Food and Dining News

If Associate Editor Ellie Bayrd is the staff theater nerd here at Meetings: Minnesota's Hospitality Journal, I suppose you could count me as the resident food nerd. So, in celebration of my gastronomic geekdom, I thought I'd start doing a monthly round-up of (semi) event-related food news items.

In this edition: Event space at the Midtown Global Market, burgers and farmers' markets

Closer Look: Midtown Global Market
Aside from being a smorgasbord of deliciousness (seriously, the Midtown Market has some tasty, tasty offerings, with Manny’s Tortas, The Salty Tart and Safari Express being some of my faves) did you know you can host events at the Midtown Global Market? They’ll accommodate small and large groups up to 100, and can arrange catering from the market’s diverse restaurants, alcoholic beverage service, A/V equipment rental, entertainment booking and cooking lessons and demonstrations. 

Did you know the Market offers a host of (free!) regular events too?
Sundays 11 a.m. - Noon Latin dance lessons with Veronica Vida Sana
Saturdays 9 a.m.- 11 a.m. Midtown Writers Group—anyone can join
Tuesdays 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Steppin’ Lessons with Kevin Johnson of Twin Cities Steppers

Farmers’ Market Season Well Underway
June is when you'll start finding more local produce at farmers' markets, including broccoli, green beans and even some early strawberries. Check out the Mill City Market's handy "When to Buy" guide so you can know what produce to expect throughout the summer and fall.
Farmers' Market options:
Downtown Minneapolis: On Nicollet Mall, Thursdays 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
Mill City Farmers’ Market: Between the Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum, Saturdays 8 a.m.-1p.m.
Lyndale: Daily, 6 a.m.-1 p.m.
Kingfield Farmers’ Market: Sundays 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Downtown St. Paul: Saturdays 6 a.m.-1 p.m. and Sundays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Plus additional suburban locations.

Burger Madness
If there is such a thing as “burger season,” wouldn’t summer be it? A whole slew of new burger joints has opened throughout the spring, just in time for us all to pack in a few extra calories before heading to the beach. Yes…delicious, delicious calories. Parasole’s buzzed-up Burger Jones on W. Lake Street, according to those with more knowledge than I, has had trouble keeping up with the crowds. But they told the Heavy Table that's a good thing. Colorado-based Smashburger opened a location in St. Anthony and Virginia-based Five Guys Burgers and Fries opened in Edina, much to the excitement of Jill Lewis at the Heavy Table. Finally, in June's issue of Minnesota Monthly, Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl chronicles the hits and misses at downtown St. Paul's new American Burger Bar.

Other Tidbits
Sad news about D'Amico Cucina in Butler Square closing after more than two decades of setting the standard in local dining. But don't worry, the company has more concepts up its sleeve. Also, in July, Cue in the Guthrie theather will become Sea Change. The Tim McKee-led, sustainable seafood concept will open July 20.

Happy Eating!

--Marni Ginther
Assistant Editor

Comments

[Managing Editor Amanda Fretheim Gates]

Nice roundup, fellow editor.

The hubby and I ate at Burger Jones this past weekend, and all I can say is YUM. The burgers and fries are similar to those at Salut (which is another Parasole restaurant that I adore), and my S'mores shake was To Die For. For a Friday night, I was pleasantly surprised at the friendly, quick service.

And after watching the President bring the NBC crew to Five Guys during the two-hour White House TV special last week, I'd love to check that out too. Soon!