FOOD crispy. I’ve never had it cooked like that before. It’s usually soft, or they chop it up, so it ends up chewy like mochi. You should get everything on the menu at Oro by Nixta . Don’t go by yourself, or as a table for two; you need to go with a group of four. They change the menu often. I’d go for the small plates. I’m glad my boyfriend and I went before they got all these accolades. It’s so much harder to get a seat now. NEW AMERICAN All Saints is also good at small plates and veggie dishes. I remember this charred cabbage came out... I thought someone messed up my plate, but it was so good. The char on one side was almost blackened, where it’s gonna turn white, and it was served with a salsa verde and some breadcrumbs. It was so simple, but done so well you know you couldn’t do the same thing at home. When I go out, I want something like that — something that’s a little bit elevated, but not stuffy fi ne dining. Small plates at Oro by Nixta EXPLORE MORE Explore more of Minnesota’s food scene at exploreminnesota.com/things-to-do/food-drink THAI Thai Cafe on University [Avenue] has the best sour pork. Hot Grainz is this little stall in St. Paul. It’s in a building on Lexington and University that probably sells insurance. You walk up, you order and you can sit down, but they only have like fi ve tables. Everything she does there is so freaking good, especially the papaya salad. VIETNAMESE If I’m busy, Quang is my to-go place. I can go in, sit down, and know that it’s gonna come out quick and consistent every single time . I usually get the pho combo (pho thap cam). It has tripe, tendon, meatballs, fl ank steak and brisket. The bún bò hu ế is so good, too. There’s also this platter with greens, herbs, steamed vermicelli noodles, carrots and meatballs. You basically make a lettuce wrap out of it. It’s great, but it’s messy. Boba at Hot Grainz 22 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2025 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 22
