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.
Smoked Lake Trout at Russ Kendall’s
If you find yourself driving to the North Shore, be sure to swing into Russ Kendall’s Smoke House (149 Scenic Dr, Knife River, Minn.). The Lake Superior Smoked Lake Trout is the quintessential food element at our family’s annual summer camping trip to the North Shore. Russ Kendall sources trout fresh from the ice cold waters of Lake Superior and smokes it to perfection. It’s moist, rich, and slightly pungent in flavor, and it’s not overly salty or fishy as some smoke trout can be. The pieces are generous, and the price is right for the quality.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Brenda Johnson]
Iowa Style Pork at The Original on 42nd
Lightly breaded, thinly pounded pork loin pairs up beautifully with pickles, mayo, lettuce, and a massive slice of tomato in the Iowa Style Pork Sandwich at The Original on 42nd. This is the second sandwich we’ve tried at this little independent shop at the old Colossal Cafe location, and it’s the second winner. It’s earthy, comforting, and nicely balanced, and the pork slice on our sandwich was so huge that it overran the bun by a good half inch.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by James Norton]
Local Cherries
It’s cherry time, and if the birds haven’t picked your nearest tree clean, you probably have just days left to beat them to it. Sour cherry trees have become popular on boulevards and front lawns across the Twin Cities. Jewel-like Montmorencys are sweet enough to pop right in your mouth, but also make a fine jam or pie. Next up, blueberries.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Tricia Cornell]
The $5 Cheeseburger at Constantine at the Hotel Ivy
The $5 cheeseburger at Constantine (half of the Constantine/Monello pairing of restaurants at the Hotel Ivy) may be small, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in flavor. The luxuriously buttered bun, the thoroughly melted layer of cheese, and the rich, fully-flavored beef patty combine to make this little burger a rich indulgence. And it’s five bucks! You can’t lose!
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by James Norton]
Carma Tonic from Carma Coffee
I’m always on the hunt for a not-sweet-but-still-refreshing beverage, and Carma Coffee in Minneapolis delivers with the Carma Tonic: two shots of espresso swirled with tonic water, a light touch of sweetener, and lemon. That’s a lot of bitter and tang, but just that little dab of sweetener soothes it enough without tipping it into the cloying range. Entirely refreshing, especially when enjoyed on a sunny day.
[Last Week on the Hot Five: #4 | Submitted by Amy Rea]