Each Friday, this list will track five of the best things Heavy Table’s writers, editors, and photographers have recently bitten or sipped. Have a suggestion for the Hot Five? Email editor@heavytable.com.
The Hot Five is a weekly feature created by the Heavy Table and supported by Shepherd Song Farm.
Smoked Trout Salad at Borough
A delicate mix of frisee, arugula, paper-thin radish, fresh yellow corn and hints of dill. The trout, flaky and extra smoky, was perfect when combined with the poached egg. Each bite was smoky, slightly spicy, and fresh. The popped sorghum was a delightful bonus.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Brenda Johnson]
The Pot of Gold at Merlin’s Rest
This is such an ideal bar snack that it’s not clear why it isn’t ubiquitous. Crunchy, deep-fried chickpeas rolled in curry spices and served in a delightful little crock — this is clearly meant to be beer’s new bestie.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by James Norton]
Hamantaschen at Cecil’s Deli (or homemade or via other fine merchants …)
As you may or may not know, this week was the Jewish holiday of Purim (in a secular sense, think Jewish Halloween). Among the many ways to celebrate (wearing a costume, getting drunk, cursing the name of Haman), my favorite is eating hamantaschen, a triangle-shaped stuffed cookie. There are many fine store-bought versions available in town but nothing beats the homemade. My mom and sister slaved away last weekend baking three versions: poppyseed, apricot-prune, and chocolate, and I was rewarded with a large bag of hamantaschen that I’ve been stuffing my face with all week. They made a ton, so if you run into either of them, ask nicely and they might share. (Editor’s note: Or get them at Cecil’s Deli; the date versions are particularly good.)
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Ted Held]
10,000 Plums Barleywine at Urban Growler
Urban Growler has created an ambitious take on a barleywine using fresh plums. The fruit adds a distinct tartness, while the caramelized malt is still robust. And plums, typically plowed over by grain or hop notes in many beverages, are the star. 10,000 Plums is an ideal seasonal for both sunny days and chilly evenings.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Paige Latham]
Black Eye Nitro Cold Press Coffee at Quixotic Coffee
The nitro cold press coffee from Black Eye Roasting at Quixotic Coffee in St. Paul is everything you’d want on a bright and sunny Saturday morning; this on-tap specialty has the thick and smooth mouthfeel of an oatmeal stout but with the refreshing buzz of coffee. Served in a tulip like a high gravity Russian Imperial, but with a lightly sweet Guinness-level head, it’s a beer-free breakfast for a dark beer lover.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Liz Scholz]