Food editor
Jess Fleming
Jess Fleming has been with the Pioneer Press since 1999, and has been covering the Eat beat since 2012. She is an adventurous eater, cook and gardener, but will only grow something she can eat. She is a graduate of the journalism school at the University of Minnesota and a native of Eastern Wisconsin, where she grew up eating good brats, good cheese and fresh vegetables from her dad’s garden.
All Stories
Here are our thoughts on the new drinks, grouped by location, in the order we sampled them.
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From new classics to mixed up combos: Our rankings of the State Fair’s new foods for 2024
A little weather might have delayed our hot takes on the new foods at the Minnesota State Fair, but we persevered for you!
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Lavender and cherry harvest a delicious time in Wisconsin’s Door County
It is a bit of an endeavor to get to this place, but that first whiff made it all worthwhile.
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Your list of 63 (!) new beverages at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair
There’s a heavy emphasis on sweet stuff and fruited beers.
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Small Bites: House-made pizza, beer make a welcome pair at Gambit
Not only is the brewery serving tasty, creative beers, but they also have house-made bar pizza, hot dogs and other snacks.
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Small Bites: Tasty arepas shine at Crasqui as menu expands to breakfast, lunch
"Those golden, delicate arepas are my new obsession," Jess Fleming writes.
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Vinai, chef Yia Vang’s love letter to family and country, opens in Northeast Minneapolis
The menu is structured to be family-style — meat platters feed several people, and side dishes and appetizers are made for sharing.
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Beirut Restaurant in West St. Paul to move and change concepts
The new Rosemount location will be counter service, with an emphasis on takeout and catering.
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Recipes: Fresh souvlaki menu inspired by trip to Greece
We accompanied this menu with some small flatbread from St. Paul Flatbread Company, and because I cannot get enough of it, their creamy, dreamy garlic sauce.
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Chef Brian Ingram of Hope Breakfast, others to compete on ‘Beat Bobby Flay’
The judges for the episode are "Top Chef" alum Joe Sasto, Food Network regular James Briscione and Bronx-based chef and internet personality Mama Tanya.