Rachel's... eternally closed no more

Four years ago, when Punch open on Hennepin Ave, it did so next to another restaurant that was also about to open, Rachel's.  The awning has been there since, across from Kramarczuk's, on 222 Hennepin Ave, having us wonder if it was ever going to open (some saying it was open all along but for private events only).

Well, no more...  Rachel's is now open to the public.  The place has somewhat odd decor and a temporary menu (which we were told will soon see additional items, not different ones).  A few Phoenicians made our way to try it and were pleasantly surprised by the friendly staff, quality of the food and low prices.

The menu contains a few appetizers including Monte Carlo wings (both restaurants have the same owner) which we ordered and enjoyed.  We also learned from the waitress that the seasoning on the wings at Monte Carlo tripled over the years as people asked for a stronger flavor.  At Rachel's yo get the original recipe.  

Below appetizers you can find a list of burgers (including one with green olives) a few sandwiches and a short list of entrees.  At our table we ordered a french dip, a turkey burger, some steamed mussels and  a roasted veggie sandwich with brie.  All came promptly and were delicious.  The turkey burger was juicy  with a nice dark bun.  The mussels were plump and tender and were served with fries and toast.  

The roasted veggie sandwich with brie (a baguette really), which I ordered, was in my opinion the best thing at the table.  It was truly loaded with veggies, has the right amount of brie and came in a nice crusty bread.  In short here we have another jewel opening within walking distance from the Phoenix.  Our little corner of the world is getting more and more interesting.  I look forward to see how the menu will expand and evolve.      

Update (May 7): Last night we returned to try the recommended egg salad sandwich.  We were told the salad is made to order and includes no less than 5 eggs per sandwich, so to avoid a protein overdose we opted to share one.  We also opted to try the one with sliced pimento olives.  Definitely a good idea, because the egg salad, while not bad, it is a pretty plain one.  The olives gave the sandwich a good kick.