The Must Attend Events of the Spring: Whiskey, Rosé, Vodka and Travail

Honoring Minnesota Moonshine

During Prohibition, the double-distilled and oak barrel aged Minnesota 13, arguably one of the best moonshines in the country, was crafted in Stearns County by local farmers. Directors Norah Shapiro and Kelly Nathe reveal this little-known piece of Minnesota booze history in the documentary "Minnesota 13: From Grain to Glass." The film will premier at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival on Saturday, April 16.

The Art of Vodka

Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s Stephanie March hosts The Art of Vodka at the Museum of Russia Art on Thursday, April 21. The event celebrates the many layers of the clear spirit and the distillers who craft it, including 11 Wells, 45th Parallel Distillery, BĒT Vodka, Crooked Water Spirits, Far North Spirits, J. Carver Distillery, Norseman Distillery, Prairie Vodka and Jewel of Russia.

These Dames Can Cook

It’s no secret that women are woefully underrepresented in the food industry. Some of Minnesota’s most prestigious female chefs are hosting an event to bring awareness to this issue, along with raise funds for scholarships for young women interested in a culinary career and  local inner city youth via Urban Roots, a youth gardening project.

The Dame it! tasting event celebrates the best in food and drink, featuring local chefs including Carrie Summer, Lisa Carlson, Brenda Langton, Michelle Gayer,  Jamie Malone, Kylene and Mel Gust of GYST, Anna Christoforide and Kim Bartmann. The tasting will be held on Sunday, April 24 and is organized by the Minnesota chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier, a group of women in food, beverage and hospitality.

The bar at Betty Dangers. Photo by Katie Cannon

Run for the Juleps

Betty Danger’s Country Club will host its infamous Kentucky Derbatante Party on Saturday, May 7. Dust off your fanciest feathered hat and celebrate the 142nd Kentucky Derby Race, which will be showing on Betty’s big screens. Enjoy mint juleps, photo ops with real live racing horse and ponies, Tex Mex-ish fare from Betty’s food truck and much more. Ticket price is $16.95 and includes a mint julep.

They don’t have a neon pink ferris wheel at Churchill Downs, now do they?

The Loveliest Wine

Nothing says "spring has sprung" like a blushing glass of Rosé. Solo Vino will hold its 8th Annual Rosé Tent Tasting on Sunday, May 15th. Tickets are $35, VIP tickets have already sold out.

Battle of the Burgers

The third annual Twin Cities Burger Battle will be fought on Saturday,  May 21. Twenty five local establishments will battle for burger supremacy, but only one will be crowned the best burger in the Twin Cities. The $55 tickets include unlimited samples, beer from Fulton and Summit, some non-alcoholic beverages and live music. Each attendee can also cast their vote for their favorite burger in the People’s Choice Award contest.

Burger slingers include Gold Nugget Tavern and Grille, B-52 Burgers and Brew, Paddy Shack, Red Cow, The Saint Paul Grill, 5-8 Club, Peppers & Fries, Freight House, Fire Lake Grill, The Happy Gnome, Pat’s Tap, The Suburban, Meister’s Bar and Grill, Casper and Runyon’s Nook, 7th Street Social, Strip Club Meat and Fish, BLVD, Ox Cart Ale House, Pub 819 and Buster’s on 28th.

Photo by Travis Anderson courtesy Travail Sexy Chef Calendar

Party Like a Travailian

Close your eyes. Can you feel June? The sun, the heat, the mosquitoes? Travail’s Lakeside Party is one of the best things about summer, and it’s coming to Lakeview Terrace Park in Robbinsdale on Sunday, June 26.

As always is the case at a Travail bash, there will be loads of deliciousness, libations from local breweries, live music and plenty of other shenanigans. More details to come as summer progresses.