We’ve been in Decorah since the 25th to celebrate Christmas with Leah’s family. Yesterday Leah, Ava, Georgie, and I drove up to Minneapolis to visit relatives and get Georgie a new computer at the Apple Store at the Mall of America. We’ll drive home sometime tomorrow and get ready for Everyone to come to our house this Sunday for New Year’s Eve dinner.
Minneapolis was fun, but it was a whirlwind visit. We took Ava to Macy’s downtown so she could see the huge Mary Poppins animatronic display on the 12th 8th floor. Wow. Was it packed with people. There wasn’t that much of a wait, thankfully, and Ava did a great job. After that, it was off to the hotel to check in, but not after dropping Ava off at Georgie’s sister’s house for a nap (Ava never did nap, as it turns out). We got a free upgrade to an apartment-style suite at the hotel, which was great. I unloaded some luggage, and we headed back to Georgie’s sister’s, where she’d planned a little get together with a bunch of the Miller clan.
At last, we got back to the room, bathed Ava, and got her ready for bed. Georgie was kind enough to watch her for the evening while Leah and I went out to dinner. We were going to go to Chino Latino, which is a favorite in the Twin Cities, but the gentleman at the desk recommended a place called Solera that was within walking distance from the hotel. You have to visit the site and check out their menu. All tapas, and the seven orders we had were great. I got the marinated white anchovies, chorizo- and serrano ham-stuffed dates, chocolate-braised rabbit shank, and scallops “a la plancha” (these last were served with more serrano ham over a bed of caramelized onions). Leah had grilled asparagus with lomo and mahon, serrano ham with rosemary honey and manchego, and shrimp “a la plancha” with sherry sauce and…wait for it…serrano ham. Leah didn’t eat any of the shrimp because they were served whole, head and all. Her loss. They were delicious.
Solera had a great sherry menu, too, and the bartender even knew how to make a Gibson martini. What a great meal. If you find yourself in Minneapolis, Solera is worth a visit.
This morning we got up and headed for the Mall of America. And I thought Macy’s was packed. I couldn’t even get anyone at the Apple Store to stop and talk to me. So Georgie and I got in line and bought her new Mac Mini. I’m looking forward to getting it set up.
It seems like we’ve been gone for a month. I’m looking forward to getting home and sleeping in my own bed.