Do you really need a quality chef’s knife? I think so. A quality knife works better, is safer to use, and— with the right care— will last a long time. There are a few easy things that you can do to ensure you get the most out of your knives. I’m discussing all this in…
I don’t know about you, but September always feels like a mid-year reset. I find myself prioritizing things that keep me grounded– both in body and mind. Books do a great job of this. From memoirs to cookbooks (yes, I sit down and read some cover to cover), and even a zine, here’s what I’m…
It’s almost back-to-school time. After three months of loose schedules, late bedtimes, and long days at the pool, the day after Labor Day feels like a natural reset. To ease the transition, I always look to gear that makes mealtime (and life) fun and as stress-free as possible. Here are some of my favorite ways…
Father’s Day is June 19, 2022. What does a dad want for Father’s Day? Good food and quality time with the people I love most. It’s that simple. I’m the kind of guy who loves doing the cooking for any occasion, and Father’s Day is no exception. With that in mind, I’ve highlighted some food-centric…
My Go-to Grillables Want to up your grill game? Start with better proteins. I’ve created this list of some of my favorites– from Waygu beef and Kurobuta pork to sustainable striped bass and wild game. I’ve included some links to recipes in the post as well. You can follow them to the letter, or use…
It probably won’t surprise you to learn that I have a lot of different olive oils. I’m always trying new ones, and the four listed here get used so often I just keep them out on my counter. It helps that they’re all absolutely stunning to look at– I don’t always need my food to…
Mother’s Day is May 8, 2022. I’m always a little hesitant to celebrate moms by giving them kitchen stuff. The last thing a mom needs, especially on Mother’s Day, is feeling compelled to be in service to others. Most moms do that all day, every day. I think some of the best gifts are ones…
Every home cook needs a few quality knives. My go-to knives come from Shun. I have an embarrassing amount of them, but for your average person, I think a good chef’s knife, paring knife, kitchen shears and a serrated knife can do just about any job. Fun extras include a blunt nose nakiri for vegetables (primarily);…
As a lifelong outdoorsman and chef, I’m thrilled to marry my passion for hunting and fishing with cooking over fire. That’s why I think my new show, Wild Game Kitchen on Outdoor Channel, is some of my best work. I keep asking myself why? I’ve come to realize it’s because I am so excited about…
What to Eat at the Minnesota State Fair I like to stick with tradition when it comes to the State Fair, never passing up an opportunity for cheese curds, a foot-long hot dog, an ice cold 1919 root beer and a bucket of Sweet Martha’s cookies. Fair food doesn’t need to be, and probably shouldn’t… Read More →
At Hai Hai, chef Christina Nguyen and her partner Birk Grudem—the duo behind the wildly popular Hola Arepa—are serving some of the most interesting and celebrated food in the Twin Cities these days. Located in Minneapolis’ Northeast neighborhood, it’s been packed since the doors swung open in 2017. Not only was it named one of… Read More →
The newest darling of Northeast Minneapolis’ brewery district, chef Jose Alarcon’s homage to his heritage is one part casual taqueria and one part upscale Mexican fare. Let’s be honest, it’s always great to have options. On the Centro side, satisfy your midweek happy hour needs with carnitas or barbacoa street tacos and a pitcher of… Read More →
Tune in for The Zimmern List in Las Vegas, May 15 9/8c on Travel Channel! I love Las Vegas. Don’t hate me. For decades, Vegas was essentially food negligent. There were some decent steakhouses and lousy casino buffets. Folks went to Vegas to gamble, see a show and lower themselves slowly into the hot tub… Read More →
¡Salud! Tacos The Zimmern List: San Diego premieres April 2 9|8c on Travel Channel! To fully experience San Diego you need to spend a day in Barrio Logan, a neighborhood on the rise transformed by a vibrant art and food scene. After a stroll through the art-filled Chicano Park—home to a massive display of murals… Read More →
Eventide’s Brown Butter Lobster Roll A city that’s tethered to the ocean and everything it produces, Portland, Maine is the pearl of New England. Fresh seafood is the heart and soul of all the great restaurants in this town, from casual dockside butter-drenched lobster rolls to wood oven-roasted Maine mussels at local stalwart Fore Street.… Read More →
Po’ Boys at R&O Restaurant There is no city in the world like New Orleans. Its history, culture and cuisine truly make it a magical and captivating place. From muffuletta sandwiches at Central Grocery to oysters Rockefeller at Galatoire’s, even the most touristy restaurants are irresistible. On my last visit, I discovered a new favorite… Read More →
Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon Surrounded by a super sized state best known for its uniquely Texan way of doing things, Austin is an oasis of freethinkers and creatives with a vibrant music, film, technology and food scene. Austinites have a taste for experimentation that borders on the delirious and it’s reflected in their food—from traditional barbecue… Read More →
Night + Market Song Los Angeles is the hottest food city on the planet. These days, it’s not just entertainers but also food entrepreneurs who are arriving in throngs to realize their dreams, creating a diverse restaurant scene where people are willing to take risks. Visiting the city and not eating Thai food is a… Read More →
Bull’s Horn Food & Drink Minneapolis has no shortage of throwback dive bars that embrace a no-frills come-as-you-are vibe, with self-service popcorn machines and cheap drinks. Even with a faint hint of stale cigarette smoke lingering, the nostalgia keeps the bar stools filled. The problem is, most of them don’t—or can’t—serve food beyond a frozen… Read More →
Martina Located in Linden Hills in the old Upton 43 space—which got stripped of its sterile Scandinavian decor for a more inviting dining room modeled after traditional estancias, or Argentinian ranches—Martina may be new, but its seafood-centric menu has earned its place among the city’s great restaurants. It’s the first solo endeavor of chef Daniel… Read More →
Pajarito Just over a year old, Pajarito’s contemporary Mexican cuisine is still satisfying a packed house every night. Located on St. Paul’s West 7th St. in the historic Glockenspiel building, it’s proven to be the right combination of quality ingredients, superb flavors, affordable plates, great service and a sophisticated, inviting atmosphere. I love a cheap… Read More →
Grand Cafe Important restaurants keep exploding all over the Twin Cities. Grand Cafe joins the list that includes Spoon & Stable, Heyday, Bellecour, Corner Table and many new to the scene like Kado No Mise and Martina, that are proof positive Minnesota is ground zero for some of the best food in America. Photograph… Read More →
On’s Thai Kitchen Located in Midway on University Avenue, On’s Thai Kitchen always makes it onto my list of top 10 favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities. There are many excellent choices for Thai cuisine in my hometown, but none transport me to Thailand quite like On’s. The 105-item menu has many recognizable standbys like fresh herby… Read More →
Honey & Rye Located less than a mile from the office, Honey & Rye has been a favorite since it opened four years ago. All of our carb-loving dreams came true when that retro-era corner dry cleaners transformed into a neighborhood bakery. It’s not a run-of-the-mill bakehouse or one that stocks its cases with trendy… Read More →
The Food Building The brainchild of Kieran Folliard, the city’s famed serial food entrepreneur who made a name and fortune from Kieran’s Irish Pub and 2 Gingers whiskey, the Food Building brings together two top makers in the Twin Cities, Red Table Meat Co. and Baker’s Field Flour & Bread. An accessible food production hub… Read More →
Red Rabbit The newest member of the Red Cow family—owner Luke Shimp’s insanely popular burger-centric restaurant with several Twin Cities locations—Red Rabbit strays from the elevated bar food vibe to offer Italian classics, pizzas and wood-fired plates. Located on Washington Avenue with an easily recognizable red tufted exterior, it’s a welcome addition to the North… Read More →
El Taco Riendo There are a handful of spots in the Twin Cities that I can rely on for excellent Mexican food, and El Taco Riendo is one of them. Located on Central Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis, the fast casual restaurant has a Chipotle-style ordering system where your meal is made fresh in front of… Read More →
Pho 79 As the cold weather settles in, all I’m craving is a steaming bowl of pho with rich, flavorful beef broth. Lucky for me, the Twin Cities are a pho-lover’s paradise. And in a town chock-full of great Vietnamese restaurants, it’s difficult to name the best, so I won’t go there. What I can… Read More →
France 44 Cheese Shop Located at 44th and France in Linden Hills, this expansive corner shop is half wine and liquor emporium, half specialty cheese, meat and sandwich shop. In the gourmet grocery, you’ll find knowledgeable staff at the cut-to-order cheese counter who can help you select the perfect amount of cream or funk for… Read More →
