Dawn Brodey

The chariot of the dining bicyclist.

Dare we say it -- summer has finally arrived -- and as it does, increased numbers of weather-weary Twin Citians are taking to their bicycles and hitting the town. They pedal the Lakes, the Grand Rounds, the Greenway, or any of the many urban bike lanes. It is for good reason that we are regularly voted among the most bike-friendly cities in the country.

But bike-friendly isn't the only feather in our cap -- we are also regularly voted among the best cities for foodies. So why not combine the two?

A few weeks ago Hot Dish brought you a course for your courses -- a bike-friendly route with recommended stops for appetizers, dinner and dessert. Beginning and ending in Minneapolis, the 10-mile course was a big hit.

Now Hot Dish pedals East and presents a course for your courses in St. Paul. This seven-mile route hits some of Saint Paul's classic locations and new favorites -- and burns a lot of calories along the way.

Dawn Brodey

The Nightingale in the arena they know best. Night.

When Nightingale opened last October, the Whitter Neighborhood rejoiced. So did all of the hungry night owls in Uptown who finally found a really good kitchen that is open until 1 a.m. And not just good, the food and atmosphere have been very well-reviewed by everyone, including our own Emily Weiss.

The new local hot spot now has a long winter under its belt; just opened the patio, and will be introducing a Sunday brunch starting... well, right now. But that's not all that's new. Hot Dish checks in with Nightingale co-owner Carrie McCabe-Johnston to get all the details on what's cookin'.

Kelly Moritz

A charming and simple Drink of the Week

Ghebregzi
Bar La Grassa
$9

In the world of cocktails, some would argue there's nothing new under the sun; a little sweet, a little sour, a little bitter -- a cocktail is a cocktail, and it's something to enjoy, not dissect. So when you come across a regular old pairing of spirit and mixer that sneaks up looking normal and takes you pleasantly by surprise with a well-placed twist, it's worth talking about. Take the gin-and-grapefruit-based Ghebregzi at Bar La Grassa, a spot well known for near-perfect and elevated execution of everything from house-made limoncello to fresh pappardelle.

Hell's Kitchen

See also:
Hell's Kitchen family recalls 10 years of heaven and hell
Hell's Kitchen introduces Craft Cocktail Wednesdays

Emily Utne

See also:
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