Chocolate Chip Banana Bread/The Raw Deal

Organic is the best way to go. Now, that’s not always the cheapest or the most-efficient way to consume food and drink, but if you can do so, you should do so. All the better is when you can combine organic and local food into one place — and even better, into one banana bread. Presenting: the chocolate chip banana bread from The Raw Deal in Menomonie:

My wife and I have been there a few times — I’ve known about it through connections with a co-worker of mine at the radio station — not only do we like the in-house roasted coffee, but the food options are top-notch. So, when I stopped by on a recent weekend and asked the person at the counter for the signature baked good to buy, I knew I was going to get something good. That goodness came in the form of the chocolate chip banana bread.

Start with the size: it’s about five inches in length. It’s moist in the middle, and has that home-like banana bread richness. Here’s the kicker: the top of the slice — the upper crust — is a layer of dark chocolate ganache. I mean, who would have thought to top a quick bread with a layer of chocolate? The Raw Deal, for one. Chocolate and banana naturally pair well, so having the ganache to go with the slight banana flavor (and, of course, the chocolate chips immersed among the interior) is a good balance of flavor (and texture, as well).

There were other baked goods recommended, and I know I would have liked them all. I know you would, as well. Plus, you’ll *feel* better eating them, knowing the types of ingredients used in the culinary creations. The plain deal: make a trip to The Raw Deal.