Hotdish Festival Sells Out Brewhalla Yet Again

The 8th installment of what's become a beloved regional tradition featured fourteen restaurants serving up comfort and competing for supremacy.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – “It sold out a month after we announced tickets. So I think it was sold out in November,” laughed Carly Montplaisir, events director for Brewhalla.

The team at Brewhalla figured they had a pretty good idea on their hands when they came up with the Hotdish Festival eight years ago – but even they are impressed with how much it seems to grow in popularity each time around.

This year, 650 tickets were sold – all for the ability to try out the creations of 14 different eateries, and, of course, decide who’s the best.

The team representing Rosewild and the Jasper Hotel had a short rib – based hotdish, hoping it was enough for them to maintain their crown.

“We won People’s Choice and Most Creative last year, so hoping to repeat this year again, absolutely,” said Justin Clark of the Jasper.

But organizers say the real winners are the attendees – who get to look forward to an afternoon of warm comfort in the midst of a cold winter.

“These months can kinda get a little dreary, so this is an excuse to hang out and celebrate,” said Montplaisir. “It’s great to see all these amazing restaurants and hang out with great people.”

Dessert was also included, with pies provided by Bernie’s from East Grand Forks, and each ticket came with a 12oz beer or non-alcoholic beverage of your choice.