What happens when fresh, local ingredients are made available to creative, local chefs? A menu that changes almost daily at Heirloom Seasonal Bistro. Learn more about the team and their mouth-watering menu.
Kristi Berge, Co-Executive Chef/Owner of Heirloom Seasonal Bistro
What brought you to this profession and what do you enjoy most about it?
“Pure obsession of food & flavor”
What is the inspiration behind the menu at your restaurant?
“Our menu is decided by what our local farmers can provide at any given time. We find inspiration in seasonal cookbooks and by visiting other chef-driven restaurants wherever we may travel, and certainly develop our own twists on dishes along the way.”
What is a customer favorite on your menu and why?
“Our guests really dig whichever smash burger of the month is on special at any given time. One of my summertime favorites has been a caprese smash burger featuring Frickson Family Farms‘ premium local beef, my personally-grown heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil, paired with melted mozzarella, a pesto aioli, and a parmesan chip on a toasted Bloedow‘s bun, which is packed with fresh, local flavor and textures.”
What is YOUR favorite item on the menu and why?
“Whichever crostini or bruschetta you may find on the menu is always a winner. It is our way of expressing our seasonal creativity outside of burgers and pastas, and my partner Gavin’s sourdough recipe is an absolute labor of love that really comes through as well.”
What is your favorite food or drink from another area establishment and why?
“Anything from Nosh as Greg and Tiffany are incredibly creative and talented; the seafood boil from Norvary (just trust me); and the spicy pepperoni pizza from Muddled Thyme as Bill & Amy simply did an excellent job with their Neapolitan dough recipe, and hot honey to finish is a total power move!”
What is one thing about this restaurant that people who have never been here should know?
“We are family owned & operated and genuinely love serving this area’s foodies something equally unexpected & flavorful. Please know our menu is on the smaller side but is ever-evolving—if we post a dish on Facebook that you’d like to try, it may not be around the following week due to our seasonal nature. Come give us a shot!”
We love our recipes homegrown and our flavors unique. Visit Winona is showcasing a regional restaurant/foodie attraction – new, classic, and everything in between – through the lens of one of its key team members. This new series, “Winona Eats,” celebrates all the culinary adventures that await you right here in the Winona area.
Bon Appetit!