It is never to late I say...so here is your December forecast in January.
December here you are. It's the most wonderful time of the year in Minnesota. You can truly feel the magic. It permeates the air, the sites and the sounds. This December brought unseasonably warm weather, which we enjoyed. The snow appeared here and there. We had a handful of days with a winter wonderland. I think we all truly want the white covered Christmas landscape in December but the last couple years its been quite barren. Christmas day instead brought us a fun ice storm in the north and rain in the south. December weather is a bit bi polar but I think that is usual, so if your visiting in December its hard to tell what your going to get. You may be able to hit the ski slopes or snowshoe the many great trails we have or you may get 40 degree's with rain. December is always a surprise. There is much to do in December. It's a great time to get out and feel the christmas energy all around. Ikea hosts a traditional Swedish Julbord dinner early in December. For $12 I wasn't expecting much but was quite surprised at the whole experience. They had a live Swedish chorus serenading the affair in traditional Swedish fashion. The spread was 4 star including many Nordic dishes including an assortment of herring, Gravad Lax, meatballs with lingonberry sauce, rice pudding and warm Glogg (for you non nordic folks thats mulled wine). A marvelous Nordic Christmas experience. I would highly recommend. The last 3 years the cities has brought the ethereal Christmas market experience to Minnesota. This year St Paul hosted a European Christmas Market theme. I lucked out the night I went and it started to snow. The snow does add to the whole ambiance. Though the Minnesota Christmas markets pale in comparison to the Christmas markets in Europe. Its gives you a little taste of what its like and a fun thing to do at Christmas time. There is something magical about walking around the Christmas themed wood stands, with a warm glass of mulled wine as the snow falls. Put this on your bucket list! After the Christmas market you can continue the European experience and head over to Emmett's Public House on Grand Ave and get a Irish coffee or a Guinness. The small pub gives the appearance of a traditional European pub in the middle of St Paul, Minnesota. The pub fair is quite good. I recommend the fish and chips or the bangers and croquettes. There is so much to do in December in Minnesota you must get out of the house and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!
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You may have heard of Spoon and Stable located in The North Loop of Downtown Minneapolis. The waitlist for a reservation is out a few weeks to a month, especially if your trying to get a table on a Friday and Saturday evening. I had to see if it was as good as the waitlist makes it out to be. Well, I was not disappointed and my dinner date made the comment, "This is the best restaurant I've been to in the cities". Hailing from Copenhagen the home of Noma, rated the best restaurant in the world for 4 years, I have to take his review as a legit stamp of quality at its best. For me a restaurant is not only the food but a whole experience that must tantalise all my senses. It is an experience and not just fuel for the body. This is a place you don't just go to fill the rumble of your tummy but a place to visit if your looking for an experience to remember.
The atmosphere is a very quaint mix of contemporary and local homey charm. I recommend their version of a gin and tonic. It's not just your ordinary bar cocktail. I included a picture in the collage above. A must try from the bar. For food the seared rainbow trout was delicious. The mix of fish, truffle, leek and brussel sprouts is a winning combo. Lastly, the roasted pumpkin tortellini is a savory meets sweet dish. I love me some gingerbread and the crushed cookie on top really brings out the flavor of the pumpkin and brown butter. I think it depends on your palate because it could be too sweet for some but for me it was a 4 out of 5. Freebies are always good and they end your meal off with a free assortment of small pastries and candies. If your celebrating a special event make sure to tell your server. They surprise you with a giant stick of their own cotton candy they make in-house. Bottom line is the wait is worth it. The owner/chef Gavin Kaysen did a great job accomplishing his vision of bringing award winning food to his hometown. For the midwest, Minneapolis/ St Paul is truly a diamond in the rough when it comes to great food. |
AuthorI live in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Author of The Sum of Everything Book Series. I have my own business as a hypnosis practitioner providing the Quantum Healing Hypnosis technique and a essential oil health advocate. Minnesota is by far one of my favorite places in the world and its not just because I live here. It continues to surprise me and leave me in awe at the many splendors it contains. Through this blog my mission is to help you explore Minnesota through my eyes. Archives
April 2017
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