The state of independent restaurants in Minnesota in 2018 is not merely strong; it’s exceptionally strong. A number of high-profile openings and announced expansions leave diners with a glittering galaxy of choices that will only continue to brighten as we move into 2019. First and foremost: Carefully curated mini-empires are expanding incrementally and wisely to … [ Read more]
Bright Colors, Deep Flavors: In Hai Hai, chef Christina Nguyen has created an autobiographical powerhouse
December 3, 2018 by
Three facts about Christina Nguyen, chef-owner at Hai Hai and Hola Arepa: 1. She believes that the customer is right…unless the subject is omelette larb. “It’s the one dish I won’t allow people to get less spicy, because I am a total tyrant and crazy person,” she says. “There are certain things that you should … [ Read more]
Year in Review: Minnesota Wine & Spirits in 2018
December 3, 2018 by
A martini at Nye’s Bar is a fine drink to reflect on the year 2018 in local spirits. In January, this bar, Nye’s in name only, opened in the dust of the demolished Polonaise Room, a place whose divey charm earned it the Best Bar in America designation from Esquire in 2006—a lifetime ago, from the … [ Read more]
The Growler’s guide to Art-A-Whirl 2018
May 16, 2018 by
Spring has sprung (finally), and Northeast Minneapolis is springing into a whirlwind of a weekend—it’s the 23rd annual Art-A-Whirl. From May 18–20, thousands of people will descend on the area to browse art, tour studios and galleries, and watch artists’ creative techniques. But people need to eat, drink, and take a load-off, too, so many … [ Read more]
Craft Cocktail: Lychee Keen at Hai Hai
March 22, 2018 by
Outside of Hai Hai in Northeast Minneapolis, the snow banks are growing and the wind is howling. Inside, there’s sugar cane being pressed, limes being juiced, and a thicket of green herbs covering the bar. As long as I don’t leave this bar seat, it’s no longer winter as far as I’m concerned. Let’s keep … [ Read more]
MSP well-represented on longlist of James Beard Awards 2018 semifinalists
February 15, 2018 by
The James Beard Award Foundation released their longlist of semifinalists for their 2018 honors Thursday morning. Minneapolis–St. Paul was well represented, placing seven entries in the regional powerhouse category of Best Chef: Midwest. For national honors, the 2010 Best Chef: Midwest, Alex Roberts of Restaurant Alma, nabbed his second consecutive semifinal nod for Outstanding Chef nationwide. … [ Read more]
The Mill: New supermarket to open in North Minneapolis
November 28, 2017 by
A full-service supermarket and wellness center will be opening mid-December in North Minneapolis. The North Market is filling a hole in a neighborhood that previously relied on scattered convenience stores for its groceries. MPR News reports that the closest full-scale supermarket to the North Market is three miles away, making it difficult for those who … [ Read more]
