Sharyn Jackson

1 week ago | startribune.com | Sharyn Jackson

There was a short, sharp ding, just loud enough to break through the enthusiastic hum that accompanies a good meal. Whenever the bell rang, everyone quieted down; it was time to hear from the chef. Ritter, who was previously the chef at Demi, a tasting-menu-only restaurant in the North Loop, moved to an a la carte format in early 2024, when he opened his James Beard-nominated ode to Midwestern ingredients with Parisian bistro-style point of view.

1 week ago | startribune.com | Sharyn Jackson

Fat Nat's Supremo at Fat Nat's Eggs For more than 20 years, this New Hope spot has been slinging omelets and other sun-up fare, and the counter-lined diner is still as popular as ever. (Fat Nat's has two other locations that came later, in Brooklyn Park and St. Anthony.) My server couldn't stop herself from recommending nearly everything, but it was the Hatch green chile sauce that won out. You'll find it on a number of menu items, along with a handful of other salsas, all made in house.

2 weeks ago | startribune.com | Sharyn Jackson

Editor's note: Our favorite food conversations often start with "Where can I?" Where can I find the best sandwich, a certain dish or celebrate a special occasion, although every meal out can be an occasion. During one of those conversations we came up with the idea for our newest feature: Order Up. The Taste team will dip into our collective decades of restaurant reporting experience and share three places that answer the often-asked question. In today's installment: Where to get matzo ball soup.

3 weeks ago | startribune.com | Sharyn Jackson

Bites from local chefs, wings, sausage packs to feed a crowd and refreshing boba tea are among our favorite offerings in this year's starting lineup.

3 weeks ago | startribune.com | Sharyn Jackson

The James Beard Foundation will announce Wednesday the nominees for its 2025 chef and restaurant awards. These finalists will be whittled down from a longer list of semifinalists announced in January. At that time, 11 Minnesota chefs and restaurants received recognition in both national and regional categories. The chefs and restaurants that move on in the competition today will be invited to the awards ceremony June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.