Matti Sprague and I appear to be talking about fermentation. We are standing in Jon Wipfli’s well-lighted kitchen, and we are using all the words that you use when you talk about fermentation. We are talking about salting down vegetables, creating anaerobic environments, and encouraging the right kinds of microbial life while discouraging the wrong … [ Read more]
Photos: Before and after at Hotel & Cafe Alma
December 1, 2016 by Leave a Comment
The bar and seating area at the new Cafe Alma // Before photo by Aaron Davidson, after photo by Kevin Kramer, The Growler Welcome back, Alma. It’s like you never left. After owner and chef Alex Roberts purchased the entire building Restaurant Alma is located in and closed in August to complete an expansion, Alma is … [ Read more]
Trailblazers 2016
November 30, 2016 by Leave a Comment
What’s the value of a brewery’s stance on mining? Why be concerned with obscure English apples? What’s so important about a chicken sandwich at a stadium? Why does it matter if a basketball team weighs in on current events? The answer to all those questions is the same: it makes a difference. There are people … [ Read more]
Trailblazers 2016: Alex Roberts of Alma: Cafe, Hotel, and Restaurant
November 30, 2016 by Leave a Comment
It’s one thing to own a restaurant. It’s one thing to own a restaurant that aspires to the highest levels of plating, flavor, design, and customer service. It’s one thing to own said restaurant while trying to discover new ideas and techniques from the rich food traditions of the region and continent. It’s one thing … [ Read more]
Grand Designs: Alma is expanding to make you feel more at home
April 22, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Have you ever been to Restaurant Alma? The acclaimed restaurant has been quietly sitting on the corner of University and 6th Avenue Southeast in Minneapolis for 17 years now, while Dinkytown was razed and rebuilt with luxury apartments and St. Anthony Main has waxed and waned. It’s not new or hot, and you can’t sum up … [ Read more]
Minneapolis City Council Approves Alma Hotel
August 11, 2015 by Leave a Comment
A unanimous city council vote has cleared the way for a boutique hotel to take shape above the future Cafe Alma. Alex Roberts purchased the two-level space on University Avenue, adjacent to his standard-bearing Restaurant Alma. MinnPost reports plans for a six-room hotel and ground-level cafe inspired by Chicago’s Longman & Eagle.
