Minneapolis has a new plant-based restaurant, and it just opened for dine-in service! Hark! Cafe is Minneapolis’s first 100% plant-based AND gluten-free restaurant and bakery.

Magers & Quinn was happy to be one of the businesses featured among the prizes during their grand opening weekend June 5-6. You can now check them out Tuesday – Sunday in downtown Minneapolis.

Here are some cookbooks and food writing recommended by Katherine and Lisa of Hark! Cafe:

Sweet + Salty by Lagusta Yearwood 

Lisa is a “Lagusta’s Luscious” acolyte. They are a vegan and ethically sourced chocolate confection company based in New Paltz, NY founded by Lagusta Yearwood in 2004. This cookbook is a collection of some of their most iconic and beloved candy recipes paired with discourse on the ethics of the chocolate and candy making industry. This is a great cookbook for anybody who is interested in learning to make delicious candy and hand dipped truffles, and anyone who is interested in food politics.

La Cucina Siciliana di Gangivecchio : Recipes from Gangivecchio’s Sicilian Kitchen

It’s a cookbook that may be hard to find, but it is more than worth it if you can (Katherine is currently borrowing hers from her Mom). The book is a beautiful and colorful glimpse into the food traditions and culture of Sicily through the recipes and story of the legendary Gangivecchio restaurant (RIP) in Sicily. The recipes are delicious and learning about traditions like “midnight spaghetti” is essential.  If you have ever enjoyed a bowl of pasta this is a cookbook for you. 

Note from M&Q: Yes, this book is hard to find! But as M&Q is a used bookstore, you can ask to be notified if a used copy ever arrives in our store! You can do this in the store, over the phone, or using the “notify me” button on our website.

In Winter’s Kitchen by Beth Dooley

Written by Minnesota food living legend Beth Dooley, In Winter’s Kitchen is an interesting exploration of the Minnesota agriculture industry and food growers who are working to return to growing heirloom varieties. It’s a fun read, and if you enjoy non fiction food books this is one you should have on your shelf. 

Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain

No, it’s not vegan or even close to it, but Tony delivers the service industry gospel in this classic. If you like great memoirs, eating food at restaurants, or dabbling with home cooking— this is for you. Kitchen Confidential is sharply written and brutally honest as Tony always was and it is truly an inspiring piece of writing by one of great food’s most passionate champions. Katherine lovingly thinks about this book, and Tony, every single day in the kitchen. 

About Hark!

Hark! Cafe is Minneapolis’ first 100% plant-based and gluten-free restaurant and bakery. It is also deeply rooted in the individual and shared histories of its owners, best friends Katherine and Lisa.

Lisa and Katherine love reinventing the dishes they each grew up with and paying tribute to their many culinary inspirations—from Katherine’s Louisiana French or Sicilian family recipes to Lisa’s well-loved Betty Crocker cookbook. Also bagels. Also house-made cheese… because cheese.

Hark! opened for takeout and delivery in December 2020 in the Historic Kickernick Building in Minneapolis, serving breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. The beverage program includes a dairy-free coffee (and tea) bar, wine, beer, cider and a just-launched cocktail menu. 

Images courtesy of Hark! Cafe and The Restaurant Project