Travelers on top of Haleakala

High Above the Clouds at Haleakalā National Park

The view from Haleakalā is the type of view that inspires people to travel across the globe, to stand at the summit, to look out, and to try and make…
Sept 17 North Shore

Walking the Green Path: Greener Paths at the Crossways

Finding ingredients that have the least impact on our environment can be difficult. It takes the time, energy, and desire to find the information needed to make the right choice.
Smoking Chicken

Umami Bites: We Chase a Partly Cloud Eclipse, Smoke Some Chicken, and Make a Greek Salad Inspired by the Sun

In this Umami Bites We Chase a Partly Cloud Eclipse, Smoke Some Chicken, and Make a Greek Salad Inspired by the Sun.
Greek Salad

A Greek Salad Inspired by the Sun

Like most good food memories, I have a craving to relive them when I am far away. Those memories influence the Greek Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette that I typically serve…
Arctic Wolf

Hanging Out on the Edge of the Boundary Waters in Ely, Minnesota

Sometimes it feels like Ely’s purpose in life is to make people less afraid of the woods. Nestled on the edge of Superior National Forest, Ely is home to two…
Partially Cloudy Eclipse

Chasing a Partly Cloudy Eclipse Across America

Standing in the middle of Nebraska, looking at the sun through a blanket of clouds, all I could think about is how no one ever tells you what it’s like…
Cauliflower being grilled

Umami Bites: We Figure Out How to Build a Better BLT, Grill Delicious Cauliflower, and Give Roast Beef a Bath

In this Umami Bites, we figure out how to build a better BLT, grill delicious cauliflower, and give roast beef a long hot bath.
BLT Sandwich Cut

Building A Better BLT Sandwich

Most cookbooks skip right over the BLT sandwich, which in my opinion is an oversight because while a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich may seem simple, getting it right requires…
Hiking Trail Superior National Forest

Walking on the Green Path: On Being a Trailblazer

Whether you’re lost in the woods or trying to be one of the first restaurants in Minneapolis to pay your staff a fair wage while forgoing tips there are challenges…
Pulled Pork

Umami Bites: We Unleash Our Best Pulled Pork, Figure Out What Natural Means on Food Labels, & Reveal the Best Places to Watch the Solar Eclipse

In this Umami Bites we unleash our best pulled pork recipe, figure out what natural means on food labels, and reveal the best places to watch the solar eclipse.
NASA Map of 2017 Total Solar Eclipse

Where to Go and How to Watch This Year’s Solar Eclipse

On August 21st the first transcontinental total solar eclipse in 99 years will cast a shadow across fourteen states. For most people seeing a total solar eclipse is an awe-inspiring,…
Pork shoulder roasting for carnitas

Umami Bites: Summer Grilling Special – Tips, Tricks, Recipes & Gear for Better Grilling

In this Umami Bites we have our first summer grilling special that includes Tips, Tricks, Recipes & Gear for Better Grilling
Pork shoulder roasting for carnitas

20 Grill Gadgets that Will Make You Happy and Help You Grill Better Food

Having the right gear makes grilling easier and more fun, which is why we’ve put together a list of 20 grill gadgets that will make you happy and help you…
Elroy Sparta Bike Trail

Walking the Green Path: A Tunnel Along the Path

Running a restaurant at the forefront of a fair wage campaign can feel like traveling through a long dark tunnel.
Natural Food Labels

What Does the Word Natural Really Mean on Food Labels?

Lots of food companies use the word natural to describe their products, but what does natural really mean and can it help you eat healthier?
Umami Cover Shot 6.13.2017

Umami Bites: Introducing the All New Umami!

In this Umami Bites, we get to know the all new Umami! Over the past couple of months, we rebuilt Umami from scratch for your reading pleasure.
5.01.2017.spring Trail Walk Wilderness

Walking the Green Path: Theory and Practice

When we stopped taking tips at Butter we needed to have some time to settle into this new reality and see how good our theories were about what would happen.
Cliff Jumper Featured

Walking the Green Path: Jumping off the Cliff

For Dan, moving his cafe from accepting tips to not accepting tips can feel like jumping off a cliff.