The state of independent restaurants in Minnesota in 2018 is not merely strong; it’s exceptionally strong. A number of high-profile openings and announced expansions leave diners with a glittering galaxy of choices that will only continue to brighten as we move into 2019. First and foremost: Carefully curated mini-empires are expanding incrementally and wisely to … [ Read more]
Minnesota Restaurant Openings and Closing in 2018
December 19, 2018 by
The restaurant business is famously volatile, and 2018 in Minnesota was par for the course—dozens of high-profile spots opened or closed their doors in an environment rife with change. But the continued shift of entertainment dollars into dining is still paying dividends for the industry, and openings outnumbered closings as an already lively scene gathered … [ Read more]
Year in Review: Minnesota Beer & Cider in 2018
December 3, 2018 by
By the end of 2018, the United States will have more than 7,000 breweries and brewpubs in operation. To help that sink in, consider that a decade ago that number was 1,574. And 40 years ago, in 1978, there were just 89. This astounding growth in the number of breweries—the vast majority of them independent … [ Read more]
Year in Review: Minnesota’s Arts & Culture Scene in 2018
December 3, 2018 by
Minnesota’s arts and culture scene experienced its fair share of high highs and low lows this year. From the #metoo movement bringing about leadership changes at notable organizations to our state making history by electing the first Somali-American to the U.S. Congress, there was no lack of drama, excitement, anticipation, and disappointment in 2018. Here’s … [ Read more]
Year in Review: Minnesota Wine & Spirits in 2018
December 3, 2018 by
A martini at Nye’s Bar is a fine drink to reflect on the year 2018 in local spirits. In January, this bar, Nye’s in name only, opened in the dust of the demolished Polonaise Room, a place whose divey charm earned it the Best Bar in America designation from Esquire in 2006—a lifetime ago, from the … [ Read more]
