Life of the Party

Customers seeking to learn how to start aging wines often ask me questions. Since very few of us (myself included) had parents with wine cellars, many folks find it difficult to begin. Here are some suggestions that I have experience with, that do improve... Read More

Gravlax is an easy recipe that makes a luxurious Scandinavian treat. Impress your guests with an impressive spread of hand-sliced gravlax with a mustard-dill sauce on pumpernickel toasts. Home Cured Gravlax -Mary Richter, Surdyk’s Culinary Director • 1 side, about 1 ½ lbs., cleaned... Read More

I love living in Minnesota for the four seasons and I enjoy all of them. Since summer is special and short-lived here, we are pretty good about making the most of when the weather is favorable to be outdoors. There have been a few... Read More

While refreshing enough for the hot August temps, there is something about apples that make you long for crisp fall weather. This makes cider the perfect choice for late summer drinking. Minnesota has seen a boom in the marketplace for artisanal hard cider, and craft beer enthusiasts... Read More

Sangria is the official drink of Summer at Surdyk’s! Stay with me beer lovers and white wine fans. I realize that when you think of Sangria, the traditional image of fruit-laden Spanish red wine comes to mind. But that is only one version. Any wine, as well as... Read More

Summer begins officially on June 21 and we’re loving the sun and the heat… particularly because of the short spring & long winter! We’ve exchanged our heart cheddars and melty alpines for younger, softer cheeses. While these cheeses have great flavor, the can be overwhelmed... Read More

What makes a Sour a sour? Sour yeast strains. Sour and wild are terms that are used interchangeably in the industry but there is a distinction. Sour beers happen when acidifying bacteria (Brettanomyces, Lactobacillus, Pediococcus) in conjunction with wild or commercial yeast is introduced... Read More

I think that it is safe to say we have made it to spring. It’s May, and the weather has finally turned warm, and now it is time for Minnesota to shine. I can’t think of any better combination in spring than beer and... Read More

There is a seemingly endless roster of cocktail bars in the area, each offering a distinctive atmosphere or signature drink. With all the jargon and frills associated with cocktail bars, it can feel intimidating to try your hand at crafting mixed drinks at home... Read More

We spend a lot of time searching for new and interesting cheeses that can’t be found at any other cheese counter in the area. Some are innovative approaches to cheese making, some are old world cheeses rarely imported to America, and some are a... Read More