Staff Directory 7893616

Nancy Ngo

Assistant food editor | Home & Garden

Nancy Ngo is the Minnesota Star Tribune assistant food editor.

Recent content from Nancy Ngo
Diane’s Place in Minneapolis, owned by chef Diane Moua (left), and Flour & Flower in St. Joseph, owned by chefs Erin Lucas (bottom right) and Mateo

Minnesota bakeries Diane's Place and Flour & Flower 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.
A plate with slices of Hmong sausage, a stuffed chicken wing and crispy pork belly, a mound of white sticky rice and shreds of white and orange papaya

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.
A two-story dual restaurant concept in Blaine houses Pizza Pub on the first floor and Prime steak and seafood and a rooftop patio on the second story.

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.
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

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.
WildChld cocktail Flora of Neverland with Patagonian spirit, gin, verjus, jasmine tea, lemon and falernum and garnished with camomile flowers.

Creative drinks, stellar soundtracks and other Twin Cities restaurant trends we spotted in 2024

Among them: Creative drinks, great service and stellar soundtracks.
A golden, braided loaf of bread studded with pear sugar.

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.
Beckett's in the Lyn-Lake area of Minneapolis is fueled by nostalgia.

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.
Parcelle Dayton's wild rice soup Winter Market

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.
Gluek's rebuilt after a massive fire in 1989, coming back stronger than ever.

22 Twin Cities area restaurants marking milestones this year

Celebrating classic steakhouses, pad thai, al pastor and local burger chains.
Two eggs benedict with dill-flecked hollindaise over smoked salmon on english muffins. There's also a salad of fresh greens. on the plate and fresh fr

The 5 best things our food writers ate this week

Meritage brunches are back, plus a pepperoni roll and tartine worth considering and more.
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.
"Bury the Lede: A Cocktail Book" features cocktails by Marco Zappia (left), essays by Dessa and photography by Bill Phelps.

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.
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.
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
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.
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.

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.
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.
The Xcel Energy Center introduced new foods for the 2024-2025 Minnesota Wild season. The crispy potato corn dog from State Fare is among the 30 new fo

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 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.
Customers dine at Pimento on the Lake on the shore of Bde Maka Ska, while a live band, The Bridge Band plays in the background on  Friday, Sept. 13, 2

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
A spread of Minnesota cheeses at the Star Tribune photo studio in Minneapolis, Minn. on Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024. From top left to right:

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 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.
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.
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.
Tamara Nugteren, from left, Terri Bristlin-Johnston, Ana Cantell, Michelle Lenertz and Laura Schuh, met for a photo at a friend’s cabin in South Hav

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.
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.
Interior of Barcelona wine bar and tapas restaurant located in the North Loop in Minneapolis.

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.
An elegant etched glass coupe sits on a white tablecloth. Inside is a dark brown scoop of ice cream studded with black chocolate brownies and white ma

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 is back in Minnesota for filming.

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 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.
Chef Ann Kim’s eponymous restaurant in Uptown will close.

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.
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.
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.
The vibrant, sweet and sour Lucky Peach pizza from the Farina Rossa Kitchen pop-up at Bang Brewing in St. Paul.

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

Appetizers, pizza and an elevated daiquiri cocktail were among the stars of this week's best bites and sips.
Dishes at Chloe by Vincent  from top left clockwise, La Complete, Alsatian Tarte Flambee, Scallops in Orange Sauce, Cassoulet, Beef Bourguignon, Norma

Ooh la la: Where to find local French fare as the Olympics are underway in Paris

From casual to composed, a range of French eateries can be found in our backyard.
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.
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.
For a family that loves to cook and entertain and who are avid gardeners, a modest one-story addition of a 1930s house across from Como Park in St. Pa

A modest addition opens up a dated St. Paul Colonial and allows for views of Lake Como

Reconfiguring the flow and adding just 425 square feet gave this 1939 St. Paul home an airy, updated feel.

Gallery: Old Mill Norwood Young America

For those in Norwood Young America and passersby along the city's main street, a known quantity is a nearly 160-year-old mill house. Erin Allard now owns it along with two buildings on the property. You would never guess from the exterior, which keeps its original, old-fashioned rustic charm, the new life that has been breathed into the spaces.
Large, beautiful home with pool in backyard.

Linden Hills home with 49-foot waterslide, saltwater hot tub lists for $1.995 million

The rare Viennese Secessionist-style home, which has been fully updated, lends itself to entertaining indoors and out.

Gallery: Homegazing Minneapolis Waterslide

Minneapolis home comes with 49-foot resort-style waterslide and architect-driven, custom details.
From built-in-shelving to extended fireplace mantles, a Robbinsdale rambler makes use of every square inch.

$434,900 Robbinsdale rambler makes use of every square inch of space

The homeowners brought in an architect who created light-filled, sculptural spaces.

Gallery: Homegazing Robbinsdale rambler

A Robbinsdale rambler that makes use of every square inch.
Marty and Joey Beren's DIY project on Long Lake creates a home away from home in Dassel, Minn.

Father-and-son duo build DIY 'bridging room' in family's Dassel area cabin

The two turned a breezeway into a gathering spot and made new favorite memories in the process.
On Nicollet Island sits a row of historical, brick, green-accented townhomes in the Minneapolis peninsula community of 100 residents. One of the units

'Artful' furnished 1877 townhouse on Minneapolis' Nicollet Island lists for $1.2 million

From Old World Europe to Asia, each level of the historic home is themed to transport you around the world.

Inside the Versailles-inspired brick townhome listing on Minneapolis' Nicollet Island

From Old World Europe to Asia, each level of the historic home is themed to transport you around the world.
A Forest Lake cabin on a rare sand lake with a shallow shoreline was an ideal getaway for a family with young kids to enjoy a plethora of water activi

Forest Lake home on rare 'sugar sand' beach lists for $749,900

The updated 1,600-square-foot home offers one-level living on a clear, shallow lake perfect for families with young kids.

Gallery: Forest Lake sand lake

Forest Lake cabin on rare sand lake comes with shallow shoreline -- and Fourth of July boat parade
Joe and Jack's St. Cloud house post-HGTV "Ugliest House in America" renovation.

St. Cloud's 'Barbie House' crowned Ugliest House in America, gets major makeover

The HGTV series winner received a $150,000 renovation from designer Alison Victoria in one of the show's best transformations.
Can we be comfortable putting our hearts behind a Timberwolves win, or will our hopes be dashed?

T-Wolves tips: How to ride the Minnesota sports roller coaster

This team has us going up and down and spinning around. How should we handle this week? Here are some tips.
A clean-lined, minimalist Danish modern and Home of the Month winning house in St. Paul's Highland Park lists.

Award-winning Danish modern home in St. Paul's Highland Park lists for $1.15 million

The six-bedroom, four-bathroom house was named a Home of the Month winner in 2020 following a remodel and addition.

Gallery: Homegazing St. Paul Danish modern

A Danish modern and Home of the Month winning house in St. Paul's Highland lists.
Ski Hills Cabins and Saunas by Grayspace Architecture.

These 12 home designs by Minnesota architects are winners in Home of the Month contest

The 2024-2025 AIA Star Tribune Home of the Month winners include a northern cabin, a net-zero new build and a modest addition.
The exterior of Joe and Jack's technicolor house in St. Cloud as featured on HGTV'S "Ugliest House in America" Season 5.

St. Cloud's Barbie house vies for HGTV's 'Ugliest House in America' crown

The winner of Season 5 in the HGTV series will be declared in mid-May.

Gallery: HOTM winners 2024

Announcing the 2024-2025 Home of the Month winners
Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and prairie, SALA Architect's Home of the Month winning retreat is an restorative getaway in Frederic, Wis. th

Home of the Month is a restorative Wisconsin retreat that also restores the land

A family's vision for wellness and healing starts with restoring native prairie and cabins tucked into the natural landscape in rural Wisconsin.
The dressed-to-impress Minnesota Met Gala, shown in May 2023, returns this year as part of the Black Fashion Week MN lineup.

Black Fashion Week Minnesota shines a light on local talent

The fashion series will feature four action-packed events with varying themes.
Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck has listed the 'resort-style' Edina home he's lived in since coming to Minnesota.

Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck lists 'resort-style' Edina home for $3.9 million

The award-winning house was built in a French European-meets-California modern style.

Gallery: Fleck Edina

Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck has listed the Edina home he's lived in since coming to Minnesota.
Comedian and actress Retta is the host of HGTV's "Ugliest House in America."

St. Cloud house vies for Ugliest House in America

The Minnesota house will be featured in Season 5 of the HGTV series, which debuts on Monday.
Tipsy Steer's Chocolate Dream Extreme shake

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

It was an eclectic week of eating: the king of desserts, a Best breakfast in Duluth, dinner at a new Minneapolis restaurant, the return of Arepa Bar (but in St. Paul) and a signature taste of Minnesota.

Gallery: Alcoa home

Minnesota's only Alcoa aluminum home and one of 24 that exists in the country, can be found in St. Louis Park. The 1950s midcentury was designed by Charles M. Goodman and built by the Aluminum Company of America) to showcase the versatility of aluminum and the open-concept floor plan.
Minnesota's only Alcoa aluminum home and one of 24 that exists in the country, can be found in St. Louis Park. The 1950s midcentury was designed by Ch

Minnesota's only Alcoa aluminum home hits the market at $925,000

Built in 1958 by the Aluminum Company of America and designed by renowned architect Charles M. Goodman, the "modernist time capsule" in St. Louis Park is one of only 24 Alcoa Care-free Homes in the U.S.
A whote plate with a rectangle of crispy-topped meat on a puddle of black bean puree, and a pile of thin slices of orange kumquats

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

We swung by two newcomers, revisited a still-buzzy favorite, found a classic doughnut in Shakopee and checked out a wine bar in Denver that's opening a Minneapolis outpost this summer.
Fashion Week MN Spring 2024 will feature a weeklong series of style events running April 14-21.

Addition of pop-up shops turn Fashion Week MN into a buy-local marketplace

The annual rite of spring includes sales of clothing, jewelry and more by local designers, discussions of sustainability and mental health and, of course, a party or two.

Gallery: MSP Home Tour St. Paul ADU/Carriage House

A St. Paul family in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood turns a dilapidated garage into a modern ADU/carriage house that complements the lot and 1913 house. The house will be one of several featured in the upcoming Minneapolis and St. Paul Home Tour, which aims to give tourgoers up close and personal design ideas.

Gallery: Home of the Month Bluebird

After a fire forced a remodel of a St. Louis Park home, a family hoped for a footprint similar to their original single-story ranch-style house. At the same time, they were game for introducing new, bold and unique materials and design features such as soaring rooflines and transom windows that allow light to come in and display the family's vast plant collection like never before.
Homeowners of a Tudor in Minneapolis' Lynnhurst discover the house was built with tiles from Ernest Batchelder, the prolific southern California artis

Minneapolis home with tiles by famed California Arts and Crafts artist lists for $690,000

Designer Ernest Batchelder gained prominence for square fireplace tiles depicting nature scenes.

Gallery: Homegazing Batchelder fireplace

Homeowners of a house in Minneapolis' Lynnhurst discover the house was built with tiles from Ernest Batchelder, the prolific southern California artist and tilemaker who gained prominence during the Arts and Crafts movement.