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.
Ogaawag (Walleye) Taco from the Tatanka Truck
Anyone who doubts that we’re living in a food renaissance should swing by the new Tatanka Truck, which is slinging modern takes on Precolonial native cuisine. We tried and greatly enjoyed the earthy, layered flavor of a sumac-seared Red Lake walleye fillet served on a native corn and bean bread with wojapi (a tart berry sauce).
[Debuting on the Hot Five | From an Instagram post by James Norton]
Pistachio-Pumpkin Seed-Coconut-Cherry Granola from Gustola
Gustola Granola is made in Minneapolis and sold in several retail locations that focus on quality food. I’ve crunched my way through a plethora of bags / boxes of granola — Gustola Granola was good, and I mean REALLY good. Without realizing my consumption, I ate a whole bag of the Pistachio Pumpkin Seed Coconut Cherry in less than 8 hours. Started with breakfast and ended with dessert (sprinkled over ice cream).
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Brenda Johnson]
Korean Fried Cauliflower at Icehouse
The mildly spicy and perfectly fried cauliflower is a crisp offset to the thick but tender kimchi pancakes that are best eaten under a drenching of the fried egg’s yolk. There are generous dollops of gochujang sauce to add some heat, if you like. Lots of flavor and texture in a not-overly-huge lunch plate.
[Last Week on the Hot Five: #3 | Submitted by Amy Rea]
Gazpacho at Rincon 38
Rincon 38 continues to amaze with its art of small plates. The gazpacho on the summer menu is a yellow-tomato and cucumber soup with celery leaves and tangerine oil. It’s served with a couple of little grilled-to-perfection Manchego cheese sandwiches.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Brenda Johnson]
Drowned Sandwich at Pedal Pushers Cafe
While in Lanesboro, Minnesota, we came across the Pedal Pushers Cafe. We highly recommend the Drowned Sandwich: shredded beer-roasted pork, smothered in a spicy Mexican-style chili sauce, topped with red onions, red peppers, cucumber, and fresh cilantro.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Brenda Johnson]