Just north of Duluth, tucked away on the beautiful Scenic Highway, you'll find Chef/Owner Scott Graden's popular dining destination, New Scenic Café. From an early age, he displayed a keen entrepreneurial spirit and deep love for cooking and for Scott, being in the kitchen was not all about eating, but was rather a place to spend time with loved ones. Preparing food with friends and family seemed a natural way in which to connect and build strong bonds.
In 1999, Scott and his aunt Rita, an artist, created New Scenic Café , a cozy, cabin-like eatery featuring exquisite Contemporary American cuisine. At the time, a few seemingly simple values have since proven to shape their thriving restaurant and mold it into what it is today. Purchasing quality, local products, hiring superior staff, and maintaining a dependably high standard is what keeps the New Scenic Cafe a sought-after destination for those exploring the North Shore.
Devoted to the everyday operations of the restaurant, Scott is watchful of the quality ingredients coming in the door and this dedication is furthered by his loyalty to local farmers and growers. Scott feels that supporting those who support him is critical in choosing from where he sources ingredients for his diverse and seasonal menu.
One supplier that Scott has a particularly strong bond with is fisherman Stephen Dahl, who provides him with delicious Lake Superior herring. Stephen's business just keeps blossoming as the demand for local, wild, and slow food flourishes. Stephen, a 20-year veteran of commercial fishing "loves everything about" supplying local restaurants and markets with his catches, stating, "It must be the old Nordic genes."
