Looking for plans in the next seven days? Check out these five must-do food-and-drink themed events around the Twin Cities.
1. Beer and Pride. It's Pride weekend, which means you're out and about, hitting any number of parties around the Twin Cities. One Friday night option that involves tossing back a couple? The Beer Dabbler at Minneapolis' Pride hub of Loring Park. Fifty Minnesota breweries will be on hand pouring specially made beers inspired by the queen herself, Lady Gaga. Food trucks and live music complete the affair. Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 on the day of. Find more information here.
2. Food Trucks Galore. If you, like us, are fans of the many excellent food truck operations that have cropped up around town, you'll be in good company on Sunday at this Uptown bash (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) celebrating all culinary things on wheels. Check out the more than 60 rolling kitchens, grab a drink, listen to live music on the two stages and play some bags or giant Jenga while you're at it. There's no cover for the event. Find more information here.
3. Cocktail Battles. What do you get when you combine a libation showdown with a fish fry and a live DJ? You get Trophy Hunt, the second annual event (4-7 p.m. on Sunday) hosted by Eat Street Social. Come watch as the local slinging masters face off for the ultimate accolade. Industry favorites – including me! – will be judging the creations. Hey, it's a tough job but someone's got to do it. Find more information here.
4. A Tasty Cause. This state can put together some pretty spectacular (and pricey) meals, but if you're going the distance, what better way than to do so while supporting a good cause. Thursday's Taste of the Nation Hotlist at Nicollet Island Pavillion, runs at $75 for general admission (and $125 for VIP), but the meal is sure to be memorable. On board: chefs from the likes of Bar Brigade, Grand Cafe, Zen Box Izakaya and the Fish Guys and drink masters from Bittercube, Fulton Beer and Tattersall Distilling on board. Proceeds will support No Kid Hungry. Find more information here.
5. Pinball and Hot Dogs. Looking to join a new league of sorts? Tilt, the latest restaurant project from the Nightingale folks, is offering up one that allows you to eat and drink WHILE participating (though we do worry that slamming a hot dog while pinballing could affect your score). Register during this Pinball Twin Cities' preseason party, play in a split-flipper tournament and of course grab a dog – might we suggest the Boss Lady with sauerkraut, beer mustard and onions? – while you're there. Find more information here.
