Staff Directory 6134702

Nicole Hvidsten

Taste Editor | Newsroom
Phone: 612-673-7563

Nicole Ploumen Hvidsten is the Star Tribune's Taste editor and senior editor of Star Tribune Magazine. In past journalistic lives she was a reporter, copy editor and designer — sometimes all at once — and has yet to find a cookbook she doesn't like.


Hvidsten grew up in Minnesota and knew that journalism was her calling way back in middle school, when the Star Tribune published two of her essays. She graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a degree in mass communications and a love for all things journalism and politics. Hvidsten worked at newspapers across the country for several years before finally returning to where it all started. She and her husband are proud parents of three amazing kids and one amazing dog.
Recent content from Nicole Hvidsten
The exterior of Demi, Gavin Kaysen's tasting-menu restaurant in the North Loop.

Gavin Kaysen's Demi earns global recognition

The restaurant in Minneapolis' North Loop is among new members of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux hospitality association.
Crab boil wings at Klassics Kitchen and Cocktails from Brittney and Gerard Klass in downtown Minneapois

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week

A seafood-free "crab boil" and a new burger both got our attention, go-to Mexican on opposite ends of the metro, and tastes of La Belle Vie brought back all the nostalgic feels.
Save room for the raspberry pie at Murray's — you won't be sorry.

Pi Day prep: The best places to get pie in the Twin Cities

While 3.14 is the perfect excuse to order pie, be sure to keep this delicious list on hand all year long.
Everything wonderful twirled up with cinnamon and sugar — and entirely gluten-free.

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week

We covered all the bases this week: Gluten-free treats, classic breakfast, a dream of a vegan rice bowl, brisket worth seeking out and a top-notch value meal.
A downtown classic: Buffalo wings at Runyons.

21 slam-dunk downtown restaurants and bars for Big Ten fans

Breakfast, burgers, bars and big meals to satisfy the hungriest basketball fans near Target Center.
Author Sarah Kieffer of "100 Morning Treats" (Chronicle). Credit: Caitlin Abrams.

10 questions with new Star Tribune baking columnist Sarah Kieffer

From baking with a soundtrack to how her viral pan-banging technique started, we caught up with the prolific Minnesota cookbook author.
A Salvadorian quesadilla, a sweet cheese dessert that's a handy on-the-go treat from a Bloomington strip mall.

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week

A pastry case that stopped us in our tracks, late-night eats, a new suburban pizza place, skyway sushi and a heritage pork chop with Minnesota sensibilities.
A Bar of Their Own is located in the former Tracy's Saloon at 2207 Franklin Av. E. in Minneapolis.

Minnesota's first bar dedicated to women's sports opens this week

A Bar of Their Own, located in the former Tracy's Saloon, is expecting big crowds.
This carne asada burrito is hiding a little secret compartment of super-crispy French fries.

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week

Unlocking burrito perfection, cozying up with a popular Afghan dish, spicing up vegetable dumplings, perking up with Vietnamese coffee and a new burger discovery made for a busy (but delicious) week.
Fired up flameware pottery from Clay Coyote

Why this Minnesota-made clay cookware should be in your kitchen

Art meets functionality as Clay Coyote in Hutchinson is one of a handful of studios in the country making versatile flameware cookware.
Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar's fish fry has cod dipped in housemade Bent Paddle beer batter.

32 fish-fry options at restaurants in the Twin Cities and beyond

If your Friday-night Lenten ritual includes fried fish, there's no shortage of options.
Royal Party Cake (Kongelig Kage) is among Nichole Accettola's favorite recipes in her debut book “Scandinavian From Scratch” (Ten Speed Press).

Author is bringing her love of Scandinavian baking (and Prince) to Minnesota

Chef Nichole Accettola's new cookbook is a love letter to the sweet treats of Scandinavia, and she'll be at the American Swedish Institute just in time for semlor season.
A rectangular pan holding a pizza with vegetables and dollops of sauce on it, on a table in a brewpub

The 5 best pizzas our food writers ate in the Twin Cities and beyond this week

It's National Pizza Day, so we focused our efforts on one of the best foods. No matter how you slice it — plain cheese, out-of-the-box toppings or a vegan pie to remember — there's great pizza in the metro area.
The new music bar Berlin offers live music six nights a week and a menu by chef Jamie Malone.

Restaurant openings and closings in the Twin Cities

What's open, what's closed and what's still to come in the Twin Cities and beyond.
A brown and green clay dish with a crisp-skinned airline cut chicken breast over a light brown sauce, with a white spoon full of a butter sauce on the

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week

Chicken and a breakfast sandwich for the ages (and in St. Paul), a tasting dinner that still wows and the Southern charms of hummingbird cake and étouffée.
Crispy Fried Cauliflower in Korean Chilli Sauce. From "A Very Vegan Christmas," by Sam Dixon (Hamlyn, 2023).

5 appetizer recipes to make on Super Bowl Sunday (or any day)

The teams for this year's big game are set. Now it's time to focus on what really matters: the food.
The Cajun Finn from "Smoke on the Waterfront: The Northern Waters Smokehaus Cookbook" (University of Minnesota Press, 2023). Provided photos

9 food books by Minnesota authors you might have missed

Cookbooks and memoirs, and Blue Zones to children's zones: pick up one of these books from local writers.
Pauley's in St. Paul has a burger that exemplifies Minnesota nice — with a kick.

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week

A new burger to try, banana bread in Danish form, pork chop nirvana and cozying up to poutine and bao buns.
Khâluna’s duck congee is particularly well suited to midwinter brunching.

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week

A brunch for the ages, seeking solace in ramen, pizza and cheesesteaks expand to the west metro, fall-apart brisket and baklava ice cream from a new Middle Eastern shop.

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week

We're bracing for the cold snap by immersing ourselves in Caribbean flavors, favorite Hawaiian eats, cozy brunches and wood-fired pizza.

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week

Despite the above-average temps, we're in comfort food mode: coffee flights from a newcomer, cozy squash ravioli and polenta from old favorites, hot pot, and a new take on Scotch eggs.
Lemon-Artichoke Pate is a light, bright, plant-based dip that is a crowd-pleaser. Serve with crackers or as a dip with vegetables. From "A Very Vegan

5 appetizer recipes for your New Year's party

Whether you're looking for light and simple, fun and fried or twists on old favorites, end the year on a delicious note.
Run Run Rudolph cocktail from Every Cocktail Has a Twist by Carey Jones and John McCarthy, copyright © 2023, photography copyright © 2023 by Rachel

10 festive cocktail recipes to make you a master mixologist

Plus, what bar tools you really need to have on hand for a well-stocked bar — before you even open a bottle.

Minnesota's first bar dedicated to women's sports now has a home

A Bar of Their Own will open in the former Tracy's Saloon in Minneapolis' Seward neighborhood with plenty of screens for women's sports.

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities this week

An east metro coffee shop makes a small step toward reopening, a top-notch eggnog, and finding comfort in beef in a blanket, fries and cozy dinners.

Norway House's 2023 Gingerbread Wonderland is a sweet Minneapolis tradition

See who's who in Whoville, Paul Bunyan's shanty and Barbie's dream house — all made from gingerbread — through Jan. 7 at the Norway House.

Norway House's 2023 Gingerbread Wonderland is a sweet Minneapolis tradition

5 soup recipes are a warmup to the holidays

In the busyness of the season, a bowl of soup can provide comfort and joy. From a family-favorite black bean soup to a new take on beef barley, here are five to add to your winter repertoire.
The Bone Marrow & Duck Confit at Maison Margaux in Minneapolis.

The best meals our food writers ate in 2023

The Star Tribune's Taste team eats out — a lot. While we've had many memorable meals, these are among those that stood out.
The winning cookies of the 2023 Star Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest. Center, Earl Grey Butter Cookies with Dark Chocolate and Orange Filling (the winn

100 great holiday cookie recipes to try

Our holiday cookie finder has recipes to use this holiday season — and all year long.
Hosts Zoe Francois and Andrew Zimmern preparing Buche De Noel as seen On Andrew & Zoe holiday special.

Usher in the holidays with Zoë François and Andrew Zimmern

Minnesota's favorite celebrity chefs are hosting a holiday special featuring new twists on recipes for Christmas and Hanukkah.
Alisada sandwich at the Briar in northeast Minneapolis.

The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week

Bold flavors shine in salads and sandwiches, plus ushering in the colder weather with coffee, cozy cassoulet and scones with a Scandinavian touch.
The winning cookies of the 2023 Star Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest. Center, Earl Grey Butter Cookies with Dark Chocolate and Orange Filling (the winn

Cookie finder: Here's more than 100 of our best recipes to try

More than 100 recipes to use all year long.
Relish and dill weed give this cookie its pickle-like flavor.

State Fair pickle trend spills over to the cookie jar

Among the 150-plus entries for this year's holiday cookie contest were several recipes with pickles.
Ghost Honey photographed in the Star Tribune studio in Minneapolis, Minn. for the Star Tribune Magazine's Holiday Gift Guide on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023.

St. Paul company raises the hot honey heat with Ghost Honey

With just three ingredients — American made honey, ghost peppers and vinegar — Heart Soul Heat heats up the hot-honey scene.
This year’s Miracle holiday pop-up features cocktails like Rudolph’s Replacement.

10 Twin Cities area food (and drink) events with holiday cheer

From festive cocktail pop-ups to family-friendly markets, these holiday offerings will melt even the Grinchiest of hearts.
Warm up in the hot tubs on the Hewing’s rooftop.

These 3 Twin Cities area holiday getaways offer great shopping and dining, too

This year, give the gift of time and stick close to home. There are plenty of places where a day of retail therapy can turn into a cozy getaway.
At Kim’s and the downstairs Bronto Bar, the “Ann’s ham” sandwich, a housemade version of Spam, is served with cheese, Kewpie mayo, mustard and

The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week

Among this week's highlights: The sandwich we're still craving, an unbeatable lunch deal, chicken perfection, biscuits at an all-day cafe and a special menu we hope see again.
Heather Keogh of Heather's Pies creates edible art.

Tackle Thanksgiving pie with tips from a pro

The owner of local pie shop Heather's Pies shares tips from her pie-making class and a recipe for a gluten-free chocolate tart that will win Thanksgiving. Plus: A new twist on apple pie.
Who needs mashed potatoes when you have Spiralized Roast Potatoes from "Company: The Radically Casual Art of Cooking for Others," by Amy Thielen (Nort

5 side dishes for Thanksgiving and beyond

These recipes, from carrots with berries and pistachios to spiralized roasted potatoes, will be at home on your table throughout the holiday season.
Executive Chef and Owner Tommy Begnaud stands for a portrait Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at Mr. Paul's Supper Club in Edina, Minn. ] AARON LAVINSKY • aa

Call top Twin Cities area chefs with all your Thanksgiving questions

Dial up chefs including Mike DeCamp, Jorge Guzmán and more as they dispense advice ahead of the big day. But plan ahead: It's Nov. 16.

First look: El Sazon raises the bar with its new Minneapolis restaurant

Known for dishing up high-end Mexican food from an Eagan gas station, Cristian and Karen de Leon now have more room for diners — and creativity.

First look: El Sazon raises the bar with its new Minneapolis restaurant

The meal kit at Red Cow is available at both Twin Cities and Rochester locations.

Dine-in, takeout or just dessert: 40+ options for Thanksgiving dinner in the Twin Cities area

Whether you're looking for a full meal or just a little help getting the big meal on the table, area restaurants and bakeries are stepping up to the (very full) plate.
Soup dumplings from Teahouse in Plymouth.

The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week

Cozying up to cardamom spinners, hometown boba and dumplings, playing shishito pepper roulette, and a newfound breakfast favorite are among the week's best bites.
The 2022 Star Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest winner: Maple-Roasted Walnut Delights from Stephanie Steinwedel of Minneapolis.

Celebrate (and taste) the winners of the 2023 Star Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest

We've sorted through more than 150 entries to pick five winning cookies. Here's how you can taste them before you bake them.
Blueberry tart from B’beri Desserts.

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week

A new location for stunning pastries and a bowl of pozole to warm the soul. Plus: a spot of tea, a top-notch veggie burger and why a pumpkin pie-cheesecake combo is a fine lunch.
The Monkey Brains Shot is inspired by the movie "28 Days Later." From "The Horror Movie Night Cookbook" by Richard S. Sargent (Ulysses, 2023).

5 recipes to get into the Halloween spirit

Kids and adults will have scary fun celebrating Halloween by playing with food.
Ranger wings are tossed in a combination of barbecue and Buffalo sauces for a sweet and spicy snack.

The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week

On our most recent dining itineraries there's sweet (doughnuts and wild rice pudding), comforting (burgers and wings) and a new obsession with Australian hand pies.
Beth Fisher is the Arboretum’s new culinary programmer and instructor, teaching classes in the new state-of-the-art Myers Education Center on the gr

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum hires farm-to-table pioneer to lead culinary program

Twin Cities chef Beth Fisher will head the new kitchen and classroom, combining decades of knowledge with fresh ideas and ingredients.
Chef Brian Yazzie, credit: Kate Cannon Photography

St. Paul chef's story and recipe featured in new World Central Kitchen cookbook

Native chef Brian Yazzie worked to feed elders during the pandemic. Now he's among the legions of volunteers in World Central Kitchen's Chef Corps.
Sweetland Orchard in Webster has more than 100 varieties of apples.

41 Minnesota apple orchards ripe for picking

From bare bones to daylong adventures, there's a Twin Cities-area orchard to suit all your fall needs.
Saigon 88 sushi sando at Sushi Dori.

The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week

Sushi sandos, new cocktails, a chicken dinner for the rotation and a little bit of heaven found in chips and salsa and Italian bread and dipping sauce.
The nation’s largest beer competition is in Denver.

Two Minneapolis breweries win medals at national beer festival

The wins at the Great American Beer Festival proved what we already know: The Twin Cities has great beer.
Teapots in a range of colors were among the offerings at the Le Creuset sale.

Going to the Le Creuset factory to table sale? Get in line

The cookware maker debuts its popular sale in Minneapolis, and fans are opening their cupboards and wallets.
Ice cream made with True Stone Coffee was on the breakfast menu at Butter Bakery Cafe.

The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week

Revisiting the Band Box Diner (hooray!), plus breakfast sandwiches, ice cream for breakfast, angelic treats and a new-to-us place for Mediterranean food.

With Sweet Troo-Vi, Minnesota power couple give back one cookie at a time

The plant-based treats have been a game-changer for Rebekkah and Bobbi Jo Brunson.

Minneapolis restaurant Owamni acquired by chef Sean Sherman's nonprofit

The move expands the reach of the Indigenous chef's mission — to address economic and health issues among Indigenous people.
At Wrestaurant, Jeff Rogers reworks everything he loves about a fast-food burger for a shareable new burger that’s worth keeping all to yourself.

The 5 best cheeseburgers we ate in the Twin Cities area this week

To celebrate the upcoming National Cheeseburger Day, we set out to try some new burgers at both recently opened restaurants and old favorites, and were not disappointed.

Celebrate the sweet side of Minnesota cabbage

It's versatility makes the vegetable popular with both chefs and home cooks.
Naem Khao is a longtime favorite menu item from Soul Lao’s food truck and it’s on the menu at their just-opened restaurant in St. Paul.

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week

Savoring the last of summer with BLTs, elote pizza and strawberries and cream, while ushering in the cooler weather with spicy rice and supper clubs.
From "Pizza Night: 60+ Recipes for Date Nights, Lazy Nights and Party Nights" by Deborah Kaloper (Smith Street, 2023). The Breakfast

5 out-of-the-box recipes to make any night pizza night

Two new cookbooks offer a deep dive into deep dish — and every other type of pizza you might want to make.
Maple-Roasted Walnut Delights from Stephanie Steinwedel of Minneapolis was the winner of the 2022 holiday cookie contest.

The Star Tribune's 2023 Holiday Cookie Contest deadline is almost here

Bakers, this could be your year.
Amy Ellenberger of St. Paul with her blue ribbon and winning recipe, Healthy Power Bars. Provided

Healthy Power Bars among the State Fair's blue-ribbon winners

A St. Paul baker won her 49th ribbon for her entry in the new healthy cookie competition.
People line up for breakfast inside Hamline Church Dining Hall Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, at The State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights, Minn. ]

We tried all the new Minnesota State Fair foods this year

From pickle everything to lutefisk to limeade and lemonade, our food writers spent Day One of the Minnesota State Fair trying all the new foods.
Get all the beachy vibes at the Malibu Barbie Cafe.

Themed Barbie cafe popping up at the Mall of America

Let's go, Barbie! The limited cafe is inspired by the 1970s and Malibu Barbie.
Cheese curds, but make them fancy. Mara is serving a State Fair-themed brunch on Aug. 20. Credit: Madde Gibba

Updated: It's State Fair time at Twin Cities area restaurants

Local chefs get creative with food on a stick, mini doughnuts and more to celebrate the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
A cheesy slice of something good in cabin country.

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities — and beyond — this week

Blackened catfish, sweet corn soup, farmers market inspired pasta and more.
The Star Tribune’s 2023 lip balm for the Minnesota State Fair is “Crop Art.”

The Star Tribune's lip balm flavor for this year's State Fair is ...

A favorite native Minnesota food and fair pastime join forces for this year's flavor.
Ice cream and sweet fruit top this fluffy ube pancake at St. Paul’s Kalsada.

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities — and beyond — this week

We had ice cream for breakfast, took road trips to lake country and a local winery and still made room for BLTs and tacos.
Nuggets, but make them fancy.

The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week

There were fancy nuggets and pastries, a new discovery, pickle power and a breakfast with staying power.
There will be dozens of new sips introduced at this year’s Minnesota State Fair.

Minnesota State Fair announces 65 new drinks for this year's get-together

The list of beers, seltzers and cocktails is filled with fruity flavors, special collaborations and clever names.
Vegan and gluten-free smoothie bowls are a bright way to start a hot summer day.

The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week

This week we kept cool with ceviche, spring rolls, a smoothie bowl, beach-ready shrimp and, of course, ice cream.
Avocado Soup with Crab Salad. Photo: Dennis Becker Food styling: Lisa Golden Schroeder

What to cook when it's too hot to cook? 5 Star Tribune recipes to the rescue

We took an air-conditioned look through our archives for recipes to help you through the latest heat wave.
A 3-minute pizza from Brick Oven Bus.

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities this week

So much to love this week: pizza made in a bus, more burgers and chicken tenders, elevated bar food and a dessert that's a work of art.