Subject:

Michelle Leon

  • Blogs

    September 8, 2011

    Five favorite Twin Cities contemporary cocktails

    The new Marvel Bar helps make up for the loss of the Inn.​We're no longer able to sip this year's Best Contemporary Cocktail winner, the Inn's Slim Shim, as the restaurant has unfortunately closed. But we lucky liquor lovers still have plenty of great cocktail choices in town, including several ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 20, 2011

    The best small restaurants in the Twin Cities

    Michelle LeonBig island flavors, tiny space.​What's nice about dining in a small space? The coziness creates the ability for the chefs and barkeeps to really take time to give you their attention, and, while it's not every Minnesotan's cup of tea, you can also visit with your neighboring tables. L ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 17, 2011

    Red Stag's Sazerac: A New Orleans-inspired drink of the week

    Michelle LeonRed Stag's amber glow.​Sazerac$9Red Stag Supperclub509 First Avenue NE., Minneapolis, 612.767.7766website Like the martini, Manhattan, or old-fashioned, the sazerac is another pre-Prohibition cocktail, this one originating in New Orleans, that everyone claims as having the "orig ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 25, 2011

    Restaurant price markups: the highest vs. lowest

    Michelle LeonSteaks, like this one from Heartland, are spendy but tend to have low mark ups.​The San Francisco Chronicle looked into restaurant food pricing to compare the cost of ingredients to the final cost of the dish. These costs, of course, don't take into account the expense of, say, pu ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 23, 2011

    Swede Hollow Cafe's Caramel Roll: 100 Best Dishes, No: 50

    Michelle Leon​And here we at the half-way point on our 100 favorite dish countdown, and this one is so very sweet, a caramel roll that was born in our dreams.

  • Blogs

    February 22, 2011

    Today is National Margarita Day! Try this choice recipe

    Michelle LeonDrink me.​It's time to blow out that flip-flop and get wasted away again in Margaritaville. Today is National Margarita Day, and to help you celebrate, here's a delicious but definitely  nontraditional recipe we tried out for the big day. 

  • Blogs

    February 4, 2011

    The Weekender Bloody Mary at Ike's: 100 favorite dishes, No. 96

    Michelle LeonLike a meal in a glass​ Some may be spicier, some may be stronger, but no bloody in the Twin Cities can top the Weekender Bloody Mary for sheer scale and ambition. On a recent Sunday morning, one member of a large party waiting at the host's stand enthusiastically explained the fa ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 21, 2010

    Top 5 drinks of 2010

    A year of cocktails...​This year in beverages saw a wealth of cocktail options across the Twin Cities. There were the fruity, the fragrant, and the fierce--in other words, something for every kind of drinker. We highlighted the white liquors in summer, the brown in winter, tasty brews and even a m ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 21, 2010

    Top 5 happy hours of 2010

    by Marsha TrainerThe writing's on the wall.​The Twin Cities are home to many killer happy hours in a variety of venues. In the Upper Midwest, snazzy joints are just as likely to discount their cocktails in the early evening as your friendly local dive bar. The Hot Dish has been diligently visiting ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 15, 2010

    Persimmon Margarita-- a tropical Thanksgiving cocktail

    Michelle LeonSweet, spicy and icy.​November is the height of persimmon season. Finding ourselves with a profusion of persimmons after visiting Hmong Village, it was time to get creative. This cocktail was perfect: rich with fruit flavor, sweet 'n' tart with cinnamon-spice, icy and sippable. If yo ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 27, 2010

    Four spooky vintage cocktails for Halloween!

    Corpse Reviver #2​As Halloween approaches, we want to make sure you have the proper cocktails to party down, spooky-style. Just because it's Halloween doesn't mean you have to drink some nasty concoction like the Floating Eyeball or Bloody Brain. These vintage recipes are quite delicious and styli ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 22, 2010

    The Hanger Room's Blood of Christ: a bold craft cocktail in an out-of-town hideaway

    Michelle LeonThe Blood of Christ​ Blood of Christ$9The Hanger Room310 Stillwater Road, Willernie651.429.1477On a quaint main street in Willernie (pop. 523), bordering Mahtomedi, you will find this cozy new steakhouse. The Hanger Room is a lovely spot to have a sip--close to the cities, yet feeling ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 25, 2010

    Whiskey sour recipes to celebrate National Whiskey Sour Day

    A 150-year-old classic​Like an easy lady, the whiskey sour has a tarnished reputation, similar to the tequila sunrise's. Being made for years with sour mix that tastes like bathroom cleaner will do that to a drink. Since today is National Whiskey Sour Day, it's a perfect opportunity to make th ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 25, 2010

    Best new patios

    Michelle LeonUptown Cafeteria's new Skybar is king!​We all have our favorite standbys for outdoor drinking and dining--W.A. Frost's lush garden patio, the busy sidewalk seats at French Meadow, or the Dennis Rodman-drawing roofdeck at Stella's. But have you checked out the breezy surrounds at t ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 24, 2010

    The new patio at 20.21--the slideshow

    photos by Michelle Leon A lunch bento box.​With a recently opened patio with stunning views of downtown Minneapolis, and a lovely Asian fusion menu by Wolfgang Puck, this is a destination to be added to the list of places to go before summer's end. With an impressive craft cocktail selection, an ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 20, 2010

    20.21's Hemingway--drink of the week

    Michelle LeonHemingway cocktail​Hemingway$13 20.21 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis612.253.3410 With a bit of outdoor sipping time left this season, make sure you don't miss having a nip at the recently opened patio at 20.21 in the Walker. With a stunning view of downtown and a clean, modern vibe ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 17, 2010

    Honey, the slideshow--tour the lush new bistro

    Michelle Leon Take a taste of honey.​Honey. Even the name sounds silky smooth. And this place, with its jeweled-toned walls, sexy lighting, and delicious food and drink menus, lives up to the name. In the Northeast space that formerly was home to Jitters, Honey--part of the Ginger Hop family--bri ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 12, 2010

    Heartland Restaurant & Farm Direct Market--the tour

    Michelle LeonHeartland Restaurant & Farm Direct Market is now open.​With much buzz and anticipation, Heartland Restaurant and Farm Direct Market recently opened its doors. In the century-old Market House warehouse in Lowertown, a revolution is taking place as Lenny Russo plays master improvise ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 11, 2010

    The El Pepino Fresco--another garden-fresh drink recipe

    Michelle LeonCool as a cucumber.​Our search for the perfect summer cocktail continues. El Pepino Fresco translates to fresh cucumber in Spanish--nice, since cukes are so plentiful right now. We especially like the use of tequila in the recipe. It's hard to create balance with the agave-based spi ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 6, 2010

    Heartland's the Last Word cocktail highlights a rare ingredient

    Michelle LeonThe Last Word from Heartland.​The Last WordHeartland Restaurant and Farm Direct Market289 E. 5th St., St. Paul651.699.3536The new Heartland space creates a fullness to Lowertown's dining scene, with its menu changing daily to reflect availability of locally sourced meat and produce ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 5, 2010

    Ginger Cucumber Amore--a drink recipe from the garden

    Michelle LeonAn experiment with the flavors found in Thai cooking.​Using the freshest of the season's ingredients--this time, cucumber--we continue to share drink recipes that make the most of the harvest. We named this cocktail Ginger Cucumber Amore because the flavors blended in such a heav ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 4, 2010

    Caribe Caribbean Bistro--the slideshow

    Michelle LeonThe islands await you inside this door. ​Caribe Caribbean Bistro791 Raymond Ave., St. Paul651.641.1446Bringing a burst of color and a taste of the tropics to St. Paul, Caribe Caribbean Bistro is taking brunch standards like eggs Benedict and potato pancakes and giving them an island s ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 3, 2010

    The Gardentini, a fresh tomato cocktail

    Michelle Leon Like having a garden in your mouth. In a good way. ​ Now that so many of our garden's tomatoes are rosy red and fresh with morning dew, we thought we would try a drink recipe utilizing this beautiful bounty. The herb and tomato flavors are bright and pure, while the citrus and ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 30, 2010

    Ginger Hop: Happy hour of the week

    photos by Michelle LeonThe White Cosmo, and Eye Candy​Ginger Hop, 201 E. Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, 612.746.0304 Hours and details: Sunday through Friday 3-6 p.m., and 10 p.m.-midnight Sunday through Thursday. $3 select beer, including many craft brews, $5 select specialty drinks, $4 sake bombs, ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 26, 2010

    Make your own watermelon popsicles!

    photos by Michelle LeonYou know you want one.​ Nothing is as good in the summer as a frozen icy treat. And when you can make your own with just a few simple ingredents, life is extra sweet. Here's how to create popsicles so home-style you won't be surprised to see bluebirds land on your finger ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 26, 2010

    Top 5 gins are a tonic for the boring cocktail

    Michelle Leon A gin for every occasion.  ​It used to be that gin had a bad reputation because it so often tasted like a pine tree air freshener bought at a truck stop. As more cocktails are created using this juniper-based spirit, the shades and variations of flavo ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 23, 2010

    Honey's Angel's Share blends gin with jelly. Sweet.

    Michelle Leon Sweet as honey. ​Angel's Share $9 Honey205 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis612.746.0306 website Honey is the sweet new place in Northeast that is  part of the Ginger Hop family, in the space that formerly housed Jitter's. While basement bars and restaurants can cause ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 23, 2010

    Barbette: Happy hour of the week

    Michelle LeonMany happy hours await you.​Barbette, 1600 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, 612.827.5710. website Hours and details: Monday-Friday 3 p.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday-Thursday 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $3 PBRs, $4 domestic tap and house red, white, rose, and bubbly wine. $5 appetizer menu: frites, oyste ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 21, 2010

    Classic cocktail recipes--drink like Mad Men do

    Michelle LeonClassic Martini​Want to learn how to make classic cocktails like those that the philandering, cigarette smoking, deceptive characters on Mad Men swill? As the AMC series starts its fourth season Sunday, the period piece set in the '60s reflects a time when it was okay to have a bar in ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 21, 2010

    Savor the season: stuffed pattypan squash

    Michelle LeonThe orbs of summer.​Like little orbiting planets, pattypan squash are all over the farmers markets right now. Squash can be a bit intimidating to prepare because so often it is just not very tasty, and so many recipes are old and tired. But this dish is both delicious and simple, open ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 14, 2010

    Key lime pie--easiest recipe, ever

    Michelle LeonOh so cool and limey.​In this weather it is really fine to have a dessert that is not too heavy, and also does not bake long. This recipe has both of those qualities, and it only needs four ingredients. If you want to be super home-style you can try this easy recipe to make a home ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 9, 2010

    Psycho Suzi's: Happy hour of the week

    Michelle LeonA Poor Man's Paradise, indeed.​Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge and Tiki Garden2519 Marshall St. NE., Minneapolis  612.788.9069, website Hours and Details: 3 p.m.-6 p.m. daily with half off select taps and rail drinks. 10 p.m.-2 a.m., Sunday-Thursday, late happy hour $6 personal pizza ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 2, 2010

    Fourth of July cocktails celebrating the red, white, and blue

    Michelle LeonIt's your patriotic duty to drink this​ If ever a holiday was worthy of its own cocktails, Fourth of July is the clear winner. On a day spent sitting on blankets in the grass with friends and family with a cooler full of snacks and brewskis--not to mention the fireworks overhead-- ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 29, 2010

    Ginger cayenne margarita--a killer cocktail recipe

    Michelle Leonginger cayenne margarita​ Our search for the ultimate summer cocktail continues with this selection that is simultaneously spicy, sweet, and tart. With just a dash of cayenne, this take on a classic margarita captures all the traditional notes, but the ginger and cayenne give the dr ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 29, 2010

    Forum-- tour the art deco marvel

    Michelle LeonForum--a marvel in historic preservation. ​Restaurateur Jim Ringo--also of Ringo --has lovingly restored the space at 40 South Seventh Street, most recently occupied by Goodfellows, into a wonder of historic preservation. In the '20s, the space was occupied by the Saxe Theater, a larg ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 25, 2010

    Best of Hot Dish, June 21-25

    Don't get iced this weekend...unless, of course, you want to.​ Here at the Hot Dish it has been nothing but great food, cool drinks, and the brotherhood of man. Here are some of the best stories of the week, in case you missed them. ~Rob Barrett show us how to make cherry pie that is perfect ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 17, 2010

    First Ave's Depot Tavern now open, awesome

    Photo by Michelle Leon​First Avenue's latest addition, the Depot Tavern, celebrated its grand opening last week. Haven't been yet? Judging from the sparse attendance we saw during the lunch hour earlier this week, we're guessing most downtown Minneapolis residents and office workers don't even kno ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 22, 2009

    Sneak Peek: Subo

    The original Hell's Kitchen space makes a drastic transformation to serve Filipino food

  • Blogs

    December 15, 2009

    Sneak Peek: Sweets Bakeshop

    Check out these *sweet* cupcakes!

  • Blogs

    November 13, 2009

    The Friday 5: Boy in oven, Solid Gold, Fedor post-fight & more

    Find out which stories were most popular this week.

  • Blogs

    November 11, 2009

    Sneak Peek: Ginger Hop

    Wanna see how the Times have, er, changed? Check out the scene at Ginger Hop.

  • Blogs

    November 7, 2009

    Sneak Peek: Anchor Fish & Chips

    Anchors Aweigh in fish & chips!

  • Blogs

    November 6, 2009

    Sneak Peek: La Grassa

    Check out the scene at the hot new Warehouse District pasta bar...

  • Blogs

    October 14, 2009

    Sneak Peek: Sauce Spirits & Soundbar

    Haven't been to Sauce Spirits & Soundbar yet? Curious to see what it looks like inside?

  • Blogs

    June 12, 2009

    This week's "Best of Hot Dish"

    Toby Keith's opening up shop, new SPAM ads are taking to the airwaves, what more could we ask for?

  • Blogs

    May 8, 2009

    Taco-in-a-Bag sequel: the Ziploc Omelet

    You might not want to try this at home.

  • Music

    April 9, 1997

    New Old Babes

    by Simon Peter Groebner/Christina Schmitt

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