Favorite Soup Recipes

Hidden entrances, secret passwords, strong drinks: once an illicit way obtain alcohol during Prohibition, a century later, speakeasies have been reimagined as stylish spaces to enjoy craft cocktails. As I mentioned in my post about the best distilleries in the Twin Cities, I am very much a cocktail person, and speakeasies appeal to my love of history and penchant for the dramatic.

There's a good reason Minnesota's football team is named the Vikings—the state is home to more Nordic-Americans than any other state. About 28 percent of Minnesotans, or over 1.6 million people, have Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, and/or Icelandic heritage. Even if you don't have Nordic roots, Minnesota's wooded landscapes and chilly winters evoke the Nordic countries, and Nordic-inspired cuisine, minimalist design, and hygge appeal to people of all backgrounds.

Afternoon tea is fun treat, with fancy china, tiered trays of beautiful desserts, and often, a unique, historic setting. Ready to settle in for an afternoon of tea, treats, and conversation? Here's where you can find afternoon tea in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Twin Cities suburbs.

A few months ago, I impulse purchased a package of Sixteen Bean Soup Mix from Aldi. I told myself that it was for serious, adult reasons—bean are a high-fiber form of protein, cooking dry beans is more environmentally and budget-friendly than buying canned, etc.—but actually it was because I thought the beans looked nice.

Welcome to my annual best things I ate post, a compilation of 2025's most memorable dishes. This was an especially travel-packed year, with trips to Wisconsin, New York City, Iceland, Nova Scotia, Boston, and Japan, plus fabulous meals close to home in the Twin Cities.

During our time in Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Kanazawa, Takayama, and the Japanese Alps, we were treated to gorgeous scenery, beautiful temples and gardens, enriching cultural experiences, and of course, delicious food. Here are the best things I ate along the way.