interlude: minnesota.

A couple weeks ago, I made my annual trip to the homeland. I always go back for the State Fair. Go ahead and laugh, but it's so much better than going in the dead of winter for some boring holiday. This year, I had another reason to visit: my new nephew Judah, born on New Year's Day.

The mighty Mississippi from St. Anthony Main.

i like you, northeast Minneapolis.

I was always a South Minneapolis girl, but the focus has now shifted to Northeast, where my brother's family lives and where most of the action is.

Hooray for Hollywood.

Good ol' Nye's.

But the real reason for my visit was, of course...

Death by cuteness. Baby perfection.

And there was the Fair.

It's funny how it never changes. Everything in its place every year. There were interesting (and chuckle-worthy) updates this year: a list of gluten-free fare and the "dough-sant" (read: cro-nut).

Crop art always amazes.

I'd like to make mention of a couple places that delighted me on this visit.

One is Gardens of Salonica. It's a classic Northeast place that's been around forever, and it serves up some of the best Greek food I've ever eaten.

And then there's the new 3 Tiers Bakery Bistro near my mom's house in the Lake Nokomis area.

An adorable, immaculate hole in the wall, I had a falafel burger that was the best I'd ever eaten. Everything is served on the freshest bread--my mom is a big fan of the olive. Seriously, if you read this blog and live in Minneapolis, you have to check this place out.

It made me think of how--while LA is a center for the most incredible hole-in-the-wall, strip-mall ethnic restaurants, Minneapolis is a center for incredible, homemade coffee shops and cafés. So much fun!

Until next year, Star of the North. I will see you again.