The accolades keep rolling in for Chef Lenny Russo, who is renowned not only for his outstanding culinary innovation but also for his unwavering commitment to the local food movement. Lenny has been credited for the new Cue at the Guthrie being named "Best New Restaurant" by Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business Monthly, and since returning to work full time at his own Heartland Restaurant in St. Paul in early 2007, has been named "Restaurateur of the Year" by Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine.
The list goes on, but more important is what stands behind the recognition - delicious food and an admirable loyalty to local farmers. Heartland's award-winning menu is infused with local flavor and changes frequently to reflect what is fresh and available. Further highlighting this commitment, Lenny is working on a project to develop a central distribution center for local, small farm products.
For the quality of taste and the quality of the people who produce them, Lenny's dairy products are sourced from New Prague's Cedar Summit Farm, whose third generation owners Dave and Florence Minar are Minnesota Farmers Union members and are stalwartly dedicated to sustainable growing practices. Because of this devotion, Food Alliance certification was a natural step for the Minars, who keep it all in the family. Their son Mike manages the onsite bottling plant and wife Merrisue is the Office Manager. Mike and Merrisue's three children also work on the farm, hinting that the family tradition is not likely to end any time soon.
Lenny couldn't be more pleased with this arrangement. He supports an inspirational, multi-generation farm while the Minars support the unbeatable taste of his dishes.
