Nicole Hvidsten
Taste Editor
Hvidsten grew up in Minnesota and knew that journalism was her calling way back in middle school, when the Star Tribune published two of her essays. She graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a degree in mass communications and a love for all things journalism and politics. Hvidsten worked at newspapers across the country for several years before finally returning to where it all started. She and her husband are proud parents of three amazing kids.
Latest from Nicole Hvidsten
The 5 best things our food writers ate in 2025
Popovers from the North Woods, a last meal at Lurcat, vegan ribs, chile cheese fries and seasonal salads make up this year’s favorite dishes.
December 26, 2025
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
Need a last-minute gift? These 12 food books by Minnesota authors are a place to start
From comfort food recipes courtesy of Stephanie Hansen to Indigenous culinary journeys with Sean Sherman, this year’s stack of local books are page-turners.
December 18, 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
It’s party time: 4 quick dips for your festive party spreads
Double up on fun with an array of appetizers inspired by salads, a classic Italian dish and a State Fair favorite.
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
3 recipes that will get dinner on the table in less than 45 minutes
The new cookbook “Milk Street Shorts” aims to give cooks maximum flavor with minimal effort.
December 9, 2025
Minnesota’s first co-op brewery says it will close after this weekend
The Minneapolis brewery told its members it was no longer a “fully functional business.”
December 5, 2025
The 5 best things our food writers ate this week
New Mexican, Japanese and health-minded eateries, plus tried-and-true road trip and dim sum staples.
December 5, 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
A look behind the scenes of the Star Tribune’s cookie contest
It takes months of planning, a team of bakers and hours of debating to choose the winners.
December 4, 2025
