Gourmet Hashbrowns in Saint Paul Hideaway Cafe: Swede Hollow Cafe

by Elise d'Entremont

I am not originally from Saint Paul or from Minnesota. I know, I know. Big surprise! Apart from the bit of sarcasm, I will be the first to admit I miss the South: cooking, food, culture, community, people, and, of course, the weather!

It has been many years since I have lived in the South. A journey of love and devotion brought me to Minnesota with promises of a new life and hope. What happened since my arrival to the frozen tundra, as I saw it, and the many turns and twists of life leading up to today are all material for many other posts. I will share with you that I am now a Saint Paul resident after living in the outer suburbs for many years. After over a decade of life in Minnesota, I am learning to embrace the cooking, food, culture, community, people, and, of course, the weather.

We've had a mild winter here in mid-Minnesota and I am very grateful. March 2016 came in like a lamb. I am not an outdoor person and I enjoy the Minnesota summers, not the winters. While I was working outside much of today I decided to treat myself to a snack at a local coffee shop or restaurant. Only recently am I venturing out and exploring my new community as I am new to city living.

Swede Hollow Cafe, Saint Paul, MN

Today, I stopped into the Dayton's Bluff area's Swede Hollow Cafe. It is easy to miss. The cafe is tucked away on a busy street, located at 725 7th Street East, St Paul, MN 55106 and I was thrilled there was free parking right out front of the cafe. I parked my pickup and went in even though I was more than a bit scroungy looking from working outside. My appearance did not change how I was treated by the staff who were friendly and kind to all.

From the street the blue material awning with the yellow and blue print of the business name overhead when entering the old brick building, it is obvious this is a neighborhood cafe. There is a sign on the door reminding patrons to make sure the door is closed tightly behind them. Upon entering, I found the cafe to have many small wooden tables and chairs, perfect for meeting a friend or business client. A sign on the counter gave the Wi-Fi access password for patrons. Many in the cafe had laptops or devices and were most likely online though some were quietly visiting. I instantly liked I did not hear the typical noise of the coffee franchise cafes and their machinery drowning out the Swede Hollow Cafe's peaceful atmosphere.

Baked Hashbrowns from Swede Hollow Cafe

I waited as the person in front of me ordered a gluten-free pastry. This allowed me time to quickly view the pastry case and see the word, "Hashbrowns" with ingredients noted as: eggs, hashbrowns, ham, sausage, bacon and cheddar. Sold! Hashbrowns are second only to biscuits with sausage gravy in my book.

The kind young man who took my order let me know the cafe was closing in a few minutes as it was nearly 3 pm. Turns out they are open early hours: Mondays - Fridays: 6:30 am - 3 pm; Saturdays: 8 am - 2 pm; and closed on Sundays. I had my order "To Go" and waited only briefly before the order was brought out by the same young man. I could hardly wait to have a taste. I whisked the culinary delight to my truck and the aroma of hashbrowns quickly filled the air.

Baked Hashbrowns from Swede Hollow Cafe

The taste did not disappoint. I was in awe how the hashbrowns were perfect yet enveloped in the melody of eggs, ham, sausage, bacon and cheese. A masterpiece to view and to dine on albeit my own truck atmosphere did not do the dish justice.

Check out the Swede Hollow Cafe!
http://www.swedehollowcafe.com

Until Tomorrow,
-Elise