A few healthier options added to treat-filled Target Field menu

Fried cheese curds and seasoned sausage drizzled with gravy and Korean-style barbecue with kimchi are just a sampling of the foods Twins fans can nosh on this season.

Whether you're in the mood for Indian food, hot sandwiches or something green and leafy, Target Field aims to satisfy with a spate of new food options introduced to media and season-ticket holders Thursday.

In an effort to touch all the bases, the stadium has added several healthier options to its lineup. But no need to fear, the old staples of light beer and hot dogs aren't going anywhere.

Some season-ticket holders were decked out in their wildest Twins gear as they taste-tested the stadium's newest offerings. With only a few days until Opening Day, the chance to sample the savory dishes and sweet treats and talk baseball at Target Field was like the night before Christmas.

From northeast Minneapolis comes the Herbivorous Butcher's popular vegan specialties, a meat-free Sriracha brat and vegan Italian sausage (both $12.50). They can be found alongside the MSP kosher hot dog cart at section 129.

Minnesota's own global gastronomic giant Andrew Zimmern is growing his Canteen-Skewers venue and introducing a new Mediterranean-style skewer flatbread sandwiches at section 114. Patrons can choose their favorite meat, and each sandwich is served with roasted eggplant spread, herbed yogurt sauce, tomato and cucumber.

Zimmern's eatery at Target Field also features a Sloppy Ko ($14.50), a Korean-style barbecue beef with kimchi and a boiled egg served on flatbread that went quickly during Thursday's preview.

Now, for some guilty indulgences.

From nearby Loring Park, the popular 4 Bells restaurant will bring to the stadium its signature shrimp boil featuring shrimp, corn, potatoes and sausage ($14.50). And longtime downtown Minneapolis institution, Murray's, is expanding its Target Field presence with a new cart in section 116 that serves fresh-shaved smoked beef sandwiches on a roll toasted with its famous garlic butter and a side of house-cut seasoned chips ($14.50).

Kramarczuk's will serve up cheese curds and Polish sausage topped with brown gravy ($9.50) in a section 100 cart. The hot and salty combination is sure to hit the spot on a cool spring or fall day.

The Cookie Cart, an urban nonprofit bakery run by teens, debuts at section 101 during Saturday and Sunday games all season long. A six-pack of the fresh-baked cookies is $8 and a single cookie is $3.

And Twins fans can once again satisfy their sweet tooth with Izzy's Ice Cream, which will make its graham cracker flavor available for more of the season. It's easy to see why it's a fan favorite. The flavor is buttery with just the right touch of cinnamon.

Domestic draft beers are heading north by 50 cents and now range from $8 to $10.50. Examples of others growing in price but also size: 16-ounce Schell's, Summit and Bauhaus rising $2 to $9.50.

Back again this year are Hrbek's full-meal bloody marys. Judging by how quickly they went, the hyper-garnished drinks were a hit among season-ticket holders. This year's most gluttonous option features a slider burger, three pieces of sausage, cheese and the usual celery and olives. Served with a Bud Light, the drink costs $23.

To save folks the trouble of trekking along the concourse in search of a favorite from last season, these dishes have been given the heave-ho: Rib Tips from Butcher and the Boar, Murray's steak and Philly sandwich, pork chop on a stick and fried pickles.

Twins President Dave St. Peter said the team's relationship with local and regional brands has allowed the stadium's food scene to thrive. l

"We built Target Field to differentiate ourselves from the local facilities in town and other Major League Baseball teams by bringing food and beverages … to a whole new level," he said.

Haley Hansen is a University of Minnesota student reporter on assignment for the Star Tribune. Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482