Food and Cooking

Muddy Waters' new bar and happy hour are an Uptown classic

Muddy Waters2933 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis612. 872.2232; Muddy Waters websiteHours and details: Every day from 3-5 p.m.$2, $3, and $4.50 select pintsWines by the glass, ranging from $2.50 to $4A happy hour menu with options ranging from $3 to $11We stopped by for happy hour at Muddy Waters r ... More >>

Lowertown plans for new bars, bakery, and restaurants

It's a Saturday morning after a successful trip to the St. Paul Farmers Market. You got your fresh flowers, snap peas, and bunches of basil, but now you've worked up an appetite and are craving a sit-down breakfast that doesn't leave grease on your spoon. Sorry, Mickey's -- not always in the mood to ... More >>

Kevin VanDeraa returns to TV's 'Cupcake Wars' Sunday

Mona takes a chance on downtown Minneapolis

Chef Lisa Hanson hopes her creative small plates will draw diners

Top 5 butcher shops in the Twin Cities

As the three-day weekend looms, it's time to scrape off those grates and get ready for grilling. The key to a carnivorous cookout is a high-quality cut of meat. While it's not hard to pick up a chub of hamburger from any old grocery mart, buying meat from a butcher shop not only ensures quality but ... More >>

World Street Kitchen: Another food truck finds a permanent home

The brothers Wadi are preparing to open their second restaurant. The two already run Saffron in Minneapolis's Warehouse District. Chef Sameh runs the kitchen, while his elder brother Saed keeps the front of the house humming. When not at Saffron, they also run the wildly popular World Street Kitchen ... More >>

Caribe moving to Northeast? Owners make their case on Kickstarter

In the last year we've written about several successful food businesses that all started with seed money from Kickstarter backers. Food trucks like Aussie's Kebabs and Bloomy's Roast Beef, farmers market vendors like 10,000 Licks, and full-scale restaurant additions like Hell's Kitchen's recently op ... More >>

Best bets for Art-a-Whirl refueling

Today marks the beginning of the 17th annual Northeast Minneapolis Art-a-Whirl, the nation's largest open-studio tour, when galleries and studios throw open their doors to art lovers, prospective buyers, and people who just love free wine and cheese. Last year, the event drew more than 30,000 peopl ... More >>

Chef Shack may be moving into former Jack's space

At the end of April when Jack's/Jack's Cafe/Java Jack's/the revolving door of drama at 46th and Bryant closed its doors, the Nicollet East Harriet Business Association (NEHBA) said a "nonfood business" would be taking over the space. Looks like they were wrong, but that might be great news for the n ... More >>

Kim chee ramen at 3 Tiers Bakery & Bistro: delicious AND a deal

Every once in a while you can stumble onto a dish that's so good you want to tell everyone you know. 3 Tiers Bakery & Bistro in south Minneapolis is serving one of those dishes: a bowl of ramen unlike any you've had before. As the Twin Cities has quickly risen to embrace the growing trend of pro ... More >>

Kingfield Farmers Market returns this Sunday

If there wasn't already enough going on this weekend with Art-A-Whirl (we have a couple of the best bets on where to eat), Minnesota Monthly's Grill Fest, and Solo Vino's annual rose wine tent event, this Sunday also marks the return of the Kingfield Farmers Market.Located at 43rd and Nicollet, near ... More >>

La Belle Vie named one of the top 25 bars in the country

It's nice to get the notice, when the man running the bar program literally wrote the book on fine drinks cocktails. Johnny Michaels's cocktail-shaking star continues to rise. This week Men's Fitness magazine named La Belle Vie one of the 25 best bars in America.

Mill City Cafe closing and relocating

One of the most underappreciated patios in Minneapolis will be closing at the end of the month. The Mill City Cafe, the quiet little neighborhood restaurant in Northeast, announced via its Facebook page today that it will be closing and relocating, but not before they throw one last party.

Masu Sushi and Robata makes list of best new American sushi restaurants

Just a month after being awarded Best Sushi in City Pages' Best of the Twin Cities issue, Tim McKee and Katsuyuki Yamamoto's Masu Sushi and Robata in northeast Minneapolis got a much grander shout-out when it made the list of Bon Appetit's 10 Best New Sushi Restaurants in America. Bon ... More >>

Beer Dabbler pairs breweries and food trucks for Pride fest

The Beer Dabbler is always a hot ticket. They're gearing up for the next big bash during Twin Cities Pride this summer, June 22, in Loring Park.Tickets are $35 in advance or $45 at the door (if there are any left by then). The ticket price includes a souvenir six-ounce glass for a two-ounce pou ... More >>

Poutine round-up: from classic to "obscene"

Admittedly, we're not exactly on par with Canada when it comes to the availability of poutine. In fact in Quebec, where the dish is said to have originated, you can order a side of the cheese-curd and gravy-covered fries at any McDonald's. We'll probably never get to that point (do we really want to ... More >>

350-pound Wisconsin man picketing restaurant after he's cut off during all-you-can-eat fish fry

Only in America... and especially in Wisconsin.Bill Wisth -- a 6'6",  350 pound resident of Mequon, Wisconsin -- used to be a regular at Chuck's Place, a family-run restaurant in Thiensville, Land of Cheese. But Wisth's days as a regular came to an abrupt end last weekend after the restaurant c ... More >>

Harriet Brasserie: A first look

The Linden Hills neighborhood is getting another  fantastic neighborhood cafe that utilizes some of the quirky, beautiful architecture and fresh, local food. The new Harriet Brassiere specializes in breakfast and opened recently in the former Cafe Twenty Eight space. We stopped by to check out ... More >>

Hell's Kitchen family recalls 10 years of heaven and hell

For some it was a time to bust out noise makers, party hats, and devil's horns as this last weekend, Hell's Kitchen turned ten years old. For others it sparked a time of reflection. It's a time of looking back in awe on something that could've never been. I recently had the opportunity to sit down w ... More >>

Happy Hour of the Week: Cocina del Barrio

Someone get Michael McDonald on the phone: This party calls for a theme song and a glitter shower climax. How did Edina survive until now with no drink specials? None. Never. Well, until today, that is. Tonight kicks off the first ever happy hour, and we thought it best to check out the specials whe ... More >>

Tangiers Eatery and Lounge to open in North Loop

Moving into a space on First Avenue North that is roughly equidistant between heralded newcomer the Bachelor Farmer and unbeatable veteran Origami, the North Loop's newest neighbor, Tangiers Eatery and Lounge, is sure to be in good dining company.With intentions to be open for business by fall, Tan ... More >>

Edina Grill Happy Hour Kick-Off Party today

Today marks the first time that the Edina Grill, and other Edina restaurants, will be able to host a happy hour. In honor of this momentous event, the Grill is throwing a party. With the city of Edina finally overturning its longstanding law that prohibited happy hours, restaurants can now offer are ... More >>

Sparks touches on Mediterranean using wood-burning oven

Restaurant fills old Bryn Mawr Coffee shop space

Andrew Zimmern wins James Beard Award

Minnesota food celebrity and TV show host Andrew Zimmern has won a James Beard Foundation Award for Best Television Show on Location. His popular Bizarre Foods show is now in it's seventh season, with new episodes airing on the Travel Channel Mondays at 8 p.m. The James Beard Awards are known as the ... More >>

Anchor Fish & Chips: A new food truck, a party, and a dream realized

Get ready Minnesota because on May 19th, 2012, in the parking lot of their North East Minneapolis Restaurant, the folks at Anchor Fish & Chips are letting their business out on the open road. Of course by that I mean they'll be launching their own food truck. Fish & chips, meat pasties, and a variet ... More >>

Top 5 Mother's Day brunches

It's getting down to the wire to plan Mother's Day festivities for this Sunday, May 13. If you aren't looking forward to spending the week cleaning your house and preparing a feast, consider these top five picks for Mother's Day brunch specials worthy of the woman who brought you into this world.

Edina finally approves happy hour

The last city in the metro area without happy hour has finally conceded. The Star Tribune is reporting that the Edina City Council unanimously approved the measure. That should come as welcome news to restaurants like the Edina Grill, Salut, and Barrio, who have other locations that hadn't been held ... More >>

Top 5 beefless ways to celebrate National Hamburger Month

In addition to being National Toxic Encephalopathy and Chemical Injury Awareness Month and International Audit Month (goody!), the Internet tells us that May is also National Hamburger Month. Far be it from the Hot Dish to dictate which holidays you should and should not celebrate, but we don't hav ... More >>

Tot Boss hits the streets for the first time today

Way back in late January we announced that a new food truck, one based on the almighty tot, would be on the streets of downtown St. Paul this spring.  That day has finally arrived. Dan Docken, owner of Tot Boss food truck, will open up shop in Rice Park today at 11 a.m. for his inaugu ... More >>

Butcher and the Boar patio opens this Saturday

Just in time for julep season, Jack Riebel's critical darling of a restaurant, Butcher and the Boar will finally be setting out chairs in their backyard. The patio has been beckoning since the opening.  Other than a few smokers huddled around the fireplace, there haven't been many bodies out th ... More >>

Smalley's Caribbean Barbeque on 'funniest episode ever' of 'Diners, Drive-ins and Dives'

Last December, the temperamental host of the Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Guy Fieri, and his crew rolled through Minnesota filming new episodes of their show. One of their stops was Smalley's Caribbean Barbeque and Pirate Bar in Stillwater. That episode will be airing for the first ti ... More >>

Hell's Kitchen 10th anniversary customer appreciation brunch this Sunday

In honor of its 10th year in business and to celebrate the opening of Angel Food Bakery (the official Grand Opening will be held over Mother's Day weekend), Hell's Kitchen is hosting a customer appreciation brunch this Sunday, May 6. Last year Hell's Kitchen promised that if it could reach its goal ... More >>

Isaac Becker and partners to open new steak house

Celebrated chef Isaac Becker of 112 Eatery and Bar La Grassa fame and two partners--his wife, Nancy St. Pierre, and real estate developer/restaurateur Ryan Burnet (Barrio and Bar La Grassa)--have announced they are opening a new restaurant in south Minneapolis. The new venture will be a steak house ... More >>

The Hole, Uncle Moe's open near U of M

Reviews of two new casual eateries

Month in Review: Open, Closed, Coming Soon May '12

​OPENAngel Food (Hell's Kitchen Bakery)80 S. 9th St., Minneapolis Bread and Pickle - open for the season4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis Butcher and the Boar (City Pages review)1121 Hennepin Avenue, MinneapolisCinita's of Mexico6042 Nicollet Ave, MinneapolisEat Street Social&n ... More >>

Mona: a first look

Chef-owner Lisa Hanson's new restaurant opened to much excitement. Finally a dining and destination lunch spot in a part of town that had been underserved. Hanson took what was once a Chinese restaurant and transformed it into the sort of room where a client can be entertained and a collection of cu ... More >>

City Pages' Food Truck Map: Now updated for spring

Today is May Day, which always somehow seems like the first unofficial day of spring. And as we know, the Best Sign of Spring this year is the return of the food trucks--the best excuse yet to get out of the office and enjoy the day. But with so many mobile lunch counters on the streets of Minneapo ... More >>

Cinco de Mayo, Great Waters cask dinner kick off May this Week in Food

It's (almost) May, and our week in food reflects this most welcome month: Cinco de Mayo cooking classes and a new chef at Gather just to name a few. Enjoy!

Minnesota Monthly names Rachel Hutton as new food critic

After Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl defected for its direct competitor Mpls St. Paul Magazine, Minnesota Monthly put out a national call for food writers and critics to submit their work. They needn't have looked further than their own pages, where Rachel Hutton recently wrote a fascinating  ... More >>

George & the Dragon opens today

After six months of construction and repairs, Lynnhurst neighborhood pub George and the Dragon will open this afternoon.The restaurant, at the former site of Blackbird Cafe, is owned and run by Fred Navarro, a longtime manager of both Tucci Bennuch and Twin City Grille. Navarro's goal is to make Geo ... More >>

Rustica makes list of best baguettes in America

Bon Appetit recently published a list of the 10 Best Baguettes in America to coincide with its "Insider's Guide to Paris" issue. Two Midwest bakeries made the cut: One was Floriole Cafe and Bakery in Chicago, the other was the Minneapolis's Rustica, City Pages' 2010 winner in the Best Bakery categor ... More >>

Today is Dining Out for Life Day

Today marks the 18th annual celebration of Dining Out for Life Day, in which more than 180 restaurants across the Twin Cities metro area donate a portion of the day's proceeds to local organizations the Aliveness Project and the Rural AIDS Action Network.Local celebrities Sven Sundgaard and Rena Sar ... More >>

Jack's officially closing tomorrow

After a tumultuous few months, it looks like Jack's Cafe will close its doors for good.Late Wednesday afternoon, Matt Perry, the Nicollet East Harriet Business Association (NEHBA) president, broke the news via Twitter writing, "Jack's (46/Bryant) formerly Java Jacks is closing this Friday (4/27). As ... More >>

So You Want to Start a Food Truck

Owners share tricks of the mobile-kitchen trade

The Newsroom creates new edition of menu

Read all about it: Nicollet Mall mainstay the Newsroom has acquired new cooking talent and designed a new menu. Joe Campbell has joined executive chef Andrew Baebenroth's team as sous chef. Their new menu debuted last week. The restaurant offers an American-eclectic menu and is centrally located in ... More >>

Republic to add 25 new taps by May

If you're already a fan of their happy hour specials, fish tacos, and garlic confit burger, you'll be pleased to learn that Republic at Seven Corners plans to add another 25 taps to its already wide selection of draft beers by May.

Paired dinners for all this Week in Food

Beer. Cigars. Wine. This week we've got paired dinners for pretty much every interest, plus Kim Ode slinging rhubarb in all its sweet and savory forms. A fairly unique week in food if we do say so. 4/24 If you're the type who appreciates having a stogie with your meal, then Tria is the place for y ... More >>

Bruno Oakman joins Bartmann family of restaurants

It feels like we've been hearing about Humble Pie, the remodel of Gigi's Cafe in Uptown, for the better part of a year, but a recent hire to the Bartmann family of restaurants may help move that project forward. Bruno Oakman, former chef of downtown St. Paul's long-running Italian eatery Pazzalua an ... More >>

Broders' 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives' viewing party at Vincent

Late Monday evening, nearly 150 foodies, fans, and employees of Broders' Pasta Bar and Cucina Italiana gathered at Vincent on Nicollet Mall to enjoy cured meats, fine cheeses, and champagne to toast the premiere of the latest episode of Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, which featured a 1 ... More >>

Broders' Cucina Italiana to be featured on 'Diners, Drive-ins & Dives' tonight

Offering more evidence that Guy Fieri has run out of actual diners, drive-ins, and dives to highlight on his Food Network show, tonight's episode of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives will feature a Minneapolis institution that couldn't properly be said to fit any of those categories. The Twin Cities have ... More >>