An online pub exploring good food, our food system, & local favorites.
I am not a vegan - far from it actually. That said, I love the look, feel and content of this new magazine "written, photographed, and designed by vegans." And I love the teaching provided by cooking, learning, and ideas generated by the mag. The stories are poignant, the pages are beautiful and wow - no advertising. Check it out - I bet you'll like it too.
WSK is arguably the most popular truck in downtown Minneapolis. This is my own opinion - no quantifiable data - basing this on the consistent line outside and the sell-out food items (maybe they stage that - which would actually be clever). This spring they've focused primarily on their very popular #yumyumricebowl and their abundant sandwiches. Each of their items is marked by a wondrous array of food combinations (think basil and eggs) that make them simply joyful!
Go and try it - but watch out you might be a hug from the the personalities for WSK. All part of the experience.
WSK = World Street Kitchen = Amazing Food.
The Butcher and the Boar is simply fantastic. Anywhere the features beef heart as a main item is a good in my book. This place is a fun mix of whimsy and good ole'fashion ruggedness. Beyond the love of meat, I was delighted to find a beet focused appetizer - which made the hearty meat sampler even better.
And a unique and special find is the drink menu - which again mixes the whimsical martini style drinks with the hearty in multiple whisky options - including a great flight option.
A low-carb dream, The Butcher and the Boar delights. Go. This place is worth the travel. And be sure to take a look around beyond your table there is a lot of personality and thought that went into the design.
A crackling fire greets me with the wondrous sent of smoky wood as I crawl from my ultra comfortable bed at New Ulm's bed and breakfast Bingham Hall. I am one lucky guest. After spending an enjoyable day traveling around the sites of New Ulm, I find the dining room and am greeted by the owners of the B&B who have laid out a beautiful breakfast.
I open the local paper, grab some coffee and enjoy the fire on this brisk Spring morning. My meal consists of stuffed french toast, artfully cut fruit, wild rice sausage, and crisp potato wedges. Delicious.
Bingham Hall is nestled along the Minnesota River, minutes from downtown New Ulm, which has lots of unique finds from history, shopping to a active nightlife. Neat place to visit.
I confess that I wasn't sure what to expect from True Food Kitchen. The reviews all seemed to point to it being something special, still I was only in Newport for one night and I was seeking a really good meal. Well I got it.
This is the kind of place that could be part of the good food movement in a monumental way. The food was simply fantastic. The Mediterranean salad was unique in a way that got me wondering how I could recreate it at home. It held nutritious and delicious ingredients the average kitchen in America simply doesn't stock. And I being a huge bison fan - reinforced when reading Dan O'Brien's book on raising bison - selected the grass feed buffalo burger. Which was so delightful that my normal urge to add ketchup to a burger disappeared with first bite.
True Food Kitchen has locations in multiple California cities I am hoping to see it move East!
This book - Buffalo For The Broken Heart, is a fascinating read.
I have to admit it started slower than I normally like. My friend told me about the book and I trusted him enough to keep reading past the first few chapters. And thank goodness I did because this is a book worth reading all the way through. Dan O'Brien discusses sustainability, ecology, and the beauty of the world we live in - and he makes those hearty topics accessible for all. And all the while engaging us as we were standing right next to him feeling the buffalo. I cared for the buffalo through Dan. I cared for Curly Bill. And to understand that you too should read this book - you will be changed. Thank you Dan.
It is hard to argue against Tim McKee being one of the best chefs in Minneapolis (James Beard Award 2009 ). I ventured to La Belle Vie last night to experience his creations at a formal level. Here is where my love of the gastro-pub style restaurant gets challenged. La Belle Vie is formal. And I felt a little out of my element. The place is over the top - nice. Nice atmosphere, nice people. The wine list was amazing - but admittedly intimidating for even a seasoned wine buyer.
Now the food - spectacular. Lobster with eggs as an appetizer. A Mediterranean salad with a thick delicious yogurt. Followed by a highly aromatic bouillabaisse. Each bite delightful.
I would highly recommend this for a date, special occasion. Just be sure to dress up.
Arguably the best deli in Minneapolis, BeWiched has "bewitched" me again. I just finished their marvelous pulled pork sandwich, accompanied by a fantastic daily special chili. They call themselves a "chef-driven" deli. I don't really know what that means but it works for me.
Most impressive after pure taste is they source local, natural and sustainable food where possible and they keep lunch prices competitive.
BeWiched is located in the Warehouse district of Minneapolis.
I am slightly obsessed with Organic Maple Syrup. From the rich, deeply tantalizing flavor of Crown Maple Syrup (http://www.crownmaple.com/) to the splendid offerings from Coombs Family Farms, I wonder why and how anything artificial ever hit stores shelves. I shutter at the thought of Golden Griddle sitting on restaurant tables or even worse those dyed versions - some best described as a sickly blue in color that somehow end up at kitchen tables.
There are a lot of reasons to try and adore real maple syrup. First and foremost - you can taste the difference. In addition to that though - the scientific - organic maple syrup is made without artificial flavors, preservatives or thickeners. And best of all there are no chemical pesticides used in its production.
I imagine a day when there are no fake syrups or even chemical pesticides to worry about - until that time - I will adore the sweet taste of organic maple syrup.
I've had a decent number of dining experiences in 2011. My top 5 of the year - all combined great food, atmosphere, decor, and staff.
1. REDD, Napa
2. Woodberry Kitchen, Baltimore
3. Travail Kitchen and Amusements, Robbinsdale, MN
Now time to explore!
The Local Social: Exploring anything you can find at a great local pub - food, friends, and engaging conversation.
Brief Bio: Interactive Director @ Haberman. Traversing our food system. Applying interactive marketing, social media, & website development. Playing volleyball. Listening to country music. Watching the Jets. And enjoying other creative pursuits.
The Local Social: Exploring anything you can find at a great local pub - food, friends, and engaging conversation.
Brief Bio: Interactive Director @ Haberman. Traversing our food system. Applying interactive marketing, social media, & website development. Playing volleyball. Listening to country music. Watching the Jets. And enjoying other creative pursuits.
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