It’s Eater’s tradition to end the year with a survey of local food experts (editors, writers, reporters, and a select few) about the highs, lows, and surprises of meals over the past 365 days. Today, our panel looks at our favorite restaurant meals for 2022. Any thoughts to share? Feel free to add them in the comments.
Stephanie March, Food and Dining Editor Mpls. St. Paul Magazine
Dining at Myriel is just the right dose of sophistication, humility, simple elegance and hospitality. It’s not about a particular dish, it’s about the whole night unfolding around you.
Mecca Bos, Food Writer, Chef, Founder of Hidden BIPOC Foodways
Everything about Khâluna, from the food to the rooms to the hospitality, is as close to a perfect restaurant experience as I had in Minnesota.
Em Cassel, editor and co-owner racket
It’s a draw! The Emerald Lounge at West Seventh has become my go-to place for special occasions. The first time I visited, I was very fascinated.But we also had an unforgettable dinner thanks to the Petit Leon we splurgeMore Wow Too much food left me feeling completely full and satisfied. (Don’t worry, we’ve got the tarta de queso, although it’s stuffed.)
Natalia Mendez, Eater Twin Cities Contributor
Puchi Leon’s special effects friends, no doubt. Atlanta native Chef Cleophus Hethington brings mouthwatering cuisine from the African diaspora. South American and Afro-Caribbean flavors danced across our palates in perfect wine pairings. I am troubled.
Trish Gavin, Bar Master, Eat Street Crossing Beverage Director
Definitely calzada ube pancakes.
James Norton, Editor and Co-Founder of the Heavy Table Newsletter
There are two answers to that. The short answer is an authentic omakase dinner with spirits pairings at Kadonomise, enjoyed with Baja Ontario’s Mike Norton. It was a non-stop onslaught of top quality fish (as well as A5 wagyu beef and other delicacies) cooked with great care and skill. Too much food/flavours/entertainment but not much.
The second is a little more ambiguous. This was dinner at a spot in Bloomington called Dosa South Indian Grill that we enjoyed as part of Heavy Table’s Lindale Avenue checklist. Mutton dosa, really fun pappadi chatter and amazingly delicious dal makhani (lentil and bean curry). Scientists and engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and South Indian dosa are the closest I’ve come to such gritty, full-flavoured, no-frills excellence.
Ali Elabady, Eater Twin Cities Contributor
Because Tortas at La Familia Tapatia was the best way to finally reconnect with friends this year, eating and socializing at a local park.
Alex Lodner, Eater Twin Cities Contributor
Can I have two? We dined on the patio at All Saints this summer and every bite was amazing. Butcher’s Tale has just started serving brunch him and it’s perfect. And those cocktails…
Eater Twin Cities Editor Justin Jones
My family and I had venison tartare, blue corn mash, and elk sandwiches at Owamuni this summer. Whoever you are, I think dining at Owamuni is a subjective exercise and a good look at where and who you’re from. .
