Last week New York Times best selling author and one of Time Magazine's 2010 Top 100 Most Influential People, Michael Pollan paid a visit to the Twin Cities to promote his new book, Cooked; A Natural History of Transformation. The book walks readers through a history of cooking while drawing attention to the greater implications of the industrialized food movement which has lead to an overall decline in home cooking.
More »

A few weeks back, we chatted with Brau Brothers Brewing Company just as the announcement of its relocation from Lucan to Marshall was made official. While the last talk focused on its beer and its history, The Hot Dish wanted to hear about the new brewery location as well. Uprooting a brewery--one previously identified with its dot-on-the-map home in Lucan--is no easy task, but it's a task that promises a big future. More space, more beers, and more amenities for the beer tourists are just a few of the topics that CEO and head brewer Dustin Brau has in mind as they move from 5,000 square feet to nearly 37,000 and break ground on the first brewery in Lyon County history.

Work has begun on pilot beers for the new opening and plans are underway for Braufest in Lucan this June.

See also:
Brau Brothers: Getting ready for move to Marshall
Great Waters Brewpub: "It's never a straight path."

More »

The current craft brewing growth isn't Minnesota's first brewery boom. The mid 1990s also saw an uptick in production of local brews, one that can teach the new startups some lessons--at least from those who survived. Great Waters Brewing Company in downtown St. Paul has seen a lot in its 17 years, working with other Minnesota breweries and watching the growth of the brewpub scene in the rise of Town Hall and Rock Bottom, and the closing of Sherlock's Home. Starting from scratch at 426 St. Peter St., it predates the Xcel Energy Center, the Minnesota Wild, and Kincaid's. In the ensuing years, it has carved a niche that pulls in sports fans, rock concert attendees, and those on their way to the opera or Children's Museum. This variety of customers has helped them survive SPCO and NHL lockouts, and it has provided a community atmosphere where all walks of life are represented while sipping suds in the historic Hamm Building.

The only brewpub in St. Paul prides itself on its well water and cask beers, offering a variety of beers for all seasons, all brewed onsite except in special situations. The Hot Dish had a couple with owner Sean O'Byrne and discussed the growth of the local industry, the distinct circumstances that brewpubs face, both in clientele and legal issues, and what got him interested in "those warm beers."

See also:
Brau Brothers getting ready for move to Marshall
Pour Decisions Brewing: Saying no to "me too" beers

More »

More »

The three co-owners of Northbound Smokehouse: chef Bryce Strickler; manager Amy Johnson, and brewer Jamie Robinson.

It was an ambitious goal. To raise the final amount needed to open a small brewpub in Minneapolis, the owners of Northbound Smokehouse offered investors of $1,000 or more free beer for life. Did it work? Oh, did it ever.

We talked recently with Northbound brewer and part owner of the new south Minneapolis hot spot, Jamie Robinson, who brought us up to speed on how the unique business model is paying off for the six-month-old brewery, and what's coming next.

More »

Brau Brothers Brewing Company is clear about its origins, proudly printing "population 220" for all to see on its original logo. However, as the brewery grows, obstacles have risen, and relocation is afoot for the 15-year-old company, now based in tiny Lucan, Minnesota. Brau Brothers started in 1998 as a brewpub and rebranded as a production brewery in 2006, splitting ownership down the middle between three brothers, Brady, Dustin, and Trevor, "33.33333 percent... [which] would make a good name for a beer," notes Dustin. In addition to producing five year-round beers and several rotating varieties, the brewery is also helping Bank Brewery (Hendricks) as it gets set up in the southwestern part of the state by producing some of its beer on site.

It's been a busy 2013 for Brau Brothers, having officially announced relocation to Marshall, Minnesota (population 14,220) earlier this month. Brau Brothers expects to move into its new digs later this month. The Hot Dish recently spoke with CEO/head brewer Dustin Brau before any official declarations were made public. Our discussion focused on the company's growth, its place in the southwest Minnesota market, and the looming elephant in the room, the (at that time unofficial) move.

See also:
Pour Decisions: Saying no to "me too" beers
Lake Superior Brewing on the Duluth brew scene

More »

Drew Wood

Kristen England and B.J. Haun have a lot of home-brewing experience between the two of them. When they decided to take the next step, they spent two-plus years drafting a business plan and choosing a location for what became Pour Decisions, the city of Roseville's first brewery. First scheduled to open around State Fair time, the brewery met construction delays and opened its doors fully in early 2013. To find the new startup, simply take Fairview Avenue north from Highway 36, turn off on Terrace Drive, and pull into a nondescript parking lot. At first glance, it looks like just a vacant Saturday lot until you get out of the car and follow the handwritten signs directing you inside the brewery.

The Hot Dish sat down with co-owner England for a lengthy talk about world travel, obscure beers, finding your niche in the marketplace, and beer education and history. The brewery has a well-defined focus on underrepresented global beers, bringing many styles into the Midwest for their first local tastings. Throughout the talk, England reinforced the focus on individuality and avoiding "me too" beers in the local brew scene. England has gathered most of his knowledge from studying abroad during his college years and later through regular visits to his wife's family in Europe.

Pour Decisions' flagship beers are its Pubstitute Dark Scottish Session Ale and Patersbier Monk's Golden Ale, both of which are available at select bars around the metro and at the taproom. The brewery will soon be adding 22-ounce bottles to its production.

See also:
Lake Superior Brewing on the Duluth brew scene: "The place is hopping"
Beer maker Nathan Berndt: Brewing "the Indeed way" in Northeast

More »

More »

Photo courtesy of http://hillaryrobertsphoto.com

Saffron chef Sameh Wadi's Roasted Chicken with Eggplant Lovash and Tahini Yogurt

More »

More »