Taste of Edina Brings Local Food, Drink to Centennial Lakes

Taste of Edina—the city's annual celebration of all things food, wine and community—is set to take the Hughes Pavillion at Centennial Lakes Park by storm from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 12.

"We invite everyone from Edina and our surrounding communities to enjoy the 70 wine, 20 beer and 18 food samples," said  President Arrie Larsen Manti.

The beer and wine samples have been compiled by Edina  Director Steve Grausam, and several local restaurants will provide the edibles for this fun occasion that benefits the general operating fund of the Chamber.

The event started originally as a venue to showcase the city's eateries, but the addition of wine to the festivities a while back changed the tenor of the evening and refocused it as a bash to fête the entire city. According to Larsen Manti, featuring microbrews a few years ago was also a welcome, popular change.

While libations have livened up the night, Edina's restaurants are still the backbone of the event. , , ,,  and several others are slated to take part.

David Richoz, operating partner of at Southdale said, "We've been happy participants since the year after we opened in 2002."

He'll send two staff members to dole out two items from P.F. Chang's street food menu: a Korean street taco of braised pork and a Shanghai dumpling in the puffy bao-style with chicken, ginger, green onions, soy and a dipping sauce. Other tasty options will be brought by independent and local chain restaurants that have sites in Edina.

For a ticket price of $30, wine lovers will get to sample everything from Chardonnays to Zinfandels, as 70 types will be poured that night, in addition to the beer and food as well as a goodie bag and wine glass for guests to use during the party and then take home with them.

Tickets are available at the three locations or from the via phone at 952-806-9060 or through its website.