This Sunday, restaurants and individuals in the Twin Cities dining community will be recognized and honored at the Charlie Awards. To get ready for the event, we’ve compiled some of the latest reviews and insights on a few of the participating restaurants. You may even find your next dinner spot!
The Bachelor Farmer: Khan Tran demonstrates how to make the perfect pumpkin custard with a sage syrup.
Betty Danger’s: The whimsical eatery with country-club vibes properly sports the Dartmouth margarita—a sophisticated drink with “a naughty little wink and a promise of wild nights to come.”
Foreign Legion Wine and Cheese Bar: The first look of the restaurant’s opening explains that “this may be where the Lost Generation has been hiding out all these years.”
Joan’s in the Park: Nestled on a corner along Snelling Avenue in St. Paul, this quaint venue feels like a small town culinary gem. Their “Chef’s Day Off” menu features a 14-course meal.
Mill Valley Kitchen: Find out the five things chef Mike Rakun of Marin and Mill Valley Kitchen can’t live without.
Monello: Located on the ground-floor of Minneapolis’ Hotel Ivy, this upscale Italian restaurant is among a new wave of eateries with a focus on handmade pastas and seafood. (Plus: Monello’s Motoretta—the drink of the week.)
Parella: Todd Macdonald’s Italian endeavor moves into Figlio’s former home.
Spoon and Stable: Gavin Kaysen, Minnesota boy made good whose New York City culinary career went mostly unnoticed by the local foodie-rati until his return was announced, aces gourmet global soul food.
For a complete list of nominees, visit charliesexceptionale.com, and search our dining listings here.
The 2015 Charlie Awards will be held on Sunday, November 15 at the Pantages Theatre. Tickets are available at honorthyfood.com; at the box offices of the State, Orpheum and Pantages theatres; or at any Ticketmaster outlet. The cost for the main show and Minnesota Monthly after party at the IDS Crystal Court is $35 ($25 for industry members).