Vittorio Renda is very excited about the food at Mozza Mia, but he is especially proud of his Mozzarella Caprese. This simple looking dish—made of fresh mozzarella, basil and tomatoes—is pretty common fare at many Italian restaurants. But according to Vittorio, nowhere else in the metro area serves mozzarella 15 minutes after it has been made on premises. Mozzo Mia specializes in using the freshest ingredients in their cuisine.

Chuck Laster, Sous Chef at Spasso Italian Restuarant, took some time to show us one of their delicious specialty appetizers. Bacon-wrapped scallops are quick to prepare, simple to cook, and offer big, complex, flavor in a small package.

"You have vegetables, bread and potatoes and gravy," explains Head Chef Donnie Handeland. "It stands on its own."He's talking about Neighbors Eatery & Saloon's famous Roast Beef Sandwich, a staple of the restaurant's menu. It's an open-faced combination of roast beef, mashed potatoes, mushrooms, onions, provolone cheese and sourdough bread, all slathered with homemade gravy."It's a full meal right there," Handeland said. Owners Joe Holtz and Joe Stafsholt decided to enter the restaurant business on somewhat of a whim. Holtz was driving a truck in the 2010 Albertville Friendy City Days Parade …

Wild Boar opened just after St. Patrick's Day and has been dishing out ribs, pulled pork and other foods at a breakneck pace ever since. Using a kitchen not more than three people deep, Chef Dave Donner has crafted a menu of flavors unique to Main Street.  Chef Donner takes a personal, creative approach to everything that happens in his kitchen and on the floor. He takes particular pride in the two sauces which give a distinct taste to the Sassy Sow, the most popular sandwich on their menu. While he doesn't give a complete recipe, he's eager to share some of the ingredients that make them so …

Editor's Note: Today, Patch is debuting another of four new video series. "Order Up!" introduces us to the personalities in the kitchens of various local restaurants. New editions of Order Up! will appear every Thursday. Curious what goes into making that turkey burger so delicious? According to Edina Grill Chef Erik Rehpohl, the popular dish expertly combines ground turkey with jalapeno to create "a nice little snap to it." Rehpohl allowed Patch inside of the restaurant's kitchen last week, where we were able to get a feel for the personalities at play behind the packed 50th & France …