The University of Utah men’s basketball team dropped a competitive game against the TCU Horned Frogs on Wednesday night. Utah is now 6-3 on the season, 1-1 in Pac-12 play. Branden Carlson and Both Gach were the leading scorers for Utah, dropping in 16 points each.

Utah kept pace with TCU for most of the first half, but a strong run by the Horned Frogs right before halftime pushed it to a nine-point game, 27-36 at the half. The Utes’ defense had a rough stretch, and TCU scored in bunches to solidify their lead.

The Utes never quite recovered from that deficit. The lead for TCU hovered around 8-10 for pretty much the entire second half, but Utah was never able to break through for the comeback. They eventually dropped the game, 76-62. 

It was a tough shooting night for the Utes, hitting only 19 of their 56 shot attempts. They were just 3-20 from three point range. No one seemed to find their rhythm against a tough TCU defensive effort.

Marco Anthony made his return to the lineup after sitting out a few weeks with an ankle injury. He came off the bench in his first game back, with head coach Craig Smith opting to leave Gach in the starting lineup. Gach has been playing very well recently, so clearly Smith felt like he couldn’t make that change tonight. Anthony scored six points on 2-4 shooting to go with four rebounds.

Horned Frogs guard Mike Miles tied his career high in scoring with 28 points on the evening. Miles was the silencer for TCU; every time the Utes would start to cut into the lead, he would be the one scoring to build it back. Utah had a tough time against his speed and finishing ability.

The Utes will return home this weekend to play Manhattan at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. The game will tip off on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. MST. Utah has three more games on the non-conference schedule before moving into full-time Pac-12 play.

e.pearce@dailyutahchronicle.com

@e_pearce_

@splashcitynba

The post Runnin’ Utes Fall Behind, Can’t Recover Against TCU appeared first on The Daily Utah Chronicle.

Alexander “Elderbrook” Kotz performed at Denver’s The Bluebird Theater Oct. 17. Elderbrook is a Grammy-nominated artist whose most streamed song on Spotify is “Cola” with 219,947,320 total streams. Monthly, Elderbrook has approximately 6.4 million listeners on Spotify alone. Elderbrook was not alone in his performance at Bluebird Theater, as fellow electric musical artist Gilligan Moss opened for Kotz.

Gallery|9 Photos

Elderbrook performs to a sold-out Bluebird Theater in Denver Oct. 17. The Grammy-nominated artist played his electronic music to an enthusiastic crowd.

Reach Ryan Schmidt at photo@collegian.com or on Instagram @ryan_t_schmidt.

The United States has the highest incarceration rate and prison population in the world, with 2.3 million people confined nationwide. As Edgar Montero, a former Utah prisoner, told me, prison punishes prisoners “every day of their sentence.” Most Americans are happy to see that punishment continue after a jail term ends, which may explain why there is a severe lack of resources to help prisoners adjust to the outside world after incarceration. However, leaving ex-cons without support creates higher recidivism rates, something that affects all of us.

Temporary work release has been linked to post-incarceration success in Utah. Countries like the UK have expanded temporary work releases further to help rehabilitate inmates, resulting in lower recidivism and higher employment success for ex-prisoners. Utah and the United States should expand its prison release programs as a first step toward lower recidivism and a more rehabilitative system.

Barriers After Incarceration

Prisoners face many barriers when they leave prison. Employers are reluctant to hire ex-cons — only 12.5% of employers will accept an application from a former prisoner. Housing, too, can be difficult to find as some public housing and housing vouchers are off-limits, parole restrictions can limit where they’re allowed to live and many landlords are wary of renting to former prisoners.

Montero explained that when he transitioned out of prison, Utah policy allowed prisoners to receive $100 of “gate money” to walk away with if they had no money in their account. But if they had even $10 or $20 in their account, the prison would not give them $100. Most states offer gate money sums, ranging from as little as $10 to $200 at the highest end. If an inmate has no family or friends to fall back on, even $200 will not get them very far, setting them up for failure the minute they leave.

Former prisoners also face the barrier of a world that changed while they were behind bars. Another former Utah prisoner, Matthew Holman, told me about how some of his friends left prison and didn’t know how to use Google. We release inmates into an unfamiliar environment with technology they don’t know how to use.

The barriers prisoners face post-incarceration are huge. They don’t have the option to work harder for success because they can’t work, they can’t find housing and they don’t have the skills to navigate the society they are released into. They have no access to the American dream. Our system punishes them even after they’ve paid the debt of their sentence.

The Cost of Those Barriers

With few resources for reintegration and many barriers to employment and housing, prisoners often turn back to crime, contributing to high recidivism. In the U.S., 67.8% of ex-offenders are rearrested within three years and 76.6% within five years. Recidivism can cost states a lot of money. In 2017, each reconviction cost Illinois $151,662. In Utah, 46% of inmates return to jail within three years. Limited statistics on the cost of reconvictions make it hard to know the dollars we spend on recidivism, but we do know that prosecuting and housing prisoners is expensive.

Recidivism also has a moral cost. The United Nations says “the rehabilitation of offenders and their successful social reintegration into society should [therefore] be among the basic objectives of criminal justice systems.” They lay out that guideline for good reason. When our justice system fails to rehabilitate inmates, we reinforce the racial and economic social inequalities that exist. Equal opportunity, a key part of the American dream, is destroyed in the process. Not only that, recidivism reduces public safety. When ex-cons reoffend, it contributes to crime and creates new victims. If we want a justice system that reduces crime, we need to focus our efforts on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Introducing A Broader Temporary Release Program

Utah county has the largest jail industries program in the nation. Over two decades, it has allowed over 10,000 inmates to hold jobs in the community during their sentence, reducing recidivism in the state by helping inmates maintain employment after prison. However, temporary prison release doesn’t need to end with work releases.

The UK temporarily releases prisoners, especially as they near the end of their sentence, for work, education, to sleep at their post-incarceration residence or to spend time with their child(ren). The program allows inmates to integrate more gradually into their life post-incarceration. Evidence shows that expanded temporary release programs have helped prisoners reintegrate after incarceration, find employment and overall reduce recidivism. When I talked to Holman, he said a program like that in the United States could allow inmates to integrate in a manner that is less daunting. Utah and the United States suffer from high recidivism and all its ill effects. The UK’s rehabilitative temporary prison release program could help remedy that.

The American dream is built on the idea that hard work breeds success. That isn’t true for American prisoners right now. The cost of that stolen American dream doesn’t land just on ex-convicts. It lands on all of us through recidivism costs and lower public safety. If we believe in second chances, if we want to lower the social costs of recidivism and if we care about the American dream, we’ll consider expanded temporary release programs to help prisoners reintegrate after incarceration.

k.cushman@dailyutahchronicle.com

@cushman_kcellen

The post Cushman: Supporting Ex Convicts Makes Society Better appeared first on The Daily Utah Chronicle.

Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.

In life amid a pandemic, we all could use a little self-care, especially as we exit dead week and make our way to the final week of the semester — one full of stress and tests and the luxury of break peeking over the horizon.

When you think of self-care, a few images may come to mind — a glistening face mask, a manicure, a long bubble bath — but there’s something clearly missing in these spas and salons: men.

Taking time for yourself not only helps you deal with life as it moves around you but also impacts how you interact with others. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and when you’re drained and emotionally exhausted, you’re probably not going to stress the pleasantries. 

It’s not just about making sure you look good and feel good about yourself physically. It’s about taking care of your mind and those around you too.

Self-care is not solely feminine nor is it selfish. You don’t have to lather yourself in lavender-scented lotion with cucumber slices on your eyes to engage in self-care; it can be as simple as putting your phone on Do Not Disturb while you take a long, hot shower. The world will be waiting for you when you’re done.” 

The lack of male voices in the self-care discussion is largely due to the societal pressures placed on men. They’re told they can’t cry and that they need to be gruff and rugged as a display of hyper-masculinity. 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, men tend to have lower rates of mental illness when compared to women. However, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they are far more likely to die by suicide or never receive treatment for their mental health.

The way the United States treats and views masculinity is damaging both to individuals and the surrounding society, and this treatment is upheld through our patriarchal government, in which men are more likely to be in positions of power. 

Ideas of masculinity are internalized and usually passed down generationally but, like all stereotypical ideas of gender, rely hugely on the opinions of others and fears of how one will be perceived. 

College-aged men, like all of us, are still developing their identity and therefore feel more pressure to adhere to typically masculine activities to fit in. When this masculinity is threatened, younger men have a higher tendency to become aggressive in order to compensate. 

We need to shift the narrative to not only include but encourage men to participate in these activities. We all have a responsibility to take care of ourselves and those around us, and it all starts with little, personal actions.”

This long-held idea that men need to be strong and unwavering in the face of pressure not only affects how they feel about themselves but also how they feel about and respond to their surroundings. Spending time worrying about how you’re being perceived by those around you will only result in more stress. 

Now, fixing the patriarchy is much easier said than done. Just because we have a woman as our vice president does not mean that sexism evaporates, and just because you’re asked, as a man, to be mindful of how you uphold patriarchal ideals in your life doesn’t mean you will. 

Gender roles in this country are deep-rooted and damaging and certainly hard to address on a mass scale. Discussions of healthy body image, mental health and self-care tend to orbit around women’s experiences, and men are repeatedly left out of the conversation. 

We need to shift the narrative to not only include but encourage men to participate in these activities. We all have a responsibility to take care of ourselves and those around us, and it all starts with little, personal actions.

We need to stop gendering self-care because it’s so crucial to our society’s functioning as a whole. Just because you’re a man doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take time to rest and tend to your own needs. 

Self-care is not solely feminine nor is it selfish. You don’t have to lather yourself in lavender-scented lotion with cucumber slices on your eyes to engage in self-care; it can be as simple as putting your phone on Do Not Disturb while you take a long, hot shower. The world will be waiting for you when you’re done. 

With finals week rapidly approaching, now is the best time to make sure you’re creating spaces in your schedule to do something for yourself. Yes, it’s stressful, and those exams aren’t something you can skip with a shower, but make sure you’re sleeping well, eating food that makes you feel motivated and taking care of your mind and body at the end of the day.

Happy finals week — you’re so close to that well-deserved, month-long break!

Reach Bella Eckburg at letters@collegian.com or on Twitter @yaycolor.

Minnesota struggled from the field for the first time this season against No. 19 Michigan State in its first Big Ten game of the season. That didn’t stop the Gophers from giving the Spartans a fight to the end. Michigan State was able to hold out and take a 75-67 win.

“It’s tough, we’re playing the 19th rated team in the country, and obviously they’re really well-coached. When you gotta put all the energy to get back in the game, it’s hard and they don’t make many mistakes. You gotta capitalize when you can get a turnover or an open look,” head coach Ben Johnson said.

Even through their struggles, the Gophers never gave up. Minnesota trailed by as many as 19 at one point in the second half. Ultimately, the Spartans were able to hold out and end their undefeated season.

After a difficult first half for sophomore Jamison Battle, he was able to get the crowd electrified multiple times during the comeback. Battle scored just three points in the first half, but came alive for a couple stretches to end the night with 17 points.

Battle wasn’t alone, the Spartans made it a lot tougher on all of the Gophers. Minnesota came into Wednesday sitting at 7-0 and shooting 45.7% from the field and 36.2% from deep. The slow start was too much to shoot back into as Minnesota shot 39.7% from the field and 26.1% from deep.

Minnesota continued to settle for contested jumpers, and unlike the Spartans, they weren’t dropping for the Gophers. The Gophers also played a very clean game on the offensive side and turned the ball over just three times.

Unfortunately, the first half deficit proved to be too much to overcome after the Spartans went into the break up by 13. Outside of redshirt senior Eric Curry and senior Payton Willis, the only two players with experience against Big Ten opponents in The Barn, the offense struggled in the first half.

As a team, Minnesota shot just 30.3% from the field and 18.2% from deep in the first half with 17 of its 24 points coming from Curry and Willis. Curry led Minnesota with 10 points as Willis accounted for seven including one of the Gophers’ two made threes.

On the defensive side, the Gophers were the best team coming into the game at stopping the three ball. Teams averaged just 23.1% from deep when playing against Minnesota -that is, until the Spartans came to town.

Michigan State let it rain in the first half, hitting six three-pointers on its way to a dominant first half. The deep ball continued to fly for the Spartans as they made 10-21, and the four in the second half came at important times.

Besides the three-pointers, Minnesota played a relatively good defensive game. The Spartans were just a little better and were able to knock down contested shots. Whenever Minnesota seemed to be closing the gap, a Spartan three would quiet the crowd and put an end to the Gopher run.

Curry continued his dominance and scored a career-high 18 points against a tough Spartan defense. He was efficient in his night going 9-14 from the field while missing his lone three-point attempt.

“Man you’ve improved a ton… This kid, I’m happy for him. When guys can stick it out six years and go through what he went through, and he looked tougher, he looked way more aggressive tonight than I’ve seen him on film,” Spartan’s head coach Tom Izzo said on Curry’s play.

The Gophers made the game close, getting to within six at one point. The crowd continued to be on the Gophers’ back and Minnesota gave them plenty to cheer for in a tough loss.

“I thought the crowd was great, the crowd was awesome. The student section was big-time, [I] really appreciate them coming out. Our guys felt it, and I think their effort was a result of the energy they felt in the building,” Johnson said.

The Gophers will continue their Big Ten play against Michigan Saturday as Minnesota travels to Ann Arbor, Mich., to try and get its first conference win.

When Raegan Allen (23C) and her roommates returned to the Undergraduate Residential Center (URC) at Clairmont Campus after fall break, they discovered an unwelcome guest in their apartment: extensive mold growing in their rooms, common spaces and personal belongings.

“We first found that it was growing on one of my roommate’s dresses and my other roommate found it growing all over her trash can,” Allen said. “We started to look all over the apartment and it turns out it was on top of our TV stand, on our carpets, underneath the beds and bathroom cabinets. There was mold everywhere else other than the kitchen.”

With the alarming amount of “vomit-inducing” mold, Allen said she and her roommates called Campus Services’ emergency contact number. They were told that mold infestation is considered a non-emergency standard work order for the maintenance team, so they submitted a work order that day.

Undergraduate Residential Center. Photo courtesy of Emory University

Allen was one of numerous students that voiced similar concerns about mold infestation. 

Laura Diamond, assistant vice president of Communications and Marketing, said in a Nov. 30 email to the Wheel that “during the fall semester, Emory’s Facilities Management received about 90 mold-related work requests for the Clairmont Campus.” 

It took two days for maintenance staff to visit Allen’s apartment to gather data on the infestation, after which they informed the residents that they might have to wait for a deep cleaning. Before and after the first visit from maintenance staff, Allen said she and her roommates repeatedly made calls and drafted emails because they were not receiving updates on the work order status. 

“Pretty much everytime we called, the person who we spoke to said ‘I’ll check on that for you’ and then we wouldn’t hear anything for days,” Allen explained. “We felt like no one was listening to us … We were just pulling teeth to get people to even come look.”  

Diamond said “Emory’s response to potential mold begins immediately, with the University conducting preliminary inspections within 24 hours of receiving a work order. Depending on the situation, the entire process of investigation, mold remediation and clean-up may take up to two weeks to complete.”

Cleanliness was not the only reason why Allen and her roommates wanted immediate help. They reported experiencing mold exposure health symptoms such as congestion that resembled the common cold as well as fungal sinus infections. Two of Allen’s roommates who are allergic to mold “definitely had a hard time breathing” and Allen herself experienced headaches. 

On Oct. 20, eight days after they first submitted the work order, Allen and her roommates were told by Campus Services to move their belongings for a deep cleaning of the apartment the next morning, which they finally received on time. Allen felt that this was a “short notice.”

Similarly, Catherine Minyard (23C), who also lives in URC, was notified at 5 a.m. on the day of the maintenance staff’s visit, which she said was not enough time for her to plan accordingly. The staff visited Minyard and her roommates’ apartment multiple times for inspections and cleanings, but for several visits, Minyard could not be there because the appointment time was unclear, she said. 

Because Minyard and her roommates were not prepared to put their belongings away, the staff could not proceed with the cleaning. 

Minyard said she wished she would have received accurate notices prior to the visits in order for her to prepare the apartment for cleaning and communicate with the staff about the progress.

”The problem is that it’s confusing,” Minyard said. “I never know how much communication I’m going to get about what they’re doing or when they’ve done it.”

Students at the URC were not the only ones who said they experienced mold infestation concerns. 

Abri Rochte (24B), who lives in Casa Émory, initially suspected possible mold infestation in the house after she learned that one of her housemates could not move in on time this semester because of mold growing in her room. Rochte and several other residents saw things growing on their rooms’ walls and ceilings, but were unsure what exactly it was. 

When Rochte found out that several other residents at Casa Émory had also been experiencing recurring illnesses, like herself, she suggested that the house get checked for mold infestation. 

“For two months, I’ve had an on and off cough, asthma symptoms and sinus infection,” Rochte said. “Three other people in the house for sure have been going through respiratory sickness too. I’ve been to the doctor and they didn’t think it was a virus.”

Rochte said her ongoing sickness has caused her to miss classes, hindering her academic performance. 

“That’s really bothered me because my grades in some classes are lower than I would like,” Rochte said. “Specifically with my Spanish class, which I’m supposed to go to, living in Casa Émory, I haven’t been able to go because I lost my voice for two weeks. I literally lost a month of Spanish class.”

Rochte first contacted Sussy Vasquez Perez, assistant director of Facilities and Operations for Housing, and Daniel Zozaya Brown, interim complex director, for guidance on the potential mold infestation. A week and half later, staff from Campus Services and the Environmental Health & Safety Office visited Casa Émory at separate times to conduct the investigation, Rochte said.

Although Rochte wanted an investigation of the entire house, including all the rooms and common spaces, the staff checked six rooms upstairs where residents saw potential mold on walls and ceilings. A week after the investigation, Vasquez Perez informed Casa residents that the investigations indicated no mold infestation aside from one room. 

“They said that there was mold in one of the rooms that they did clean [afterwards], and essentially nowhere else, including the rooms where there is stuff on the ceiling,” Rochte said. 

Rochte explained that the investigation staff said that they did not know what was growing on the ceilings and walls, but that they thought it should be fine.

Vasquez Perez directed the Wheel’s request for comment to Diamond.

Mold infestation was not the first concern of living quality at Casa Émory, Rochte said. When Casa residents first moved in in August, after the house was vacant for a year and half, they faced dirty rooms and common spaces as well as various maintenance issues with heaters, bathrooms and appliances. 

Students said they were especially frustrated with the poor conditions and inefficient communication given how expensive University housing is.

“We have singles in the house so we pay an extra $300 or so and the cost includes regular cleaning of the spaces,” Rochte said. “I feel like we don’t get that but [are still] paying more money. I love the community, we’re really close and we have so much fun. Otherwise, I wouldn’t live in an environment like this.”

Allen further explained that she “was not angry” about the infestation and lack of clarity on updates, but wished she and her roommates could have been thoroughly informed throughout the process. 

“I know that it must have been stressful for those who work in maintenance as well because so many people are having problems with mold …, but it would’ve been nice to know that someone was actually advocating for us and working on our case rather than deal with silence,” she said.

Rochte also said she hoped that the University’s housing department and Campus Services could provide a better living condition for students as well as effective communication on raised concerns.

“I wish they would’ve fixed the things that needed to be fixed before we moved in and cleaned the house thoroughly before we moved in,” she stated. “I also wish they took a lot of our requests more seriously, investigated thoroughly and presented us with all of the information of what’s happening. I feel like there’s a lack of transparency surrounding it.”

The post Students report mold infestation in campus housing, followed by difficulty in communication with staff appeared first on The Emory Wheel.

The University of Utah offers more than 200 majors, promising a successful and unique academic experience. Psychology, nursing and business just so happen to be three top-ranked majors at the U.

Psychology, the study of human and animal behavior, is focused on teaching students how to understand and predict behavioral problems. The U provides each psychology student with skills in communication, teamwork, critical thinking, writing and problem-solving.

The U offers the School Psychology Program, which includes both educational specialists and doctoral programs.

To prepare for the School Psychology Program, each student must take a GRE test one month before the program application is due. The GRE test measures primarily verbal, quantitative and analytical skills.

The U offers a GRE prep course. Students practice test-taking and focus on building confidence.

Like the psychology program, the U also offers a nursing program. Nursing students complete coursework in general health, public health, medical practice and systems and populations.

Students currently enrolled as nursing majors are required to take five specific courses receiving a C or higher in order to apply for the nursing program. The five classes include general biology, human anatomy, human physiology, elementary chemistry and statistics.

The nursing program application has three phases. All phases must be completed by the application deadline.

Samantha Estupinan, a junior and nursing major at the U, is getting ready to submit her application before the deadline of Feb. 1.

“The application asks you to provide transcripts, like what grades you received in specific classes, what experience you’ve had that helps others and two professional references,” she said.

In addition to the transcript, references and experience, the nursing program application consists of phase three. Phase three is the “scoring of two written responses and two video responses.”

According to Estupinan, to prepare for the nursing program, it is important to prepare a good resume.

“You have to get work hours in a healthcare environment,” Estupinan said. “I am able to put that on my application as experience, and I am able to put a few colleagues as my references.”

Although the nursing application does not require a test score, it requires experience working in an environment that benefits people. Hours, according to Estupinan, is “probably the most essential part.”

Like the nursing program, the Business Scholars program requires an additional application. The program only allows incoming freshman and transfer students to apply.

Unlike the business major, the Business Scholars program allows students to visit companies nationwide, network with alumni and experience a more experimental environment.

The Business Scholars program houses a number of specific majors, including business administration, accounting, marketing, operations and supply chain, among a few others. Interested students must apply to both the U and the Business Scholars program.

In order to be considered, the Business Scholars program, unlike the regular admissions application, asks for students to respond to an essay prompt.

Zac Paul, a senior in the Business Scholars program, applied to the program in 2018.

“I think that the Business Scholars program is more prestigious than being a business major,” he said.

Paul is on his way to graduating with his degree in operations and supply chain. He knows the essay prompt is the most important part of the application and is the primary reason he got into the program.

“My essay was really good,” Paul said. “It is so important to read your essay over and over again, edit it and then figure out what the program is really looking for.”

Paul reiterated that knowing how to solve a problem is the most essential skill to write about in the essay prompt.

The U offers extra programs to allow students to gain knowledge for a successful future. Exploring these programs may help students build confidence and feel ready for their post-graduation plans.

“You have to really work hard and prepare for what’s next,” Paul said. “I feel like the U really offers the right preparation courses and opportunities.”

a.mccowin@dailyutahchronicle

@alisonmccowin

The post Applying to Pre-Professional Programs at the U appeared first on The Daily Utah Chronicle.

Belle Fraser looks ahead to the 2022 NHL Winter Classic.

Charles F. McElhinney Hall is one of multiple buildings on campus undergoing renovations. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

UH is constantly under renovation, construction or upgrading buildings and facilities around campus. With many projects going on at once, it can be hard to keep track of what is going on, where it is happening and when each project is expected to be completed.

At the May 2021 UH Board of Regents meeting, University officials outlined a number of projects over the $10 million mark that they would undertake. Here’s a breakdown of those projects:

College of Medicine

While the first two classes of the UH College of Medicine have already begun their studies at the Texas Medical Center, the building is under construction and scheduled to be completed by Summer 2022.

An exclusive preview of the school has already happened with UH regents as well as state and city officials.

Core Building Renovations

This project to renovate areas of general education buildings around campus includes a number of recognizable building names that will be renovated by the end of 2024.

The changes will affect classrooms, labs, lecture halls and some departmental headquarters.

Those buildings include Agnes Arnold Hall, Charles F. McElhinney Hall, Roy G.Cullen, Science Research & Engineering Center, Science & Research I and the Science Building.

John M. O’Quinn Law Building

The UH John M. O’Quinn Law Building will house the UH law school and is scheduled to be completed by Summer 2022.

This $60 million project will be located near the current law building.

College of Hotel and Restaurant Management

The Hilton Hotel and College of Hotel Restaurant Management is undergoing expansion and renovation, expected to be completed by Winter 2022.

The expansion will include a new guest room tower, with 68 new rooms and eight suites. It will also house the new Cougar Grounds coffee shop, as well as changes to the meeting and ballrooms on the first and second floors.

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“Construction, renovations on campus to be completed soon” was originally posted on The Cougar

Unlike its uncertainty-filled predecessor, 2021 was a year marked by burgeoning optimism. Many Minneapolis residents rolled up their sleeves to get a shot, were able to gather freely with the people they loved for the first time in months and were allowed to return to one of life’s greatest pleasures: in-person dining. While some beloved businesses closed their doors, a handful of new ones opened theirs over the course of the year. 

As 2021 comes to a close, I present to you — in no particular order — the best things I ate in the Twin Cities this year. 

1. Gnocchi with cauliflower and orange, $25 – Bar La Grassa (800 Washington Ave. N., Mpls.)

 

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After its pandemic-induced closure, chef Isaac Becker and Nancy St Pierre’s Italian joint reopened its doors in June — excellent news for those of us eager to once again experience the pleasure of their housemade pastas. The pillowy, caramelized gnocchi shines in a light cream sauce, intermixed with bits of cauliflower and topped with fragrant orange zest. It’s tender and rich, the kind of dish that leaves you dreaming of the next time you’ll have a taste.

2. Zoo Siab Meal with Hmong Sausage, $17 – Union Hmong Kitchen (520 North 4th Street, Mpls.)

 

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Chef Yia Vang’s pop-up restaurant, newly opened at Graze Provisions + Libations, offers a variety of his signature narrative-centered dishes, each working to tell a story of their own. The Zoo Siab Meals are no exception to this concept, letting traditional Hmong flavors shine through in each component. The Krunchy Chile Oil complements the coarsely ground, flavorful sausage link. The crispy brussel sprouts are rich enough to offset the tang of the pickled vegetables and the purple sticky rice is the element that pulls it all together.

3. Tomato Mozz Arancini, $4 – un dito (4728 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls.)

 

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A creamy blend of arborio rice, smoked mozzarella and basil come packaged in a crispy exterior. Like much of the southern-Italian street food-inspired menu, the arancini wows as a small plate. I’d extend an honorable mention to the Gnocco Fritto, a set of chewy focaccia dumplings best enjoyed alongside a serving of cacio e pepe sauce.

4. Sticky Toffee Cake, $8 – Red Rabbit (201 Washington Ave N., Mpls.)

 

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The best thing on the menu at Red Rabbit is this sticky toffee cake, and I stand by that. Between the soured whipped cream, indulgent caramel sauce and candied orange garnish, it’s an unexpected delight.

5. Ham and cheese croissant, $4.95 – Bellecour at Cooks of Crocus Hill St. Paul (877 Grand Avenue, St. Paul)

We could eat our ham and cheese croissants all day, everyday… have you tried one yet?! pic.twitter.com/HEjbPVMXhr

— Bellecour Bakery (@BellecourBakery) September 8, 2018

Perfectly flaky and just the right amount of cheesy, this pastry is an ideal grab for breakfast or lunch.

6. Romeu e Julieta ice cream, $5.50 – Bebe Zito (501 30th Ave SE, Mpls.)

 

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Declared Minnesota’s best ice cream by Food & Wine over the summer, Bebe Zito truly is as good as they come. Guava ripple weaves through a rich cream cheese base in this dish, topped with a sweet guava sauce and dusted with Ritz crackers.

7. Shredder, $20  – Wrecktangle Pizza (729 Washington Ave N, Mpls.)

 

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This midwestern take on Detroit-style pizza is rectangular with a thick crust that succeeds in being just light enough to throw down a few more slices than you think you can. Topped with a generous helping of salty pepperoni, dotted with pickled jalapenos, sprinkled with finely shredded pecorino romano, all atop a red sauce base — the real kicker here is the whipped Cry Baby Craig’s honey.

8. Raffi Luigi, $15 – Marty’s Deli (Location Varies)

 

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If you haven’t made your way to a Marty’s Deli pop-up yet, I’d advise you to change that immediately. This gem features a thick stack of red table salami and prosciutto alongside marinated sweet peppers, fennel slaw and a spicy mustard aioli, all nestled between two pillowy slices of house made focaccia.

9. Parlour Burger, $15.99 – Parlour Bar (730 Washington Ave N., Mpls.)

 

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The beauty of this burger lies in its simplicity. The charred patties, a mix of ground chuck, ribeye and brisket are just the right amount of thin. Melty white american cheese oozes out of the soft egg bun and crisp pickles finish it off.

10. Star Bar, $6 – Estelle (1806 St. Clair Ave, St. Paul)

 

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Maple-coffee nougat, peanuts and caramel come together in this delicious candy bar, finished with a sprinkle of flaky salt. It’s a decadent conclusion to the end of any meal at the Portuguese, Italian and Spanish-inspired spot in St. Paul.