The host was out of his studio last week on PBS's Charlie Rose. His replacement? Frank Bruni, former restaurant critic of the New York Times and now a writer on the newspaper's editorial pages.

On one episode, Bruni discussed the ascendency of Italian food on the New York City -- and American -- dining landscape, sharing Rose's familiar table with chefs Michael White (Marea and Osteria Morini) and Mario Carbone (Torrisi Italian Specialties, Parm and Carbone) and Food & Wine magazine's restaurant editor (and Twitter must-follow) Kate Krader.

Aside from a fascinating conversation, the show is relevant to Twin Cities diners because, when the panel was asked about influences in Italian dining outside of New York City, Krader's quick mind jumped to Minneapolis (Krader loved the city when she visited last year). Specifically, Pig Ate My Pizza.

Here's what she said:

"There are these two guys in a restaurant outside of Minneapolis that was called Travail, and they were doing this kind of crazy, avant-garde food. And they just opened up a pizza place called A Pig Ate My Pizza, I think that's what it's called. And people asked them why they're doing it, and this guy said, and I hope he was joking, but he said, 'You know what? We're fat, and we love pizza' So I think people have different reasons for tackling Italian."

She's referring to co-owner Mike Brown, and he wasn't joking.

Star Tribune photo by Rick Nelson

Catch Krader's remarks at about 22:30.

By the way, the photo at the top is one of many beauties at Pig Ate My Pizza, and the former Travail is a total top-flight pizza experience. Just looking at that picture makes me want to drive to Robbinsdale, right now. Find my review here.