Succulence in the Cities

Here’s What The Succulence Gang Is Loving For Summer 2019

Succulence in the Cities is comprised of four Black food bloggers from the Twin Cities metro area. The ladies of Succulence are passionate about exploring the Minnesota foodie scene and introducing followers to some of their favorite spots. The Succulence gang invites you to join their journey as upcoming foodies. You can follow their Instagram, @succulenceinthecities, to find more succulent gems.

Our journey as diehard foodies has exposed us to some of the best restaurants the metro area has to offer. We are constantly being asked by friends and family what restaurants we’d recommend throughout the city, so in collaboration with Culture Piece Magazine, we have combined a list of our summer favorites! In no particular order, we’ve listed a variety of restaurants and bars with an effort to accommodate various price points. Here are some of the top restaurants from our foodie vault, enjoy!

$: 1 -10

$$: 11- 25

$$$: 25+

Young Joni ($$)

Opened since 2016, Young Joni offers some of the best wood-fired pizzas and cocktails in the state. Chef and owner, Ann Kim, was appropriately titled the 2019 James Beard award for her renowned creations. The space provides a northeast neighborhood cozy feel with a mid-century modern twist. It’s intimately warm interior and open wood fire grill invites and entices restaurant-goers to try the diverse array of dishes they have to offer. Some of our favorite pizzas include the Korean BBQ and This Lamb is your Lamb pizzas. As for smaller dishes we’d recommend the Korean Beef Short Ribs and the Cauliflower plate to start. Dessert is a definite must, we’d suggest trying the Zeppole. Young Joni has been an absolute game changer during our twin-cities foodie journey. The in house photobooth is a great way to capture a perfect girls or date night. This place is usually packed, so a reservation is highly advised.

2. Colita ($$$)

Colita, by far, is one of our best-loved restaurants in our food arsenal. The Oaxacan inspired restaurant focuses on the traditional flavors of this Mexican city, bringing a piece of its succulent culture right here to the Twin Cities. Colita’s aesthetically pleasing interior is one to marvel at while the summer patio creates an intimate and relaxed midsummer vibe. We have many favorites from Colita, but the Kansas City Pork Ribs tops the list. We also adore the Tempura Fried Shrimp Tacos, the Wagyu Beef Brisket Tacos, and the Elotes. Once your ready to wind down with dessert after an epic meal, the Churros are sure to send you into a state of itis. Cocktails here are not for the faint of heart and the menu options entices customers to choose from some their playfully concocted selections. Colita is our go-to spot for any celebratory events and the welcoming service never fails.

Pictured: Tempura Fried Shrimp Tacos (left), Wagyu Beef Brisket Tacos (bottom right), and Kansas City Pork Ribs (top right)

3. Edwards Dessert Kitchen ($$)

Edwards Dessert Kitchen, located conveniently in the heart of North Loop has stolen our hearts since their opening in 2018. Edwards offers a wonderful assortment of desserts, but is also a great spot for cocktails, coffees, and light eats. Executive Pastry Chef, Christina Kaelberer, competed on Iron Chef America and is the 2019 recipient of the Charlie Awards for Outstanding Baker and Pastry Chef in the Twin Cities. Along with Sous chef Jasmine Weiser, the duo have created a variety of decadent, visually appealing desserts that are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Some of our favorite sweets are the Salted Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookie, the Caramel and Chinese Five Spice Snickerdoodle, and Dulce de Leche Cheesecake. The Old Fashioned or EDK mule are wonderful pairs to any dessert. If you’re in the mood for something savory, the ham gruyere panini and the roasted mushroom toast are great options. The desserts are bold and flavorful, without being overbearingly sweet. Its safe to say we are frequent flyers at EDK!

Pictured: Black Forest (bottom left), Old Fashioned (top left), and Dulce De Leche Cheesecake (right)

4. Parlour Bar: MPLS/STP ($$)

Parlour Bar is one of the hottest cocktail and food lounges that spans between two locations in downtown St.Paul and Minneapolis. Parlour Bar has amassed a cult like following for their infamous Parlour Burger and Fries with Swiss Aioli. Both locations are akin to a traditional diner feel with a hint of modern sophistication. The Minneapolis location is great for a late night cocktail hour, while the STP venue offers the Parlour Burger with the addition of an egg or bacon (we highly recommend both toppings). Our cocktail favorites include the Seasonal Smash at the STP site, the Third Eye Clarified Punch #1 from the MPLS menu, and their signature Parlour Old Fashioned offered at both locations.

5. Quang ($)

Quang is a family-owned Vietnamese restaurant in the heart of Eat Street. The bustling restaurant is currently being renovated but that doesn’t stop locals from lining up for a plate. This Whittier neighborhood staple has been opened since 1989, dishing out authentic Vietnamese cuisine at an affordable price. The restaurant is known for its mouthwatering Pho and traditional Banh Mi sandwiches, which are only offered during lunch and sell out quickly. We love the Com Ga Xao (lemongrass chicken and rice platter), and the Ga Nuong (noodle salad with chicken). Their Vietnamese drip coffee is also a Succulent favorite and a great afternoon pick me up! Some additional perks we love about Quang is its family friendly environment with minimal wait time. Quang is set to finish remodeling later this year and aims to continue to serve the Minneapolis community for the long run.

Pictured: Com Ga Xao (left), Grilled Beef Banh Mi (center), and Vietnamese Drip Coffee (right)

6. Colossal Cafe ($)

After a stressful week, Colossal Café is the perfect Sunday breakfast spot to unwind and decompress. We love the laid back nature, while the wooden tables and accents provide a neighborhood friendly charm, welcoming patrons to enjoy a taste of their delectable bites. This locally owned eatery offers daily made from scratch breakfast options without hurting your wallet. The star of the show for us has to be the Flapper Pancakes with Fresh Fruit. If you think this is a regular crafted pancake, think again! Colossal Café has put a new twist to the American classic. The yeast-based pancakes are reminiscent of traditional Eritrean and Ethiopian Himbasha bread, and is one of the reasons we love it so much! Located on St.Paul’s beloved Grand Ave, Colossal Café features a large menu with other unique plates, including the nitrogen cold-brewed coffee on tap and a full espresso bar. Colossal Café serves you all of your breakfasts needs without the gimmick.

Pictured: Hashbrowns and Short Stack Flapper Pancakes with Fruit

Words & Photographs by: Ladan Mohamed, Nuria Mohamed, Deena Fessahaye & Anita N // @succulenceinthecities