Food and Drink

Combating loneliness over a shared meal at Gigi’s Cafe
A group of Minnesotans host a weekly gathering at a Minneapolis cafe for a communal meal. The invitation is open to everyone, especially those needing companionship and human connection.
Allianz Field's new menu brings out the flavors of Minnesota
For Minnesota soccer fans, the menu at Allianz Field has expanded beyond traditional stadium food. Quesabirria tacos, spicy chicken sandwiches, and fresh noodle bowls are just a few of the foods that will all be available on menu for the 2024 Major League Soccer season.
Tavern on Grand says goodbye with a final fish fry season
After more than three decades serving up thousands of pounds of fish, a local establishment and institution prepares its final fish fry. The Tavern on Grand in St. Paul announced in January it would be closing its doors for good in the summer.
Beyond the beans: Frogtown’s Flava Café brews hope, community support
Flava Coffee & Café, perhaps the first Black-owned coffee shop in St. Paul’s Frogtown neighborhood, has been open for almost two years and coffee isn’t the only thing brewing. 
Through fufu and sambusas, Rochester students counter misinformed ideas about Africa
As part of our Talking Sense series, correspondent Catharine Richert visited John Marshall High School where the Black Student Union is using Spirit Day, movie nights and lots of food to help students expand their cultural knowledge about Africa.
Appetites: Couple serves up ‘spicy’ love story for Valentine’s Day
For couples looking to spice up their relationship on Valentine’s Day, Tom and Nicole Dokman have a recommendation: Try their 127 spice blend. That’s the name of the spice blend the Minnesota couple created as their signature wedding flavor and party favor.
Three Minnesota chocolatiers share how they fell in love with making chocolate
Valentine’s Day is for lovers ... of chocolate! MPR News host Angela Davis talks with three chocolatiers in Minnesota about what goes into their luscious treats — from growing cacao to dreaming up award-winning bonbons.
To kick off the Chinese New Year, MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with Peter Bian and Linda Cao, the couple behind the acclaimed pop-up Saturday Dumpling Co.
Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift merchandise selling like hotcakes — including this ignitable cake by a Minnesota baker
There are ignitable cakes that burn away a Chiefs logo to reveal Swift’s image underneath. Sweatshirts are emblazoned with “Kelce’s Best Catch” and “Go Kansas City Swiftie.” It is part of what has been described as the Swift effect.