staff image

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

12 great new burgers to try in the Twin Cities area

Chefs are bringing their beefy best to the table, and burger lovers are better for it.
March 20, 2025

First look: Khue’s Kitchen is right at home in St. Paul

Eric Pham’s longtime pop-up is setting down roots with a bold, modern take on the Vietnamese dishes he grew up eating.
March 19, 2025

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.
March 18, 2025
A thick, breaded chicken sandwich with chili crisp, topped with green lettuce on a toasted bun

Minnesota restaurant and Detroit Lakes area sculptures make Time’s ‘World’s Greatest Places’ list

It’s the latest accolade for Vinai, chef Yia Vang’s ode to his family’s Hmong cooking, and a boon to artist Thomas Dambo’s sprawling exhibit.
March 13, 2025

What are Minnesota’s best fast-food fish sandwiches? We grade 12.

The Taste editor and the intern go head to head and tackle the local Lenten sandwich staples. Opinions — and stamina — differ.
March 12, 2025

How two Minnesota sisters became the Food Dolls – and an internet sensation

Alia and Radwa Elkaffas create easy-to-follow recipes that blend their Egyptian heritage and Midwestern upbringing. Their debut cookbook is out now.
February 25, 2025

Chi-Chi’s announces first two Minnesota locations as part of its comeback

Plus: Korean barbecue and hotpot chain to open first Minnesota location in Maple Grove, a sandwich pop-up at Surly and more.
February 25, 2025
573505721

The 5 best things our food writers ate this week

Housemade animal crackers, Spam sliders, a sushi pop-up, nostalgic hot turkey sandwiches and more made for fun times.
February 21, 2025
A paper basket of animal crackers on a black countertop

What are Minnesota’s best fast-food fish sandwiches? We grade 12.

The Taste editor and the intern go head to head and tackle the local Lenten sandwich staples. Opinions — and stamina — differ.
March 12, 2025

How two Minnesota sisters became the Food Dolls – and an internet sensation

Alia and Radwa Elkaffas create easy-to-follow recipes that blend their Egyptian heritage and Midwestern upbringing. Their debut cookbook is out now.
February 25, 2025

Chi-Chi’s announces first two Minnesota locations as part of its comeback

Plus: Korean barbecue and hotpot chain to open first Minnesota location in Maple Grove, a sandwich pop-up at Surly and more.
February 25, 2025
573505721

The 5 best things our food writers ate this week

Housemade animal crackers, Spam sliders, a sushi pop-up, nostalgic hot turkey sandwiches and more made for fun times.
February 21, 2025
A paper basket of animal crackers on a black countertop
Back to Top