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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

Food & Culture

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
Eat & Drink

We grade 12 Minnesota fast-food fish sandwiches

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

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
Eat & Drink

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
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Eat & Drink

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
Eat & Drink

Savor these 18 cozy wine bars across the Twin Cities area

Intimacy is built into the DNA of these cozy spaces – all centered around something special in the glass.
February 12, 2025
Recipes

How becoming an empty nester changed the way I cook

Two new cookbooks helped me right-size my recipes, and after a little kitchen recalibration, our table for two just got a lot more delicious.
February 12, 2025
Eat & Drink

The best dishes we ate at Minnesota’s 11 James Beard semifinalist restaurants

Want to check out the Minnesota eateries on this year’s long list? Make these menu items part of your order to get a taste of each of these places’ distinct flavor and flair.
February 7, 2025
Eat & Drink

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
Eat & Drink

Savor these 18 cozy wine bars across the Twin Cities area

Intimacy is built into the DNA of these cozy spaces – all centered around something special in the glass.
February 12, 2025
Recipes

How becoming an empty nester changed the way I cook

Two new cookbooks helped me right-size my recipes, and after a little kitchen recalibration, our table for two just got a lot more delicious.
February 12, 2025
Eat & Drink

The best dishes we ate at Minnesota’s 11 James Beard semifinalist restaurants

Want to check out the Minnesota eateries on this year’s long list? Make these menu items part of your order to get a taste of each of these places’ distinct flavor and flair.
February 7, 2025
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