Jeremy Iggers Joan Ida, former pastry chef at Goodfellows, and more recently executive chef at Tria in North Oaks, is back in the area after a year of opening Western restaurants in Hong Kong — and about to open a new restaurant in Forest Lake. "It was a great experience," reports Ida. "I got to travel and … Read more
It sounds like the Namaste Café might have an image problem. A couple of days ago, I emailed a friend and invited her to meet me for Happy Hour at the Nepalese/Indian restaurant and tea house at 2512 Hennepin Ave. S. "I have never even noticed Namaste," she replied. "They have wine?? It sounds so … Read more
photo by Tom McConnell It probably would have been quicker to just ask Heather Jansz what she hasn’t been doing lately.The woman who first brought really, really hot and spicy cuisine to Minnesota has her fingers in so many pies, chutneys and sambols that it’s hard to keep track without a website. You might remember … Read more
A couple of talented Mexican-born chefs have opened new restaurants in south Minneapolis that raise the local standards for Mexican cuisine. Hector Ruiz, who trained with Alain Senderens at Lucas Carton in Paris, has added a third Latin restaurant to his collection: first El Meson, which features the flavors of the Latin Caribbean, then last … Read more
Guess which local chef is going to be cooking at the James Beard House in New York City in May? Scott McKee of La Belle Vie? Nope. Been there, done that. Doug Flicker of Mission American Kitchen. Nope. Give up? It’s Christian Ticarro. Christian who? Christian Ticarro, executive chef at the Canyon Grille in Coon … Read more
This is pretty short notice, but the Bedlam Theatre’s Jim Bueche reports that today is Smyngus Dingus, a famous Polish holiday. "It traditionally is a courting holiday" says Bueche; "a young man would ask the mother of a girl he fancied for access to their home in the early morning. If access was granted he … Read more
This Thursday, I plan to be at Via Café and Bar in Edina, along with my co-blogger and wine connoisseur Ann Bauer, for this month’s Rake World Flavors dinner. This should be a fun evening – not just a great dinner, but also a chance to meet other Rake foodies, talk to Ann about wine, … Read more
I’ve got a great week of eating ahead of me, and I hope some of you will be able to join me. On Monday, (March 24th) I am planning to stop by at the Grand Café, (3804 Grand Ave. S., Minneapolis) for their first ever cribbage night. (I actually majored in bridge in college, but … Read more
Our faithful correspondents Anthony Kaczor and Sid Korpi report on their latest Lenten dining discoveries: This week we’ll finish up the Fish Fry Days at the Tri-City American Legion in New Brighton. Thank you for your input and keep us in informed for any fundraising events you are involved in or are aware of!!! First … Read more
After a week of bouncing around the Yucatecan countryside, I have come back with an increased respect for the Mexican eateries we have right here in the Twin Cities. We ate all over the place – from thatched beachfront seafood joints in a quiet fishing village and market stalls in a small colonial town to … Read more