Lindsay G.
Yelp
Let me start by telling you the space that houses The Kitchen is very special to me. My grandfather owned and operated Margulies Fine Furnishings out of that location for many years. I've heard stories of my mom and her 4 siblings posing in the front windows, the safe (which is still there!), all the miscellaneous contents of the basement, and my grandfather's philanthropy in helping immigrants and the underserved get their lives started. So, needless to say, walking into a building that he had left due to increased crime, which was later turned into a video rental store, which is now beautiful, flourishing, safe, and inviting gives me a feeling of excitement and comfort.
But enough about me. The Kitchen really is a great place regardless of the space it's in, but I think even without a bias the deep slate-colored paint on the original punched tin ceilings and walls, original gorgeous floors, and exposed brick are certainly notable. Bring in some updated lighting and you've got one sweet restaurant space!
They do some interesting things at The Kitchen. Tables are set up community-style and the water is self-serve from a water station. Also, it sometimes operates as a restaurant, where guests order at a counter, retrieve drinks and a number, and wait comfortably at your table while you wait for food to be delivered (much like Northstar if you've been there.) If you feel like checking out the action in the kitchen, it's wide open. At other times, there are cooking classes for groups. I have not been to any of these, but I have heard of company outings and girls' night etc where participants gather around for a lesson cooking a meal. They also offer events such as yoga and cold pressed juices. I have GOT to make it to those one of these days!
But what I want to talk about today is this: Taco Tuesdays! Every Tuesday, The Kitchen staff flex their creativity and bust out a clever, delicious, and innovative taco menu set to a theme. Follow them on Facebook for a weekly laugh, even if you're busy on Tuesdays. Reading their chalkboard will make you laugh! This week, it was an 80s mixtape. Each taco on "side A" had a band/song name assigned to their corresponding taco. They're clever too! I'd never think fried tofu and broccoli stir fried would taste good in a taco shell. But yes! I never suspected risotto would work in a tortilla. But yes! And if you never thought fish and cooked carrots belonged in a taco, you'd be wrong.
I also appreciate, partially because of the memories my mom has shared of herself in that same store, the approach they have toward families. The place was packed with kids! There's enough of a din that my daughter's louder moments, shall we say, went unnoticed. They had a darling old-fashioned high chair for her. Some kids were hanging out in the waiting area playing trucks on the floor and nobody turned a head. It just felt like, well, spending Tuesday having dinner in the family kitchen. Not just a clever name.
