Counter Intelligence | StarTribune.com

Each week Star Tribune restaurant critic Rick Nelson updates you on the latest happenings not only in the Twin Cities restaurant community but also in the world of food. We'd like to hear from you, too, so tune in.

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Episode index:

A lifetime of memories

For 55 years David and Mary Jo Monson have been going to Stillwater's Lowell Inn for their anniversary. They talk about their memories and why they return. 10/29/2009 03:55 PM

Counter Intelligence: A look at 40 years of Taste

Rick talks with Taste editor Lee Dean about the Taste sections 40th birthday. 09/30/2009 04:59 PM

Counter Intelligence: Custard's Last Stand

Rick talks with owner Dan Pederson on his many years at the State Fair, customer's favorite flavor and how happy Dan is not working with hot grease. 09/03/2009 02:42 PM

Counter Intelligence: Great foods at the fair

Rick Nelson eats his way across the Minnesota State Fair and shares his favorite experiences. 08/28/2009 05:21 PM

Counter Intelligence: Waning hospitality

Without naming names, Rick Nelson tells us about a local restaurant where the welcome mat was not rolled out for him. Is this a sign of waning hospitality in the restaurant business? 04/01/2009 02:35 PM

Counter Intelligence: A meal at the farm

Rick talks to chef Scott Pampuch about upcoming events where you can eat "supper" at a working farm. 03/25/2009 02:20 PM

Counter Intelligence: Who is Michael Brown?

Rick Nelson talks to Heartland chef Lenny Russo who was recently approached by a scam artist trying to get $26 for a dry-cleaning bill. 02/18/2009 01:47 PM

Counter Intelligence: A trip to NYC

Rick talks about how much he enjoyed a few meals at the AQ Kafe, owned by Aquavit chef Marcus Samuelsson. 01/29/2009 11:39 AM

Counter Intelligence: Minneapolis Farmer's Market won't be the same

Rick Nelson talks about the death of renowned Minnesota River Valley melon farmer Tim Kornder. 01/26/2009 02:36 PM

Counter Intelligence: Manny's award puts some readers off

Food critic Rick Nelson clears up some wacky conspiracy theories about the Star Tribune's restaurant of the year award given to Manny's Steakhouse. 01/08/2009 11:38 AM

The 2008 Cookie Contest winner

Rick Nelson speaks with 2008's cookie contest winner, Faith Ford. Her claim to fame? A double-chocolate-cherry espresso drop. Mmmm... 12/03/2008 06:02 PM

What does it all mean?

Rick Nelson compares the drastic decline in sales at Starbucks's to the marked increase at McDonald's. 11/12/2008 04:36 PM

What's up at the Wilde Roast Cafe

Rick Nelson talks to the owner of the Wilde Roast Cafe about their "I Voted" cookie giveaway and how the reopening of the I-35W bridge has affected business. 11/06/2008 01:56 PM

Warehouse district welcomes Black Sheep

Minneapolis' first coal fire pizza joint has opened in the Warehouse district and offers pizza, salads, wine and beer. 10/22/2008 11:37 AM

A menu appealing to the appetite and the wallet

North Coast in Wayzata offers a five-course tasting menu for $35. Rick Nelson talks with chef Ryan Aberle about the menu and an interesting palate cleanser. 10/09/2008 11:19 AM

A weekend in Bayfiled, Wisc.

A look at this weekend's Apple Festival in Bayfield, Wisc., and more. 10/01/2008 05:38 PM

Wayne Kostroski of Tejas Express

Tejas Express returns to the State Fair where they continue to offer their popular breakfast burrito and "celebrity guacamole." 08/20/2008 06:14 PM

Where to dine during the Fringe

Rick Nelson spells out the best places to grab a bite before or after a Fringe show. 08/06/2008 04:00 PM

How low-tech greenhouses extend the growing season

Rick Nelson speaks with JoAnne Berkenkamp about hoop houses and how they keep fresh produce on our plates longer during the year. JoAnne is the program director for local foods at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy in Minnesota. 07/30/2008 10:14 AM