4 days and no call from Prince?

I am pretty sure I have been in Minneapolis long enough to have some acknowledgement from Prince. I have only been his biggest fan since… well… let’s say for 30 years and not discuss ages. He still looks amazing and ageless, and me, road weary. I won’t obsess, but for those that know him – he has until Aug. 1st to invite me for dinner.

So – it may be time for a vacation. Yes, I travel every week – but I don’t have my daughter or boyfriend with me, and there is no beach with little umbrella drinks – so therefore that is not a vacation. I am even starting to (gasp) lose my appetite a little. Can you imagine? Who will tell you where to eat when traveling? Okay – there is a little website called Yelp but you probably don’t even know most of those people.

There has been some moments of culinary enjoyment – in Chicago I was able to dine with a former colleague who suggested we do the happy hour at Mercadito. Not sure if it was just having someone to have dinner with or the drinks with names like Mexican kitten and Double Daisy but it was great catching up over queso fundido and tiny tacos.
My first night back in Minneapolis, I was way too tired to get back in my car after 7 hours or more driving from Chicago – so I was glad for the shuttle to Mall of America. I pretended to be on the beach while I had a Bahama Burger and Dirty Banana drink at Kokomo’s Island Café and Beach Bar.
Friday night I was a little in need of therapy. I missed my daughter, and our usual Friday night usually means the boyfriend and I have beer and wings at a local pub while she works. Then after she is off, we hang out at the house and hear about her night. A friend or two usually joins her, and it is just nice to be relaxing with everyone. Naturally I am missing that. I took off in the car hoping to find a place that I could at least have a beer, dinner and try to not miss them so much. I found near 49th and Chicago Ave – The Town Hall Tap. There was one tiny seat left at the bar, and the hospitality was there. I had a great Parkway Java Porter, beer cheese soup, and pulled pork sliders. It doesn’t fix being so far from home, but it was comforting.

Saturday was not so good. bus trip to Mystic Lake Casino and an evening trip to Wal-Mart did not help my homesickness. Made a mental note to never combine the two again.

Today – Sunday – day of rest. Not so much, I worked a bit but knew I should get out. Maybe a walk around 49th and Chicago Ave area as the weather was perfect. They had the street closed for a bike race but I was able to park and walk to the area. Had lunch at Turtle Bread Company (my mom would love this place) and followed it with fresh Peach Ice Cream at the Pumphouse Creamery. I walked around the booths, spectators and local businesses and almost felt at home like I was walking around Broad Ripple on a Sunday afternoon.
It would have been nice to hold Bill’s hand, walk the dogs, and see Jourdan walking ahead with one of her friends but I will just have to really appreciate that the next time it happens…

From the traffic of Chicago to the Malls of Minneapolis

New assignment and then some. Last week I told you about getting groped at the airport on my way to Minneapolis for the week. My task was to assess how the hotel can get higher guest service scores and to provide evening management support while two of the assistant managers were away for training. I was a little disappointed to have so little free time and no car to explore the area. Be careful what you wish for…
This week I have a few days in Chicago to provide GM support while the GM has some off time. Then guess what? Back to Minneapolis where I will provide GM support until Aug. 1st, giving me plenty of time to explore…
I will be happy to provide a full report on Mall of America and surrounding local places to hang out and dine in a week or two. But this week, I realized that I had not started to blog about my travels until after my last trip to Chicago which means I never told you where to eat in Chi-town.
I know, I am a horrible person but to be fair – you didn’t ask. My location is at the Homewood Suites which is great location right on Grand Ave which means you can walk in any direction from the hotel and find fabulous places to dine and shop. Last fall, I visited Sable, American Junkie, Bub City, Public House, Hubbard Inn, Merlo on Maple, Carsons and Kerryman Pub. All were outstanding and I suggest you go. Now.

What are you waiting for?

Travel, eat local and shop at the new Eataly location there now. It is a feast for the senses, and would make anyone think, “IF I buy stuff here, I may actually be like a chef”. You won’t but it is fun to look at everything there is to offer.

When you visit a new city – walk, don’t ask for a map or dinner recommendations from the hotel (unless I am there ). Walk by restaurants, does it smell good? Do people seem to be enjoying the food? Are people happy? Use your instinct to choose and try something new. If it’s really good, tell me about it. I will listen, I swear.

How to get felt up at the airport.

Sorry mom, this won’t be as bad as title implys. But as my daughter would say – “the struggle is real.” I have special anxiety and possible ocd issues reserved especially for trips involving planes. Which is a huge improvement over not flying at all. I have gotten better over the years and in my more mature mode of thinking – I can fly without the use of sedatives or hand holding.  But I do need various comfort devices – such as cleaning wipes, nasal spray, candy,  a good distracting book and headphones.  This is because inevitably I will wear a shirt with sparkles and therefore get the title inspiring search.  In Indy- they are very hospitable about it and I totally kept my “at least buy me dinner first” comment to myself.  Because I’m mature like that.  I did need more comfort though and my stopover in Chicago required a stop at Garrett Popcorn shop. As they tucked napkins and wet wipes (God bless them) into my bag, I could not agree more with the phrase on the napkin. Love is messy.  Well said Garrett.