2024 Taste of Elk River winners

The Elk River Rotary Club’s choice for favorite overall vendor was Coborn’s, who likes to bring more of a meal for guests than a sample.

They served Four Brothers smoked ribs, Four Brothers smoked pulled chicken on Four Brothers dollar buns, New Ulm beef sticks, grilled pineapple, deviled egg potato salad, cheddar mac salad and indulgent cookies.

“I think this was the best year so far,” said store director Logan Utecht. “Moving it to the convention center was great. It offered a lot of space, so it wasn’t so crowded and hectic.”

Aegir Brewing took runner-up for best beverage. They had two kegs of tap.

Pour Wine Bar and Bistro won Best Beverage. For drinks they served espresso martinis and an Earl Grey old fashioned from the cocktail bars table.

From the wine bar, they made Hell Yeah Rose, Bigaro Brachetto Blend, Hell Yeah Damn Right Red and Conundrum Red Blend.

“I really enjoyed being inside, and there was a lot more movement from spot to spot with the VIP upstairs,” said Phil Lutgen, owner of Pour Wine Bar and Bistro. “I liked the energy the room had and it seemed like people had plenty of room to move around. And there were no weather-related issues.”

Runner up for Best Food was Caddyshack at Elk River Golf Club. They served house mac and cheese with smoked ham.

“I thought the energy was great and it was a nice set up to be engaged with the customers,” said Phil Singer, general manager at the Elk River Golf Club.

Rockwoods won for Best Food with Hog Candy, an item prepared by chef Jon Cekalla that is always on their menu. It takes eight days to make.

“My team at Rockwoods loved it,” said Katie Harstad, who chaired the Taste of Elk River as an Elk River Rotarian this year. “They had so much fun. I think they will all be fighting to be the ones to attend next year.”