Twin Cities Chefs Pick their Best Meals of 2014
James Kloiber
Jonathan Hunt, Al Vento + Rinata + Sparks
“The best meal I had this year was camping with my friends Scott and Ricardo—we always come up with crazy camping food. The last time we made a beef stew that was to die for. The smoke from the fire, herbs, and spices lent to the six hours we waited to eat. So worth it, though. Also, I had some street tacos in Denver that were out of control. And there is nothing like the bulgogi beef rice bowl at WSK. Everything they put in that bowl is thought-out, especially the soft egg in the center.”
Erick Harcey, Victory 44
“Man, that’s a tough one. I would have to say Piccolo. Doug [Flicker] had a couple of dishes that just were so simple yet so complex. Really fun to eat.”
Don Saunders, The Kenwood
“A late-summer meal at Corner Table was the best this year for me. We really enjoyed the pork jowl dish (I’ve had two versions from [Thomas Boemer] and what he does with this cut of meat is amazing!), their charcuterie plate, and buttermilk panna cotta with fresh blueberries. I love the new space—the ‘feel’ of that restaurant reminds me a lot of In Season, my former restaurant!”
Steven Brown, Tilia
“The best meal I had in 2014 was at Gramercy Tavern in NYC. The dishes were not too clever, just super-seasonal, really well thought-out, and executed perfectly. The standout of them all was braised pork with ricotta cavatelli—tender as little pillows with a tinge of spice, lots of lime, and unctuous chunks of meat that all melded together perfectly and left me wanting to order it again right then and there. A perfect Italian dish with a nod to Mexico. Superb!”
Marshall Paulsen, Birchwood Café
“My wife and I got married in New York this past February. Of all the amazing food we were able to eat (including wonderful dinners at Blue Hill and Le Bernardin), a definite standout meal was in a place called Jacob’s Pickles on the Upper West Side. They specialize in egg dishes, biscuits, craft beers, and of course pickles of all sorts. Everything was so perfectly executed and went so well together. I love knowing that there are other chefs out there that put thought and intention to beautifully cooking the egg. The service was also excellent, and we even had the opportunity to meet Jacob, who was nice enough to buy us a round!”
John Krattenmaker, FIKA
“My best dish of the year was the grilled prawns at Sea Change—tastes like a summer evening out on the ocean. Absolutely delicious.”
Vincent Francoual, Vincent
“In the Twin Cities, I had a great meal at the Corner Table (the old location). Otherwise, it was in France at the Castle of Mercues in the Lot region just near my hometown.”
Beth Fisher, Wise Acre Eatery
“My best meal this year took place at the home of some wonderful friends. When you’re a chef, people do not invite you over for dinner very often, stating all kinds of reasons including, ‘I love to cook but could never cook for you!’ Kjersti and Nate made a wonderful pot of homemade minestrone with warm crusty bread, simple salad, and a homey dessert. We brought our dogs, who played nicely with their dogs. The candles, the food, the easy conversation in a beautiful home…it was the perfect meal.”
