Food & Drink | Midway Como Frogtown Monitor

What’s opening in the Midway?

University Avenue has always been a hot spot for enjoying a diverse cuisine. And the restaurant industry is always changing; on one hand we don’t like seeing our favorite places close but there … more

By Chad Kulas, Midway Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, chad@midwaychamber.com | 7/14/23

Shaunie Grisby hopes to create a place like The Den from the television series “Moesha”– a place that is a community hangout. Flava Coffee and Cafe at 623 University Ave. West serves beverages, breakfast and lunch. “I wanted to create a space like that where people loved being,” said Grisby. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

One latte at a time

Frogtown has a coffee shop again.Over three years of planning culminated with the official opening of Flava Coffee and Cafe on Aug. 27, 2022 in the newly built Neighborhood Development Center at the … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 11/9/22 | 1 comment

An early dining hall at the fair is in the background. There have been several buildings over the last 125 years.

125 years: Hamline Church Dining Hall

The Hamline Church Dining Hall marks 125 years at the Minnesota State Fair this year, with a special event at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 25. The celebration of the state fair’s oldest food … more

By JANE McCLURE | 8/12/22

Kari Olsen, at left, chats with a community member while working in the Shobi’s Table food truck., In 2021, Shobi’s served 4,691 meals through the food truck and brought 932 meals to other partners. (Photos submitted)

A COMMON TABLE

In the summer of 2021, a woman came to get lunch at Shobi’s Table, a pay-as-you-can food truck started by Christ Lutheran Church (105 University Ave. W.), just because she saw the big blue … more

By CHLOE PETER | 7/13/22

Andrea Yoder carrying a bucket of ramps at Harmony Valley.

CSAs enhance farmer/eater relationship

Just what is a CSA? “A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a direct partnership between consumers and local producers,” explained Abby Rogosheske of Seward Co-op. “A consumer … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 3/17/22

At the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center food shelf (270 N. Kent St.), folks can get culturally specific foods, allergy/diet and religion restricted and pet food. (Photo submitted)

Combating hunger

In each county and district in Minnesota, people face the difficulties of figuring out where their next meal may come from, or if it will come at all. According to a study done by Feeding America, a … more

By CHLOE PETER | 2/10/22

“Cart” Rob runs the business side of things, including logistics and coordination for helping feed the Frogtown neighborhood. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

MOTORCYCLE CLUB LENDS A HAND

Every Thursday morning, things are hopping in front of 609 Dale Street North. Members of the Cash Money Ryders Motorcycle Club unload three semi-trucks full of groceries donated by Godtown and Hyvee, … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 10/17/21

Father Tadeos (far left) said, “We have so much fun preparing for the kabob events and the festival. We don’t want to focus only on the end result. It’s important to enjoy the process.” (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

‘We are a small community, but mighty’

St. Sahag Armenian Church will be hosting its ninth annual Armenian Festival Sept. 18-19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Father Tadeos Barseghyan said, “It’s important for people to know that … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 9/16/21

olomon Hailie (left), who owns Bole Ethiopian with his wife, Rekik Abaineh, chats with African Economic Development Solutions Executive Director Gene Gelgule (center) and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter during the ribbon cutting event on May 27, 2021, one year after the restaurant burned to the ground in the civil unrest along University Ave. after George Floyd’s murder. “When we needed something, we knew who to call,” stated Hailie. “We appreciate your support and love.” They received a $50,000 grant through the We Love St. Paul/We Love Midway fund to help with the new space in the former Fox Trot Burger (1341 Pascal Street). “Thank you for leading the way,” said Midway Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chad Kulas. (Photos by Tesha M. Christensen)

Bolé Ethiopian reopens, moves to Como

6/9/21

‘Stable Weight: a Memoir of Hunger, Horses, and Hope’

Eating disorders affect every gender, age, race, class, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Longtime Hamline-Midway resident and writer Lisa Whalen knows that only too well. Her debut book was out in … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 3/10/21

Co-owners Rekik Abaineh (left) and Solomon Hailie (right) said, “We have experienced an outpouring of love from around the world.” (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Bolé Ethiopian moves to Como

When Midway’s Bolé Ethiopian Cuisine burned to the ground last May, the owners were preparing to open an expansion of their restaurant that was two years in the making. The grand opening … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 2/11/21

Free Farmers Market in a Box at Allianz Field

During the Farmers Market in a Box food distribution at Allianz Field on Friday, July 31, about 900 participants who preregistered received a box of vegetables, a box of dairy and a box of meat. For … more

8/18/20

Patisserie Paris makes unforgettable French pastries

Patisserie Paris (383 University Ave.) owner Mark Heu said, “We hope each delicious bite of our pastries will be a magical experience – and will transport our customers, at … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 5/13/20

You eat vegetables right? So, you’re already eating vegan.

So points out Colin Anderson, owner of the only vegan grocery store and bodega in the Twin Cities Colin Anderson has no set menu. He encourages customers to enjoy what’s there today, rather than … more

by Tesha M. Christensen | 12/12/19

Eggroll Queen Music Cafe owner overcomes obstacles

first-time customer, Mrs. Reyn Martin shares a laugh with Mai Vang. "The food is great," she said. By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN Eggroll Queen’s story began in a living room, grew in a food … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 12/12/19

Foxtrot Burger Spot. Jahn Brink, co-director of operations

Foxtrot Burger Spot replaces Delicata Pizza

Foxtrot Burger Spot Co-Director of Operations Jahn Brink is a Como resident with the goal of making this restaurant his neighborhood beer and burger spot. (Photo by Terry Faust) What’s new? The … more

by Tesha M. Christensen | 12/12/19

Planet Princess fills gaps for good grain-free bread

Founder Alisa Dale (center) with her son, Samueal William, and his wife Kristin William. When St. Paul resident Alisa Dale couldn’t find a great gluten-free bread, she decided to make it … more

by Tesha M. Christensen | 12/12/19