Author | Lightnews

Heavy Table @heavytable.com · 3d

We did a deep dive profile on them back in 2013: heavytable.com/john-and-lin...

John Ng and Lina Goh of Zen Box Izakaya – Heavy Table

Heavy Table @heavytable.com · 3d

Zen Box Izakaya is closing Nov. 22 after 21 years in business, citing road construction and the pending sale of its building.

Lina Goh and John Ng of Zen Box Izakaya. Dale Yasunaga / Heavy Table / File

Ramen from Zen Box Izakaya. Dale Yasunaga / Heavy Table / File

2 4 14

Heavy Table @heavytable.com · 4d

If you're not getting the newsletter - subscribe! $5/month gets you 4 (long, detailed, illustrated) culinary newsletters created by real human writers, photographers, and illustrators. $10/month gets you 2 additional newsletters with an industry focus. heavytable.substack.com

The Heavy Table | James Norton | Substack

The Heavy Table is a team of writers, photographers, and illustrators telling the stories of food and drink in the Upper Midwest. We publish weekly. Click to read The Heavy Table, by James Norton, a S...

heavytable.substack.com

1

Heavy Table @heavytable.com · 4d

Tomorrow in the newsletter: Chi-Chi's 2.0. Huge buzz! Surprisingly challenging reservations! Can this reanimated dinosaur survive in a modern environment absolutely stuffed with terrific Mexican and Mexican-inspired dining?

Exterior photo of Chi-Chi's Mexican restaurant in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota. Becca Dilley / Heavy Table

A blue bowl of fried ice cream covered in whipped cream and caramel drizzle from Chi-Chi's in Saint Louis Park. Becca Dilley / Heavy Table

1 1 2

Reposted by Heavy Table

James Norton @jrnorton.bsky.social · 9d

the Scandinavians have rights we Americans haven’t even dreamed up yet

An IKEA gravy packet that reads: “Allemansrätten is everyone’s right to field, forest, and a fine meal with savoury sauce”

7 28 270

Heavy Table @heavytable.com · Oct 2

Minnesota Meeting: Next in News
Hear from leaders who are shaping the future of journalism, with a keynote conversation with Kara Swisher.
(Sponsored by @mplsfoundation.bsky.social )

Minnesota Meeting: Next in News

Join us for an event focused on our local news ecosystem and how Minnesotans get their information.

www.eventbrite.com

2

Reposted by Heavy Table

Minnesota Star Tribune @startribune.com · Oct 1

#BREAKING Sean Sherman’s James Beard Award-winning Minneapolis restaurant is leaving Water Works Pavilion, making a dramatic move into the landmark arts venue.

Acclaimed Indigenous restaurant Owamni to relocate to Guthrie Theater in 2026

Sean Sherman’s James Beard Award-winning Minneapolis restaurant is leaving Water Works Pavilion, making a dramatic move into the landmark arts venue.

bit.ly

1 6 26

Heavy Table @heavytable.com · Oct 1

Yeah, that’s WACSO’s art!

1 2

Reposted by Heavy Table

longfellowwhatever.bsky.social @longfellowwhatever.bsky.social · Sep 19

In the newsletter: A sneak peek of the Shepherd's Table cheese shop and deli, ahead of its grand opening tomorrow.

🧀 First look: Shepherd's Table

A sneak peek of the long-awaited neighborhood cheese shop and deli.

www.longfellowwhatever.com

1 1

Reposted by Heavy Table

Eli Radtke @eliradtke17.bsky.social · Sep 17

Diners, drive-ins and… gas stations? I get to try the new menu collaboration between Guy Fieri and Holiday/Circle K station stores. Come along for the ride with me and @heavytable.com

2 1 9

Heavy Table @heavytable.com · Sep 17

The magic is all happening via The Heavy Table and its numerous associated culinary newsletters. Like and subscribe, yada yada: heavytable.substack.com

The Heavy Table | James Norton | Substack

The Heavy Table is a team of writers, photographers, and illustrators telling the stories of food and drink in the Upper Midwest. We publish weekly. Click to read The Heavy Table, by James Norton, a S...

heavytable.substack.com

Heavy Table @heavytable.com · Sep 17

This week in the newsletter: how AI "art" resembles dodgy suburban sushi; also, some excellent deli-style sandwiches. Also: Maybe a trip to Flavortown?!

A baked sushi roll with parmesan sauce. James Norton / Heavy Table

The exterior of North Star Deli in Minneapolis. James Norton / Heavy Table

1 1

Heavy Table @heavytable.com · Sep 11

Editor James Norton, who is apparently very tired, has done a notebook dump and hyped up all the great stories and photos coming your way in tomorrow's newsletters.

James Norton @jrnorton.bsky.social · Sep 11

I don't post much about Heavy Table because, frankly, I am tired out from editing and writing. But tomorrow's newsletter has a terrific interview with Ben Wu from Red Coral coffee, who is doing delicious work in Longfellow. Story by @jeannelakso.bsky.social, photos by Becca Dilley. 1/4

Ben Wu of Red Coral Coffee in Minneapolis stands behind the counter at his coffee shop inside Okome House restaurant. Becca Dilley / Heavy Table

A white coffee cup containing a latte with a foam art flower with bloom and petals on a glossy brown wood table at Red Coral Coffee in Minneapolis. Becca Dilley / Heavy Table

2 4

Heavy Table @heavytable.com · Sep 11

Minnesota Meeting: Next in News
Hear from leaders who are shaping the future of journalism, with a keynote conversation with Kara Swisher. (Sponsored by @mplsfoundation.bsky.social)

Minnesota Meeting: Next in News

Join us for an event focused on our local news ecosystem and how Minnesotans get their information.

www.eventbrite.com

2

Heavy Table @heavytable.com · Sep 10

Live for our subscribers (free and paid): Nathan Wold's mini-documentary on Mrs. Dessert and Kumpir, a border-straddling wonderland of Middle Eastern sweets with a world food twist. heavytable.substack.com/p/video-rose...

1 6 60

Reposted by Heavy Table

Visit Lake Street @visitlakestreet.com · Sep 5

One day until the Taco Tour on Lake Street, Saturday, September 6th! 🌮

Be there to enjoy tacos, music, family games, contests, and free swag! 🙌✨

📅 Saturday, September 6
🕛 12–8 PM
📍 El Nuevo Campo | 2709 E Lake Street, Minneapolis

#TacoTourOnLakeStreet #VisitLakeStreet #HotSauceTasting #TacoTour

1 5 6

Reposted by Heavy Table

Lia Swope Mitchell @liaswopemitchell.bsky.social · Sep 2

This is so great! Really happy for Diane and her team
www.foodandwine.com/2025-restaur...

With Traditional Hmong Cooking and Soulful Pastries, Our 2025 Restaurant of the Year Feels Just Like Home

Food & Wine names Diane's Place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the 2025 Restaurant of the Year. With croissant French toast, warming duck stew, and a soulful energy, this Minneapolis restaurant feels like...

www.foodandwine.com

2 5

Heavy Table @heavytable.com · Aug 28

If you're not subscribing to Heavy Table, you're missing dozens of great Upper Midwestern food and drink stories every month. Join us: heavytable.substack.com

The Heavy Table | James Norton | Substack

The Heavy Table is a team of writers, photographers, and illustrators telling the stories of food and drink in the Upper Midwest. We publish weekly. Click to read The Heavy Table, by James Norton, a S...

heavytable.substack.com

Heavy Table @heavytable.com · Aug 28

Tomorrow morning! All subscribers! Chef Leonard Anderson of Tongue in Cheek in Saint Paul talks about how he bounced back from a bout with cancer that took his sense of taste.

1 7

Reposted by Heavy Table

Bill Childs @billchilds.bsky.social · Aug 22

There are a lot—a LOT—of reviews of new State Fair foods and drinks, but every year my favorite is Heavy Table’s. It’s an absurd achievement.

James Norton @jrnorton.bsky.social · Aug 22

BEHOLD the State Fair mega-post! 75 freakin' items, 8,900 words, assessments without fear or favor, a dash of satire, spiritous beverages, interviews with the new foodsmiths… holy hell, we were busy. Bon appetit and happy hunting! heavytable.substack.com/p/the-2025-m...

The Uncrustaburger in all its sloppy glory. Andy DuCett / Heavy Table

Snapshots of the Minnesota State Fair - people strolling, people sitting on benches, a customer buying food, the Ferris wheel. Becca Dilley / Heavy Table

Burrito Mercado flauta dippers in a plastic cup, on a wooden table next to a pair of sunglasses. Joshua Feist / Heavy Table

1 6

Reposted by Heavy Table

Rafi @therafischwartz.bsky.social · Aug 22

there's really only one fair food roundup worth following, and it's absolutely @heavytable.com

James Norton @jrnorton.bsky.social · Aug 22

BEHOLD the State Fair mega-post! 75 freakin' items, 8,900 words, assessments without fear or favor, a dash of satire, spiritous beverages, interviews with the new foodsmiths… holy hell, we were busy. Bon appetit and happy hunting! heavytable.substack.com/p/the-2025-m...

1 3 6

Heavy Table @heavytable.com · Aug 22

The fruits of our incredibly hot / caloric / chaotic labor yesterday. 12 contributors made this guide into a reality - read it and luxuriate in the utter insanity that is the Minnesota State Fair. And thanks to our paying subscribers for making it all possible!

James Norton @jrnorton.bsky.social · Aug 22

BEHOLD the State Fair mega-post! 75 freakin' items, 8,900 words, assessments without fear or favor, a dash of satire, spiritous beverages, interviews with the new foodsmiths… holy hell, we were busy. Bon appetit and happy hunting! heavytable.substack.com/p/the-2025-m...

6

Reposted by Heavy Table

James Norton @jrnorton.bsky.social · Aug 22

BEHOLD the State Fair mega-post! 75 freakin' items, 8,900 words, assessments without fear or favor, a dash of satire, spiritous beverages, interviews with the new foodsmiths… holy hell, we were busy. Bon appetit and happy hunting! heavytable.substack.com/p/the-2025-m...

1 12 27

Heavy Table @heavytable.com · Aug 21

“The scorpion was chewy,” reports John Garland.

A scorpion in a lollipop on the edge of the Stinger wine drink from the Hideaway. James Norton / Heavy Table

2 5

Reposted by Heavy Table

Doug Mack @douglasmack.bsky.social · Aug 21

If you want all the fair food intel, you're gonna want to follow Heavy Table

bsky.app/profile/heav...

Heavy Table @heavytable.com · Aug 20

We'll be out in force tomorrow eating and drinking … oh, I dunno, let's say 50-70 different things at the Minnesota State Fair. Celebrating 15 years of this insanity, folks! Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more...

An outstretched hand lovingly cradles a cardboard basket of crispy golden fried cheese curds at the Minnesota State Fair. Heavy Table / File

An illustration of The Lunch Box, with its circular sign sprouting three smaller colorful circular signs touting Burgers, Fries, and Hot Dogs. WACSO / Heavy Table / File

A lumpy doughnut topped by a raspberry and a suspicious looking yellow and pink pebbly paste and impaled by a flavor-concealing plastic pink test tube. Heavy Table / File

1 6