Best Evidence of a Thriving Restaurant Scene - Transplant Chefs and Restaurateurs - 2013 Best of MN

Remember the years when it was a big deal when the Twin Cities landed a major operator like a Hard Rock Cafe or a Planet Hollywood? That mentality, thankfully, has been supplanted by a far more rewarding one, namely, the metro area's ability to lure top culinary talent. Think of where we would be if Stewart and Heidi Woodman of Heidi's, Michelle Gayer of the Salty Tart, Paul Berglund of the Bachelor Farmer, Russell Klein of Meritage and Peter Ireland of the Lynn on Bryant had not chosen to relocate here? Hubert Humphrey's observation applies: "Cold Omaha."