Taste of the NFL celebrates foods from Patriots, Eagles, Vikings

(KMSP) - It’s an annual tradition ahead of the Super Bowl that brings stars and fabulous food together for one special night.

The Taste of the NFL welcomed many to the St. Paul RiverCentre to celebrate its 27th year of giving back.

Attendees roamed the event eating elk, salmon, pho soup, organic salads and more.

The event was started in Minnesota back in 1992 and has raised millions of dollars for hunger relief efforts.

Organizers say the reason this event stands out from the rest is because proceeds go back to the community and local charities based here in the cities.

Former and current NFL stars are also on hand to serve the food and chat with guests.

Fox 9 caught up with former Vikings stars as well as well as Minnesota-born world-renowned culinary star Andrew Zimmern.

“We used to be a good food town and then we became a good restaurant town, now we are one of the best restaurant cities in America—top 10 for depth and breadth,” Zimmern said. 

“The money that they raise for hunger—$25 million that feeds about 200 million people—why wouldn’t you want to be here and support an event like this,” said former Vikings star Esera Tuaolo.

Many people said the foods from New England and Philly were the best, with the Patriots serving up gnocchi and Philly serving a braised brisket with green mashed potatoes.

The Vikings served up chicken and wild rice, of course.