On a recent visit to the Mall of America, I finally got the chance to check out VOM FASS (twincities.vomfassusa.com) on the third floor. Single malt whiskies and rums from Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad are new finds among flavored oils such as wild mango balsamic vinegar and red pepper extra virgin olive oil. They are dispensed from a cask “on tap,” so you can sample the products. Sign up for classes in healthy cooking, essential oils, and more.
Also at MOA, I visited Sugarfina (sugarfina.com), a new specialty candy shop in the first floor southeast court. The whimsical candies are sourced from all over the world and come in beautiful packaging. I love the cookies-and-cream milkshake malt balls, and candy-coated almonds that look like stuffed green olives. If you really want a touch of luxury, try the Dom Pérignon champagne gummy bears, and the candy roses made with Whispering Angel rosé wine.
If you want a healthy treat, Kakookies (kakookies.com) are a nourishing grab-and-go snack made by Minnesotan Sue Kakuk, who began baking energy-packed “breakfast cookies” to give her daughter before bicycle races. They’re vegan and gluten-free, and made with healthy fats such as almonds and coconut oil, and superfoods including ground flaxseeds and cranberries. Kakookies even won a free exhibitor booth at the Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC this June.
photo by shari fleming photography
