Target Field: Hot Indian in the outfield
Target Field has courted the local foodie crowd by bringing in to concessions names that adventurous appetites recognize from the streets of Minneapolis. Barrio of taco and tequila bar fame. Red Cow of juicy burgers and local beer taps. Butcher and the Boar with its smokey sweet high-end barbeque and charcuterie. The Twins' 2015 season adds another name to the pantheon: Hot Indian Foods.
With a food truck, a stand at the ever-popular Midtown Global Market and now on the main concourse at Target Field, Hot Indian has the hat trick of trendy locations in the Twin Cities. Although Hot Indian is best known for its Indurritos (tortillas stuffed with various saucy Indian dishes), the Target Feild stand only offers chicken tikka masala and vegan aloo gobi coconut rice bowls.
Despite the limited selection, what you get is a big variety of flavor. I went with the chicken tikka, piled high with a refreshing slaw. The chicken tikka is a bit skimpy on the chicken, but the smokey tomato curry sauce is luscious and creamy, with a hint of ginger. There's no heat at all, so if you're craving a kick the house-made hot sauce is a must-have addition.
Best of all is the slaw. Colorful, crunchy and lightly dressed, the slaw adds the perfect texture element to an otherwise soft dish. Dotting the slaw are petite diced apples, which were a delightful surprise amid the earthy and zesty spice blend. At $11, the chicken tikka is a big serving that will keep you full through all nine innings.
All that sweet and tang begs for more of the same, so it's a no-brainer to grab a $9 2Gingers Big Ginger cocktail. A stand is located just a few sections down from Hot Indian on the main concourse, like they were meant to be together. Owned by Minnesota restauranteur Kieran Foillard and distilled in Ireland, 2Gingers is a bright, smooth Irish Whiskey that couldn't be better suited for ginger ale. Served with both lemon and lime slices, a Big Ginger is deceptively potent.
Paired with the chicken tikka, the Big Ginger's citrus cuts through the spicy depth of the curry, while marrying nicely with the sweeter elements of the dish. Cold and crisp, it washes down the heat while giving you the liquid courage to boisterously proclaim your love for Torii Hunter to the entire row of fans around you. Or was that just me?
Pairing: Ginger, ginger, and more ginger
Price: $$
Post-game drunchies: Cinnamon-sugar dusted mini donuts ($6 per bag)
