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]
Wine pros set to battle in Somm Slam at Monello, Tuesday June 7
On Tuesday, June 7, eight well-known sommeliers will compete at Monello to be crowned the winner of Somm Slam 2016. Each guest sommelier will pair one wine with a food course and guests will vote for which wine and food pairing they prefer. Attendees will enjoy four courses, created by Chef Michael DeCamp, each paired … [ Read more]
Craft Cocktail: Something to Talk About at Heyday
“We’re food-focused here,” says Britt Tracy. “We need drinks to come out fast, but still be ingredient-focused and balanced.” Britt has been helming the bar at Heyday since it opened nearly two years ago. Recently, she noticed a cook pitting Kalamata olives. “There’s still lots of flesh on those pits,” she remembers thinking. “They’re like … [ Read more]
Minnesota’s 12 James Beard semifinalists
Twelve Twin Cities chefs, bakers, restaurateurs, restaurants, and importers have been named semifinalists for the 30th-annual James Beard Foundation awards, reports the Star Tribune. The so-called “Oscars of the food world” recognize and celebrate excellence in 21 categories.The category with the most local names is Best Chef: Midwest. The Midwest region includes Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, … [ Read more]
Eat This Now! Beef Tartare at Tongue In Cheek
It’s either a surge of joy or pangs of regret. It’s that feeling when you see a plate leave a kitchen destined for another table. You’ve already ordered, and there it goes. It’s so beautiful. Depending on whether or not it’s what you’ve ordered, your night has just taken a turn. That’s why it’s our strategy … [ Read more]
Eat This Now! Lamb Tartare at Heyday
By John Garland A “small plates” menu is a constant tug-of-war between artistry and value. It’s a line that Heyday is walking with purpose, where a smart order of two or three items can be immensely satisfying to the stomach and wallet. Based on the La Belle Vie lineage of its key players, Heyday was expected to impress right … [ Read more]