Minneapolis, MN, April 8, 2013 — Top talents from Twin Cities’ restaurants create limited-edition small plates exclusively for Gather by D’Amico—meet them at tastings the first Thursday of every month. May features Jim Christiansen of Union, the new draw for gourmands in downtown Minneapolis. In June, celebrate Gather’s second anniversary with the talented trio from Travail Kitchen and Amusements: Mike Brown, James Winberg, and Bob Gerken.
Guests can sample Christiansen’s complimentary menu items on Thursday, May 2, with the two featured items being offered for sale on subsequent Thursday evenings throughout May. (Reservations highly recommended.) On the first Thursday of each month, a new featured guest chef serves complimentary samples and is on site to answer questions and meet guests. Recently named one of America’s Best Museum Restaurants by Travel + Leisure, Gather features a happy hour and full bar with an innovative specialty cocktail menu every Thursday evening.
Created and operated by D’Amico + Partners, Gather serves lunch six days a week (Tuesday–Sunday, 11:30 am–2:30 pm) and a small plates menu on Thursday evenings (5–9 pm), in conjunction with the Walker’s Target Free Thursday Nights. In addition to the events in Gather, Target Free Thursday Nights feature programs throughout the Walker, including performances, artist talks, and gallery exhibitions. For more information, visit http://calendar.walkerart.org/tftn/index.wac
May Chef-in-Residence: Jim Christiansen
Thursday, May 2, 5–9 pm
Gather by D’Amico
Thursday, May 2, Gather by D’Amico hosts Chef Jim Christiansen and kick starts patio season with the opening of its terrace over-looking the downtown Minneapolis skyline. Christensen was born and raised in the Twin Cities, where he quickly developed a passion for the culinary arts. His professional career began with an externship at (then located in Stillwater) La Belle Vie under Tim McKee, which led to Christensen playing an integral role in opening some of the premier restaurants in Minneapolis- Solera, the new La Belle Vie, and Sea Change.
Following his desire to work overseas, Christiansen spent several months in Copenhagen at the world renown, Noma. Feeling inspired from all he learned at Noma, Christensen returned to the Twin Cities in early 2012 when he was tapped by Kaskaid Hospitality (CRAVE, Figlio, Urban Eatery) to helm the kitchens of Union on Hennepin Ave.
Union’s cuisine is the culmination of Christiansen’s talent, passion, and dedication to his craft. Modern, unique, beautifully crafted, and expertly prepared, Christiansen’s food is never pretentious- allowing the food to speak for itself. Christensen and his culinary team hold themselves to the highest of standards, following self-imposed rules to ensure that each dish is special, surprising, and unique.
June Chefs-in-Residence: Mike Brown, James Winberg, and Bob Gerken
Thursday, June 6, 5–9 pm
Gather by D’Amico
Gather celebrates its second anniversary with the James Beard Award-nominated chefs of Travail Kitchen and Amusements. Travail has become a foodie must-visit destination in the first few years of business due to its young chef’s exuberance and sense of adventure, as Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl noted, ‘The enthusiasm the chefs radiate as they trot plates to the tables makes you grin.” Chefs Mike Brown, James Winberg, and Bob Gerken came together from different cooking backgrounds to open Travail. Gerken grew up in Missouri, Brown and Winberg in Minnesota. They met working in kitchens across America and eventually joined forces in Robbinsdale to open Travail.
Target Free Thursday Nights sponsored by Target.