Learn About The Business of Food and Drink

Experts in the Twin Cities food industry will discuss the latest trends during the final “Hot Topics” event hosted by the Charlie Awards

Love exploring new eateries in the Twin Cities? Do you keep up with all the latest food trends? Regularly read up on restaurant reviews? As a local foodie, the Charlie Awards is the food event to attend to see local favorites lauded for their exceptional contributions to the Twin Cities restaurant scene, held at Pantages Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 13.

Following the awards is the Minnesota Monthly after party in the IDS Center Crystal Court, and a 4-course VIP dinner by last year’s winning chefs. Best yet, this year our Minnesota Monthly food critics, Jason and Joy, will be hosting the awards—if you’ve read their reviews, you know that they’re never short on entertainment.

Leading up to the Charlie Awards is a series of “Hot Topics” panel discussions. Tuesday, October 25 is the final event, “The Business of the Food and Beverage Industry,” featuring experts in the local food industry who will discuss current trends, issues, and innovations in the industry.

Panelists include:

  • Andrea Christenson (moderator) – Cushman & Wakefield, Vice President
     
  • Pete Mihajlov – Parasole, Founder
     
  • Stephanie Shimp – Blue Plate Restaurant Company, Owner
     
  • Noah Barton – General Mills, Executive Chef
     
  • Laura Michaels – Foodservice News, Managing Editor
     
  • Ryan Smith – Horizon Equipment, Manager
     
  • Pat Weber – Mise En Place, Owner
     

Where: General Mills Headquarters, 1 General Mills Blvd., Golden Valley
When: Happy hour, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; discussion 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost: The Hot Topics even is FREE and open to the public, and includes complimentary drinks and appetizers.
RSVP: Send to charliesexceptionale@gmail.com by Monday, Oct. 24.

And don’t forget to get your tickets to the Charlie Awards. VIP tickets for the Chefs’ dinner typically sell out, so don’t wait! Visit charliesexceptionale.com.