Patch Picks: Top Chefs in Twin Cities

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The Twin Cities are gaining long overdue recognition as being a hotbed of top culinary talent. As more and more foodies discover the metro area offerings, they are learning what most long-term residents already knew: We eat pretty good here.

They may not have instantly recognizable names or their TV shows broadcast to millions, but many area chefs have earned a name for themselves among industry regulars and legions of satisfied customers. Here’s our picks for some of the area’s best kitchen masters.

Isaac Becker: When you see bar stools full of chefs and others from within the restaurant industry, you know the food’s going to be pretty good at the tables. Whether it’s Italian flair at Bar La Grassa or creative comfort food at 112 Eatery, Becker has created a chatter-worthy cuisine that consistently draws a crowd. Becker was recently crowned Best Chef-Midwest at the James Beard Foundation Awards, the national “Oscars” of the food world.

Russell Klein: Hailing originally from New York, Klein has taken up seemingly permanent residence in downtown St. Paul with his popular Meritage restaurant. Twin City food fans won’t be letting him leave anytime soon. Klein features classical French cuisine creatively prepared with a modern twist and has recently expanded Meritage with an East Coast oyster bar that pays homage to his roots. True, you don’t have to be a top chef to serve raw oysters, but Klein somehow makes even the simplest things burst with flavor, even a fresh-shucked oyster.

Sameh Wadi: He may have lost his bout with Iron Chef Morimoto on the Food Network’s popular cooking battle show last year, but Wadi took Kitchen Stadium by storm and showed he was a force to be reckoned with. Wadi has been touted as a rising star, but his captivating blend of spices and Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine at Saffron has shown that he’s already arrived. Earning regular buzz for best restaurant in the metro area, Wadi’s Warehouse District brainchild has helped entrench him as a top area chef for years to come.

Tim McKee: A James Beard Award Winner for Best Chef-Midwest in 2009, McKee has earned national acclaim for his culinary creations at La Belle Vie, the metro area’s fine-dining champion. Mckee has a diverse stable of offerings on the Twin City market in addition of La Belle Vie that showcase his talents. Sea Change and Uptown Cafeteria are noted McKee establishments and his partnership with Parasole Restaurants has helped that company revitalize Il Gatto as well as firm up Manny’s and Chino Latino. Newly opened Masu Shusi and Robata add to McKee’s growing influence, depth, diversity and acclaim.

Alex Roberts: Soul Daddy may have just landed at the Mall of America, but Alex Roberts claimed that cuisine with his flagship Brasa concept long before the made-for-TV celebrity offering came to town. Brasa’s South American-infused southern soul dishes can cause traffic accidents from the aroma that comes from the take-out boxes. A 2011 James Beard nominee, Roberts shouldn’t feel too threatened about a collard green and cornbread throwdown with Bobby Flay, or anyone else.