Its the little things that make you cheerful if you take the time to notice them. I love the pops of red and blue in my planters this year. It makes looking outside at the squirrels hanging from my bird feeder less annoying. 🐿😜😊 ...

My favorite thing to do on a Sunday when the Vikings have a late game (that i don’t watch!) Make beefy chili. Loved using the chili powder i brought home from Santa Fe New Mexico in the van! (@nixtampls tortillas) ...

@midtownglobalmarket picking up @riffraff_mpls jams then onto @kitcheninthemkt and @magersandquinn best bookstore and vast cookbook collection. #shoplocal ...

Cheese board with @the.humble.goat cranberry chevre and @redtablemeatco and @riffraff_mpls - #shoplocal #supportfamilybusiness this holiday season! ...

All the “family” place cards. Some family by choice, some family by birth. Some of these tags will never be used again for people who have passed on but i will always keep them to remind me of all the celebrations i have had at our table for loved ones near and far. Happy Thanksgiving. May your table and your hearts be full. ...

2 for gifting
2 for eating ...

This month @sotaeats and myself took The Minnesota Wingmen #wingMN to an icon of the Twin Cities restaurant scene that boasts wings that legends are made of.

📍Monte Carlo Bar & Cafe @montecarlomn

Along for the fun this month was @stephaniesdish of @weeklydishmn and @jasonshowtv and we couldn’t have asked for a better guest to guide us through this beloved joint. First opened as a saloon in 1906 and serving up most of the same, simplistic yet perfectly executed grub since 1964, it’s a spot where the bar just begs you to order a martini and settle in for a night culminating in a full belly.

Owner John Rimarcik, who’s been running the spot for the last 40 years, keeps a solid menu of classics that have been on the menu for decades, like the spicy green beans, as well as some old favorites that they bring in occasionally like the best egg salad you will ever eat.

While the first wings in Minneapolis were at @runyonsmpls as a saucy wing (we may or may not be stopping by there next month 😏) the dry rub recipe at Monte Carlo came from the hands of John himself and hasn’t changed since it’s conception. And although they hit the scene when wings were the cheapest cut from the bird and are now the priciest, they’re still the most popular order on the menu. In true fashion, we smashed a ton of these beautiful wings as well as a slew of classics. I’ve included my fave addition as well. Check it 👇🏼
📸: Monte Carlo Wings 🍗 ~ jumbo flats and drummies deep fried and tossed in a Beijing Style rub including cinnamon, red pepper, cumin and 18 other things that none of us will ever know. **these are just simply addicting. Word is these are tossed in the mixture, plated, then wrapped overnight for the flavors to do their thing**
📸: Billy Reed’s Caesar Burger 🍔 ~ Hamburger with a side of our Caesar House Salad **ok, so this perfectly seasoned hamburger on its pillowy bun is something I’m gonna be craving for awhile. Goes perfectly with the Caesar and I was told fans of it will top it with the salad. Hitting that up next time**
📸: Martini 🍸 ~ @bombaysapphireus shaken not stirred w/ extra olives **table poured and the best in town**
🎥 @thirstycrab killin it a ...

@daytonsproject at the @thedepartmentsatdaytons visiting our favorite local @makersofmn on @jasonshowtv with @jasonmatheson and @kendall.mark ...

Love walking in the house and seeing my @kiiarens prints. Happy Thanksgiving friend. ...

This @takingstockfoods stock is great for making gravy in an instant pot (full recipe and video stephaniesdish.com) or on the stove top. Currently… find this woman owned, @makersofmn made stock on sale at @kowalskis_markets @wholefoods Markets across the twin cities, and local co-ops including the @wedge_linden_hills_coop @lakewindsfoodcoop and @sewardcoop ...

Instant pot gravy today on @jasonshowtv - its not a time saver but… a time manager! This is the Thanksgiving meal trick that cooks know. Time Management! ...