Lake Minnetonka Delivers with Dishes to Ease into Fall

Summer is winding down, as people shift from lazy mode to back-to-work and back-to-school mode. Frankly, this mass transition gets kind of stressful—and before we know it, we’ll be shivering in the snowdrifts. Chase away those melancholy thoughts with some healthy self-indulgence; take a break from cooking, pick up the phone and get a fantastic meal delivered to your door. The restaurant delivery world is expanding beyond the predictable choice of Chinese or pizza, and many places even offer super-convenient online ordering. Local eateries can whip up a bevy of worthy dishes for you and yours to enjoy chez vous; we’ve rounded up some of the best ones to savor in the comfort of your own abode while you reflect on the passage of seasons. It’s the Minnesotan thing to do.      DRAG-IT-TRU-DA-GARDEN PIZZA Joey Nova’s Pizza might be the easiest, if not the most popular, deliverable meal; Joey Nova’s creates funky combinations that quickly became crave-able—a long day of errands merits it. Their scratch kitchen turns out authentic ‘east coast style’ pies, and the 60-year-old recipe combines fresh dough, whole-milk mozzarella and a homemade tomato sauce. The Drag-it-tru-da Garden captured our fancy, laden with artichoke hearts, spinach, red onions, Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers and basil with garlic olive oil. The unusual Joey Bleu also beckons the taste buds with a mélange of pepperoni, broccoli, red onion and gorgonzola bleu cheese with garlic-infused olive oil. New York 19-inch “party pizza”, $23.50. 5565 Manitou Rd., Excelsior; 952.405.2700   THE DINGY Tonka Grill and BBQ Of course our delivery area extends to the lakes; that’s where we spend much of our time while the weather is still warm. The Tonka Grill and BBQ respects this fact and delivers its delicious ribs and sides right to their dock while you wait in your boat. The slow-and-low cooking technique guarantees fall-off-the-bone succulence, and a dry-rub marinade locks in the zing. We compulsively return to Tonka Grill’s awe-inspiring Dingy, an impressively huge and gloriously messy feast of ribs, chicken, side dishes and more. Get plenty of coleslaw and potato salad to share. $79.95. 4016 Shoreline Dr., Spring Park; 952.471.7447   FALAFEL SALAD BAR Christo’s Greek Restaurant Hermes’ winged feet would come in handy here, but Christo’s falafel salad bar is worth waiting for. An adventurous meal for a family or group of friends, the falafel bar allows each person to assemble and embellish as they please. Falafel is a sort of meatball sans meat; chickpea flour forms the bulk and herbs round out the flavors. The falafel comes with homemade sesame tahini for dipping, plus a side of tabouli, a lemony bulgur, mint and parsley salad. We crave the cooling effect of Christo’s tzatziki, a dip made of homemade yogurt mixed with shredded cucumbers, chopped fresh dill and garlic. There’s fresh pita bread, too. $7.95 per person; tzatziki, 75 cents. There is a $10 service charge. 15600 Highway 7, Minnetonka; 952.912.1000   RICE AND VEGGIE BOWL Living Waters Market Also called the Center for Harmonious Living, Living Waters Market can make your life more harmonious with a delivery of a tasty, healthy and fresh meal. We swear by the rice and veggie bowl, a generous arrangement of steamed high-fiber brown rice, assorted cooked veggies, melt-in-your mouth black beans and zingy goddess dressing. Turn it into a respectable (if mild) burrito bowl with the addition of chunky guacamole, melted jack cheese and sour cream. Organic grilled chicken adds an extra protein boost for a nominal charge. The market’s signature juices and tonics are pure rejuvenation in a glass; try the Green Machine Tonic, a combination of wheat grass, lemon, lime, ginger, spinach, green apple, celery and pear. Rice and veggie bowl, $9.95; burrito bowl, $10.95; organic chicken, $3.50; Green Machine Tonic, $8. 12201 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka; 952.938.1929   BONE-IN FILET MIGNON Gianni’s Steakhouse Delivery isn’t restricted to the casual meal: You can get an upscale repast from Gianni’s special-occasion steak house, which started dockside delivery last year. Our favorite cut of beef at Gianni’s is the bone-in filet, a special find that is tender in texture and brawny in flavor. There are good sides a la carte, including a football-sized baked potato with all the accoutrements. Make your own stiff martinis on board. $48. 635 E. Lake St., Wayzata; 952.404.1100  SUNDRIED TOMATO TURKEY MEATLOAF Lunds and Byerly’s Market Order online anytime and browse the market’s categories at your leisure in search of a meal. We hit the “prepared food” section for a homey, family-friendly entrée. “Homestyle” sundried tomato turkey meatloaf blends lean ground turkey, sweet sundried tomatoes, meaty mushrooms and spinach for a satisfying meal-within-a-meatloaf. While you’re shopping, may as well throw in a few grocery items. Kitty litter? Check! Plastic wrap? No problem! 16 oz. meatloaf, $8. 1151 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata; 952.476.2226 SURLY ABRASIVE ALE Haskell’s Maybe you’re in the mood for a liquid lunch, or perhaps you need a little bit of fuel before you start cooking dinner. Put your feet up for a personal happy hour with a refreshing cold one delivered straight to your door. Choose a local microbrew such as Surly Abrasive Ale, a double ale in a 16 oz. can that packs a wallop of bitter hops with a touch of pine, malt and grapefruit juice. Be forewarned: Abrasive clocks in at 9 percent alcohol—all the more reason to send for delivery! Take a moment to bask in local pride: The prevailing beer mavens have included Abrasive in the top 40 best beers of the country, as per beeradvocate.com. $15.99 for a four-pack. One Water St., Excelsior; 952.474.0935