Nicole Hvidsten
Taste Editor
Hvidsten grew up in Minnesota and knew that journalism was her calling way back in middle school, when the Star Tribune published two of her essays. She graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a degree in mass communications and a love for all things journalism and politics. Hvidsten worked at newspapers across the country for several years before finally returning to where it all started. She and her husband are proud parents of three amazing kids.
Latest from Nicole Hvidsten
3 places to get iconic Minnesota chicken wild rice soup
Our unofficial state soup brims with pride and rich comfort.
January 12, 2026
The 5 best things our food writers ate around the Twin Cities this week
Comforting soup, saucy fried chicken sandwiches, paint-your-own cookies, a twist on a sashimi wrap and small-town barbecue are among our favorite bites.
January 9, 2026
Restaurant openings and closings in the Twin Cities
What's open, what's closed and what's still to come in the Twin Cities and beyond.
January 5, 2026
New year, new restaurants: Here are 16 openings we’re excited about
Indigenous barbecue, Hawaiian and French eateries and more are in the works, offering a glimpse of what’s in store for Twin Cities dining.
January 2, 2026
It’s brunch the easy way with these 3 make-ahead recipes that feed a crowd
For the ultimate palate pleaser, go with a hearty sausage bake, decadent French toast and egg pitas.
December 31, 2025
The 5 best things our food writers ate in 2025
Popovers from the North Woods, a last meal at Lurcat, vegan ribs, chile cheese fries and seasonal salads make up this year’s favorite dishes.
December 26, 2025
14 of our favorite new burgers in the Twin Cities to close out 2025
Craggy edges, special sauce and kimchi-spiced — there’s a lot of love to find between two toasted buns.
December 19, 2025
Need a last-minute gift? These 12 food books by Minnesota authors are a place to start
From comfort food recipes courtesy of Stephanie Hansen to Indigenous culinary journeys with Sean Sherman, this year’s stack of local books are page-turners.
December 18, 2025
For better or worse, 15 restaurant trends we’ve noticed this year
It’s been quite a year for Twin Cities restaurants. From basking in the national spotlight to the rise of international flavors, here’s what 2025 had to offer.
December 18, 2025
It’s party time: 4 quick dips for your festive party spreads
Double up on fun with an array of appetizers inspired by salads, a classic Italian dish and a State Fair favorite.
December 16, 2025
The Minnesota Star Tribune names its 10 best new restaurants of 2025
From fine dining to fast casual and barbecue to pasta galore, these are our favorite new eateries. But one stands out above them all.
December 14, 2025
The 5 best things our food writers ate this week
Those congee hash browns really do live up to the hype. Plus, unforgettable tortillas, obsession-worthy caramel rolls and dunking sauces.
December 12, 2025
