A Cozy Date‑Night Escape: Why We’re Loving Tullibee Hewing Hotel

Whenever Steve and I need a break from everyday life — we reconnect over a special stay‑cation at Hewing and a dinner at Tullibee. It’s one of our favorite spots in the city and always delivers that perfect mix of warmth, sophistication, and effortlessness.

🌲 What Makes Tullibee Special

Tullibee takes its name from a rare Minnesota lake fish — a nod to the region’s woods, lakes, and Scandinavian heritage.What you find on your plate and in the atmosphere reflects that inspiration: wood‑fired ovens, rustic‑chic décor, and a kitchen rooted in tradition. 

The restaurant emphasizes hyper‑local sourcing: regional farmers, freshwater fishermen, and independent vendors provide the seasonal produce, meats, fish, and more. The result is Midwest cuisine — tinged with Nordic sensibility — that’s hearty, refined, and deeply connected to place. 

👩‍🍳 A Bit About the Chef & the Roots

The original culinary vision for Tullibee was shaped by acclaimed chef Grae Nonas, a 2015 Food & Wine Best New Chef and former James Beard Rising Star semifinalist. He left his mark by emphasizing foraging, butchery, fermentation, and a rotating market‑driven “chalkboard” menu rooted in Nordic tradition. 

Under Nonas (and later successors), Tullibee became a place where whole animals, smoked fish, game, and seasonal vegetables meet wood‑fired cooking and local craftsmanship — a true homage to Minnesota’s lakes and forests.

🍽 The Menu & Drinks: Rustic, Seasonal & Shareable

At Tullibee, dinner often feels like a shared experience — ideal for a date night, long conversation, or a cozy celebration. Some of our favorites:

• Starters like oysters on the half‑shell, gravlax with rye, or a Chef’s “Koltboard” of house‑made charcuterie, local cheeses, and spelt crackers. 

• Small plates such as potato rösti with black garlic aioli, wood‑fired carrots with browned butter & sage, or kale & date salad. 

• Hearty entrées: roasted lamb with pistachio filling and wild rice, pappardelle with beef shank ragu and Nordic Creamery parmesan, or seasonal vegetable mains when available.

• For drinks: craft cocktails, local beers, house‑made sodas, and a thoughtful wine list — all designed to complement the bold, rustic flavors. 

One night, we started with a kale‑date salad, then shared a bison steak for our main course — a longtime favorite. 

🛏 Why the Hewing Hotel Stay Makes It Even Better

Hewing Hotel isn’t just a place to rest — it’s part of the experience. Housed in a beautifully restored 1897 former warehouse, the hotel blends exposed brick, timber beams, and historic character with modern comfort.

Rooms feel cozy yet luxurious, and the building’s roots as a farm‑implement showroom give it a uniquely rugged‑chic vibe — perfect for a city getaway that still feels homey. 

After dinner and drinks at Tullibee, we love winding down in the rooftop lounge with a nightcap, or enjoying the quiet of our room before drifting off.

💡 Final Thoughts — Why Tullibee + Hewing Are a Must

If you’re looking for a date night (or mini stay‑cation) that feels special without being pretentious, Tullibee and the Hewing Hotel deliver: local food, seasonal flavors, rustic‑meets‑urban ambiance, and all the comfort of a great night away.

Next time you want to slow down, savor good food, and reconnect — whether with a loved one or just yourself — consider booking a stay at Hewing and dinner at Tullibee. We always leave feeling refreshed, full, and already dreaming of our next visit.