Recent content from Nicole Hvidsten
The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week
We swung by two newcomers, revisited a still-buzzy favorite, found a classic doughnut in Shakopee and checked out a wine bar in Denver that's opening a Minneapolis outpost this summer.
The 5 best sandwiches our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week
Our latest finds for breakfast sandwiches, bánh mì and lumberjack-sized sandwiches, plus flavors of Brazil and Keefer Court.
Get a taste of the Minnesota State Fair with May event
Here's what to expect at the popular Kickoff to Summer event. Tickets go on sale April 5.
Former Minnesotan's book offers lessons in cooking, writing and adventure
"Hot Dish Confidential" chronicles an author's journey to becoming a gourmand with help of friends and poison control. He'll be in town soon.
Move over, Bloody Mary — it's time for a Bunny Mary
A Minnesota cocktail company makes a mixer that could be the new must-have Easter drink.
Best beer in the state? Minnesota Brewers Cup winners announced
The 2024 Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild annual conference named the top brews in 23 styles.
The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities this week
We found skyway egg sandwiches, ushered in a new chef era at a classic restaurant, sought solace in pasta, found a new standard for fries and went beyond our favorite menu items.
5 recipes to usher in spring brunch season
Rediscover your love of frittatas and tarts, make pancakes for a crowd, and raise the cute factor with scrambled egg "sundaes." It's going to be a delicious season.
All-in-one guide to Easter brunch, buffets, takeout and carrot cakes
No matter how formal or casual your Easter is, there's a chef ready to lend a hand.
Gavin Kaysen's Demi earns global recognition
The restaurant in Minneapolis' North Loop is among new members of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux hospitality association.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
100 great holiday cookie recipes to try
Our holiday cookie finder has recipes to use this holiday season — and all year long.
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.
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.
Cookie finder: Here's more than 100 of our best recipes to try
More than 100 recipes to use all year long.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
5 recipes to get into the Halloween spirit
Kids and adults will have scary fun celebrating Halloween by playing with food.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Star Tribune's 2023 Holiday Cookie Contest deadline is almost here
Bakers, this could be your year.
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.
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.
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.