7 Minute Miles Header

Savory Chili WcDonald’s Sauce 🍟

Pic posted February 28, 2024

Tried the clown’s new, limited edition nuggie sauce – spicy Chinese takeout vibes 👍


flourish icon

It’s cookies for dinner time again

Pic posted February 27, 2024

My usual “one sleeve at a time” addiction continues


flourish icon

Porzana visit #2

Pic posted February 26, 2024

It appears all of the issues from Porzana visit #1 have been resolved. The place was packed and SK and I had a great time…


flourish icon

Kelly’s Bar in Red Wing, Minnesota

Pic posted February 25, 2024

One of the better burgers I’ve had in a while 👍


flourish icon

My 🐟 Burger Friday

Pic posted February 23, 2024

Stopped in the skyway location during pre-game errands


flourish icon

Great start to a very long Friday 🥩 🍳

Pic posted February 23, 2024

It’s been a while since I had steak and eggs @ Minnehaha Cafe


flourish icon

I am a creature of habit

Pic posted February 22, 2024

My regular breakfast order at the Minnehaha Cafe


flourish icon

🫡 Dinkytown Food PSA 🚨

Posted February 22, 2024

Per Sharyn Jackson at the Star Tribune, Annie’s Parlour is back! Currently only open 4-8pm with malts, but burgers and fries are coming back (along with expanded hours)…


flourish icon

I’ll take a club sandwich and a…

Pic posted February 22, 2024

Another great dinner @ Minnehaha Cafe


flourish icon

Khâluna with John and Cathy

Pic posted February 20, 2024

Great evening in south Minneapolis 💜


flourish icon

Saturday night on Randolph 🍕

Pic posted February 17, 2024

Actually had to wait for a table tonight


flourish icon

It’s been a minute, Perkins Melt

Pic posted February 16, 2024

Chicken strip melt (sub cheddar) @ the Golden Valley location. First eligible senior menu visit 😔


flourish icon

Jon Cheng Restaurant Reviews

Posted February 15, 2024

I originally was critical (no pun intended) of the new Star Tribune food critic, Jon Cheng. Then he went on Niver’s podcast (above) and wrote a lot more (both formal reviews and other things like Q and A columns and first looks) and now I’m a fan. Since the Strib’s online search and staff bio pages are not the greatest, I decided to go find all of his reviews and put them in one spot. Here are all the ones I’ve found, sorted by rating and date published:

Three and a Half Stars *** ½

Three Stars ***

Two and a Half Stars ** ½

Two Stars**

One Star *

Notes:

  • His star scale has always been listed as 1 star = satisfactory, 2 stars = recommended, 3 stars = highly recommended and 4 stars = exceptional. Some reviews list the stars, then have words, others just the stars.
  • No four star reviews (so far). His story about why Minnesota should have a Michelin Guide is a must read, though (as are all the full reviews now).
  • Jealous that he’s been to Demi ten times over the past two years, while I have not yet gone once.
  • Seems weird that Cheng is hardly ever a part of the weekly “5 Best Things” stories, no?
  • Favorite shared trait: we both love large clown fries, hot and fresh with no ketchup. 🍟

flourish icon

Rib Fest 2024: save the date(s)

Pic posted February 14, 2024

Might not be new info, but can’t wait!


flourish icon

Elevated the Super Bowl food game 🏈

Pic posted February 11, 2024

Thanks, Chef SK (and CK and MK for the other great stuff)


flourish icon

Work treats for the trolls

Pic posted February 11, 2024

Everybody still loves the cotton candy


flourish icon

The fortune cookie is right

Pic posted February 9, 2024

Also happy to find Earl’s at the local gas station


flourish icon

Taco Thursday in Woodbury 🌮

Pic posted February 8, 2024

Also, Chilito Thursday (but come on, Zantigo, bring back the ‘Tigo fries already)


flourish icon

Double Smash @ Nova Bar ✅

Pic posted February 7, 2024

It was really great to finally have an open Wednesday to hit up this recommendation from SK. Private Sector Provisions was awesome – nice to meet Brett Splinter and Josh Clark. The root beer old fashioned was great and they even made my burger with no onions…


flourish icon

This make your own food thing is OK

Pic posted February 7, 2024

First the early grilling at home, now my own office deli


flourish icon

90 Years of Old Dutch

Pic posted February 6, 2024

Love the throw-back design


flourish icon

Early grill season in Minnesota

Pic posted February 6, 2024

It was 55F and sunny – just had to throw this on the Weber


flourish icon

Soup of the Day 💯

Pic posted February 5, 2024

The chicken wild rice soup today at Brother’s Deli was top three for me – hope it is a semi-regular thing on their menu


flourish icon

The Stacker and the Spam

Pic posted February 4, 2024

We tried a couple new things last night – so good


flourish icon

Pre-show dinner @ King’s Place

Pic posted February 3, 2024

Glad we got in before the timer ran out


flourish icon