Staff Directory 6370531

Sharyn Jackson

Reporter | Food and drink
Phone: 612-673-4853

Sharyn Jackson is a features reporter covering the Twin Cities' vibrant food and drink scene.


A New Jersey native, Jackson moved to Minneapolis in 2014, when she joined the Star Tribune as a general assignment features writer. She was previously a news reporter for USA Today and the Des Moines Register, and an arts writer and editor at the Village Voice in New York City. She earned a Master of Science from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Jackson is a leader of the Minnesota chapter of NLGJA - the Association of LGBTQ Journalists. She has won awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Association of Alternative Newsmedia, and is a Livingston Award finalist.
Recent content from Sharyn Jackson
Northern Waters Smokehaus founder Eric Goerdt showed off some elk summer sausage inside the new space in Duluth’s DeWitt Seitz Marketplace.

Duluth gem Northern Waters Smokehaus shares its secrets in new cookbook

Learn how to smoke fish, turn leftover smoked ham into meatballs and make the famous Cajun Finn sandwich as the North Shore staple celebrates 25 years — and a move.
Chocolatier Robyn Dochterman’s prize-winning macadamia caramel and shortbread bon bons at St. Croix Chocolate Co. in Marine on Saint Croix, Minn. on

Minnesota-made bonbons win awards at international chocolate competition

Two confections from St. Croix Chocolate Co. took home silver and bronze awards at the world's largest craft chocolate competition.
Don’t Sweat The Technique is among the cocktails at Billy After Dark in Minneapolis.

3 underground bars in Minneapolis' North Loop that turn basements into cozy escapes

The subterranean bars at Billy After Dark, Flora Room and Maison Margaux are nothing like their upper-level counterparts.
At Kim’s and the downstairs Bronto Bar, the “Ann’s ham” sandwich, a housemade version of Spam, is served with cheese, Kewpie mayo, mustard and

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

Among this week's highlights: The sandwich we're still craving, an unbeatable lunch deal, chicken perfection, biscuits at an all-day cafe and a special menu we hope see again.
A rendering of the new Steak and Ale coming to Burnsville, the first in a revival for the brand that left the Twin Cities area 15 years ago.

Minnesota 'comeback' of beloved chain Steak and Ale will begin in a Burnsville hotel

The new location — the first to open in 15 years — is coming to the soon-to-be-rebranded Best Western Nicollet Inn in April 2024.
South Lyndale Liquor’s roast pork sandwich with bitter greens is like a porkier French Dip from sandwich master Matthew Bickford.

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

Stellar sandwiches with Be'Wiched roots, a soup you'll want to have all winter, a new place for crêpes, heirloom tomatoes as art and a classic French appetizer.
Chocolatier Robyn Dochterman’s prize-winning Macadamia Caramel and Shortbread bonbons at St. Croix Chocolate Co. in Marine on Saint Croix.

These Minnesota-made bonbons might be the best in the world

St. Croix Chocolate Company's Robyn Dochterman left journalism to master the art of chocolate. Now her edible masterpieces are winning both hearts and awards.
Chef Tommy Begnaud, from Mr. Paul’s Supper Club, will answer your Thanksgiving questions Nov. 16 as part of a local chef hotline.

Call top Twin Cities area chefs with all your Thanksgiving questions

Dial up chefs including Mike DeCamp, Jorge Guzmán and more as they dispense advice ahead of the big day. But plan ahead: It's Nov. 16.
Soup dumplings from Teahouse in Plymouth.

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

Cozying up to cardamom spinners, hometown boba and dumplings, playing shishito pepper roulette, and a newfound breakfast favorite are among the week's best bites.
The Dreamsicle Cream Soda is served, seat-belted in, in a convertible car at the Malibu Barbie Cafe pop-up experience at the Mall of America in Bloomi

Malibu Barbie Cafe now open at the Mall of America

The new pop-up restaurant serves up nostalgia, positivity and Instagram moments on top of beach-inspired food, cocktails, mocktails and desserts.
Blueberry tart from B’beri Desserts.

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

A new location for stunning pastries and a bowl of pozole to warm the soul. Plus: a spot of tea, a top-notch veggie burger and why a pumpkin pie-cheesecake combo is a fine lunch.
Janet Campbell, Anne Klein and Carole Wogen posed for photos with cutouts of past Betty Crockers at a recent reunion of test-kitchen workers at the Ge

Test-kitchen 'Bettys' reunite to celebrate 100 years of Minnesota icon Betty Crocker

Past and present test-kitchen workers gathered to celebrate America's First Lady of Food at General Mills headquarters in Golden Valley.
Ranger wings are tossed in a combination of barbecue and Buffalo sauces for a sweet and spicy snack.

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

On our most recent dining itineraries there's sweet (doughnuts and wild rice pudding), comforting (burgers and wings) and a new obsession with Australian hand pies.
Diane Moua’s hotly anticipated restaurant will open inside Northeast’s Food Building.

Diane Moua's anticipated new restaurant gets a home in Minneapolis, and more foodie news

Plus: Brasa now open in Hopkins, Pimento Kitchen is ready for its Bde Maka Ska launch, and more restaurant openings and closings around the Twin Cities.
A selection of dishes from the new Breva, opening in the Hotel Ivy in downtown Minneapolis Oct. 23.

Sneak peek: New restaurant in downtown Minneapolis' Hotel Ivy has NYC pedigree

Breva opens next week and will serve a New American menu with some local influences. Just don't ask for ranch.
18 great new places to eat in Minnesota and Wisconsin river towns

18 great new places to eat in Minnesota and Wisconsin river towns

From Scandia to Stockholm, a surprising number of new waterside eats have sprung up along Minnesota's border.
Justin Sutherland’s Northern Soul outpost at MSP airport has fried chicken sandwiches and other Southern-inspired foods.

Before you take off, here's a guide to the new food at MSP Airport

As travel season picks up, we toured the airport to see what's changed on the food scene and gather tips for foodies on how to make the most of airport dining.
Cover shoot for the next installment of the Taste section’s Iconic Eats with bakery items photographed in the Star Tribune studio in Minneapolis, Mi

Here's what to order at 30 iconic Twin Cities bakeries

From doughnuts to biscuits to cookies to fruit tarts, we ate our way through as many Twin Cities bakeries as possible to come up with this list of fresh-baked icons.
Jeanie Janas and chef Adam Ritter are opening Bûcheron in Minneapolis.

Demi chef to open 'elevated neighborhood restaurant' in Minneapolis

Adam Ritter and Jeanie Janas's Bûcheron will take over the former Revival/Corner Table on Nicollet Avenue.
Handmade noodles are a highlight of the spicy dan dan noodles at Roseville’s Szechuan.

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

From spicy hand-pulled noodles and an iconic cashew chicken salad sandwich to hand pies, blueberry Danishes and sliders with a view, it was a week of delicious comfort.
Jorge Guzman, chef and owner of Petite León, has a new “Mex-Tex” restaurant coming to Minneapolis.

James Beard finalist Jorge Guzmán to open second Minneapolis restaurant

Chilango will serve "Mex-Tex" at the Beach Club Residences on Bde Maka Ska.
The team behind Pimento on the Lake includes (from left) Victor Jones, Tomme Beevas, Louis King and Mich Berthiaume.

Restaurant news: Pimento Jamaican Kitchen opening Oct. 20 in Bde Maka Ska pavilion

Plus: Shakopee House and Red Sauce Rebellion close, Yum expands, a new Northeast bar and Malibu Barbie Cafe tickets on sale.
Saigon 88 sushi sando at Sushi Dori.

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.
McKee’s plates pull on his experiences of traveling in Japan and cooking Italian cuisine. Eel is served over risotto with edamame.

Dine face-to-face with one of Minnesota's top chefs at new Sanjusan residency

Tim McKee reaches into his deep knowledge of Japanese and Italian food for the limited-time Itameshi Omakase.
Ice cream made with True Stone Coffee was on the breakfast menu at Butter Bakery Cafe.

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.
The Walken Pig at Skaalvenn Distillery in Brooklyn Park.

Pork broth? Squid ink? 3 savory cocktails at Twin Cities area bars you'll want to try

Fall is ushering in creative, robust flavors as savory drinks become more mainstream.
The popular sweet corn agnolotto is the “viral pasta” at Porzana in Minneapolis.

First look: Porzana is chef Daniel del Prado's most personal restaurant yet

The steakhouse in the former Bachelor Farmer embraces the chef's Argentinian and Italian roots.
Out with Chatime, in with Niko Niko Boba.

Twin Cities area's Chatime tea franchises go independent as Niko Niko Boba

The local owners of nine — soon to be 10 — Chatime tea shops are rebranding their boba empire as Niko Niko Boba.
The Band Box Diner is back after a three-and-a-half-year closure

Downtown Minneapolis' historic Band Box diner has reopened

The iconic diner had been closed since March 2020.
At Wrestaurant, Jeff Rogers reworks everything he loves about a fast-food burger for a shareable new burger that’s worth keeping all to yourself.

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.
Water challah from Adeena Sussman’s cookbook, “Shabbat.”

3 cookbooks (and recipes) explore diverse Jewish cuisine for the High Holidays

The new volumes celebrate noshing, Shabbat and Roman Jewish food.
Sun at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. From Visit Phoenix

Hey, Minnesota, it's not too soon to plan your winter escape. Here are 5 enticing destinations.

These warm-weather destinations will help thoughts of snow melt away.
A friendship becomes a passing of the torch as chef Yia Vang’s Vinai replaces Sarah Bonvallet’s Dangerous Man taproom.

Yia Vang's restaurant Vinai to replace Dangerous Man taproom in Minneapolis

As one trailblazing Minneapolis craft brewer closes its taproom, a long-awaited Hmong restaurant finally finds its home.
Sarah Bonvallet and Rob Miller launched Dangerous Man Brewing Co. in 2013. The northeast Minneapolis taproom will close in October.

Trailblazing Minneapolis taproom Dangerous Man to close in October

But it's not the end of the beer or the brand.
Naem Khao is a longtime favorite menu item from Soul Lao’s food truck and it’s on the menu at their just-opened restaurant in St. Paul.

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.
The Cloud Cooler from Spinning Wylde tops lemonade with cotton candy.

Forget pickles: Lemonade is the State Fair's trendiest food, and here are 12 to try

Where you can quench your thirst during the scorching closing weekend of the Minnesota State Fair.
Irish butter ice cream by MN Dairy Lab.

Boutique ice creams go big time with Minnesota State Fair debut

Minnesota Dairy Lab and A to Z Creamery have joined forces with longtime fair vendors to reach creamy new heights.
Our Taste Team worked its way through a record 100-plus bites of new foods — including the 34 official fair-sanctioned entries.

100-plus new fair foods reviewed and ranked, from tasty to try again

We don't stop at the "official" list of new foods. If there's something new to eat at the fair, we tried it.
People lined up for breakfast inside Hamline Church Dining Hall on Thursday, the opening day of the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights.

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.
A Fringed Old Fashioned at Fool Me Once in Minneapolis.

We checked out 2 new, very different restaurants on Lyndale Avenue

Baba's Hummus House and the cosmic dive bar Fool Me Once are worlds apart, but both should be on your radar.
A selection of menu items at Baba’s on Lyndale Av. S. in Minneapolis

Gallery: A first look at Baba's Hummus House

Meatball pizza is on the menu at Wrestaurant, a joint venture between Wrecktangle and First Avenue.

Sneak peek: How the 'nation's best pizza' and a famed music venue created Wrestaurant

Wrecktangle and First Avenue teamed up to open a restaurant next to the Palace Theatre in St. Paul. It opens next week.
Pickle Pizza from Rick’s Pizza was a runaway hit at the 2022 Minnesota State Fair.

What's the dill with all the pickle-flavored foods at the State Fair?

From fudge and paletas to lemonade and tacos, food vendors are harnessing their sour power.
A cheesy slice of something good in cabin country.

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.
Apple crisp ice cream is a 2023 Minnesota State Fair collaboration between A to Z Creamery and Granny’s Apples & Lemonade.

Granny's Apples and A to Z Creamery join forces for Minnesota State Fair collaboration

The 37-year-old apple stand tapped the Instagram-viral ice cream maker to make apple crisp ice cream.
Ice cream and sweet fruit top this fluffy ube pancake at St. Paul’s Kalsada.

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.
Minnesota State Fair baking legend Marjorie Johnson in her Robbinsdale home ahead of her 104th birthday.

At 104, Minnesota's most famous baker is getting ready for another State Fair

Marjorie Johnson isn't ready to stop baking — or competing: "I really, really want to win a ribbon."
Lady Gaga’s time in the Twin Cities included stops at two restaurants owned by D’Amico & Partners.

Before Lurcat, Lady Gaga ate at another D'Amico restaurant: 'We're just trying to be good hosts'

Larry and Richard D'Amico are no strangers to serving celebrities, but they don't dish and tell.
Chef Cristian de Leon is bringing his fine-dining talent to Minneapolis this fall with El Sazon Cocina & Tragos.

Gas station taco stand El Sazon going full-service in October, and more restaurant news

Plus more restaurant openings as summer shows no signs of slowing down.
Baba’s Hummus now has a Hummus House on Lyndale Ave. 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.
Nuggets, but make them fancy.

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.
The popular northeast Minneapolis tiki bar is closing this month.

Iconic Minneapolis tiki bar Psycho Suzi's is closing

Psycho Suzi's opened in 2003 in a former A&W, and moved to its waterfront location in 2010.
Shroomy Shawarma at Hi Flora in Minneapolis.

First look: You don't have to get high to eat at Hi Flora in Minneapolis

The vegan, THC-focused restaurant offers a slate of mood-enhancing beverages and tinctures.
The chicken salad sandwich was a best-seller at the Good Earth, which has closed in Roseville.

Pioneering organic restaurant the Good Earth has closed in Roseville

The farm-driven restaurant opened in the 1970s, when "organic and natural was a little weird in the Midwest."
Ono Hawaiian Plates is expanding its reach with a sit-down eatery inside United Noodles.

Ono Hawaiian Plates is expanding to two Twin Cities grocery stores, and more restaurant news

Plus other restaurant openings, closings and events.
From the red carpet to Bar Lurcat, Lady Gaga is full of surprises. Here she’s at the 2019 Academy Awards.

Lady Gaga dined at a classic Minneapolis restaurant — and no one knows why

Beet salad and filet mignon were on the menu for the "Poker Face" singer.
Vegan and gluten-free smoothie bowls are a bright way to start a hot summer day.

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.
Buttered Tin serves a Damn Good Breakfast Sandwich.

15 of the best breakfast sandwiches in the Twin Cities area

Start the day off right with these sandwiches, from sturdy to showstopping: These are the egg sandwiches we love in the metro area.
Blueberry pancakes from Al’s Breakfast in Minneapolis.

The best diner in Minnesota? Reader's Digest says it's Al's Breakfast

They are correct.
A 3-minute pizza from Brick Oven Bus.

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.
Tammy Wong, owner of Rainbow Chinese at 2739 Nicollet Avenue, stood for a portrait in her restaurant. The restaurant is reopening its dining room more

Rainbow Chinese Restaurant in Minneapolis finally reopens its dining room

The restaurant known for its cuisine and charismatic chef-owner Tammy Wong was one of the last pandemic holdouts.
Foxy Falafel in St. Paul.

Last call to dine at two iconic St. Paul restaurants closing this weekend

Foxy Falafel and Ngon Bistro are saying goodbye after 11- and 16-year runs, respectively.
Paletas, ice pops and ice cream novelties make for a delicious summer.

Stay cool with these Twin Cities ice cream treats

Sealed in a doughnut, between two cookies, in a shake or on a stick, here's the scoop on the area's best portable summer treats.
The ramen charola is a fun way to experience elotes at Capital Corn.

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.
A double smashburger from Fumo Collective

Twin Cities underground burger pop-up goes beyond the smashburger: 'I call it the smearburger'

The next hot place to get burgers? A random person's backyard.
The summer season fleeting beef wonder at Dream Creamery.

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.
The Bacchanalia Gin and Tonic at Mr. Paul’s Supper Club is delightfully over the top with Du Nord gin, tropical tonic, seltzer, flowers and a spritz

Twin Cities bars are making the gin and tonic a refreshing summer cocktail with endless possibilities

Local bars are getting creative by mixing and matching gins with house-made tonics.
Mini churros with chocolate dipping sauce at Puralima Cantina in Minneapolis.

Opening soon: In Minneapolis, Mexican fast-casual restaurant Puralima takes on Chipotle

The colorful new taco and burrito spot comes from the founder of Crisp & Green and Stalk & Spade.
The Indigenous Food Lab at Midtown Global Market offers a taste of Native foods in a fast-casual setting.

First Look: Owamni team opens Indigenous Food Lab at Midtown Global Market

The kitchen, training center and market are devoted to showcasing Native foodways and products.
La La’s lemon berry ice cream at the Painted Turtle on Lake Nokomis.

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.
Megan Berray-Larsen hand rolls and twists her bagels in a Minneapolis commercial kitchen. She started Mogi Bagel, a cottage industry bagel business, i

These Minneapolis-made, New York-style bagels have become an instant sensation

Startup Mogi Bagel is satisfying East Coast bagel cravings across the Twin Cities.
20 Twin Cities markets that changed the way we shop

20 Twin Cities markets that changed the way we shop

From lutefisk and grab-and-go bành mí to perusing culinary treasures, these local storefronts reflect Minnesota's past and future.
Attention, nostalgia lovers: The Mandarin Chicken Salad is on the menu at Social Kitchen & Libations in Macy’s Ridgedale.

First look: New Macy's Ridgedale restaurant is an ode to downtown Minneapolis' Oak Grill

And most important: Popovers are back.
Hi. It’s Me. I’m the cupcake. It’s me.

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.
Blondette’s a perfect pre-game before America’s favorite blonde’s big show.

Where to eat and drink before the Taylor Swift concert in downtown Minneapolis

Restaurants and bars to pair with every era.