Each Friday, this list will track five of the best things Heavy Table’s writers, editors, and photographers have recently bitten or sipped. Have a suggestion for the Hot Five? Email editor@heavytable.com.
The Hot Five is a weekly feature created by the Heavy Table and supported by Shepherd Song Farm.
Croque Monsieur at Modern Times
What makes a good croque monsieur? They’re not all alike, but let’s examine the version offered at Modern Times: substantial ham, copious (but not excessive!) cheese, soulful bread; and a good balance of saltiness, meaty savory flavor, and the carbo-richness of the bread. A perfectly dressed and perfectly simple side salad was an unexpected bonus.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted from an Instagram post by James Norton]
Japanese Set Breakfast at JK’s Table
When our copy editor Jane Rosemarin reviewed the breakfast at JK’s Table in Edina, I felt compelled to check her work — not from doubting her palate, but from a years-long curiosity about Japanese breakfasts and an inability to find one anywhere else in the metro. As presented at JK’s, the meal is a remarkably simple but classy way to start the day: grilled fish, rice, two tiny rolled herbed omelets, sesame avocado, and pickled veg. It’s a drive, but I’ll be back.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted from an Instagram post by James Norton]
Split Rock at Northern Coffeeworks
The Split Rock at Northern Coffeeworks is like a caffeine flight: You get a cool, light, sparkling iced tea, a bracing single shot of espresso, and a smooth, creamy, not overly sweet maple pecan cortado. Hot, cold, bitter, sweet, everything is here. Not available to go.
[Last Week on the Hot Five: #1 | Submitted by Amy Rea]
Korean Rice Cakes at Sweet Chow
These gorgeous-looking rice cakes are chewy, spicy, rich, and creamy (thank you, poached egg), and they’re a lovely way to do a (lacto ovo) vegetarian lunch in the North Loop.
[Debuting on the Hot Five: #4 | Submitted from a review by James Norton]
Japche at Dong Yang
Dong Yang market’s Japche, a jumble of glass noodles and julienne veg that will satisfy any serious noodle craving, is highly recommended. It’s usually eaten on special occasions in Korea, but here it can be yours anytime for less than 10 bucks.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted from a new series by Mecca Bos]