Muy fresco!

A friend and I are headed out tonight for $1 margaritas and 1/2 price appetizers at what is arguably Fargo-Moorhead's oldest ethnic restaurant (still running, that is).

It's Mexican Village. Established in 1970, Mexican Village was perhaps the first specialized ethnic restaurant in the area. My parents were college students in the late 70s, and remember buying a late night college snack of a big brown paper bag full of freshly fried tortilla chips and a container of salsa; for $1.50.

Mexi Village (as it is colloquially known) is famous for its strawberry margaritas (made with real strawberries) and hot sauce. The hot sauce is something special, not too hot (wouldn't want to offend those Midwestern palates) and totally smooth, unlike traditional salsas. But entirely delicious with a basket of fresh chips. They are also famous for their fried ice cream. Yum!

Their food is a bit heavy, but still good and there's a wide variety to choose from. They even have American faves like burgers for the picky ones (kids in particular).

The atmosphere is lovely, with floor-to-ceiling murals of life in a Mexican village (pun intended?), spanish tiled floor and tables, and a fountain in the main room. There's plenty of room for big parties, too.

If you've never been, you need to go! Mexican Village is a Fargo institution.

Mexican Village is located at 814 Main Ave. in Fargo.
Visit http://www.mexicanvillagefm.com/ for menu and other info.

Self-guided tours of Fargo and the Red River

Mark Peihl, Clay County Historical Society conservator, has put together a really great walking/biking/canoeing tour of the Red River through Fargo-Moorhead, complete with fascinating historical info. Much of it is anecdotal and not common knowledge, so it's a fun read, even if you don't follow the river. Here's a link to the printable PDF.

If you're more interested in architectural history, the City of Fargo has published a walking tour of downtown Fargo. This one is best done by actually walking the streets. However, you can get the best view from the opposite side of the street as much of the architectural points outlined in the guide are on the second floor or higher. Considerably drier than the CCHS tour, but invaluable for architecture buffs. Also includes some anecdotal info, but not nearly enough in my opinion.

Print copies are available free at both branches of the Fargo Public Library, otherwise you can download the PDF for free on their website. Apparently, there was supposed to be an audio version, either on CD or somewhere on the website, but I can't seem to find it. If you know about it, let me know and I'll update this post with more info!

Nicole's Fine Pastry

This is one of my favorite spots in Fargo, Perhaps it's because I was a French minor in college, but somehow this place is never "Nichole's Fine Pastry," but rather Nichole's patisserie. Located downtown on 8th St. just south of Main Ave., the exterior evokes the Provençal colors of golden yellow and lavender blue.

The interior is spare and clean, but inviting. Ever-changing local art decks the walls and glass cooler cases house fanciful confections and treats evoking grandma's kitchen. Small square tables with glass-topped tablecloths make the space feel European and homey.

The real draw to Nichole's, however, is not the atmosphere: it's the food. Or rather, the desserts.

Pastry chef Nichole Hensen creates everything from seasonal fruit tarts, galettes, and the quintessential Midwestern bars, to créme brulée, chocolate truffles, biscotti, and pound cake. The menu changes seasonally, so check out their website for the complete list.

They also offer fresh sandwiches, salads, and full coffee house selections. Things aren't cheap, but they're not expensive either.

However much I love this place, I do have a few complaints: for one, they're not open on Mondays and only until 6 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Dessert is meant for eating after dinner! Though they are open until 10 pm Thursday through Saturday.

However, they don't open in the mornings until 10 am! So walking to the patisserie at 6 am for your pain au chocolat and café au lait is a no-go. On a related note, I wish they were more French. Perhaps Nichole could go in with a master baker and open a bakery with delicious baguettes and flaky croissants... Okay, now we're off topic...

But Nichole's! Amazing! Go visit! And I'll go wishing after France.

Nichole's Fine Pastry is located at 13 S. 8th St. in Fargo.
Visit www.nicholesfinepastry.com for hours and the seasonally changing menu.