MNfusion: Prairie Organic Featured At JBF's 'Taste America'
For chefs, foodies and restaurateurs alike the James Beard Awards are like the Oscars.
Held on the first weekend in May, the awards recognize excellence in cuisine, presentation and service within the food industry.
This year, 15 Twin Cities chefs and restaurants were recognized as semifinalists.
While none took home the winning title, the nominations solidified the Twin Cities as a strong presence within the food world.
So, when the James Beard Foundation kicked off its 2015 Taste America tour, it was no surprise that Minneapolis was one of the places they chose to stop.
On Oct. 2 - 3 the 10-city national tour will celebrate Midwest cuisine with culinary celebrities, food tastings, book signings and more in Minneapolis.
And it all begins with the "Night of Culinary Stars."
Beginning at 7 p.m. at the Loews Hotel, a multi-course dinner created by award-winning local chefs such as Timothy Fisher (Cosmos), Diane Yang (Spoon and Stable) and Gavin Kaysen (Spoon and Stable) will offer up a taste of Minnesota's best flavors.
To highlight these local flavors, and the state's variety within the food and beverage industry, cocktails made with Prairie Organic Spirits will be paired with the dishes.
As a way to bring a bit of the dining experience to your home, Prairie Organic Spirits offered up the recipes for its Bootlegger, Prairie Elderflower Fizz and Prairie Cucumber Gimlet cocktails that will be served to attendees.
The "Night of Culinary Stars" begins at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception. The dinner starts at 7 p.m. Loews Hotel is located at 601 First Avenue North in downtown Minneapolis. For more information, visit the James Beard Foundation online.
Bootlegger
Ingredients
1½ oz. Prairie Organic Vodka
½ oz. handmade lime cordial
Directions
Fill with sparkling water
Mint for garnish
Shake and strain into a cocktail glass; garnish with mint leaf if desired. Top with sparkling water.
Prairie Elderflower Fizz
Ingredients
1 oz. Prairie Organic Gin
¼ oz. elderflower liqueur
Champagne
Soda water/sparkling water
Lemon twist
Directions
Add Prairie Organic Gin and elderflower liqueur to champagne glass; top with champagne and soda water. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Prairie Cucumber Gimlet
Ingredients
1½ oz. Prairie Cucumber-Flavored Organic Vodka
7 basil leaves
½ oz. simple syrup
¾ oz. fresh lime juice
Directions
Muddle the basil leaves in a cocktail shaker. Add simple syrup, Prairie Cucumber-Flavored Organic Vodka, and lime juice to basil leaves. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass; garnish with basil leave if desired.
