Staff Directory 6370657

Amelia Rayno

Features reporter | Food, drink and travel
Recent content from Amelia Rayno
The Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., was one of the stops on Amelia Rayno’s Civil Rights tour.

A tour of civil rights landmarks reveals what's changed, and what hasn't

From Memphis to Atlanta, towns surrounding landmarks tell a story.

L.A., El Salvador are mirror images of poverty

Thousands of miles separate two cities where injustice looks the same.
Though El Salvador had just three known cases of COVID-19 as of Monday, March 23, the government has implemented strict measures.

The pandemic abroad: When the airport closes before you can catch a flight home

Before it had confirmed cases of the coronavirus, El Salvador began responding swiftly and aggressively. I didn't make it out in time.
Almost 1,000 men, women and children were murdered in 1981 at El Mozote by U.S. government-sponsored Salvadoran troops. A monument displays their name

The forgotten roots of — and responsibility for — a diaspora

Whatever it is the U.S. doesn't want today, it's a boomerang in part, as evidenced by a visit to the site of a 1981 massacre in El Salvador.
Left: In Parque Central in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, vendors sell items including avocados, chicharron, cellphone cases and shoes.Right: A group of bo

Aid and discomfort: Perspectives from Honduras

The U.S. sends millions of dollars in assistance each year to Central America, the results of which are a matter of perspective. So how are Hondurans reacting now that President Trump plans to end the flow?
Photo courtesy of Amelia Rayno. Amelia, not long ago the Star Tribune's college baskteball reporter, now couldn't be much farther away from Minneapoli

A special kind of madness: Following Final Four in Central America

Our former college basketball writer is nowhere near the event that once controlled her life every March. But she's doing her best to keep up, even if means some serious improvising.
Legacy Chocolates Sipping Chocolate at PARALLEL in Minneapolis. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ ï cgonzalez@startribune.com ñ March 20, 2018, Minneapolis,

Twin Cities chefs taking hot cocoa to a whole new level

With chocolate, the opportunities are endless.
Champagne, cava, prosecco -- our bubbly guide has you covered.

Bubbly made easy with this quick guide to the most popular sparkling wines

Champagne, Cava, Prosecco — our bubbly guide has you covered
A Vodskey bottle beside a "Copper Mule," made with Vodskey, fresh lime juice and Fever Tree ginger beer, as well as a "Wing in a Sling," back, with Vo

3 Minnesota distilleries concocting whiskey with bold new flavor profiles

Kim Bartmann looked for a spot to set her teapot after a morning meeting at Barbette.

How Kim Bartmann became the Twin Cities' most unapologetic restaurateur

For three decades, she's remained relevant in a changing industry, now overseeing 10 different restaurants.
Falls Park in Sioux Falls, S.D.

8 great fall trips, from close to home in the Midwest to worldly escapes

Use this guide to plan your fall getaway.
Chicago's Pilsen, which was first inhabited by a large Polish population before the fabric became predominantly Mexican in the 1970s, features taqueri

Go around the world in these 5 Chicago neighborhoods

The Windy City claims many neighborhoods with distinctive worldly flair. Here are our favorite five.
Chicago’s Pilsen, which was first inhabited by a large Polish population before the fabric became predominantly Mexican in the 1970s, features

Chicago: 20 international places to eat, drink and play

A latte at Penny's in Minneapolis.

Charcoal is trendy ingredient at Twin Cities restaurants, but comes with risk

Welcome to the dark side of cocktails and lattes.

Around the world in Chicago's neighborhoods

Explore five neighborhoods where food, art and street life reflect far away lands.
Amelia Santaniello cracked up after showing her husband, Frank Vascellaro, a photo of her a college friend had just emailed her. Frank had just announ

The Frank and Amelia show: Inside the marriage of WCCO's power couple

The duo behind the Twin Cities' No. 1-rated news show juggle nightly broadcasts, parenting and life outside the studio.
Amelia Santaniello cracked up after showing her husband, Frank Vascellaro, a photo of her a college friend had just emailed her. Frank had just announ

WCCO's Frank Vascellaro and Amelia Santaniello relive their (funny) love story

Mary S. Alton.

Mary Alton, longtime attorney, mediator and teacher, dies at 71

Child hospitalized after being pulled from Edina pool

The child was found at the bottom of a pool at an apartment complex and was rushed to Fairview Southdale Hospital.
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Does service in Twin Cities restaurants still matter?

How we dine out is changing, as fine dining turns casual and tableside service gives way to counter service, touch screens and even self-service.
The pinball machines at Mortimer's remained, while much of the rest of the space was remodeled.

New, improved Mortimer's touts pinball, classic cocktails and live music

New owners have spruced up the Minneapolis dive bar.
Whole fish from Lat14 Asian Eatery in Golden Valley.

Lemon Grass owner to debut new Southeast Asian restaurant in Golden Valley

The new spot comes from the owner of a Brooklyn Park restaurant that is widely recognized as boasting some of the Twin Cities' best Thai food.
New indie coffee shop dedicated to dogs opens in Minneapolis skyway

New indie coffee shop dedicated to dogs opens in Minneapolis skyway

Beancounter Coffeehouse debuted in the Soo Line Building last week.
10 must-eat foods at St. Paul's two massive Hmong markets

10 must-eat foods at St. Paul's two massive Hmong markets

From papaya salad and stuffed chicken wings to spring rolls and pho, the two St. Paul Hmong markets offer a taste of Southeast Asia.
Marilyn Bangston Wilhelm

Educator Marilyn Bangtson Wilhelm, a beloved 'Sarge' in the classroom, dies at 88

Several former students from more than 30 years back formed a group text to mourn her loss.
The "Rose Street," a vanilla-white chocolate cake with raspberry and hazelnut crunch, from Rose Street Patisserie.

Rose Street Patisserie bringing its acclaimed pastries to St. Paul

The lauded Minneapolis bakery is debuting a sequel in a former Starbucks.
This short stretch of Randolph Street in Chicago's West Loop is home to a cluster of some of the city's best restaurants, including Stephanie Izard's

How to plan your next trip around a 'walk-cation'

Korean fried chicken coming to Uptown and to Dinkytown's former Vescio's

Korean fried chicken coming to Uptown and to Dinkytown's former Vescio's

Bonchon will debut two new locations in Uptown and Dinkytown.
Mama Mia Pizza with porketta, italian sausage, pepperoni, and hot giardiniera from Iron Ranger. Provided photo

New Iron Range-inspired restaurant to open on Grand Avenue in St. Paul

After closing Sunrise Market and Cafe, owner reopening space as a restaurant called Iron Ranger.
Will work for beer: Twin Cities brands, breweries collaborate for special suds

Will work for beer: Twin Cities brands, breweries collaborate for special suds

Instead of coffee mugs, firms are promoting their brand name with customized craft beers.
The beef brisket at Spring Cafe in the Como Lakeside Pavilion.

5 new Twin Cities restaurants make their debut in a busy week for openings

From Parlour St. Paul to Grand Catch, there are suddenly a lot of new places to eat in the Twin Cities.

Travel: Pure joy in Provincetown

Why Provincetown, Mass., the happiest (and gayest) town in America, makes a great summer beach vacation for anyone.
Parlour brings its famous burger and second location to St. Paul, opening Monday

Parlour brings its famous burger and second location to St. Paul, opening Monday

Part diner, part cocktail bar: Here's a sneak peek at the new St. Paul Parlour.
Cookbook author Alison Roman set social media ablaze with a cookie recipe.

Meet the baker behind the cookie that became a viral sensation

How kitchen wizard Alison Roman broke the internet.
Farm-to-table dinners on the prairie of Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright's former studio. Dining in the landscape that inspired the architect. { Star Trib

Step onto Frank Lloyd Wright's Wisconsin estate for a fancy outdoor feast

At Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright fans dine amid the landscape that inspired the beloved architect.
Hyacinth is opening in Golden Fig's former location.

New York chef returns to Minnesota to open Italian restaurant on Grand Avenue

Hyacinth will take over Golden Fig's old space in St. Paul.
Castle Danger brewery owners (from left) Clint MacFarlane, Jamie MacFarlane, Mandy Larson and Lon Larson hoisted the trophy.

Castle Danger, winner of the Ultimate Beer Bracket, basks in the glow of glory

We talk victory with Castle Danger, the brewery that downed Surly in our second Ultimate Beer Bracket.
Castle Danger is the winner of the 2018 Ultimate Minnesota Beer Bracket.

From 2018: Castle Danger is the Ultimate Minnesota Beer Bracket champion

The Two Harbors brewery's massive upset win over Surly crowns it king of Minnesota beers.
Lipstick Pig is opening in the former Legends Bar & Grill.

Former Legends Bar & Grill in Minneapolis to become barbecue restaurant

The former Legends building is getting new life, via some love from its neighbor.
Guthrie's Sea Change restaurant hires new chef, plans major menu remake

Guthrie's Sea Change restaurant hires new chef, plans major menu remake

Theatergoers can expect some new flavors at the seafood restaurant.
Coming to the plate: Target Field unveils new food options

Coming to the plate: Target Field unveils new food options

The Twins concessionaires unveiled a variety of new and returning menu offerings to be served during the 2018 Major League Baseball season on Monday while the team was playing in Pittsburgh.
Surly, Castle Danger squeak into Beer Bracket final after last-minute victories

Surly, Castle Danger squeak into Beer Bracket final after last-minute victories

The No. 1 and the No. 2 seeds barely survived the Foamy Four, coming from behind to defeat their opponents.
Tattersall Distilling's Amber Aperitivo, right. ] AARON LAVINSKY ï aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com Love socializing over a cocktail but don't want

3 Twin Cities bars where you'll find the latest drink trend: Low-proof cocktails

Surly unveils new pizza restaurant on brewery's second floor, opening Friday

Surly unveils new pizza restaurant on brewery's second floor, opening Friday

Surly Pizza Upstairs sports "New Haven-style" pies and more in a fast-casual atmosphere.
Beer bracket drama as reigning champ Schell's falls, Surly barely hangs on

Beer bracket drama as reigning champ Schell's falls, Surly barely hangs on

Surly beat rival Summit by only 57 votes to advance to the Foamy Four.
Avocados growing in Zitacuaro, Mexico, Oct. 17, 2016. Spurred by rising demand for avocados, farmers in the Mexican state that hosts the annual monarc

Avocados, okra, wine: some of this traveler's favorite souvenirs

Danger! Danger! Big matchups ahead in Beer Bracket's Ale-ite Eight

Danger! Danger! Big matchups ahead in Beer Bracket's Ale-ite Eight

See which Minnesota breweries survived the opening round, and then get ready to vote in the Ale-ite Eight round Tuesday morning.
The new taproom at Finnegans.

Finnegans debuts new brewery and taproom in downtown Minneapolis

The charitable brewing company finally has its own facility after 17 years in business.
New vegan bakery brings cupcakes and specialty cakes to White Bear Lake

New vegan bakery brings cupcakes and specialty cakes to White Bear Lake

Vegan East went from serving pop-ups and festivals to opening its own storefront.
Just an hour northeast of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire state park offers gaze-grabbing vistas, peeks at wildlife and the opportunity to get lost. Photo b

Day trip from Las Vegas: Nevada's Valley of Fire State Park sparks a hunt for a hidden cave

On the hunt for a hidden cave in a red-rock landscape of strange, rugged beauty.
Competing "teams" from the Ultimate Minnesota Beer Bracket.

Surly is the brewery to beat in the Ultimate Minnesota Beer Bracket

The votes are in and the field of 16 Minnesota breweries is set, with a mix of newcomers and perennial powerhouses.
A smoking cocktail at Stillwater's Brick & Bourbon.

Bacon flights and smoking cocktails are star attractions at new Stillwater restaurant

The opening of Brick & Bourbon continues the food and beverage growth in the charming riverside town.
A drink sitting on the bar of Hai Hai in northeast Minneapolis.

Beyond the Irish pub: A neighborhood by neighborhood crawl for St. Patrick's Day

On March 17, we're all a little bit Irish, too many of us to fit into an Irish pub. But no worries, with this guide to interesting neighborhood venues to explore.
] AARON LAVINSKY ï aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com It's that time of year again. March Madness! But we're not talking basketball, we're talking be

Vote for your favorite Minnesota breweries in our Ultimate Beer Bracket

Last year Schell's shocked the beer scene, taking down Surly. What's on tap this year?
Schell's beer rose above the other state brews to win the 2017 Ultimate Minnesota Beer Bracket.

How Schell's beat out the favorites in last year's Ultimate Minnesota Beer Bracket

The state's oldest brewery stunned beer fans with upset after upset in our inaugural brewery competition.
Madden's on Gull Lake opening two new restaurants at its Brainerd resort

Madden's on Gull Lake opening two new restaurants at its Brainerd resort

The new eateries will debut when Madden's opens its 89th season in April.
Funk Grits is opening in south Minneapolis.

New south Minneapolis restaurant celebrates soul food, funk music

Funky Grits is expected to open April 1.
Parallel, a new Instagram-ready coffee cafe, opens near Target Field

Parallel, a new Instagram-ready coffee cafe, opens near Target Field

Local coffee lovers have been flocking to the new shop, and immediately posting their photos on social media.
Tips to throwing a great Oscar party.

How to throw a star-studded, Champagne-filled, award-winning Oscar party

With just a little planning — and this script full of ideas — you can pull off your own star-studded affair.
NorthGate Brewing abruptly closes in northeast Minneapolis

NorthGate Brewing abruptly closes in northeast Minneapolis

The craft brewery announced the shuttering on its social media accounts.
Minneapolis' Milkjam Creamery renames all its flavors after powerful women in March

Minneapolis' Milkjam Creamery renames all its flavors after powerful women in March

The popular ice cream shop by star chef Sameh Wadi is paying homage to Women's History Month.
The new canned beer by Surly Brewing and First Avenue.

Surly teams with First Avenue for nightclub's own new beer: +1 Golden Ale

The light-bodied ale will debut at the club on March 22.
Minneapolis' vegan butcher shop will roll out new food truck this summer

Minneapolis' vegan butcher shop will roll out new food truck this summer

The Herbivorous Butcher is taking its vegan "meats" to the streets.

Oscar-worthy recipes

Bouillabaise, dish of Bellecour

Bellecour, Young Joni win top honors at local restaurant scene's Charlie Awards

The annual awards show is the Twin Cities' answer to the national James Beard Awards.
Looking for somewhere different to drink? ReBar is part bar, part thrift store where almost everything is for sale, from the furniture to the décor,

How I lived it up in Vegas without breaking the bank

When you play your cards right, you can return from Sin City with money to spare.

Travel: Las Vegas on a budget

When you play your cards right, you can return from Sin City with money to spare.
Hot Indian Foods expanding with new locations at Mall of America, Mpls. skyway

Hot Indian Foods expanding with new locations at Mall of America, Mpls. skyway

The company that started as a food truck is heating up with two new outposts.
Chef Lenny Russo taking over Hotel Landing's food and drink in Wayzata

Chef Lenny Russo taking over Hotel Landing's food and drink in Wayzata

He's best-known for his work at the former Heartland Restaurant and Wine Bar, which was a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement locally.
Duluth's new restaurant, Martha's Daughter.

New globally influenced restaurant opens in Duluth's former Original Coney Island

Martha's Daughter is the brainchild of a chef who has worked at the acclaimed Mission Chinese restaurants.
Surly unveils 'gluten-reduced' canned beer, a rarity for Twin Cities craft breweries

Surly unveils 'gluten-reduced' canned beer, a rarity for Twin Cities craft breweries

Surly becomes the first brewery in the Twin Cities to offer a traditional, barley-brewed beer in which the gluten had been extracted.
Bar Brigade squash pastry

You'll really want to eat your veggies at these Twin Cities restaurants

These days, produce is more fab than drab, with colorful, inventive and seriously tasty plates hitting menus.
British-inspired distillery to open in Mpls.; will specialize in 'Scotch-style' whisky

British-inspired distillery to open in Mpls.; will specialize in 'Scotch-style' whisky

Royal Foundry Craft Spirits is expected to debut near International Market Square this spring.
Tasha Lauj, left, of St. Paul and Diane Aronson, center, of St. Louis Park pet Tinkerbell as Mona Pougiales and Patrick Soto, 5, both of Minneapolis p

Kitties with a side of coffee: Minneapolis' first cat cafe opens

At the Cafe Meow, there is a coffee side and a cat room, where only 10 to 15 people are allowed at a time, so reservations are encouraged.