Meanwhile, Yia Vang’s Union Kitchen is still going strong, redefining what Hmong cuisine means in a Minnesotan context. We also told the story this year of John Ng’s truly artisan ramen at Zen Box Izakaya, and while this is more of an ongoing slow burn than a flashy opening, it demands attention-he’s putting out noodle bowls with a depth and balance of flavor that would win favor in any part of the country (or world). Both spots are chic, polished, popular, and serving Southeast Asian food with real spice, depth, and funk, and they’re changing the way Minnesotans eat for the better. Both spots have killer cocktail programs, food that is beautifully manicured but still delicious, and service that is polished without pretense.Īs Christina Nguyen has created a bold, autobiographical restaurant in Hai Hai, Ann Ahmed has done likewise with Lat14. On the fine dining side of things, Hyacinth and Colita both boasted openings that were smooth as glass and as soulfully luxurious as it gets. Many spots are worth visiting, but we have particularly enjoyed the food at the new Funky Grits (the shrimp and grits are an obvious and correct choice) and the classic American fare at Model Citizen in New London (so good that it’s worth the drive). Soul food is experiencing a renaissance (and we’ve documented it in the pages of The Growler). And the skillful team behind Duluth Grille and OMC Smokehouse opened the remarkably good Corktown Deli and Brews next door to a charming new ice cream shop, Love Creamery. The always busy Travail team is opening a brewpub and putting the Minnesota BBQ Co. Hot on the heels of Young Joni’s explosive success and after years of prosperity at Pizzeria Lola, Ann Kim is poised to put a new spot into the former Lucia’s in Uptown. For example: Even as Spoon and Stable and Bellecour have retained fans and won converts, Gavin Kaysen and company have announced the upcoming opening of the North Loop’s new tasting menu-driven Demi. A number of high-profile openings and announced expansions leave diners with a glittering galaxy of choices that will only continue to brighten as we move into 2019.įirst and foremost: Carefully curated mini-empires are expanding incrementally and wisely to make the scene stronger and more diverse. The state of independent restaurants in Minnesota in 2018 is not merely strong it’s exceptionally strong. Photos by Becca Dilley, Erin Hudson, Aaron Job, Kevin Kramer, Matt Lien, Wing Ta.
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