Haircuts, small engines, coffee 'n breakfast, guns 'n ammo, or big 'n tall

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Despite years of rapid expansion that have consistently ranked it among the nation’s fastest growing cities, Shakopee (pop. 40,000) has managed to maintain a vibrant and interesting Old Town that still feels like Norman Rockwell may have painted it.

So after “Munkabeans” (locally-owned, free wifi, compostable cups) advertised a grand opening there, we drove down for breakfast and a look-see.

We parked diagonally in front of the barber shop (open Mondays, around the corner from the guns and ammo and Bill's Big and Tall Toggery) and picked our way past the worn snowblowers awaiting their winter tuneups at Zadra’s Mobile Small Engine Service.

A Saturday morning gang of bikers had commandeered the big table in front, but not to worry, they wore lycra, not leathers, and were simply fueling for their day of leaf-looking on 10-speeds.

The Munkabeans offerings were neatly described on a big chalkboard, legible enough for seniors to see that, beyond the exotic coffee mixes that beg understanding, there was a nice handful of eggy, meaty and bready delights for morning appetites.

The barista patiently explained the food and processes, we selected a hot chocolate, a medium coffee, today’s quiche and, despite past misgivings about anything wrapped in dough, the highly-recommended breakfast burrito.

The hot chocolate was judged most worthy by our aficionado, the coffee, though described on the carafe as “light,” was heavy to this coffee drinker, consider, however, that his usual brew comes in three pound Costco cans.

About this time, the titular heads of Shakopee’s Wermerskirchen retail clothing dynasty entered, greeted and sized us, and immediately imparted a local, hometown feel to the fledgling establishment.

Sadly, we must mark down the Munkabeans for its uncoordinated delivery of our breakfasts. Kathleen had all but finished her recently-baked quiche before Stan’s burrito was announced and delivered by the very busy help. The ham’n cheese quiche was tasty, Kathleen will try the egg 'n swiss croissant next time. The burrito balanced a hash of scrambled eggs, ham and peppers, laced with just about the right amount of kick for a Norwegian out on the town taking risks. Its bland wrapping was dutifully consumed as well, judged to be a poor cousin of church basement lefse.

Just up from Munkabeans, they tore down a house to provide parking for yet another new Shakopee restaurant: The O'Brien Public House. As we drove by it on our way home this morning, we wondered if those Irish will actually make that November opening. We’ll let you know.