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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 this week

Thai and West African cuisine, Eat Street and sweet treats capped off a delicious week.
February 6, 2026

Our favorite chicken wings of the moment, just in time for the Super Bowl

Here are more than 30 of our favorite places serving up wings of all types and spice levels in the Twin Cities area — separated into categories for your snacking convenience.
February 5, 2026

Become a pasta pro with these 3 books and recipes

Master the art of fresh pasta or just level up that box of pasta in the pantry while learning the proper way to sauce and serve the classic cuisine.
January 28, 2026

The 5 best things our food writers ate around the Twin Cities this week

Pupusas Benedict, pho-style French dip and more at neighborhood eateries. Plus, a new place for dumplings.
January 16, 2026

3 places to get iconic Minnesota chicken wild rice soup

Our unofficial state soup brims with pride and rich comfort.
January 12, 2026
A bowl of creamy chicken wild rice soup at Grackle.

The 5 best things our food writers ate around the Twin Cities this week

Comforting soup, saucy fried chicken sandwiches, paint-your-own cookies, a twist on a sashimi wrap and small-town barbecue are among our favorite bites.
January 9, 2026
Chicken Khaopiak at Mai’s Papaya, Hmong Village in St. Paul

Restaurant openings and closings in the Twin Cities

What's open, what's closed and what's still to come in the Twin Cities and beyond.
January 5, 2026

New year, new restaurants: Here are 16 openings we’re excited about

Indigenous barbecue, Hawaiian and French eateries and more are in the works, offering a glimpse of what’s in store for Twin Cities dining.
January 2, 2026

It’s brunch the easy way with these 3 make-ahead recipes that feed a crowd

For the ultimate palate pleaser, go with a hearty sausage bake, decadent French toast and egg pitas.
December 31, 2025

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
A basket of popovers with compound butter.

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
Dark Horse burger

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
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