There’s a lot happening on the food front these days. Check out the transformation of Via in Edina into Tavern on France (952-358-6100, tavernonfrance.com). You can build your own salads, pizzas, and burgers, says co-owner Anoush Ansari. Of course, you can also can let the restaurant’s chef build his favorites. “Dream it. Build it. Eat it” is their motto.
The Parasole Group—the folks behind Manny’s, Salut, Chino Latino, and other eateries—has opened Burger Jones in Minneapolis’s Calhoun Village. It’s now a bustling, chef-driven (thanks to Andrew Suthers) burger emporium.
The Gold Nugget Tavern and Grille (952-935-4343) has reopened all new in the Glen Lake neighborhood of Minnetonka. The restaurant offers its original gold-nugget burger, plus lots more from executive chef Joel Delfiacco’s kitchen.
I learned to make rack of lamb and lemon bundt cake at the cooking classes held at the Nordic Ware Factory Outlet in St. Louis Park (952-924-9672, nordicware.com). The work was made easy with all the fabulous equipment from the store. Professional and home cooks alike will be in heaven.
For fundraisers, parties, and banquets, Midwest Northern Nut (612-781-6596, midwestnorthernnut.com) sells bulk nuts and candy—and they can make special favors and custom gifts for any occasion.
Sue Zelickson is host of WCCO Radio’s Food for Thought.
