Timberwolves Host Playoff Food Preview In North Loop
When he’s not tending to his family’s restaurants and catering businesses, Chef David Fhima can often be found at Target Center where he’s the Executive Chef for the Timberwolves and Lynx.
So with the Wolves introducing new food and beverage options for the upcoming playoffs, they opted to have their media preview at Fhima’s North Loop restaurant, Maison Margaux.
“We are doing a combination of the concession fun fare and upscale fare as well,” said Fhima. “Street food meets fine dining.”
There will be specialty hot dogs with Minnesota influences: the Superior Shore dog (beer-braised brat with spicy mustard and sweet pickle aioli on a toasted bun) Twin Harbors dog (bacon-wrapped with lettuce, tomato and garlic aioli), Nordic dog (chopped corn beef, spicy mustard and sauerkraut) and Juicy Lucy dog (hot dog stuffed with American cheese, aioli, chopped lettuce and tomato.
For Minnesota fans who can take a little spice in their food, there will be a chicken and waffles dish that bites back: Gochujang glazed fried chicken breast, sriracha slaw, toasted waffles and bacon-wrapped jalapenos.
Fans in the Lexus Courtside Club and Chairman’s Club will get to choose from several new options including Wagyu beef, smoked beef rib and lobster along with decadent desserts from Marc Heu Patisserie Paris.
Fhima enjoys being actively involved in the fan experience, although he says when he’s at Target Center, he doesn’t get to be a fan himself.
“I never see the games, Fhima said. “I go home and my wife goes, ‘who won?’ And I say ‘I don’t know.’ I am immersed in making sure that our fans are having a good experience, making sure the quality of the food is there.”
The Wolves open the playoffs at home Saturday, April 20th, 2:30pm against the Phoenix Suns. Game two will be Tuesday the 23rd at 6:30, also at Target Center.
By Mike Binkley, North Loop volunteer