I visited based on a recommendation and I was not disappointed. I wanted to purchase a gift to…read moresupport local businesses over the holidays. I asked 'what screams 'Golden Fig' such that is will create a unique gift for a special foodie person. They recommended the hot chocolate mix and spices as they create both in house and are unique to their store. There are several options for each and I chose one chocolate and some homemade marshmallows to accompany and several slices that reminded me of far away travels. So fun. I had a ton of fun perusing the store. There were so many things to look at. Lots of holiday options but also a few staples if you just need a local grocer. Parking is on street but I found a spot right in front. Great experience.

We stopped in during Paws on Grand- the owner was absolutely delightful and so friendly. It was a…read morehot day- she offered to let us sit in the entrance with the pups to cool down for a bit. She was so wonderfully outgoing. Went back another time without the pups and stopped in to browse around- so many cute items, specialty food, candy , gifts etc. so much to browse through and such a cute shop. I only wish I lived closer now- we lived about 6 blocks away for years and never visited- it's not until you move do you appreciate it.

A couple of observations from yesterday in both the food market and the gift store that may help…read moreyour business. I came yesterday with 3 girl friends to buy some provisions for the Norway vs England soccer FIFA game. Butcher was very helpful with the regular sarcasm they can dish out but I also feel I might have gotten scammed with my cash payment that is required. It could have been my error but something felt strange in our transaction. Then four of us were in the gift store at the check out counter and a gentleman walked in and asked if cash was required for the food just in the coolers right inside the door and the woman answered that in the market it was but I am not sure she answered his actual question. he immediately turned away and left as we all attempted to say they have a cash machine in the store but no mention from the gift store sales person. I felt sorry for him. We all enjoyed our items we did purchase but unfortunately Norway did not win but they did put up a good fight.

Great stuff. Nice staff! My only comment would be for the…read morepeople at the deli to use gloves. My wife and I love Sylta, but it is somewhat unpleasant to have someone slice and package this with bare hands.

Stopped in mid-morning on a Saturday, specifically on the hunt for a certain olive oil flavor…read moreneeded for a recipe. I was a little confused at first because the place still has signage or references from its previous name, but it all worked out just fine. As soon as you walk in, you're immediately hit with the amazing smell of garlic (I think the owner was roasting it that day--heavenly). My friend and I took our time browsing all the different olive oils and goodies. The shop has a really nice balance--part store, part cozy café. We ended up chatting with the owner for a bit, and she was welcoming. Overall, it was a really pleasant experience. We ordered the tomato mozzarella panini and a coffee each. I'll be honest--a tomato mozz sandwich wouldn't normally be my go-to, but it was surprisingly flavorful, light, and still filling (half was enough for me). Everything we had was delicious. There's seating inside.... tables and even a comfy couch--giving it that laid-back, neighborhood vibe. Also appreciated that there's a parking lot, which made things easy. If I'm in the area again and need olive oil (or just a chill spot for a coffee and bite), I'd absolutely stop in again!

I've been wanting to visit this spot for years-- their new name is Curiouser Foods. What a charming…read morelittle oilery tucked away with a curated selection of balsamic vinegars, olive oils, teas, and rare ingredients that food lovers dream about. The moment we walked in, the scent of garlic filled the air. The owner let us in on the secret: she was prepping garlic for their sandwiches. Naturally, we had to try the caprese sandwich, and it did not disappoint--fresh, flavorful, and that garlic? Incredible. The whole place gave off relaxed European vibes, and the staff couldn't have been friendlier. I'll definitely be back.

Let's see. How to start this review. I guess. One word comes to mind. CHEEEEEEEESE!…read more I love cheese. Most ppl love cheese. Here is a heavenly place where there is load and loads of cheese! The shop is small but large enough to hold all the cheese! It's a great place to go and try a new cheese! Or an old cheese! They have a section with precut meats and dips. Overall a fresh clean and lovely cheese shop. The staff were kind and knowledgeable about cheese. They let us try different cheeses before we decided on the ones we did, they also have a small crate in the cooler section called 'cheese bites' which we grabbed 3. We are definitely planning on coming here again. We found cheese we love and can't wait to try more!

Honestly one of the best sandwiches I've ever had…read more The service is nice, kind, warm and friendly. It feels like you are a local, like they have known you forever. Clear easy communication and a wonderful selection of cheese and other deli type foods like sauces, tinned fish etc They have some seating outside but none inside. Wonderful experience!

A large roomy store with easy shopping for specialty products. We usually don't think there is…read moremuch in snack food from Asia. Just like any store there is a long aisle with snacks on both sides, packages calling out for attention with bright lettering and Anime drawings. Of course there is frozen meat and fresh greens and a large selection of common items like soy sauce. I was looking for a large bottle of Rice Vinegar but had to settle for a less-in-value smaller size. The store is on a frontage road and not real visible from Fairview so think of the building next to Starbucks which is very visible.

Stopped in here after the gym again and had another great experience. It's quiet, clean and has…read moreamazing items with great prices. This time I couldn't find my mild curry block that I like so we had to go with medium hot (hopefully I survive). They did have vegan oyster sauce and some other vittles I needed. Staff are friendly and attentive, I love supporting them.

Got the two tray combo with half n half; fried rice n noodle, w chicken wings. Along w half a duck…read more I feel the deli here is underrated. U get alot w the two tray combo meal (under $10). Everything is excellent. Gets busy during lunch hr n the deli sells out of a few things on the wknd, deli doesn't stay open late. Recommended

The best banh mi in the state! My goto spot for roast duck & bbq crispy pork ribs & pork belly…read more I can't be in an Asian grocery store long lol I only go here during the off peak times to avoid the long deli line. If I need any Asian grocery items, I usually just have my mom get them for me from a list that I would send her. I am very sensitive to smell and vomit very easily so I try to go in and out of Asian grocery stores as quickly as possible and especially on an empty stomach just in case I do vomit. The raw meat section smell is terrifying at every Asian market I wish it was sectioned far away from the entrance of deli foods. But it's not & they cut the raw meats in the open air (not enclosed or closed door separate room) & the smell lingers into the entire store at every Asian market & just makes me very ill. Luckily, the deli register line is only for the deli so I can just order deli foods and check out in the same line and then I'm out the door.

Natalie always gives the best service. I give many of the oils as gifts and they are always a hit.read more

Love this little shop! I found the best combo of olive oil and vinegar for vinaigrette; I can't…read moreget enough of it!

Coming from Los Angeles, I've always had a pretty high standard for pastrami, especially the thick,…read morepiled-high New York-style sandwiches I grew up expecting. Minnesota has disappointed me more than once. Too often the pastrami is sliced thin, served light, and feels more like an afterthought than the main event. That changed today. I stopped at St. Paul Meat Shop and ordered their smoked pastrami on rye with mustard. Simple. Exactly how a pastrami sandwich should be. And damn, they got it right. The pastrami was smoky, tender, flavorful, and there was actually enough meat on the sandwich to call it a pastrami sandwich without laughing. This was easily one of the best pastrami sandwiches I've had in the Twin Cities, and honestly, it may be the best. If you've been looking for a proper pastrami sandwich in Minnesota, this is the place.

We've visited the St Paul Meat Shop on a few other occasions. Not only have we enjoyed each item we…read morehave tried, we have been able to find some items or cuts that other butcher shops don't have available. St Paul Meat Shop markets themselves as St Paul's only whole animal butcher shop. One of our favorite items is the pastrami. Their pastrami is amazing! Made and smoked in house. It is sliced thin and makes a great sandwich. They also have turkey which I believe is cooked sous vide. Our last visit we picked up some skirt steak and their juicy lucy burgers. As we were checking out, there was one condiment that we forgot and it didn't appear that they had that. The very nice gentleman was able to locate some for us and helped us out. Quality and service has always been top notch.

Awesome selection, insane prices…read more Maybe I'm just out of touch but I can't understand how these little fruit cake desserts were $14/ea. In their defense, I could have asked how much they were before selecting them but dang. The chocolate bar at $7 seems reasonable in comparison.

I love going here. I have been here a few times. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted with this…read moreamazing aroma of perfume or something. It's not overwhelming, just so pleasant. I got home today and told my husband I wish I could smell like that. Everyone here is very friendly and is very eager to help you. Every time I have been here I've had pleasant experiences. This is a must go place. They have lots of unique and really good chocolates here. If you try their homemade Dubai chocolate you will always compare it to all the other ones you try. Hands down the best I have had. They also have delicious Dubai chocolate Strawberry cups. The back of the store has a cafe with all kinds of coffee, smoothies, pastries and cheesecake. I decided to try the Dubai chocolate cheesecake and a spicy spinach pie and meat pie. The cheesecake of course was amazing. The spicy spinach pie was my favorite out of the two. It wasn't overwhelmingly spicy, just enough spice with great flavors. A definite must try . If you haven't been here yet, it's definitely a must try place.

The International Bazaar/Market is a permanent location within the Minnesota State Fairgrounds…read more It's across from the horticulture building. The vendors range from live music, belly dancers, henna artists, handmade jewelry, clothing, and of course, food! This year, Union Hmong Kitchen is a new vendor! They absolutely rocked their first year and I hope they return. I enjoyed the Lemongrass Tofu dish with purple sticky rice the most.