This weekend, runners will flock to the metro area for the Twin Cities marathon and will be looking for the best places to load up on carbs. Minnesota Monthly Editor Rachel Hutton and MPR host John Birge discuss where you can get the most satisfying pasta fare before taking your place at the starting line.
If you’re a native to the area and looking for something different, three new Italian hot spots in town—Parella, Monello, and Il Foro—have been receiving great reviews. But you can’t forget the classics such as Rinata in Uptown, or Bar La Grassa in the North Loop (Rachel recommends the Bolognese or the orange-cauliflower gnocchi).
In St. Paul, check out Pazzaluna, or Cossetta’s, a cafeteria-style eatery with an upscale rooftop. Further out, in Lilydale, is I Nonni—a spot that’s not as well known, but worth the trip for authentic pastas in a setting that resembles Italy.
Listen to the full podcast on Classical MPR’s site.