With the Timberwolves headed to the playoffs this weekend, there’s reason to celebrate.
Timberwolves executive chef David Fhima, who works with Levy Restaurants to oversee concessions at Target Center, is making sure that celebratory feeling comes across in the postseason menu, too.
While courtside seats and premium clubs are getting new high-end dishes to match the price, including a made-to-order wagyu and lobster tail surf and turf, even regular concessions get a glitzy boost. Surf and turf nachos, amped-up hot dogs with gourmet toppings, and a smoked beef rib are among the offerings.
There’s more. Fhima has partnered with local chefs to elevate things even further. Marc Heu Patisserie is providing two-bite desserts for premium ticket holders. Chefs Ann Kim and Ann Ahmed are each behind a dish that will be available at all concessions — Kim’s Korean barbecue ribs, Ahmed’s chicken curry and rice.
“He’s the center of gravity,” Heu said of Fhima. “Everybody gravitates toward him.”
“I’m bringing anybody I can to make me look good,” Fhima said with a laugh.
Especially for the out-of-towners who come in for the games, “I want to show them how good Minneapolis is” by introducing them to his fellow chefs, Fhima said. “It’s a matter of pride.”
While Target Field has been improving food options at Twins games for years by adding more local restaurant tie-ins, other sports venues have been slower to follow suit. Fhima is trying to change that, at least at Target Center.