Local, fresh, and flavorful pretty much describe the mantra of Trotter's Café in St. Paul, but if you add faithful community involvement, sustainable practices in all they do ("less packaging, more recycling"), and philanthropy, you'll be closer to the total Trotter's concept. They cook from scratch every day, from stocks for their soups to whole grain breads and delicious baked goods. With the addition of happy pastry chef Lisa Scribner, Trotter's has expanded their lunch and dinner menus to include many of her tempting, seasonal, delicious desserts. Trotter's Café's motto is, "Eat what you love, right where you live. Local, Fresh, Yum!"
For 20 years, pioneers Dick and Pat Trotter have been committed to buying locally. "We know our farmers," says Dick. "In our urban environment, we truly enjoy our rural connection." One of those close connections is with Dave Massey of Northwoods Organic Farm. Farmer Dave has been an organic gardener for 40 years and his 3-acre farm in White Bear Lake boasts heirloom vegetables in raised beds and a small greenhouse. His 640 acres near Pequot Lakes is comprised of forest, wetland, and agricultural land where he also grows squash, potatoes, onions, asparagus, leeks, garlic, and kale. He even mills his own flour to make Farmer Dave's Pancake Mix.
Dave sees diversity as the true strength of his farm and he is always creatively discovering ways in which to do things better. Food Alliance Certified, Dave has been recognized for his excellent pest management techniques, his use of organic nutrient cycles, soil and water conservation practices, and concern for wildlife habitat, all demonstrating his unwavering pledge to sustainable farm practices.
