We love the Twin Cities <3 here are a few of our favorite spots rounded up by Lauren Rovegno. Enjoy! 

Cooks of Crocus Hill for delectable pastries.

St. Paul Cheese Shop for artisanal lunch sandwiches.

Myriel for a romantic dinner.

Waldmann Brewery for a cozy meal.

 Henry & Son for natural wine.

The Riverview Theater for a cheap date night.

Young Joni's Back Bar for a nightcap.

The Saint Paul Hotel for a classic stay.

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds fresh, ripe tomatoes OR 2 cups canned imported Italian tomatoes, cut up, with their juice
2/3 cup chopped carrot
2/3 cup chopped celery
2/3 cup chopped onion
salt
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 to 1/2 pounds pasta

Prepare Tomatoes

Blancing Method: Plunge the tomatoes in boiling water for a minute or less. Drain them and, as soon as they are cool enough to handle, skin them, and cut them up in coarse pieces.

Food Mill Method: Wash the tomatoes in cold water, cut them lengthwise in half, and put them in a covered saucepan. Turn on the heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes. Set a food mill fitted with the disk with the largest holes over a bowl. Transfer the tomatoes with any of their juices to the mill and purée.

Sauce

1. Put either the prepared fresh tomatoes or the canned in a saucepan, add the carrot, celery, onion, and salt, and cook with no cover on the pan at a slow, steady simmer for 30 minutes. Stir from time to time.

2. Add the olive oil, raise the heat slightly to bring to a somewhat stronger simmer, and stir occasionally, while reducing the tomato to as much of a pulp as you can with the back of the spoon. Cook for 15 minutes, then taste and correct for sale.

NOTE: May be frozen when done. Recipe from Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking.

Here's a playlist to accompany your cooking that aims to conjure warm Italian kitchens, cool sea breezes, and lingering laughs.

1.) The Alora Dress by Mara Hoffman: the striking color, the flattering obi belt, the luxe fabric - such a stunner.

2.) Martiniano Glove Shoes: these are some of the most comfortable shoes I've owned and they look extra pretty in this soft neutral. 

1.) The Evelyn Dress by Mara Hoffman. This dress motivates me to do something important enough to get invited to an exclusive party. 

2.) The Bing Skirt by Rachel Comey. This skirt, especially when paired with the Merce Vest and Pyrenees Necklace, reminds me of Lilith from Frasier, who I love. 

3.) Fruit Wristlet by Ossa. I love how easy this makes dressing up an otherwise mundane outfit. Even just grabbing a coffee is more fun with a persimmon wristlet!