Latest news with #MallofAmerica
Eater
11 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Eater
This Taco Omakase in Stillwater Is Unlike Anything You'll Find in Minnesota
When chef Cristian De Leon came to the United States from Guatemala 23 years ago, he got a job cooking at an iconic restaurant that lives in the hearts and minds of Millennial Midwesterners, the Mall of America's mist-filled, tropical-themed Rainforest Cafe. He worked his way through a handful of other restaurants after that, including other Mall of America locales — one of which is where he met his wife, fellow restaurant veteran and immigrant by way of Mexico City, Karen De Leon. His resume also included a stint at Minneapolis's Icehouse, which is where he discovered the creativity that chef's tables allow. Years later, the De Leons established their own unassuming yet totally standout taco shop El Sazon Tacos & More in a suburban gas station, followed by a brick-and-mortar restaurant in south Minneapolis El Sazon Cocina & Tragos, all while raising three children. So when their real estate broker asked if they wanted to open yet another restaurant — this time in Stillwater, a small riverside tourist town some 30 minutes from Minneapolis — they didn't hesitate. The opportunity for the creativity of a chef's table had finally arrived. Despite being fresh off the opening of El Sazon Cocina y Tragos in Minneapolis, 'we took the risk and said let's do it,' Cristian De Leon says. 'I always had in my mind to do something from my roots ... to do something similar to what we're doing in Minneapolis but a little bit more cultural.' The result is Xelas by El Sazon, which opened early this year. Nestled in yet another unassuming location (a frontage road far from Stillwater's touristy downtown), not only is Xelas a blend of Cristian and Karen's shared Mayan ancestry, but it also offers what's likely the first taco omakase in Minnesota. It's part of a growing trend in taco tasting menus cropping up across the Midwest that speaks to a deeper exploration of Latin American culture and cuisine mirrored in the movement to raise awareness about traditions like nixtamalization. 'All of the dishes are like what we eat at home — food that's a mix of our two cultures,' Cristian says. 'We eat between Guatemala, Mexico, and Minnesota.' Just a month or so out from Xelas's opening, the restaurant was shiny and fresh in its newness but already busy and buzzing with a mix of patrons, some speaking Spanish, some speaking English. You know when a restaurant makes you forget where you are? Xelas does that despite the irrepressible chaos of what it means to be in the United States today. The space: What's now Xelas was previously a Thai restaurant until the De Leons and their contractor got a hold of it. They wanted a bright and airy space with plenty of natural light, and that's exactly what they got. From the host stand, diners walk into a wide-open dining room where wooden tabletops flanked with white chairs are warmly illuminated by rattan lighting. To the right lies a bar that sits in front of a cavernous back bar with cutouts that shine under recessed lighting and, to the left, the chef's table where Cristian serves up taco omakase. Throughout the space, the walls display colorful paintings from artists with roots in Latin America from Venezuela to Chile. The food: Xelas is doing something entirely its own. While the dishes may be Mayan by way of Guatemala and Mexico, they're not exactly the traditional dishes that Latine communities might expect. Minnesotans with an affinity for burritos and ground beef tacos won't find that here either. 'Our challenge right now is to try to educate people and send the right message about what it is we're doing,' the chef says. Luckily, the dishes speak for themselves. The hilachas are a traditional Guatemalan beef, carrot, and potato stew that Cristian grew up eating and the last dish his mom made for him during her final trip to Minnesota before she died. At Xelas, Cristian and his sous chef, Jose Cortes, have transformed it into short rib with a chile guaque demi-glace served with a root vegetable pavé. 'If you go to my house, my mom's hilachas are going to be different from your mom's hilachas,' Cristian says of the variation. The pepián, too, takes a different route here — rather than making this traditional chicken stew with pepitoria (roasted and ground squash seeds), it's crafted with the pepitas (pumpkin seeds) that are plentiful in Minnesota. The star of the show, though, is the taco omakase — an eight-course delight for $80 per person — comprising seven savory dishes and one sweet (currently a choco taco made with a cocoa tortilla that encases a chocolate mousse paired with popcorn and a passionfruit gel). As of early this spring, the omakase included an al pastor made with pork belly and grilled pineapple, the quesabirria that made the gas station spot a success, and an infladita carrying poached lobster floating in aguachile sauce, to name a few. 'We're using a lot of dry chiles. We're using quinoa, squash, and grains,' Cristian says of what drives the Mayan flavors home. The drinks: Dare I say the best part of the taco omakase was the drink pairings? If you're worried about overdoing it, fear not — the eight pairings for $35 a person are just the right size for sampling and feature two nonalcoholic courses. Bar director Zoilo Ruacho-Marquez and bar manager Daniel Torres serve creative cocktails that include white wine blends paired with pink flowers, a take on Mexico City's Batanga with yuzu, and a michelada made with the tomato water that drains off of pico de gallo. The final pairing is the Tal Vez Un Carajillo, a zero-proof version of the popular espresso drink made with rum and cacao bitters. The vibe: What comes brightly shining through the omakase experience is the glimmering pride the team takes in each and every one of the dishes and drinks they present. Through short and sweet yet nuanced and informative insights into the cultural and culinary traditions that inspire the chef's table offerings, as well as creative and unique flourishes, the taco omakase becomes a true experience. When you dine at a shared table at that price, you might get seated with a coterie of golf-loving, Louis Vuitton-toting landlords unaware of the basic civic discourse taking place in their own communities, which can be horrifying or endlessly entertaining depending on how you see it. The verdict: De Leon puts it this way: 'Xelas is more than a restaurant — it's an invitation to experience a deeper flavor of Latin America.' In a metro area swimming in James Beard nominations every year and a city teeming with modern takes on traditional foods, the heart, soul, individuality, and originality that Xelas pulls off is no small feat. It's simply a fact that what you encounter at Xelas just can't be found anywhere else — it's a glimpse into the beautiful Guatemalan and Mexican family that Cristian and Karen have created right here in Minnesota and the dishes that have come from it. And that's what makes Xelas the destination dining spot that it is. When an occasion worthy of a tasting menu comes around or an itch to exit the Twin Cities strikes, the drive to Xelas is a fun adventure. For those local to or visiting Stillwater, Xelas stands far out from and above the largely American dining that otherwise abounds — go omakase if you want a dining experience or stick to the a la carte menu for creative dishes at a range of price points for a more in-and-out affair. Xelas by El Sazon is located at 1180 W Frontage Rd. in Stillwater; open 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; reservations are available on Tock.
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Urgent health warning as most contagious disease on Earth is detected at Mall of America
An urgent warning has been issued following the discovery of world's most infectious disease at America's largest shopping mall. Health officials have revealed that a child who visited the Mall of America - which is about the size of 78 football fields - in Minnesota on May 24 has tested positive for measles. The unvaccinated child from Dakota County, who has not traveled outside of Minnesota in the last month, visited the mall's theme park and they were infectious at the time. People who were at the mall on May 24 between 5pm and 9pm may have been exposed as a result. The state's health department warned symptoms of measles - including a blotchy rash, fever and cough - could develop as late as June 14 in those who were exposed. They highlight that unvaccinated people are most at risk and should watch for signs of the viral disease. Another case of measles has also been confirmed in Minnesota but it is not said to be related. This case involves a Washington County adult whose vaccination status is unverified. The individual was exposed to the virus during domestic air travel outside of Minnesota and is currently recovering at home, as is the child who was infected. These incidents bring Minnesota's confirmed measles cases up to four in 2025. The Minnesota Department of Health is now working with local health departments and other Twin Cities locations to contact those who were exposed to either case. Jessica Hancock-Allen, the infectious disease division director at MDH, says the case detected at the Mall of America is particularly concerning as there is currently 'no known source'. She explained: 'Anytime we confirm a case of measles unrelated to travel that has no known source it is worrying. 'This is because it could be a sign that measles is spreading in the community undetected by public health and healthcare systems. 'It is uncertain where the child was exposed and whether others may have been exposed.' The Minnesota cases come as measles cases in the US continue to spike. Currently there have been 1,088 confirmed measles cases and at least three deaths reported by 33 states. Of these cases, three-quarters are in children under the age of 19. In an updated advisory, the CDC is warning that people can get infected with measles during travel or at crowded events, unless they are fully vaccinated or have had the disease. The notice reads: 'Travelers can catch measles in many travel settings, including travel hubs like airports and train stations, on public transportation like airplanes and trains, at tourist attractions, and at large, crowded events. 'Infected travelers can bring the disease back to their home communities where it can spread rapidly among people who are not immune.' The government agency recommends that all travelers be fully vaccinated against measles before traveling to an international destination. The last time measles was this rife in the US was in 2019, when there were 1,274 cases reported for the entire year. Prior to that, the biggest outbreak was in 1990, with numbers spiking to more than 27,000. Measles was officially eradicated in the US in 2000 amid a successful vaccination campaign. At the time, the CDC described achieving measles elimination status in the US as a 'historic public health achievement'. However, a recent study found uptake of the vaccine among children declined in eight in 10 US counties last year, which is being signaled as the cause of the measles resurgence. Overall, vaccine rates fell three percent across the country. It means that merely 91 percent of children are vaccinated against measles, which is well below the 95 percent need to prevent the disease from spreading and causing death. The Johns Hopkins University researchers warned that if vaccination rates continue to fall, measles is likely to completely return and become a common infection among Americans. A majority of those infected as well as the all of the deceased had not received their MMR vaccine - primarily due to vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, experts say. Without the MMR vaccine, which is 97 percent effective at stopping infections, measles is thought to be the most infectious disease in the world. It causes tiny white spots inside the mouth, flat red spots on the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet, ear infections and an intense fever. In terms of when to get vaccinated, experts say children need two doses of MMR vaccine: the first dose at age 12-15 months, and the second dose at age 4-6 years. Babies ages 6-11 months should get an early dose if traveling internationally. Adults should also check to see if they are immune to measles.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ramsey County Board gets feedback on projects to be funded by Riverview Corridor money
Ramsey County commissioners heard public feedback Tuesday on an initial list of projects that could be funded by money previously designated for the Riverview Corridor project. The county had allocated around $730 million for the project, but canceled the project in September. The 12-mile corridor was to connect downtown St. Paul to the Mall of America in Bloomington through a potential streetcar. A Transit and Transportation Investment Plan was presented to the county board last week and provides direction for how those funds may be reallocated. A vote on the projects is expected June 10. Specific projects, funding amounts and anticipated year of construction will be approved through the county's Transportation Improvement Program, which is adopted annually by the county board. Approval of the 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program is expected in the fall. Some community members at Tuesday's public hearing expressed concern that the Transit and Transportation Investment Plan does not include West Seventh Street, where the Riverview Corridor was to run. City projects and other investments in West Seventh had been passed over 'because it was always thought that a major investment was coming our way with Riverview,' said Meg Duhr, president of West Seventh/Fort Road Federation, a district council representing the West Seventh neighborhood. 'Individual community members and neighborhood organizations have spent years working for or against this project, wasting human capital and time while generating deep neighborhood conflict,' Duhr said. 'And now here we are considering a transit and transportation investment plan that details all the ways that the county will spend the funds previously allocated for Riverview without a single project in our community and no mention of the remaining critical needs on West Seventh itself.' Infrastructure conditions on West Seventh Street worsened as the area lost out on millions in infrastructure and transit investment, Duhr said. Metro Transit in 2014, for example, backed off of plans for a $28 million rapid bus line from downtown St. Paul to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the Mall of America. The change in plans came at the urging of St. Paul and county officials who were concerned that it might interfere with the Riverview Corridor. Others at Tuesday's meeting raised concerns with the plan's focus on roads rather than public transit and also called for county support of the New West Seventh Corridor, a transportation plan that includes the city of St. Paul, Metro Transit, the state Department of Transportation and other partners. Speakers included people from the Riverview Corridor's citizen advisory committee, Sustain St. Paul and Highland District Council's transportation committee. In its Transit and Transportation Investment Plan, the county identified five project categories focused on roadways, transportation network improvement projects, corridor improvements, Union Depot and railroad safety and access and other areas. Potential projects, categories and prioritization methods were identified during internal staff workshops held earlier this year. Community members can submit comments on the plan until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. Ramsey County: Economic Development Authority to allow flexibility on housing projects Air quality alert extended to noon Wednesday throughout Minnesota 'An absolute privilege': Darts President Ann Bailey offers advice, reflects on 10 years in Dakota County aging services Charges to be dismissed in St. Paul sexual assault case Maplewood shooting: St. Paul man fired on car while kids cowered nearby, charges say
Axios
2 days ago
- Health
- Axios
Minnesota officials warn of measles exposure at Mall of America
A child who was infectious with measles was at the Mall of America theme park over Memorial Day weekend, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced Monday. Why it matters: Anyone who came in contact with the child at the bustling shopping and tourism destination may have been exposed to the highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease. Threat level: MDH says people who were at the mall on May 24 between 5pm and 9pm should watch for symptoms — typically fever, cough, and a runny nose, followed by a rash — through June 14. People who are unvaccinated and have not previously contracted measles are at higher risk. Driving the news: The disclosure came as MDH announced two new confirmed cases of the illness in Minnesota, bringing this year's total to four. What we know: The child, who was unvaccinated, lives in Dakota County and had no known exposure prior to becoming ill. The second case, which officials say was unrelated, involved an adult from Washington County who was exposed during domestic air travel. Their vaccination status was unknown. What they're saying: While both individuals are recovering at home, state health officials say they're especially concerned about the child's case given the "worrying" lack of travel or known exposure. "It could be a sign that measles is spreading in the community undetected by public health and healthcare systems," Jessica Hancock-Allen, infectious disease division director at MDH, said in a statement. The mall told Axios in a statement that it informed team members and tenants of the case after learning about it on Friday and continues to work with state and local health officials on the issue. "Providing a clean and safe environment is a priority to us, as we have extensive daily sanitation protocols for all rides, food services, and Mall common areas," the statement read. The statement did not include a response to Axios' inquiry about how many people were at the mall the evening of May 24. Between the lines: People who believe they have measles should call their health provider before showing up in person to avoid exposing other patients, MDH says. What's next: MDH is working with local health departments to contact those who may have been exposed through either case.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
New MN measles cases confirmed, including Dakota County child who had not traveled
The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed two more measles cases in the state, saying one case is concerning because officials can't trace a known exposure to the infectious disease, which could mean that the virus is spreading in the state. The two new cases brings the state's total this year to four. The new cases, which officials say are unrelated, were reported in the east metro area. One person in Washington County, whose vaccination status is unknown, was exposed during domestic air travel outside of the state. The second new case is the infection of an unvaccinated Dakota County child who has not traveled outside the state in the last month and has no known exposure to the disease. Both are recovering at home. 'Anytime we confirm a case of measles unrelated to travel that has no known source it is worrying,' said Jessica Hancock-Allen, infectious disease division director at the health department. 'This is because it could be a sign that measles is spreading in the community undetected by public health and healthcare systems. It is uncertain where the child was exposed and whether others may have been exposed.' The child was infectious while at the Mall of America theme park on May 24. Disease investigators say anyone who was at the mall between 5 and 9 p.m. that day might have been exposed. Any symptoms would appear eight to 12 days after exposure, meaning in this case between May 31 and June 14, officials said. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes followed a few days later by a rash that typically spreads from the head to the rest of the body. People who are unvaccinated or who have not had measles are most at risk and should watch for symptoms. The state department of health is working with local health departments to reach anyone they believe may have been exposed to either person. People who suspect they have measles should call their health care provider before going to a clinic to avoid exposing other people, officials said. 'An absolute privilege': Darts President Ann Bailey offers advice, reflects on 10 years in Dakota County aging services Rosemount: Public invited to tour new $58M Police and Public Works campus Eagan city administrator to step down after 24 years with the city Red Panda Forest Habitat opens at Minnesota Zoo Interstate 494 closure slated for this weekend in Bloomington-Richfield area The best prevention is immunization. Children should receive two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine: first at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at 4 to 6 years of age. Minnesotans who don't have health records or are unclear about their vaccination record can go to Find My Immunization Record. Most people born before 1957 have had measles and are considered immune. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to hospitalization and even death. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Additional information about measles can be found on the MDH Measles website.
