must-visit, especially for lovers of children’s literature. With free-roaming animals and a large selection of books, it’s a magical shop for readers of all ages. I highly recommend any of The Famous Five novels by Enid Blyton. There are 21 books in the series, each a delightful tale of mystery and adventure that satisfies the imaginations of children and the whimsical nostalgia of adults. Wild Rumpus has a great graphic novel collection, including the graphic novelization of Five on a Treasure Island, the first book in the series. If you can’t find a copy, the Linden Hills Library is about two blocks away.
Wild Rumpus is a family favorite.
The Famous Five Picnic at Picnic: I’ve searched for the perfect spot to replicate one of the scrumptious meals from The Famous Five. Those kids ate well. I was always impressed by the spread of ham and cheeses that frequented their table. Walk from Wild Rumpus to Picnic and order the Meat & Cheese Picnic Board or the Baguette & Butter Flight with a side of the deviled eggs. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, nothing ever beats The Famous Five’s sandwich spreads on the days they went out for a picnic. In Five on a Hike Together, the children order four different types of sandwiches—cheese, pork, ham and egg—from a local shopwoman. While Picnic doesn’t have the exact variety, you can’t go wrong with a mix of its French Hen, Hazel Basil, tuna and BLPT. They also have excellent picnic boards.
Eat as well as the kids in The Famous Five novels with Meat & Cheese and other picnic boards from Picnic. Or embrace your inner Five child by ordering sandwiches.
Investigate Your Next Book Club: Walk across Upton Avenue to Comma, a bookshop. This independent bookstore has a fantastic array of books and gifts. It’s also known for its variety of book clubs, so be sure to check out the list while you are there, and pick up the latest novel so you can join in. My favorite part of Comma is that it has a brilliant mix of the latest literary gems, breezy beach reads and the classics. I recommend The Great Gatsby, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. Also pick up a journal and pen. This will come in handy later.
Comma, a bookshop has the classics and the latest novels.
Relax Lakeside: Walk to Lake Harriet, and settle in on a bench or lay a picnic blanket by the lake for a peaceful hour of reading while the kids play in the sand. Or, if you’re solo, venture to Centennial Lakes Park, and sit on one of the swing benches next to the water. My favorite spot is the bench that overlooks the Tree in the Lake. Both are perfect places to curl up with a good book.
Writing in a journal from Comma, a bookshop while sitting by Lake Harriet.
A Reflective Sunset: If you’re at Lake Harriet, it’s the ideal place to sit and watch the sunset. If you’re on your own and at Centennial Lakes, stroll from the Tree in the Lake across Centennial Lakes Park, making your way toward the Microsoft building. This spot is one of Edina’s best-kept secrets—when the sun begins to set, the sky’s colors reflect off the water, creating a breathtaking, mirror-like scene. It’s an idyllic place to pause, take in the view and reflect on the day’s literary adventures. I like to sit on the swinging benches in the waning light and write down my favorite parts of my day.
Photo: LaViePhotography Edina
A Gatsby-Style Dinner: After a day of literary adventures, tuck the kids into bed and leave them with a babysitter to step into the opulent world of The Great Gatsby at RH Rooftop Restaurant. The grand chandeliers, marble tables and elegant lighting set the stage for a meal worthy of Jay Gatsby’s lavish soirées. Start with the grilled shrimp and the Délice de Bourgogne Board that comes with strawberry jam, grapes and a warm baguette. Gatsby’s dinners were roasted turkey and baked hams. Something in a similar vein would be RH’s roasted chicken, which is served with potato purée and garlic confit. End your meal with the Butterscotch Brûlée, which pairs well with the vanilla latte. And don’t forget the Champagne!
Channel The Great Gatsby with a dinner outing to RH Rooftop Restaurant. Enjoy the roasted chicken, which is served with potato purée and garlic confit. Photo: RH
Centennial Lakes Park
7499 France Ave. S.; 952.833.9580
Comma, a bookshop
4250 Upton Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.922.2211
Edina Grill
5028 France Ave. S.; 952.927.7933
Lake Harriet
4135 W. Lake Harriet Parkway, Mpls.; 612.230.6400
Picnic
4307 Upton Ave. S., Mpls; 612.505.0785
RH Rooftop Restaurant
6801 France Ave. S.; 952.206.6307
Wild Rumpus
2720 W. 43rd. St., Mpls.; 612.920.5005
