Bradstreet Crafthouse, Minneapolis, MN

You know this restaurant and cocktail lounge is located in the Graves Hotel, right? Have you been able to check it out yet? No. Why not? Go ahead, get over there for some tasty small plates and one-drink-is-probably-enough cocktails.

Oh, the cocktails shown below are non-alcoholic, so they have that option covered too...and they were equally delicious.

Forage Modern Workshop, Minneapolis, MN

Having been in a few times now, I know Forage offers a few unique aspects. It's a furniture store, it's an arts n crafts store, it's a MN-made showcase, it's a sustainable materials store, and it's a gift shop.

I always find things to look at closely and often wish to purchase. These have to be the best doormats ever (pic). They have a ton more fun, creative, soft, interesting, smell-nice items too. You'd be surprised.

Plus, it shares its space with Parka, a great place for Dogwood coffee, a quick bite, or a full-on upscale dinner. As them about their "effervescent white chocolate", if you dare.

Glad Sankta Lucia Dagens

For anyone in Sweden, and other Scandinavian countries, today is a special pre-Chirstmas ("Jul") holiday known as Sankta Lucia Dagens, and one of the few days in which they celebrate a saint. They seem to celebrate mostly with a ceremony for the children, having special "pageants" at schools. The most trippy part is one young girl is chosen to wear a wreath of candles on her head in the procession. I think in years past it was actual lit candles, but I'm not sure they use open flames now.

I know, awesome picture quality...

I know some people that actually went to one today to watch their kids take part (or at least stand silently and give emotional support to their classmates).

You can read more about it HERE.
And I thought this VIDEO was also helpful.

I have a confession

... I love fruitcake. The oddly moist-with-alcohol cake. The strangely chewy preserved fruit. The moderate lightheadedness after eating too much as a kid (and adult). I love it.

And black jelly beans too.

Beef, Pork & Rutabaga

...yes, I do want those three flavors in a compact pastry wrapped bundle! And half of this WI-born pasty has over 500 calories. I can see why it would be great to take down a mine shaft for lunch. It also makes a decent dinner, for non-miners.

By the way, it is pronounced "past-ey"...do not pronounce it "paste-ey" (the latter you can find in stripclubs).

You thought your lights were good

...try again.

Lookout, Red Line!!!

"Bing-bong, the doors are now closing"