The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

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I finally had a chance to stop by for lunch at the Seward Co-op at 2823 E. Franklin, just down the street from its original location. It's bigger and better and a lot shinier than its predecessor, and most important, it has an expanded deli section, with more salad bar and hot food selections than before.

Today's hot lunch buffet had a decidedly Indian flavor, with offerings including a lively Chicken Korma, savory New Delhi Cashew Curry Rice, a mild Coconut Vegetable Curry and a Curried Tomato Coconut Soup, plus Thai chicken, braised cabbage with house-made chicken liver boudin (sausage), four-cheese vegetarian lasagna, and a Denver frittata. It's all priced at $7.99 a pound - you just pile up your plate or takeout container and take it to a cashier. (Another upgrade: Unlike before, they now offer the option of real china and silverware.) Tomorrow's lunch menu sounds a lot more brunch-y, as you might expect on a Saturday: Huevos Rancheros, Breakfast Potatoes, Tofu Scramble, Baked French Toast with Pears, and a Chicken Wild Rice Soup. The menu changes daily, Monday through Saturday - you can check upcoming menus for the month here.

The other ready-to-eat options seem to have expanded as well - I saw a nice selection of sandwiches, sushi, spring rolls, and whole Kadejan rotisserie chickens (naturally raised in Glenwood, $10.99), plus at least four hot soups, ranging from a vegan lentil soup to old-fashioned chicken noodle.

Open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. 612-338-2465.