I heard rumblings about this great hot dog cart that could be found in downtown Minneapolis.  It was a typical cart in that it had hot water, wheels, an umbrella, hot dogs, toppings and hot dog buns. This cart though was different, in that this cart had personality and character, delivered in big helpings from it’s owner, Nate Beck.

Nate sees the value in providing quality and well made, as well as locally made, food to the public. He even takes the time to make the mustards and other toppings that he uses. Just talking with him for a few minutes, his enthusiasm shines through and is refreshing. Before it gets too cold, check out Natedogs and see if you don’t look at hot dogs and brats in a whole new way.

Good afternoon everyone! Today’s Twitterview with @DeRushaEats is about to begin. Get your laptops and taste buds ready!

Q – #1    Welcome @DeRushaEats (Jason)! For those that missed the video – (BELOW)  how did you get started as a reviewer?

Jason:    In my job as a WCCO-tv reporter I was asked to judge the @MNMOmag first Local Chef Challenge at the Food and Wine show

I judged with @deardara and when the magazine expanded its omnivore section, she asked me to write and blog 2 years ago

Q – #2    I see. When it comes to your palate, what kind of foods do you prefer, sweet or savory?

Jason:   I’m more of a savory guy – I find more complexity in those flavors. But I wouldn’t kick sweet stuff off the plate!

Q – #3    Okay. Lets say then you’re in a restaurant doing a review. Do you ask for their “top dish or dishes” or what you want?

Jason:    I look at the menu ahead of time and try to have a strategy for a printed review that will go in @MNMOMag.

I do “quick bite” reviews of suburban restaurants. 1 visit. Usually with my wife + another couple, maybe with my kids.

I try to order a broad sample of the menu. 3 apps, 2 salads, 4 entrees. Or 3 small plates/2 entrees

Often I ask the server “What shouldn’t I miss?” They too often tell me “The xxx is popular.” I want the BEST stuff!

But it’s different for places I write up for the #DearDara blog. I’ll order what I want or what a server suggests

Q – #4    Ah. So planned eating. With you being a reviewer then, is going out in general tougher with that “label”?

Jason:    No it’s easy to go out with me! I just tell everyone what we’ll be ordering!

Q – #5    I meant by that question, do restaurant staff maybe treat you differently because of being a known restaurant critic?

Jason:    In city restos: often I’m recognized + I’m sure the kitchen knows about it. In suburbs: I’m rarely recognized by staff.

Q – #6    A restaurant “saturation” question. What style of restaurant do you feel there are too many of? Which one not enough of?

Jason:    Right now everyone’s opening gastropubs/brewpubs. They’re great for neighborhoods, bad for reviewers.

it’s very difficult to write about places that are fine. Not great – but not bad. Our brewpubs fall in that category.

We need more high quality suburban places! Preferably near my Maple Grove house.

Q – #7    Are there certain areas of the Twin Cities that need more variety or options?

Jason:    There are – but customers have to support them. It’s tough with a small, local spot in Eden Prairie. High rent

It’s changing – but the best food in this metro will always be in the urban core. People can drive to S. Minny.

Q – #8    What’s one menu item you wish was on the menu more? Fried Chicken? Pasta? Fish?

Jason – I’d like to see more Fried Pickles.

Q – #9    FAVORITES: Appetizer, dessert, wine selection, kid friendly, your comfort food of choice.

Jason:    Fave Dessert: Frozen custard from @Kopps in Milwaukee! Locally: Anything from @TheSaltyTart or @Pastrydiane

Wine Selection: @HeidisMpls has a great list, @SeaChangeMpls has the best white list in town.

Fave Kid Friendly: Brasa, @pizzarialola, @MidtownGlobal

Fave comfort food: Foie gras. OK- paella. Or any kind of braised meat.

I eat out too much to pick any one favorite…

Q – #10    What’s one of the best things you feel a restaurant can do to make kids feel welcomed and parents happy?

Jason:    Don’t charge me $6 for Kraft Mac + Cheese and then $2 for apple juice.

Coloring books, books are helpful. Places like @TiliaMpls also create thoughtful menus for kids. That helps too.

I find most restaurants are kid friendly- but I don’t bring my kids to nice places after 7pm.

Q – #11    Wow! Adult prices for kid appetites. If you could open your own restaurant, what would it be and why?

Jason:    I always wanted to open a place called “What’s for dinner?” One dish. One price. Changes nightly. Like @AdHocYountville

Q – #12    Going beyond the Twin Cities & suburbs, what other towns/cities have good cafe/restaurant options?

Jason:    Just got back from NYC -obvi a great food town! I’m from Chicago, the restaurants are amazing. Milwaukee is underrated.

Madison has some good food: Graze + The Old Fashioned are wonderful.

Q – #12    Do you get interested in food trends like cupcakes, pies, moon pies etc.?

Jason:    No. I think it’s all silly. Has that “year of the pie” thing really worked out in 2011? Nope.

Q – #13    Something for foodies to chat about right? :)  To close, what’s your #GoodQuestion tonight on @wcco?

i’m off fridays -but I’ll have a “DeRushaEats” segment on @moderncafempls on WCCO Saturday AM. That show starts at 8.

@JoelECarlson – That’s right. My mistake. :) Thank you very much Jason for your time and all of the work that you do. Have a great wknd!

Jason – my pleasure!