🍴 What does Michelin mean for Mpls?

Will Michelin recognize our diverse food scene?

Last week, French-based Michelin announced the inclusion of Minneapolis in its “American Great Lakes Guide.” No St. Paul. This is great news for tourism and high-brow restaurants looking to snag prestigious acclaim in 2027. But food critic and City Cast contributor Kirstie Kimball has some concerns, especially about the lack of diversity represented in Michelin stars. She points out Michelin has not awarded stars to any African restaurants. [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities / beyond beurre blanc]

• Why not St. Paul? It’s honestly not clear if the city didn’t invite Michelin or if the city just wasn’t considered. But perhaps it’s a relief for St. Paul. Cities have to pay to get Michelin inspectors to restaurants, and the Star Tribune reports Minneapolis will pay the company $250,000 per year for the next three years. And here I’ve been posting my food to Instagram for free. [Star Tribune]
• Hot tip: If you are interested in the fine dining scene, Kimball recommends going to restaurants you think are contenders for Michelin’s one star. The food will likely be especially delicious, since they’re gunning for that award.

Weekend plans: Record Store Day is tomorrow. Take it from radio legend Sean McPherson: “The Electric Fetus has guest DJs all day including Jake Rudh, Talia Knight and DJ Stereocat from Radio K. Ber will be performing a live set behind the store at 12:30 p.m. I will also be making a coffee and record stop at Caydence, which just acquired Brother Jules’ (R.I.P.) incomparable collection of rare rap and R&B. Urban Lights is a Black-owned treasure helmed by the Twin Cities version of Fab Five Freddy, Tim Wilson, and they always do it up for RSD. Your best bet for jazz in particular is Barely Brothers at Raymond and University. Down in the Valley does a brilliant job stocking the RSD special releases.”

Landmark case: The first criminal charge against an ICE agent stemming from Operation Metro Surge has been brought by Hennepin County. Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr. from Maryland is facing felony charges for allegedly pointing a gun at other drivers in what seems like a fit of road rage. [Star Tribune]

Against the grain: This is the last year the State Fair is accepting quinoa in its crop art competition. Their reasoning? Quinoa is not a Minnesota grain. Artists say quinoa is great for the details and easy to work with, so they’ll surely feel the loss. [Star Tribune]

Hard for paw-rents: Pet restrictions make it harder for low-income renters to find affordable housing, according to a new report from the city of Minneapolis. Thirteen percent of owners who surrendered their pet to Minneapolis Animal Care & Control between 2024 and 2025 said housing was a concern. [MPR News]

Map alert: If you need help navigating the St. Paul skyways, this new map might be useful. The interactive map is still in its beta phase, so let the designers know if it takes you the wrong way. [St. Paul Skyway]

• Cafe Manager at Razava Bread Co. | $60k – $65k per year
• Director of Marketing & Partnerships at UMN Alumni Association | $85k – $95k per year
• Supervising Attorney at LegalCORPS | $83k – $87k per year
• Senior Director of Executive Communications at University of Minnesota | $175k – $205k per year
• Director of Capital Development and Investor Relations at Greater Minnesota Housing Fund | $135k – $150k per year