Staff Directory 8641580

Joy Summers

Food and Drink Reporter | Food and Drink Reporter

Joy Summers is a St. Paul-based food reporter who has been covering Twin Cities restaurants since 2010. She joined the Star Tribune in 2021. 

Recent content from Joy Summers
The honey cake is made specially by a local baker for Bean.Co, a new coffeeshop in Maple Grove.

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

Mini hamburger sliders from a pop-up, a pho place in the skyway and a vegetarian Reuben from a meat-lovers' restaurant were among our favorite finds.
Mushroom terrine at Black Duck Spirits & Hearth in Minneapolis.

5 new restaurants still coming before the State Fair

Recapping the fresh crop of cool spots that are opening soon across the Twin Cities.
Bartender Connor Gomer pours beer at the Fulton Beer Taproom on Tuesday. This fall the taps will also carry Finnegans beer; the breweries are forming

Two groundbreaking Minneapolis breweries are joining forces in the North Loop

The founders of both breweries say it's the urban brew duo you didn't know you needed.
Ray J's famous wings are heading north.

Ray J's bringing its famous wings to Rogers, changes at Kim's in Uptown, and more restaurant news

Plus, changes at Kim's in Uptown, cocktail pop-ups, the possibility of pizza, and beating Bobby Flay in this week's restaurant news.
Shanelle and Chris Montana of DuNord Craft Spirits will reopen their landmark cocktail room and a new New Orleans flavored restaurant on Lake Street.

Du Nord distillery owners bringing new restaurant, cocktail room to Lake Street in Minneapolis

Chris and Shanelle Montana are recommitting to the vitality of East Lake Street.
A red basket that contains a sandwich with fried chicken tenders poking out of the shiny bun and pink sauce dripping off of it, and a handful of golde

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

Checking out a hot chicken place, brewing company, Italian bistro, health-conscious eatery and a sun-filled coffee shop.
Summer is an excellent season to delve into the world of naturally fermented wines.

5 pét-nats to pack in your picnic basket

Get to know these fizzy, natural wines — they're perfect for summer meals.
Twin Cities eateries are ready for all your summer picnic needs.

These 5 Twin Cities area spots offer gourmet delights for summer picnics

Whether a romantic outing, playdate with the kids or a grassy hang with friends, there's a basket for you.
With a little help from industry friends, Baaska Tegshbileg pulled off a sold-out sushi pop-up on a 90-degree day at Picnic, after storms knocked out

Storms leave Twin Cities restaurants with soggy hangovers, a new eatery for St. Anthony Main, and more

Plus, pickles for everyone, bar openings and more restaurant news.
The menu at Torsk, inside Bar Brava, is inspired by Scandinavian flavors with forays through Europe, like with this Austrian pork schnitzel.

Inside north Minneapolis' natural wine bar, where the only constant is change

Bar Brava is now hosting Torsk, a new Nordic popup serving up smelt, potato bacon dumplings and more.
The restaurant closed after Sunday night's service on June 30, after one more Pride weekend.

Eli's Food & Cocktails closes in downtown Minneapolis, other businesses up for sale

The northeast Minneapolis location will remain open.
The crêpe cake from Oh Crêpe! in Edina is a showstopper.

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities and beyond this week

A new location of a favorite restaurant, sampling at the Taste of Minnesota, crêpes for Bastille Day and pizza in Lake Country made for an eclectic – and delicious – week.
Deep-fried Ranch Dressing from LuLu's Public House.

Minnesota State Fair unveils the 33 new foods for 2024

Come for the deep-fried ranch dressing, stay for the crab boil wings. There are plenty of tasty reasons to look forward to this year's Great Minnesota Get-Together.
Country fried steak with peppery breakfast gravy dripping off the top, served with a biscuit, hashbrowns and some scrambled eggs.

Minnesota group bringing fine dining to Wisconsin Dells area, and more restaurant news

Plus: There's more hot chicken on the way, new locations for Hope Breakfast Bar and Puralima, Campiello will become an Irish pub and more restaurant news.
Bardo chef/owner Remy Pettus in the bar of his restaurant. "This is literally a dream come true," he said. "It's so enjoyable and rewarding when thing

Former Minneapolis chef Remy Pettus dies at 41

He had recently left the restaurant industry to pursue another passion: writing.
Puffy Dutch baby pancakes are served with local maple syrup at Darling in Minneapolis.

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.
A tray with a stack of ribs piled high, shaved scallion greens on top

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

We mixed the old with the new, from classic sandwiches and classic cocktail bars to newcomers in the food hall, pastry and farmers market scene.
Caramel roll from Keys Cafe & Bakery

Where to eat in Minneapolis during the U.S. Olympic gymnastic trials

Events will criss-cross downtown, where there are plenty of good places to eat.
Forepaugh's in St. Paul will reopen later this summer.

Forepaugh's in St. Paul will return this summer — with a Tim McKee menu

Plus: Lake Street's landmark cocktail room returns, Khue's Kitchen lands a permanent address and more food news.
A cup that says "Sebastian Joe's" with soft vanilla ice cream flecked with rainbow colors, held up inside a busy shop

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

The best ice cream, empanadas and croffles the Taste team ate this week.
Lyla Abukhodair, co-owner of Falastin, Duluth’s first Palestinian restaurant, poses with her co-owner Sam Miller at their newly-opened storefront on

Duluth's first Palestinian market and deli aims to humanize the headlines

The new restaurant Falastin offers a taste of the country's culture with family recipes, deli bites and a market.
Restaurant-goers dine with views of Lake Superior in an enclosed solarium perched above the Lakewalk at Va Bene Caffe in Duluth on Sunday.

Where to eat and drink in Duluth right now

Stunning views of the lake, quirky undersung gems and tall scoops of cool ice cream. This is your summer 2024 to-do list when visiting the city by the lake.
Bachelor Farmer chef Jonathan Gans in the dining room.

Bachelor Farmer alumni to bring French-inspired burgers and cocktails to Linden Hills

Cross-section view of a sandwich with sausage and greens, in front of a park-like setting with green trees

The 5 best sandwiches our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week

Do sandwiches taste better when someone else makes them? We test that theory as we tried a fresh batch of restaurants, food trucks and farmers market stands.
The Piggy Pie at Pig Ate My Pizza in Robbinsdale

Travail targets Bloomington for a new Pig Ate My Pizza

Plus, Maple Grove gets new cocktails, Midway has biscuits coming and a good dose of coffee news for the week.
Crispy crêpes stuffed with bean sprouts are fried up to order and served with a pile of fresh herbs at Banh Sizzle's stand at the Mill City Farmers M

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

There was shrimp-stuffed bánh xèo, Italian-style brunch, pizza in a grocery store, snacks along the Mississippi and a biscuit revolution as we add food trucks and farmers markets to our weekly stops.
Gavin Kaysen is named Best Chef Midwest at James Beard awards. Chef/owner of Spoon and Stable and Bellecour won at the "Oscars of the food world." He'

Meet the Minnesotans vying for a James Beard Award

The annual ceremony is Monday in Chicago, and here's what you need to know about the restaurant and chefs representing the Twin Cities.
Justin Sutherland's original Pearl & the Thief in Stillwater served dishes like Crawfish Bisque. The chef will revive the concept in Minneapolis later

Justin Sutherland plots Pearl & the Thief revival

Five years after he announced plans to bring the Southern eatery to Minneapolis, it's finally happening.
Chef Justin Sutherland is bringing his Southern style to St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood.

Justin Sutherland at Golden Thyme, boozy boba in Uptown, and more restaurant news

Plus: Old World sourdough bagels coming to Grand Avenue, boozy boba in Uptown and more in this week's restaurant news.
Chef Daniel del Prado is opening Dexter's in partnership with Carla and Spencer Jones.

Daniel del Prado to open an 'elevated' sports bar in Minneapolis

Dexter's, named after a French bulldog, is coming to 50th and France this summer.
The Double California Cheese at Lion’s Tap in Eden Prairie is among our picks for best burgers in the Twin Cities.

These are the best burgers in the Twin Cities area

From smashed to stuffed, we name a cult and classic burger in 9 burger categories.
Pavarotti ice cream at Sebastian Joe's

Sebastian Joe's adding shop in Minneapolis, Italian spot coming to Hopkins, and more restaurant news

Plus: There are new Punjabi pizzas in Waconia, Treats is close to opening at the Mall of America, and more restaurant news.
A wicker tray holds two pieces of tres leches cake, an almond croissant and a honeycomb bread slice. The tray is placed on a red woven banquette.

Minnesota's first Yemeni coffee cafe opens in Little Canada

Aromas of cardamom, honey, tea and coffee await at Qamaria, and fans have embraced it.
The Art Deco wonderland that is Fhima's is close enough to Target Center to enjoy a pregame happy hour.

Downtown for the Timberwolves game? Here's where to eat and drink.

Bring your you-know-what downtown early, and maybe stay a bit late to celebrate a win.
When Tavern on Grand closes, Russell's Bar and Grill will soon open in its place.

A new pub for St. Paul's Tavern on Grand spot, another Wuollet eviction and more restaurant news

Plus: Smoothie bowls for the North Loop and another Wuollet eviction.
An Argentinean short rib cut of beef inside Porzana.

Dear Ant: Tell Sir Charles what's up with Minneapolis' dining scene

You get him here, we'll tell ya'll where to eat. And we'll even get him to St. Paul for breakfast.
The rib-eye sandwich at the Butchers Deli, a combo butcher shop-liquor store-deli in Victoria.

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

Among our best bites: Stumbling across a steak sandwich, a wine bar with top-notch boards, cocktails with a kick and a taste of nostalgia in the form of cardamom buns and fish and chips (but not together).
The ultimate patio guide: 60 all-star patios in the Twin Cities

The ultimate patio guide: 60 all-star patios in the Twin Cities

Our picks for the rooftop, lakeside and urban oases where you should soak in the Minnesota summer.
An upgrade on the usual breakfast sandwich from Animales Barbeque Co.: peppery, smoked pastrami, soft scrambled eggs and cheese on cheesy focaccia.

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

Devouring the menu at a new music club, barbecue for brunch, a transportive Puerto Rican favorite, a don't-miss lunchtime sushi special and celebrating morel season made for a tasty week.
From left, Mike Hidalgo, Danny Guerrero, Angel Torres and Daniel Torres make up the Behind a Bar bartending collective that's shaking up the Minneapol

A Latin bartending collective is shaking up the way Minneapolis drinks

Behind a Bar brings together notable local bartenders to share their skills and culture while trying to make the world a better place.
Greg's a hunger crusher. Who knew Hot Cheetos were what's missing in a wrap sandwich? Find it at Wrap.

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

The new sandwich game in town, pulltabs and meat-raffle pizza, a taste of vegetable heaven, getting reacquainted with a friend and visiting the Restaurant Capital of Minnesota.
The flautas on the appetizer menu are tortillas wrapped around potato before being fried crispy and served under sauce.

A first look at Chilango, Jorge Guzmán's Mex-Tex restaurant

What you need to know before visiting the James Beard-nominated chef's new restaurant overlooking Bde Maka Ska.
The owner of the popular restaurant i.e. Italian Eatery explains the reason they're shutting down at the height of its popularity.

The story behind why Minneapolis' successful Italian Eatery is closing

Plus: a long-awaited Northeast restaurant has a name, a new Edina spot is opening soon and more restaurant news from the Twin Cities and Duluth.
Crème Brûlée French Toast at Baldamar's Champagner brunch

25 Mother's Day brunches in the Twin Cities that will dazzle mom

It's a list tailor-made for every mom, with dinners, brunches, high tea and even a spa day sans kids.
SoYen's pork congee is everything savory and wonderful in a bowl.

The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week

A doughnut-congee double threat, housemade flatbread, cozy lakeside pasta, a new perky breakfast joint and bar bites at their best were among our favorites from a very decadent week.
Amelia Rayno, Star Tribune
The small, but best fall patio destination: The Italian Eatery.

A wild week in restaurants with 4 closings and an opening

We say goodbye to I.E., Un Dito, Ramen Shoten and Hark Cafe, while Wayzata's Grocer's Table gets a sister restaurant.
A brick wall and the sliding metal door adorned with Ramen Shoten. There's a yellow neon sign that reads "Ramen" above the door.

Ramen Shoten at Eat Street Crossing in Minneapolis is closing

But the popular food hall space won't be empty for long as Vegas chef Louross Edralin brings in Staff Meeting.
This is the last week to pop into Hark Cafe in downtown Minneapolis for its vegan, gluten-free treats and meals.

More Punch Pizza, another reason to hit the St. Paul Farmers Market, and more restaurant news

Plus, Chimborazo opens in St. Paul, more Punch Pizza and another reason to hit the St. Paul Farmers Market.
Tipsy Steer's Chocolate Dream Extreme shake

The 5 best things our food writers ate this week in the Twin Cities (and beyond)

It was an eclectic week of eating: the king of desserts, a Best breakfast in Duluth, dinner at a new Minneapolis restaurant, the return of Arepa Bar (but in St. Paul) and a signature taste of Minnesota.
The decor at The Creekside Supper Club in Minneapolis has all the hallmarks of a classic supper club.

8 Midwestern supper clubs that get it right

Inspired by the latest "Top Chef" challenge, we look at old-fashioned dining in style.
Forgotten Star Brewing Co. is collaborating with Fit Foodie Finds website to launch the food truck Hodgepodge.

Forgotten Star Brewing in Fridley is launching a food truck, and more restaurant news

The collaboration with food website Fit Foodie Finds will open in May. Plus: Donut Star expansion, more seasonal openings, going casual at Kado No Mise and more restaurant news.
Blueberry/walnut pancakes.   A changing of the guard at the institution, Al's Breakfast. Doug Grina, one of the original owners and Alison Kirwin, his

Dining out on the cheap: 15 favorite meals for $10 and under

Prices might be rising, but there still are delicious bargains to be found at local restaurants, from a stellar short stack to cabbage rolls.
Heti will soon be available online and locally in shops like Marigold.

Why an award-winning Minnesota restaurateur is getting into the THC beverage business

Dana Thompson, formerly of Owamni, has released Heti, a new line of drinks inspired by nature.
Jorge Guzman, chef and owner of Petite León, poses for a portrait.

Chef Jorge Guzmán's Mex-Tex spot Chilango opens April 18, and more restaurant news

Plus: Sea Salt adds a sandwich shop, a new club in downtown Minneapolis, a St. Paul bakery for your radar and lots of other restaurant news.
Juniper sausage is a fine howdy-doo from Linden Hill's new Picnic restaurant.

The 5 best sandwiches our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week

Our latest finds for breakfast sandwiches, bánh mì and lumberjack-sized sandwiches, plus flavors of Brazil and Keefer Court.
Smashed Baked Potato seen during a tour of the new food for 2024 at Target Field in Minneapolis on Monday.

The first new foods to find for the Twins' 2024 season

There were plenty of Minnesota flavors as Target Field unveiled its newest lineup of snacks in the stands.
The Black Cat espresso martini at the Grocer’s Table in Wayzata comes with a housemade biscotti.

You asked, our Taste team answered: Espresso martinis, date-night dining, a D'Amico closing

You asked the questions, and we have the answers.
The chile relleno at Gustavo and Kate Romero's Minneapolis restaurant, Oro by Nixta.

Minneapolis restaurant Oro, 2 Mpls. chefs are finalists in James Beard Awards

Ann Ahmed and Christina Nguyen both advanced in the Best Chef: Midwest category.
Peachey's Baking Co., one of the standout vendors from last summer's State Fair, will be at the annual Kickoff to Summer at the Fair event in May.

Get a taste of the Minnesota State Fair with May event

Here's what to expect at the popular Kickoff to Summer event. Tickets go on sale April 5.
A rendering of Brian Ingram's forthcoming North Loop restaurant Salt & Flour, from the market area.

Brian Ingram will open 4 spots in the next 3 months, and more restaurant news

Salt & Flour joining the Purpose Restaurants fold. Plus: Linden Hills goes on a Picnic, Mill District gets its first Mexican restaurant and other dining news.
The Pão burger on the bar at Hola Arepa, topped with shreds of lettuce and just a little bit of mayo. The bun is threaded with rivers of melted chees

4 great new burgers to try in the Twin Cities this spring

Thick and spicy, thin and crispy, Juicy Lucy — even beefed-up beefy: These burger bites are next level.
Slices of pizza in Slice Brothers Pizza's new space in downtown St. Paul.

Slice Brothers Pizza opens Watch Bar in downtown St. Paul, and more restaurant news

Plus: A special Eid dinner, plans for a brewery in Rondo, more Gray Fox coffee downtown, another big-name chef series and more restaurant news.
Megan Longo waits a table on A Bar of Their Own’s opening day.

Checking the stats for A Bar of Their Own sports bar in Minneapolis

The mega-hit sports bar opened with a big splash, and we have the numbers to back up its success.
A new skyway breakfast option to flip out over.

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

We found skyway egg sandwiches, ushered in a new chef era at a classic restaurant, sought solace in pasta, found a new standard for fries and went beyond our favorite menu items.
General Manager Heather Ann Mady with Moua outside the building that will house Diane's Place.

Long-awaited restaurant by Minneapolis chef Diane Moua opening April 6

10 reasons the food world is giddy about this restaurant opening.
Mara's pastry chef is putting together an astounding display of chocolates for the holiday.

All-in-one guide to Easter brunch, buffets, takeout and carrot cakes

No matter how formal or casual your Easter is, there's a chef ready to lend a hand.
The first location of Treats was on St. Paul's Grand Avenue.

Wrecktangle owners get into the sandwich Wrap business at Graze food hall

Plus: Skyway egg sandwiches, ice cream treats and wine in the North Loop, special Ramadan hours and more restaurant news.
Crab boil wings at Klassics Kitchen and Cocktails from Brittney and Gerard Klass in downtown Minneapois

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

A seafood-free "crab boil" and a new burger both got our attention, go-to Mexican on opposite ends of the metro, and tastes of La Belle Vie brought back all the nostalgic feels.
Pastries are made on site and fresh daily, with a rotating selection of sweet and savory flavors.

5 things to know about Keefer Court's revival at Asia Mall

Minneapolis' iconic Chinese bakery is now open in Eden Prairie, and it's delicious.
Leading the new season of "Top Chef: Wisconsin" is host Kristen Kish, center, and judges Gail Simmons and Tom Colicchio.

Go behind the scenes of 'Top Chef' ahead of its Season 21 premiere

The new season debuts this week with a new host, and we got a firsthand look as the show was filming in Wisconsin.
Save room for the raspberry pie at Murray's — you won't be sorry.

Pi Day prep: The best places to get pie in the Twin Cities

While 3.14 is the perfect excuse to order pie, be sure to keep this delicious list on hand all year long.
The bar at Hola Arepa filled with new happy hour food: quesabirria on a tostone, corn pancake, nachos and chips and salsa. March 12, 2024

10 patios with happy hours to celebrate early spring

These patios have food and drink specials that are calling your name.
Keefer Court’s Sunny Kwan, left, and its new owner, Michael Bui, outside Asia Mall in Eden Prairie.

Chinese bakery Keefer Court opens at Asia Mall, a bar inspired by 'Friends' and more restaurant news

Plus: Soul Bowl owners open a new restaurant, new suburban restaurants and pop-ups you won't want to miss.
Tori 44 in Minneapolis has closed, but its sister restaurant in St. Paul is still open.

2 more Twin Cities restaurants announce closures over the weekend

Tori 44 ramen has closed, and it's the last week for St. Paul's Momento.
Everything wonderful twirled up with cinnamon and sugar — and entirely gluten-free.

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

We covered all the bases this week: Gluten-free treats, classic breakfast, a dream of a vegan rice bowl, brisket worth seeking out and a top-notch value meal.