In the realm of appetites, 2023 has proven to be a year of memorable indulgence, brimming with captivating visits to restaurants, delectable Vietnamese meatballs, and the art of hospitality. Appetites embarked on a journey across the state, engaging in vibrant conversations with a seasoned food writer who has chronicled the culinary landscape of the Twin Cities for a quarter of a century, all while savoring a multitude of mouthwatering dishes.
Let’s delve into the captivating highlights of our enthralling encounters with the gifted chefs, cookbook authors, and culinary visionaries who breathe life into Minnesota’s food scene.
Amy Thielen, the mastermind behind ‘Company: The Radically Casual Art of Cooking for Others,’ divulged her secret to entertaining. She shared that the key lies in relinquishing the pressure for everything to be flawlessly perfect, a sentiment flawlessly embodied during our visit to her home near Park Rapids. With tongs in one hand and a glass of wine in the other, she quipped, “Is it a party, or are we putting on a culinary show here?”
Chef Scott Graden, the proprietor of the esteemed New Scenic Café, has successfully kept things fresh at this North Shore gem, despite its enduring presence in the area. He astounded All Things Considered host Tom Crann with tales of how the Duluth restaurant continues to push the boundaries of regional cuisine, ensuring that it remains both relevant and enthralling.
Award-winning food writer Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl has been a recurrent guest on Appetites for years, and when she unveiled her latest book, “The Essential Dear Dara: Writings on Local Characters and Memorable Places,” she engaged in a wide-ranging conversation with Tom Crann about writing, food, and the unique culinary landscape of Minnesota.
Eric Pham, a member of the illustrious Quang Restaurant family in Minneapolis, has embarked on his own culinary odyssey with the launch of Khue’s Kitchen, an establishment named after his mother Khue Pham. He also let loose the secrets behind his beloved dish: bánh mì xíu mại, Vietnamese meatball sandwiches, in a delightful tête-à-tête with Tom Crann.
Loretta Barrett Oden and Beth Dooley, co-authors of ‘Corn Dance: Inspired First American Cuisine,’ enchanted us with a discussion on the evolution of Indigenous cuisine and their collaboration on the book. They even treated us to a recipe for Three Sisters and Friends Salad, showcasing the rich tapestry of Indigenous culinary traditions.
These mesmerising encounters with culinary pioneers have illuminated the diverse and lively food horizon of Minnesota. As Appetites reflects on the most remarkable moments of 2023, it becomes abundantly clear that the state’s culinary scene brims with creativity, innovation, and an unyielding ardour for exceptional cuisine. Here’s to an unforgettable year and the alluring experiences that await in the world of food!
