Minnesota Eats & Deets | Fall 2018

Did You Know?  “The world’s largest producer of green stones has unearthed a 5,655-carat emerald crystal at its mines in Zambia… Emeralds are rare and more valuable than diamonds, driving their demand in the market. Most of the world’s emeralds are mined in Zambia, Colombia, and Brazil.” (via)

Listen to me, you’re going to get used to seeing Minnesota more often because I’m planning on visiting… a lot.  Not only is it where I grew up, my family is there, it’s beautiful, has all the seasons, BUT the airline expense has significantly dropped, and I’m talking non-stop flights.  IF that doesn’t get you excited, you clearly have some exciting things going on & I can’t hate you for that.

I would say this trip to the north had a lot more work than it did play, but we’ll take it.

Minnesota Highlights | Fall 2018

FOOD::

Agra Culture Kitchen // As much as I wanted to hit up Chipotle for lunch one day when I was super hungry, I made the extra effort to find something new.  Let me tell you, following strict diet suggestions makes eating out rather boring.  I’m extremely tempted to stick to what I know – the 1 of 3 places I can comfortably eat.  Eating my way, is not the easiest thing to do in cities outside of Austin.  This cafe was the absolute cutest & the food was all allergy friendly.  Before you roll your eyes by that, know that Wafiq was on board too.  He was able to order his bowl of goodness & I was comfortable with my chicken + brown rice + broccoli.  The one key point here, the portion sizes were normal.  You didn’t leave feeling too full, just the perfect amount.  I can totally appreciate a good portion control moment at a restaurant.

Murray’s Steakhouse //  We went to this kind of famous-ish steakhouse in Minneapolis because we’re celebrating!  This was Wafiq’s 3 year anniversary of making the decision to move through the immigration system in America.  That’s a big deal & a major moment of commitment.  Money, time, energy, effort, ups, downs – all of it.  What a reflection we had!  (I’m so glad he wanted to stay.)  Although Wafiq was having a staring contest with the old lady at the table next to us, the whiskey flight helped his paranoia.  PS. How cool is a whiskey flight w a steak dinner? Smelt soo good.  We had the best waitress & enjoyed a night out in a big(ger) city.  The steak was covered in butter, I don’t eat dairy, I did anyway, and the night was excellent.

DETAILS::

Fall // Let’s talk the season of fall.  Do you live somewhere with seasons?  If you don’t, do you wish you did?  I think the best way to balance living somewhere without seasons is to visit a location during each change of seasons, sound like a good idea?  There were leaves everywhere, cooler weather, and we soaked up every minute.  We traveled in the blooms of last spring & got to see all the colors of the season so I think I’m going to have to make seasonal travel a thing…

The Staircase on Netflix // One of the most exciting things I can even imagine doing happened while I was in Minnesota – a Conversation with David Rudolph, the criminal defense attorney in the documentary The Staircase.  OMGOMGOMG.  I was trying to think of a celebrity I’d be happier to see & I came up with nothing.  Go watch the documentary & you’ll know what I mean!  This conversation with David Rudolph brought back a ton of thoughts I had while on Jury Duty.  If you haven’t read that post, go check it out (here).  The entire legal system is something I feel these days, I want to dig deeper to figure out what I can do… hmmmm always thinking on this subject.

Delta Airlines // How many of you guys saw my Instagram video of Wafiq throwing the water from his water bottle on his face while we waited almost 2 hours to leave the airport in Austin?  IT WAS HOT.  However, I’m still team Delta.  They have a flight that’s about $100 from Austin to Minneapolis non-stop & I’m not mad at it.  Since I moved to Austin I haven’t had such fortune as far as airlines are concerned so this is like a pot of gold to me.  And I’m not sure how Delta manages this, but every single employee – from the person who checks you in, to the bag collector, to the pilot – has the BEST attitude.  I can’t explain how much this helps the process of flying!  And the plane we take is spacious, new, and makes flying a breeze.  I never thought those words would come out of my mouth.  If you live in Austin or Minnesota – take a trip!

That’s about all I have on Minnesota for now!  The only thing I’m learning about travel since my allergy situation is that it’s really important to have my favorite foods on hand.  I’m talking Gluten Free Oatmeal Cups, Flaxseed Bread, Popcorn, & lots of water!  Since I don’t eat everywhere I’ve realized the importance of having a snack ready.  Food while traveling is a little tough for everyone right?  Finding a place to eat that you like, meets your budget, tastes good, won’t take you too far away from your diet – it’s tough!

Minnesota people – share your favorite part of Minnesota below so we can encourage Austinites to visit 🙂

Have a good weekend & be thoughtful

Xx

**Minnesota Summer: HERE // **Minnesota Itinerary: HERE

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