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.
Key Lime Pie Ice Cream by Izzy’s and Birchwood Cafe at Target Field
The best thing I tasted all day at the Target Field food preview was a Key lime pie ice cream that was a collaboration between locally adored Izzy’s and the Birchwood Cafe. Just crushingly delicious, simple, and also very ballpark worthy.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | From a preview of new food at Target Field by Peter Sieve]
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts at The Sheridan Room
In a survey conducted by Heinz back in 2008, Brussels sprouts were the most hated vegetable in the USA, but these perfectly seared and caramelized mini cabbages from the Sheridan Room may change your mind. Tossed in a lot of butter, a little Parmesan, and the right amount of sea salt, the crunchy texture and earthy flavor tasted like M-O-R-E. Everyone should try them again. But hurry. They are almost out of season.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Brenda Johnson]
Black Ice Cream From Milkjam Creamery
America’s take on chocolate tends to skew toward sugar, with the cocoa part of the equation coming in a distant second. Black ice cream from Milkjam addresses this historical error with great ferocity, bringing a powerful wallop of rich cocoa flavor. It’s still sweet, have no fear, but it leads with complexity and richness, not sugar.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by James Norton]
Balsamic Salad at Sonora Grill
This salad is far more interesting and delicious than its name lets on. Huitlacoche (a fungus that grows on corn and is affectionately known as “corn smut”), garlic, and vinegar give the dish an earthy punchiness. With hearty portions of butter lettuce, roasted peppers, and cured serrano ham, the salad is filling enough for an entree. But we suggest pairing it with a couple of orders of Sonora’s absolutely killer tongue tacos.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Joshua Page]
Buckwheat Ham Crepe at The Nucleus, Eau Claire, Wis.
The Nucleus, located on Water Street next to a plethora of college bars, is an oasis for anyone looking for quality food. The Buckwheat Ham Crepe was moist and perfectly chewy / crunchy, with large cubes of ham nested in a bed of scrambled eggs, creamy Havarti, scallions, and fresh dill.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Brenda Johnson]