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= Charcuterie, Cabernet and Connubial Contacts

Dec. 12th, 2007

Posted by Kathryn Janicek

I’m starting to realize that planning a wedding is like networking. The more people you know – the more ideas… and sometimes, the more successful you are.

Nate and I were at Be’wiched last night on Washington for this week’s Sample Circuit. If you haven’t heard of Be’wiched – it’s a brand new deli in Minneapolis… and a good place to hit if you’re looking for a fresh and quick lunch. I’m a Chicago girl, and have been looking for a good deli – and their paper-wrapped pastrami sandwich feeds my need for a little hometown flavor.

Don’t know the Sample Circuit? The hosted events spotlight a new, local, independently owned restaurant each week – focusing on great food, wine and relaxed networking. Sample Circuit’s cofounder and organizer, Tara Rea seems to know everyone in town – making her a great resource if you’re planning a wedding or really anything.

We also bumped into Elizabeth Wright, co-founder of Avant Décor. Avant Decor is an event decorator specializing in custom ceiling decor. I’ve seen Elizabeth’s work – it’s amazing. Nate and I don’t have a reception location nailed down yet, but if it needs transforming with lighting and high-quality fabrics – you can bet, I’m calling Elizabeth.
Her mother, Mary Wright, manager of Wayzata’s The Five Swans boutique also made an appearance at the Sample Circuit. (I’m telling you – it was a perfect night to make these connubial contacts.) The Five Swans is a landmark in downtown Wayzata. For decades, they have sold families "in-the-know" a wide variety of gifts and accessories for the home.

Finally, we sat with our friends Mary and Chris Lower of Sterling Cross Communications Group. Mary, Chris, Nate and I have been meaning to get to Be’wiched for weeks – but they have been so busy… it took the Sample Circuit to get us there. I actually met Mary when I was an executive producer at KSTP (her clients helped me get a lot of great stories). Sterling Cross Communications Group is a public relations and business writing firm, but with clients ranging from the delectably sinful Chocolat Celeste to MN Bride – I have a feeling Mary’s going to be a great resource.

I would have never thought a trip to the deli would fill me with so much more than just some good pastrami and pickles.

= New Twin Cities Restaurant: Be'Witched

Dec. 7th, 2007

Posted by WCCO

Watch the recent review of Be'Witched featuring Sample Circuit on WCCO.com.

= Featured on new MEET Minneapolis site

Dec. 5th, 2007

Visit MEET Minneapolis

= Network & Nibble

Oct 16th, 2007

With equal focuses on food, wine and socializing, the Sample Circuit has hit upon a recipe for relaxed frivolity.

By Bill Ward, Star Tribune

Last update: October 16, 2007 – 8:58 AM

Asking the folks at last week’s Sample Circuit event their thoughts on the evening was not unlike compiling a Zagat entry for a seriously swell restaurant:

"Delicious food" accompanied by "really good wine" and "great service" are augmented by a "wonderful ambience" and "fun people-watching" to create a "fabulous vibe."

Tough to argue on any front, and easy to understand why Sample Circuit has engaged a sizable and eclectic following since it was launched three months ago. For $38, each attendee samples about 10 dishes, several wines and/or a cocktail, with part of the proceeds going to the local food shelf Second Harvest Heartland. Most of the early-evening soirees have been in Minneapolis, although the current run is focused on St. Paul.

Asking the folks at last week’s Sample Circuit event their thoughts on the evening was not unlike compiling a Zagat entry for a seriously swell restaurant:
for more on ‘Network & Nibble’ click here

Click to View the Video= Daniel Green on Showcase Minnesota

August 8th, 2007

Miso Salmon Tartar

Ingredients
Recipes Home
Make Printer Friendly
1 metal pastry ring
Frisse lettuce leaves
Wasabi paste

2 fillets salmon 4- 5 oz each
1 large red onion finely chopped
2 teaspoons wasabi paste
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoon lemon juice

Preparation
Start by chopping the salmon into very small cubes. Now add the lemon juice. Add the soy sauce and wasabi until blended then add to the salmon. Now add the onion and mix well. Let this marinade for at least 20 minutes. To serve , divide the mix into a ring and press down hard then lift of the ring. Drizzle with remaining sauce from the bowl . Take you wasabi tube and dot about 6 little drops around the plate. Top the salmon with some frisee leaves and serve

= Ryan Nelson’s Interview with WCCO

July 28th, 2007

= Eat And Help Charity

Jul 24, 2007 9:48 am

You’ll find some of the best chefs right here in the Twin Cities, and last night was the kickoff for one of the best ways to sample their work. Sample Circuit is a way to celebrate the unique restaurants the Twin Cities have to offer with a happy hour sampling.

Read the rest on WCCO -Terri’s Consumer Blog