Tacos, jerk chicken, and ice cream for game nights
Target Center may be the home of the Minnesota Lynx and Timberwolves, but it’s also home to an impressive line-up of concessions. Executive chef David Fhima has added some stellar options to the ubiquitous hot dog and popcorn menus offerings this year. Not knocking a solid hot dog — but below, find a few exceptional snacks for hoops night.
Chef Gerard Klass’s soul food brings the flavor season after season. The beef patties are simple but kicky, definitely not for the spice-averse. The Caribe Bowl is heaped with jerk barbecue chicken, sweet plantains, rice, and diced pineapple. Added bonus: A bowl is an ideal vessel for game time eating.
Fhima’s chicken lollipops are marinated Moroccan spices. They deliver a flavor punch in the very best way, and the chicken is juicy and tender, no easy feat at a large venue. Or try Fhima’s Wagyu burger. These sliders are presented on squishy brioche buns, the way the burger gods intended.
Noshing on a taco from a paper boat balanced on your knees may not seem like the easiest option, but El Burrito Mercado’s al pastor taco is well worth the risk. Tender, red-hued pork sprinkled with lime is what every game day should be about.
Hearty Minnesotans love their smoked meats, and Rolling Smoke does not disappoint. The menu highlight here is a house-smoked, chopped pork sandwich with Jack Daniels barbecue sauce.
For dessert, the surprisingly creamy chocolate and red berry ice cream cone from Wicked Kitchen wins the game. The tart berries add a lovely touch — and it’s vegan, too.