Project: Great Chefs

Great chefs of Minnesota: D'Amico's Jay Sparks

Low-profile but high-impact D’Amico executive chef Jay Sparks has quietly improved the local dining landscape while mentoring a generation of chefs. Updated Apr. 25, 2013
- Great chefs: Jay Sparks
- Project: Great Chefs

Who's behind the uptick in Twin Cities dining caliber? In this occasional series, we'll look at local chefs who are changing the direction of Minnesota restaurants.

Marshall Paulsen of the Birchwood Cafe in Minneapolis.

Chef-owner John Kraus, of Patisserie 46.

Great Chefs: Patisserie 46's John Kraus has a treat for every season
Article By: RICK NELSON , Star Tribune Publish December 13, 2012 2:00 AM / Update December 13, 2012 6:17 AM
This is the time of year when bakeries should be in spotlights - none more so than Patisserie 46, with the glow on John Kraus.

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Jamie Malone's sense of humor shows a little while taking her portrait.

Great chefs: Dinner as drama
Article By: JON TEVLIN , Star Tribune Publish November 1, 2012 2:00 AM / Update November 1, 2012 3:16 PM
Jamie Malone holds court in the Sea Change kitchen with reserve, discipline and a mischievous sense of humor.

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Chef Shack co-owners Lisa Carlson, left, and Carrie Summer.

Great chefs: The wonder women of Chef Shack
Article By: RICK NELSON , Star Tribune Publish August 16, 2012 2:00 AM / Update August 16, 2012 11:25 AM
Chef Shack owners Lisa Carlson and Carrie Summer are the dynamic duo who kick-started the Twin Cities street food scene.

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Sameh Wadi of Saffron is one of the state's top chefs.

Great chefs: Sameh Wadi is world savvy
Article By: JON TEVLIN , Star Tribune Publish April 26, 2012 2:00 AM / Update April 26, 2012 9:45 AM
Born in Kuwait, Sameh Wadi brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to our Midwestern palates.

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The Travail team of chefs with the owners.

Great chefs: Travail has an element of surprise
Article By: KIM ODE , Star Tribune Publish February 23, 2012 2:00 AM / Update April 25, 2012 10:15 AM
Travail isn't where you might expect it to be, its young chefs are a little scruffy and its food pushes the envelope. Yet its chefs have earned national attention -- and the first spot in our Great Chefs series.

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Saffron co-owners Saed Wadi, left, and chef Sameh Wadi.

Learning to love Saffron all over again
Article By: RICK NELSON , Star Tribune Publish September 22, 2011 2:00 AM / Update September 22, 2011 11:38 AM
REVIEW: The Minneapolis restaurant's gifted chef steers his restaurant in a slightly new direction. Deliciousness follows in its wake.

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Video: Travail chefs share their secrets
Publish / Update April 25, 2012 9:21 AM
The collective group of chefs at Travail have a unique formula for serving diners and it appears to be very successful.

The Travail crew with owners

Photo gallery: Travail in pictures
Article By: TOM SWEENEY , Publish / Update April 25, 2012 9:21 AM
A new series that highlights culinary excellence in the Twin Cities.

Chef Travis Stanfield takes care of the family table on a recent Wednesday.

What to expect at Travail
Article By: KIM ODE , Publish February 23, 2012 2:00 AM / Update April 25, 2012 10:14 AM
Three things to know about Travail: The chefs do it all, there are no reservations and it can be noisy.

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Sea scallops at Travail.

Review: At Travail, work is fun
Article By: RICK NELSON , Star Tribune Publish October 28, 2010 2:00 AM / Update October 28, 2010 9:12 AM
In downtown Robbinsdale, molecular gastronomy -- with a side of bar basics -- is sold at blue-collar prices. It's a remarkable, spirited enterprise.

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