1. We're Moving!2. Get to know me3. Mpls food

Pass It On Plates has grown and will soon have its own dedicated studio space! We bought a condo and I'll be busy over the next couple of weeks with moving, cleaning up the apartment, getting rid of misc via Craig's List, and getting settled in the new place. While I'm gone, I'll publish a few personal posts about myself and my family so you can get to know me better.

I usually have so many things to talk about that I don't take the time to invite you in to my home to meet the family. Now's your chance.

Brace yourself.

For starters, we have lived in Oregon for only a few years. Before that, we lived in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St Paul) for over a dozen years. Our lives out here in the Pacific Northwest are flavored by a Midwestern perspective. We're still impressed by the snow-covered mountains visible from our neighborhood... in the middle of July. We can't get enough of the ocean. Every winter day that we can wear sandals and shorts with our fleece jacket (most any winter day) is deeply appreciated. The absence of mosquitos ... well I don't have to explain how happy we are about that.

On the other hand, being foodies, we miss Minneapolis food. Until just this year we couldn't define Mpls food, and it's still surprising when we realize that the signature dishes of that Scandinavian town are Italian and BBQ. Go figure. (I'll explain Al Capone's Italian influence on the city later.)

Here's a picture of a restaurant we miss: Famous Dave's BBQ.

This particular one is located at Calhoun Square in Uptown Mpls, a hip and upscale shopping mall. This restaurant has a "train" that passes overhead. Ok, it's just sound and theatrical effects, but it makes the atmosphere as good as the food.

Here is Rachel and the rack of ribs that we shared last time we were at Dave's. This was taken in 2006.

Yeah, it's been that long.

... now if only Dave's would open a location here in Oregon...