Recent content from Rick Nelson
Forget dorm food: New spots near U of Minn. offer ramen, pizza and more
Students, faculty and staff have returned to the University of Minnesota to discover a ton of new (and newish) food and drink options near its sprawling Minneapolis campus. Here's what's worth checking out.
Get baking: It's time for the annual Taste Holiday Cookie Contest
Enter your recipe in our annual holiday cookie contest.
Fair State Brewing adding production facility in St. Paul
Fair State Brewing of Minneapolis will add a production facility in Midway District
Foodies can't wait for these 3 Twin Cities restaurants to open
Thinking about an expansion and two reboots is making us hungry.
Stick with these Minnesota State Fair classic foods
Many foods introduced at the Minnesota State Fair fade into obscurity. But each year, a few take on a classic, Pronto Pup-like stature.
What do Twin Cities chefs eat at the Minnesota State Fair?
We asked nine Twin Cities area chefs for their food favorites at the Minnesota State Fair.
26 new Minnesota State Fair foods: A bevy of delights
Which will wear the crown? Which will belly flop? Pass the Pepto-Bismol, and let's get through this.
Sweet Martha's cookies to be State Fair's only kosher-certified food stand
"I've lived here for eight years, and I've been dreaming that my family would have something to eat at the fair," a Twin Cities rabbi said about popular Sweet Martha's, whose sales hit $3.3 million at the 2015 fair.
Say goodbye to these four U-area restaurants
Big changes are coming to Stadium Village. Four neighboring restaurants, with a combined track record of 135 years in business, are closing.
Owners of Corner Table, Revival will anchor huge Schmidt Brewery project
A group of leading south Minneapolis restaurateurs will be the lead tenants in the Keg & Case Market, an ambitious, food-centered project at the Schmidt Brewery complex.
Hi-Lo Diner lights up Lake Street with classic food 'from scratch'
If you've ever wondered what fast food looked like before McDonald's ran roughshod over the American landscape, the hash-slinging Hi-Lo is a good place to start.
Eight great things to do, dining- and drinking-wise, before summer's over
Time's a-wasting. The official last day of summer is Sept. 22. That's in seven weeks. Labor Day is in less than four weeks. Summer is slipping away, so why not make the most of it? Let's count this down.
Piccolo chef Doug Flicker to run new Walker Art Center restaurant
With an early December opening in the works, there are few concrete details, menu-wise. Still, this much is certain: Flicker will be serving dinner six nights a week.
50 ways to explore the new Eat Street on Nicollet
From baked goodness to late-night-eating to the best brunches, explore 50 tasty options along Eat Street.
New Eat Street: Dining journey along Nicollet has never been better
Eat Street — that's the enclave of restaurants on Nicollet Avenue just south of downtown Minneapolis — will officially mark its 20th anniversary next year. Here's a look at everything it has to offer.
Uptown gets a soda fountain, dripping in nostalgia
When La La Homemade Ice Cream finally opens in a week or two in a former kids' shoe store, it will be something of a homecoming for owner Jennifer Lisburg.
Hennepin Theatre Trust looking to buy Solera building
The Hennepin Theatre Trust is seeking to buy the building for hospitality, office purposes.
Good Earth will have a counter-service Field Day at Ridgedale
The Good Earth (Galleria, Edina, 952-925-1001, and 1901 W. Hwy. 36, Roseville, 651-636-0956, goodearthmn.com), part of Parasole Restaurant Holdings, is adding a third location.…
In search of lost flavors: What's next for the artisanal food movement?
Author Patric Kuh examines how, by embracing forgotten flavors, artisanal food producers are staking out a delicious future.
3 flavorful new restaurants in Minneapolis' oldest neighborhood
Cross the Missippippi River for Mexican, Japanese and Mediterranean flavors.
5 fabulous new Minneapolis farmers market finds you'll want to try
Waffles, broth, almond milk and more: Vendors at Twin Cities farmers markets bring new flavors.
The Curry Diva and her $18 south Minneapolis bargain
How time flies: Chef and caterer Heather Jansz, the self-proclaimed Curry Diva, has been cooking in the Twin Cities for 40 years.
Spoon and Stable chef Gavin Kaysen to open Wayzata restaurant
Spoon and Stable owner plans a French brasserie in the former Blue Point space in early 2017.
North or south? 15 dining recommendations for summer road trips
Whether you head north or south, one thing's for sure: You'll eat (and drink) very well. Here are 15 summer dining recommendations from Bayfield, Wis., to Lake City, Minn.
Wedge, Eastside and Linden Hills co-ops exploring merger
Wedge, Linden Hills, Eastside pitching plan to 32,000 members
Sushi with Spam, candied bacon doughnuts among new State Fair foods
The fair announced a bevy of new delights for the great Minnesota get-together. Some may become favorites, while others land on the roadside in the heap of not-so-great ideas.
Eating through Duluth, one category at a time
Breakfast Weekdays, nothing beats the plate-size, nutty-brown buttermilk pancakes and the rib-sticking egg dishes from At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe. Weekends, the…
Our favorite don't-miss Duluth restaurants, from old to new, by searchable map
We've charted nearly 40 don't-miss Twin Ports dining options, from old (the 102-year-old Pickwick Restaurant & Bar) to new (the just-opened Northern Waters) and everything in between. Discover them by location, or by eight easy-to-search categories.
Destination, Duluth: What's new in dining that you don't want to miss
Seasoned veterans — and a new generation of food-and-drink enthusiasts — are spicing up the city's culinary scene. Here are 40-plus options, just in time for that trip Up North.
Restaurant news: Rail Station getting makeover
The Minnehaha Avenue restaurant closed last weekend, and owner Steve Benowitz and his crew are taking a few frenzied weeks to renovate and rebrand.
Surly's Brewer's Table named one of the '10 most exciting' restaurants
Food and Wine magazine describes the list as the "10 most exciting places to eat in America right now."
The best outdoor dining spots in the Twin Cities, from sidewalks to rooftops
Enjoy the patios, terraces, decks, verandas, rooftops, sidewalk cafes and other fresh-air venues at Twin Cities restaurants.
Lou Nanne's, where celebrity and steaks meet, holds its own
REVIEW: Lou Nanne's name may imply a sports theme, but this Edina restaurant holds its own on food.
News for the hungry: Doughnut Day and the arrival of Shake Shack
Friday is that cherished American holiday, National Doughnut Day. How will you be celebrating?YoYo Donuts (5757 Sanibel Dr., Minnetonka, 952-960-1800, yoyodonuts.com) goes all-out. "Anyone…
Looking for great Nordic cuisine in the Twin Cities? Here's what's cooking
Do you prefer the meatballs, herring or gravlax? Maybe the lutefisk? With "rock star" Swedish chef Magnus Nilsson in town this week at the American Swedish Institute, we look at the local flavors of Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
Another restaurant (Il Foro) calls it quits in Minneapolis Forum space
It has become a familiar downtown Minneapolis story: Culinary entrepreneurs bravely try to revive the glorious art deco landmark that is the Forum Cafeteria. Sadly, the effort fails.
Summer Fun 2016: The best new food trucks
The latest generation of rolling restaurants means if there's a street, you'll find something to eat.
St. Louis Park's Galaxy Drive In restaurant is closed, up for sale
While other metro-area drive-ins have blossomed during this early spring, one has remained quiet: the Galaxy Drive In in St. Louis Park.
Behind the scenes at Smashburger
Smashburger's co-founder and chief brand officer pulls back the curtain at the fast-growing chain.
New restaurant openings: Hub City Cafe, T-Rex Cookie and Spitz
Here's a look at new restaurants that have opened in the Twin Cities.
James Beard winner Paul Berglund celebrates 'wonderful milestone' with gratitude — and Rick Bayless
Paul Berglund, chef of the Bachelor Farmer in Minneapolis, was named Best Chef: Midwest by the James Beard Foundation on Monday evening. We caught up with him two days later.
Chefs leave Wise Acre and Co-op Creamery
After spending five years at the helm at Wise Acre Eatery (5401 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., 612-354-2577, wiseacreeatery.com), chef Beth Fisher and general manager…
James Beard Awards are a feast for food junkies
A night of glamour and good food makes this our favorite awards ceremony.
Bachelor Farmer chef Paul Berglund wins a food-world Oscar
Paul Berglund has been named Best Chef Midwest by the James Beard Foundation, only the fourth Minnesota chef to receive the award.
2 Twin Cities chefs in running for James Beard awards tonight
Follow the events tonight with restaurant critic Rick Nelson, who will be reporting from the awards ceremony.
Punches and peas: Minneapolis gym teaches boxing — and nutrition
A north Minneapolis boxing club instills valuable lessons to neighborhood kids, including the firsthand benefits of a well-balanced diet.
Northeast's Sheridan Room and Draft Horse redefine comfort food
With tried-and-true cooking at reasonable prices, newcomers Sheridan Room and the Draft Horse redefine neighborhood restaurants.
Mpls. restaurant Barbette bubbles over with champagne-based addition
Barbette owner Kim Bartmann has taken over an adjacent storefront and is converting the former hair salon into Trapeze, a Champagne bar.
Balanchine's glorious 'Serenade' is ultimate starter ballet
Never mind "The Nutcracker." George Balanchine's glorious "Serenade" – a pivotal work in American dance – finally returns to Northrop.
New Twin Cities food trucks hitting streets – here are our top picks
Food truck season has returned, and with it, a bevy of delicious new (or, newish) options, ranging from barbecue to coffee to soul food to good stuff in between. It's time to hit the road and get eating.
Twin Cities chefs respond to Fla. report on mispresentation of 'farm to table'
The food world's story du jour? It's the examination of farm-to-table practices in the Florida metro region by the Tampa Bay Times restaurant critic Laura Reiley.
Cafe Lurcat and Bar Lurcat still impress (despite sticker shock)
At Cafe Lurçat, entrees can easily slip into the $40s (and higher), and the kitchen thinks nothing of charging $12 for a side of roasted cauliflower. Lovingly roasted cauliflower. But still.
Headed to Target Field? Go beyond baseball fare at these 3 great places nearby
If you're not in the mood for ballpark fare, check out these Minneapolis restaurants.
S. Minneapolis crime fighter? Try late-night Hi-Lo Diner on East Lake
Restored eatery stays true to its roots while bringing people to the neighborhood around the clock.
Twin Cities restaurants will again duke it out for burger supremacy
This year's competition is returning to St. Paul's Harriet Island and will feature 25 Twin Cities restaurants; 15 are returning from the 2015 contest.
St. Genevieve brings a Parisian tavern to south Minneapolis
REVIEW: Steven Brown lights up south Minneapolis with a second restaurant, St. Genevieve. Leave it to Brown to undersell and overdeliver.
Bowled over: Our favorite tasty bowls in the Twin Cities
At breakfast, lunch and dinner, in restaurants across the Twin Cities area, chefs have taken their focus off the plate and are concentrating on what's in the bowl.
In Palm Springs, Rick Nelson celebrates the restaurant scene
On his annual winter retreat in the California desert, the Star Tribune's restaurant critic found surprising new options.
St. Paul's Heirloom offers updated 'farmhouse' cooking
REVIEW: Chef Wyatt Evans modernizes what he calls "farmhouse" cooking, with winning results, at Heirloom in St. Paul.
Counter Intelligence: Market Bar-B-Que celebrates 70 years
How do you properly celebrate 70 years in the restaurant business?If you're Anthony Polski, and your grandfather founded Market Bar-B-Que (1414 Nicollet Av. S.,…
Upton 43 puts a modern spin on Nordic food
REVIEW: At the wildly original Upton 43, chef Erick Harcey puts a heartfelt spin on his Nordic heritage.
Counter intelligence: Two Minnesota chefs named finalists for James Beard award
Two Minnesota chefs are in the running for a 2016 James Beard Foundation award. Paul Berglund of the Bachelor Farmer (50…
Poutine, eh? Amid Trudeau buzz, it's time to dig in on Canada's favorite dish
The Canadian deep-fried, gravy-slathered delicacy is being served at tonight's state dinner honoring Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Vincent Burger lives again at Cooper Pub
Vincent may have closed, but the downtown Minneapolis restaurant's beloved Vincent Burger lives on.
Cool! New French Bakery founder makes K'ul Chocolate in Minneapolis
The founder of the New French Bakery is now operating the state's only large-scale bean-to-bar operation. Here's a gold-ticket tour.
Robbinsdale's Travail Kitchen turns bar into a pop-up for staffers
Leave it to the mighty creative forces at Travail Kitchen & Amusements in Robbinsdale to stretch the definition of "pop-up."
Minnesota writer tells how she became an egg farmer in 'Locally Laid'
For Duluth author Lucie Amundsen, a pasture-raised chicken operation inspired a page-turning memoir.
Crudo, pizza, cocktails lead at Uptown's Scena Tavern
REVIEW: Skilled cooking, reasonable prices and a well-tuned bar outweigh the spotty service and characterless surroundings.
Splendid new restaurants await for lunch in Minneapolis skyway
Hungry? Chain restaurants abound when it comes to lunch in the Minneapolis skyway system. But these new, independently owned eateries — from world cuisines to salads — are bringing delicious offerings to downtown's second floor.
Take a look at Minneapolis' past and present, one street corner at a time
Here are before-and-after shots of the street corners of downtown Minneapolis, 1960 to 2016. In many cases, it's tough to make the case that today's streetscape is an improvement over yesterday's. But judge for yourself.
5 great places to get pizza in the Twin Cities that aren't pizza places
At some Twin Cities area restaurants, chefs are stepping into the pizza arena — some for the first time — to change the way we think about one of life's great pleasures.
Review: Vegetables shine at the new Co-op Creamery
The Seward Co-op branches out and blossoms as it broadens the notion of sustainability.
Red Table Meat Co. wins big at Good Food Awards
Three cured meats receive notice at the national Good Food Awards competition.
More from Star Tribune
- Inside Wells Fargo, front-line employees describe big pressure, few rewards
- Thousands of cremains languish at Minnesota funeral homes
- Here's why I'm not TOO worried about a Trump victory
- Twin Cities businesses ask why professionals of color leave
- Trump's crush on Russia, Putin deserves scrutiny
- As Terrace Theatre demolition begins, an order arrives to halt it
