Food & Drink

Cocoa powder.

While studying abroad in Venezuela, I, along with other students, would take overnight buses to the coast. It was there where I discovered cacao trees, which give us chocolate and is found growing as an understory tree.

A brisket sandwich from Buddy Boy Barbeque

Buddy Boy Barbeque draws fans of smoked meats year-round.

Friends gather around a table at The Vine Room in Hopkins

Hopkins’ new The Vine Room offers wine and a Cali vibe downtown.

A glass of Aviary Cabernet Sauvignon

Aviary Cabernet Sauvignon is just $15.99, and would be a great contender in a blind tasting.

King crab served in white spoons from The Caterers in Hopkins

The Caterers is a commercial kitchen, catering facility, event venue and part-time restaurant.

A spread of cheese, chocolate, fruit and nuts.

Local cheesemongers and wine experts share their recommendations for a perfect Valentine’s Day spread.

A martini made from Gray Duck Vodka.

Retired Viking Chad Greenway creates a hit spirits line.

A bottle of Aska red wine from Banfi.

For Valentine’s Day, sip on an Italian blend from Banfi.

A group of friends enjoy glasses of wine while on vacation.

Take a wine-focused vacation that bucks the clichés.

A crabapple tree

In January, winter sets in, typically with the coldest days of the year. Local fresh fruit seems a distant memory, and the fresh growth of spring a distant wish.

A variety of beers from Boom Island Brewing in Minnetonka.

After an eight-year run in Minneapolis, Boom Island Brewing moves its taproom to Minnetonka, tripling its space and keeping its dog- and family-centric ethos.

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