Restaurant recommendations from MnMo food critics Jason DeRusha and Joy Summers
Jason’s Picks
Every meal I have is family-style, so nothing on your plate is off limits. I’m friendly. And hungry. Sometimes you want to go to a place that reminds you of home, where you pass the plate until there are no more plates to pass.
Roat Osha: I’m a huge fan of this Uptown Thai restaurant that recently moved into Calhoun Square. Get the grilled beef jerky, the green papaya salad, Pad Nam Sriracha, and drunken noodles. (Uptown Minneapolis)
Yarusso’s Italian Restaurant: Old-school Italian at its finest, Yarusso’s has been in St. Paul since 1933. I like to get the dinner for two for $28: a Pasta Supreme of meatball-studded mostaccioli in the legendary red sauce with the mysterious recipe and an antipasto platter. Your famiglia will be contento! (Payne-Phalen, St. Paul)
Roman Meatballs at Italian Eatery
Photo by Tj Turner
Joy’s Picks
If we are eating out together, my fingers are probably going to make their way onto your plate. I suffer from FOMOOF—Fear of Missing Out on Food. Maybe it’s better if we just meet at a restaurant where the plates are built to share.
Italian Eatery: I’m in love with this beautiful room and the huge, long tables that are perfect for gathering a pack of great friends. Order all the small plates, sides, and a couple of bottles of wine. (Nokomis, Minneapolis)
Fasika: Order a plate of beef stew, the special chicken, and the ridiculously tender lentils in berbere sauce and discover a world of East African flavor. All the aromatic spices and long-stewed proteins are the perfect antidote for cold weather. (Hamline Midway, St. Paul)
