That rite of spring in northeast Minneapolis, the Holland neighborhood's annual hot dish extravaganza, has a boozy new wrinkle this year.
In a nod to the area's burgeoning brewing industry, this year's Hotdish Revolution on April 21 will feature beer flights, according to publicist Kurt Nowacki.
Barley John's Brewpub, actually in St. Anthony, is the first to commit. Nowacki said invitations are out to Indeed, Dangerous Man, 612 Brew and Northgate, all Northeast labels. He's envisioning flights of four four-ounce samples for $10.
Of course, there will be the usual tasteoff of competing casseroles in the traditional divisions: spicy, vegetarian, tater tots, kids, meats, and fins and feathers. There's also a Jello competition.
Anyone can enter by showing up when doors open at 4 p.m. with a dish. Judging starts at 4:30, and the crowd gets down to consuming the entries at 5. The cost is $10 ($5 if you enter a dish) for adults, $5 for kids ages five to 12, and free for those under five. This year's event is at St. Maron Catholic Church 's Cedar Hall, 602 University Av. NE.
The event is sponsored by the Holland Neighborhood Improvement Association, which is planning to compile previous years' recipes into a cookbook for next year's event. This year's contest will also serve as the kickoff for fundraising for another art installation by James Brenner, this one consisting of light poles in the Edison High School parking lot.
Because it's an election year, invitations will be extended to mayoral candidates to attend.
