Tonight Kim and I headed over to Apple Valley’s Central Village where La Luz Cafe has opened replacing the now defunct Jan’s Brown Bag Deli. This restaurant was originally slated to open in April but didn’t actually open its doors until Monday of this week. While plenty of others have tried it already we wanted to wait a few days for my cold to clear (you can’t taste food when your nose is stuffed!) and for them to get a bit more settled. While I prefer to go on opening day we just couldn’t do it this time.
We walked in just after 7:30 and found two people being waited on at the registers. Kim and I looked over the menu at the house before arriving and because Kim had no voice I did the ordering for her. I originally thought that I would go with their Roasted Veggie Torta Deluxe but after arriving I figured I’d ask for suggestions to see what the employees liked instead. Once a register opened I hesitated while waiting to be prompted by the cashier to step forward. Instead of doing what I expected she put her head down and forced me to move up to the counter to get her to interact with me. While she was obviously new at this, the guy next to her was chatty and readily offered up well informed suggestions to those he was waiting on. I suggest that this young girl spend two or three days ghosting him before she has another attempt at the register. While it’s no big deal, you know — the first week issues, it would be nice if they were all as helpful as the other guy was.
Kim wanted the Chipotle Chicken Salad Melt and a Chocolate Banana Smoothie. I asked the cashier for her suggestion and after turning to look at the board and thinking for a moment, she said that her two favorites were the Chili-Lime Chicken and the Roasted Turkey and Avocado. I told her that I would take one of each. She rung us up and the total came to just over $20. Pretty reasonable for three sandwiches and a smoothie. The cashier said that she’d get the smoothie up soon while they worked on our sandwiches.
Kim moved over to their lounge area and picked up a copy of Minneapolis/St Paul Magazine and today’s Star Tribune while I sat next to it at a table. The lounge area was nice and has a flat panel hanging on the wall which was tuned to the Twins game (they lost, their streak ending at 10). The chairs look comfy and I’m sure it’s a nice place to sit if you’re there in the morning drinking some of their coffee selections. The tables and chairs, which are for the most part situated along the walls, are fairly close together and small. Later when we were eating and had three plates on our table, it was a bit crowded. I moved our table further away from the next table over and while no one was sitting there tonight, if they were I would have felt a little claustrophobic.
Kim’s smoothie took about 10 minutes to arrive and was an ice-based version rather than yogurt. I didn’t care for the drink at all as it had too much banana and not enough chocolate and the ice was too chunky for me. I prefer my smoothies to have a yogurt base so that they are creamier. Kim said it was all right but I don’t think she’ll be coming back just for smoothies in the future. Our sandwiches were out less than 10 minutes after that and when I went up to get them I was a little surprised at how lonely they looked in the middle of the large plates they were served on. I knew that you had to order, for $1.49 extra, a side salad and tortilla chips but later both Kim and I agreed that they should add them by default, after raising the prices appropriately, so that you don’t have to think about adding the option after the fact.
I sat down at the table and spent some time taking photos and then started out with Kim’s Chipotle Chicken Salad Melt. It is described on the menu as smokey-spiced (sic) chicken salad, co-jack cheese, tomato and red onion for $4.95. It is their least expensive item which range from the aforementioned $4.95 to their most expensive sandwich at $5.95 but remember that while those prices are definitely reasonable you’re only going to end up with the sandwich. I am not a chicken salad fan as it is and as such, this one just didn’t do it for me. I don’t know what it was about the sandwich that I didn’t care for (probably the fact that it’s chicken salad) but it just wasn’t right. Kim, however, disagreed and it was by far her favorite of the three sandwiches we tried tonight. Next I bit into the Roasted Turkey and Avocado which is listed as including sliced turkey, pepper-jack cheese, avocado, red onion and cilantro lime mayo for $5.50. The sandwich was pretty bland for me even though it had pepper-jack cheese and the fancy mayo. I guess it could use just a little something else to make it have some punch. While I liked it and I thought it was a decent sandwich, I certainly won’t be ordering it again. I couldn’t taste anything other than the avocado and the turkey. Finally I got to the Chili-Lime Chicken sandwich which they say is sliced chicken, jack cheese, avocado, tomato, red onion and dreamy creamy which is their avocado mayonnaise for $5.25. This sandwich was not only fantastic but it will be the single reason I return to La Luz. It was absolutely perfectly spiced and with the sweet avocado it was well balanced. To be honest, I fucking loved it and if you’re not sure of what to get at La Luz Cafe when you go, try this one I’m sure that if you like some heat in your food then this one is for you.
Aside from the sandwiches innards, I have to mention the bread. While La Luz isn’t serving 100% authentic Cuban pressed sandwiches, they are damn close and nearly picture perfect. The bread itself is a little different than what is generally accepted as proper Cuban bread, but it was amazing. The outside was just lightly crisp and the inside was soft and spongy. The bread didn’t have much flavor which is perfect as you really don’t want it to overpower the taste of the food but it definitely added some physical characteristics that made the sandwich enjoyable to eat. I am quite impressed, really.
Now, while I really liked the food I do have an issue with La Luz’s decision to advertise their Wednesday night live music as “Wednesdays After Church”. I really take offense to businesses pushing nonsecular agendas and I honestly believe its in their best interests to leave that kind of horseshit out of what they do. While it’s everyone’s own choice how they choose to run their establishment I do know of at least one prominent local blogger who refused to join us for this review because of the content of the La Luz website. Why not rename that night something else and save yourself the potential lost business?
Overall La Luz Cafe beat my expectations and while it will never attain a spot on our “Top Restaurants” listing, it is certainly worth the visit if you are in town and looking for a sandwich. If you end up going please let us know what you think below!
Address:
La Luz Cafe
15322 Galaxie Ave S
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Phone:
952-432-1088
See all the pictures from La Luz Cafe in Apple Valley on Flickr here.
Related posts:
Loading ...
March 25th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
To respond to MSPD’s comment, linked above, I haven’t seen anything in the Apple Valley City Council minutes as they generally only list those that will be applying for alcohol licenses or variances.
I did some other searching on the web and couldn’t come up with anything, yet. I’ll open my eyes and ears now that I’m aware of it.
Thanks again Dave!
March 26th, 2008 at 8:49 am
To expand (I was a little rushed yesterday), I was pretty happy to hear about a new non-chain place, but the idea of a deli based around a Cuban sandwich has me a bit confused. Especially across the street from another sandwich place. Hopefully there’s more to La Luz — Cuban sandwich shops can stand on their own in Miami or the Keys, but I’m not sure Apple Valley has the critical mass of demand (or even anyone who knows what a Cuban sandwich is).
Also, according to the folks at Luxury Sweets who first clued me in to La Luz, they said it is supposed to open April 15 or so. I said, “there must be a lot of equipment still there from Jan’s to open that fast” and she said they were only doing more decor-wise. Maybe it will be open that quick, but I would be amazed.
I would be interested in hearing more about anything else anyone knows.
March 26th, 2008 at 8:58 am
I chatted with Kim last night about exactly what MSPD mentions… Another specialty sandwich shop where one has already failed and where another just opened across the street?
While Panino Brothers is, at its base, a sandwich place, it also has the added allure (especially for drunks and hotel guests) of being a bar but La Luz, being that they haven’t applied for a 3.2/Wine or full liquor license (at least not that I can see) better be offering something other than a bunch of pressed/heated sandwiches or they are going to go the way of Jan’s before them.
I wish them the best of luck and look forward to their April opening.
March 26th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
I stopped by today to check out the signage they had available and it reads:
Cuban-style pressed sandwiches
Authentic Cuban coffee
Unique breakfast from 6 AM
Weekly live music
They are currently hiring baristas, line cooks, cashiers, shift supervisors, prep cooks, and bussers and you can contact them at 612-718-5049 for an appointment.
The restaurant is officially known as La Luz Cafe and I have uploaded and posted a shitty mobile picture that was available.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:25 am
The “Unique Breakfast” intrigues me. In addition to a great burger, the south metro is a real black hole for interesting breakfast fare.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:33 am
I thought the exact same thing and while I will reserve judgment for my 6 AM breakfast some morning, I really have to wonder what will be unique about it.
April 7th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I’m excited to hear about this new place opening. I love Cuban sandwiches and Cuban coffee. I’m intrigued by the mention of breakfast as well.
April 7th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Tearitup,
Glad to hear from you again! :)
April 7th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
We moved our office recently and I’ve been swamped! I’m definitely going to check this place out when it opens. Thanks for making it possible for me to keep up with the goings on around the area. :>
April 15th, 2008 at 9:24 am
We are so so excited about this place! Hear the food will be fabulous and the owners are exceptional people! This will be our new stomping grounds!
April 15th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Do we have any updates on their opening? I went by this weekend and they were still branded as Jan’s Brown Bag Deli…
According to MSPD’s original information they were supposed to open on or around April 15th.
May 5th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
In the interest of disclosure, I’m biased since I’m friends with the owner, Jim Atlhoff, but I’m also an incredibly demanding restaurant patron. My husband hates eating out with me because I’m so critical of restaurants.
The soft opening of La Luz won’t be until later in May, but I can tell you the food is great-it actually has flavor, which seems to be sorely lacking in most Minnesota establishments. The food is spicy without being so hot that it offends the delicate palates of Apple Valley. I’ve tried the soups and sandwiches, as well as the different salsas. All are original and delicious.
One of the biggest complaints about Brown Bag Deli was the (at best) apathetic staff. Jim has many years of restaurant experience under his belt, and one of his biggest hot buttons is friendly service. He promises to maintain a helpful and friendly staff that will only boost return visits by customers. The decor will be warm and inviting, much like Panera’s-with couches and leather chairs.
May 5th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Amy,
I don’t think the the owner of Jan’s was necessarily apathetic. Based on her comment to my site, which I ruthlessly picked apart, I would guess she actually cared about her investment. Unfortunately for her, she just didn’t seem to agree with potential customers on the direction she should have moved in.
Thanks for the update on La Luz and please keep em coming.
Bill
May 6th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Amy,
Thanks for stopping in and sharing with us.
I will politely disagree with you on Jan’s. What turned me off about it was the food, plain and simple. To be honest with you, when it comes to counter service places, I really don’t care about the service. The counter people could be shouting F**k You at me at the top of their lungs and throwing my bag at me and I would still come back if the product was unique and good.
Right now, when I want a great corned beef on rye, I have to drive to Milwaukee to get it (and I do). I go clear across the Cities at lunch time to get a decent cheeseburger. I know these aren’t the foods of La Luz, but the point is, if the food is great, that’s all that matters.
At Jan’s I got store-grade cold cuts on store-grade bread with store-grade cheese. There was nothing there I couldn’t make much less expensively in my kitchen. I walk to Byerly’s or Valley Natural and have my choice of hundreds of cheeses, dozens of meats and interesting breads. I had absolutely no reason to go to Jan’s.
I am really encouraged by what you say about La Luz. I hope Jim offers unique and delicious food like Luxury Sweets and Satay 2 Go nearby. Friendly people and warm atmosphere are nice but I go home to get that. What brings people OUT of their homes is great food.
Aside from Bill maybe, I consider myself one of the biggest supporters of local, independent business you can find. I look forward to checking this out and wish your friend all the best in his venture!
May 21st, 2008 at 2:42 pm
They have a website, it’s http://www.laluzcafe.com. Check it out, there are still lots to be added and some changes to be made. They are going to add pictures of the restaurant itself and the food after they are up in running which should be in just a few weeks (stay tuned for details). Everything looks really good to me!
May 21st, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Among the usual stuff like a menu (which I am just shrugging about at the moment — I’ll reserve full judgment for the taste I guess but there’s nothing on there that blows me away) they also have choice quotes from their “test kitchen”.
I really dislike these in particular:
1. No one is going to post negative comments especially when they are given free food.
2. Who were these people? Are they friends, relatives, random people off the street, what? If anyone should have been asked to try this place out it should have been MSPD as he gives impartial and good reviews and loves local businesses.
3. They look like plain old sandwiches you can get almost anywhere. Many of the comments referred to the turkey avocado sandwich.
May 21st, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I have updated the post above to include the link to their site.
May 26th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Well, The restaurant should be open by the first week of June. This restaurant is quite an upgrade from the “Brown Bag” as the name implies. There will be no 3.2 or liquor license here, so if thats your thing you’ll have to go elsewhere. This place has a lot of ceramic tile! Bold colors and very inviting! I have taste tested the food myself and found it to be excellent flavor. If managed properly this place should be a big hit. The prices are very affordable for anyone on a tight budget (like we all are with the price of gas these days). Target opening date is June 4th which is a Wednesday if inspections aren’t a problem, otherwise it will be shortly thereafter.
May 26th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
“excited customer” sounds like “excited friend” or “excited astroturfer” — neither of which I appreciate.
May 26th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
“excited customer”: Heh. You don’t have to lie… just say who you are and be honest. Trust me, it works out a lot better that way.
May 27th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Agreed on “excited customer”. If you’re their tile contractor, a neighboring business person or a friend, just tell it like it is.
On a side note, I’m so gonna crash their events for Moms. But if they’re nice to me, I won’t hold a protest out in front shouting my demands for an end to their discriminatory “free coffee for moms on Wednesday” practices.
May 27th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
As of yesterday they had one sign hanging up over the door adjacent to 153rd but the Galaxie side was still sporting bare wires. They still have Jan’s Brown Bag Deli markings on the window.
I’m looking forward to the opening on 6/4 and several of us plan to be there.
May 27th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
O.K. busted, not that I was trying to get away with anything. I plan on being a customer when they open. Anyway, just wanted to put a good plug in because everyone seemed interested. Sorry if I offended anyone.
June 3rd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Anyone know if La Luz is still planning to open tomorrow? If they do, we will be there.
June 4th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
As of 4:55pm it’s still not open and doesn’t look like it’s going to be in the near future. As I walked through employees from both La Luz and Kami were chatting in the hall. That April opening date is looking more like mid-June.
June 14th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Anyone know if this opened yet? I guess I will drive over and see. Wish me luck.
June 14th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Good luck but it wasn’t open last night when we went by.
June 15th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Nope, not open. We did pick up a menu, and it looks pretty good to me. I am actually hopeful for several items.
I am however pretty nervous about the prospects of a place that is two months late opening. I am not sure what that says about the management. Either they were way to optimistic, or they dont have thier act together.
Please open soon, and please have good food.
On the bright side, the buffalo chicken sandwich at Blue Ox is quite good, as is the Walleye sandwich.
June 15th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Chad, I haven’t been to Blue Ox although many of the readers here have suggested it. I really mean to get there, it just hasn’t happened yet. I should really start a “Recommendations” spot and allow it open for comments instead of people doing it by e-mail.
June 18th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
La Luz looked like it was open but it’s not. I grabbed some photos through the windows and I’ll post ‘em later.
It looks cozy (kinda similar to the entryway for Panino Brothers) and as another local I talked to said, definitely better than Jan’s decor. Yup, agreed.
I would say they’ll be open 4th of July weekend but maybe even next week. Any official word (no sock puppets please!)
June 19th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
La Luz is opening on Saturday-the 21st. As previously stated, the owner is a good friend so my endorsement is biased, but I’m thrilled that I’ll have a new food option since I work at the RE/MAX next door. I loved the food that I tasted during rehearsals at Jim’s house and I think his offerings will catch on quick South of the River since we have so little variety down here.
June 19th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Thanks Amy :)
June 21st, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Amy was just a bit short. The sign on the door says that they will open on Monday at 6 AM. I will be missing out on the opening day to the public because I will be at the UMore Utopia discussion in Rosemount.
Let us know how it is!
June 24th, 2008 at 7:32 am
I passed a (tiny) sandwich board this morning (going north on Galaxie) that was on a sidewalk near the Kingston Green apartments that touted, “La Luz is now open!”
June 24th, 2008 at 7:36 am
Patti, thanks for the heads up… now get over there, try it, and let us know how it is! :)
We’re planning on going possibly this weekend.
June 25th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Just finished working out, my stomach gave me a hunger growl, and wouldn’t you know it I was just passing by La Luz and saw it was finally open. Perfect opportunity to give it a try.
Walked in and thought the decor was an improvement over the previous tenant. There was one person ahead of us and of couple of the tables had people sitting at them as well. Looked over the menu and immediately decided on the Cubano Poblano (Cuban Sandwich), which is one of my favorite deli sandwiches. My son went with the PB and J. We got it to go as it was so nice out, thought we’d go to that nearby park and enjoy the sun and our lunch there.
I thought the sandwich was very good, the mustard was perfectly sweet and tangy, which I think sometimes can really make or break this sandwich as I have had Cubans that had some nasty spread on them. The meat was very juicy and tender, the bread tasted very fresh and was delicious. For under 6 bucks, I found it to be an exceptional value. My son said his PB&J was ‘good’, but he’s three so take that for what is worth, it did look good and I was going to take a bite but he gulped it down before I could.
Overall, I’ll be back, found the service very friendly and I like that I can walk on over to the park too.
June 25th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Thanks for the note P-Funk!
June 26th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
We visited La Luz on Tuesday night. I will give a few thoughts. Sorry if this is to long.
First, the place looks much better. More comfortable and relaxed.
A few parts of the meal were a bit awkward, however I realize it was the second night for the place and some of the growing pains will be worked out. First, we walked in, and as the place was brand new, we kinda stood there for a few minutes figuring out what to order. While we were doing this, no less than three employees were standing there staring at us. One of them did give us a few ideas about the menu, but it was sorta awkward/uncomfortable.
Second, when our food was ready, they put it out on the counter and called our name. No big deal, but there were 4 or 5 employees standing behind the counter. I don’t mind walking up to get my food, but maybe when it’s slow it’s ok to walk it out to the customer? Again, not a big deal, but still the odd feeling of everyone staring at us.
Those things said, the people were nice. We were asked a couple of times how the food was. And while it was not fast, it was not slow, so I am going to say thumbs up on the service. Far ahead of a few other places we have been to during opening week.
On to the food. I ordered a Chile Lime Chicken sandwich (I think that’s the name, I don’t have the menu in front of me.) My wife ordered some sort of a salad. And we got chips with guacamole and pico. The sandwich was quite good. The bread was great. My wife said her salad was better than the ones she has had recently at Panino Brothers and Bonfire. I am not a salad person, but that seems to be pretty decent on her rating system. The guac was very good. The coleslaw that come with my sandwich was also very good imo. The chips and cheese were ok. You don’t get much for the price really (a large handful), and I could make it at home easy enough. I guess I would prefer a high quality/homeade chip and good dip, forget the cheese and give us a decent amount or lower the price. The pico is probably something you will hear about again. My wife and I hated it. I can’t tell from the review above what they thought, other than its different. I don’t mind a good fruit salsa, in fact I had world class homemade Mango Salsa for lunch today. This pico however was very fruity. Like a fruit cocktail on chips. I am not a fan.
My biggest suggestion on the food would be to add some spice. Nothing was even a little bit spicy. Not the guac, the pico, the Chile Lime Chicken, or the salsaish coleslaw (yummy though it was). I know we are in MN, but at least bring the heat up to a mild/mid level. I did not taste anything hot/spicy in any dish at all. It was all good food, but please, add some spice. I expect at least a little spice in a dish called Chile Lime Chicken, and it would have been welcome in the Pico. Maybe instead of Jack Cheese, use PepperJack? It would be a start.
Overall, I liked the place, and will be back with some friends this weekend. For the second day, I think they did a great job. If they were one year into it, I would be more critical, but overall the service and food were both above average, and that’s pretty good for the second day I guess.
June 27th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Comments removed per user request.
June 28th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
We made a return trip this morning for breakfast, and I must say that the breakfast wraps were very good. Two thumbs up.
June 28th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Original post updated with full review.
July 1st, 2008 at 12:59 pm
I saw your blog and wanted to put my 2 cents in. I work upstairs in Shops on Galaxie where La Luz Cafe just opened.
I have been in La Luz Cafe for my morning coffee. I have tried the La Luz Cafe Cubano, the Cubano Con Leche and their regular coffee all of which were piping hot, smooth and easy to drink. I’ve had my share of coffee made with burnt coffee beans and La Luz Cafe does it right.
As for the food, I have tried the Mexican Caprese, Chili-Lime Chicken and the Roasted Turkey & Avocado pressed sandwiches. I l-o-v-e-d the Mexican Caprese. La Luz Cafe does not go cheap on the fresh mozzarella or the avocado and all I can say is the chile aioli gives it the right balance…YUM. The Chili-Lime Chicken and Roasted Turkey & Avocado were also very good with generous portions of chicken and turkey on the pressed sandwiches without the spiciness.
So far, I have tried the Dreamy Creamy Salsa and the Leany Beany Salsa. I liked both but the Leany Beany Salsa satisfied my spicy cravings. I do agree with another patron that the chips are so-so and this is something that could be improved upon in my opinion.
As for the crew, the atmosphere, etc. I get the feeling they are working out the kinks (as we all do when we open a business).
One last thing, if any of you enjoy La Luz Cafe and plan to be a regular ask to sign up for their “La Luz Crew” frequent diner program. Don’t quote me on this but after you spend $50 you get $5 free…and I like free stuff.
Just my 2 cents.
July 1st, 2008 at 1:03 pm
AV Local, thanks for the comment. I’m glad someone could share information about their coffees as I am not a caffeine drinker and wouldn’t be able to do that.
Kim does want to go back for breakfast some time especially after Chad’s visit but we haven’t yet and won’t for a while as we have some traveling to do in the near future.
If anyone else can go into more detail than Chad (or Chad himself!) we’d be appreciative :)
July 1st, 2008 at 3:48 pm
AV Local- fantastic review. Exactly what I, as a loyal reader of this space, look for in a review. Now I’m going to have to get in there and check’r out. Except for the traffic circle, which scares me to death.
July 1st, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Sank, what about my review?! :(
July 1st, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Opps. So sorry Bill. Yours was great too. :)
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:44 am
I really hope this place turns out to be great, and that it stays open. I love that it is within walking distance of my abode, and I hope it will be an alternative to Panino Bros. for my husband and I. I wish the whole walkable downtown thing really would just come to fruition.
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:51 am
dawnmarie,
The walkable downtown probably won’t happen for a long time with the market the way it is and by then I really hope that the whole idea dies out. I really don’t believe in it, at least not in the way that the Apple Valley City Council does, and I really don’t believe that’s what the typical resident of Apple Valley wants…
As far as it being “really great” and staying open… That’s always a crap shoot. Even when Bucky’s Diner reinvented itself and caused Kim and I to return several times, it still didn’t make it. I think that La Luz *could* make it (as Panino Brothers seems to be) but I really do think only time will tell. As I stated I think it will require some minor changes to the menu for that to occur but what do I know?
What I’m really wondering about is what is going to happen with Two Guys from Italy. They have that sign up that states that they are going to be remodeling to open up some new theme but I haven’t seen any work being done and it just looks closed to me. It would only make sense that they are going to fix their broken ordering system that caused confusion and resentment but will they change their food to make it something worthwhile returning to time and time again?
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:55 am
I dig Panino Bros. I just want shops and restaurants close to me, it’s an entirely selfish desire, since I can see these places from my house, the convenience is the biggest draw for me. I have very little hope anything will actually happen with the state of everything the way it is now, especially the market.
I noticed yesterday Two guys from Italy still has it’s “Now Delivering” banner up in the window. Found it amusing.
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Well, I finally did get over to La Luz last Friday. I tried the Chili Lime Chicken Sandwich, and added the side salad and chips. I was pleasantly surprised that the “side salad” turned out to be diced red potatoes, cheese, peppers, etc (warm dish). (disclaimer: I love potatoes). The blue chips were certainly a colorful touch! I chose the dreamy creamy as my sauce for the chips–good thing I did, because the same sauce was supposed to be on my sandwich and it wasn’t there (no point in saying anything since I already had a huge dish of it on my plate). I really enjoyed the “dreamy creamy” (disclaimer #2: I’m addicted to anything with a sour cream base).
What really won me over (sounds really stupid): the diet Dr. Pepper in the fountain soda machine! (I just can’t stomach diet Pepsi…)
I noticed the same kinks that the others did above, and I think that with time and experience they will work themselves out. The employees seem to believe in their product which is a plus.
With that said…I’ll probably return in a couple of weeks once my schedule settles down and try a different sandwich (for the record I did like the Chili Lime Chicken) to be adventurous.
Kim, I’m glad you ordered the smoothie and gave an opinion. I had thought about trying it, but probably won’t. (Like Bill, I prefer a non-ice base when possible.)
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Patti, I was wondering if the side salad would be something more substantial than your plain old bagged lettuce and I’m glad to see confirmation of that! Thanks for the great review!
July 5th, 2008 at 10:11 am
As Josh and I drove by on our way to happy hour, I noticed the very large group on La Luz’s patio watching the fireworks and listening to live music. Looked like everyone was having a great time. If you were there in person, how was it?
July 6th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
I was there. La Luz decided to put on a last minute gig for the 4th since there was a perfect view of the AV fireworks from the patio. They set up the equipment outside for the first time and seemed to draw a decent crowd.
The music director and owner of La Luz both did sets and then I did a longer set with a friend of mine and provided some music throughout the fireworks. The crowd seemed to enjoy it and the place didn’t really die down until about 11pm. They offered the musicians free drinks and food etc which I thought was a classy thing to do for such a new cafe.
I stopped in a couple nights before for dinner and enjoyed the chili lime chicken sandwich (which was delicious) and it actually ended up being one of their “wednesday after church” music nights and the artist they had come in was actually pretty good and from what I could tell wasn’t too preachy or anything.
Though I agree from a business side the name of the night could potentially be bad for business I think their idea is to try and garner the business of the high school kids after they get done with their youth groups etc on wednesday nights (as there are a number of decent sized churches within a 10 minute drive of La Luz). It seems to be working so far cause the place was packed when I was there.
Anyone reading this blog should come check out their music night this Saturday (the 12th). Peter Welle (a local folk-pop musician) and myself will be providing the tunes starting at 9pm (I go on at 10).
July 10th, 2008 at 8:17 am
A fluff piece from the MNSUN may be found here.
July 10th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Thats a nice Article. I hope these folks do well. I am a bit disappointed that I have been in three times and still have not been offered the discout club thing. :(
Maybe 4th time is a charm? Last time the person at the register next to me was offered it, but my server/waitress did not offer it to me. It made me sad. The food was however quite good, although I am still missing the spice others have mentioned.
I do enjoy the atmosphere though. Each time people have been friendly, at least one person has remembered us, and the place is comfortable.
July 11th, 2008 at 12:59 am
I went to La Luz on Thursday for lunch and had the “Cubano Poblano” with pork, ham and cheese.. the sandwhich was nice but I would have liked spicier mustard rather than the “yellow” mustard, but perhaps that is just me..
I agree that the chips and salad should just come with the sandwich rather than being an added item.. The sandwich with the chips and salad and a drink were over $10.00 which is a little pricey for me but not any worse than some other places I guess
The coleslaw was good, and I agree that the Pico Salsa could be spicier..
I would go back and try something else next time I want lunch in that area…
July 11th, 2008 at 9:50 am
I am having breakfast there now. Like right now, as I have no power at home STILL, due to yesterdays storm.
I still feel like they do the breakfast wraps best. They do need to add some sort of chips or something to the plates, just to make them more visually appealing.
Also, visit number 4, still no offer for the coupon club thing where you get $5 for every $50 you spend (effectively 10% off your dining, nice!). I broke down and asked for it today, as my cheapness won out.
The post from Bill Yrock pretty much sums up my thoughts. I would like the food to have a bit more spice to it, add some chips to the plates, and brush up the service a little bit.
Oh, and my Polish and Egg breakfast wrap with dreamy creamy rocked. Good stuff.
July 11th, 2008 at 9:54 am
I know that the owner reads the comments at least a few times a day so I’m sure he has seen what everyone has said, perhaps the option for some diced hot peppers or a couple of bottles of various hot sauces could be added to make up for the lack of spice in the mean time…
July 11th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
As an **asterisk, I sat there for long enough today that I felt able to have some more food, (and a little bad for soaking up thier AC when my power was out), so I ordered some chips and the salsa verde. Yummy. I had some leftover dreamy creamy from my breakfast sandwich, and mixing the dreamy creamy with the salsa verde was great. And it is such a nice comfortable place to hang out. Sat and surfed the web, read the paper, listened to some Johnny Cash (I think thats what the house speakers were playing at least).
Really a pleasant morning.
July 14th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Kim and I went over tonight for dinner before some vacation shopping and I noticed this sign which offers some spicy salsa if you’re interested.
I ordered it with my Chili Lime Chicken and didn’t notice any heat at all so I had Kim try it (she doesn’t drink hot sauce straight from the bottle like I do — no, I’m not kidding) and she said it had some spice. Enough so to make her take a drink of water.
Pretty awesome addition to the menu but be warned that if you’re insane like I am, it still might not be hot enough for you :)
July 16th, 2008 at 9:02 am
I finally got over to La Laz. While I didn’t fall in love with their signature Cubano Pablano sandwich, I did love the Mexican Caprese! It was great. I forgot that chips, etc. didn’t come with the sandwiches so all I tried were the sandwiches this time. I will definitely be back again. The coffee was good too and the service was friendly. I should have my $5 coupon in no time at all.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:43 am
Another quick and easy fluff spot on MNSUN for La Luz can be seen here. Nothing more than a quick picture and a mention of the owner and where the restaurant’s influence comes from.
I guess the Sun just needed some filler this week.
July 24th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
[...] La Luz Cafe in Apple Valley, MN [...]
July 25th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Last Friday night I was reading these posts about La Luz and then browsed their menu online. I’m about 4 months pregnant, and for some crazy reason, their “Peanunaner” (Chunky peanut butter & sliced banana served on a pressed, telera roll) sandwich sounded perfect.
I went in at about 8 pm with my husband and ordered it along with a sweet tea. There was a couple in the line ahead of us then a family and another couple came in behind us. The service, although polite, was way too freakin’ slow for my taste. However, I think my order might have gotten lost in the shuffle because they were all served before I was. While we waited for the food, my husband and I watched the Twins game on the flat screen. The atmosphere is really nice and comfortable there. It’s a nice and relaxing space.
The sandwich was really tasty. The bread was nice and I liked the blue corn chips and the applesauce that came with it. It was a nice light meal and it would be a good late night snack as well. The tea was yummy too. Finding sweet tea this side of the Mason-Dixon line is always a fun find. I was thrilled to find a place that offered something different to eat that wasn’t from a chain restaurant or made in a deep fat fryer.
I stopped back in on Thursday morning to grab a salad on the way to work, but they were still only serving breakfast. So I went with the same sandwich again, a yogurt parfait, and a limeade. The service was again very polite, but this time I was the only one in the place and it still took WAY too long to get my food.
I would definitely recommend the limeade. It was a light and refreshing summer treat and I’ll be having it again. I hope to try La Luz for lunch or dinner this weekend.
July 26th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Jennifer, excellent review and thanks a ton for sharing. Growing up I loved peanut butter and banana sandwiches — I should really give La Luz’s version a try.
July 26th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
[...] we ordered nothing else (no drinks, no sides, no nothing). As I have said before, mainly with La Luz Cafe, I think that the sides should come as a default option with the sandwiches so that you don’t [...]
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:13 am
I went in to La Luz yesterday for breakfast — finally! It was a bit of a wait for the two sandwiches I ordered (the veggie one and the first one on the list with the over medium eggs) but when I got home I found that the veggie wrap (especially after I doused it in copious amounts of hot sauce) was fairly tasty. Kim’s sandwich wasn’t anything exciting however and while I’m sure she liked it just fine I will be sticking to my wrap in the future :)
August 4th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
I stopped by there one night last week and found that they are now selling the various salsas by the pint!!! Dreamy Creamy overload, here we come…LOL