https://www.facebook.com/676907848846630/

Fūd Gnawldge

Know Before You Go! National chains? Not my style. Local restaurants run by passionate chefs? That’s where you’ll find me. Maybe we’ll agree to disagree.

Call it bias if you want—you’d be absolutely right. I’d choose a neighborhood spot over a big corporate chain any day of the week. There’s something about supporting someone’s dream, watching creativity unfold on a plate, and feeling that connection to a community that you just can’t get at a franchise. Sure, I grab something quick when I’m pressed for time—convenience has its place. But when I ca

n, I’m all about the local kitchens. The flavors are bolder, the dishes more imaginative, and the ingredients? Often fresh, seasonal, and sourced nearby. Every meal feels intentional, like the chef’s personality is woven into it. So, follow me along this crazy foodie journey. Maybe you’ll fall in love with a new spot you didn’t know existed. Maybe I’ll find a place I’d rather not visit again. One thing’s for sure—there’s always something delicious to discover, and I’m never turning down the next adventure.

01/01/2026

Ordering a smash burger can feel like an act of faith, and everyone who knows me, knows I'm a sucker for one.

You’re betting on perfectly crisped edges on some unapologetically smashed beef - seasoned with the kitchen. It’s supposed to be loud, messy, and a little indulgent. So when a place throws one on the menu, expectations are a given. What you don’t expect is a burger that shows up dressed for the occasion - but proceeds to play it painfully safe.

It had been a while since my last visit, which made the return feel like a fresh start - a clean slate, and open mind. Unfortunately, The Smashy at The Tavern Grill, is at its core, a Big Mac. The build is familiar: thin patties stacked with intention, special-sauce nostalgia, lettuce and grilled onions trying their best to carry the moment. But the flavor never quite arrives. It’s not bad. It’s not offensive. It’s just impressively restrained, like the kitchen murmured “seasoning” under its breath and called it a day.

I kept waiting for it to hit, a little salt even, the way you wait for a chorus to drop. Surely the next bite would be the one. Surely this was intentional. But no - bite after bite delivered pleasant texture and polite beef, with all the excitement of a burger afraid to raise its voice. The result is a glorified McD's Big Mac dressed for a sit-down dinner, charging you for the ambiance but forgetting the soul.

You’ll eat it. You may or may not regret it. But you will leave wondering how a burger with this much swagger in its name could be so shy about flavor. Hey, Smashy, meet seasoning. Specifically: salt.

12/27/2025

Walking into Bravis Craft Mexican Kitchen, the first surprise hits before your drinks even land: no complimentary chips and salsa offered. Seriously? Not a deal breaker for me, and I’m willing to forgive the lack there of, if the food can deliver. After all, you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover… but you can judge a restaurant by what’s on the plate.

I started with the carnitas taco: slow-cooked confit pork topped with cilantro, onion, and avocado-lime salsa. On paper, it sounds like a guaranteed win. In reality, the carnitas didn’t hit at all. The pork was fine, but basic, lacking the depth and richness you expect from confit-style carnitas. This is definitely a taco that needs help from the salsa flight (choose wisely depending on your heat tolerance) to bring any real flavor to the party.

The Loaded Taco, however, was a noticeable step up. The seared steak carried more personality, and the combination of Spanish rice, beans, and cilantro-lime slaw gave it a mouth full of texture and balance flavors. It felt more complete, more intentional - like this is where Bravis starts to understand its own potential.

Overall, Bravis Craft Mexican Kitchen sits somewhere in the middle ground on the 1-10 scale. There’s creativity on the menu and glimpses of real potential, but nothing that truly stands out. Other items sound tempting enough to justify a return visit - yet it’s hard not to hesitate when a Mexican spot can’t quite nail something as foundational as carnitas. Without complimentary chips to set the tone, the tacos have to speak for themselves, and at the moment, some of them are still finding their place on the menu.

12/24/2025

Blue Ox Sandwiches is one of those local spots that keeps things simple and gets it right. No hype, no frills - just a small, neighborhood sammie shop slingin’ good food with fresh ingredients and zero shortcuts.

My go-to is The Meat Axe - with smoked turkey, ham, and salami, topped with swiss and mayo, and built on your choice of white, wheat, or rye, and finished with lettuce and 'matoes (hold the 'matoes). I always go rye - that little bit of bite balances the meat perfectly and makes the whole sandwich sing. It’s hearty without being sloppy, classic without being boring, and every bite reminds you why simple done well, always wins.

But the Blue Ox brings even more to their menu, than just sammies. They’ve got comforting, homemade soups, fresh salads that actually hold their own, and solid fried chicken sammies that prove this place isn’t a one-hit wonder. Everything tastes fresh, made with care, and meant to fill you up—not just look good on a menu board.

This place is the definition of a local gem. Good bread, quality meat, fresh ingredients, and friendly people who know how to build a straightforward sammy. The Meat Axe might be my go-to, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything they’re slingin’.

12/20/2025

7-Spice Chicken from the folks at Big Bowl

Maybe it’s a riff on five-spice with a couple of extra notes layered in—or maybe it’s something entirely its own. Either way, it hits. Hard.

It had been decades since my last visit to Big Bowl (early 2000s, if memory serves me), but one bite of the 7-Flavor Chicken made it feel like a very smart reunion.

The dish is a full-on flavor bomb: aromatic lemongrass and scallions, the bright heat of Fresno peppers, fragrant Thai basil, and crunchy chopped peanuts, all wrapped around impossibly tender, juicy chicken. It’s served over a generous mound of fluffy jasmine rice that happily soaks up every last drop.

The heat is dialed in just right—enough to wake up your palate without overwhelming it—and the balance of bold flavors and contrasting textures keeps you going back for “just one more bite.”

This is my kind of dish. But honestly? You should experience it yourself.

12/10/2025

Kwik Trip Mexican Hamburger Helper!

Really!? Gas station food!? That's what you're choosing to share!?

YEP!

First off, Kwik Trip doesn't actually sell this in their stores, but it was made with leftovers from Kwik Trip products.

Grabbed their pre-made Mac n' Cheese and Tenders after not having anything taken out to prepare for dinner just a couple of nights ago. Just so happens that I had some leftover mac.

Then, mother nature decided to make things a little difficult the next day, so I was back at KT to grab a package of their ground beef to make tacos. Wouldn't you know it - more leftovers!

So I decided it was in my best interest to just combine the leftover taco meat with the leftover mac, and wallah!

Masterpiece!

And I gotta say.... This is pretty damn good for lunch at work!

11/17/2025

Soup Season? My Spoon Is Ready!

There’s a special moment every year when the air shifts just enough to make you crave something warm and soul-hugging. That moment, friends, is the unofficial start of soup season. The sweaters come out, the windows fog up, and suddenly every vegetable in your kitchen is whispering, “Put me in a pot.”

Soup season isn’t just about food - it’s about ritual. It’s the slow sauté of onions on a lazy Sunday, the way broth simmers like it has all the time in the world, the comfort of holding a warm bowl between chilly hands. Whether it’s a creamy lobster bisque, a brothy classic chicken noodle, or a chunky beef and veggie stew that practically eats like a blanket, soup has a way of grounding us when the world starts feeling brisk.

And the best part? Soup rewards creativity. A forgotten half of a squash? In it goes. That lone potato? Perfect. Herbs on their last leg? They were made for this. Soup season celebrates cozy improvisation, turning simple ingredients into something heartfelt.

Grab your ladle - the season is officially here!

But maybe you’re not in the mood to craft a new soup masterpiece at home. Maybe you just want to swing by your favorite local spot and get your soup fix without lifting a ladle. In that case—welcome to Hazelwood.

With 4 locations to choose from, Hazelwood Food & Drink- Bloomington, Hazelwood Food & Drink St. Louis Park, Hazelwood Food and Drink-Tonka Bay, and Hazelwood Food and Drink Woodbury, Hazelwood has a soup just for you.

But if you need a recommendation, it is a must that you get yourself some of their outstanding Lobster Bisque. Not a seafood fan? That's okay, their Chicken Wild Rice will hug the soul!

And, if you just aren't a soup connoisseur, no worries, you will definitely find something on the menu worth consuming and have you going back again.

10/24/2025

Mamma Mia, It's a boy's night out!

My 2 boys and I went out for some 'zza, but I wanted to try something new that none of us have tried yet. we have our favorites, we enjoy other spots too much sometimes, so it was time to venture out of the comfort zone.

And after a little searching, seeing some mouth-watering photos on the interwebs, we decided on a place called Mario's off Cleveland and Marshall - serving up Detroit-style 'zza.

Just a heads up before we get into it, if you plan to make a trip with kiddos present, plan accordingly. They're super popular, super busy and Detroit-style takes a little longer to cook.

With that said, you better make a stop to Mario's. Like right now! Just drop everything you're doing and go!

I've been to Wrecktangle Pizza, Bricksworth Beer Co. and Melt Pizza Company, the chain Jet's Pizza, and now Mario's.

As much as I enjoyed Wrecktangle and Melt as I have shared with my followers, Mario's is hands down #1 in the metro right now, no questions asked, it's not even a close battle, period, exclamation point.

Perfectly prepared Detroit-style 'zza with an awesome buttery, moist base and crust, a delicious mild red sauce, quality MELTED cheese and wonderful helping of cupped pep covering Mario's 'zza. And every bite was enjoyable. Even leaving with the residual aftertaste was enjoyable.

But before we were ready to head out, what I can only assume was the owner, stopped by with some homemade Orio donut holes as a little treat. "I see you're having a little boy's night out, here's a little treat for you."

Yeah... He should never not make those! Outstanding little morsels to enjoy after enjoying such an amazing DS 'zza.

10/22/2025

"World's best cinnamon rolls" according to World's Best Cinnamon Rolls.

Yep, that's what they said about a place called Isles Bun & Coffee

They also said the following:

" Quote -
* The Dough: Soft, pillowy, and slightly ye**ty, Isles’ dough strikes the perfect balance between texture and flavor. Each bite practically melts in your mouth.

* The Filling: A swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar creates an irresistible flavor—sweet, warm, and perfectly spiced. It’s rich but never overpowering.

* The Frosting: Here’s where Isles really shines. Their cream cheese frosting is thick, tangy, and generously slathered on top of each roll. For those who can’t get enough (and trust us, you’ll want more), extra frosting is served in a to-go coffee cup.
- End Quote "

I had friends, family, and acquaintances share similar thoughts about IBC, so it was time I paid them a little visit to see what all the hype was truly about.

There is always a line to get into IBC and after I was able to get my hands on one of their Cinnamon Buns and a Puppy Dog Tail, I don't see why people would wait in long lines in the first place.

The Dough:
Not the softest cinnamon roll or twist, if you like firm pillows - this is your jam, and you better enjoy the wonderful flavor of yeast - because it will hit you right in the face! And each bite isn't all the pleasant. Extremely pungent!

The Filling:
I would go with bland, boring, not all that sweet, and certainty not irresistible!

The Frosting:
It's about the only thing that makes Isles Bun & Coffee shine! A fantastic cream cheese frosting. Can't knock it!

Best cinnamon roll in the world though? Not even close! And if you must know, I would not recommend the cinnamon rolls from Tobies Restaurant either.

Judge me all you want - NOTHING BEATS Cinnabon! Well, at least I haven't come across anything that has....

10/10/2025

Nope, no 'zza this time, but this right here is something special, that's for sure.

This delightful morsel of pure enjoyment is called the Pumped Up Piggy, named after yours truly and can only be found at the St Paul Bagelry.

Their bagel sami's are named after musicians or other cool people, and one day after ordering my go-to breakfast bagel sami, I happened to hear Pumped Up Kicks on the radio and it was a match made in the parking lot.

This bad mama jama starts with a Pumpernickel Bagel, An Egg, Double Bacon and Provolone. Makes sense now... Right!? RIGHT!?

And if you like it a little spicy, get yourself the Spicy Animal (also named after yours truly), but swap out the Pumpernickel with one of their insane tasting Jalapeño Bagels.

Seriously, they're that good!

10/08/2025

Another pizza?

Yes, another pizza!

And if it was a crime to serve such amazing food, the team at Pau Hana would be the first ones heading to jail.

This is the Wanton Chicken 'Zza!

Red sauce, black pepper ricotta, miso/shallot soubise, teriyaki chicken, crispy wonton strips.

I took one bite of this amazing creation, and was instantly getting food gratification.

Every ingredient in this masterpiece paired perfectly together. I would have never considered ricotta as a cheese option on my 'zza - but I could do more of that. The chicken was tender and full of flavor. The soubise and red sauce combo was ridiculous, and the wanton strips added that texture and crunch to bring it all together.

Seriously! You're missing out! Why are you still sitting there, not heading to PH? WHY?

09/20/2025

You can walk through the frozen pizza aisle and contemplate, "should I get the Tombstone, Jack's, Red Baron, "It's not delivery....", California Pizza Kitchen, Lotzza Motzza, Heggies, Green Mill, or one of those over there, that I've never heard of????"

You could do that, OR, hear me out, don't do that and just get yourself some Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria and make sure it's one of these, the Meatball.

Chef’s famous hand-rolled meatballs from select ground beef, Italian Sausage, fresh grated Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and breadcrumbs are complimented by select Fontina and Parmesan cheese and Katie's house made sauce. All staged on a crust of leavened 48-hour dough, that was hand stretched and wood fired at 800º.

It's not even fair to the other brands, either in the frozen aisle OR around town, not fair at all. Katie's is down right amazing and there is no need to buy anything else in that aisle.

If you want to give your taste buds an or**sm, run to Target, grab some Katie's pizzas, and you're welcome!

I can't wait to fill my yapper with some more of this amazing 'zza....

08/24/2025

// Donut Alert!

It's hard to find delicious morning delicacies called donuts, and I've always loved the ones from The Lindstrom Bakery. But, then some sad news came when the original family decided to step aside from the indusrty.

Over the weekend, my oldest and I happened to be driving through Lindstrom and I was reminiscing about how amazing their donuts were.

I got to chatting a out them with my oldest and how I would have loved to be able to get us both another amazing donut for our travels to northern Wisconsin.

To our surprise, as we were just passing the original location - people inside buying delicious baked goods!

Yep, we stopped!

Yep, we drooled!

Yep, we tried!

The brand new owners had been completing a beautiful remodel and crafting their products since I last visited. And I'd like to say - WELL DONE!

As we made small talk, asking what the hot sellers were, I couldn't help, but notice their fritters. Not over-cooked, dry, greasy piles of blah. Instead, perfectly made fritters, like the ones I remember from the original LB.

My son and I took our first bites, and looked at each other as if we just found food heaven. So, it was a must that we fill a bag and bring some extra donuts home with us.

There are hundreds of donut shops all over the state of Minnesota, but they're not doing justice to the art of good baked products and donuts.

However, the all-new Lindstrom Bakery is definitely one that is and you should definitely pay them a visit.

Address

Saint Paul, MN

Website

facebook.com

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Fūd Gnawldge posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Food & Beverage Service in Saint Paul?