'Taste of the Wild' shows off new dining options at Xcel Energy Center

ST. PAUL -- Gourmet food, high-level hockey and hometown pride are all staples at the Xcel Energy Center this season, thanks to some brand new culinary additions.
General concessions, club level and suite level all feature new unique delicacies. While purists can still find classics around the concourses, upgraded options are available, as well.

Many of them were on display for media and Wild staff Wednesday at the team's annual "Taste of the Wild" event.
Take, for example, the humble hot dog. It can be dressed up or down however you like -- usually with ketchup or mustard, and maybe some relish or onions. But what about a bacon-wrapped hot dog, or an elote hot dog that takes all the comfort of the Mexican street food and meshes it with a timeless American snack?
That's where the chefs come in.
From level to level of the arena, fans will have their choice of several pasta varieties, flatbreads, sandwiches and salads, plus locally-based desserts and drinks.
Carlos Creek Winery, based in Alexandria, will provide several varieties of wine made from grapes that are grown and picked in Minnesota. Beer from nearby craft breweries, including Summit and Surly, are also on offer.

But perhaps the most enticing is the plethora of dessert options that are coming to Xcel Energy Center. J&R's Cookie Dough, Izzy's Ice Cream, and Hockey Mom Brownies are taking the ice with a variety of gourmet flavors of each's namesake dessert.
Hockey Mom Brownies (whose slogan, "Don't be a cake eater, eat a brownie!" hearkens back to the quintessential insult of The Mighty Ducks) even offer flavors like Slap Shot and Five Hole. Though the brownies aren't shaped like hockey pucks, they're a sure score.

Here's a look at all the new foods revealed at Wednesday's Taste of the Wild event.

General Concessions

Penne and marinara
"Bucket O'Balls" meatballs
Vietnamese meatball bánh mì
Italian chopped salad
Elote hot dog
Bacon-wrapped hot dog
Super nacho
Hockey Mom Brownies
J&R's Cookie Dough

Club Level

Italian beef rolled flatbread (aka "The Stickwich")
Creamy spaghetti carbonara
Wild mushroom ravioli
Italian chopped salad
Watermelon Caprese salad
Mushroom and sausage flatbread
Margherita flatbread
Pulled buffalo chicken sandwich
Izzy's Ice Cream

Suite Level

Orange and Tabasco wings
Lobster mac and cheese
Char-grilled kielbasa
Heirloom tomato salad
Sheboygan brat sampler
Baja pork and chicken nacho platters