Minnesota Food Guide

Y

ou are holding in your hands a very special guide to just some of the people, foods, restaurants, bars, markets, breweries and more that make the Minnesota food scene so thrilling.

has been the celebration of honest authentic foods, cooked farm to table, honoring the family farm, and unique American craft cooking like bread baking, putting up jams, jellies and pickles, making pies and the like. On What used to be fly over country is now the coasts, much of that spirit has been as white hot as any “food destination” lost for generations. Here in Minnesoin America, and frankly, is the most ta, we have never stopped leaning into interesting. For decades, as Americas that way of being. We are a culture of food revolution has been rumbling food makers and always have been. along, states like Minnesota, and cities While the rest of the country needed to like Minneapolis & St. Paul were always reconnect to this idea, here in the Bold the catch-up regions, years behind the North, we had never stopped living that trend-setters on the coasts. That’s no life style every day. Add to that heady longer the case. notion the amazing Mexican, African, Central American, Scandinavian, We lead in everything from Fortune German, Eastern European, Hmong, 500 food companies, James Beard Vietnamese, and Chinese foods created Award winners in our region over the here by just a few of our immigrant last decade, and most importantly the communities and you can see how food that’s being cooked everywhere diverse our food scene truly is. Our you turn. best restaurants, and there are many, would be smash hits in any other city in Think about it, the hottest trend in America. Lastly, our state’s economy is food in America over the last 30 years

robust, there are plenty of local diners energized by what we have here, and we have the expandable neighborhoods with reasonable rents available to entrepreneurs/young chefs looking to make it on their own. We have a food truck population that’s only getting bigger and better. Ditto for our farmers markets, food halls and food markets.

That’s why I’m so bullish on the dynamism of the Twin Cities, and the state of Minnesota at large. I see our food life here getting better over the next 20 years, with no leveling off in sight. Sure, we have abundant wildlife, farmsteads, populations, immigration of all types both international and intra-national.

Many of our most accomplished food people have transplanted themselves here by choice, looking for a place to live a safer, cleaner, healthier and easier life style…we have all these factors needed to create and maintain a rich and varied food life. Yet, at the end of the day our Twin Cities and its food scene is all about our communal approach to how we embrace our lives, fully, and with commitment, honesty and authenticity… truly emblematic of what the Bold North is all about.

-- Andrew Zimmern Andrew Zimmern is the Co-chair of the Cuisine Committee for Super Bowl 52 Host Committee Andrew Zimmern is a television personality, chef, food writer and teacher.

He is the James Beard Foundation award winning co-creator, host, and consulting producer of the Travel Channel series, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern andrewzimmern.com Photography by Steve Henke

NEIGHBORHOODS Minneapolis........................................... 4 Saint Paul.............................................. 6 Bloomington.......................................... 8 Lyndale Avenue, Minneapolis .............. 50 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis .............. 52 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul .................... 56 Cathedral Hill, Saint Paul .................... 57 Eat Street, Minneapolis........................ 58 Wayzata ................................................ 64

LOCAL TALENT Chefs + Restaurateurs........................... 10 Wine Pairings........................................ 19 Culinary + Libation Pros...................... 51 Super Snack Challenge......................... 70

TRENDING Authentic Eats....................................... 57 Experiential Restaurants....................... 62 Food Trucks........................................... 60 Food Halls............................................. 61 Minnesota Makers................................ 72

CRAFT BEVERAGE CULTURE Craft Brewers........................................ 36 Distilleries/Cideries.............................. 38 Wineries ............................................... 41 Craft Cocktails ..................................... 46 How We Coffee .................................... 34

WHERE THE LOCALS GO Instagram Influencers Pics.................... 66

The Minnesota Food Guide

3

BAR LA GRASSA

Spoon and Stable

Spoon & Stable, owned by James Beard Award winning Chef Gavin Kaysen, is tucked away in the North Loop neighborhood in Minneapolis and is revered by both locals and visitors alike. The space used to be a horse stable back in the early 1900s and the menu consists of seasonal ingredients with a french influence, which Chef Gavin is known for. spoonandstable.com

HENRY & SON

BLACK SHEEP PIZZA SMACK SHACK

NOLO'S KITCHEN

The Bachelor Farmer

SPOON + STABLE TULLIBEE

You could spend all day at the Bachelor Farmer starting at their street-facing cafe with a hot cup of artisan coffee and pastries, then moving into the restaurant for some much needed fresh, locally sourced dishes, and then end the night at their underground, speakeasy cocktail lounge, Marvel Bar. All of this was imagined and brought to reality by Eric Dayton, a household name to many Minnesotans that have lived in the state for the past couple decades. thebachelorfarmer.com

RED RABBIT

112 EATERY

RED COW

112 Eatery

112 Eatery, located in downtown Minneapolis is easy to miss, but unforgettable. Executive Chef/Owner Isaac Becker, who was a semi-finalist for Outstanding Chef in 2014 by the James Beard Foundation, brings you french-influenced flavors and profiles unbeknownst to the typical midwestern palate. A place that will show you a more cultural side of the Minnesota cuisine scene. 112eatery.com

Esker Grove

Located inside the beautiful Walker Art Center, Esker Grove is the place to go for an Insta-worthy brunch or for an artful dining experience. Executive Chef Doug Flicker celebrates seasonal ingredients in his dishes and provides a well-rounded experience with food. eskergrove.com

Hewing Hotel- Tullibee

Tullibee brings a new definition to hotel dining. It’s located in the North Loop neighborhood in Minneapolis on the ground level of the boutique hotel, Hewing Hotel. If you want a true Nordic experience, this is your spot!

Whether it’s brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks in the rustic-chic decor, Tullibee is in it’s own lane. hewinghotel.com/tullibee-restaurant/

4

The Minnesota Food Guide

THE BIRD

MERCY ANGEL FOOD BUTCHER AND THE BAKERY BOAR CONSTANTINE MONELLO

4 BELLS

CAFE LURCAT

HOTEL IVY ESKER GROVE

WALKER ART CENTER

MANNY'S

Red Rabbit

Pizza, oysters, and pasta, oh my! Chef Todd McDonald really brought in the NYC scene to Red Rabbit and you can feel it right when you walk in. It also is one of the very few restaurants where you can order food after 10pm. If you’re really looking for something special, take a seat any time between Thursday and Sunday night from 10pm-12am to order their “KFC” (Korean Fried Chicken). redrabbitmn.com

THE BACHELOR FARMER MARVEL BAR

Bar La Grassa

PENNY'S COFFEE

STONE ARCH BRIDGE

ZEN BOX

NORTHERN COFFEEWORKS

Chef Isaac Becker may be best known for this authentic Italian restaurant located in the North Loop neighborhood, Bar La Grassa. With a fully open kitchen, a portion of the menu dedicated to just bruschettas, and serving fresh house-made pasta, this restaurant does not disappoint. barlagrassa.com

Hotel Ivy- Constantine

It’s like the saying “business in front, party in the back,” and that’s exactly how you would describe the speakeasy cocktail bar, Constantine. Located below Monello in Hotel Ivy resides this dark yet welcoming lounge serving ardent spirits and culinary bar food. Whiskey fan? Be sure to reserve the Whiskey Chapel, a private narrow room surrounded by shelves full of whiskey and a plaid booth to complement. constantinempls.com

Zen Box

Whether you’re looking for a nice bowl of ramen or some fresh tuna poke, Zen Box Izakaya is your spot. Located in the Mill City neighborhood in Minneapolis, the restaurant offers approachable Japanese comfort food for whatever you are craving. Chef Ng received training in traditional Japanese cooking and ramen making for seven years while obtaining his Bachelor of Architecture degree, and you can experience both skill sets when you walk into the restaurant. zenbox.com

Nolo’s Kitchen and Basement Bar US BANK STADIUM

Nolo’s may be new to the North Loop (NoLo) neighborhood but the name alone makes you think it’s been there years. The restaurant serves classic tavern-style food but with a modern twist, which goes along with their pristine white marble countertops and charismatic atmosphere. Once you’re done enjoying some delicious burgers and flatbreads, head downstairs to their sister bar called “The Basement” and enjoy some quirky bar food, play 90s arcade games, or live music! noloskitchen.com Written by Golnaz Yamoutpour

#MeetMinneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS.ORG

@MeetMinneapolis @MeetMinneapolis The Minnesota Food Guide

5

A savory and sweet local food scene entices visitors from all over to experience the “Best Local Food Scene” as voted by 10best a division of USA Today Travel. From local favorites to food from around the world, Saint Paul specializes in tickling the taste buds.

5

must try sandwiches in saint paul

Whether you try one or all five, the following sandwiches are some of the best in Saint Paul.

Philly Cheese Steak GOODY'S HOT CITY PIZZA & SUBS Best Philly in the Upper Midwest

French Dip SKINNER'S

URBAN GROWLER BANG BREWING NGON BISTRO

CATHEDRAL HILL

DOWNTOWN

J. SELBY'S

GRAND AVE

COSSETTA'S

Soak up that Au jus

WEST SEVENTH

Hot Italian PATRICK McGOVERN'S Pairs nicely with the refreshing slaw

MANCINI'S

BLT AROMA'S CAFÉ Add onion to make it even better

Brisket Sammy REVIVAL SAINT PAUL Mouth watering goodness

6

The Minnesota Food Guide

MUCCI'S

7th STREET TRUCK PARK

A FAMILY MEAL Short on national chains, Saint Paul has a collection of family owned restaurants that have stood the test of time. Mancini’s, Cossetta’s and O’Gara’s have been serving up local fare for a combined 250 years!

Newer family-owned spots, including Patrick McGovern’s, Bennett’s and Skinner’s serve up comfort food like Mama used to make.

EAST SIDE TIN WHISKERS

LOWERTOWN

WEST SIDE

Raise a glass In 1986, Summit Brewing Company produced their first Extra Pale Ale and more than 30 years later they are the grand-daddy of the craft beer scene in Saint Paul. Tin Whiskers, Bad Weather, Urban Growler and Bang are just a few benefiting from the trail Summit started blazing long ago.

THAT NEW RESTAURANT SCENT From long-standing to the bright and shiny new restaurants, Saint Paul has seen an influx in restaurant openings in the last year with several more on the horizon. Seventh Street Truck Park is an indoor food truck concept. Bar Brigade presents itself a French tavern.

Mucci’s is a mouth-watering Italian restaurant in the West 7th Neighborhood.

Comfort food from around the world is available at Gray Duck. Vegetarians love J Selby’s, a plant-based eatery.

Octo Fishbar is the latest, (eighth) restaurant concept, from James Beard award winner Tim McKee.

Beard Award nominee for Best Chef Midwest Jack Reibel’s latest adventure.

AROUND THE WORLD Saint Paul is home to restaurants serving up ethnic dishes from 18 areas around the world including Vietnamese (Ngon Bistro), Russian (Moscow on the Hill), Greek (The Naughty Greek), Nepali (Everest on Grand), Mexican (El Burrito Mercado), and Afghani (Khyber Pass). These are in addition to more traditional Mexican, Italian, Thai, and Irish dishes served at several restaurants throughout the city.

PIE IN THE SKY Saint Paul prides itself on a collection of places producing worldclass pizza. Cossetta’s is the grand daddy of them all having been at it for over 100 years. The Italian Pie Shoppe keeps customers coming back on Grand Avenue while Black Sheep Pizza and Big River Pizza provide mouth-watering pies to visitors of Lowertown.

THE JUICY LUCY DEBATE There’s a running debate on which city, MinneCHEF DRIVEN Speaking of apolis or Saint Paul, is home to the first award-winning chef driven restaurant, restaurant to put out the now famous Saint Paul has a growing collection.

Juicy Lucy burger. This medium cooked Six-time James Beard award nominee burger with molten cheese in the middle Lenny Russo is now running the show has become the must try for folks visiting at the Commodore Bar and Restaufor the first time, thanks to exposure rant. Russell Klein, a 2016 James Beard from some of the national foodie shows.

Award semifinalist is the pioneer at Minneapolitans will say they created it Meritage, a French Brasserie focused on and Saint Paulites counter with the fact locally grown ingredients. Restaurateur that they perfected it. Nevertheless, Tim Niver’s Saint Dinette has rising don’t leave without trying one at these star chef Adam Eaton and a bologna Saint Paul establishments: The Nook, sandwich on the menu. The Lexington, Shamrock’s, Bennett’s, Blue Door Pub, on historic Grand Avenue, is James 5-8 Grill & Tap, and Groveland Tap.

#MySaintPaul

VISITSAINTPAUL.COM

@VisitSaintPaul @VisitSaintPaul The Minnesota Food Guide

7

LELA

CIAO BELLA IKE'S

BLOOMINGTON CHOPHOUSE

KINCAID'S BLOOMINGTON

Ike’s

FRANCE AVE

HIGHWAY 100

The Bloomington location is the largest Ike’s around, and even if you’re a first-timer, the moment you walk in, it’s like returning to your favorite pub. bloomington.ilikeikes.com

Ciao Bella

For more than 20 years, Ciao Bella has created simple, fresh Italian cuisine, locally sourced and handcrafted. Peruse the local art collection in the dining room or take your meal outside on the patio. ciaobellamn.com

FireLake Grill House

Known for surf and turf, Kincaid’s also has an amazing kid’s menu and threecourse Thursday Date Night offering.

Kincaid’s success has spawned multiple locations, but with each being distinct, don’t miss out on this gem in Bloomington. kincaids.com

Focused on showcasing food’s natural goodness, FireLake’s menu features Midwestern ingredients kissed by the flavor of a real wood fire flame and touched with the straightforward style and taste of our Minnesota heritage.

FireLake is classy and casual, perfect for a Mall of America get-together or for that special, final dinner before the airport. firelakerestaurant.com

Lela Restaurant

Hazelwood Food & Drink

Kincaid’s HIDDEN GEM VENUES Mandarin Kitchen: Get there early— weekend dim-sum brunches and live seafood tanks mean big rushes.

David Fongs: Come celebrate 50 years of delicious Chinese food from this family-owned restaurant.

Gyropolis: Enjoy fresh baklava, Mediterranean food on the fly and vegetables from their own garden whenever possible.

5-8 Club: Dig into a Minnesota Icon, the Juicy Lucy burger, and other delicious tavern fare.

Shantytown: One of Bloomington’s favorite burger dive bars, Shantytown’s about the simple things in life.

8

The Minnesota Food Guide

Combining sleek downtown dining with the laid-back atmosphere of a community restaurant, Lela is an urban getaway in the southern suburbs. Their menu is classic and creative inspired by prime steaks, fresh crudos and handmade pastas, and the seasonal dishes coming out of their open kitchen ignite the senses and delight the palate. lelarestaurant.com

While Hazelwood’s contemporary-chic design and creative craft cocktail program continuously astound, it’s the food that keeps guests coming back.

Chef and owner Scott Foster put together the menu of comfort food with a modern flair, and Executive Chef Jolene Langreck has made sure it delivers with every dish. hazelwoodfoodanddrink.com

35W

494

Bloomington, part of the vibrant Minneapolis-Saint Paul area is minutes from the MSP International Airport, is home to the Mall of America and has over 50+ additional restaurants. From popular sports bars and local staples like Cowboy Jacks, Lucky's 13 Pub and Willy McCoy's to ethnic favorites and local twists on the famous Juicy Lucy burger and Minnesota cheese curds, experience the flavors of Minnesota in Bloomington!

MALL OF AMERICA

FIRELAKE GRILL HOUSE

Chef Jacob Brodd and the Bloomington ChopHouse team are committed to the highest quality meats, which means prime cuts of only the best Midwestern-raised, grass-fed beef and bison. bloomingtonchophouse.com

Cedar + Stone, Urban Table,

JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America’s signature restaurant. Executive Chef Everton Clarke serves locally sourced and refined dishes inspired by Minnesota’s natural roots and culture, and the restaurant’s brick, wood, jasper stone prints and regional photography evoke local love too. http://bit.ly/CedarStone

30TH AVE

24TH AVE

CEDAR + STONE, URBAN TABLE

Bloomington ChopHouse

URBANA CRAEFT KITCHEN & MARKET

HAZELWOOD FOOD + DRINK

Urbana Craeft Kitchen & Market

Located adjacent to the Hyatt Regency

by Mall of America, Urbana Craeft Kitchen offers seasonally inspired Minnesotan cuisine. From German to Scandinavian dishes, Chef Paul Lynch creates a taste of place and celebrates Minnesota and its rich heritage. The menu is locally sourced, and for some ingredients, all Lynch has to do is walk outside: Fruits and vegetables are grown in the property’s own straw bale garden, and Urbana gets its honey from the hotel’s rooftop bee colony. urbanacraeftkitchen.com

#BloomingtonMN

BLOOMINGTONMN.ORG

@BloomingtonMN @BloomingtonMinnesota The Minnesota Food Guide

9

O

f course it is not possible for us to tell you which chefs are the best – there are so many. That’s why we have included a handy alphabetized list on page 71. Here, we spotlight a small collection of representative success stories from some of our finest chefs and restaurateurs.

10

The Minnesota Food Guide

Gavin Kaysen Bellecour + Spoon & Stable Chef Gavin Kaysen has helped propel the Minneapolis food scene into the national spotlight as the Executive Chef and Owner of the award-winning Spoon and Stable in Minneapolis and the French-inspired bistro Bellecour in Wayzata. Prior to making his return to Minnesota, the 2008 James Beard Foundation Rising Star Chef of the Year recipient ascended through the ranks to become the Executive Chef and Director of Culinary Operations for Daniel Boulud in New York City. Even though Chef Kaysen has cooked in the top kitchens across the U.S. and Europe, he gravitates towards more traditional Heartland fare, which is a reflection of the kind of he ate and cooked growing up. Try a version of his grandmother Dorothy’s Pot Roast that is served at Spoon and Stable.

Written by Shawn Rodgers Photography by Isabel Subtil The Minnesota Food Guide

11

Steven Brown Tilia + St. Genevieve Steven Brown has been called “one of the biggest cooking talents this town has ever produced” by James Beard award-winning food critics and Travel Channel host Andrew Zimmern has said Brown “makes the best food in town, dish-fordish, pound-for-pound.” With Tilia, Brown adds the title of restaurateur to his estimable resume, which includes stints as executive chef at Levain and Porter & Frye. His experience also includes stints in New York City, Modena, Italy and the Yucatán peninsula of Mexico.

Written by Ashley Chung Photography by Isabel Subtil

12

The Minnesota Food Guide

Kim Bartmann The Bartmann Group Kim Bartmann is a triple-bottom-line restaurateur and instigator. As CEO of Bartmann Group, she leads an ecosystem of innovative restaurants and all-are-welcome events that use creative energy to feed people and connect communities. Because Bartmann Group gives equal weight to people, planet and profits, employees have access to healthcare and benefits; ingredients are grown on the Bartmann Group organic farm or sourced from local producers and purveyors; LEED specifications drive space plans; and recycling and composting are standard practice.

Kim’s hospitality vision and leadership have been recognized locally and nationally. Twice, she was a semi-finalist for the James Beard Foundation Restaurateur of the Year award. She was named by readers to the Restaurant News Power List, was a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and was recently selected for Minnesota’s 50 Over 50 leadership awards. With a strong belief in giving back, in addition to the support Bartmann Group provides Twin Cities nonprofit organizations, Kim serves as President of Women Chefs and Restaurateurs, as a James Beard Foundation Women in Culinary Leadership mentor, and as a mentor for the Deluxe Corporation Small Business Revolution project. Her favorite question after “Who’s hungry?” is “What’s next?!”

Written by Anne Saxton Photography by Isabel Subtil The Minnesota Food Guide

13

Ann Kim Young Joni, Pizzeria Lola, Hello Pizza Executive chef and restaurateur, Ann Kim has thrice delighted Minnesotans with her standout restaurants, Pizzeria Lola, Hello Pizza and Young Joni. As a young immigrant from Korea, Kim learned to make traditional Korean dishes such as kimchi and fermented bean paste from her mother and grandmother. These culinary foundations helped develop a deep understanding of complex flavors which has cemented her credibility as a successful chef. While attending Columbia University in NYC, Kim was inspired to bring excellent pizza to Minnesota. Drawing on this idea, along with the creativity she fostered through years as a freelance actor (as well as that remarkable palate), she was ready to cook. In 2010 she burst onto the Minneapolis food scene with the opening of her first restaurant, Pizzeria Lola. Pizzeria Lola opened to local and national acclaim for divinely executed pizzas with inspired flavor combinations and, wood-fired in spectacular copper which is the heart and focal point of the restaurant. Hello Pizza, the by-theslice pizzeria is Kim’s second restaurant.

Inspired by east coast pizzerias, Hello Pizza frequently tops ‘best of ’ lists. In 2016, Ann opened her third restaurant, the reverential Young Joni, which was received with a deluge of accolades.

Young Joni has been named one of the Best New Restaurants in America by both GQ and Eater National, and Star Tribune’s 2017 “Restaurant of the Year.”

Ann also received her first James Beard award semifinalist nomination for ‘Best Chef Midwest.”

Written by Kelly Allard Photography by Isabel Subtil

14

The Minnesota Food Guide

Jamie Malone Grand Cafe Shortly after becoming the Chef at Sea Change she gained national attention and earned a place as a semi-finalist for the James Beard Award Foundation’s “Rising Star Chef ” for 2013 and “Best Chef Midwest” for 2014. In 2013, Malone was named one of Food and Wine Magazine’s “Best New Chefs”.

Jamie’s editorial skills have been featured in Esquire’s “Eat Like a Man” blog and her accomplishments in many magazines including GQ, Saveur and Elle. And there’s more, in 2014 she won Cooking Light magazine’s “Trail Blazer Award” for her work with sustainable seafood. She has also served as a Chef Ambassador for the Norwegian Seafood Council since 2015. In 2017 Jamie began her most recent venture, Grand Cafe.

Taking over a neighborhood restaurant, she honored it’s neighborhood and name Grand Cafe while completely recreating it with French cuisine which was no easy feat. Of course, Jamie was up for the challenge. Since opening Grand Cafe in May, 2017 she has been recognized as one of Mpls St Paul Magazine’s “Best New Restaurant”, Twin Cities Eater’s “Restaurant of the Year” and Twin Cities Eater’s Readers’ Choice for “Chef of the Year”.

Awards and accolades aside, people here in Minnesota appreciate knowing Jamie.

Whether it is through friendship, working toward a superior dining experience or being a valued guest at her restaurant Grand Cafe. Those who know or have “experienced” Jamie Malone understand that she has a true magic, one that she generously shares with all she meets.

Moving with calm confidence and care, she is intelligent, kind, hilarious and she truly makes you believe that it can all happen. And it all does.

Written by Nikki Klocker Photography by Isabel Subtil

Thomas Boemer Corner Table + Revival Nothing compares to your first bite of Revival’s Southern Fried Chicken. As the buttery, fried skin melts away from the tender chicken, you know you will never taste anything that glorious again in your life.

The chef behind the success of Revival, a southern comfort food restaurant, is Thomas Boemer. Prior to Revival, Boemer with his partner Nick Rancone took over Corner Table, an elegant restaurant serving Low Country cuisine and a menu showcasing locally sourced ingredients and carefully selected wines. In 2015, Boemer and Rancone expanded their hospitality group, Twist Davis Group, by opening Revival.

Two years after opening, Revival started a second location in St. Paul and began to serve their famous fried chicken to thousands of hungry fans at the U.S. Bank Stadium. Boemer’s dedication, entrepreneurial spirit and passion for good food have won him Eater Minneapolis “Chef of the Year” and nods from the James Beard Foundation as a “Best Chef Midwest” semi-finalist for his work at Corner Table.

Written by Madison Bessinger Photography by Isabel Subtil

16

The Minnesota Food Guide

Carrie Summer & Lisa Carlson Chef Shack + Chef Shack Ranch The driving forces behind Chef Shack food trucks and restaurants, Carrie Summer and Lisa Carlson, helm their business with a mindful and deliberate style, which is echoed in all aspects of their food. Though they started with just one truck, Summer and Carlson now commandeer a small fleet of food trucks, as well as two brick and mortar restaurants. Known as the “Godmothers of food trucks in the North,” Summer and Carlson source most of their food locally, and even grow much of it themselves. Their recipes, however, and the inspiration behind their acclaimed cuisine, have roots all around the globe.

Both Summer and Carlson are avid travelers and continue to hone their skills cooking beside international chefs to learn local recipes and cuisines in India, Thailand, France, Spain, South America, and more. This, melded with their experience in Michelin starred kitchens, lends itself to cuisine without boundaries. Their trucks and restaurants provide the Twin Cities with a rich culinary experience, without having to actually be rich. The restaurant and food truck menu items reflect the fragile and fleeting seasonality of Minnesota, and the ever changing menus feature items which cater to different dietary lifestyles. Their passion for the food is evident whether they’re serving a salad, or a sustainable hand pattied bison burger, and the world has taken notice. Lisa is currently nominated for the James Beard award for ‘Best Chef Midwest.” Carrie Summer and Lisa Carlson are the chefs and owners of Chef Shack Ranch, Chef Shack Bay City and food trucks, which can be found at local markets and events.

Written by Kelly Allard Photography by Isabel Subtil

The Minnesota Food Guide

17

It isn't news to our culinary community that these talented creators are bringing the spotlight to Minnesota's white hot food scene. We thought we would say congratulations, well done and thanks for your contributions.

112 Eatery Restaurant Alma The Bachelor Farmer Bar La Grassa Birchwood Cafe Burch Grand Cafe Heyday Lela Pig Ate My Pizza Pizzeria Lola Spoon and Stable Surly's Brewers Table Travail Young Joni

18

The Minnesota Food Guide

T

he lexicon of wine ordering and tasting is changing. It is no longer a simple red or white differentiation that a skilled wine "expert" knows. How do you know if you are making the right wine selection to pair with your meal? What wine is worth a try based on what you typically enjoy? Today your trusted wine resource probably knows about natural wines along with lesser known grape varietals from a wide range of global regions. They likely have deep knowledge of certain regions, and they definitely have a network of viticulturally-savvy friends with whom they regularly share and extend their knowledge.

We hope that you enjoy the following collection of "wine pairings" We asked some top local wine experts to write about their colleagues, the venues where you can find them and the experiences they create.

The Minnesota Food Guide

19

Jill is the type of person (and wine professional) that defies categorization. I’ve never once known her to settle for the mediocre. She is constantly pushing for the betterment of this wine community and it shows in her lists and how she engages with guests and colleagues alike. Sitting at her bar (or table or bench) is like sitting in on a class by your favorite history professor (with no homework required). She strings together stories of the winemaker, the region, the soil, the microbial ecology, the wind. It is all important; Jill Mott Selections nothing is insignificant. You leave inspired (and possibly a little tipsy). Put your trust in Sommelier / Consultant Jill and let her take you on a wine journey. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Jill Mott

Written by Brie Roland Photography by Isabel Subtil

20

The Minnesota Food Guide

Brie Roland

Stepping into St. Genevieve is like dropping into an old Parisian salon, and as soon as Brie Roland starts pouring Champagne, the enchantment is undeniable. Whether it’s any one of the four Champagnes offered by the glass (yes, that’s right, four Champagnes); funky, oxidized Chardonnay from Arbois; or one of the many Gamays that live up her sleeve; Roland’s French-focused wine list is truly bewitching.

St. Genevieve

It doesn’t matter if you’re having the Moules Marinières, Steak au Poive, or the staple General Manager + Tartine Madame, the gracious and knowledgeable staff will guide you to a pairing that will Wine Program Director bring your whole experience to the next level.

I suggest sitting at the bar to better take in all the sparkling wine, beautifully presented on ice and tantalizingly close. The display is a testament that shows Champagne really is Brie’s spirit animal. She even has the shirt to prove it.

Written by Jill Mott Photography by Isabel Subtil

The Minnesota Food Guide

21

Nico Giraud Bellecour + Spoon & Stable Wine Director

Nico Giraud, the Burgundy-born darling of the Minnesota wine community, is a charismatic and one-of-a-kind man. You can find him opening bottles and telling stories at Chef Gavin Kaysen’s Bellecour in Wayzata or Spoon and Stable in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. His wine lists are guaranteed to showcase the great producers of classic regions alongside discovered gems from lesser known places. Nico is a well-traveled oenophile that is committed to sharing his passion with guests. He spent the first years of his life and career in France before landing in Minnesota, and we are lucky to have him. A man with the highest sense of colorful style, the life of every party and a dear friend. If you like to drink wine and have a good time, you must go see Nico. (Just take heed if he offers to tell you a joke.)

Written by Erin Rolek Photography by Isabel Subtil

22

The Minnesota Food Guide

Erin & I met on the school bus. The green school bus of Oregon Pinot Camp! Needless to say we hit it off in a perfect manner! Her curiosity, sharp palate and great nose made her a key person of the wine scene that has risen in the past 5 years. Don’t let her charms fool you, Erin is one of the best in class and one of Food & Wine Magazine 2017 Sommelier of the year! Her wine program at The Bachelor Farmer & The Bachelor Cafe (both located in the North Loop) is extensive. To compliment the “cool & cold climate” focus of the food, Erin selected little gems that are always interesting, thought-after and made by excellent producers. Bonus point: I LOVE the fact that I can read Noble Rot magazine while waiting for a sandwich at the Cafe.

Erin Rolek The Bachelor Farmer General Manager + Wine Director

Written by Nico Giraud Photography by Isabel Subtil The Minnesota Food Guide

23

Terzo is like one of those rare gems that you sometimes stumble upon while wandering in a small European town and Charlie Broder is the force behind it. Spend a mere one minute with Charlie and his child-like enthusiasm for Italian wine and food becomes more than apparent. Sit at Terzo’s bar and he’ll inundate you with tastes of his recent favorite wines, explaining the technique and origin of each. He’s smart, articulate and unafraid as he talks about Terzo’s wine list with older gems and oddball wines that most wine drinkers, let alone Italian wine aficionados, have never heard of. OK, it’s not really a list, but more a collection of wines he loves and wants to share. When it comes to the menu, Charlie encourages you to Terzo try this or that item all the while giving the highest praise to the chef, his brother Thomas.

Terzo’s cuisine is that rare connection between the roots of Italian tradition and the creCo-owner + Wine Director ativity of modern inspiration, but it never gets lost in over thinking and is therefore deeply satisfying. Needless to say, Charlie plays a pivotal role in making Minneapolis the great food and wine town that it is.

Charlie Broder

Written by Bill Summerville Photography by Isabel Subtil

The Grand Cafe is a magical place, and has been for years. The most recent iteration of the Grand Cafe was put together in 2017 by the extraordinarily talented chef Jamie Malone, after acquiring the space and tastefully making it her own.

Assisting things in the front has been the celebrated Bill Summerville.

The wine program that Bill oversees is a smart and elegant wine list that displays examples of old world excellence in its thoughtful selections. The versatility of the wine list provides ample opportunity to discover pairings or statements to accompany the excellent food that comes from Jamie’s kitchen. French to the core and masterfully crafted, the cuisine of Grand Cafe displays the best part of the past with the elegance and technique of the contemporary. A cerebral and extremely enjoyable place to eat, drink, and be merry.

Bill Summerville Grand Cafe Sommelier

Written by Charlie Broder Photography by Isabel Subtil The Minnesota Food Guide

25

Erica Rokke Zipp's Liquor Wine Buyer

Zipp’s Liquors is my neighborhood shop. Located just off of I-94, and with a bus stop out front, it’s also everybody’s shop. The door might be held open for you by a kind man with a brown bag in hand; the sort of harmless regular that other shops would shoo away. Unlike many wine shops, pretense dies at the door.

Erica Rokke does a wonderful job of reaching beyond recognizable vintners and varietals, and selects wines that tell their own stories of terroir. Erica’s staff is excited about her brilliant assemblage too, and you can see it in the extraordinary shelf notes they write—some of which read like poetry or little novellas. If Erica’s not in, a friendly young hipster will take a break from stocking PBR to recommend a Grower Champagne, a sexy Spanish Orange Wine or an ultra-affordable-but-sophisticated boxed rosé that should not be overlooked. There, in the blazing fluorescent lights and to the epic chorus of “Lady” by Styx you’ll find it: exactly what you [didn’t even know you] were looking for.

Written by Megan Larsen Photography by Lisa Lardy

26

The Minnesota Food Guide

Young Joni isn’t your typical wood fired pizza joint. With toppings like Korean short ribs and nori, and side dishes featuring kimchi, plenty of char from the oven and intense spice that brings the world to your table, crafting a wine list to match is no easy feat. Megan, who cut her teeth at The Bachelor Farmer, has put together a list that embraces the adventurous spirit of the menu. She doesn’t shy away from finding her guests a perfectly odd pairing that creates a little magic. Megan’s wine list features wines from all over the world with a focus on the Mediterranean, some recognizable and many unpronounceable. Megan has fostered and excited staff to guide you through the list (don’t be shy to ask!) so you will always have an exceptional experience. Have you ever had soft serve with a funky Macvin du Jura? No one else would dare! It was a surprising and happy pairing that made me smile.

Megan Larsen Young Joni Wine Director

Written by Erica Rokke Photography by Isabel Subtil The Minnesota Food Guide

27

Laurie Hefner Corner Table Wine Director

Walking into Corner Table feels like coming home. A home you’ve imagined for yourself after a long day -- with your grandmother’s antique silver lining the walls, hints of fresh herbs and duck confit in the air, easy-drinkin’ local beers, always friendly faces welcoming you. They impress with a menu that has a clear focus on local purveyors and seasonality, not to mention the wine. A wine list with enough comfort to give you what you want but don’t be afraid to explore and learn from Laurie’s gentle guiding hand. Rich with natural wines, you’d be pressed to find a bottle that doesn’t have a poetic story with it. Small but always ready, Corner Table awaits your arrival to give the experience you desire through and through.

Written by Jami Olson Photography by Isabel Subtil

The cozy and inviting atmosphere of Lyn65 is just the start. Dive into the craft driven and always changing food, cocktails and wine list, and you will be freed from the duty and drudgery of everyday life. An elevated neighborhood local that constantly exceeds expectations. A menu with something for everyone from the Oven Roasted Cauliflower, award winning Diner Burger, and my favorite, Grilled Steak with Nuoc Chom that is replete with bright, salty & sweet Vietnamese flavors and a touch of heat.

Jami paired my steak with the PiliŞota Plavina from Croatia, an unexpected but perfect match. Jami has crafted a concise, well-appointed wine list that is approachable and simultaneously adventurous. I’m eager to see where she takes the new concept at Polpol Vuh & Centro in NE Minneapolis where you will find Mayan flavors from a wood-fired grill and a wine program focused on Latin American Regions.

Written by Laurie Hefner Photography by Lisa Lardy

Jami Olson Lyn65 Co-owner + Beverage Director

The Minnesota Food Guide

29

Sarina Garibrovic Blackbird General Manager + Beverage Director

Celebrating its 10th year anniversary, Blackbird will mesmerize you with the special touch that turns good into great. Nestled on the vibrant corner of 38th and Nicollet, this unassuming neighborhood restaurant is not a place where you go just to eat, but a place where you go to make good friends, whether it be the staff, a bottle of wine or a favorite dish. Sarina Garbovic, the General Manager and Sommelier, has crafted a diverse wine list that offers a dynamic, worldly point-of-view. From Eastern European gems to selections like a natural Oregon Pinot Noir, there’s always a new and fresh bottle to discover at Blackbird. Head Chef Peter Lutz sources local ingredients for a seasonal menu that reflects our diverse Minneapolis culture in new yet familiar ways. Shhhh‌.Blackbird is truly a secret gem with one of the most exciting lists--and dining rooms--in Minneapolis.

Written by Mel Guse Photography by Isabel Subtil

30 The Minnesota Food Guide

For those fascinated by wine, cheese, kombucha, and all things fermented, GYST Fermentation Bar feels like home. For any others yet to be indoctrinated, it’s nothing short of an adventure. From the most daring wine list in Minneapolis, to pairings of local cheeses and house fermented vegetables, GYST has a way of being eye opening while feeling like you’re just hanging out with the two coolest girls in town. Sisters Mel and Ky Guse have contributed considerably to the Minneapolis restaurant scene with their small, unassuming spot for what can best be described as “aperitivo time." Mel, with a palate trained by years of experience as a buyer for San Francisco’s ByRite Market, runs what she calls Campaigns, including “Natural Wines of the Loire Valley” and “Wines of the Sea” without ever being preachy, and always in a style that she describes as “GYST-y,” which I’ve come to realize means fun, even silly and totally unpretentious.

Mel Guse GYST Co-Owner + Sommelier

Written by Sarina Gabrovic Photography by Lisa Lardy

The Minnesota Food Guide

31

Peter Vars Thomas Liquors Sommelier How many liquor stores do you know that boast a Certified Sommelier at the helm? For over 10 years, Peter Vars has been the specialty wine buyer for Thomas Liquors, a fourth-generation, neighborhood institution since 1922.

Though they are known throughout the Twin Cities for their comprehensive and impressive selection of domestic and old-world classics, it is the inclusive hospitality and personal service that sets Thomas Liquors apart. Peter delights in helping patrons find the right bottle for their needs, and it is not uncommon for him to receive texts from his regulars requesting special orders, new arrivals or tasting notes. It’s this personal connection, deep product knowledge and “always there” mentality that turns neighbors into regulars at this storied Saint Paul bottle shop. I am always happy to refer restaurant guests to Peter and shop owner Mike Thomas when they ask: “where can we buy that wine?” Because I know they will take good care of them!

Written by Wyatt Evans Photography by Lisa Lardy

32

The Minnesota Food Guide

Wyatt Evans Heirloom Owner +Chef Saint Paul’s Heirloom restaurant, is quietly pushing the boundaries of what seasonal cooking looks like in the Upper Midwest. Since arriving on the scene in 2015, Heirloom quickly established itself among the top neighborhood restaurants in all of the Twin Cities. The self-trained chef, who hesitates to use the term ‘Farm to Table’, instead employs a free spirit of experimentation with what the seasons offer him. While the bounty of spring and summer vegetables display their freshness and color, the fall and winter is sustained by hearty fare and in-house breads, providing a sense of place and respect for Minnesota’s distinct seasons. In the glass, Heirloom focuses on an eclectic selection of organic and biodynamic wines from all corners of the world. Chef Evans encourages his staff and guests to explore unconventional pairings, which is all part of Heirloom’s mission of experimentation and furthering the conversation of the potential for modern American cuisine.

This Saint Paul star is certainly a destination for authentic hospitality and smart service.

© Ashley Sullivan

Written by Peter Vars Photography by Ashley Sullivan

The Minnesota Food Guide

33

Emily Sheppard Dunn Brothers SENIOR MANAGER OF BEVERAGE DEVELOPMENT While living in New York City for 14 years, Emily Sheppard developed her knowledge in beverages: learning and creating crafted cocktails, studying and selling wine, and deepening her knowledge of coffee and its culture while building Brooklyn Roasting Company as a partner. In early 2016, she returned to her hometown of Minneapolis where now she leads beverage development for Dunn Brothers Coffee.

Photography by Isabel Subtil

THE TWIN CITIES COFFEE CONTINUUM In this day and age, every person’s definition of good coffee can be and often is different from our neighbor’s. This is a thing of beauty and complexity. Complex because some of us like it fast and dark and some slow and light, or possibly a combination of all of the above. The beautiful thing about the Twin Cities coffee scene is its wide range: we enjoy it everywhere from gas stations and small cafes to elegant restaurants and museums, and as drivers, purists, stoics, educators and innovators. A cup of coffee is where we connect with each other and that’s one thing we can all agreed on. So let’s highlight some of coffees most discussed concepts: freshness, design, how its poured, and what’s infused. This is what you’ll find here and why I love coffee in the Twin Cities:

FRESH. Fresh used to mean sassy. Now fresh is synonymous with good or better. In the coffee industry fresh can

refer various concepts: when a coffee crop is harvested, when the beans are roasted, or when the coffee is brewed. One thing that all locals know, is that Dunn Brothers’ fresh roasted coffee is in our blood. Dunn Brothers trail-blazed this in the Midwest and still roasts small batches fresh in each of its 33 local stores. Whole beans are not sold past 5 days from roast. Brewed coffee is never served past 90 minutes from its bloom. Often considered a newer innovation, Dunn Brothers has been known for its excellent cold press, Infinite Black, which was offered to Minnesotans back in 1987. · From style to pure art in the cup, Penny’s oozes sophistication. From the architectural subtleties like black marble counters to baristas pouring perfect tulips and the velvety head of La Colombe Nitro, it’s hard not to relish the details. You can find Penny’s in downtown Minneapolis and in Linden Hills serving local Spyhouse roasted coffee.

DESIGN.

34

The Minnesota Food Guide

POURS.

Undoubtedly, Specialty Coffee focuses on origin, but rarely do shops and baristas deliver the high respect to where the coffee originates. Anelace Coffee on Central Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis encourages us, as customers to consider exactly where our coffee is from and how the barista will brew or pour it. Attention to detail is high, and the flavor reflects it.

INFUSIONS.

The modern coffee industry has been on the cutting edge of innovation since the espresso machine was featured at the World’s Fair in Milan, Italy in 1906. Today, many of us try to innovate espresso drinks through creative flavor infusions. Five Watt has been infusing not just delicious house made syrups into excellent steamed and iced drinks, but has infused nitrogen into coffee with precision. Check out Five Watt on Hennepin Ave in Northeast, as well as in the Kingfield neighborhood of Minneapolis.

The alluring wall chalk art created by Jeff Nelson, a local Twin Cities artist, can be seen at various Dunn Brothers Coffee Shops. It depicts Dunn Brothers' dedication to the craft of coffee, the story of w here their coffee originates and how they share this story with each other. Dunn Brothers believes coffee is an art form and making coffee is their craft. That makes their baristas and coffee roasters artists-in-residence. All their handmade drinks are made specifically for each customer, so each cup is a little different from the one before it, and the one after. More than crafted brews, they make fresh food too.

From hand-cracked eggs, to hand-sliced meats and cheeses, to fresh baked pastries, they believe in good food.

Dunn Brothers Coffee got its start in the late 1980s when brothers Ed and Dan Dunn moved to the Twin Cities. Their mission was simple: Roast in small batches. Serve the freshest brew possible. Provide a warming coffee experience. Put community at the core of the business.

Today, the majority of Dunn Brothers Coffee shops are independently owned by local members of c ommunities around the Twin Cities and country. These owners are dedicated to achieving the very same mission as the original Dunn Brothers.

DUNNBROTHERS.COM

The Minnesota Food Guide

35

VOM FASS @vomfasstc The quest for quality and connection is inherent in the craft movement. Family growers and artisanal producers, chefs, distillers and wine makers are the heart and soul of “new” culinary and mixology trends that evoke a vintage lifestyle that many of us crave. That lifestyle is reflected in our renewed appreciation of quality, whole ingredients, Old World methods, connections with the growers and makers of our food and drink, and taking the time to savor it with the important people in our lives.

At vomFASS (German for “on tap / from the barrel”), we invite you to slow down and taste a while in our European-style tasting rooms. Our culinary guides share the stories of the people and processes behind rare, small-batch whiskies and brandies, natural wines, specialty liqueurs and other fine spirits. We introduce you to the family growers and makers who produce our artisanal olive oils, balsamic vinegars, distinctive seasonings and gourmet condiments. Our on-site experts and featured guest speakers offer pairing ideas, recipes and classes to help you create your own culinary experiences at home, complete with craft cocktails and easy, delicious and healthy meals for friends and family.

I invite you to stop by vomFASS on Level 3, North (N345) at Mall of America for a tasting experience that will delight your palate and inspire your meal and party planning. In the meantime, connect with vomFASS on Facebook and Instagram @ vomfasstc.

Tamra Kramer, Owner/Operator vomFASS Twin Cities at Mall of America The Minnesota Food Guide

FULTONBEER.COM @fultonbeer When we founded Fulton @fultontaproom

in 2009, we were homebrewing out of a South Minneapolis garage and contract brewing at Fulton is Minneapolis Made When Fulton was founded in a small Wisconsin brewery.

2009, they were homebrewing out of a South Minneapolis garage and Our dream was to build a real contract brewing at a small Wisconsin brewery. Their dream was to A lot has changed since we Minneapolis brewery of our build a real Minneapolis brewery of otheir own in the next 5-10 years, pened the doors on our NE own in the next 5-10 years, and and quit their day jobs along the way.

They never guessed thatbthey MPLS production rewery quit our day jobs along the would build two Minneapolis breweries (the first being Minneapolis’ back in 2014. We’ve added way. We never guessed we’d first taproom brewery) in three years.d oLooks like being wrong can zens of new beers and new build two Minneapolis brewersometimes be pretty awesome. package formats (cans!) to the ies (the first being Minneapobrand lineup. Which, helps l i s ’ fThe i r s t Future t a p r o o misbNow r e w e rA y )loti nhas changed since the Fulton team opened account for over 26,000 servt h r e ethey edoors a r s . at L othe o k sMpls l i k eproduction being brewery back in 2014. They’ve added ings of Fulton enjoyed in 9 w r o ndozens g c a n sof om etim e s b and e p r new e t t y package new beers formats (cans!) to their brand states across the U.S. each day. a w e slineup. o m e . This helps to account for the over 26,000 servings of Fulton We’re still bursting at the enjoyed in 9 states across the U.S. each day. They’re still bursting at seams here at the original tapthe seams at their original taproom brewery and with the addition of room brewery and with the the Fulton Taproom Kitchen in 2017, that trend seems to be sticking. addition of the Fulton Taproom Kitchen in 2017, that trend seems to be sticking.

Bauhaus Brew Labs Bauhaus specializes in classic German-inspired beer styles, with four year-round beers – Wonderstuff (Neu Bohemian Pilsner), Stargrazer (German style Schwarzbier), Wagon Party (West Coast style Lager), and Sky-Five (Midwest Coast IPA). Their magnificent taproom is located in the former Crown Iron Works Company building; parking and the taproom entrance are tucked away through an archway just off Tyler Street; tell your navigator to keep their eyes peeled!

BAUHAUSBREWLABS.COM

Bald Man Brewing Tucked into an unassuming office park in Eagan, MN, just 3.5 miles south of the Mall of America and a stone’s throw from the Minnesota River (well, if Paul Bunyan is throwing the stone), Bald Man Brewing’s soaring tap room and patio are at once spacious and cozy. The brewery has five year-round beers, including Tupelo Honey Brown Ale and Misty Mountain Hops IPA. BALDMANBREWING.COM

Indeed Brewing Company

Fair State Brewing Cooperative Located right on the bustling Central Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis, Fair State Brewing Cooperative is Minnesota's first cooperatively owned brewery. This brewery focused on "Happy Ours" releases a new beer every week and is the place to go whether you're looking for a classic Pilsner, a smooth Lager, or some seriously unique sour beers.

FAIRSTATE.COOP

Lakes & Legends Brewing Company

Lakes & Legends creates high-quality, farm-to-table beer. Lakes & Legends specializes in Belgian and Farmhouse The first production brewery to open ales supported by limited-release beers. a taproom in the heart of Northeast Their year-round St. Gail, a raspberry Minneapolis—ushering in the “beer braggot, is something to be experiboom” of 2012—their motto is, “We are thirsty creatures indeed.” Indeed’s enced. But don’t choose just one—the breadth of styles and unique seasonal / diverse offerings are anchored by its regional flavors practically demand flagship Day Tripper Pale Ale, and that you begin with a flight. And the rounded out by the “brewer’s choice” Derailed Series of experimental brews, gorgeous rustic taproom space adjacent to Minneapolis’ Loring Park and the Wooden Soul series of wild, sour, and barrel-aged beer. With 16 tap is simply something you must see for lines of Indeed beer, there's something yourself. for everyone. Indeed.

LAKESANDLEGENDS.COM

INDEEDBREWING.COM

36

The Minnesota Food Guide

Summit Brewing Company Locals in the know, Summit was craft brew before craft brew was cool. Founder, Brewmaster, and Chief Knucklehead (his real title), Mark Stutrud, exhibits a respect for old-world brewing traditions and ingredients. For a quintessential Minnesota experience, pull up a sturdy bench at the Summit Beer Hall and sample one of seven year-round brews, including the award-winning Summit Extra Pale Ale, or select something from the seasonal or limited release lists. Whichever you choose, you’ll feel the weight of a noble legacy and a commitment to gosh darn good beer.

Urban Growler Brewing Company When it opened in July 2014, it was the first woman-owned microbrewery in Minnesota. Urban Growler is one of the few taprooms in the area that boasts its own kitchen offering an impressive array of tasty Brew Food, including a kids menu, in addition to a robust beer list featuring flagships, specialty beers, and the Plow to Pint series using locally-sourced ingredients. Located just blocks off the METRO Green Line right near where Minneapolis and St. Paul meet, raise a pint of the De-Lovely Porter in a toast to these twin towns.

URBANGROWLERBREWING.COM

SUMMITBREWING.COM

Tin Whiskers Brewing Company

Wicked Wort Brewing Co.

Tin Whiskers is on a mission to make technically excellent beers and is the perfect place for beer-nerds and non-nerds alike. The owners bring their electrical engineering backgrounds into the brewery, which is evident in their beer names, listing of ingredients and scientific approach to the brewing process and branding, including circuit board flight holders and the creation of new and innovative beers. For the thirsty, Tin Whiskers has year-round beers, seasonal offerings, and prototype small batch recipes always available in the taproom. Their promise is to always have something on tap you will love whether it’s for a pint or a whole flight.

Wicked Wort Brewing Co. rehabbed an old bank building in the first-ring suburb of Robbinsdale and transformed it into a two-level brewery and taproom with a dog-friendly patio. Just 10 miles northwest of downtown Minneapolis, the taproom features two unique bars from the 1930's & 40's, giving the space a speakeasy vibe. Watch for their “Nefarious Infusions” which inject a classic beer variety with a bonus flavor—anything from fruit to breakfast cereal.

WICKEDWORTBREWING.COM

Written by Lisa Forsell

TWBREWING.COM

The Minnesota Food Guide

37

38

Lawless Distilling

Du Nord

J. Carver Distillery

Good booze is good booze. This is the philosophy of Du Nord Craft Spirits, a small batch distillery producing artisan gin, vodka, liqueurs, and whiskeys.

A grain to glass distillery, Du Nord believes no amount of storytelling, marketing or flashy packaging can overshadow the taste in each bottle – so they keep things simple and clean.

All of their spirits have been awarded at least a silver medal from reputable international spirits competitions. Their L'Etoile Vodka and Fitzgerald Gins are gold medal award winners and a must try in a visit to their relaxed signature cocktail room.

The grain to glass philosophy is evident in its distillery as you walk through their dry storage room and see bags of grains all labeled from Minnesota towns like Winter Wheat from Glencoe, Plato for Corn and Rye from Clear Lake Minnesota. At J Carver they source as many local products as possible to craft their Gin, Vodka, Whiskeys, and Brandies. Try their beautiful barrel-aged Gold sipping gin, often referred to as the "whiskey-lovers gin" with its orange, cinnamon, and 11 botanicals finished in charred oak barrels. Visit their Cocktail Room and Distillery in Waconia.

What do "three normal people trying to quit their day jobs" invest in? Their cozy, warm, intimate craft cocktail room with drinks crafted from their house made small batch spirits. Nate Karnitz, Kristen Karnitz and Chis Kulzer have fashioned a unique cocktail room experience by consulting with Nick Kosavich of Bittercube Bitters to make cocktails featuring their Lawless label Juniper Gin and vodka and aquavit. Lawless Distilling Company was chosen as one of 50 bars worldwide to host, "Miracle" the Christmas themed pop up bar that made its debut this past holiday season at their Minneapolis craft cocktail room.

DUNORDCRAFTSPIRITS.COM

JCARVERDISTILLERY.COM

LAWLESSDISTILLINGCOMPANY.COM

The Minnesota Food Guide

Loon Liquors

Tattersall Distilling

Sociable Cider Werks

Loon Liquor Company was started by Simeon Rossi and Mark Schiller. Their first product, Loonshine, is an organic, unaged, 80-proof whiskey made from Northfield grown wheat and malted barley from Wisconsin, using closed fermentation and filtered through inhouse crafted birch charcoal and rested with Oak staves. This fermentation process gives Loonshine a sweet finish without the sharp alcohol taste while retaining the honey, nuttiness and malty characteristics that you would get from a whiskey. Loonshine was the proud winner of the silver medal in the light whiskey category at the Washington Cup Spirits Competition in 2014.

Visit their Cocktail Room and Distillery in Northfield.

In 2011, when a change in a law drastically lowered the cost of starting a small distillery from $30,000 to $1,000 Minnesota finally caught up with the rest of the nation in a craft spirits boom that harkens back to the state's roots as grain and corn producers.

Tattersall Distilling was one of the first to market with their Gin, Vodka and Aquavit subsequently introducing 20 more liqueurs and spirits and opening a tap room at 1620 Central Avenue in NE Minneapolis. Available at both bars and restaurants, as well as in liquor stores, look for their award-winning Barreled Gin aged in French, oak wine barrels and their orange and grapefruit Crema.

Their Industrial Chic cocktail room is a favorite of locals in the Twin Cities.

The Sociable Cider Taproom is a family friendly taproom, and cider house with food trucks, live music, and makers markets featured most weekends in North East Minneapolis. The ciders at Sociable are well carbonated, dry ciders using apples from the Midwest.

Try the Freewheeler Cider, a light, crisp European style cider reminiscent of sparkling wine made from Haralson and Minnesota's own Honeycrisp and Sweet Tango apples. Another local favorite available in cans or on draft is the Hop-A-Wheelie Hopped Apple Cider mixed with hops for a fresh grapefruit citrus apple cider that is bone dry, bitter and beautiful.

LOONLIQUORS.COM

TATTERSALLDISTILLING.COM

SOCIABLECIDER.COM

Written by Stephanie Hansen Photography by Isabel Subtil

JCARVERDISTILLERY

The Minnesota Food Guide

39

H

enry & Son is a wine shop like no other in the Twin Cities. You cannot beat the location: on the edge of downtown Minneapolis in the up-and-coming West Market District, this shop caters to commuters, locals, and any hotel-dwelling patron requiring their vinous/beer/spirits needs be met via a quick visit or delivery.

The uniqueness of Henry & Son lies in the owners' (Gretchen Skedsvold & Mark Henry) stalwart dedication to artisanal, indie, and natural winemakers. Nowhere in the Cities will you encounter an effort as concentrated. A selection of beer and spirits is succinct and predictably well procured and the enthusiastic staff is dedicated to delivering comfortable and stellar service. Look out Twin Cities, this shop will blow you away!

HENRY & SON

DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS 811 GLENWOOD AVE #101 SHOPHENRYANDSON.COM

40 The Minnesota Food Guide

MINNESOTA WINE Minnesota is home to 50+ wineries, producing more than 150,000 gallons of wine annually. That may be a veritable drop in the bucket compared to the millions of gallons produced in other states, but nevertheless, the Minnesota wine industry has grown significantly since that day in 1973 when the Bailly family planted the first vineyard just south of the Twin Cities. Our vineyards are maturing and so is our sophistication in wine making. Local wine now contributes over $40 million to Minnesota’s economy, along with national acclaim for the unique and quality flavors produced.

So, how does an industry based on a fruit that loves warm, coastal climates thrive and grow under the threat of pop-up snowstorms in October, long snaps of sub-zero temps and frost in May? By employing a bit of Minnesota ingenuity, of course. The first glimpse

of innovation in Minnesota’s wine industry came in the late 1990s when the University of Minnesota released the Frontenac, a red varietal that could survive our state’s cold temperatures and relatively short growing season.

The University of Minnesota has since released the white wine grapes Frontenac Gris, La Crescent and Itasca, along with one of its most popular grapes, the Marquette, a hybrid of the Pinot Noir family. Marquette wines produced in Minnesota range from fruit forward vintages with bright cherry notes, to bold, full bodied reds that pair well with the hardiest of meals. Local winery, Winehaven, in Chisago City produced and patented two of its own red wine varietals—Chisago in 1998 and Nokomis in 2013. The varieties can survive temperatures of -40⁰ F (yes, it occasionally gets that cold here) and have received national recognition for producing high quality ice wines made from frozen grapes.

As more grape varieties become available, the number of growers increases.

According to the Minnesota Grape Growers Association, there are now more than 600 grape growers in the state.

But grapes are just part of the story. Our wineries are producing fantastic, non-grape wines such as Raspberry Wine, Rhubarb Wine and even Mead—a traditional Nordic beverage made from honey— just the thing for a state that is home to the Vikings!

We have compiled a sampling of Minnesota wineries on the following pages. A more comprehensive listing is available from the Minnesota Farm Winery Associate at www.mnwine.org. Of course, the ideal way to experience our robust wine industry is to visit some of the wineries yourself !

Written by Kyle Peterson, Winehaven Photography by Isabel Subtil The Minnesota Food Guide

41

Alexis Bailly Vineyards

Carlos Creek Winery

The Bailly family planted the first vineyard in Minnesota with a pioneering spirit that has brought them unlikely fame in the wine drinking world. Their tasting room opened in 1978 with the celebratory release of the first wines ever produced commercially of 100% Minnesota grown grapes. Today, the second generation of the Bailly family continues this proud heritage of making wines in the world's most difficult climate – "Where the grapes can suffer." ABVWINES.COM

Carlos Creek Winery makes more than 20 award-winning wines at their location in the heart of Minnesota’s first federally approved viticultural area, the Alexandria Lakes AVA. At Carlos Creek Winery, their goal is to create products and experiences that bring people together for celebration and fun. As the “Official Wine of Mi nnesota Fun," they strive for this goal in everything they do, making wines that are welcoming and exceptionally good. Drinking a seriously good wine doesn't mean you can't have fun! CARLOSCREEKWINERY.COM

HASTINGS, MN

Cannon River Winery CANNON FALLS, MN

Cannon River Winery is located between St. Paul and Rochester in historic downtown Cannon Falls, Minn.

Their award-winning wines are handcrafted on-site, mixing old traditions with new and combining local techniques with those from around the world. In 2004, they opened the doors of their beautifully renovated winery, formerly home to Lee Chevrolet. The rich history and inviting ambiance are an excellent complement to their award-winning wines.

Their vineyard is located just miles from the winery in the Sogn Valley. CANNONRIVERWINERY.COM

ALEXANDRIA, MN

Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery KASOTA, MN

Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery sits on the right bank of the creek they take their name from in Kaso-ta, Minnesota. Chankaska is a native Dakota Indian name meaning forest-enclosed and vineyard visitors will delight in the natural setting of their southern Minnesota River Valley. Hand-crafted, Chankaska Wines’ artisan winemaking techniques ensure a transformation from hearty grapes on the vine to a flavorful wine experience.

CHANKASKAWINES.COM

Flower Valley Vineyard RED WING, MN

Flower Valley Vineyard is situated on a charming farm shared by a menagerie of horses, goats and miniature ponies. Rural charm aside, they serve up serious and award-winning wines from their boutique on-site winery, the grapes grown from their own vineyards. Situated along the sloping hillsides of the Mississippi River bluffs near Red Wing, the namesake Flower Valley provides the perfect landscape for grape growing — not to mention a legitimately scenic drive just minutes from the Twin Cities.

FLOWERVALLEYVINEYARD.COM

Four Daughters Winery SPRING VALLEY, MN

Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery is a fully operational winery, cidery, restaurant and event center. Nestled in rural Southeastern Minnesota, south of Rochester, their sprawling estate includes a tasting room and large production areas, as well as a 6-acre vineyard. Four Daughters wine was the Official Provider to the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, and their wine and hard cider, Loon Juice, have been served at Universal Music Group’s Country Music Awards after-party, various events during the 2015 SXSW film festival, and for several years at movie premieres during the Sundance Film Festival. FOURDAUGHTERSVINEYARD.COM

Round Lake Winery ROUND LAKE, MN

Family-owned and operated Round Lake Vineyards & Winery is located on the shores of scenic Round Lake in Southwest Minnesota. Established in 2007 with the planting of its first four acres, today at 30 acres it has 13 estate-grown varieties of grapes. With control over their grapes from winter pruning through fall harvest, Round Lake nurtures exceptional fruit that produces quality wines. This beautiful destination vineyard is open year round for tours and tastings.

ROUNDLAKEVINEYARDS.COM

Parley Lake Vineyard WACONIA, MN

A long-time family business, Deardorff Orchards & Vineyards began planting Minnesota Grapes in 2005.

Today, Parley Lake Winery is proud to offer local character in hand crafted wines. Parley Lake Winery is located less than 10 minutes from the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The 125 rolling, wooded acres are adjacent to the Carver Park Reserve and offer the chance to experience seven acres of Vineyards, 20 acres of orchards and locally grown and produced wines. PARLEYLAKEWINERY.COM

St. Croix Vineyard STILLWATER, MN

Saint Croix Vineyards has been growing grapes and producing wine since 1992. Its wines have been recognized on international platforms, including the acclaimed San Francisco International Wine Competition and the International Eastern in New York. Saint Croix Vineyards is one of Minnesota’s oldest and largest wineries and vineyards. Producing nearly 6,000 cases of wine each year, Saint Croix Vineyards offers a range of winemaking styles to satisfy all palates, including the intense, oak-aged Marquette, semi-sweet La Crescent and dessert wines.

SCVWINES.COM

Winehaven Winery CHISAGO CITY, MN

The honeybee on Winehaven’s label represents the Peterson family’s heritage as producers of the region’s finest honey.

Each wine is crafted in a style that showcases the distinctive character of Winehaven’s vineyards. Winehaven is recognized as one of the most awarded wineries in the Upper Midwest, having won more than 200 awards for unique grape, berry and honey wines during the past 10 years.

WINEHAVEN.COM

Photography by Isabel Subtil

The Minnesota Food Guide

43

CRAFT COCKTAILS If you are a local, you know that The Marvel Bar is an award-winning unmarked speakeasy behind a purple door in the basement of The Bachelor Farmer. Peder Schweigert and team custom serve you avant-garde cocktails, whiskeys in this hip, eclectic dĂŠcor with a glass wall wine cooler.

Looking to find the best craft cocktails in town? It all starts with the talent behind the bar with a creative pro that runs an innovative beverage menu.

Here is a list of some of the coolest cocktail kids in town and where you can find them. Cheers!

Marco Zappia, Martina @marcozappia Jefferey Fricke, Lawless Distilling Company @jefffricke Katy Dimick, Hola Arepa @katydimick Adam Gorski, Young Joni @dimpledingus Keith Mrotek, Norseman @urban.monk Bennett Puente, Tattersall @bennetpuente Megan Luedtke, Parlour Bar @awwwmegs Jeff Rogers, Constantine @kjillzone Jon Olson, Esker Grove @pkjonjon Elliot Manthey, Spoon & Stable @youngmanthey Peder Schweigert, Marvel @ptschweigert Adam Witherspoon, Martina @spoonforkylove Tyler Staples, Zen Box @man_bear_moose Nikola Govich, Alma @nicola777 Trish Gavin, Hewing Hotel @trishmgavin Paul Hennessy, Bachelor Farmer @sippinonhennessy Brandon Sass, Hasty Tasty @sasstender Photography by Isabel Subtil

DONUTS FOR EVERYONE! You want donuts- we got 'em... and not just the regular old kind- we have so many talented pastry chefs and bakers bringing us their creative concoctions with clever names to pair with our tasty hot local brews.

Pictured here is Co-owner and Head Pastry Chef Katy Gerdes of Angel Food Bakery and their famous "Message Donuts" - You have something to say, they can make it, custom decorate it and deliver it to your special someone! angelfoodMN.com

46

The Minnesota Food Guide

MENTORSHIP IS EVERYWHERE Chef-based kitchens abound here, and at the center of a well run chef-based kitchen is the mentorship of the next chef talent in the region. You will see the Minnesota Mentorship that creates a closely woven network of professionals that care about the community and the elevation of their craft. Check out our master list of professional talent (on page 71) for a glimpse at many of our Minnesota mentors shaping our market through tomorrow's culinary talent. Pictured here is Steven Brown at Tilia in Linden Hills, South Minneapolis.

Photography by Isabel Subtil

The Minnesota Food Guide

47

HAI HAI THE DRAFT HORSE THE SAMPLE ROOM BREAKING BREAD

YOUNG JONI

BROADWAY

MINNEAPOLIS UN IVE RSI TY

RED STAG SUPPERCLUB GLAM DOLL DONUTS

HEN

I P E N

CE

NT

RA

L

BARDO

48

The Minnesota Food Guide

ALMA

N

Young Joni

Blue Door Pub

Young Joni‘s award for Best Restaurant in 2017 by Star Tribune is well deserved. As a wood fire and open flame pizzeria, they serve up one of a kind pizzas and a variety of eclectic small plates and dishes meant to be shared including [of course] pizza, whole snapper fish, lamb kofta and roasted corn. The menu is inspired from cuisine around the globe and the ambiance gives off a seductive vibe filled with not only tables, but open counters to promote interaction.

There’s also a back bar that has warm and vintage feel with Midwest cabin décor.

Only one word needs to be used to describe Blue Door Pub… “Blucy.” Now for those of you not familiar with a Blucy, it’s a mound of ooey-gooey cheese, and other ingredients in some cases, stuffed inside two thick and juicy burger patties creating a masterpiece of mouth-watering deliciousness that encompasses Minnesota cuisine like nothing you’ve seen before. Topping and fillings including, bleu cheese, lingonberry jam, peanut butter, Muenster cheese, pineapple mango salsa, and pulled pork are perfectly paired together for the ultimate burger experience in Minnesota.

Hai Hai

Bardo

Alma

Breaking Bread Café

To escape Midwest cuisine and dive deep into authentic Korean street food, Hai Hai is here for you.

Offering up a modern affordable menu full of snacks, vegetarian dishes and “Assembly Required” Vietnamese style plates, you’ll be able to try a handful of each.

Bold, vivid and spicy are words best used to describe the menu by owners Birk Grudem and Christina Nguyen. The atmosphere gives off a tropical feel full of palm tree fronds and lively wallpaper provoked by the owners’ vacations to Bali, Thailand and Vietnam.

Alma is the “Renaissance Man” of NE MPLS, which is perfect description for James Beard Foundation award-winning chef/owner Alex Roberts himself.

Alma, a restaurant and boutique hotel offers two unique dining experiences with their cafe and new dinner-only restaurant. You know they've hit a home run as they were named one of America’s Best New Restaurants in 2017 by Bon Appetit. The restaurant serves up reinvented and elevated classic American cuisine created with high technique cooking. The cafe has everything from signature pastries, bread, soup, sandwiches and other lunch options.

Head Chef Remy Pettus describes Bardo as “a place of transition that is filled with creativity, opportunity and potential.” As an old art deco building serving up modern-American cuisine, that’s exactly what the newly opened Bardo restaurant is. The regularly changing menu has quaint and sophisticated options that are all heart-healthy full of herbs and spices. The upscale twists on the menu include carbonated grapes featured on the Microgreen Salad and red wine fois gras paired with the duck breast.

With the assortment of chic and fine- dining options in NE Minneapolis, Breaking Bread Café offers visitors a casual gathering place for its fresh, global comfort food.

Appetite for Change, a community based nonprofit that is the parent organization of Breaking Bread, uses food as a tool to build health, wealth and social change. They address problems dealing with lack of real food, jobs, and opportunities for teens in community development.

Breakfast, lunch and catering options are available in this welcoming café that has an appetite for change.

Written by Zach Vraa

The Sample Room

For small but hearty plates in a comfy and dark atmosphere filled with vintage prints and artwork, the Sample Room is the place to be. These culinary risk takers and rule breakers create charcuteries, pastas, dressing and sauces by hand in-house with the help of small family farmers and artisanal producers. Anthony Bourdain, host, chef and best-selling author, even highlights The Sample Room, “Bringing great food to Minneapolis.” So if you want to get in on the smallplate craze with Minnesota-flair, look for this turn-ofthe-century brick building in the NE. The Minnesota Food Guide

49

28th St NIGHTINGALE FRENCH MEADOW

26th St THE LYNHALL MILK JAM CREAMERY HEYDAY

FUJI-YA

MOTO-I

Lake St

BOGARTS DONUTS

GIGI'S CAFE

LYNDALE AVE.

BRYANT AVE.

HASTY TASTY

MINNEAPOLIS 36th St

ST GENEVIEVE ( past 50th St)

38th St 50

The Minnesota Food Guide

Photography by Isabel Subtil

HOLA AREPA

W 35TH ST

PAT'S TAP

KYATCHI GRAND CAFE

NIGHTHAWKS + BIRDIE

BLACKBIRD

GRAND AVENUE

NICOLLET AVENUE

W 38TH ST

REVIVAL

MINNEAPOLIS

Hola Arepa started as a food truck and eventually opened a fami-

ly-friendly restaurant in Minneapolis. This Latin American restaurant is especially known for their Venezuelan arepas. Their arepas are handmade daily. They consist of two patties made from cornmeal and stuffed with meat, veggies, cheese, and salsa. If you love French fries, then you will love the yuca fries served at Hola Arepa. Some even claim that Hola Arepa is the best brunch spot in the Twin Cities, but I will let you be the judge of that. Where else can you pair a mimosa with some breakfast arepas? Take a break from the Minnesota cold and hang out in Hola Arepa’s cabana/beach atmosphere! Your only regret will be that you didn’t try the food sooner.

Kyatchi is a contemporary Japanese-inspired restaurant in south

Minneapolis that is committed to serving sustainable fish and seafood.

The restaurant was such a hit that a second location was recently opened in Saint Paul. Come in, come all – Kyatchi Minneapolis is serving up dinner and happy hour every day plus lunch on the weekends! It was voted the best sushi and best Japanese restaurant by the Mpls St. Paul Magazine. The menu consists of elegant maki rolls, fresh nigiri, amazing sashimi, creative specialty chef rolls, Japanese noodle dishes such as ramen and udon, and even hot dogs. Yes, that’s right – I said hot dogs. Did you know kyatchi means “catch” in Japanese? This restaurant has baseball influence which you will notice by the décor.

Kyatchi was even deemed to have the best hotdogs in Minnesota by the Star Tribune. If you have any questions about the menu, don’t hesitate to ask the knowledgeable staff!

Nighthawks + Birdie is a classic diner and bar with a modern twist.

PATISSERIE 46

CORNER TABLE

CAFE ENA

W 46TH ST 52

The Minnesota Food Guide

Here you will find hearty and filling food which is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients. Nighthawks + Birdie is a popular brunch spot! Come on in during the weekend brunch for an order of the eggs bennie or the breakfast burger. Don’t forget about the $9 bottomless mimosas! If you’re not a fan of mimosas, don’t fret because there are 20 local tap beers to choose from as well. I also recommend stopping in for the happy hour where you can order 2 for 1 drinks and discounted appetizers. If you are craving a burger, then you are in the right place. Nighthawks + Birdie has arguably one of the best burgers in the Twin Cities. Phenomenal food, wonderful service, and a fun atmosphere – what more could you ask for? Nighthawks + Birdie lives up to the hype.

Blackbird is a casual and hip restaurant serving up mod-

ern American fare with Midwestern roots. The dining room has a cute and quaint atmosphere with vintage décor. It is perfect to pop in at any time - breakfast, lunch, or dinner because Blackbird is open all day! You can’t go wrong with the brunch here! My go to is the veal eggs benedict or the oxtail hash. The menus regularly rotate as the chef features classic dishes with his own personal touch. This is one of my favorite places to go with a group of friends for happy hour.

The bahn mi sandwich is always a hit!

they do have vegetarian-friendly menu items. The foie gras “royale” made the 12 favorite restaurant dishes of the year by the Pioneer Press. The foie gras “royale” is made of light whipped duck liver and beautifully presented in a hollow egg shell. This dish is truly picturesque and is a perfect way to start off your meal.

Café Ena is a restaurant serving up a culinary fusion of

Latin food made with French techniques. Here you find an upscale yet charming and personable atmosphere with topnotch service. The low-lit dining room is perfect for any date night. You will find a lot to love about this spot, starting with Corner Table is a restaurant serving up elegant American the food. The menu features creative and delicious dishes fare using the freshest local ingredients. You will find unique made with the finest ingredients, such as the Borrego - a farm-to-table dishes here which are prepared with French rack of lamb drizzled with mushroom demi-glaze. The food techniques. The locals are always raving about the food, but presentation is absolutely stunning. I suggest ending the meal something more impressive than these exceptional dishes will with the Mexican vanilla crème brulee which will satisfy your be the service. The menu is always rotating with the seasons, sweet tooth! but if you find the opportunity to try their wild acres duck break – I highly recommend it! Enjoy a glass or two of wine Step through the doors of Saint Genevieve and you with your meal. There is a remarkable wine selection, but if will think you are in France. Saint Genevieve is French pub you are too overwhelmed with the choices then don’t hesitate that was inspired by salons and bistros of Paris during the to ask your knowledgeable server for some advice. This spot war-era. Here you will find dishes with influence from both has an intimate atmosphere which is perfect for a date night historic and modern-day France. Bring a friend to this eleor any special occasion. gant restaurant to catch up over lunch or dinner with a glass of wine. The dishes served are nothing but exquisite. You Revival is a restaurant that specializes in southern food can snack on a little plate of tartare, or if you have a bigger with two locations: one in Minneapolis and another in Saint appetite go for the Poulet quasi-etouffee! After your meal, Paul. What isn’t to love about this restaurant? It is a fantastic don’t forget to take home a delicious pastry for later. local spot with great service, a fun atmosphere, and delicious food. They are famous for their fried chicken which is avail- Patisserie 46 is an award-winning bakery in South able in the following flavors: southern fried, Tennessee hot, Minneapolis with a down-to-earth atmosphere. Bring a and poultrygeist. I always stick with the Tennessee hot as I friend, sibling, or neighbor for a cup of coffee here as it is the love some spice, but if you are feeling bold - try the poulperfect place to connect. Escape to this great spot for French trygeist chicken! If you pop in on the weekend, take the oppastries, croissants, high-quality coffee, macarons, and other portunity to try their weekend special: chicken and waffles! delicious desserts! Looking for a bakery with Instagram-worChicken is not the only thing they specialize in. The revival thy and stunning desserts, then this is the place to go! The burger is my favorite burger in the Twin Cities. Craving a desserts here are ALMOST too pretty to eat. Patisserie 46 single, double, or triple burger? The possibilities are endless even made Food and Wine’s list of best éclairs in the world! here! Pair your meal with a traditional southern side or two. Order the Tahitian vanilla bean custard éclair which is Hushpuppies, mac and cheese, corn bread, collard greens, featured year around. Otherwise, there are other rotating white cheddar grits - you won’t regret it! flavors available such as salted caramel, raspberry, chocolate, etc. If you really want a dessert fit for a king or queen, you Grand Café is a charming and magical French bistro can even order a dessert with 24KT gold flakes. I recomlocated in South Minneapolis. You will be blown away by mend everything in this bakery, but my absolute favorite is the aroma, vintage surroundings, and elegant ambiance. the peach fields which is made with fresh peaches, madeleine Here you will have a great experience – everything from financier cake, and wrapped in white chocolate. remarkable dishes to outstanding service. The rotating menu Contributed by Mindy Brown features dishes made from sustainable ingredients. Grand Café doesn’t stop at French cuisine, but also has been including some Japanese influence. Vegetarians don’t shy away as

The Minnesota Food Guide

53

SAINT PAUL

VICTORIA

LEXINGTON

GOLDEN THYME CAFE

EMM

SUMMIT

BRASA ROTISSERIE

GRAND FRENCH MEADOW BAKERY

EVEREST ON GRAND

You can visit Grand Avenue for shops, restaurants, bars, services, and events. You'll experience a small town feel in the big city, where charming traditions mingle with our modern lifestyle, to bring people in from all walks of life.

56

The Minnesota Food Guide

THE LEXINGTON

SALUT BAR AMERICAN CAFÉ LATTE

Learn more at the Grand Avenue Business Association at GrandAve.com

We asked our extensive local foodie network to curate the hidden gem places that you will not find online, so you would miss them while you are here with us in Minnesota. We've sorted them by cuisine so you can satiate that specific hunger you have for...

SAINT PAUL

REVIVAL

RED COW

MOSCOW ON THE HILL

HAPPY GNOME

SELBY DALE

WA FROST AND CO.

THE COMMODORE

DIXIE'S ON GRAND METT'S PUBLIC HOUSE SAJI-YA PUNCH PIZZA LA CUCARACHA GRAND OLE CREAMERY

TAVERN ON GRAND

The Minnesota Food Guide

57

Photography by Isabel Subtil

We asked our extensive local foodie network to curate the hidden gem places that you will not find online, so you would miss them while you are here with us in Minnesota. We've sorted them by cuisine so you can satiate that specific hunger you have for...

CHINESE

Rainbow Chinese Mandarin Kitchen Yangtze Pagoda Szechuan Spice

JAPANESE

Masu Sushi & Robata Origami Fuji Ya PinKU Japanese Raku Modern Japanese Cuisine Sotarol Ramen Kazama Zen Box Izakaya Obento-Ya Kyatchi

KOREAN

The Rabbit Hole Korea Restaurant World Street Kitchen Cook St. Paul Hoban Korean Barbecue Gogi Bros House

PAN ASIAN

Hai Hai Peninsula Malaysian Cuisine Kings Wine Bar Thanh Do Restaurant

THAI

Khun Nai Thai Tum Rup Thai Coconut Thai Naviya’s Thai Brasserie Amazing Thailand Phad Thai Grand Cafe Supatra’s Thai Cuisine

VIETNAMESE

TMT Noodles Ngon Vietnamese Bistro Hoa Bien Lotus Restaurant Bep Jasmine 26 Jasmine Deli Lotus Restaurant Pho 79 Quang's Restaurant 68 THE

MEXICAN

Hola Arepea Salsa a la Salsa Tinto Maya El Burrito Mercado Bar Luchador La Loma

SOUTH AMERICAN Ena Pajarito Sonora Grill Bardo Chimborazo Marla’s Caribbean CuisinePan Asian Hai Hai Peninsula Malaysian Cuisine Kings Wine Bar Thanh Do Restaurant

ITALIAN

Mucci’s Monello Bar La Grassa Broder’s Cossetta’s Italian Market & Pizzeria Punch Pizza Buca di Beppo I Nonni Bucca

GERMAN

Gasthof Zur Gemutlichkeit Gluk’s Restaurant & Bar New Bohemia Black Forest Inn Aki’s Bread Haus Kramarczuk’s Sausage Company Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter Winzer Stube

SWEDISH Fika Tulibee Finnish Bistro

GREEK

Gardens of Salonica The Naughty Greek Phil’s Tara Hideaway It’s Greek To Me

The Minnesota Food Guide

57

Illustrated by Marty Harris

a hub for globally inspired dining in minneapolis On Minneapolis’ Nicollet Avenue, a.k.a. Eat Street, people of all backgrounds come together — sitting side-by-side at restaurants, many immigrant owned, that have come to reflect the diversity of the city. From head-sweat-inducing jerk chicken to huge bowls of fragrant pho, crisp falafel balls to meat-filled arepas — the food you’ll find lining this street spans the globe. Once you get properly acquainted with the many fantastic restaurants here, you may never want to dine on another street in this city again.

PIMENTO JAMAICAN KITCHEN’S owners Tomme and Yoni competed and won their first brick and mortar space on Food Network’s “Food Court Wars” in 2013, moving on to open their Eat Street location in 2016. Using Tomme’s grandmother’s recipe, Pimento’s Kingston-style jerk chicken is the ideal blend of smoky, salty, and spicy, served with a heaping portion of coconut rice and beans, crunchy coleslaw and sweet plantains. Although it’s a fast-casual restaurant, this place will have you feeling like you’re on island time.

Brothy bowls of pho and crisp Vietnamese egg rolls have been flying out of family owned QUANG RESTAURANT’S KITCHEN to the faithfully hungry masses in their dining room since 1989. Nearly every server and cook is a member of the family, carefully attended to and trained by the matriarch of the family who made and sold coconut bread in Vietnam before migrating to the states. As you pay your tab at the counter, don’t forget to grab a piece of that famous coconut bread for the road.

58

The Minnesota Food Guide

Keen on the funky and fermented? Then GYST FERMENTATION BAR is the answer to your prayers. Sisters Ky and Mel Guse opened Gyst in the fall of 2014, after a successful Kickstarter campaign. Drawing on their shared passion for, you guessed it, fermented foods, the sisters Guse have created a warm, one-of-a-kind haven for “ferment- ophiles” in Minneapolis with offerings that range from global to local with everything from wine and chocolate to kimchi and cheese.

Harry Singh has been both cooking and serving Trinidadian and West Indian family recipes for over 20 years at aptly named HARRY SINGH'S ORIGINAL CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT. While the gigantic jerk chicken roti is always an easy win, you can also get hands-on with the spicy meat-filled Jamaican patties or traditional Trinidadian snack sandwiches called doubles. Spice lovers make the pilgrimage for Harry’s hot pepper sauce, but you should tread lightly at first – it’s got the capacity to make even the toughest heat fanatics cry.

RAMEN KAZAMA has been warming bellies from the inside out for just over two years. Chef and owner Matthew Kazama came to Minneapolis by way of Hawaii (where he was born) and Matsue, Japan (where he grew up), working and playing his way through several restaurants and bands in the Twin Cities before opening his own place. The menu features five types of the Japanese noodle soup along with a handful of rice dishes and appetizers. If there’s anything better than a hearty bowl of Tonkotsu ramen on a winter’s day, I’ve yet to find it.

Written by Devan Grimsrud

12

11

4

28th

5 Our favorite spots on "Eat Street"

QUANG'S

1. HOLA AREPA Always packed with patrons sipping on some of the best cocktails in the city, Hola Arepa’s happy hour includes both food and drinks and wins my vote as the best deal in town.

6 27th

2. NIGHTHAWKS Casual, refined and caters to eaters of all kinds with updated versions of diner favorites. Think reworked Cobb salads, grilled cheese sandwiches, pancakes and more — made from scratch and prepared behind a classic open counter.

GYST

3. EAT STREET SOCIAL Creative cocktails and intimate atmosphere make an excellent location to sweep any date off their feet. Let the libations flow or simply sip on their hand-crafted sodas like the sultry Horehound — woodruff syrup, seltzer and cherry bark vanilla bitters.

4. RAINBOW CHINESE When dining at Rainbow Chinese it’s easy to taste why owner Tammy Wong is one of the most beloved and respected female chefs in Minneapolis. Don’t miss her otherworldly Szechuan wontons in black bean sauce – delicious mouthfuls made with love.

HARRY SINGH'S

26th

3

5. PHO TAU BAY Sandwiched between a laundromat and car wash, Pho Tau Bay’s papaya salad might just be the best in the city. A generous portion of shredded green papaya is doused in fish sauce, mixed with crushed peanuts and herbs, and finished with Vietnamese beef jerky. Simply perfect.

7. THE COPPER HEN CAKERY & KITCHEN Owned and operated by a local couple, this farmhouse chic restaurant is as beautiful to look at as it is to eat in, but no meal here is complete until capped off with one of their delectable cupcakes.

7

NICOLLET AVENUE

6. MARHABA GRILL It’s easy to be skeptical when it comes to buffets, but Marhaba Grill keeps it real. Kofte kebabs, gyros, grape leaves and samosas are all available to fill a lunch or dinner buffet plate. It’s an uber casual place, but the food is solid and the people friendly.

PIMENTO

25th

The Minnesota Food Guide

59

Eat Brava Colorful dishes, curbside convenience, and curry to die for. Curry may not be the only item on the menu, but it’s definitely a favorite amongst visitors to the Brava on Wheels Food Truck.

Follow along on Twitter @eatbrava to keep track of where they will be next.

Curry bowls, chicken dishes and salmon tacos are just a few of the dishes that will have your tongue dancing and wanting more!

Foxy Falafel The name “Foxy Falafel” just invokes feelings of coolness. South Dakota born and New York City trained, Chef Erica Strait brought her love of the falafel to the streets of the Twin Cities.

A menu for everyone, you will find gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options available. Falafel is the star, but the Chicken Shawarma and Cauliflower Steak get a top billing not far behind. foxyfalafel.com

Hot Indian

Gastrotruck “Respecting the food and the environment from which it comes from is our utmost concern.” This is the philosophy of Gastrotruck, and that respect pays off in the plates they put out. They ensure that they partner with companies that are going to share in their commitment to producing end results that environmentally friendly.

They hand craft all of their food, and have committed to zero-waste procedures. They are active on Facebook, and you can follow along on Twitter @ gastrotruck to find out where their next stop will be. Also check them out on www.instagram.com/gastrotruck , as food this pretty needs to be showcased.

Peeps HotBox

gastrotruck.mobi

Reviews can be a scary thing. Visit Peeps HotBox on Facebook and you won’t find anything other than a 5 Star rating. Seasonal and fresh, Jessi Peine brings as many ingredients to the table as she can from her own Tiny Peiny Farms. Rave reviews for the Bahn Mi and wontons will also make your mouth water. Follow along on Twitter @peepshotbox to see where they’ll be landing next.

Hot Indian

World Street Kitchen

Hot Indian has a mission of adding a little spice to your day! Too often we’re so busy to stop and truly enjoy what we are taking in. Sometimes we’re intimated when looking at a menu with items we’re not familiar with.

Hot Indian’s goal is to give you an experience that will leave you wanting to come back for more, and to meld traditional Indian flavors and spices with the things we may be more accustomed to. Bring forth their signature Indurrito, an Indian Burrito.

With big flavor comes big responsibility.

World Street Kitchen brings you the best of the best with a seasonal menu inspired by the street food found from Morocco to Vietnam. You can feast your eyes on all they create by checking out Instagram.com/eatWSK1 . The food truck is downtown Minneapolis from May to October during the weekdays between 11am-1:30pm or until they sell out. Do yourself a favor and follow them on Twitter @eatWSK1 to keep track of where they will be next. eatWSK.com

hotindianfoods.com Written by Renee Belanger

60 The Minnesota Food Guide

Seventh Street Truck Park The Lynhall Totally whimsical and out of the ordinary next door to Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Seventh Street Truck Park. Think Food Trucks inside a grand hall where tattooed trailer servers share personable service as they serve their unique version of street food takes on chicken and ribs, street tacos, nachos, pretzels and their clever collection of grilled cheese sandwiches. Don’t forget the dessert served up by two local favorites T Rex cookies and Sebastian Joe’s ice cream! truckparkusa.com

Midtown Global Market

An instagram darling from the outset,

More than a food market, the Midtown

The Lynhall café features a range

Global Market is an international-

of healthy yet savory roasted meats,

ly-themed public market with great

vegetables complimented with lush

food, cultural experiences and unique

baked goods. What makes The Lynhall gifts. From Michelle Gayer’s Salty Tart unique amongst its food hall peers is

to Kitchen in the Market with cooking

that is boasts a production studio and

classes and events to the East Lake

test kitchen providing a resource trifecta Craft Brewing and Taproom, these are for established and emerging brands

just the beginning of an impressive list

alike.

of ethnically rich vendors including:

thelynhall.com

Holy Land Bakery, Hot Indian, Jakeenos Pizzeria, The Rabbit Hole Korean, and Taco Cat. There’s something for everyone’s taste here. midtownglobalmarket.org

The Minnesota Food Guide

61

Bryant Lake Bowl

Betty Danger’s Country Club Betty Danger’s is Minnesota’s premiere country club for the other 99%. You won’t find any overly haughty trappings here; there is no tennis court and no polo, but there sure as hell is a Ferris wheel (or vertically revolving patio, as they call it). Take a ride on “The Danger” whilst you dine upon your Fabergé eggs, sip your cocktails (pinkies up!) and gaze down upon the NordEast neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Membership is not mandatory to haunt the hallways Betty Danger’s, but membership (which is vehemently in defense of the local art scene) does afford you such luxuries as participation in art exhibitions, discounts on food, tee off at the mini golf course gratis, and you will hold in your hands the power to cut to the front of the line to ride ”The Danger”! Some of Minnesota’s most distinguished artists count themselves as members of Betty Danger’s Protectors, Defenders and Supporters. As the sister restaurant of Psycho Suzi’s and Saint Sabrina’s, Betty Danger’s features Tex-mex cuisine, serving favorites like tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and queso, as well as Tex-mex twists on favorites like crab cakes, poutine and sloppy joe’s.

Betty Danger’s hosts an epic brunch, with mimosas made with prickly pear lemonade, the ”sparkle donkey” morning margarita, and a whole host of country club worthy mixed cocktails.

64

The Minnesota Food Guide

Bryant Lake Bowl is legendary in Minneapolis.[PJ1] Where else can you get your theater, drag, bowling AND good food. In the heart of Uptown, Bryant Lake Bowl serves up good American fare. Bryant Lake Bowl catered to the hipster crowd before that was actually a thing. You will go in and see legit business people, off-shift baristas, college kids and everything in between noshing on breakfast classics and diverse Minnesota favorites like a beer battered walleye sandwich, mac and cheese, a bad breath burger (in case you’re having second thoughts about your Tinder date, or you’re just in the mood for Cajun spice, onions, blue cheese and aioli), as well as worldlier fare like pad Thai, Bowl Bim Bap, and the el Toro burger.

Late night, after an evening of bowling you can stop in for nachos, chili, or some chorizo deviled eggs. Bryant Lake Bowl is a neighborhood favorite, as well as a great destination for those in search of a satisfying meal a good show, or a game of 10 pin on the famed lanes. Bryant Lake bowl famously hosted the wrap party for the movie Fargo, after which the Coen Brothers went on to write the Big Lebowski.

Coincidence? Either way, let’s go bowling.

Can Can Wonderland Minnesota is known for its EPIC State Fair, so it’s no surprise that Can Can Wonderland has been wildly popular since it burst on to the scene in early 2017. Formerly a can factory built in 1889, Can Can Wonderland boasts an amazing mini golf course and a boardwalk arcade with arcade machines, ping pong, pinball and more. The food echoes the carnivalesque theme of Can Can. Dig into favorites like mini donuts (also available ‘loaded,’ with chocolate, caramel, sprinkles and bacon!), pretzels, cotton candy and popcorn. They also offer hot dogs; you can get them plain or with a spin on the typical dizzy dog by getting one loaded with Mac and cheese, coney sauce, bahn mi style or even vegan. With the cool selection and the witty names of the pizza, you’ll have a hard time deciding what to get, but they cater to both kid and adult tastes so you’ll be able to find something to please any palate. After 9pm is 21+ and there is no shortage of boozy malts, boozy slushies and beer floats to take advantage of some kid-free time; And I’d bet dollars to mini-donuts that you’ve never had anything on their themed cocktail list before. Best of all, Can Can Wonderland uses proceeds to provide support to the art community in the Twin Cities. Talk about a whole lot of Minnesota fun, and Minnesota nice.

Pat's Tap

Pinstripes

Cheese curds are basically a way of life in Minnesota (it doesn’t matter if the cheese originated in Wisconsin, they’re still Minnesotan). You absolutely cannot visit the state and not have them. Arguably, some of the best can be found at Pat’s Tap, which touts itself as a Skee Club and Gastro Pub. They have a brilliantly appropriate happy hour, “party boobytrap,” featuring cheese curds, fried pickles and more. Named after the owner’s mom, Pat’s Tap whips up a dizzyingly palindromic array of Minne-centric pub fare like a Wild Rice Burger, and worldlier offerings like buffalo chicken terrine, kofta, gougéres (try them with the soup!) and ramen. Brunch offers faves like Biscuits and gravy, shakshuka, and a Bloody Mary sandwich. As the Term Skee Club suggest, they are home to a number of skee ball games you can play while you wait on food or as you enjoy one of the over 100 beers they have available, including tons of Minnesota beer, or shoot some pool at a table that attracts a surprising amount of excellent players.

As the Pat’s Tap website states, “Drive Fast. Take Chances.

Eat Cheese Curds.” Challenge accepted …except the driving fast part, unless of course it’s to go get some cheese curds.

The first tier suburb of Edina has a lot of competition when it comes to restaurants, but Pinstripes stands out from the rest with their stellar cuisine and entertaining venue. Pinstripes, which is originally from Chicago, showed up to Edina and changed the dining and happy hour landscape of the city. Pinstripes boasts 2 floors of bowling lanes and bocce courts, and a number of private dining and meeting rooms for work meeting, weddings, receptions, etc. One thing that sets them apart is the caliber of the culinary fare they offer; it’s not your typical bowling alley food. Pinstripes offers yellowfin tuna flatbread, house-made pastas, short ribs, chicken marsala and notably excellent calamari. [PJ2] The higher end feel of the venue melds perfectly into Edina’s France Avenue area. Pinstripes is very family friendly and has a wide range of patrons, from retirees taking advantage of their senior specials to young families with their kids. If you’re a fan of happy hour, they have a wide range of ‘by the glass’ wines, and a well curated beer menu. Or if that’s not your thing, go for an old fashioned or an espresso martini. The outdoor patio, (which is year ‘round, as we Minnesotans are a hardy folk) and the impressive fire pit will help keep you cozy while you enjoy your beverage outside, overlooking the beautiful and bustling Centennial lake.

Punch Bowl Social

Up-Down

The best way to start your visit to Punch Bowl Social is with a walk around the place to decide what you want to do first (preferably with one oft their adult milkshakes in your hand). Bowling, skee-ball, karaoke, giant scrabble, pool, ping pong and more, for those who want to go out to work on their skill or tap into their competitive side. Even those who aren’t really into games will enjoy the charged atmosphere and the creative menu. Punch Bowl Social is known for their, well…punch bowl sized sharable drinks, available in single size, for 4 or for 8, with cool names and cooler contents. The menu, which was overseen by Hugh Acheson, also offers large sharable ”Big Baller Platters” to share alongside your cocktails. “The Maine Squeeze” features lobster rolls, and of course the “Colonel of Truth” comes with 12 pieces of fried chicken. If you’re in the mood for a whole lot of decadence you can splurge on “The King of Infinite Space” which includes 4 egg salad sandwiches and accoutrements including an ounce of Ostera Caviar. The A La Bama chicken sandwich is awesome, as are the L’il Street Tacos and Cubano. They have a really good kid’s menu, and believe me, kids LOVE this place, but fret not, you won’t find the place crawling with them. It’s more of the crowd who likes good food with their mini-me’s in tow, there to enjoy the creative drinks and the diverse menu.

Being an adult is a lot different than we all thought it would be.

But enter into Up-Down, and it takes you back to how you thought you would be spending your days once you were out from under the evil thumb of curfews and crappy allowance; you can finally live the fantasy your younger self looked forward to! For just a quarter, you can fall head-first into a world of skee-ball, pinball and vintage video games. Located in the in the Uptown area of Minneapolis, Up-Down keeps the menu simple. Pizza by the slice or a whole pie in a few varieties, spanning the range from pepperoni to mac-andcheese and buffalo chicken.

There are also a few salads on the menu, but its kept simple, because the real draw is the vintage video game machines.

The four player Pac-Man is amazing, and pinball is just as addicting as you remember it to be. The walls are plastered with childhood heroes and heartthrobs (like Kieffer, Suzanne, Prince and of course, Beavis and Butthead). Up-Down is a fun place to go with friends, but it’s great to go solo and get lost in a game. When weather permits, you can lounge on the rooftop, or the outside patio and watch the interesting characters of Lyndale Avenue stroll past.

There’s not a lot you can buy for a quarter anymore, but at Up-Down 2 bits gets you the ultimate 16bit fix.

Written by Kelly Allard The Minnesota Food Guide

63

6Smith

Gianni's Steakhouse

6Smith an artisan-inspired meat and seafood restaurant for the urban suburbanite. Tucked along the shore of Lake Minnetonka in downtown Wayzata, Minn., 6Smith is open for lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on the weekends. It offers unbeatable year-round vistas of the lake, while inside the décor manages to blend an industrial vibe with warm hospitality.

Gianni's Steakhouse is the Grand Dam of Wayzata restaurants, a staple along Lake Street for 22 years. With owner Terri Huml and Executive Chef Steve Vranian, Gianni's wine list has received a prestigious Wine Spectator award for 2017 in the Best of Excellence category.

Over 450 wines from around the world grace the five pages of iconic as well as esoteric wines.

This old world steakhouse still prepares their Caesar Salad table side and the gigantic sides are meant to share.

McCormick's Pub + Restaurant McCormick’s Pub & Restaurant of Wayzata warmly welcomes 2018 Super Bowl fans. Overlooking the shores of beautiful Lake Minnetonka, McCormick’s features an authentic cozy pub and adjoining elegant dining room experience, steeped in the Irish tradition of warm hospitality.

McCormick’s features four connected but distinct drinking and dining experiences.

GIANNI'S STEAKHOUSE 6SMITH McCORMICK's

WAYZATA

64

The Minnesota Food Guide

COV

Cov

Bellecour

Baja Haus

Located in downtown Wayzata along the beautiful shores of Lake Minnetonka, this original CōV location combines Midwest comfort and hospitality with the unmistakable allure and energy of Nantucket or the Hamptons.

The coastal environment and water views transform the Minnesota lakeside into a unique East Coast getaway. The combination of high style and relaxation creates a charming atmosphere that few will want to leave.

James Beard Award winning Chef Gavin Kaysen left New York and returned home to the Twin Cities in 2014 to open Spoon and Stable and in 2017opened his second restaurant, Bellecour, in Wayzata.

Bellecour is Kaysen's interpretation of a classic French bistro, inspired by his many trips to Lyon, France with his friends and mentors Paul Bocuse and Daniel Boulud. At the front of Bellecour is the bakery, which is open all day for dining in or takeaway. Pastry Chef Diane Yang runs the bakery and serves traditional French breads and pastries as well as sandwiches.

We are unique, beachside spin with Baja California Coastal Grill -we are so much more than tacos.

Offering chef driven menufeaturing the freshest seafood, delightful salsas, and fresh made in-haus corn tortillas.

“It’s where Minnesota Nice meets East Coast Spice...”.

SUP

LAK

Inside Wayzata’s Hotel Landing, is ninetwentyfive. Our unique two-level space is decked with modern brass fixtures, rustic woods, exposed brick and eye-catching chandeliers. Combining flavors from traditional American cooking techniques with high-quality, fresh, regional meats, cheeses and produce, ninetwentyfive offers up the best in new-American dining.

BLV R O I ER

DISTRICT FRESH KITCHEN BELLECOUR

NineTwentyFive

D

Learn more at WayzataChamber.com

NINETWENTYFIVE

E ST

REE

TE

BAJA HAUS

The Minnesota Food Guide

65

MINNESOTA INFLUENCERS Golnaz Yamoutpour @eatdrinkdishmpls

66

Cafe Ena

Nolo

Terzo

Pizza Nea

Republic

MilkJam Creamery

The Minnesota Food Guide

MINNESOTA INFLUENCERS @kaieatsworld Kai Chan

Sea Salt Eatery

Hola Arepa

Pizzeria Lola

@universityofcupcakes Kaylie

Vincent

Rose Street Patisserie

Bellecour

Bogart Donuts

@shawnsrodgers Shawn Rodgers

Young Joni

Martina

Cafe Astoria The Minnesota Food Guide

67

MINNESOTA INFLUENCERS Erin Good @erinjbgood Paul Buttenhoff @bothrops1

Glam Doll Donuts

Mojo Monkey Donuts

Angel Food Bakery

Paul Buttenhoff @bothrops1

Marla's Caribbean

Andale Tacqueria

Zen Box Izakaya

Stephanie Hanson @stephaniesdish

Surdyks 68 The Minnesota Food Guide

The Golden Fig

El Burrito Mercado

MINNESOTA INFLUENCERS @minnesotaeats Kelly Allard

Blue Door

Meritage

Moto-I

@vraamoney_eats Zach Vraa

Borough

Cardigan Donuts

Sebastian Joe's

@madison_in_mpls Madison Bessinger

Saint Dinette

Dalton and Wade

The Copper Hen The Minnesota Food Guide

69

LaChelle Cunningham BREAKING BREAD CAFE Super Bowl LII is more than a game; it’s an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for Minnesota’s future by tackling some of the big challenges facing our youth – like health and wellness! For the first time ever, children born today have a shorter life expectancy than

Geji McKinney-Banks MINNESOTA VIKINGS

their parents. The Super Bowl Legacy Fund is working to turnaround this trend by investing in communities across state, and creating fun opportunities like the Super Snack Challenge to get kids excited about building healthy habits.

In partnership with Newman’s Own Foundation, the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee is engaging Minnesota’s kids from across the state to make healthier food choices and be part of the Super Bowl excitement. Hundreds of kids age 8-14 created a healthy snack recipe that they could enjoy with their family on

Tomme Beevas PIMENTO JAMAICAN KITCHEN

Super Bowl Sunday. We selected 52 winners to join the Super Kids Tailgate Party during the 10-day Super Bowl festival- a fun and festive celebration of kids and community and a great way to cap off a year of engaging kids in every corner of our state. 10 of the “All Pro” Super Snack winners will have their snacks served at the tailgate party. And Minnesota celebrity chefs are helping us to select a champion that will win $25,000 to donate to the charity of his/her choice! Both by engaging kids across

Sean Sherman SIOUX CHEF

our state, as well as our amazing community of culinary experts to serve as judges and guides for this challenge, we can tell a story of Minnesota as a culinary leader and innovator, and perhaps even launch an event that can go forward to future Super Bowls.

Written by Dana Nelson Photography by Isabel Subtil

70

The Minnesota Food Guide

CULINARY & LIBATIONS PROS It is impossible for us to include all the talent that give our region its one-of-a-kind quality.

Here is a handy list of many of the talented culinary and libation pros that are staging us as an international food destination.

Adam Eaton Alex Roberts Alicia Hinze Amalia Moreno-Damgaard Amanda Buhman Angela Gustafson Ann Kim Anna Christoforides Anne Roach Asher Miller Aubry Walch Beth Fisher Bill Summerville Bob Gerken Brenda Langton Brie Roland Britt St. Claire Carol March Carrie McCabe Johnston Carrie Summer Charlie Broder Christina Nguyen Daniel del Prado Daniel Niles David Fhima Diane Yang Doug Flicker Elizabeth Lintelman Elizabeth Rose Emily Sheppard Eric Evans Erin Rolek Erica Rokke Erica Strait Erin Rolek

Everton Clarke Gavin Kaysen Gretchen Skedsvold Hanna Benti Heather Meyer Isaac Becker J D Fratzke Jack Reibel Jacob Brodd Jacquie Berglund Jamal Hashi James Winberg Jami Olson Jamie Malone Jennifer Ellenbecker Jennifer Helm Jill Mott Jill Pavlak and Deb Loch Jim Christiansen Jim Watkins Joan Ida Joan Schmitt John Krause Jolene Langreck Josh Hill Justin Sutherland Kara Smith Karyn Tomlinson Kate Winkel Kathleen Culhane Katie Bonow/Wiste Katy Gerdes Kim Bartmann Koshiki Yonemura Kyle Peterson Kylene Gust

Lachelle Cunningham Laurel Elm Laurie Crowell Laurie Hefner Lenny Russo Leslie Bock Lisa Carlson Lisa Hanson Lucia Watson Lynn Gordon Margaret Doran Mary Schnitker Matty O'Reilly Megan Larsen Mel Guse Michael Kutscheid Michel Nischan Michelle Gayer Michelle Winchester Mike Rakun Milissa Silva-Diaz Molly Broder Nate Watters Nico Giraud Paul Berglund Paul Lynch Peder Schweigert Peter Beard Peter Vars Rachel Anderson Round Lake Winery Russell Klein Sarah Bonvallet Sarah Master Sarina Garibovic Scott Foster

Sean Sherman Steph Kochlin Stephan Hess Stephanie Shimp Steven Brown Sue Kakuk Susan Dunlop Susan Muskat Tamara Brown Tammy Wong Tamra Kramer Tasya Kelen Ted Fisher Thomas Boemer Tim McKee Tim Niver Tim Rooney Todd MacDonald Tommie Beevas Tor Westgard Tracy Jonkman Tracy LeTourneau Tracy Singleton Tyge Nelson Wyatt Evans Yia Vang James Beard Foundation Women Chefs & Restaurateurs Women Who Really Cook

The Minnesota Food Guide

71

Bad Larry’s Hard Coffee and Black Eye Roasting Company Nitro Coffee It has been a big year for Black Eye Roasting Company’s founder Matt McGinn as he put Nitro coffee on the map in Minnesota with his Black Eye Roasting cold brewed Nitro Coffee in cans. Cold brew is coffee that’s made with cold water with nitrogen added.

The result is a coffee that’s less acidic and easier on the stomach, but with twice as much caffeine as a typical energy drink. Matt and his partners use that same cold brew process and add malt to create the country’s first cold, hard brew called Bad Larry’s Cold Hard Coffee with 6% alcohol and 180 milligrams of caffeine per can. Hard Coffee is the first of its kind in this category that is sure to appeal to the caffeine lover (and alcohol) fans.

Cry Baby Craig’s Pickled and Habanero Hot Sauce Necessity was the mother of invention when local chef and Minnesota Maker Craig Kaiser received a shipment of habaneros instead of jalapenos in his restaurant produce order. He didn’t know what to do with the stack of habaneros immediately, so he pickled them for later.

When he got back to the pickled peppers, he made hot sauce and served it to his staff for “family meal.” The result was a refreshing, tart, bright, orange hot sauce with a hint of garlic that was a hit. You will find Cry Baby Craig’s hot sauce in place of many of the national hot sauce brands at local restaurants, and chefs are using it in their recipes due to its distinctive flavor and forward heat from the pickling of the peppers.

Gustola Granola Gustola Granola started with Angela Gustafson on the search for a healthy granola that had the large chunks that her family of six craved.

She’s a fanatic about both quality ingredients and crunch. Whether you choose hazelnut, walnut, blueberry, and cranberry; cashew, pecan and almond; almond cherry and coconut; or pistachio, pumpkin seed, coconut and cherry, all four varieties are wheat-free, non-GMO, and made with organic whole grains. From the days of baking and delivering the granola in her orange jeep to today where you can find her granola at your local grocers, specialty stores and food-co-ops, Angela still works hard to keep the consistency of chunk and crunch in every bag.

Joia Sodas and Joia Spirits canned cocktails Joia Soda in the glass bottle is locally crafted with juices, herbs, spices, and sparkling water to give you a refreshing beverage unique to the Twin Cities market. Intense flavors like blackberry pomegranate ginger, grapefruit chamomile cardamom, pineapple coconut nutmeg, and orange jasmine are tasty sparklers on their own or mixed with your favorite spirits. In fact, the sodas lend themselves to spirits so well that they launched a line of Joia canned cocktails this year with Sparkling Greyhound, Sparkling Cosmopolitan, and Sparkling Moscow Mule.

Joia’s canned cocktails contain vodka instead of clear malt like many canned cocktails, and the flavor profile is truly superior without being too sweet. Find Joia sodas at your favorite restaurants, bars and grocers, and Joia Canned Cocktails where your favorite spirits are sold.

72

The Minnesota Food Guide

Minnesota’s Makers are a diverse and exciting group. From our historical past in milling and the creation of a grain exchange to the early days of making beer and liquor throughout the years of prohibition we have been innovators and product engineers. The makers of today are engineering new apple varieties, Minnesota made hops, and a range of products. Here are a few of our favorite makers that you will find in your local grocery store, Co-op, or on the table at your favorite Minnesota restaurant.

Maddy and Maize Popcorn

Kakookies No wheat, no dairy, no egg is the promise of Sue Kakuk's Kakookies.

Made with whole grains, these non-GMO, vegan and gluten-free treats are a cookie re-imagined.

Mom-friendly in four super food flavors including: Almond Cranberry Breakfast Cookie, Boundary Waters Blueberry, Cashew Blondie and Dark Chocolate Cranberry.

Every town has their favorite popcorn shop with the requisite caramel and cheese corn, but I bet you won’t find any flavors like Maddy and Maize’s popcorns—Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake, Porcini Mushroom, Coconut Curry, or Cookies and Cream. CEO and founder Brett Striker spent a long time working with food scientists and flavor makers to develop their signature line of unique flavors. If Bourbon Barbeque doesn’t do it for you try, Birthday Cake or Cinnamon Sugar or Avocado and Sea Salt. Locally sourced, no artificial flavors, and no high fructose corn syrup make this sweet treat a favorite for wedding party favors and game-day snacking.

Salad Girl Salad Dressings Pam Powell and her family started Salad Girl Salad Dressings while Pam was the “Salad Girl” at a Northern Minnesota resort crafting fun and exotic healthy salads with fresh greens, nuts, cheese, fruit and her wonderful vinaigrettes. From there they proceeded to The Mill City Farmers Market where they sold out of their fresh, organic, vegan, soy, and dairy free vinaigrettes every weekend. Interest from Kowalski's market helped them plan for scaledup production. Currently there are nine varieties of Salad Girl Salad dressings including Blueberry Basil, Curry Fig, Pomegranate Pear, Cocoa and Sea Salt and Apple Maple, available in your grocer's refrigerator section near the fresh greens.

Red Table Meats Local chef Mike Phillips left the restaurant scene in 2010 to fulfill his vision of starting a local meat company called Red Table Meats.

From your first bite of his cured salami with the tiny nubs of fat tucked into the peppery meat, to the pork leg rubbed with herbs and sliced ribbon thin, you can taste the craftsmanship that goes into each bite. Winner of multiple Good Food Awards for their Coppa, Sausages, Pancetta and Salamis, these meats can be found on the charcuterie platters at many of the Twin Cities finest restaurants as well as specialty retailers throughout the Twin Cities.

The Minnesota Food Guide

73

Thumbs Cookies

Sisters Mezze Sisters’ Mezze hummus was born in the kitchen of Palwasha “Paula” Gharwal, an Afghan-American with over 30 years of experience as a chef of delicious Afghan cuisine. While hosting a dinner at her home, Paula whipped up her homemade hummus to serve as appetizers. Dinner guest and dear friend, Becky Fredericksen, echoed the response received by others who tried Paula’s food – it was too good not to share this with others. The “Sisters’ Mezze” name was inspired

by Paula’s biggest fans, her five daughters: Myena, Zahra, Wagma, Heela and Madeena. The company is family owned and operated with a collective mission to share Paula’s gourmet recipes the way she serves it in her own home. The product offering has expanded to three flavors of hummus, Sea Salt Lavosh Crisps, and on-the-go snack packs of hummus and crisps.

Robyn Frank’s thumb cookies were a signature of her mom Barbara. Tiny cookies rolled into perfect circles and pressed with her thumb into bite size perfect treats. These buttery organic morsels come in 13 signature flavors like cinnamon and sugar, double chocolate, rosemary pecan, ginger clove, peanut butter sea salt, apricot pistachio cardamom, hot toddy, spicy hot red velvet, lemon thyme, and chocolate hazelnut. She is currently rolling close to 10,000 cookies a week and has even partnered with local ice cream producer, Sweet Science Ice Cream, to create miniature ice cream sandwiches. These mighty miniature morsels are a must when visiting Minnesota.

Velvet Bees Honey Butter Krista Koppinger and her husband Steve have stumbled onto a product that has fueled their family business since 2011—Velvet Bees Honey Butter. Made in small batches to ensure the highest quality and with only five simple ingredients including honey, butter, cream, sugar and vanilla, it is divine. No preservatives ever make their way into the 20 calories per teaspoon honey butter that can be used on toast, popcorn, cooked carrots, or as a dip for apples. Look for Velvet Bees Honey Butter in the refrigerated section of your favorite retailer. It’s amazing that five simple ingredients can taste this good.

Twisted Shrubs The Twisted Shrub makes easy work of serving a stylish and tasty cocktail. Shrubs are intense, complex cocktail or soda enhancers without the muddling or mixing.

Their shrubs take two days to make and contain only three ingredients—cane sugar, fruit, and vinegar.

Twisted Shrubs founder, Scott Dillon, started making shrubs in 2015 after participating in a local cocktail making class. Strawberry Lime, Peach and Pineapple Habanero, Blueberry lemon and Apple Ginger are current flavors and available at your favorite local liquor stores and specialty retailers.

74

The Minnesota Food Guide

Wild Acres Poultry Pat Ebnet has been driving his farm raised chicken, duck, pheasants, geese and turkeys across the Midwest since the early 80’s. He is known for driving 500 miles round trip to bring next day delivery to chefs that count on the quality of his poultry. Raised from the egg up, Wild Acres was among the first to sell free-range birds in the Midwest. Ebnet breeds, hatches, raises, processes and distributes more than two dozen poultry products to top restaurants in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. Each week Wild Acres is delivering over 2,000 birds to Twin Cities restaurant tables.

In addition to restaurants and bars, our Minnesota Makers are on the shelves of your favorite local grocer, food co-op or specialty grocer.

Written by Stephanie Hansen, @makersofmn podcast

ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN The Minnesota Food Community Campaign was created to raise the collective voice and individual Minnesota stories from our local food and beverage community.

The Minnesota Food Community Conversation Our social conversation began in May 2017 on Instagram and Facebook. Both our social communities have grown substantially and have active daily conversations. Their robust engagement provides a solid messaging platform for promotion throughout the Big Game promotional timeframe and beyond.

The Minnesota Food Guide The Minnesota Food Guide is a 80 page reference guide for visitors and media to be able to have an easily sortable high-level view of the amazing food, beverage and cuisine landscape here in Minnesota. It is being launched in preparation for the Big Game in February 2018. It is ad free, and has been created by a fully-volunteer community of industry professionals and artisans that care about Minnesota's Local Food scene getting credit internationally for the talent and hidden gems that locals enjoy daily. It will be distributed on the MeetMinneapolis, VisitSaintPaul and BloomingtonMN convention and visitor bureau sites and at the media party.

Many thanks to Patterson Thuente law firm for supporting the printing underwriting of this guide.

Cuisine Committee Andrew Zimmern Wendy Meadley Sara Brohl Megan Speas Kelly Lainsbury Sue Zelickson Tracy Dann Isabel Subtil Vincent Tracy Golnaz Yamoutpour Kaylie Vincent Leslie McDougall Stephanie Hansen Kelly Allard Emily Sheppard Lisa Forsell Dara Levine Tamara Waterston Kat Peterson Brie Roland Jamie Quickert Brian Turner Julie Drake Lisa Lardy Jerrod Sumner Jennifer Lueck Jill Howard

The Minnesota Food Guide

75

FOOD GUIDE Wendy Meadley Minnesota Food Community Campaign Director Tracy Dann Editor Kelly Allard Editorial Stephanie Hansen Editorial Leslie McDougall Creative Lisa Lardy Photography Renee Belanger Editorial Charlie Broder Editorial Mindy Brown Editorial Ashley Chung Editorial Jenny Ellenbecker Editorial Wyatt Evans Editorial Sarina Garibovic Editorial Madison Bessinger Editorial

Isabel Subtil

Gina Glynn

Director of Photography

Creative Director

Nico Giraud Editorial Nikki Klocker Editorial Devan Grimsrud Editorial Mel Guse Editorial Marty Harris Creative Laurie Hefner Editorial Megan Larsen Editorial Jill Mott Editorial Jami Olson Editorial Kyle Peterson Editorial Shawn Rodgers Editorial Erica Rokke Editorial Brie Roland Editorial Erin Rolek Editorial Anne Saxton Editorial Emily Sheppard Editorial

Golnaz Yamoutpour Instagram Campaign Lead

Kaylie Vincent

Ashley Sullivan Photography

Instagram Campaign Coordinator

Bill Summerville Editorial

Back cover photography by Isabel Subtil All Illustrations by Gina Glynn unless otherwise noted 76

The Minnesota Food Guide

Casey Tilli Editorial Peter Vars Editorial Zach Vraa Editorial Marco Zappio Editorial

Everyone is Welcome in Minnesota!

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the creative and editorial participants in creating the Minnesota Food Community Campaign.

As I shared from the beginning, this is the moment in time when the world’s eyes are upon us, and urging community members to seize the opportunity was the easy part. The challenging part was to pull this all together in a meaningful way. So that we could capitalize on the momentum of this exciting community-based effort could live on beyond the spotlight of the Big Game… and truly create a legacy through unprecedented visibility for local chefs, sommeliers, restaurants, bars, coffeehouses, makers, growers and food artisans.

I believe we accomplished a very good start to an extensive view of the amazing talent and venues that you will experience when you visit us here in Minnesota.

We welcome you to bookmark this guide on the visitors bureau website you discovered it, and refer to it throughout your time with us. The handy interactive links will get you directly to the numerous featured talent and venues we have collected to share.

Additionally, we have many more spotlighted

Wendy Meadley serves as the Co-chair of the Cuisine

on our social channels on Instagram (@Minne-

Committee preparing for the Big Game coming to Minnesota

sota_Food) and Facebook (@MinnesotaFood).

in February 2018. As part of this fully volunteer civic project,

Feel free to join the conversation and share

Wendy designed, developed and directed the Minnesota Food

your Minnesota Food experiences with us with

Community Campaign with hundreds of talented cuisine

the #MinnesotaFood tag.

community professionals spotlighted in this guide and on the

Our table is set, and you are invited…

Minnesota Food Instagram and Facebook channels. This is the

Bon Appetit!

single largest volunteer influencer marketing campaign ever

Wendy Meadley

created for a professional sporting event.

Cuisine Committee Co-chair

The Minnesota Food Guide

77

JOIN THE MINNESOTA FOOD COMMUNITY

@Minnesota_Food

78

The Minnesota Food Guide