North Coast Nosh III

Friday night my husband and I attended the North Coast Nosh in Minneapolis. A loyal Heavy Table reader, I've considered attending these events in the past, and finally took the plunge. This sip-and-sample tasting soiree turned out to be a great way to spend a Friday night. We got there close to the time it began (5:30), and were glad for it. We could get some Gai Gai Thai without waiting in line and perused all the vendors without bumping elbows. By the time we sampled all the offerings (some twice-over), the place had gotten considerably more busy. However, by all standards for these kinds of events, the crowd was definitely doable. Let's just say it wasn't Firkin Fest. Or the MN state fair. 


There we are! Guy in the blue plaid shirt, center, and gal to his left:

photo by Becca Dilley via Heavy Table


Some tips if you are considering attending the next Nosh, which I highly recommend:

• Arrive early/at the start time
• Ensure that your purse/man bag situation enables you to be hands-free but that the bag is large enough to hold any free pins, business cards, programs, and/or menus that may come your way. Or to store your sweet low-ball tasting glass once you leave.
• Keep your fork. Along with our complimentary tasting glasses came forks. My husband threw his away at some point because many of the vendors had their own forks/toothpicks/eating tools. But many of them did not, which left him to borrow my fork or inappropriately eat with his hands. He's lucky I'm nice. 

Other general impressions:

• The Bogart Loves doughnuts were amazing. Note to self: head to Fulton or Kingfield farmer's market come spring for more.
• We need more beer mustard in this town. Natedogs slathered homemade Surly Bender Mustard on his dogs and said he hopes to have it available in stores soon.  Today, please? The one variety of beer mustard once found at Cub is now missing form shelves.
• How ill must a person be to get food from Open Arms? After sampling their chicken and black bean creation, I asked "is this really what Open Arms makes for their clients??" I was told yes. I think I might be feeling a little under the weather already...
• For the frugal at heart, fear not - I think you can definitely get your money's worth at this event. Particularly if you get there early and stay late.
• Good work, Nosh organizers, on staging Bogart Loves and Patiserrie 46 next to Peace Coffee. How thoughtful for those of us good Minnesotans who need coffee with our treats.