4 eateries one top Twin Cities chef can't do without
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Sameh Wadi knows a bit about food.
He's gained local celebrity chef status from his World Street Kitchen, Saffron Restaurant & Lounge, and now an ice cream shop, Milkjam Creamery.
Plus, he just really likes eating.
"I love going out to eat, he said. "I'm addicted to food."
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Tapping the chef's expertise, All Things Considered host Tom Crann grilled Wadi on his current favorite food spots in a few categories.
Current local favorite
On's Kitchen, Midway St. Paul — "Best Thai food there is," Wadi says.
Innovative, surprising spot
Heyday, Uptown Minneapolis — Wadi described Heyday chef Jim Christiansen's new American cuisine as "simple, done really well."
Going out with a group
Pollo Campero, West St. Paul — Wadi's first answer to this question was "fried chicken, but I can't tell you where." He wanted to keep the spot his little secret, but shared it anyway. Pollo Campero, a chain started in Guatemala, isn't getting enough attention, Wadi says.
Good, cheap eats
Pho 79, South Minneapolis — The Eat Street hot spot also has a lunch buffet.
What's not getting enough attention
Ethnic food — "[It's] not getting the fair play it deserves."
Restaurant that's worth the drive
Pollo Campero, again — West St. Paul is somewhat of a drive from parts of the metro. And if Wadi recommends it twice, it must be pretty good.