Tired of serving your event attendees the standard rubbery chicken, cold potatoes and overcooked vegetables? Does it seem like every caterer out there offers the same four entrees? Are you ready to spice up your event with local faire that is unique, mouthwatering and distinctive enough to add an exciting new dimension to your event? Then it’s time to look at these trends and local eateries for fresh, new ideas.
Go local with food from far away
More and more restaurants are emerging that offer ethnic cuisine with a twist - they’re coming from countries we don’t often see. Add some spice to your next event with dinner from a different kind of diner.
• The Bachelor Farmer, Minneapolis, MN. An elegant Scandinavian restaurant offering fresh, simple foods that honor Minnesota’s Nordic heritage, such as poached eggs, roasted cabbage and black turtle beans.
• Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, Sister Bay, WI. Don’t let the goats grazing on the roof throw you. This popular Swedish spot offers traditional pickled herring, Swedish pancakes, and Swedish meatballs.
• Proof, Des Moines, IA. Blending Mediterranean dishes with American favorites results in lamb burgers, pork ragu, and even Montenebro (that’s goat!)
• Little India Restaurant, Denver, CO. Enticing eats include tandoori breads, biryanis, vindaloos and curries.
Hot, hot, hot!!
Comfort foods are great for long, cold winters. But when summer comes, it’s time to turn up the heat. Check out these local hotties for trending foods to tempt your team.
• Girvan Grille at Edinburgh USA, Brooklyn Park, MN. Known for their Ghost Wings that are spiced with Dragon Sauce, habanero peppers, and bhut lolokia peppers.
• Jamerica Caribbean Restaurant, Madison, WI. Famed for the spiciest jerks (jerk chicken, jerk pork, jerk catfish) this side of the Mississippi.
• Xtreme Smokehouse and Grill, Washington, IA. Their Hellfire Burger is being considered for the honor of “World’s Hottest Burger” by Guinness Book of World Records.
• Brewery Bar, Aurora, CO. Known for their sizzling hot and spicy Pork Green Chile and frosty Margaritas to put out the fire.
Work and Play
All work and no play makes for a dull meeting. Why not guide your group to where food combines with fun? Venues that offer both great eats and entertaining activities continue to trend.
• Target Field, Minneapolis, MN. With a fabulous new selection of game day grub, including Korean fried chicken sandwich, pork carnitas tacos, and bacon hotdish, the perennial ballpark hotdog is a thing of the past.
• Glacier Canyon Conference Center at Wilderness Resort, Wisconsin Dells, WI. Make a splash with your guests at the indoor waterpark with on-site dining featuring beer-battered cod, ranch chicken, and of course, grown up mac + cheese.
• Prairie Meadows Race Track, Casino, Hotel, Altoona, IA. Your group can play the slots, bet on the horses and enjoy the signature steaks, burgers or chops at the on-site steakhouse.
• Keystone Ranch Golf Course at Keystone Resort + Conference Center, Broomfield, CO. Panoramic view, gorgeous golf course and tantalizing fondues made with imported cheeses, white wine and garlic or dark chocolate, Frangelico and hazelnuts.
