fargo is not a place that you get excited about going to – especially in the middle of january. especially if you’re a “big city” girl like myself. but here’s the deal. i like it. i like it a lot. like most cities, the drive from the airport to the hotel is less than flattering.
it’s a drab to say the least. but if you remember the last time i was here (click here) i ate at a fantastic restaurant that was at the bottom of a really cool hotel. so i stayed there this time and i was more than glad.
first of all. welcome to fargo:
second of all, welcome to hotel donaldson or HODO as it is affectionately known as:
the 17 room hotel that has been around since the 1800’s – as a hotel. completely redone in 2000 and opened in 2002, the hotel celebrates it’s 10 year anniversary this year. i would have never guessed it was 10 years old. 3 maybe tops. the lobby is on the second floor. there i was greeted by the host who checked me in and pointed out the “happy hour” in the lobby which was shrimp, pate, hummus and other goodies with soft drinks, wine and beer. i snagged a diet coke. each room is specially designed and decorated by a local artist. i was upgraded to room 17. when i opened the door, i was instantly stung with a tinge of guilt. this was a work trip but i’m having too much fun. look at this huge room! complete with a bathtub in the middle of the room. the water fills the tub from the ceiling. hello. needless to say, i didn’t take a bath but the pottery that filled the room was gorgeous. the ceiling was both open and vaulted.
but the deliciousness of fargo doesn’t end there. i had dinner downstairs at the hodo lounge by myself and had a meal made for foodies. and the place was packed on a wednesday night.
in fargo?
i started with the scallop and leak soup which was creamy and every bite had a scallop.
and then had the chicken. oh..sigh…let me describe it the way they did.
chicken mulligatawny: spring prairie farm chicken breast, steel cut oat risotto, squash, pomegranate, almonds, coconut curry sauce, jalapeño and cilantro.
outstanding. i am spoilt. if it makes you feel any better, i was all by myself!
i went back up to my room and had this waiting for me:
it actually is a nice little town. the local pride that is in the HODO – filled the walls with books written by local artists, art and food from local communities. i just can’t help but fall in love with such a passionate little place!
the lesson here? always look for the diamond in the rough.
