food

Gordy’s Hi-Hat Opens for 58th Season

The Lundquist Family Chose to Open their Family Restaurant on Tuesday, March 20, the First Day of Spring This Year

CLOQUET, Minn. – Day after day you rarely see a line forming out the door of a regular old burger joint, but once a year Northlanders and folks passing by can’t help but stop when they see Gordy’s Hi-Hat open up in Cloquet. “Gordy is on his way back from Florida right now,” said Sever Lundquist, Gordy’s grandson. It only…

New Coffee Shop Offers “Common Ground” in Cloquet

Common Ground Coffee Bar and Deli Invites People of all Ages, Race and Ethicity to Gather for Friendship, Games, Entertainment

CLOQUET, Minn. – When it comes to getting a cup of coffee we’re often in a rush, heading through the drive thru looking to grab and go. However, creators of a new coffee shop and deli in the City of Cloquet are looking to bring people together, creating common ground. “I think as a culture we’ve kind of gotten away…

Cooking Swedish Meatballs for Hygge Dinner

Cooking Connection: Traditional Swedish Meatballs

LUTSEN, Minn. – Moguls Grille and Tap Room is taking advantage of Scandinavian culture throughout the Northland. Next week, they’re hosting a Hygge dinner celebrating Scandinavian comfort foods. This will be a five-course dinner with cocktails and live jazz music. The dinner is being held on February 8, at 6:00 p.m. For more information on the event head to caribouhighlands.com/moguls-grille/….

Crafting Holiday Cocktails with JJ Astor

Cooking Connection: Hot Buttered Rum

DULUTH, Minn. – The holiday season is here and Christmas is just four days away, with New Year’s Eve not far behind. For this week’s Cooking Connection we’re focusing on holiday drinks. FOX 21 Meteorologist William Seay got some tips to step up his bartending game. JJ Astor Food and Beverage Manager Kai Soderberg showed William how to make Hot…

Bellisio’s Wine Dinner Features Croatian Wines

"The Best of Bellisio's Featuring Korta Katarina Vineyards"

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend a popular event at Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant in Duluth is featuring Italian food and Croatian wine. The Best of Bellisio’s Featuring Korta Katarina Vineyards is Sunday, December 17 from 6-9 p.m. The Owners of Korta Katarina Vineyards, Penny and Lee Anderson, will be sharing their experiences in the wine industry. The dinner includes a four-course…

Preparing Prime Rib with Texas Roadhouse

Cooking Connection: From Ribeye Loin to Prime Rib

DULUTH, Minn. – Prime rib is often a holiday treat for many, but at Texas Roadhouse it’s a year-round delicacy. Kitchen Manager Manny Gotchie says they “go fast”, so it’s best to be on the early end of the dinner rush. For this week’s Cooking Connection we learned what it takes to make the ribeye loin into prime rib. PRIME…

Preparing Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Dinner

Cooking Connection: Thanksgiving Sides with Texas Roadhouse

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders may have their turkey prepared, but what about the side dishes? For this week’s Cooking Connection we got some tips from Texas Roadhouse on making the best green beans, gravy and sweet potatoes possible. GREEN BEANS: Chop apple smoked bacon and cook in pan Add onions Add bases: water, dry seasonings Add sugar, salt, and…

Creating Chicken Saltimbocca

Cooking Connection: JJ Astor

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth restaurant is cooking up a new menu. JJ Astor has hired a new Food and Beverage Director, Bob Boyd, who is working on spicing up the menu. For this week’s Cooking Connection, Boyd showed FOX 21’s William Seay how to create Chicken Saltimbocca. CHICKEN SALTIMBOCCA: Place chicken breast skin side down on plastic wrap Place…

Cooking Connection: Tortellini Aglio e Olio

Cooking with JJ Astor

DULUTH, Minn. – With one of the best views of the Twin Ports, JJ Astor is working to also produce the tastiest food. Newly hired Food and Beverage Director, Bob Boyd, was back in the kitchen with FOX 21. For this week’s Cooking Connection, Boyd showed FOX 21’s William Seay how to create Tortellini Aglio e Olio. TORTELLINI AGLIO E…

Eat Smart Month Aims to Help Northlanders Improve Heart Health

The American Heart Association Partners with Essentia Health, St. Luke's and Super One Foods to Promote Healthy Eating

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s time to gobble up the rest of your Halloween candy and prepare for a healthy holiday season. The American Heart Association is looking to help consumers celebrate National Eating Healthy Day. The Association along with Essentia Health and St. Luke’s hosted an event Wednesday evening at Super One Foods near the Miller Hill Mall. The event…

The Lyric Kitchen Bar hosts Grand Opening

New restaurant serves early birds to bar close in downtown Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Monday downtown Duluth is officially home to a new restaurant and bar; serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Lyric Kitchen Bar is located on the first floor of the Holiday Center, with street-side views of West Superior Street. Monday was the grand opening of the restaurant, which has a large menu serving everything; from paninis, to…

Sclavi’s Italian Restaurant & Bar Introduces New Menu Items

Cooking Connection: Braised Cauliflower

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Sclavi’s Italian Restaurant and Bar is has made a few menu tweaks, so FOX 21 worked in the kitchen with them in this week’s Cooking Connection. Owner Anthony Sclavi showed FOX 21 how to make braised cauliflower. This is a healthy and vegan dish. Sclavi’s is located at 1006 Tower Ave. in Superior, WI. They are open…

Homemade Salsa with FOX 21’s William Seay

Cooking Connection: Fresh Salsa Recipe

DULUTH, Minn. -As football season continues, and hockey and basketball season begin, it’s the perfect time of year to make recipes many folks can munch on. So, for this week’s Cooking Connection, FOX 21’s William Seay made his homemade salsa. Necessary Ingredients: 1 28 oz. can whole tomatoes, peeled, unsalted 1/2 red onion, roughly chopped 3 jalapenos, sliced (no seeds…

Aldi Opens Doors in Duluth

After Months of Construction, Aldi Duluth is Now Open for Business

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s official, grocery shoppers in the Northland now have one more Aldi location to add to their list. Thursday morning hundreds of people lines up to be the first ones through the door of the new Duluth location Now it’s time to grab your quarters and dig out the eco-bags. Store representatives say the Duluth location is…

Creating Creamy and Savory Pork Tenderloin Medallions with JJ Astor

Cooking Connection: JJ Astor

DULUTH, Minn. – JJ Astor, the revolving restaurant in the Radisson in Duluth, has hired a new Executive Chef and is creating an updated menu. The new Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage, Bob Boyd, joined FOX 21 in the kitchen for this week’s Cooking Connection. This week Boyd showed FOX 21’s Natalie Froistad how to make Roasted…

Friends of Animals Trade Donations for Dogs

Humane Society Sets Up Donation Drive to Help Hurricane Harvey Victims

CLOQUET, Minn. – Hurricane Harvey shook the lives of many just weeks ago. Since then, Northlanders have rallied, looking for ways to help Texans as they overcome this natural disaster. On August 25, Harvey washed ashore the coast of Texas, tampering with the lives of millions. “I said, what kind of stuff you guys need? Give me a list,” said…

Annual Oktoberfest Celebrations to Take Over Grandma’s Saloon & Grill

Grandma's Celebrates 42 Years of Oktoberfest Fun

DULUTH, Minn. – This week the keg will be tapped to kick off Oktoberfest celebrations at Grandma’s Saloon and Grill. This is the 42nd year of the festival at Grandma’s Restaurants. The beer tapping will take place at 11 a.m. at the Canal Park location on Wednesday, September 20. For the first week of Oktoberfest at Grandma’s there will be…

Chester Bowl Fall Festival to Attract Thousands

If Rain Postpones the Event, Fall Fest Would Move to Sunday, September 17 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend over 8,000 people will pack into one Duluth Park and celebrate the changing of seasons. The 33rd Annual Chester Bowl Fall Festival is scheduled to start Saturday morning at 9:30 and go until 4:30 p.m. Organizers will make an official call around 6:00 a.m. Saturday if the event is postponed due to rain. They say…

Duluth Library Foundation Hosts Fundraiser for Northland Children

DULUTH, Minn. – On Saturday, September 16 from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m., the Duluth Library Foundation will host their 6th Annual Learning and Libations at the Library. This event consists of food, fun, entertainment, along with dazzling conversation with the best and brightest of Duluth. From a silent auction to chats on human genetics and technological advances, staff and volunteers…

JJ Astor Makes Fall Favorites in Preparation for New Menu

Cooking Connection: JJ Astor

DULUTH, Minn. – JJ Astor, the revolving restaurant in the Radisson in Duluth, has hired a new Executive Chef and is creating an updated menu. The new Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage, Bob Boyd, joined FOX 21 in the kitchen for this week’s Cooking Connection. JJ Astor Restaurant and Lounge is located in the Radisson at 505…

Food Banks Seek Donations in September

Coffee Conversation: Hunger Action Month

DULUTH, Minn. – This month people across the country are doing what they can to help the hungry. September is annually recognized as Hunger Action Month. This is meant to encourage people to donate to their local food banks. Shaye Moris, the Executive Director of Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, says monetary donations go the farthest. The food bank…

Letica Looks for More Donations, Leaves Sunday for Texas

Northlander's Donated Thousands of Items Just Days Ago, Now Letica and Volunteers Travel to Texas a Second Time

DULUTH, Minn. – After Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, Duluth Entrepreneur Mike Letica organized a drive, gathered a group of volunteers and drove south with a truckload of 45,000 pounds of donations for storm victims. Letica and his group are doing it again, Saturday and Sunday. “How much more can people take,” said Letica. It’s a question he may never have…

Pita Pit Offers Healthy Option for Football Season

Cooking Connection: Pita Pit

DULUTH, Minn. – As football season begins, many Northlanders will be watching the game with friends. In place of unhealthy tailgating food, Pita Pit offers a delicious and healthy option. This morning, Indiana Molitor visited FOX 21 to chat about some tasty options. Molitor says it’s easy to order for groups, just stop in the store or give them a…

Fruit Stand Gives Healthy Option for State Fair-Goers

The Produce Exchange Sells Fresh Fruit

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – If you’re headed down to the Minnesota State Fair this weekend there’s a good chance you’ll be eating something fried and on a stick. If you’re looking for something healthy, stop by The Produce Exchange. The booth offers fresh fruit, Kampuchea on tap, energy drinks and organic and fair trade sparkling water. The booth has been…

Lucky’s 13 Chopped Salad with a Twist

Cooking Connection: Lucky's 13 Pub

DULUTH, Minn. – Lucky’s 13 Pub has been in Duluth since February and so far business is going well for the restaurant. The pub offers several selections on their menu and has many tap beers and cocktails. For this week’s Cooking Connection FOX 21’s William Seay learned how to make the restaurant’s “13” Chopped Salad. “13” Chopped Salad: Lettuce Kidney…

Cooking up Fried Favorites at the Minnesota State Fair

Cooking Connection: Corn Fritters and Fried Green Tomatoes

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – Fried food is a staple at the Minnesota State Fair, and a stand near the front gates is regularly busy. The Original Corn Fritters and Fried Green Tomatoes stand has been at the fair for 23 years. Owner John Harrington showed the FOX 21 crew how they make the fried green tomatoes and corn fritters and…

Hundreds Expected for Annual Jefferson Street Block Party

The Event Runs From 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Saturday, August 19

DULUTH, Minn. – The 26th Annual Jefferson Street Block Party in Duluth will bring hundreds of neighbors together once again this Saturday, August 19 from 2:00 to 5:00p.m on the 1600 block of Jefferson Street. The party will showcase live music from Lyz Jaakola’s project #theindianheadband, which provides a danceable mix of rock and roll, ska, funk and traditional Anishinaabe…

Grilling Summer Favorites with Fireplace Corner

Cooking Connection: Fireplace Corner Grills

DULUTH, Minn. – Fireplace Corner in Duluth is known for keeping homes warm, but the business also features several grills. Every Friday and Saturday in the Summer employees grill for customers to show them how the different grills work while eating lunch. In this week’s Cooking Connection, Fireplace Corner Salesman Alan DelVecchio did some grilling with FOX 21’s William Seay….

7 West Taphouse Opening Second Duluth Location Next Week

The Taphouse Has Expanded to a Location Along Maple Grove Road

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders will soon have a new location to stop for a burger and a brew in the Twin Ports. The owner of 7 West Taphouse tells FOX 21 he and his staff should be ready to open their new Duluth location Monday, August 14. Since May, crews have been busy turning the former Nevada Bob’s Golf space…

Cooking up a Cuban with The Rambler

Cooking Connection: Food Truck Season

DULUTH, Minn. – August is here and food truck season is well underway in Duluth. One mobile restaurant, The Rambler, has been seen around town and this morning owner Jonathan Reznick cooked with FOX 21’s William Seay. Reznick showed viewers the unique spin The Rambler puts on a classic cuban. The Rambler’s full schedule can be viewed on their website…

Duluth Police Encourage National Night Out Participation

Thousands of Communities will Celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, August 1, 2017

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Tuesday, August 1, thousands of neighborhoods throughout the country will be invited to join forces for the 34th Annual National Night Out Crime and Drug Prevention Event. The Duluth Police Department registered more than 60 block parties in 2016. That number is now up to 74 this year. Over 37.8 million neighbors across 16, 124 communities…

Spicy Pulled Pork Carnitas with Cast Iron Bar and Grill

Cooking Connection: Sweet and Spicy Appetizer

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth bar and grill has a new chef and recently updated its menu. Cast Iron Bar and Grill has kept the staples, but added a few new options as well. Chef Mike from Cast Iron Bar and Grill cooked with the FOX 21 morning crew for this week’s Cooking Connection. FOX 21’s William Seay learned how…

Annual Sidewalk Days Festival Begins Wednesday with New Events

Sales and Car Show Return to Take Over Superior Street

DULUTH, Minn. – A downtown, summertime tradition will be shutting down parts of Superior Street once again. The Sidewalk Days Festival begins Wednesday, July 12 and runs through Friday, July 14. About 80 vendors are expected to participate. There will be a car show, crafts, clothes, food, live music and more. New this year, there will be a selfie scavanger…

New Café Brings Year-Round Jobs, Revitalization to Gary New Duluth

The Trophy Café is locally owned and operated by Mont du Lac Resort

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn. – Gary New Duluth has lived through decades of history. Buildings have changed ownership and new beginnings have come and gone. Now, one local resort is expanding into the neighborhood, inviting you to stop by for a fresh home cooked meal. “When you make an order, a chef in the back is going to make it…

New “Taste of Duluth” Festival to Provide Local Entertainment

Festival Encourages Family-Fun

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend a first-of-its-kind festival is coming to Bayfront Festival Park. The Taste of Duluth is Saturday, July 1 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be more than 60 vendors of food, beer, crafts and more. There will also be live music throughout the entire festival. The event is aimed at highlighting all the great…

Beatrice Ojakangas Displays Many Uses of Rhubarb Juice

Cooking Connection: CHUM Rhubarb Festival

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend rhubarb will be filling Duluth for an annual festival. CHUM’s Rhubarb Festival is Saturday, June 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m There will be everything rhubarb from pies and jams to sausage and juice. There will also be games, crafts, music, auctions and stage shows. This is all taking place at 11th Ave. E….

48th Annual Park Point Art Fair to Attract Thousands

The Art Fair Kicks off Saturday, June 24 and Wraps Up on Sunday, June 25

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Park Point residents are inviting the community to take part in the 48th Annual Park Point Art Fair June 24-25. The fair starts at 10:00 a.m. and runs until 5:00 p.m. both days. Admission and parking is free at the nonprofit-coordinated event, which supports local ecological and civic initiatives. Over 110 premier artists will come together…

Fall-off-the-bone Ribs with Texas Roadhouse

Cooking Connection: Texas Roadhouse

DULUTH, Minn. – The weather is warming up and summer celebrations are beginning to take place. Barbecue ribs are a staple at many gatherings. For this week’s Cooking Connection we make some smoked, fall-off-the-bone ribs with Texas Roadhouse. Season pork ribs on both sides, rub it in Add liquid smoke and water to bottom of pan with drainer grate in place Transfer…

Grilling a Steak with Texas Roadhouse

Cooking Connection: Preparing for Grilling Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Summertime is nearly here and that means it’s time for grilling. Texas Roadhouse in Duluth features grilled hand-cut steaks the meat cutters carve fresh every day. For this week’s Cooking Connection kitchen manager Justin Beacom described the differences between several cuts of meat. The three main cuts of meat are sirloin, ribeye, and filet mignon. Grilling a…

Baking a Roasted Pear with Salted Caramel Sauce

Cooking Connection: A.G. Thomson House

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection we cooked with the A.G. Thomson House. The A.G. Thomson House was built in 1909 in Duluth and now serves as a Bed and Breakfast. Tim and Angie Allen own the establishment and do all the cooking for guests. For this week’s Cooking Connection we made a Roasted Pear with a Salted Caramel Sauce….

Heading into the Kitchen with the A.G. Thomson House

Cooking Connection: Cranberry Wild Rice Strata

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection we cooked with the A.G. Thomson House. The A.G. Thomson House was built in 1909 in Duluth and now serves as a Bed and Breakfast. Tim and Angie Allen own the establishment and do all the cooking for guests. Angie makes a several breakfast dishes and showed FOX 21 how to make a Cranberry…

Chipotle Teams Up With Animal Allies Humane Society

50 Percent of all Fundraiser Sales to be Given to Animal Allies Humane Society

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Wednesday only, Chipotle lovers across the Northland have the chance to make their purchase go a long way in the community. Chipotle recently contacted Animal Allies Humane Society with a fundraising offer. Wednesday from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Duluth Chipotle Mexican Grill will donate 50 percent of all fundraiser sales to the Animal Allies Humane…

In the Kitchen with FOX 21 Meteorologist Gino Recchia

Cooking Connection: Italian Sausage Rigatoni in a Red Wine Tomato Sauce

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection the FOX 21 morning crew welcomed Chief Meteorologist Gino Recchia to the kitchen. Gino grew up around good food as his father owns a prominent restaurant in Chicago near Wrigley Field, Calo Ristorante. For the segment, Gino whipped up an easy, yet flavorful, rigatoni dish. Italian Sausage Rigatoni in a Red Wine…

UMD Chef Heads to National Competition

Cooking Connection: UMD Chef Conor Maki

DULUTH, Minn. – A University of Minnesota Duluth chef is heading to a national competition, the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) regional conference. Conor Maki will be competing against six other chefs from across the country. Maki won the gold medal at the NACUFS culinary competition in Fargo, N.D. on February 21, 2017. Conor’s winning dish was…

Crafting Wild Rice Walleye Cakes

Cooking Connection: Burnt Onion Kitchen & Brews

BIWABIK, Minn. – Burnt Onion Kitchen and Brews is the restaurant in the new chalet at Giant’s Ridge in Biwabik, Minnesota. It’s headed up by Chef Dan Schimka. There is hand-crafted beer, hand-cut steaks, seafood flown in from Hawaii and fresh pasta. For this week’s Cooking Connection Chef Dan taught FOX 21’s William Seay how to make wild rice walleye cakes….

Northland Pizza Shop Celebrates 63 Years

Northland Uncovered: Sammy's Pizza

DULUTH, Minn. – Picking up a slice can mean a tasty dinner for many Northlanders, but for one family it means carrying on a tradition. This year Sammy’s Pizza Inc. is celebrating 63 years. Sam Perrella is the Vice President for Sammy’s Pizza Inc. and is the third generation working for Sammy’s Pizza. His grandfather started the business in 1954…

Hot and Cold Salad Perfect for Spring

Cooking Connection: Burnt Onion Kitchen & Brews

BIWABIK, Minn. – Burnt Onion Kitchen and Brews is the restaurant in the new chalet at Giant’s Ridge in Biwabik, Minnesota. It’s headed up by Chef Dan Schimka. There is hand-crafted beer, hand-cut steaks, seafood flown in from Hawaii and fresh pasta. For this week’s Cooking Connection Chef Dan taught FOX 21’s William Seay how to make a hot and cold…

Empty Bowl Raises Over $57,000 for Second Harvest

More than 150,000 Meals Raised for Needy

DULUTH, Minn. – Yesterday’s Empty Bowl event, raised $57,715 for the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. The annual event ensures that about 150,000 meals will be available to the less fortunate. Since it started in 1994, the event has raised more than a million dollars for the hungry, which equals about 3.1 million meals. “Once again we are amazed…

Getting Toasty on National Grilled Cheese Day

Locally Owned Toasty's in Duluth is Seeing a Spike in Business Since Opening a Second Location

DULUTH, Minn. – Things were getting toasty in the Northland Wednesday, and no, we’re not talking weather! Northlanders are taking part in National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, especially the staff at Toasty’s Sandwich Shop in Duluth. Owner Tom Hagen says since the opening of their second location on Superior Street, business is booming. Toasty’s is using all fresh ingredients in…