Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's Toast & Taste in the Gardens

Last Thursday was no potluck with too much pasta salad. Nor was it the type of garden party that has you weeding your friends' garden while getting munched by mosquitos. A wedding like gala with drunken relatives and bad speeches? Think again.

There is a reason that Toast and Taste at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is called "the best outdoor party of the summer". Don't get me wrong, there may be the time and place for parties that require you to do regrettable things like jello shots or -gasp- dance. However, if you want a fully relaxing yet engaging party with the best spread of food and wine imaginable, Toast and Taste is it. 

If you have never been to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, you probably have no idea that it is one of the greatest natural resources in the Twin Cities. I still remember my first time, after being told time and time again that I simply had to go. I was blown away by the size of the place and the sheer number of species of plant, tree and shrub. When walking the many paths and trails, it is somewhat like being transported to other lands, be they forest, prairie or wetland. Certainly it feels as if you have just left the city.

It's fair to say that the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's Toast & Taste in the Gardens is one of my favorite annual local food events in the Twin Cities.