by Jeremy Iggers | July 7, 2009 • With all the talk about local and sustainable, it’s surprising to me that the Seward Cafe isn’t getting more attention. The funky little collectively-owned cafe at 22nd and Franklin has been operating on those values for 35 years, serving organic vegetarian fare at very reasonable prices.

Iggers Digest is the blog of Jeremy Iggers, the TC Media Alliance’s executive director. Jeremy is also the creator of TCFoodies, a local food networking site.

According to the mission statement on their website, “The principles that guide our actions include: social and environmental responsibility, self-reliance, and cooperation.”

The statement also affirms their commitment to:

“Maintain a food policy that supports independent, local, organic, and sustainable products and services when economically feasible,” “Have a hiring policy that does not discriminate on the basis of appearance or lifestyle choice…(including): race, gender, religion or spiritual practice,ethnicity, sexual lifestyle, unique physical abilities, age, class background, or being a parent /guardian,” “Raise awareness of alternative solutions to social, political, environmental, and economic concerns,” and ” Recycle, reduce, and reuse.”

And the Seward is also the only restaurant I know that has a designated Makeout Room – not sure if it is for customers or only for employees, but it’s a thoughtful touch either way.

The Seward’s breakfasts has been favorites of mine ever since the 70s, and when I stopped in yesterday, the Red Super Earth Breakfast (hashbrowns, scrambled organic eggs and onions topped with white cheddar and ranchero sauce) was as good as ever. $7.50 for a full order, $5.25 for a half order.

Seward Cafe, 2129 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis | (612) 332-1011. Open 7am – 3pm M – F, 8am – 4pm Saturday and Sunday.

Author: Jeremy Iggers

Jeremy Iggers is a journalist, university instructor and social entrepreneur with interests that include food, philosophy and global-local connections. Previously, he was a staff writer for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and publisher of the Twin Cities Daily Planet. He lives in south Minneapolis with his wife Carol and two cats.