Besides two stays of three months and a few visits here and there — I keep having to remind myself that I have not lived here at home since June 2001.  And that is a long time.  I live in Shakopee, Minn. with my dad — a city that used to be Twin Cities-fringe at best.  Now it’s just another piece of the suburban blob, big-boxes and all.

Fortunately, it’s also home to an increasingly ethnic presence and subsequent varied dining options.  Today, dad and I had to drive at most a mile or two for some Vietnamese pho at Pho 83 Cuisine (which I’m happy to report even has its own Web site, still rare for lots of ma and pa Asian joints).  We used to have to drive down to Eat Street in Minneapolis for such treats.

The Pho Tai Bo Vien in Shakopee, Minn at Pho 83 Cuisine

The pho was pretty standard — which means good, cause pho is yummy.  The restaurant has been there for a couple of years — and I guess my cousin and brother have enjoyed going there for awhile.  I’m excited to discover all kinds of new and exciting things back here at home.  How nice that some of it is right here in little old (but oh-so-new) Shakopee.