Brunch! Come for brunch, without question, but there’s no shame in coming for dinner either. The menu tends to lean toward the owners’ Nordic roots – as well as the region of the North (please, don’t say Upper Midwest) utilizing the produce, grains and proteins from the surrounding area. But make no mistake, on a … Continued
One of my favorite places in Minneapolis, I’ve sent dozens of people here and never heard a complaint. It’s a little rustic, a little modern, a little Italian and a little New American. As much as I love their sweet & sour crab salad, prawns with rooster mayo and lamb ribs, I’m just as much … Continued
If ice cream wasn’t already fun enough, this quirky (and totally committed to local artisans) company features some whack-a-doodle flavors, like pear and blue cheese or beer hops, but man, do they taste great with the high-fat cream they’re using. Get anything seasonal, obviously, and definitely splurge and get a flight, so you can taste … Continued
Chef Nong Poonsukwattana understands the value of doing one thing really well. That’s why you’ll only find the titular Khao Man Gai (chicken and rice) on her menu. It may not sound like much, but crafting one dish with stellar ingredients makes Khao Man Gai a standout in the Portland food scene. Nong’s Khao Man Gai … Continued
What started as one of Portland’s many food carts is now a thriving sandwich shop that serves up a pork-centric menu and impressive beer list in three locations. Lardo 1212 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214; (503) 234-7786
Located several hours north of Portland in Eastport, Quoddy Bay Lobster is worth stopping by if you’re in the area. You’re guaranteed the freshest catch at this family owned seafood market and eatery with stunning views of the water. Quoddy Bay Lobster 7 Sea Street, Eastport, ME 04631; (207) 853-6640
They call themselves the “New American Breakfast” and I say go, especially if you’re staying downtown. There’s usually live music during weekend brunch in the subterranean space. The food has both a quirky sense of humor but also a few touches you won’t find outside of Minnesota, like grains and corn dishes featuring Native American … Continued
I knew Michelle Gayer when she worked at Charlie Trotter’s, and have excitedly followed her career to Minneapolis. Just about every time I’m back in town, I swing by the Midtown Global Market to pop in and grab something from the pastry case (it all looks great). If nothing else, get a macaroon and call … Continued
New York City’s loss is the Twin Cities’ gain. Bloomington native Gavin Kaysen moved back home in 2014, after spending eight years working for Daniel Boulud in New York, running the kitchen at Cafe Boulud, among others. He brings French-inspired dishes but with top-quality American ingredients, all served in a very chic converted office building … Continued
This old school Maine seafood shack serves up the freshest seafood and their top-notch lobster rolls along with live music, cold beer, and a view of the Portland Harbor. If you’re looking for the freshest lobster dinner you’ve ever had, you can buy a lobster from Lucky Catch Cruises across the pier and they’ll cook … Continued
NOTE: Just in case you’ve landed here from a Google search, there is a newer, updated Top 5 Pho post. I ranked all 32 of the pho joints in Chicago, complete with statistical analysis and maps. Published January of 2017. Nearly every culture has its go-to winter comfort soup. The “Jewish penicillin” has always … Continued