I visited based on a recommendation and I was not disappointed. I wanted to purchase a gift to…read moresupport local businesses over the holidays. I asked 'what screams 'Golden Fig' such that is will create a unique gift for a special foodie person. They recommended the hot chocolate mix and spices as they create both in house and are unique to their store. There are several options for each and I chose one chocolate and some homemade marshmallows to accompany and several slices that reminded me of far away travels. So fun. I had a ton of fun perusing the store. There were so many things to look at. Lots of holiday options but also a few staples if you just need a local grocer. Parking is on street but I found a spot right in front. Great experience.

We stopped in during Paws on Grand- the owner was absolutely delightful and so friendly. It was a…read morehot day- she offered to let us sit in the entrance with the pups to cool down for a bit. She was so wonderfully outgoing. Went back another time without the pups and stopped in to browse around- so many cute items, specialty food, candy , gifts etc. so much to browse through and such a cute shop. I only wish I lived closer now- we lived about 6 blocks away for years and never visited- it's not until you move do you appreciate it.

An actual Scandinavian Meat shop (and gift shop)…read more Full Stop. (also, the meat shop only takes cash or check, so be prepared) It was our family reunion - all the kids and grandkids. We did the American Swedish Institute, then hit Ingebretsen's for dinner supplies. What a great choice. Six types of herring. Swedish Meatball Meat. Julekage. Limpa Rye. Scandinavian sausages and cheese. Store made Lefse. Candy, Fish, Crisp Breads, Lingonberry jam. We loaded up, wheeled to my daughters house, and had a wonderful family meal.

A couple of observations from yesterday in both the food market and the gift store that may help…read moreyour business. I came yesterday with 3 girl friends to buy some provisions for the Norway vs England soccer FIFA game. Butcher was very helpful with the regular sarcasm they can dish out but I also feel I might have gotten scammed with my cash payment that is required. It could have been my error but something felt strange in our transaction. Then four of us were in the gift store at the check out counter and a gentleman walked in and asked if cash was required for the food just in the coolers right inside the door and the woman answered that in the market it was but I am not sure she answered his actual question. he immediately turned away and left as we all attempted to say they have a cash machine in the store but no mention from the gift store sales person. I felt sorry for him. We all enjoyed our items we did purchase but unfortunately Norway did not win but they did put up a good fight.

Stopped in mid-morning on a Saturday, specifically on the hunt for a certain olive oil flavor…read moreneeded for a recipe. I was a little confused at first because the place still has signage or references from its previous name, but it all worked out just fine. As soon as you walk in, you're immediately hit with the amazing smell of garlic (I think the owner was roasting it that day--heavenly). My friend and I took our time browsing all the different olive oils and goodies. The shop has a really nice balance--part store, part cozy café. We ended up chatting with the owner for a bit, and she was welcoming. Overall, it was a really pleasant experience. We ordered the tomato mozzarella panini and a coffee each. I'll be honest--a tomato mozz sandwich wouldn't normally be my go-to, but it was surprisingly flavorful, light, and still filling (half was enough for me). Everything we had was delicious. There's seating inside.... tables and even a comfy couch--giving it that laid-back, neighborhood vibe. Also appreciated that there's a parking lot, which made things easy. If I'm in the area again and need olive oil (or just a chill spot for a coffee and bite), I'd absolutely stop in again!

I've been wanting to visit this spot for years-- their new name is Curiouser Foods. What a charming…read morelittle oilery tucked away with a curated selection of balsamic vinegars, olive oils, teas, and rare ingredients that food lovers dream about. The moment we walked in, the scent of garlic filled the air. The owner let us in on the secret: she was prepping garlic for their sandwiches. Naturally, we had to try the caprese sandwich, and it did not disappoint--fresh, flavorful, and that garlic? Incredible. The whole place gave off relaxed European vibes, and the staff couldn't have been friendlier. I'll definitely be back.

overall good sandwich but nothing exceptional. friendly workers and easy order ahead process. small…read moreinside but seating available outside with easy parking.

One of my favorite sandwich places in all of the TC! Whenever we are St. Paul and thinking about…read morelunch, this place is on the shortlist. Parking is easy, as there is a free public lot about 50 feet away, and street parking is also available. The workers are always friendly, and often will give you cheese samples (yum). I have never had a bad sandwich here. Some favorites are the chicken salad, the prosciutto-fig-ricotta, and the sweet chorizo. Today, I ordered the Turkey club and the Sandwich of the Week, the La Tur, which had a cow, goat and sheep milk cheese with blueberry honey jam, greens and bacon. It was good, but don't get this sandwich unless you like cheeses that REALLY have that sheep flavor! There are a few small tables for 2 tucked inside by the register, and a couple of small tables outside in nice weather, but this is really more of a grab'n go place. We took these on the plane with us the next day, as we were traveling. Pro Tip: You can earn France 44 rewards at this location, just tell them you are a member when you get to the register!

Fantastic little supermarket that have basically everything. Clean and frozen section is actually…read morepretty fresh. They have good hot pot meat and a good amount of various fish balls. Spice section is fantastic I found some that I've been looking for a long time.

A large roomy store with easy shopping for specialty products. We usually don't think there is…read moremuch in snack food from Asia. Just like any store there is a long aisle with snacks on both sides, packages calling out for attention with bright lettering and Anime drawings. Of course there is frozen meat and fresh greens and a large selection of common items like soy sauce. I was looking for a large bottle of Rice Vinegar but had to settle for a less-in-value smaller size. The store is on a frontage road and not real visible from Fairview so think of the building next to Starbucks which is very visible.

The best banh mi in the state! My goto spot for roast duck & bbq crispy pork ribs & pork belly…read more I can't be in an Asian grocery store long lol I only go here during the off peak times to avoid the long deli line. If I need any Asian grocery items, I usually just have my mom get them for me from a list that I would send her. I am very sensitive to smell and vomit very easily so I try to go in and out of Asian grocery stores as quickly as possible and especially on an empty stomach just in case I do vomit. The raw meat section smell is terrifying at every Asian market I wish it was sectioned far away from the entrance of deli foods. But it's not & they cut the raw meats in the open air (not enclosed or closed door separate room) & the smell lingers into the entire store at every Asian market & just makes me very ill. Luckily, the deli register line is only for the deli so I can just order deli foods and check out in the same line and then I'm out the door.

Got the two tray combo with half n half; fried rice n noodle, w chicken wings. Along w half a duck…read more I feel the deli here is underrated. U get alot w the two tray combo meal (under $10). Everything is excellent. Gets busy during lunch hr n the deli sells out of a few things on the wknd, deli doesn't stay open late. Recommended

Natalie always gives the best service. I give many of the oils as gifts and they are always a hit.read more

Love this little shop! I found the best combo of olive oil and vinegar for vinaigrette; I can't…read moreget enough of it!

We've visited the St Paul Meat Shop on a few other occasions. Not only have we enjoyed each item we…read morehave tried, we have been able to find some items or cuts that other butcher shops don't have available. St Paul Meat Shop markets themselves as St Paul's only whole animal butcher shop. One of our favorite items is the pastrami. Their pastrami is amazing! Made and smoked in house. It is sliced thin and makes a great sandwich. They also have turkey which I believe is cooked sous vide. Our last visit we picked up some skirt steak and their juicy lucy burgers. As we were checking out, there was one condiment that we forgot and it didn't appear that they had that. The very nice gentleman was able to locate some for us and helped us out. Quality and service has always been top notch.

This place does remind you that quality is worth the price. The Shepard's Pie is LEGIT! Yes, it's…read morea bit on the pricy side, but that's because they use a blend of beef and lamb, which is the traditional recipe. It's very rich, though, so you get a lot of flavor in a little bit, so it does last. My real find, though, was this Pork Tamale Handpie thing. I wish I could remember the name. The pork was flavorful and highly spiced, the dough flaky, and I don't know how they got the masa in there, but I could taste and feel it (you know that mouthfeel). It was buttery, flaky, crispy, spicy, meaty, and sweet all at the same time and I am positively obsessed. I was so glad to have decided to pick that one up. The store was lovely and the gentleman behind the counter was fantastic - friendly, knowledgeable, and personable. I will absolutely be back.

Awesome selection, insane prices…read more Maybe I'm just out of touch but I can't understand how these little fruit cake desserts were $14/ea. In their defense, I could have asked how much they were before selecting them but dang. The chocolate bar at $7 seems reasonable in comparison.

The Dubai white chocolate was absolutely delicious and definitely worth trying. We also tried the…read moremango mousse, which was very tasty as well. However, the staff member at the sweets counter was a bit rude when I asked about the desserts, especially since there were no descriptions provided. The kanafeh also looked old and overly oily, as if it had been sitting out for a long time. Also, It was also a bit odd that, despite being a grocery store concept, they asked for a tip at checkout.

The International Bazaar/Market is a permanent location within the Minnesota State Fairgrounds…read more It's across from the horticulture building. The vendors range from live music, belly dancers, henna artists, handmade jewelry, clothing, and of course, food! This year, Union Hmong Kitchen is a new vendor! They absolutely rocked their first year and I hope they return. I enjoyed the Lemongrass Tofu dish with purple sticky rice the most.