MINNEAPOLIS— According to the New York Times, Minnesotans don’t have to drive far to visit two of America’s best bakeries.
On Tuesday, the Gray Lady published a list of the 22 best bakeries in the country. Diane’s Place in northeast Minneapolis and Flour & Flower in St. Joseph both earned the award.
Diane’s Place opened in April in the Food Building on 14th Avenue Northeast. Diane Moua, the chef and owner, has earned multiple James Beard Award nominations in the Outstanding Pastry Chef category.
“At this all-day restaurant, Diane Moua realizes her dream of preparing Hmong American cuisine in her personal style,” the Times wrote. “Diane’s Place, which opened last spring, no doubt sells a lot of coconut-pandan croissants and sweet pork tenderloins for breakfast, but it will always be a bakery. Diners coming in for lunch and dinner are asked if they would like to start a class pastries. The answer must always be yes.”
Owned by husband and wife Erin Lucas and Mateo Mackabee, Flour & Flower offers exactly what the name promises.
“In addition to beautiful and delicious baked goods, we also have fresh flower bouquets grown locally here in Central Minnesota,” according to the bakery’s website.
The Times said Lucas’ baked goods “give locals a good reason to wake up early; pizza brings them back on Monday nights.”
The Sour in Rapid City, South Dakota also made the list, with the Times noting that it meets customers’ “insatiable demand for sourdough loaves, sourdough croissants and everything else.” [baker Peter Mitchell] perfects.”
California, Texas and New York are the only other states with multiple entries on the list.
