Staff Directory 8641580

Joy Summers

Food and Drink Reporter | Food and Drink Reporter

Joy Summers is a St. Paul-based food reporter who has been covering Twin Cities restaurants since 2010. She joined the Star Tribune in 2021. 

Recent content from Joy Summers
Sean Sherman and Lidia Bastianich at Owamni on the patio during the filming of Changemakers. Both are smiling to the camera.

Food icon Lidia Bastianich celebrates Minnesota changemakers in new TV special

The food icon filmed a feast at Owamni, made pesto with crickets and dined at Oro, shining light on the people who are changing the way we eat.
Graze Food Hall by Travail chef-owners, from left, Bob Gerken, James Winberg and Mike Brown with the director of operations, Molly Herrmann. The group

Travail taking over Graze food hall in Minneapolis

Nixta tacos, thin-crust Wrecktangle pizzas and Robb Jones cocktails are coming to the North Loop in 2025.
Be a winning host this holiday season with a crowd-pleasing array of wine, spirits, beer, THC drinks and mixers — and multitasking glassware.

How to stock the best home bar like the bon vivant you are

From budget friendly to elevated, we have recommendations for wine, spirits, beer, THC and mixers — and the glasses you'll need to serve them.
The empanadas at El Cubano in St. Paul are a bargain of a snack for just $3.25.

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

Bargain happy hour sliders, empanadas that deserve your attention plus top-notch gyros, cozy chicken Parm pasta and a new breakfast spot.
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Soul Bowl has opening date; another Wuollet closes, and more restaurant news

Plus: A new breakfast restaurant, Xelas close to opening in Stillwater, brunch is back at Meritage and more restaurant news.
Dim Sum - Long beans, Jelly noodles and Squid Ink Dumplings at Minari in Minneapolis.

Sneak peek: Minneapolis dim sum darling Minari opens this week

Chef Jeff Watson built a personal menu with Korean, Japanese and Chinese flavors at the newest restaurant from the Daniel del Prado group.
The Lazy Susan at Aster House is a sampler of snacks for $24.

Peek inside Aster House, the new modern Minnesota supper club

The refurbished 144-year-old stone-brick building boasts a menu by Karyn Tomlinson and an Old World setting with midcentury touches.
A thin burger patty with lots of lettuce, red onion, red tomato and crumbles of feta cheese on a bun.

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

Comfort food reigned with a standout burger, meatloaf Wellington, nachos, cafeteria coq au vin and pizza.
Freshly cooked dumplings from Saturday Dumpling Co. are plated Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Dots Gray Kitchen in Minneapolis.

November brings a rush of restaurant openings before the holiday eating season

Plus, new ramen in Richfield, an Argentine-Uruguayan steakhouse in south Minneapolis and teens tried to save their favorite pizzeria.
The goat cheese and herb ravioli from Prima in south Minneapolis.

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

5 best dishes
Mothership Pizza Paradise in Minneapolis serves classic pasta dishes in addition to pizza.

Mothership Pizza Paradise opens in Minneapolis with '90s pizzeria flair

Crispy chicken sandwiches land in St. Paul, skyway pop-ups for Hippo Pockets and Centro, a new sports bar, a Dunn Brothers refresh and more restaurant news.
A bat cookie on a white table. Its face is a little frown and it has white frosting fangs

The 5 best things our food writers ate this week

5 best dishes
The Vietcotiini, from left, top-seller Ube-bae and Matcha Yuzu Daisy at L2 at Tii Cup.

New Minneapolis bars to check out and what to order

Boozy boba, a sweet-sounding wine bar and day drinking at a super cool cafe: where to go and what to order at the city's coolest new bars.
Diane Moua outside her restaurant Diane's Place

She gave us the most exciting weekday brunch of 2024. Now Diane Moua is finally ready for dinner.

Staring Nov. 9 the classically French pastry-trained chef brings her version of Hmong comforts into the culinary conversation.
Aster House owner Jeff Arundel, consulting chef Karyn Tomlinson and chef Josh Jones photographed inside the dining room, standing in front of a brick

Best New Chef behind the menu at Aster House, now open at St. Anthony Main

Plus Union Hmong Kitchen will exit Graze food hall at the end of the month and more food news.
A double smashburger at Black Duck Spirits & Hearth comes with the correct amount of pickles.

11 great new burgers to try right now in the Twin Cities area

From luxurious wagyu to bargain smashies and a tender turkey burger, these new next-level burgers should be on your fall itinerary.
Green chile, chicken and cheese egg rolls at Heather's new Minnetonka outpost.

The 5 best things our food writers ate this week

A French dip worthy of a cult following, a great new pizza to try and a restaurant addition serving up delicious green chile-chicken eggrolls.
Maple Grove, MN. 4/23/02--Krispy Kreme made it's arrival this morning in Maple Grove. There were nearly 500 waiting in line when the doors opened at 5

Krispy Kreme plans a return to Minnesota

The company is in expansion mode and has its sights set on Fridley.
Cocoa Flake is a sweet addition to Robbinsdale.

A new chocolate shop in Robbinsdale, a comeback for Walkin' Dog, and more restaurant news

Plus: The return of Walkin' Dog, new locations for Mother Dough and Los Ocampo, and Tattersall's Northeast swan song.
Clockwwse from top left, Fruits de Mer, porkchop, tortellini, beet salad are seen on Dec. 8, 2023 in Minneapolis. Exclusive sneak peek at the new rest

Could Minneapolis restaurants finally land in the Michelin Guide?

The Downtown Council plans to woo the global guide as a part of its 2035 Plan to revitalize the city.
Dahlia pop up's sweet potato layer cake with coffee cream cheese buttercream frosting, toasted marshmallow fluff and candied pecans plays like a cheff

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

In honor of National Dessert Day on Oct. 14, we went on the hunt for sweetness and found plenty of it.
Owner Brian Ingram, left, tapped chef Gary Sherwood to lead the kitchen at Salt & Flour.

Brian Ingram's Salt & Flour opens next week across from Target Field

The Hope Breakfast Bar chef's newest restaurant takes him back to his pasta roots.
Heather's brings its fresh, seasonal fare to Minnetonka with the opening of its second location.

Heather's all-day cafe opens in Minnetonka

Plus, a new date-night destination in Wayzata and more fall restaurant openings are on the way.
The Dancing Lobster Roll was the favorite among the rolls we sampled at Kataki Sushi & Ramen in Richfield.

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

Sushi, burrito bowls, short stacks and more were on our minds as we ate our way through the metro.
Mickey's Diner is serving up nostalgia — and breakfast — once again.

An icon returns: Mickey's Diner is open in St. Paul

All the favorite menu items are still there, with additions to attract a new generation of fans.
Pazzaluna

Another St. Paul restaurant staging a comeback in October

Pazzaluna returns to downtown St. Paul for a brief run with its classic Italian dishes.
A white with floral design plate holds three large, fried boudin balls with a centerpiece of arugula, in a pool of pimento-colored sauce.

Du Nord's comeback cocktail room serving Lake Street once more, and more restaurant news

Plus: La La Ice Cream closes, North Loop breakfast news, a devilish Stillwater restaurant seeks new concept and a Minneapolis restaurant titan has died.
The separated layers of boba, coffee, foam are layered in a clear cup on a table surrounded by green plants.

10 coffee drinks we love for National Coffee Day

Sip on the lattes and mixes that tell the tales of the Twin Cities-area coffee shops that make them.
The Bol du Nord at Thirty Bales in Hopkins has Minnesota-centric flavors.

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

It was a week of cultural comfort food with walleye and wild rice, tacos, sambusas, paffutos and chopped cheese.
Three dark chocolate cookies with white chocolate chips are spread out on a quarter sheet pan.

The original 'Great British Baking Show' winner is betting on small batches

Social media darling Edd Kimber believes in the power of therapy baking and sharing that joy at home. He'll be in Minneapolis next week.
The grilled pork chop at chef Yia Vang's new restaurant Vinai in northeast Minneapolis.

New York Times lists two Minneapolis restaurants among its favorites of 2024

Oro by Nixta and Vinai are among the 50 restaurants declared the best in America.
Egg sandwiches are the star of the menu at Momo Korean Egg Drop.

Breakfast sandwich alert: Momo Korean Egg Drop coming to Dinkytown

Plus: A new coffeeshop, an opening date for Grackle, a dive bar changes hands, Oysterfest and more restaurant news.
Last call for The Crooked Spoon food truck -- and the grilled chicken sandwich (shown) and burgers -- in Grand Marais.

The 5 best things our food writers ate this week

It was sandwich heaven, including last call for Crooked Spoon in Grand Marais. Plus, a maple bacon ice cream worthy of dessert or breakfast – up to you.
A white crock of cheesy soup on a gray table

5 Twin Cities restaurants that opened while you were on summer vacation

From the historic Union Depot to a permanent spot for chicken tenders and a fancy sports bar, you might have some catching up to do.
Minneapolis baker, author and media personality Zoë François is on a national tour with her new book, "Zoë Bakes Cookies."

With her new cookbook, Zoë François is firmly in her cookie era

The bestselling "Zoë Bakes Cookies" shares recipes, stories and lessons that dot the author's sweet journey from humble beginnings to awe-inspiring desserts.
Travail and Robb Jones will open Stargazer this fall.

Hospitality titans team up on new Minneapolis bar, and more restaurant news

Plus: David Fhima heads to Excelsior, Vellee's back in the skyway, the end of a Chicago dog era and more restaurant news.
Tim Niver announced that he will close his decade-old restaurant Saint Dinette when its lease ends in March.

Saint Dinette in St. Paul will likely close next year; cue the long, Minnesota goodbye

Tim Niver explains what goes into deciding whether it's the end of the road for his restaurant in St. Paul's Lowertown.
A preview of the new foods at U.S. Bank stadium includes barbecued brisket, fried chicken fried rice, bulgogi topped nachos and more.

The best new local food at U.S. Bank Stadium for the 2024 Vikings home opener

The stadium unveiled a new season of tasty bites and these are the touchdowns.
The skillet breakfast with a side of pancakes at Joseph's restaurant in Stillwater comes with a creamy, buttery hollandaise sauce on top.

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

Our favorite bites — brunch skillet, hot dogs, rice bowl fiesta, ice cream and a new cocktail — will take you from morning to late night and through all corners of the metro.
At Casey Lake Park in North St. Paul where the fire department held its annual booya fundraiser, Bill Weber whose great grandfather created the recipe

It's booya season: Where to find these once-a-year events

Every year folks line up for this special stew and the community it fosters.
Myriel's chef Karyn Tomlinson in her St. Paul restaurant in 2021.

Myriel's Karyn Tomlinson is a Food & Wine Best New Chef

The St. Paul chef is praised for her skill and "Grandma Chic" aesthetic as part of the magazine's 2024 ranking.
Executive Chef and Owner Tommy Begnaud stands for a portrait Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at Mr. Paul's Supper Club in Edina, Minn. ] AARON LAVINSKY • aa

Mothership Pizza Paradise will land at 50th and France, and more restaurant news

Plus: Soul Bowl is on the move, local chains expanding, more praise for Oro and more restaurant news.
TOM WALLACE � twallace@startribune.com Assign #00008802A Slug_night0724 Date: July 19, 2009 Hot new bars. The second Barrio in downtown St. Paul. Th

4 restaurant locations unexpectedly close over the weekend

Barrio closes in St. Paul after 15 years; Vellee Deli ceases operations at all three sites.
A hand holds a golden bun filled with juicy-looking meat, topped with horseradish cream that's starting to drop, over a bright blue, floral oilcloth c

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

From porketta sandwiches to hot dishes, comfort food and other things that warmed the belly.
Four fried corn fritters in a pool of bright yellow sauce in a large bowl/plate that's a forest green enamel on the inside.

New Minneapolis restaurant Lynette has roots in Richfield's lost Lyn 65

The rare all-day restaurant with fine-dining cred opens with a neighborly how-do-ya-do.
Several TGI Fridays locations have closed as the company restructures.

Mediterr-Asian steakhouse from Crave owners opening in St. Louis Park

Plus, Korean barbecue comes to Savage, tracking the TGI Fridays and Red Lobster closings and more restaurant news.
Jada Lussier performs during Indigenous Peoples' Day at the Minnesota State Fair on Aug. 25.

Indigenous Food Lab ushers in a new era of Native visibility at Minnesota State Fair

Chef Sean Sherman's Indigenous Food Lab offers Native food that's made to order — and served by Indigenous makers — at the Minnesota State Fair.
An orange cocktail with a mint leaf garnish on a wooden pole wrapped in thick rope by a bar shaped like a boat bow. The marina is visible in the backg

Our picks to eat and drink your way through a perfect day in White Bear Lake

There are tiki drinks, stacked scoops, fine dining and more around every charming corner of this lakeside town.
Shroomy ‘Calamari’ from French Meadow at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Minn. on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024.

Eating our own words: Our food writers return to the fair and reassess these low-ranking new foods

Second time was the charm for trying these new foods at the fair.
Sarah leans on Brian's shoulder. He's wearing a black chef's coat in front of a large American flag inside their original Hope Breakfast Bar in St. Pa

Hope Breakfast Bar opens in Woodbury, and more restaurant news

The local chain continues its suburban expansion, Suni Lee posts "fav" foods at the fair, plus mark your calendars for a taco tour.
The nutrition-packed Omega bowl at Fitchn in Minneapolis includes spinach, chickpeas, watermelon radishes, edamame and turmeric dressing.

The 5 best healthy-ish things our food writers ate last week

From vegan to whole food finds, healthy eats were on our minds in anticipation of all the fair fare ahead of us during the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
3 Piggy Pals On-A-Stick from Sausage Sister & Me at the Minnesota State Fair.

It's here: Reviews of all the new foods at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair

There were 33 new "official" foods, but we went the extra mile and found 30-plus more.
A pint glass against black and white penny tile is filled with a fizzy coffee drink, garnished with rosemary.

LynLake cafe closing, Forepaugh's is open, and more restaurant news

Plus, it's a great time for dining as Dexter's, Forepaugh's and Lynette are all open for business.
A paper cup with orange writing sits on a counter, containing a tall swirl of off-white soft-serve coated in caramel-colored espresso

It's been one hot, affogato summer

Douse the dog days of summer — and your sleepies — with these 14 ice cream-espresso treats.
House of Hue's bun bo Hue during a pop-up event at Eat Street Crossing in March.

Ouro Pizzaria closes at Eat Street Crossing; a noodle shop is moving in

Plus, an opening date for Tender Lovin' Chix, a new pizza place for 50th and France, apple season and more in this week's food news.
At the new Roseville Centro, a semi-private room filled with a California cool mural will be available for groups.

An exclusive first look at Centro's new Roseville restaurant

Jami Olson is betting on a bright suburban future for her new taco restaurant in the former Good Earth.
A fire late Sunday night left the restaurant building at 799 University Av. W. unusable.

St. Paul restaurant destroyed by overnight fire

Khue's Kitchen on University Avenue was close to opening; now its future is uncertain.
The Pad Thai Boran at Joy's Pattaya Thai Restaurant in Richfield with an omelet on top is a traditional, old-school take on the noodle dish.

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

The pursuit of great frickle pizza, eggs Benedict, pad Thai and more led us across the metro.
Image of Animales ribs, which have changed only ever so slightly since chef/owner Jon Wipfli first opened his smoker trailer. Photo by Joy Summers

Animales finds a sprawling new home in north Minneapolis, and more restaurant news

Plus: Francis' vegan burgers expands, Keys Cafe nears opening in Stillwater, Masu's closing and more restaurant news.
Owner Bruce Taher in the refurbished Forepaugh’s in St. Paul's Irvine Park.

Behind the $1 million restoration of Forepaugh's in St. Paul

The dining destination — ghosts and all — will open in mid-August.
Chef Yia Vang's new restaurant Vinai is now open 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.
Fans of OG Zaza's New Haven-style pizza take note: there's an outpost coming to Shakopee.

OG Zaza bringing New Haven-style pizza to Shakopee, and more restaurant news

Plus: Yia Vang's Vinai now open, the end of an era for Beirut, a renewed rooftop and more restaurant news.
Dan West John Sugimura of PinKU Japanese Street Food.

PinKU returns as an omakase counter at Eat Street Crossing

Chef John Sugimura is back and will share his food — and plenty of stories — in an intimate setting inside the Minneapolis food hall.
The honey cake is made specially by a local baker for Bean.Co, a new coffeeshop in Maple Grove.

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

Mini hamburger sliders from a pop-up, a pho place in the skyway and a vegetarian Reuben from a meat-lovers' restaurant were among our favorite finds.
Mushroom terrine at Black Duck Spirits & Hearth in Minneapolis.

5 new restaurants still coming before the State Fair

Recapping the fresh crop of cool spots that are opening soon across the Twin Cities.
Bartender Connor Gomer pours beer at the Fulton Beer Taproom on Tuesday. This fall the taps will also carry Finnegans beer; the breweries are forming

Two groundbreaking Minneapolis breweries are joining forces in the North Loop

The founders of both breweries say it's the urban brew duo you didn't know you needed.
Ray J's famous wings are heading north.

Ray J's bringing its famous wings to Rogers, changes at Kim's in Uptown, and more restaurant news

Plus, changes at Kim's in Uptown, cocktail pop-ups, the possibility of pizza, and beating Bobby Flay in this week's restaurant news.
Shanelle and Chris Montana of DuNord Craft Spirits will reopen their landmark cocktail room and a new New Orleans flavored restaurant on Lake Street.

Du Nord distillery owners bringing new restaurant, cocktail room to Lake Street in Minneapolis

Chris and Shanelle Montana are recommitting to the vitality of East Lake Street.
A red basket that contains a sandwich with fried chicken tenders poking out of the shiny bun and pink sauce dripping off of it, and a handful of golde

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

Checking out a hot chicken place, brewing company, Italian bistro, health-conscious eatery and a sun-filled coffee shop.
Summer is an excellent season to delve into the world of naturally fermented wines.

5 pét-nats to pack in your picnic basket

Get to know these fizzy, natural wines — they're perfect for summer meals.
Twin Cities eateries are ready for all your summer picnic needs.

These 5 Twin Cities area spots offer gourmet delights for summer picnics

Whether a romantic outing, playdate with the kids or a grassy hang with friends, there's a basket for you.
With a little help from industry friends, Baaska Tegshbileg pulled off a sold-out sushi pop-up on a 90-degree day at Picnic, after storms knocked out

Storms leave Twin Cities restaurants with soggy hangovers, a new eatery for St. Anthony Main, and more

Plus, pickles for everyone, bar openings and more restaurant news.
The menu at Torsk, inside Bar Brava, is inspired by Scandinavian flavors with forays through Europe, like with this Austrian pork schnitzel.

Inside north Minneapolis' natural wine bar, where the only constant is change

Bar Brava is now hosting Torsk, a new Nordic popup serving up smelt, potato bacon dumplings and more.
The restaurant closed after Sunday night's service on June 30, after one more Pride weekend.

Eli's Food & Cocktails closes in downtown Minneapolis, other businesses up for sale

The northeast Minneapolis location will remain open.
The crêpe cake from Oh Crêpe! in Edina is a showstopper.

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

A new location of a favorite restaurant, sampling at the Taste of Minnesota, crêpes for Bastille Day and pizza in Lake Country made for an eclectic – and delicious – week.