Kidding, the bread doesn’t really have turtles in it. A little known fact is that during the beginning of TB they sold bread loaves shaped like turtles, hence turtle bread. WAIT! I was mistaken. My sister just informed me that Harvey himself said they called Turtle Bread Turtle Bread because they baked their bread slow, like a turtle. Funny.

Anyways…Harvey McLain (TB, Tosca, Levain, and Pizza Biga owner) is quite a guy. Lawyer, restaurateur and overall just a really great person.

His latest venture, Tosca, is located next to the Linden Hills Turtle Bread. I’m sad to say that this location has seen better days. Since the bakery and cooks moved to the Chicago Ave store, TB in Linden Hills has slowed down. I can only hope that Tosca will revitalize the bakery and deli side as well as becoming a sucessful restaurant addition to Minneapolis.

I visit the Chicago Ave location quite frequently. I am in love with their breakfast specials and the fresh organic atmosphere. TB doesn’t try to be trendy, it just is. Their fresh baked bread often make it home to my pantry as well as the soups and pastries. During breakfast time TB serves a large menu sure to please anyone looking for a hearty, filling and loving breakfast.

Sitting at the hightop wooden tables the sun shines in on the patrons with a warm glow. Couples sit a smaller tables, sipping coffee, reading the Sunday paper and sharing in a laugh. The whole place is filled with cheerful chatter which turns into a pleasing and gentle sound that acts as background music. Servers bring your meals to your table in exchange for the little red number tents handed out when you order. Don’t forget to tip at the counter!

The staff is colorful and fun. If and when Harvey is in (he usually is) you will see him walking around talking to regulars, past employees and friends. I have never seen anyone in Turtle Bread who isn’t enjoying themself.

If you haven’t noticed I really have a thing for Turtle Bread Bakery and if you have not taken the opportunity to visit I hope that you will. Everything is afordable and above and beyond delicious. Try the salmon benedict, it will blow you away.

Some random facts:
Free Wi-Fi
First come first serve basis
Sandwiches, soups, pizza dough, cheese, bread and pastries available all day
Fresh squeezed juices
Unlimited refill house coffee
Specialty cakes made to order or other cakes, cupcake and pies available daily (Opera cake – YUM!)
Seating outside
Plenty of free parking and in the adjacent lot