Joy Summers
Food and Drink Reporter
Food and Drink ReporterJoy Summers is a St. Paul-based food reporter who has been covering Twin Cities restaurants since 2010. She joined the Minnesota Star Tribune in 2021.
Latest from Joy Summers
14 of our favorite new burgers in the Twin Cities to close out 2025
Craggy edges, special sauce and kimchi-spiced — there’s a lot of love to find between two toasted buns.
December 19, 2025
For better or worse, 15 restaurant trends we’ve noticed this year
It’s been quite a year for Twin Cities restaurants. From basking in the national spotlight to the rise of international flavors, here’s what 2025 had to offer.
December 18, 2025
Two Mixed Up and its smash burger are now in the Minneapolis skyway
Plus: Minneapolis bakery on the move, a restaurant refresh and so long to the downtown Bruegger’s.
December 16, 2025
The Minnesota Star Tribune names its 10 best new restaurants of 2025
From fine dining to fast casual and barbecue to pasta galore, these are our favorite new eateries. But one stands out above them all.
December 14, 2025
The 5 best things our food writers ate this week
Those congee hash browns really do live up to the hype. Plus, unforgettable tortillas, obsession-worthy caramel rolls and dunking sauces.
December 12, 2025
A look back at the most notable restaurant closures of 2025
From decades-old restaurants that shaped our city to ones we barely had a chance to love, it’s always hard to say goodbye.
December 11, 2025
![Cafe Lurcat's bar area. ] (AARON LAVINSKY/STAR TRIBUNE) aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com Restaurant review: Cafe Lurcat, a revisit to the 15-year-old D'Amico flagship on Loring Park reveals disappointments and happy surprises. We photograph the restaurant on Friday, April 8, 2016 in Minneapolis, Minn.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/PIP6FRSMSIYAQTT3VBKXLCBGJA.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
Farina Rossa staying open despite Fair State’s taproom closure
Plus OG Zaza keeps expanding, stoner subs, a new vegan cafe, bakery openings, holiday market and more.
December 9, 2025
3 bakeries for those special holiday breads
Where to order stollen, cardamom bread, potica and more.
December 8, 2025
Editor's Pick
Meet the bakers behind the 2025 Star Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest winning cookies
This year’s winners range from a fifth-grader to Minnesota State Fair baking champions, and here’s how they created their one-of-a-kind treats.
December 4, 2025
Gavin Kaysen's French bistro Bellecour North Loop opens this week
The much-anticipated restaurant opens this week, with pastries and light lunch by day and classic French fare at night.
December 3, 2025
Saturday Dumpling Co. opens third restaurant; TokiDoki Burger is closing
Saturday Dumpling Co. in Armatage has all the hits plus congee hash browns. Plus, TokiDoki Burger is closing and more restaurant news.
December 2, 2025
15 picks for eating (and drinking) your way through Northfield’s restaurant scene
Spend a day in this picturesque college town, and fuel up at these places whether you’re there morning, noon or night — or all three.
November 28, 2025
