Tracy Singleton's belief that small, local farmers are a vital component for a healthy local food system was a value that she infused in Birchwood Cafe when she opened her doors over twelve years ago in Minneapolis. Tracy and her chef Marshall Paulsen, who loves giving classic dishes a new twist, together provide Birchwood customers with a simple yet interesting variety of flavors each season.
One local producer Tracy and Marshall work with is Dragsmith Farm, located in Barron, WI and owned by Maurice and Gail Smith. The epitome of a family farm, Dragsmith has been in Gail's family for over 110 years. As they work to ensure the continued health of their land and the environment, the Smiths keep the forested and riparian areas of the farm as natural habitat. They produce a little bit of everything, "from artichokes to zucchini," including salad mixes in greenhouses in the dead of winter. While chef at Creamery in Menomonie, WI, Marshall worked with the Smiths and brought the contact with him when he moved to Minneapolis and Birchwood.
Together, Tracy and Marshall are committed to serving what they call "good real food", where the menu changes weekly to incorporate the most recent produce delivery. Birchwood also hosts local artists and musicians, providing a lively community space open to all.
