Weekends in the Twin Cities are wonderful, though they leave us scrambling for breath as we return, racing back to work.
Amidst the excitement of last weekend’s TECHmunch and family festivities, our parents collaborated on planning a surprise engagement dinner at Heartland. If I had been quicker on my feet, I would have arranged my own surprise by ordering our marriage paperwork from the county and a pastor to meet us at dinner.
Our parents have only met on one occasion and so I was a little anxious about the gathering of our families. I ordered something green and something strong. I don’t remember what it contained besides lime juice and gin, but what I do remember is that it was extremely strong. I coughed my way through the first few sips and resolved to drink it slowly, lest I take down my own engagement dinner.
One of our servers seemed concerned that it remained so full. He checked in a few times to ask if I was enjoying the beverage. I tried to reassure him that although it was delightful, it was incredibly strong for my likes.
I steadily sipped the the drink and even passed it around for others to enjoy. Somehow, we hardly made a dent.
We had a grand time enjoying each others’ company and tasting all of the dishes. On this evening, chicken reigned supreme. Those of us who ordered the Fauna tasting menu began with a small piece of moist, crispy-skinned chicken.
It rested on sweet, beautifully cooked vegetables and vibrant beet broth. Even the most cautious of eaters declared it the best chicken he had ever eaten.
Five others ordered the chicken entree. Again, lots of crispy, seasoned skin and succulent meat. Even the white meat was buttery tender and flavorful.
This past Thursday, I picked up our first CSA box from Bluebird Gardens of Fergus Falls, MN. After months of receiving anticipatory emails updates, I giddily unloaded our first bounty onto our kitchen counter. I gently examined the delicate lettuce, radishes, spinach, spring onions, a petite kohlrabi, and my favorite; a bag of pea sprouts.
Processing the vegetables and stuffing them into our fridge took time, but was well worth the effort. Now, I can easily grab the vegetables and incorporate them into our meals. We’ve been feasting on giant fattoush salads made with toasted pita bread and everything in our box. Let me know if you are willing to share any of your favorite uses for CSA vegetables. Especially kohlrabi. I didn’t hate my first taste of kohlrabi but am wondering how I will ever fall in love with it.
I plan to submit bimonthly updates about what I create with my CSA boxes to Simple, Good & Tasty.
Finally, there’s Ribfest at the Fargodome which began on Wednesday and ends this evening. I’m surprised it’s open during so many weekdays, but I’ve been told that many request time off from work to attend. Festivities include seven rib vendors, additional food and beverage vendors, a large music stage that features 80’s hair bands and country music, and an expansive array of blow-up jumpy things.
I think the blow-up jumpy things almost outnumber the rib vendors 2:1.
Last evening, we visited Ribfest and sampled ribs from two vendors. Cowboys BBQ & Rib Co. of Forth Worth Texas boasted an extensive array of awards but their ribs were woefully tough and covered in flabby skin. I hope this can be chalked-up to a bad evening. Otherwise, I can’t imagine them winning anything.
On a positive note, I enjoyed their barbecue sauce which seemed well-balanced.
We also tried ribs from Aussom Aussie’s BBQ of Pittsburgh. These were much better.
The meat had a better texture and a smokier flavor, though they were slightly fatty. The exterior had some bark and the sauce was lovely. It had a little heat and that vinegary note that I love so much about Ted Cook’s.
We’re hoping to return for a blooming onion and to sample some more rib vendors.
