A 2025 Recap

The first full year of TundraBites is in the books . . . 

After a good decade or so of "Someday" and "I'll get around to it" and "I just need to do this first", I finally started up my long desired Tundra Bites near the tail end of 2024, and it got cooking this past March.  One full year under it's belt.  89 posts, which is solid start if I do say so myself  

Oh, the site doesn't look exactly as I'd like, and the formatting needs fixes, but if there's one thing I learned, and am still in the process of accepting, it's the Gift of Imperfection (see Brené Brown).  I waited and held back far too long. What we got this year is what we got, and onwards and upwards  

The holidays are a time for me to take care of those I love amid the hustle, bustle, and chaos.  Above is a batch of Apricot and Almond Kolache I made from a recipe handed down from my Grandma Z to my mom to me.  A New Year's Day hastily put together (and even hastilier photo'd) charcuterie.  Xmas morning Quiche, and Xmas dinner Moussaka  

Looking back at the posts . . . 

My favorite restaurant meals by far were at Herbst Eater in STP.  The Chef's Booth seating, the service, the atmosphere, and especially the range of expertly prepared dishes.  Mmm, that Saffron Rissotto w/ Braised Lamb was phenominal, the chopped Chilled Mussels.  At brunch the Roasted Cauliflower, the dream of a Breakfast Sandwich, and whipping up our kiddo an off-menu Hot Chocolate.  I need to get back there this winter  

Chicago didn't disappoint.  A new favorite and the best Golabki I've ever had at Tata's Pierogi.  A little Mexican joint that I hate to miss, Taqueria La herradura, and their big steaming bowl of Carne En Su Jugo.  The Yuca Pulled Pork Skillet at the Caribella Brunch Cafe. My favorite Chili Dog anywhere at Jacky's. And throw in an absolutely ridonkulous destination Galloping Ghost Arcade

Visiting the Lady's Dad's farm out in western MN netted plenty of hits . . . no more fast food on The Road to Alexandria!  The Local Blend in St. Joseph, Java Jitters Cafe in Sauk Centre, True North Marketplace in Melrose, Schatzi's in Evansville to name a few.  We hit two more over the holidays that I'll be posting about shortly  :D 

Another year, another trip up to YMCA Family Camp, and The Road to Ely yielded a bunch of worthy stops.  The eclectic Little Mermaid Cafe in Askov.  The something-for-everyone Chickadee Coffeehouse & Deli in Barnum, Biwabik Pizza Co and Carlson's Pasty and Sausage in Biwabik.  Looking forward to Year 3 next summer 

Going east, another trip to Bonduel and The Road to Green Bay had us finally stopping for breakfast in town at The Hearty Platter and the Hungry Bear Cafe, finding Chicago-ish Style at Pasquale's in De Pere, and a fantastic meal and arcade at Reboot Social in Eau Claire.  Reboot we'll probably have to hit on our next trip out to Bonduel AND Chicago  

We even went outside the box with The Road to Cedar Rapids.  Yeah, the impetus for the trip was to take the kiddo to Wild Kratts Live 2.0, but of course we got some stops in.  My first (and maybe last) Maid Rite at Awe'z in Mason City IA, a lovely Goulash & Dumplings at Little Bohemia in Cedar Rapids, the shockingly awesome Marion Public Library (you can check out cake molds!?!), and surprisingly fantastic Burek at The Balkan Cafe in Waterloo IA

So many good places, so many little indepently owned restaurants and shops and art galleries and thrift stores, not to mention the off the wall Big Stone County Museum & Charles Hanson Wildlife Display of Taxidermy in Ortonville MN  

Well, here's to a lovely 2025, and I'm excited for all I get to explore and write about in 2026!

Mike Z

PS - Go Bears!