The second annual Winter Carnival Fancy Hotdish Competition took place Sunday at The Lexington, and the results were delicious.
Seven St. Paul restaurants — In Bloom, Iron Ranger, Sweet Pea’s, Zamboni’s, Pajarito, The Lexington and Augustine’s Bar and Bakery — made their best version of Minnesota’s state dish for a crowd. The dishes were judged by local media and hospitality professionals as well as those who attended the event.
The judge’s choice winner was In Bloom, with a short rib dish covered with a beautiful spiral of crispy potatoes and served with a horseradish cream. People’s choice went to The Lexington for its smoky Minnesota gumbo, which included salmon, sausage, ham and wild rice. Winners were given engraved Pyrex dishes and gift cards to Oxendale’s Market.
Jack Riebel, chef/owner of The Lex, said he wanted to sponsor a food-related Winter Carnival event that would bring St. Paul chefs together and they plan to bring it back again next year.
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