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MPR News Staff

4 eateries one top Twin Cities chef can't do without

Chef and cookbook author Sameh Wadi
Chef Sameh Wadi photographed in the dining room at Saffron.
Jennifer Simonson | MPR News 2015 file

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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."

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.