Nikki Podgorski

Umm what?! We just cooked for @adamraycomedy and the @acmecomedyco crew!!! What a gottdamn honor!!!! If you ever doubted us, you f$ck*d up big time! #winningteam #letsgobetty #eatburgerdaddies

I wrote a menu as an ode to my Yey and Cambodian culture. If you’re Khmer you know how significant this moment is. I had the ultimate privilege to cook for her a menu that represents US. Not only is her appearance so rare as she never eats out, but she loved it! I will cherish this moment until the day I pass over the rainbow road. The fact that she saw her granddaughter hold down a restaurant with the food of her people, in a place she worked so hard for us to succeed in, is the ultimate bucket list wish for me as a chef. Nothing will ever top this moment. @picniclindenhills thank you for allowing chefs- not associated with big name groups, a place to express themselves in a space that is so beautifully put together. The collaboration door you opened is one that is rare. I wish for every patron of the picnic establishment to appreciate and support a place that is so intrinsically focused on people vs consumerism. This is RARE. Everyone, please go to @picniclindenhills in droves. Sell them out regularly. We need this place to outlast every corporate owned bullshit establishment. If you ever had a want or need to beat the bezos of the restaurant industry, this is your moment. #heard #yeschef #underdog

Happiest bday to my knight in shining armor, @brianpodgorski !!!!! 🎂🍔🥰 You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. So kind, so loving, so demureeee. I’m your biggest fan, and I can’t wait to travel the world with you some more! Within this lifetime and in any universe, I’ll love you forever!

Dear Little Me, You’re gonna be so proud of everything we’ve accomplished later in life. I can’t wait to see what more we get to do. Sincerely, your biggest fan and protector.

Wow, another lap around the sun and guess what I’ve been up to so far: My Yey opened up after decades of not knowing her story, and explained how she survived the war in Cambodia. If not for her I wouldn’t even be here today. I’ve gotten so much closer to her and understood the trauma and pain our family has and has gotten me to a point where I feel closure and forgiveness for a lot of my childhood. I’ve cooked for and alongside many people that inspire me. Have gotten so many opportunities that my younger self could only pray and wish for. Made so many new friends and family. And lost a few too. Grew a business that Brian and I spent so many countless days and nights dreaming about. Working so hard that he had to get knee surgery (sorry bb). Got to be on the news!Served to many lovely customers and are just still so grateful that we get to wake up and do this everyday. Cheffed up Cambodian dishes that mean so much to me. Showcased what I want @eatapsara to be one day. I’m still dreaming. One day a James beard for the best Cambodian restaurant ever. Maybe a hole in the wall, four seater, lil joint. I got to see the other side of the world. Never ever have been out of the country and we got to see Portugal and see old castles and eat as many pastel de natas that we could handle. I also got to see New Orleans. And ate my fair share of beignets. Best of all, and the most important, I get to share my life with the only person that makes it worth living, my lover @brianpodgorski . If ever you needed proof that soulmates exist and that love is unconditional, you should ask him why he loves me.

We ate and ate, and the winner of the @mnstatefair was… THE PEACHES DONUT! What was your favorite?

Happy Anniversary my love @brianpodgorski !!! Ten years we’ve spent together already, can you believe it! Growing old with you is one of the most special moments I’ve ever had and I can’t wait to see us tearing up a retirement home together one day haha! In this life or another, I’ll always find you and you’ll always be my babyyyyy. 💗💗💗

More laughter, it’s the best medicine.

Are you a pronto pup or corn dog fan? #minnesotastatefair

If you got a guy or gal, that does plumbing. Hit me up. I need a new home water heater. 😅

Wowwwww. Thank you to all our supporters and those who constantly fill our lines with love each and every event! Our hearts are full and we cannot be more grateful. This was a record breaking day for us, we both have NEVER smashed so many patties in one day before. Our arms are sore but ohh em gee did we have a blast @insightbrewing smashfest! @leojosephiii thank you for always being the best FOH for the team! Everyone has nothing but glowing reviews for you, you keep everyone informed and keep the smiles going! #eliteemployee @thisisjeremylee thank you so much for getting all the crazy content for us! These shots are wild! Normally we can’t stop to capture any of this while in service! You are the best!!!

Happy birthday to my FAVORITE person in the whole wide universe, @brianpodgorski !!!!! I remember when we went on our first international trip together, you eagerly wanted to explore the country. Your eyes were big and your smile was from ear to ear. I’ve always loved your curiosity, you never let your fears stop you from wandering the unknown. You’re my protector and biggest fan. It’s so easy to love you, and I can’t wait for many more adventures with you! Since Brian doesn’t do presents, let’s give him the best one by sharing your favorite memory of him!