The State Fair is a cornucopia of local food-related goodness, but chief among the events to attend may be the Minnesota Cooks event at Carousel Park. The program consists of a series of shows featuring outstanding chefs from throughout Minnesota demonstrating their talents and interacting with various emcees who interview the Minnesota farmers who produced the food, as well as local celebrity tasters.
Minnesota Cooks 2009 State Fair Event, Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2009
Place: Carousel Park
[A downloadable PDF of the event schedule is also available]
9am
Danny Schwartzman and Kay Taylor of Common Roots Cafe
Riverbend Polenta with Smokey Black Eyed Peas, Sauteed Greens, and a Fried Egg
With farmer Dave Massey of Northwoods Organic Produce
Brian Hauke of the Red Stag Supper Club
Monte Cristo on Brioche with Pork, Swiss, and Fruit Compote
With farmer Mike Dekarski from Apple Jack Orchards
Tasters: Lori Sturdevant (Star Tribune), Paul Hugunin (MN Dept. of Ag / Minnesota Grown), Tim Brownell (Eureka Recycling)
10am
Mike Phillips of The Craftsman
Grilled Lamb Leg with Chile Braised Potato
With farmer Deborah Pikovsky from Star Thrower Farm
Matt Annand from Prairie Bay Grill & Catering in Baxter
Salad of Confit of Duck Rillette with Roasted Corn and Lavender Vinaigrette
With farmer Gary Pahl of Pahl Farms
Tasters: State Senator Gary Kubly, Jeremy Iggers (Twin Cities Media Alliance), Kirby Schmidt (Future Farmers of America)
11am
Tracy Singleton and Marshall Paulsen of Birchwood Cafe
Birchwood Cobb Salad with Poached Garlic and Honey Vinaigrette
With farmer John Svihel of Svihel Farms
Jon Radle of Grand Cafe
Grilled Thousand Hills Beef Tenderloin, Local Corn Grits with Sweet Corn, Tomatoes, and Tarragon, and a Grilled Onion-Pickled Ramp Relish
With Todd Churchill of Thousand Hills Cattle Co.
Tasters: Senator Al Franken, Kate Rime (Eco Metro / Blue Sky Guide), Carrie Tollefson (Olympic runner)
Noon
Scott Pampuch of Corner Table
White Pork Sausage with Apples
With farmer Charlie Johnson of Whistling Well Farm
Nathalie Johnson of Signature Cafe
Lutheran Church Basement Apple Crisp
With farmer Loretta Jaus of Organic Valley
Tasters: Stephanie Hansen (FM 107.1), Boyd Huppert (KARE 11), Art Hughes (freelance journalist)
1pm
Judi Barsness of Chez Jude in Grand Marais
New York Strip Steak Herbs de Provence with Shitake Mushroom, Butternut Squash, Pea, Hazelnut Wild Rice, Orzotto
With farmer Eric Klein of Hidden Stream Farm
JD Fratzke of The Strip Club
Grilled Pork Loin and Pancetta with Heirloom Tomatoes over Grilled Sourdough
With farmers Jim and LeeAnn VanDerPol of Pastures A Plenty
Tasters: Sue Zelickson (WCCO), Burt Cohen (Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine)
2pm
Michael Murray-John of Vinifera Vine & Dine in Wabasha
Panzanella Salad
Scott Graden of New Scenic Cafe in Duluth
Ratatouille Lasagne
Both with farmers Brian and Leslie Axdahl of Axdahl Farms
Tasters: Mayor Chris Coleman, Tom Helgeson (Midwest Fly Fishing), M.A. Rosko (FOX9 Morning News)
3pm
Heather Hartman of Spoonriver
Wheatberry-Arborio Risotto with Grilled Summer Squash and Sweet Corn, Eggplant, and Heirloom Tomato Basil Relish
Dick Trotter and Lisa Scribner of Trotter’s Cafe and Bakery
Roasted Summer Vegetable Pizza on Focaccia and White Velvet Cake with Vanilla Bean Butter Cream Frosting and Raspberries
Both with farmer Paul Otten of Natura Farms
Tasters: Senator Amy Klobuchar, Seitu Jones (visual artist), James Norton (Heavy Table), Mary Lahammer (Twin Cities Public TV)
4pm
Brian Henning of Bethel University Dining Services
Potato Crusted Walleye Fillets with Sauteed Leeks, Peppers, and Carrots
With farmer Annette Gilbertson of Gilbertson Farms
Lisa Lindberg of Amboy Cottage Cafe in Amboy
Potato Bread and Variations
With Dan and Mike Minar of Cedar Summit Farm
Tasters: Don Shelby (WCCO), Mayor R.T. Rybak, Julie Bleyhl (AFSCME)