Hyacinth
Day 1: 5-Course Refined Rustic Italian Tasting Series
Opened in 2018, this postage-sized Italian eatery on Grand Avenue has left a big footprint on the Twin Cities restaurant scene, having been named to such 2024 lists as Infatuation’s “Best St. Paul Restaurants” and Star Tribune’s “3 Best Hidden Gems.” Hyacinth was founded by Rikki Giambruno, formerly of Brooklyn’s vaunted Franny’s, and was passed down to Chef Abraham Gessesse in 2023. Chef Gessesse grew up in the Twin Cities area, but his culinary sensibility was formed by his Ethiopian family. "We grew up with Italian food,” he says. “Ethiopia and Eritrea have the most Italian restaurants per capita of anywhere outside Italy." At Hyacinth, his menu includes dishes like chicken liver crostini with pear crumble, bucatini cacio e pepe, pork chop with confit fennel and apple butter, and dry-aged duck breast with turnips and dried plums. Leave room for the rum baba, the panna cotta with Mirabelle plums, or who knows what for dessert. “Memorable,” raves the Star Tribune, so let us make some memories together as Chef Gessesse shares his food creations and ideas.
About the Host:
Abraham Gessesse
Chef/Owner
Chef Abraham Gessesse grew up in the Twin Cities area and jumped at the opportunity to go to culinary school through the Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps Center. After graduating, he traveled around Europe, eventually honing his craft at 2-Michelin-Starred Restaurant Kontrast in Oslo. After beginning as a line cook, he now helms Hyacinth as Chef/Owner.
The Lineup
All courses will be individually plated. This menu will be Mushroom, Shellfish, and Fish Free. For the list of restrictions Chef is accommodating, scroll to the bottom of this page.
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Smelt
saffron aioli, tarragon
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Chickpea & Spinach Crostini
mediterranean herbs, sauvignon blanc vinaigrette
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Citrus Salad
cara cara orange, fig, olive, pistachio, olive oil
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Spare Ribs
dolce forte, polenta
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Panna Cotta
vanilla, saba
Hyacinth
790 Grand Ave
St Paul, MN 55105
Event FAQs
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to support@tastingcollective.com.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email support@tastingcollective.com with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- Due to the large-format nature of our events, restaurants are not able to accommodate all dietary restrictions/food allergies or make any menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). This restaurant will be offering substitutions exclusively for the following restrictions/allergies: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Dairy, Gluten, Nuts, and Alliums. If you have any of these restrictions/allergies, please make sure to note this in your profile (in the “Event Preferences” section) either before or right after purchasing your tickets so Chef can prepare accordingly.
