Out-of-Towners' Guide to St. Paul - 2015

Heavy Table: The shrimp cocktail, made with wild-caught Pacific shrimp, is the best in town, hands down. Read more.

Heavy Table: At brunch, try the market scramble. Regardless of the flavor of the day, "the giant pillows of soft yellow eggs steal the show: fluffy, creamy, and wonderful." Read more.

Heavy Table: Delicate, umami-filled broth reigns in Tanpopo's udon bowls. Get the nabeyaki udon, topped with tempura shrimp, chicken, wakame, fish cake. Or try the lovely pork ramen (pictured), available Mondays. Read more.

Heavy Table: Get the chicken: it's boneless, white and dark meat wrapped together around dirty rice, and fried in a light, salty breading. Skip the gravy -- the bird is so flavorful and moist, gravy's not needed! Read more.

Heavy Table: Try anything pork -- Heartland has built a robust charcuterie and pork program around Minnesota-raised Mangalitsa pork. We interviewed chef-owner Lenny Russo on his pork program: Read more.

Heavy Table: While we've never really gone wrong here, one sandwich that keeps us coming back is the Smurk: high-quality turkey and provolone, generously slathered in caramelized onions and piquant harissa. Read more.

Heavy Table: The duck confit appetizer, featuring Wild Acres duck breast with coconut curry sauce is always outstanding. Read more.

Heavy Table: Get the Pressed Cuban Sandwich: packed with a meaty and rich hunk of cumin pork, smoked ham, swiss cheese, pickles, tangy mustard, and mayo. Read more.

Heavy Table: Get the Lad Na -- the mild, subtle sauce has universal appeal, and the wide, thick noodles possess a certain chewy je ne sais quoi. Read more.

Heavy Table: Go for the succulent pulled pork (alone or nestled atop a roll, doused in pickled cabbage and the famed, addictive "green sauce") and so-good-it-can’t-be-good-for-you creamed spinach Read more.

Heavy Table: Yes, you're here for pizza... but don't miss the farmer's market salad, garden fresh with zip and crispness and vital life in each bite. Each time we've visited it's been different but delicious! Read more.

Heavy Table: In our visits, the St. Vincent reigned supreme.it packs a major flavor punch, starring thick bacon, fresh garlic, provolone, and a bright, slightly sweet red sauce made from organic crushed tomatoes. Read more.

Heavy Table: Try the baba, which tastes like a "Twinkie made by God." The liquored-up cake embraces the velveteen, gently sweet filling and walks the line between boozy and sugary. Read more.

Heavy Table: One of our diners called the egg and cheese on a biscuit "the most satisfying meal you can get for five bucks.” The scrambled eggs, thick cheddar cheese, and a homemade biscuit — are all first class. Read more.

Heavy Table: One of our diners called the egg and cheese on a biscuit "the most satisfying meal you can get for five bucks.” The scrambled eggs, thick cheddar cheese, and a homemade biscuit — are all first class. Read more.

Heavy Table: Try the daily cupcake special: a recent offering featured moist, raspberry cake cradling a bright lime-basil cream in the center -- divine. Read more.

Heavy Table: Try a Dogwood cold press, then collapse into one of the slightly kitschy overstuffed sofas downstairs and people-watch. Read more.