ARAMARK "Smokes" the Competition at "Taste of the Vikings" Event

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ARAMARK, the exclusive catering partner of the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field, was awarded "best restaurant" honors at the annual Taste of the Vikings in Minneapolis on November 7^th.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110907/PH63208LOGO)

The creations of ARAMARK Regional Executive Chef Andrew Atwell -- Wild Boar Tacos with Smoked Tomato Cilantro Salsa and Caramelized Onion Slaw, and Candied Bacon Cinnamon Ice Cream with Pecan Brittle -- stole the culinary show and were voted tops by attendees at the annual event that features food from the Twin Cities' finest restaurants and raises awareness for childhood hunger in Minnesota.

"ARAMARK has been delivering first class catering to our Premium Seating members for the past eight years and this event confirmed their menus are in the same category as the top restaurants in the Twin Cities," said Steve LaCroix, Vice President of Sales & Marketing/Chief Marketing Officer for the Minnesota Vikings.

Culinary students from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Minneapolis/St. Paul assisted Chef Atwell and his team at the action station where they utilized a tabletop smoker to give the tacos a unique, smoky flavor instantaneously. The team also used liquid nitrogen to prepare the Candied Bacon Cinnamon Ice Cream, giving waiting guests a great feast for the senses.

"We're honored to participate in such a great event, like the Taste of the Vikings, where we can partner with our client to benefit the local community," said Carl Mittleman, Regional Vice President, ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment- Central Region. "This was an opportunity for our chefs to showcase their culinary expertise and the cutting edge techniques that make our menu at Mall of America Field standout from some of the finest restaurants in the area."

About ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment

ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment, a division of ARAMARK, delivers a wide range of innovative solutions to more than 170 premier sports facilities, convention centers and entertainment venues throughout North America.  Working closely with its partners, ARAMARK creates authentic and memorable guest experiences by designing industry-leading hospitality, dining and catering, retail merchandise, and facility service programs. Learn more at www.aramarksports.com.

About ARAMARK

ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. The company is recognized as one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by the Ethisphere Institute, as the industry leader in FORTUNE magazine's "World's Most Admired Companies," and as one of America's Largest Private Companies by both FORTUNE and Forbes magazines. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 255,000 employees serving clients in 22 countries. Learn more at www.twitter.com/aramarknews.

Contact:
David Freireich
215-238-4078
[email protected]

Erin Noss
215-409-7403
[email protected]

SOURCE ARAMARK