Midwest Cravings with Haley

Midwest Cravings with Haley 📍MN foodie discovering the best local eats
📸 Food content creation & reviews
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07/08/2025

It’s been a couple years since I last dined at Macanda Wayzata and I couldn’t wait to come back, especially after hearing about their revamped menu, which definitely did not disappoint.

We ordered a little bit of everything: corn esquites, carnitas and barbacoa tacos, a pork chop with sweet chipotle, roasted carrots and yuca, chicken enchiladas topped with guajillo salsa, chihuahua cheese, and crema, plus two perfectly grilled sirloin skewers.

Everything was absolutely delicious and beautifully executed. If I had to pick a favorite, the pork chop would be it, cooked to perfection with just the right amount of smoky heat from the chipotle.

Macanda really knows how to deliver a memorable dining experience from start to finish. The ambiance is always a highlight, and there’s just something about sitting on the patio with a view of the lake that instantly lifts your mood. It makes the whole experience feel a little more special, like one of those moments you want to pause and soak in.

This spot continues to be one of my favorite places to dine in the Wayzata area. Already counting down the days until I can go back and explore more of their updated menu!

05/11/2025

Back at Latitude 44 Restaurant in Rochester, MN for another enjoyable meal. It's always nice to revisit this spot, and on this occasion, we found a delightful mix of familiar dishes we love and some new options that we were eager to try.

I started with the Clover Club, a refreshing blend of gin, raspberry liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Smooth, tart, and perfectly balanced.

For my must-have every time, the jackfruit “crab cakes.” Crispy on the outside, tender inside, with a zesty mango salsa and Cajun remoulade that ties it all together. If you haven’t tried them yet, do it.

My husband had the french onion soup, which was pure comfort in a bowl. Rich burgundy beef broth, caramelized onions, and a melty trio of provolone, Swiss, and gruyere over a toasted crostini.

I went with the lamb pappardelle, featuring hearty lamb sausage, marinated tomatoes, and parmigiano reggiano tossed with fresh pasta. Cozy and full of flavor.

My husband had the stuffed chicken, breaded and filled with creamy boursin cheese, served with mashed potatoes. Decadent and satisfying.

We finished the night by sharing the espresso crème brûlée. Silky, bold, and topped with the perfect sugar crust.

If you're looking for an elevated dining experience in Rochester with a stylish atmosphere and standout dishes from start to finish, Latitude 44 absolutely delivers. If you haven't been yet, come check it out!

04/28/2025

Finally made it to Le Burger 4304 in Minneapolis after having it on my radar since it opened last winter — and it did not disappoint!

Not only is the food incredible, but I’m obsessed with their brand identity, the playful color palette, and the whole vibe of the place.

To start, we shared the house-made chips with crème fraîche dip and pommes frites — both so good! The fries were perfectly crispy with tons of flavor, and the chips paired perfectly with the dip. Then came the American cheese gougères — savory, rich, and dangerously poppable.

For my main, I ordered the L'oignon Burger with wagyu beef, caramelized onions, gruyère, demi, pickled shallots, and chives... easily one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. The flavors were perfectly balanced and it was so good, I devoured it in minutes. I honestly wish I had room for another! My husband got the L'american stacked with wagyu beef, bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion — also a major hit.

Already planning my next trip back to try their chicken and soft serve! If you’re in Minneapolis and love a good burger (or just a fun foodie spot), definitely check this place out — you won’t regret it! 😋

Al pastor tacos topped with pineapple, onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese 🌮
04/10/2025

Al pastor tacos topped with pineapple, onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese 🌮

03/17/2025

Had a great time revisiting one of my favorite food halls, Malcolm Yards Market, to try out the newest food vendors, eggflip.mn and World Street Kitchen!

I finally got to try Eggflip's sandwiches and let me tell you, they were worth the wait! These sandwiches are packed full of delicious breakfast flavor and the Korean toast elevates the whole experience. The Korean short ribs rice bowl from World Street Kitchen delivered a mouthwatering fusion of flavors that left me craving another bite. I can't wait to try more of both of their menus!

To finish the trip, I treated myself to Bebe Zito Ice Cream with the Tres Leches Strawberry Snickerdoodle flavor for dessert which was very good! Nothing compares to the unique ice cream flavor combinations Bebe Zito comes up with.

Every visit to The Market at Malcolm Yards never disappoints, thanks to the top-tier food vendors that call this place home. If you haven't checked out Eggflip and World Street Kitchen yet, what are you waiting for?! Head over to The Market at Malcolm Yards for a culinary experience you won't forget. Trust me, you will leave satisfied and craving more!

Honey chipotle chicken tacos with black beans, guacamole, pickled onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese 🌮
03/13/2025

Honey chipotle chicken tacos with black beans, guacamole, pickled onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese 🌮

03/09/2025

Revisiting Our Paladar in Rochester, MN for our anniversary was such a treat! The restaurant, located in a historic train depot, exudes so much charm. The food is just as amazing as I remember. The croquetas, short rib with risotto, and the jerk chicken wings were all delicious. My husband enjoyed his Peruvian half chicken with green sauce, commenting on how juicy it was. We ended the meal on a high note with a perfectly creamy and rich tiramisu.

I'm so happy we came back to Our Paladar. This place consistently delivers. Every time, it's a top-notch experience. I've had a few of their dishes, and they're all amazing. But the pork burger? That's a standout. Truly out of this world. The perfect balance of flavors and textures. And their hummus is fantastic too – so fresh and flavorful. It's just consistently excellent. If you haven't had the chance to try Our Paladar yet, you absolutely need to check it out. You won't regret it!

02/24/2025

We decided to celebrate Valentine's Day by revisiting one of our go-to romantic spots: Lovechild in La Crosse, Wisconsin. It had been over a year since our last visit, making this visit long overdue.

In line with my social media handle, Midwest Cravings, Lovechild truly exceeds expectations with every visit. This hidden gem truly shines with its unique menu offerings and divine desserts. A top choice for a romantic evening, it’s always my go-to recommendation for a special date night.

We kicked off our night by sharing our go-to appetizer, the grilled lamb spiedini with harissa, yogurt, and cilantro-scallion sauce. For the main course, I opted for the spinach pappardelle with lamb shank ragu and parmesan, while my husband chose the roasted chicken thighs with serrano peppers, fresh thyme, and toasted croutons.

The pasta was a perfect canvas for the rich lamb ragu, with the parmesan adding another layer of savory flavor. The chicken was tender and juicy, with the heat of the serrano peppers perfectly balanced by the fragrant thyme and the satisfying crunch of the toasted croutons.

When it came time for dessert, we faced a tough decision between our usual pick – the Portuguese donuts with lemon curd or one of the new offerings. Ultimately, we went with the basque cheesecake with vanilla-kumquat syrup. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cheesecake paired beautifully with the citrus sweetness of the kumquat syrup, creating a delightful end to our meal.

Lovechild once again exceeded our expectations for a perfect Valentine's Day dinner. We're already looking forward to returning and exploring their ever-evolving menu in the future.

02/24/2025

I recently had the chance to dine at Juche St Paul, a Korean restaurant in St. Paul, and it lived up to the hype. This hidden gem has a cool lounge atmosphere with vibrant neon lights, making it a perfect spot for a late-night meal, as they're open until midnight five days a week!

To start, we shared the General Khan's chicken. The crispy chicken, tossed with jalapeños, onions, chili oil, and sweet and sour sauce was the perfect way to begin our meal. The sauce had great flavor and the chicken was perfectly crispy.

For our entrees, I ordered the beef bulgogi burger. Featuring a marinated patty, cheese, caramelized onions, romaine, aioli, and a brioche bun; this burger had great flavor. From the buttery bun to the flavor packed patty, it is definitely worth trying. My husband enjoyed his bibimbap entree, a generous portion featuring flavorful beef bulgogi, banchan, romaine, rice, and a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg.

For dessert we tried the samjok-o float. The mango makgeoli paired well with the honeydew ice cream, and I even regretted not grabbing a pint of the ice cream to go, which they conveniently offer as well.

Juche is a hidden gem! I can't wait to return and explore more of their menu. Do yourself a favor and check it out. You won't regret it!

02/24/2025

I had a great dining experience at the newly opened Lynette in Minneapolis, MN to celebrate my birthday.

My husband and I started with the chicken wings with Korean BBQ sauce, and for entrees we tried the braised short rib with comte polenta, almonds, shallot, sage gremolata. Then the burger with dijonnaise, American cheese, and pickles. Then to finish off our meal, we shared the warm apple croissant pudding served with soft serve ice cream for dessert!

Each dish was perfect – the korean bbq sauce had great flavor, the short rib was tender and paired well with the polenta, and the warm apple croissant pudding was the perfect comfort food on this chilly winter night.

Lynette's menu offers a variety of options that are perfect for sharing with others at the table. From appetizers to main courses and desserts, there is something to satisfy every preference. If you're looking for a memorable dining experience, Lynette is the perfect choice. You won't be disappointed!

02/24/2025

I recently had the pleasure of dining at the newly opened Saturday Dumpling Co, and it exceeded all my expectations. Having eagerly awaited their transition from preorders to a full-fledged restaurant, I was excited by everything they had to offer.

Upon entering, I was immediately taken by the ambiance that filled the space. The attention to detail in the branding, the captivating pink wall, the chairs, and light fixtures all complemented the dining experience perfectly. It's safe to say that Saturday Dumpling Co has quickly earned a spot among my top dining spots.

During my visit, I had their pan-fried pork and cabbage dumplings, paired with rainbow slaw, pickles, and two of their signature sauces. The flavor of these dumplings are amazing! The best dumplings I've ever had.

Additionally, I had the Red Braised Pulled Pork Burrito, featuring sweet soy braised pork shoulder with jasmine rice, rainbow slaw, cucumber pickles, and ginger scallion mayo encased in a scallion pancake. The combination flavors and textures in this dish highlights Saturday Dumpling Co.'s talent at fusion cuisine.

If you're a food enthusiast looking for some delicious fusion cuisine, I highly recommend paying a visit to Saturday Dumpling Co. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

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