I liked Rick Nelson's Taste 50 [1] in the Strib the other day...but I want to add a few more.

The breads from Rustica Bakery [2]in Mpls are something I think about often. Craving a crusty baguette with a fluffy, airy center or a dense pugliese with purpose right now.

The U of M Arboretum [3] is responsible for the Honeycrisp apple, bringing in Michael Pollan as a speaker, and pioneering hardy wine grapes. Check out their summer programs for kids which teach them about growing food, and the new Summerhouse which provides a place to buy their tasty wares.

Town Hall Brewery [4]are the unsung meisters of beer. They consistently put out award winning beers that challenge the average drinker. Their growler program is genius and their seasonally available Retreating Darkness (made with local Peace Coffee) is the only way to suffer being a Northerner.

The slab of Nueske's smoked bacon as a side dish at Manny's Steakhouse [5]. Yeah, it's not really good for you, but man is it gooooood.

Sue Zelickson [6]. More than just chatting on the radio and writing about restuarants, Sue Selickson is a force in the food world: she has worked hard to feed hungry kids [7], she has inspired and supported countless women [8] in the culinary fields, and best yet, she shows no signs of stopping.