Recent content from Amelia Rayno
A tour of civil rights landmarks reveals what's changed, and what hasn't
From Memphis to Atlanta, towns surrounding landmarks tell a story.
L.A., El Salvador are mirror images of poverty
Thousands of miles separate two cities where injustice looks the same.
The pandemic abroad: When the airport closes before you can catch a flight home
Before it had confirmed cases of the coronavirus, El Salvador began responding swiftly and aggressively. I didn't make it out in time.
The forgotten roots of — and responsibility for — a diaspora
Whatever it is the U.S. doesn't want today, it's a boomerang in part, as evidenced by a visit to the site of a 1981 massacre in El Salvador.
Aid and discomfort: Perspectives from Honduras
The U.S. sends millions of dollars in assistance each year to Central America, the results of which are a matter of perspective. So how are Hondurans reacting now that President Trump plans to end the flow?
A special kind of madness: Following Final Four in Central America
Our former college basketball writer is nowhere near the event that once controlled her life every March. But she's doing her best to keep up, even if means some serious improvising.
Twin Cities chefs taking hot cocoa to a whole new level
With chocolate, the opportunities are endless.
Bubbly made easy with this quick guide to the most popular sparkling wines
Champagne, Cava, Prosecco — our bubbly guide has you covered
How Kim Bartmann became the Twin Cities' most unapologetic restaurateur
For three decades, she's remained relevant in a changing industry, now overseeing 10 different restaurants.
8 great fall trips, from close to home in the Midwest to worldly escapes
Use this guide to plan your fall getaway.
Go around the world in these 5 Chicago neighborhoods
The Windy City claims many neighborhoods with distinctive worldly flair. Here are our favorite five.
Charcoal is trendy ingredient at Twin Cities restaurants, but comes with risk
Welcome to the dark side of cocktails and lattes.
Around the world in Chicago's neighborhoods
Explore five neighborhoods where food, art and street life reflect far away lands.
The Frank and Amelia show: Inside the marriage of WCCO's power couple
The duo behind the Twin Cities' No. 1-rated news show juggle nightly broadcasts, parenting and life outside the studio.
Child hospitalized after being pulled from Edina pool
The child was found at the bottom of a pool at an apartment complex and was rushed to Fairview Southdale Hospital.
Does service in Twin Cities restaurants still matter?
How we dine out is changing, as fine dining turns casual and tableside service gives way to counter service, touch screens and even self-service.
New, improved Mortimer's touts pinball, classic cocktails and live music
New owners have spruced up the Minneapolis dive bar.
Lemon Grass owner to debut new Southeast Asian restaurant in Golden Valley
The new spot comes from the owner of a Brooklyn Park restaurant that is widely recognized as boasting some of the Twin Cities' best Thai food.
New indie coffee shop dedicated to dogs opens in Minneapolis skyway
Beancounter Coffeehouse debuted in the Soo Line Building last week.
10 must-eat foods at St. Paul's two massive Hmong markets
From papaya salad and stuffed chicken wings to spring rolls and pho, the two St. Paul Hmong markets offer a taste of Southeast Asia.
Educator Marilyn Bangtson Wilhelm, a beloved 'Sarge' in the classroom, dies at 88
Several former students from more than 30 years back formed a group text to mourn her loss.
Rose Street Patisserie bringing its acclaimed pastries to St. Paul
The lauded Minneapolis bakery is debuting a sequel in a former Starbucks.
Korean fried chicken coming to Uptown and to Dinkytown's former Vescio's
Bonchon will debut two new locations in Uptown and Dinkytown.
New Iron Range-inspired restaurant to open on Grand Avenue in St. Paul
After closing Sunrise Market and Cafe, owner reopening space as a restaurant called Iron Ranger.
Will work for beer: Twin Cities brands, breweries collaborate for special suds
Instead of coffee mugs, firms are promoting their brand name with customized craft beers.
5 new Twin Cities restaurants make their debut in a busy week for openings
From Parlour St. Paul to Grand Catch, there are suddenly a lot of new places to eat in the Twin Cities.
Travel: Pure joy in Provincetown
Why Provincetown, Mass., the happiest (and gayest) town in America, makes a great summer beach vacation for anyone.
Parlour brings its famous burger and second location to St. Paul, opening Monday
Part diner, part cocktail bar: Here's a sneak peek at the new St. Paul Parlour.
Meet the baker behind the cookie that became a viral sensation
How kitchen wizard Alison Roman broke the internet.
Step onto Frank Lloyd Wright's Wisconsin estate for a fancy outdoor feast
At Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright fans dine amid the landscape that inspired the beloved architect.
New York chef returns to Minnesota to open Italian restaurant on Grand Avenue
Hyacinth will take over Golden Fig's old space in St. Paul.
Castle Danger, winner of the Ultimate Beer Bracket, basks in the glow of glory
We talk victory with Castle Danger, the brewery that downed Surly in our second Ultimate Beer Bracket.
From 2018: Castle Danger is the Ultimate Minnesota Beer Bracket champion
The Two Harbors brewery's massive upset win over Surly crowns it king of Minnesota beers.
Former Legends Bar & Grill in Minneapolis to become barbecue restaurant
The former Legends building is getting new life, via some love from its neighbor.
Guthrie's Sea Change restaurant hires new chef, plans major menu remake
Theatergoers can expect some new flavors at the seafood restaurant.
Coming to the plate: Target Field unveils new food options
The Twins concessionaires unveiled a variety of new and returning menu offerings to be served during the 2018 Major League Baseball season on Monday while the team was playing in Pittsburgh.
Surly, Castle Danger squeak into Beer Bracket final after last-minute victories
The No. 1 and the No. 2 seeds barely survived the Foamy Four, coming from behind to defeat their opponents.
Surly unveils new pizza restaurant on brewery's second floor, opening Friday
Surly Pizza Upstairs sports "New Haven-style" pies and more in a fast-casual atmosphere.
Beer bracket drama as reigning champ Schell's falls, Surly barely hangs on
Surly beat rival Summit by only 57 votes to advance to the Foamy Four.
Danger! Danger! Big matchups ahead in Beer Bracket's Ale-ite Eight
See which Minnesota breweries survived the opening round, and then get ready to vote in the Ale-ite Eight round Tuesday morning.
Finnegans debuts new brewery and taproom in downtown Minneapolis
The charitable brewing company finally has its own facility after 17 years in business.
New vegan bakery brings cupcakes and specialty cakes to White Bear Lake
Vegan East went from serving pop-ups and festivals to opening its own storefront.
Day trip from Las Vegas: Nevada's Valley of Fire State Park sparks a hunt for a hidden cave
On the hunt for a hidden cave in a red-rock landscape of strange, rugged beauty.
Surly is the brewery to beat in the Ultimate Minnesota Beer Bracket
The votes are in and the field of 16 Minnesota breweries is set, with a mix of newcomers and perennial powerhouses.
Bacon flights and smoking cocktails are star attractions at new Stillwater restaurant
The opening of Brick & Bourbon continues the food and beverage growth in the charming riverside town.
Beyond the Irish pub: A neighborhood by neighborhood crawl for St. Patrick's Day
On March 17, we're all a little bit Irish, too many of us to fit into an Irish pub. But no worries, with this guide to interesting neighborhood venues to explore.
Vote for your favorite Minnesota breweries in our Ultimate Beer Bracket
Last year Schell's shocked the beer scene, taking down Surly. What's on tap this year?
How Schell's beat out the favorites in last year's Ultimate Minnesota Beer Bracket
The state's oldest brewery stunned beer fans with upset after upset in our inaugural brewery competition.
Madden's on Gull Lake opening two new restaurants at its Brainerd resort
The new eateries will debut when Madden's opens its 89th season in April.
New south Minneapolis restaurant celebrates soul food, funk music
Funky Grits is expected to open April 1.
Parallel, a new Instagram-ready coffee cafe, opens near Target Field
Local coffee lovers have been flocking to the new shop, and immediately posting their photos on social media.
How to throw a star-studded, Champagne-filled, award-winning Oscar party
With just a little planning — and this script full of ideas — you can pull off your own star-studded affair.
NorthGate Brewing abruptly closes in northeast Minneapolis
The craft brewery announced the shuttering on its social media accounts.
Minneapolis' Milkjam Creamery renames all its flavors after powerful women in March
The popular ice cream shop by star chef Sameh Wadi is paying homage to Women's History Month.
Surly teams with First Avenue for nightclub's own new beer: +1 Golden Ale
The light-bodied ale will debut at the club on March 22.
Minneapolis' vegan butcher shop will roll out new food truck this summer
The Herbivorous Butcher is taking its vegan "meats" to the streets.
Bellecour, Young Joni win top honors at local restaurant scene's Charlie Awards
The annual awards show is the Twin Cities' answer to the national James Beard Awards.
How I lived it up in Vegas without breaking the bank
When you play your cards right, you can return from Sin City with money to spare.
Travel: Las Vegas on a budget
When you play your cards right, you can return from Sin City with money to spare.
Hot Indian Foods expanding with new locations at Mall of America, Mpls. skyway
The company that started as a food truck is heating up with two new outposts.
Chef Lenny Russo taking over Hotel Landing's food and drink in Wayzata
He's best-known for his work at the former Heartland Restaurant and Wine Bar, which was a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement locally.
New globally influenced restaurant opens in Duluth's former Original Coney Island
Martha's Daughter is the brainchild of a chef who has worked at the acclaimed Mission Chinese restaurants.
Surly unveils 'gluten-reduced' canned beer, a rarity for Twin Cities craft breweries
Surly becomes the first brewery in the Twin Cities to offer a traditional, barley-brewed beer in which the gluten had been extracted.
You'll really want to eat your veggies at these Twin Cities restaurants
These days, produce is more fab than drab, with colorful, inventive and seriously tasty plates hitting menus.
British-inspired distillery to open in Mpls.; will specialize in 'Scotch-style' whisky
Royal Foundry Craft Spirits is expected to debut near International Market Square this spring.
Kitties with a side of coffee: Minneapolis' first cat cafe opens
At the Cafe Meow, there is a coffee side and a cat room, where only 10 to 15 people are allowed at a time, so reservations are encouraged.