Trotter's Cafe: Try the West African sweet potato stew

Yael Grauer

This stew is a hit.

​Trotter's Cafe has been serving fresh and local food for over 20 years, using regional and organic ingredients when possible and environmentally friendly packaging. Several season menu items are available, and the West African sweet potato stew is one you'll want to try. Here's why.

Omnivores can often have trouble finding a meatless stew that is satisfying and filling, but this delectable blend of starchy carbs and root vegetables will definitely do the trick. Served on a base of orange cardamom rice, the stew has cabbage, red onions, and tomatoes to complement the sweet potatoes.

Trotter's adds a thin layer of peanut ginger sauce and a touch of lime juice. These seemingly disparate ingredients are actually perfectly matched, creating a symphony of flavors with none too overpowering. The sliced bananas, beets, and carrots on top are also a nice touch. The stew runs $10 and is available in the evening.

Another winter offering is the sweet potato quesadilla ($8), made with Wisconsin sharp cheddar and Minnesota apple chutney. Ginger lattes, hot apple cider, and the Aztec, a mocha flavored with cinnamon and cayenne, are some drink options for a cold night.