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Heavy Table
@heavytable.com
1.3K followers 66 following 110 posts
An in-depth weekly culinary newsletter covering the Upper Midwest since 2009. Back us on Substack (https://heavytable.substack.com) to start getting the Tap, Churn, Hearth, and Tulip and Schooner.
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heavytable.com
Our 2025 Local Food Gift Guide is up! 80+ foods, drinks, events, pop-up cocktail bars, shops, home goods and more, right in time for the holiday crunch. And it's written by humans for humans, like everything in our newsletters. Cheers and happy holidays! heavytable.substack.com/p/the-2025-h...
The 2025 Heavy Table Local Food Gift Guide
Our mega-gift guide in lieu of the Tap newsletter for Friday, December 5, 2025
heavytable.substack.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:12 PM
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bubbaprog.xyz
ICE raided a James Beard award winning restaurant & because the chef/owner was prepared, left emptyhanded:
Photo shared by Christina Nguyen on December 04, 2025 tagging @naomi.marie__, @nathanmiller612, @rubyscher, @holaarepa, @birksg, @chefjholig, and @haihaimpls. May be an image of text that says 'AS SOME OF YOU MAY HAVE HEARD, I.C.E. PAID US A VISIT AT AREPA YESTERDAY. OUR GM NAOMI & TEAM MEMBERS FOLLOWED OUR ICE PROTOCOL PERFECTLY, THE AGENTS LEFT & NO ONE WAS DETAINED. tO WHOEVER NEEDS THIS: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WHEN IT COMES TO I.C.E. (1/5)'. christinanguyenmpls 11h We had an ICE scare yesterday and even though we’re afraid of the repercussions of being vocal, we feel that it’s also important to inform people that this is right at our front door. ICE is not some far away boogeyman. They are here right now, spreading fear in our community. We’re so grateful to our entire staff and their bravery. They did the right things and couldn’t have dealt with this situation in a better way. We are grateful to our community activists that came to support us from @miracmn @litosonlake and Monarcha. We hope that if you find yourself in the same situation, that you find these resources helpful. Peace and take care of each other ❤️ Photo by Christina Nguyen on December 04, 2025. May be an image of text that says 'IF I.C.E. COMES TO YOUR RESTAURANT: UNLESS THE AGENTS HAVE A SIGNED JUDICIAL WARRANT, THEY CANNOT ENTER A PRIVATE AREA LIKE THE KITCHEN WITHOUT YOUR PERMISSION EVEN IF THEY LIE AND SAY THY DON'T NEED A WARRANT, STAND YOUR GROUND AND INSIST THAT YOU NEED PAPERWORK (2/5)'. Photo by Christina Nguyen on December 04, 2025. May be an image of text that says 'IF I.C.E. COMES TO YOUR RESTAURANT: HAVE OTHER STAFF OR PEOPLE PRESENT RECORD THEM AND EVERYTHING THEY ARE SAYING. (PEOPLE DOING UNLAWFUL THINGS HATE BEING CAUGHT IN TH ACT) YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to REFUSE SERVICE & YOU CAN ASK M tO LEAVE YOUR PRIVATE PROPERTY IF THY DON'T HAVE A WARRANT. (3/5)'. WE ARE HEARTBROKEN THAT OUR IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES IN THE TWIN CITIES ARE BEING TARGETED AND TERRORIZED BY THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION. THESE ARE REAL PEOPLE THAT ARE BEING USED AS POLITICAL PAWNS AND IT'S APPALLING. REGARDLESS OF THEIR LEGAL STATUS, THERE ARE SO MANY LATINOS & SOMALIANS WHO ARE AFRAID OF BEING DETAINED DUE TO MISTAKEN IDENTITY BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY MIGHT NOT GET DUE PROCESS & A FAIR TRIAL. THEY WILL JUST END UP IN DETENTION CENTERS & A LEGAL PROCESS THAT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS A BLACK HOLE. WE STAND IN SUPPORT OF OUR IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY, WHO ARE THE BACKBONE OF THIS COUNTRY. WITHOUT IMMIGRANTS, AMERICA IS NOT THE SAME PLACE. STAY SAFE OUT THERE & TAKE CARE OF YOUR NEIGHBORS. LOVE, HOLA AREPA & HAI HAI (5/5)
December 5, 2025 at 3:24 PM
heavytable.com
New video just dropped: Ichigo Tokyo Crepes of Minneapolis. Free for all over on Substack, cheers and bon appetit! heavytable.substack.com/p/mia-oi-of-...
November 19, 2025 at 4:34 PM
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natepentz.bsky.social
Y'all go eat some food at Emily's Lebanese!
Your help is necessary for us to stay open. Lunch hour isn’t what it used to be; it’s experiencing a slowdown and we need help from the community to stay afloat. If you’re in the area please stop by for lunch or food to take home for your family. Thanks for reading this and please take time to help your favorite Lebanese deli stay in business for another 50 years!!
November 14, 2025 at 8:13 PM
heavytable.com
Heavy Table contributor Roseanne Pereira talks Moona Moono in Uptown over on City Cast Twin Cities: twincities.citycast.fm/podcasts/oh-...
Oh No, My Weed Drinks! Plus, Assault Weapons Ban and Sesame Latte Joy - City Cast Twin Cities
The federal government is reopened, but in exchange, the weed drink industry might go under. Drew Hurst, CEO of Bauhaus Brew Labs, says re-criminal...
twincities.citycast.fm
November 14, 2025 at 6:40 PM
heavytable.com
Zen Box Izakaya is closing Nov. 22 after 21 years in business, citing road construction and the pending sale of its building.
Lina Goh and John Ng of Zen Box Izakaya. Dale Yasunaga / Heavy Table / File Ramen from Zen Box Izakaya. Dale Yasunaga / Heavy Table / File
October 31, 2025 at 1:42 PM
heavytable.com
Tomorrow in the newsletter: Chi-Chi's 2.0. Huge buzz! Surprisingly challenging reservations! Can this reanimated dinosaur survive in a modern environment absolutely stuffed with terrific Mexican and Mexican-inspired dining?
Exterior photo of Chi-Chi's Mexican restaurant in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota. Becca Dilley / Heavy Table A blue bowl of fried ice cream covered in whipped cream and caramel drizzle from Chi-Chi's in Saint Louis Park. Becca Dilley / Heavy Table
October 30, 2025 at 3:48 PM
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jrnorton.bsky.social
the Scandinavians have rights we Americans haven’t even dreamed up yet
An IKEA gravy packet that reads: “Allemansrätten is everyone’s right to field, forest, and a fine meal with savoury sauce”
October 25, 2025 at 6:10 PM
heavytable.com
Minnesota Meeting: Next in News
Hear from leaders who are shaping the future of journalism, with a keynote conversation with Kara Swisher.
(Sponsored by @mplsfoundation.bsky.social )
Minnesota Meeting: Next in News
Join us for an event focused on our local news ecosystem and how Minnesotans get their information.
www.eventbrite.com
October 2, 2025 at 6:04 AM
Reposted by Heavy Table
startribune.com
#BREAKING Sean Sherman’s James Beard Award-winning Minneapolis restaurant is leaving Water Works Pavilion, making a dramatic move into the landmark arts venue.
Acclaimed Indigenous restaurant Owamni to relocate to Guthrie Theater in 2026
Sean Sherman’s James Beard Award-winning Minneapolis restaurant is leaving Water Works Pavilion, making a dramatic move into the landmark arts venue.
bit.ly
October 1, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Reposted by Heavy Table
longfellowwhatever.bsky.social
In the newsletter: A sneak peek of the Shepherd's Table cheese shop and deli, ahead of its grand opening tomorrow.
🧀 First look: Shepherd's Table
A sneak peek of the long-awaited neighborhood cheese shop and deli.
www.longfellowwhatever.com
September 19, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Reposted by Heavy Table
eliradtke17.bsky.social
Diners, drive-ins and… gas stations? I get to try the new menu collaboration between Guy Fieri and Holiday/Circle K station stores. Come along for the ride with me and @heavytable.com
September 17, 2025 at 3:30 PM
heavytable.com
This week in the newsletter: how AI "art" resembles dodgy suburban sushi; also, some excellent deli-style sandwiches. Also: Maybe a trip to Flavortown?!
A baked sushi roll with parmesan sauce. James Norton / Heavy Table The exterior of North Star Deli in Minneapolis. James Norton / Heavy Table
September 17, 2025 at 1:39 PM
heavytable.com
Editor James Norton, who is apparently very tired, has done a notebook dump and hyped up all the great stories and photos coming your way in tomorrow's newsletters.
jrnorton.bsky.social James Norton @jrnorton.bsky.social · Sep 11
I don't post much about Heavy Table because, frankly, I am tired out from editing and writing. But tomorrow's newsletter has a terrific interview with Ben Wu from Red Coral coffee, who is doing delicious work in Longfellow. Story by @jeannelakso.bsky.social, photos by Becca Dilley. 1/4
Ben Wu of Red Coral Coffee in Minneapolis stands behind the counter at his coffee shop inside Okome House restaurant. Becca Dilley / Heavy Table A white coffee cup containing a latte with a foam art flower with bloom and petals on a glossy brown wood table at Red Coral Coffee in Minneapolis. Becca Dilley / Heavy Table
September 11, 2025 at 8:47 PM
heavytable.com
Minnesota Meeting: Next in News
Hear from leaders who are shaping the future of journalism, with a keynote conversation with Kara Swisher. (Sponsored by @mplsfoundation.bsky.social)
Minnesota Meeting: Next in News
Join us for an event focused on our local news ecosystem and how Minnesotans get their information.
www.eventbrite.com
September 11, 2025 at 12:10 AM
heavytable.com
Live for our subscribers (free and paid): Nathan Wold's mini-documentary on Mrs. Dessert and Kumpir, a border-straddling wonderland of Middle Eastern sweets with a world food twist. heavytable.substack.com/p/video-rose...
September 10, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Reposted by Heavy Table
visitlakestreet.com
One day until the Taco Tour on Lake Street, Saturday, September 6th! 🌮

Be there to enjoy tacos, music, family games, contests, and free swag! 🙌✨

📅 Saturday, September 6
🕛 12–8 PM
📍 El Nuevo Campo | 2709 E Lake Street, Minneapolis

#TacoTourOnLakeStreet #VisitLakeStreet #HotSauceTasting #TacoTour
September 5, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Reposted by Heavy Table
liaswopemitchell.bsky.social
This is so great! Really happy for Diane and her team
www.foodandwine.com/2025-restaur...
With Traditional Hmong Cooking and Soulful Pastries, Our 2025 Restaurant of the Year Feels Just Like Home
Food & Wine names Diane's Place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the 2025 Restaurant of the Year. With croissant French toast, warming duck stew, and a soulful energy, this Minneapolis restaurant feels like...
www.foodandwine.com
September 2, 2025 at 6:07 PM
heavytable.com
Tomorrow morning! All subscribers! Chef Leonard Anderson of Tongue in Cheek in Saint Paul talks about how he bounced back from a bout with cancer that took his sense of taste.
August 28, 2025 at 11:36 PM
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billchilds.bsky.social
There are a lot—a LOT—of reviews of new State Fair foods and drinks, but every year my favorite is Heavy Table’s. It’s an absurd achievement.
jrnorton.bsky.social James Norton @jrnorton.bsky.social · Aug 22
BEHOLD the State Fair mega-post! 75 freakin' items, 8,900 words, assessments without fear or favor, a dash of satire, spiritous beverages, interviews with the new foodsmiths… holy hell, we were busy. Bon appetit and happy hunting! heavytable.substack.com/p/the-2025-m...
The Uncrustaburger in all its sloppy glory. Andy DuCett / Heavy Table Snapshots of the Minnesota State Fair - people strolling, people sitting on benches, a customer buying food, the Ferris wheel. Becca Dilley / Heavy Table Burrito Mercado flauta dippers in a plastic cup, on a wooden table next to a pair of sunglasses. Joshua Feist / Heavy Table
August 22, 2025 at 2:46 PM
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therafischwartz.bsky.social
there's really only one fair food roundup worth following, and it's absolutely @heavytable.com
jrnorton.bsky.social James Norton @jrnorton.bsky.social · Aug 22
BEHOLD the State Fair mega-post! 75 freakin' items, 8,900 words, assessments without fear or favor, a dash of satire, spiritous beverages, interviews with the new foodsmiths… holy hell, we were busy. Bon appetit and happy hunting! heavytable.substack.com/p/the-2025-m...
The Uncrustaburger in all its sloppy glory. Andy DuCett / Heavy Table Snapshots of the Minnesota State Fair - people strolling, people sitting on benches, a customer buying food, the Ferris wheel. Becca Dilley / Heavy Table Burrito Mercado flauta dippers in a plastic cup, on a wooden table next to a pair of sunglasses. Joshua Feist / Heavy Table
August 22, 2025 at 1:27 PM
heavytable.com
The fruits of our incredibly hot / caloric / chaotic labor yesterday. 12 contributors made this guide into a reality - read it and luxuriate in the utter insanity that is the Minnesota State Fair. And thanks to our paying subscribers for making it all possible!
jrnorton.bsky.social James Norton @jrnorton.bsky.social · Aug 22
BEHOLD the State Fair mega-post! 75 freakin' items, 8,900 words, assessments without fear or favor, a dash of satire, spiritous beverages, interviews with the new foodsmiths… holy hell, we were busy. Bon appetit and happy hunting! heavytable.substack.com/p/the-2025-m...
The Uncrustaburger in all its sloppy glory. Andy DuCett / Heavy Table Snapshots of the Minnesota State Fair - people strolling, people sitting on benches, a customer buying food, the Ferris wheel. Becca Dilley / Heavy Table Burrito Mercado flauta dippers in a plastic cup, on a wooden table next to a pair of sunglasses. Joshua Feist / Heavy Table
August 22, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Reposted by Heavy Table
jrnorton.bsky.social
BEHOLD the State Fair mega-post! 75 freakin' items, 8,900 words, assessments without fear or favor, a dash of satire, spiritous beverages, interviews with the new foodsmiths… holy hell, we were busy. Bon appetit and happy hunting! heavytable.substack.com/p/the-2025-m...
The Uncrustaburger in all its sloppy glory. Andy DuCett / Heavy Table Snapshots of the Minnesota State Fair - people strolling, people sitting on benches, a customer buying food, the Ferris wheel. Becca Dilley / Heavy Table Burrito Mercado flauta dippers in a plastic cup, on a wooden table next to a pair of sunglasses. Joshua Feist / Heavy Table
August 22, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Reposted by Heavy Table
douglasmack.bsky.social
If you want all the fair food intel, you're gonna want to follow Heavy Table

bsky.app/profile/heav...
heavytable.com Heavy Table @heavytable.com · Aug 20
We'll be out in force tomorrow eating and drinking … oh, I dunno, let's say 50-70 different things at the Minnesota State Fair. Celebrating 15 years of this insanity, folks! Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more...
An outstretched hand lovingly cradles a cardboard basket of crispy golden fried cheese curds at the Minnesota State Fair. Heavy Table / File An illustration of The Lunch Box, with its circular sign sprouting three smaller colorful circular signs touting Burgers, Fries, and Hot Dogs. WACSO / Heavy Table / File A lumpy doughnut topped by a raspberry and a suspicious looking yellow and pink pebbly paste and impaled by a flavor-concealing plastic pink test tube. Heavy Table / File
August 21, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Reposted by Heavy Table
itsthebrandi.bsky.social
We are about to riot over this dubai chocolate thing (derogatory). If you want to read a thorough report of ever single new food and drink at the fair from an exceptional crew, subscribe to @heavytable.com. drops tomorrow AM
August 21, 2025 at 4:29 PM