Recent content from Nicole Hvidsten
41 Minnesota apple orchards ripe for picking
From bare bones to daylong adventures, there's a Twin Cities-area orchard to suit all your fall needs.
The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week
Sushi sandos, new cocktails, a chicken dinner for the rotation and a little bit of heaven found in chips and salsa and Italian bread and dipping sauce.
Two Minneapolis breweries win medals at national beer festival
The wins at the Great American Beer Festival proved what we already know: The Twin Cities has great beer.
Going to the Le Creuset factory to table sale? Get in line
The cookware maker debuts its popular sale in Minneapolis, and fans are opening their cupboards and wallets.
The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week
Revisiting the Band Box Diner (hooray!), plus breakfast sandwiches, ice cream for breakfast, angelic treats and a new-to-us place for Mediterranean food.
With Sweet Troo-Vi, Minnesota power couple give back one cookie at a time
The plant-based treats have been a game-changer for Rebekkah and Bobbi Jo Brunson.
Minneapolis restaurant Owamni acquired by chef Sean Sherman's nonprofit
The move expands the reach of the Indigenous chef's mission — to address economic and health issues among Indigenous people.
The 5 best cheeseburgers we ate in the Twin Cities area this week
To celebrate the upcoming National Cheeseburger Day, we set out to try some new burgers at both recently opened restaurants and old favorites, and were not disappointed.
Celebrate the sweet side of Minnesota cabbage
It's versatility makes the vegetable popular with both chefs and home cooks.
The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week
Savoring the last of summer with BLTs, elote pizza and strawberries and cream, while ushering in the cooler weather with spicy rice and supper clubs.
5 out-of-the-box recipes to make any night pizza night
Two new cookbooks offer a deep dive into deep dish — and every other type of pizza you might want to make.
Healthy Power Bars among the State Fair's blue-ribbon winners
A St. Paul baker won her 49th ribbon for her entry in the new healthy cookie competition.
We tried all the new Minnesota State Fair foods this year
From pickle everything to lutefisk to limeade and lemonade, our food writers spent Day One of the Minnesota State Fair trying all the new foods.
Themed Barbie cafe popping up at the Mall of America
Let's go, Barbie! The limited cafe is inspired by the 1970s and Malibu Barbie.
Updated: It's State Fair time at Twin Cities area restaurants
Local chefs get creative with food on a stick, mini doughnuts and more to celebrate the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities — and beyond — this week
Blackened catfish, sweet corn soup, farmers market inspired pasta and more.
The Star Tribune's lip balm flavor for this year's State Fair is ...
A favorite native Minnesota food and fair pastime join forces for this year's flavor.
The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities — and beyond — this week
We had ice cream for breakfast, took road trips to lake country and a local winery and still made room for BLTs and tacos.
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.
The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week
There were fancy nuggets and pastries, a new discovery, pickle power and a breakfast with staying power.
Minnesota State Fair announces 65 new drinks for this year's get-together
The list of beers, seltzers and cocktails is filled with fruity flavors, special collaborations and clever names.
The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week
This week we kept cool with ceviche, spring rolls, a smoothie bowl, beach-ready shrimp and, of course, ice cream.
What to cook when it's too hot to cook? 5 Star Tribune recipes to the rescue
We took an air-conditioned look through our archives for recipes to help you through the latest heat wave.
The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities this week
So much to love this week: pizza made in a bus, more burgers and chicken tenders, elevated bar food and a dessert that's a work of art.
5 Minnesota breweries bring home hardware at U.S. Open Beer Championship
Plus: More than 100 local breweries gearing up for All Pints North.
The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities this week
On our menus this week: An unforgettable ramen, sweets, fruit-infused breakfast and drinks and a massive pretzel with cheese.
The 13 burgers of summer in the Twin Cities and beyond
New restaurants mean new burgers. Plus, some of the Taste team's perennial favorites with a summer twist.
Gallery: The 34 new Minnesota State Fair foods for 2023
Plus, seven new vendors are added to the roster.
Flowers are right at home in the kitchen
From anise to zinnia, your summer dishes just got prettier.
The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week
Classic breakfast fare, tiki drinks, ice cream, Korean barbecue and the combo to end all combos: French fries and champagne.
Professionals answer your burning questions about grilling
We asked experts about how to raise our barbecue game, building better burgers and if we really need to clean the grill every time.
Best friends harness their sour power and find success with popular pickle dip
With a shared love of entertaining and recipes, two lifelong friends have turned a party hit into a growing business.
The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week
The past week was powered by Swiftie cupcakes, proper bagels, a wood-fired meal along the St. Croix, a new buzzy bakery and a light summer soufflé.
New cookbook takes inspiration from female icons, including Lizzo
"A Table Set for Sisterhood" feeds our minds with the inspiring stories of 35 women and the recipes created just for them.
Readers share their favorite memories of dad in (or near) the kitchen
Some dads are grilling go-getters, lefse kings and masters of mashed potatoes. Others have skills that lie elsewhere, pinch-hitting only when needed — often with memorable results. But all of these dads have one thing in common: They are loved.
The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area (and beyond) this week
Delicious finds from a road trip to Stillwater and breakfast in Red Wing, plus a new burger to try, vegan street food and pizza — all the major food groups.
5 grilling recipes to get you fired up for Father's Day
French toast, pizza, vegetables and chef-inspired steak — there's nothing a grill can't cook.
The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week
What a week: A new-to-us cinnamon roll, soup to soothe summer ills, taste of the tropics with tostones, east metro barbecue and last call for Lowry Hill's BLT.
Gallery: A first look at Gai Noi in Loring Park
Chef Ann Ahmed's stunning restaurant in now open in Minneapolis.
The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week
Summer eating at its best: a scenic brunch at Cardamom, road trip vegetables, farmers market finds and a new pizza spot in Bloomington.
Six dozen farmers markets to check out in the Twin Cities area
Plan your summer adventures to support local growers, makers and more.
Readers: We want your fondest (or funniest) memories of Dad in the kitchen
Maybe your dad is a grill master, or makes the best cashew chicken. Share his story, photo or recipe for our special Father's Day package.
The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week
The Taste team feasted on churros for breakfast, a signature ramen birria, menus filled with springy vegetables and a can't-miss cornbread ice cream.
Top Twin Cities chefs tapped for Target Field dinner benefiting James Beard Foundation
The ballpark is one of three stops on the Stadium Chef Series.
Thanks to White Castle, Minnesota has a new Hall of Famer
Chris Henry of Forest Lake is among the newest inductees into the group of Craver elites.
5 recipes from the Star Tribune archives that celebrate rhubarb
Cakes, muffins and compotes — make the most of the season.
Gallery: The new Cooks | Bellecour opens this week in Edina
Take a peek inside the new, rebranded location.
The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area (and Duluth) this week
Cocktails and coffee in White Bear Lake, a trip to a Duluth treasure, a vegetarian favorite in St. Paul and seasonal eating in Minneapolis.
Fans of Legos and burgers, your dream pop-up is coming to Minneapolis
Brick Burger among the immersive burger pop-ups heading this way.
3 simple brunch recipes to make for Mother's Day
Eating in this weekend? Make a fuss over Mom, not in the kitchen.
Meet ex-Minnesotan 'Office' star who became 'the chili guy' and cookbook author
Brian Baumgartner will sign copies of his new cookbook, which features 177 chili recipes, at Maplewood Mall.
New Chanhassen brewery is personal to owner and food blogger Zac Gleason
Hackamore Brewing Co. is filled with family, friends, sentimental details — and beer.
The 5 best things we ate in the Twin Cities area this week
It was a breakfast-heavy week with an over-the-top brunch, doughnuts, savory scones and avocado toast (but in a bowl). Oh, there's meat, too.
Best beer in the state? Winners of the Brewers Cup announced
After a three-year hiatus, the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild conference and competition is back.
Minnesotan Dan Buettner celebrates American 'Blue Zones' in new cookbook
Minnesota chefs Sean Sherman, Yia Vang, Andrew Zimmern and Alan Bergo offer recipes.
The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week
The Taste team shares the highlights of their weekly dining experiences.
Attention, St. Paul: There's a new distillery coming your way this summer
King Coil Spirits will open a distillery, cocktail bar and pizzeria in the Vandalia Tower.
Sean Sherman recognized as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people
Plus: Pop-up darlings the Salsa Collaborative heading to Chanhassen brewery and other food news.
The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week
The Taste team shares the highlights of their weekly dining experiences.
State Fair darling Baba's opening hummus house in Minneapolis
Fresh-topped hummus, date-sweetened lattes, Jerusalem-style bagels and a grab-and-go market are all part of the plans.
Get outside! Five outdoor activities around the Twin Cities
Here are five things we're itching to do now that the weather is nice. What are yours?
5 recipes to usher in spring brunch season
After a winter of heavy dishes, it's time to lighten things up with herb-filled quiches, frittatas and citrus.
New restaurants springing up across the Twin Cities area
Plus: A new concept coming to Travail, and Monello closing in May.
The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week
From morning muffins and lunchtime sashimi to comfort food in the form of brisket, pasta and cauliflower, the Taste team shares their weekly dining experiences.
Outsourcing Easter? Get help from these 30 Twin Cities area restaurants
If the holiday caught you by surprise, dinner reservations or meal kits are just a click away.
The 5 best things our food writers ate and drank in the Twin Cities area this week
The Taste team shares the highlights of their weekly dining experiences.
Chickpeas are having a moment
Rich in protein and a boon to any cuisine, they are a mainstay for both chefs and home cooks.
Fields of dreams: Fresh greens delivered to Twin Cities doorsteps
Indoor farming pioneer Clayton Farms has made a splash with subscribers who want just-harvested greens year-round.
The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week
This week, the Taste team's dining diaries include revisiting an old Italian friend, dips for the ages, ramen, fish-on-a-stick and the highest-shelf Cognac.
It's St. Patrick's Day: Irish appetites are calling for these Twin Cities food specials
From traditional corned beef and cabbage to soda bread and over-the-top desserts, revelers will get their fill.
The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week
The Taste team's dining diaries include sweet and savory pie, supersized sandwiches and a downtown Minneapolis day-brightener.
