By Doug
Food, Wine, People. People, Wine, Food. Any combination of the three is guaranteed to put me at ease, and the Minnesota Monthly Food & Wine Experience this past weekend did just that.
In its 17th year (now at a fresh new location, Target Field) this annual showcase drew thousands of local foodies and winos to an event of high caliber. I was blessed to score some tickets to attend with my cohort, @kolinacicero.
Though we arrived a bit later than planned on Sunday afternoon, the two-and-a-half hours set to taste our faces off turned out to be perfect. Rather than meander with no particular scope, we jetted through the booths with form and focus. I would highly recommend anyone attending in the future to have a two-person team; sharing each morsel of food is absolutely necessary in order to sequester a small taste of the many delicacies, all the while preserving what I deem as “prime stomach real-estate.” Spitting of wine and beer is not to be discouraged. Even if you do decide to swallow and have a sober cab home, you don’t want to end up like the idiots I witnessed on the way out, mumbling about how they didn’t eat any food or screaming about how drunk they were. Anyway.
There were so many goodies, but my favorite highlights are as follows:
Minnesota Wines: Too often scoffed at as too sweet and sub-par, I was very excited to see the number of local vintners in attendance pouring their finest wares. With all the research that has come out of the University of Minnesota pertaining to cold-hardy grape varietals and the dedication of some farmers who have been at it for decades, Minnesota wines are on the up and up. Notables include Winehaven and St. Croix Vineyards.
Photo from www.foodwineshow.com
Local Restaurants: Let’s face it — any big city is a hub of foodie goodness. We are no exception. It was a treat to be served up small delicacies from some of Minneapolis’ finest chefs. The Oceanaire presented a mean chowder; Seven carved up a tender beef sandwich with a savory truffled aioli.
Beer: As I’ve written before, the local beer scene is teeming with potential. While I was somewhat disappointed by the minimal showing of local producers, there were nonetheless ample suds. Bells sticks out in my mind, especially with its lively staffing and impressive food pairings. Also, for those who prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, the Fresh Ginger Ale by Bruce Cost was quite honestly my favorite booth. It sells at various locations throughout the metro area and if you haven’t tried it, YOU MUST!
If you missed this year’s event, I’m sure next year will be equally worthwhile. Check it out.
So readers, did you make it to the Minnesota Monthly Food & Wine Experience? If so, what was your favorite booth? Was there anything you weren’t a big fan of? Let me know in the comments below, or shoot me an email at [email protected].
Doug Weber is a wine buyer at Northgate Liquors and has an affinity for all things wine. Check out his blog and follow him on Twitter.
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