Niver Niver Land

This week on Niver Niver Land, we sit down with Amari Collins, also known as Vin Dealer, a wine personality and cultural force helping reshape how people experience wine.

Through humor, energy, and complete authenticity, Amari has built a platform that challenges the traditional gatekeeping of wine culture and replaces it with something far more human.

In this conversation, we talk about wine as identity, breaking down exclusivity, b...

Brandon Hoy, co-founder of Roberta’s Pizza, joins Tim on this episode of Niver Niver Land after discovering a clip of Tim talking about how different (and more difficult) the restaurant industry feels today compared to a decade ago.

That moment sparked a deeper conversation.

In this episode, Tim and Brandon talk about:

•  what it actually takes to run a restaurant right now 
•  how trends and consumer behavior have...

Chef-owner Abe Gessesse of Hyacinth in St. Paul joins Tim on this episode of Niver Niver Land for a conversation about what it really takes to run a restaurant today.

Abe took over Hyacinth in 2023, having been the first-line cook hired when the restaurant opened in 2018, eventually becoming its chef-owner and earning a James Beard semifinalist nomination shortly after taking the reins. 

In this episode, Tim and Abe talk about t...

We bring this episode to you today with a heavy heart. Following the tragic killing of Renee Good by ICE officers and the subsequent unrest unfolding across Minneapolis and the country, we debated whether now was the time to share this. We chose to move forward because hospitality is, at its core, the story of our community. To understand where our city is going, we have to look at the spaces where we’ve gathered, worked, and...

This episode of Niver Niver Land features a high-energy live recording from the
Falling Knife Brewing Company taproom, where host Tim Niver sits down with the duo behind the Wrecktangle Pizza empire: Jeff Rogers and Breanna Evans.

Recorded in December 2025, the conversation dives into the messy, beautiful, and often hilarious reality of running a rapidly expanding restaurant group while maintaining a partnership. From their rise...

NiverNiverLand is sponsored by Land O’Lakes Foodservice.

You might be familiar with Land O'Lakes Butter and cheese in the grocery aisle, but did you know they also sell dairy products specifically developed for use in foodservice kitchens? If you're a chef or operator in the industry, check out their offerings like Extra Melt® cheese sauces, shreds, and loaves - providing creamy, melty, crave-able appeal for your menu ...

NiverNiverLand is sponsored by Land O’Lakes Foodservice.

You might be familiar with Land O'Lakes Butter and cheese in the grocery aisle, but did you know they also sell dairy products specifically developed for use in foodservice kitchens? If you're a chef or operator in the industry, check out their offerings like Extra Melt® cheese sauces, shreds, and loaves - providing creamy, melty, crave-able appeal for your menu ...

Ed Porter is a creative storyteller who moves fluidly between the worlds of food, music, and media.

Born in Mount Vernon and raised in The Bronx, Ed’s journey took him from the kitchens of acclaimed restaurants like Aquavit, Café Beulah, and Sweet Ophelia’s to the screen, where he appeared on Guy’s Grocery Games (Food Network) and Netflix’s Pressure Cooker.

He trained at the Culinary Institute of America, but ...

Yo, fam!

Peter Bian and Linda Cao, the founders of Saturday Dumpling Co., join us on Niver Niver Land to unpack their journey: from making frozen dumplings during the pandemic to opening their first restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis and expanding into food halls.

They share how family recipes, creative risks, and community values shape every dumpling, rice bowl, and new menu idea.

This episode is all about hope, grit, and what it me...

Presented by Land O'Lakes Foodservice

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What up, fam??

Jonathan Janssen, General Manager and Partner at Vinai, joins me to share what it’s been like to run one of America’s top new restaurants. From The New York Times to James Beard, Vinai’s ascent has been swift, yet for Jonathan, the heart of the job remains in the day-to-day: creating a space that honors Hmong heritage, leading a team in the spotlight, and keeping...

Presented by Land O'Lakes Foodservice

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What up, fam!

Jason Hansen and Peter Sebastian join us to trace their restaurant journey, from the cozy Southern European soul of Estelle, to the retro-sandwich comfort of Mario’s, and now Liliana, a modern Italian pasta bar in Woodbury. They share how they balance culinary ambition with community vibes, and why their newest joint feels both familiar and fresh.

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NiverNiverLand is sponsored...

Presented by Land O'Lakes Foodservice

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Hey fam!

Today’s guest needs no introduction — but we’re going to give him one anyway.

Marcus Samuelsson is one of the most celebrated chefs on the planet. Dozens of restaurants, books, shows, and cultural moments. But behind all that success is someone who cares deeply about food, people, and the stories that connect them.

This week on Niver Niver Land, I sat down with Marcus fo...

Presented by Land O'Lakes Foodservice

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Chef Diane Moua built her reputation as one of the Twin Cities’ most respected pastry chefs. Now, with her own restaurant — Diane’s Place in Northeast Minneapolis — she’s blending Hmong tradition, fine-dining experience, and personal history into something entirely new.

In this episode, Tim sits down with Diane and General Manager Heather Ann Mady to talk about the...

I have a Substack now! This is a great place to keep up to date on the show, what I'm doing, and where I'm eating. Click here to subscribe.

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Hey, ya'll! A new season of Niver is finally here.

We're kicking this one off with my parents, the source code for everything I've done in my life. The food is from ma, the hospitality is from pa. This is a special one, and I'm glad you're able to share this moment with me.

Enjoy, and welcome to...

Gavin Kaysen is a nationally, regionally, and locally renowned chef based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Hey, fam! We’re super excited to announce a new sponsorship with Land O’Lakes.

You might be familiar with Land O'Lakes Butter and cheese in the grocery aisle, but did you know they also sell dairy products developed to perform in foodservice kitchens? If you're a chef or operator in the industry, ...

@chefreactions is a renowned internet personality who has made a name for himself commentating on cooking videos on TikTok and Instagram.

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Hey, fam! We’re super excited to announce a new sponsorship with Land O’Lakes.

You might be familiar with Land O'Lakes Butter and cheese in the grocery aisle, but did you know they also sell dairy products developed to perform in foodservice kitchens? If you're...

We have a quick one for you today.

Revival, an iconic fried chicken concept with several locations in Minnesota, just announced the closure of all their restaurants (January 20th).

Whether you knew about Revival or not, Tim wanted to offer his thoughts on the nature of the restaurant business and the reality of closures.

He offers these comments as he is about to close one of his restaurants, Saint Dinette, in ...

Andrew Zimmern is a renowned chef, producer, and media personality.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the host and guest and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of our sponsors.

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Hey, fam! We’re super excited to announce a new sponsorship with Land O’Lakes.

You might be familiar with Land O'Lakes Butter and cheese in the grocery aisle, b...