As we find ourselves well into autumn, I cannot help but look back and observe the changing of seasons—both practical and existential. On the practical side, we experience four distinct seasons every year, with our growing season perhaps being the shortest. Eating “in season” means taking advantage of that short growing season with trips to the farmers market and roadside food stands for fresh strawberries, herbs, and tomatoes, getting those fresh fruits and vegetables while we can, and celebrating the harvest of longer-lasting produce, which will sustain us through the winter. As the weather turns, the days get shorter, and the growing season comes to an end. Even the chickens lay fewer eggs as they conserve energy for warmth and their seasonal molt.
Now that school is back in session, families are beholden to buses and school bells. The pace of life changes, too, and it seems we are all storing up our energy for the holiday season and the long winter ahead of us. The seasonal change from summer to fall always turns me introspective. Looking back, as a community we have experienced a lot of social and political uncertainty over the past year. There have been scary moments, and a lot of beautiful ones, too. My family has experienced a lot of major change over the past year, with graduations, promotions, and new jobs, and structurally, it looks very different. Even so, the rhythms of autumn feel so familiar.
And looking forward toward what the next season holds, family always comes into focus this time of year. As the holidays approach, I try not to get caught up in what the holidays look like, but who I get to spend them with. I really like to focus on the value of people—both those people that I get to see often, and those who we only see a few times a year. So, as we look at this next season square in the face, it’s important to find ways to value family—both our own and the family legacies of others in our communities. The Larsmont Trading Post near Two Harbors is a family-owned and family-friendly restaurant and gift shop, which serves as a welcoming space for gathering and nourishment this season, or in any season. And JJ’s Family Restaurant in Thunder Bay is a great stop for blending traditional Canadian and Asian foods to make anyone in the family happy.
Larsmont Trading Post, Two Harbors
The Larsmont Trading Post is nestled between Highway 61 and the Scenic Drive between Duluth and Two Harbors. They provide a fast, casual dining experience and gift shop in a lovely setting along the shore. Larsmont Trading Post is a family-owned business, which also makes plenty of room for family to gather.
Larsmont Trading Post has a little something for everyone. Their menu is a mix of fresh artisan sandwiches and wraps, grilled sandwiches and burgers, Mexican, and homemade soups and salads. The roast beef bistro sandwich is served on Oregon herb bread with provolone cheese, red onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, organic baby spinach, and a tangy bistro sauce. The smoked salmon wrap is filled with smoked salmon, lemon-dill schmear, red onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, spinach, and bistro sauce. Larsmont Trading Post has several vegetarian options as well, from a veggie bistro wrap to grilled cheese to veggie nachos. Their food is available with their full-service dining experience, or you can order online (or call ahead) and take it to go.
Larsmont Trading Post regularly hosts live music and other entertainment. Their menu will be shifting in the coming months as they make way for kitchen upgrades. These upgrades will expand their menu—in particular, their breakfast offerings. In addition to their regular menu items, Larsmont Trading Post serves espresso coffee, beer and wine, and a variety of desserts such as pies, hand-scooped ice cream, and floats.
JJ’s Family Restaurant, Thunder Bay
You’ll find JJ’s Family Restaurant’s unassuming storefront tucked into Centennial Square, where Canadian and Asian cuisine are front and center. On the Canadian side, JJ’s serves classics like poutine and a hot hamburger nip served with fries. On the Asian side, JJ’s Family Restaurant represents both Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. Their wonton soup is particularly acclaimed. It is served with wontons, BBQ pork, and either crispy or soft noodles, depending on which option you choose. Some variations also include vegetables. They also serve chicken fried rice, eggrolls, and their famous sweet and sour chicken balls. Their Vietnamese bowls are served with spring rolls, lettuce, cucumber, shredded carrots, peanuts, and fish sauce, and are another fan favorite.
Besides serving Canadian and Asian foods, JJ’s Family Restaurant has several dishes that are a fusion of both. They offer several specialty poutines, which include both a wonton poutine and chicken ball poutine. Additionally, you may want to try the wonton burger and fries. They offer a children’s menu and have takeout options as well. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Canadian food, Chinese, or Vietnamese, you’re sure to find a delicious dish for you and your family at JJ’s Family Restaurant.
As we embrace the autumn, followed by the inevitable winter, I hope we will all find the time to invest in what is important. For me, that’s family. In some cases, family is simply given to us, and in others, it is chosen. Regardless, in the face of uncertainty and confusion, family can be a place of warmth, security, conservation, and growth—hopefully infused with a little laughter. And I think that Larsmont Trading Post and JJ’s Family Restaurant would be honored if you let them be even a small part of your journey, in this season or in the next.
