Recent content from Nancy Ngo
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.
The 5 best things our food writers ate this week
A new downtown Minneapolis lunch spot, tacos and souffle pancakes in St. Paul, and breakfast, sandwich destinations in the suburbs.
The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week
We had shots for lunch, a flavor-packed grain bowl, a salad that channels the tropics, wine and snacks and wings that deserve your attention.
Historic Roseville Dairy Queen has a new owner, but it won't be a DQ
There will still be soft serve and malts, but restaurateur Tim Hughes said Dairy Queen was 'uninterested' in keeping the franchise going.
Minneapolis restaurant, wine bar named finalists for national James Beard Awards
The chefs from Myriel, Diane's Place and Kado no Mise are all regional nominees.
New Italian restaurants, a vegan-friendly lunch spot downtown and more Twin Cities restaurant news
Plus: Korean sandwiches and rice bowls have arrived in downtown Minneapolis and more restaurant news.
3 new foods to eat at CHS Field when at a Saints game this season
This weekend marks the Minnesota baseball team's season home opener.
The 5 best pizzas our food writers ate this week
Fanning out and exploring pizzas new to us, because discovering a great slice never gets old.
Robots are serving Twin Cities area diners — but are they taking human jobs?
Restaurateurs see benefits from the AI-driven technology.
The 5 best things our food writers ate this week
The irresistible lure of cotton candy clouds; the pursuit of great sandwiches, Mexican fare and one last call.
12 great new burgers to try in the Twin Cities area
Chefs are bringing their beefy best to the table, and burger lovers are better for it.
The 5 best things our food writers ate this week
Delicious Reubens, Mediterranean plates and sweet treats fueled our week and kept us satiated.
Studying up for Pi Day: The best places for pie in the Twin Cities area
But be sure to keep this stellar list or pie bakers on hand all year long, not just 3.14.
James Beard-nominated chef, former Vikings player among those featured in new Minnesota food hall
A first look at the lineup in the House Food and Tap, St. Joseph's newest gathering spot.
The 5 best things our food writers ate this week
A delicious pannenkoeken and egg sandwich gets us through breakfast, while ramen and burritos take us through lunch and beyond.
The 5 best things our food writers ate this week
Delicious destinations for Jamaican fare, a burger, dumplings and more for the week ending Feb. 28.
7 delicious ways to celebrate Mardi Gras at Minnesota restaurants
Our local picks for beignets, gumbo, king cake and other famous New Orleans fare during Carnival season.
The 5 best things our food writers ate this week
Housemade animal crackers, Spam sliders, a sushi pop-up, nostalgic hot turkey sandwiches and more made for fun times.
Alan Page's new children's book centers around family baking traditions
The retired Minnesota Supreme Court justice and Vikings player talks about the importance of education, the lasting impact of his careers and cupcakes.
The 5 best things our food writers ate this week
Delicious new destinations for fried chicken, Tater Tot hot dish with a twist, Mayan and Korean cuisine and more.
Savor these 18 cozy wine bars across the Twin Cities area
Intimacy is built into the DNA of these cozy spaces – all centered around something special in the glass.
The best dishes we ate at Minnesota's 11 James Beard semifinalist restaurants
Want to check out the Minnesota eateries on this year's long list? Make these menu items part of your order to get a taste of each of these places' distinct flavor and flair.
Sneak peek: Rabbit Hole, the North Loop's new modern sports bar, opens this week
The sprawling Minneapolis bar and restaurant will open just in time for the Super Bowl, emphasizing immersive, interactive experiences and spaces for large groups to gather any time of year.
The 5 best things our food writers ate this week
An eclectic week of eating great sandwiches, pork belly platters, sushi and pancakes alongside "the world's best hash browns."
'The greatest comeback'? Nankin and original Hong Kong Noodles owners unite to open Jade Dynasty
The two Asian restaurant powerhouses are teaming up to ring in the new lunar year, ushering in a new era with a side of nostalgia.
The 5 best things our food writers ate this week
A chilly week had us in pursuit of cozy comforts: pasta and Coneys at neighborhood spots, a new suburban pho place and a love letter to a Minnesota cocktail.
Minnesotans nab 11 semifinalist nods for the 2025 James Beard Awards
Local chefs and restaurants have a stellar showing in both national and regional categories.
9 great meatless handhelds in Twin Cities-area restaurants right now
Whether you're looking to eat less meat or just want a really good sandwich, these are some of our current menu favorites.
Two buzzy new Minneapolis brunches you'll want to try, and more restaurant news
Plus: A new sports bar, another Pazzaluna pop-up, sauna time, goodbye to a brewery and other restaurant news.
The 5 best things our food writers ate this week
An excellent smash burger, egg sandwich, loaded fries and gold-star roasted vegetables at a chef-driven restaurant were some of this week's great finds.
Sneak peek: Xelas by El Sazon in Stillwater opening soon
The team behind two Twins Cities food destinations is switching gears to Mayan cuisine and the east metro for their latest venture.
7 decadent Twin Cities area food deals for champagne tastes but beer budgets
First-rate oysters, crab legs, steak, duck and more from these Twin Cities restaurants and stores can be yours at bargain prices if your timing is right.
The 5 best things our food writers ate this week
New places to grab bagels, dim sum and tiki drinks, plus oldies but goodies for hot dogs and hibachi.
Hello, 2025: What we're excited about on the Twin Cities restaurant scene
Permanent spots for beloved pop-ups, explosive growth in the suburbs and long-awaited projects coming to life are just some of the anticipated highlights.
5 Twin Cities area restaurants now open or coming soon
Farina Rossa is officially open, Bar Siena in Hopkins offers a sneak peek, pho in Roseville and more restaurant news.
What's cooking, good looking? The prettiest new restaurants in the Twin Cities.
From Harry Potter-esque spaces to those dripping in opulence, this year's lookers gave us stunning backdrops to enjoy steaks, pastas, global fusion fare and beyond.
The 5 best things our food writers ate in 2024
A stunning cup of affogato, unforgettable barbecue and evenings soaking in delicious surroundings: here's what stood out this year.
2 Minnesota bakeries make New York Times best list
Diane Moua's Minneapolis restaurant and bakery debuted in April while the St. Joseph bakery, coffee and flower shop is in its fourth year.
The 5 best things our food writers ate this week
Lefse-wrapped Swedish wontons, a soothing bowl of rice porridge and a gravy-laden commercial filled our week with comfort and warmth.
Dual-concept restaurant dishes up pizzas and top-shelf steaks in Blaine
The two-story Pizza Pub and Prime is now open next to the National Sports Center, with plans to add elusive Kobe beef to the menu.
At Bûcheron, fine dining meets Midwestern sensibilities
Adam and Jeanie Ritter's cozy Minneapolis restaurant leans into their rural upbringing and global experiences to bring diners impeccable food and hospitality.
Creative drinks, stellar soundtracks and other Twin Cities restaurant trends we spotted in 2024
Among them: Creative drinks, great service and stellar soundtracks.
The 5 best things our food writers ate this week
The season for cardamom bread, comfort food and a dish as bright as Bentleyville's holiday lights.
These 5 new Twin Cities area sports bars aim to score big with fans
These 5 Twin Cities newcomers have amenities galore, from giant screens showcasing a wider range of sports to virtual zombie dodgeball.
The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities this week
Massive burritos, brothless ramen, cake muffin and a cup of Dayton's nostalgia.
22 Twin Cities area restaurants marking milestones this year
Celebrating classic steakhouses, pad thai, al pastor and local burger chains.
The 5 best things our food writers ate this week
Meritage brunches are back, plus a pepperoni roll and tartine worth considering and more.
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 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.
Dessa and mixology maverick Marco Zappia write a cocktail book
"Bury the Lede" is inspired by Dessa's album by the same name, and the book drops on Nov. 19.
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.
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.
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.
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.
HOTM Merriam Park Cottage Renewal
2024-2025 Home of the Month winner Merriam Park Cottage Renewal by Albertsson Hansen Architecture and Interior Design is a modest 1 1/2-story house that gets an overhaul while maintaining its vintage feel.
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.
State Fair-like fare reigns in new Minnesota Wild food lineup
From potato-crusted corn dogs to dill pickle pizza, there are 30 new foods this season; here are our top 5.
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.
27 of the best places to eat around Minneapolis lakes
From casual to full-service restaurants to lakeside eateries and nearby hidden gems, here are our favorite spots to dine around
Minnesota has a growing artisanal cheese scene. Here are 11 to try.
From central to southern parts of the state, a growing number of artisanal cheesemakers are betting on our gourmet culture and palate.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Women-run group keeps watch on Minnesota cabins, lake homes while owners are away
Several home watch businesses joined together in the Minnesota Home Watch Collaborative to stay vigilant across the whole state.
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.
A peek inside Barcelona, the new tapas restaurant in Minneapolis' North Loop
A former warehouse space serves as the backdrop for the new, open late eatery that emphasizes shared plates, modern cocktails and an extensive wine list.
Get the scoop on new Minnesota ice creams
From dreamy gelatos to rich and creamy small-batch ice creams, here are the latest local labels to enter the frozen-treat world.
Guy Fieri makes pit stops at local establishments, hangs with Vikings players when in town
The Food Network host is in town filming episodes of "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives."
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.
Award-winning chef Ann Kim to close Kim's in Minneapolis
The restaurant opened in the fall of 2023 with rave reviews and a host of challenges.
It's been one hot, affogato summer
Douse the dog days of summer — and your sleepies — with these 14 ice cream-espresso treats.
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.
