more than chips and dip.

summer equals 104 excuses to have a party (ps, there are 104 DAYS of summer).  for my non-local readers, let me explain to you what i call the “minnesota summer guilt” effect.  if it is nice out, and we do not go out and enjoy it, we feel guilty.  we survive brutal winters and so when summer does finally arrive, we better be ready to relish it.  no “housewives” marathons here.  if the sun is out, then we are in it.  a rainy day is sometimes welcome....at least we can get our laundry done.

some summer entertaining ideas we love:

hot diggity dog

chicago dogs are what i call “salad on a bun with a side of hotdog”.  sport peppers, celery salt, pickles, sweet relish, tomato wedges....a good mix of sweet and spicy.  lunds & byerly’s catering is offering a chicago dog spread for 25 people at $205!  pick it up, spread on your center island or picnic table out back and you have all you need for a quick and easy way to entertain.

for details, go to:  http://catering.lundsandbyerlys.com/

pizza pie on wheels

so, thyme to entertain, a great local caterer, did the impossible (or what i thought was).  they bought a 1972 fire engine and stuck a wood fire oven on it.  think punch on wheels.  i am not sure i could have thought of anything better myself.  i am dying to use it.  basically, they pull up with the bright red beast (sirens off) and start slanging pies.  pair that with the great salad and side menu they have created to finish off this summer menu.  the novelty of it all would be worth it alone, but with thyme to entertain you know it will taste as cool as it looks.

call nate @ 612.871.2199 to get the dish

twenty-six feet of tacos

the set-up:  you invite your pals over and you are all relaxing and sipping margs and corona with a lime.  around the corner comes what looks like a tour bus.  your guests are on the edge of their lawn chairs in excitement....is bret michaels about to emerge?  nope, no bret....but TACOS instead.  yep, you read that correctly.  twenty-six feet of tacos = a taco truck.  and a BARRIO taco truck at that.  big and black and full of their yummy mexican goodies and i am assuming their tasty tequilas too.  

for more, check out:  

a recent article from minnesota monthly

and barrio's web-site:  http://www.barriotequila.com/

mpls is admittedly behind the 8 ball on street food but catering on wheels seems to be on the rise.  we only have 104 days where we can get from our door to the door of the latest and greatest food cart without a parka, lets enjoy it while we can.

to summer soirees,

lindsay piram

event designer