Geneva Nodland
In 2014 we visited some of the best places in town to eat, recommended by six different locals. In our Where to Eat with Friends issue, local news anchor, Andrea Larson, brought us to her favorite spots in town for all of the best apps, main courses, drinks and desserts. Today, not only have some of those dining spots changed, but of course, Andrea has too. Let’s hear what this friend is up to now!
Q: What has been the best local dish you can remember having between 2014 and now (I know it might be hard!)
A: Everything on the menu is amazing at Rustica, and one of my favorites is the blackened salmon filet.
Q: At the time of your feature, you were the co-host of North Dakota Today and the 5:30 pm new anchor on KX-4 on KVLY. What has your career looked like since then?
A: So much has happened since you invited me to take part in your restaurant article!
2016: I accepted a promotion to be an evening anchor for the 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. newscasts on Valley News Live.
Fall 2019: My husband and I traveled to Ireland with a group of awesome KVLY/KX4 viewers through Collette Travel. Everything about that trip was spectacular, especially the Cliffs of Moher and Cabra Castle. Those of us who kissed the Blarney Stone likely acquired the gift of eloquence… or so we think.
2022-2021: Of course, we all remember when the COVID pandemic hit and how it impacted our lives in 2020 and 2021, and even still today. There was so much adapting and resilience in that confusing time, and I remember feeling grateful to work for a company that values the health and well-being of its employees.
Summer 2021: I made a big decision in the summer of 2021 to leave broadcast journalism to ensure I am home in the evenings with my family. I had so many wonderful experiences in my television career, and my drive to help and inform people remains. I am channeling that energy and experience in a new direction.
Q: In 2014, when asked about a restaurant you love, you said the HoDo Lounge. Specifically the hummus plate, fried calamari, and Lemondrop martini. What restaurant, dish and drink are your go-to now?
A: My go-to restaurant in Fargo is Brew Bird! You can’t go wrong if you choose the Buff Bird, breaded cauliflower wings and a Lavender Lemonade Mule. Divinely delicious!
Q: In the magazine, you gave a shout-out to the Jalapeno Popper burger from Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews, what is another noteworthy burger you’ve tried in town?
A: Adventurous eaters might want to check out the Peanut Bacon & Jam Burger at Suite Shots in Fargo. I know what you’re thinking…peanut butter and chili jam on a hamburger?! But I’m telling you, it was a great sweet and spicy combination. Since I apparently have a thing for lavender, I added a Berry Lavender Lemonade to my meal. Perfection on a hot summer evening.
Q: Thinking back to 2014, what do you think are your biggest takeaways from the past 8 years?
A: I have learned that it’s important to be still and listen to what your body, heart and mind are trying to tell you. If you instinctively know that you need to make some changes, don’t be afraid to take those steps. Even if they are baby steps, they’ll get you going in the right direction and a plan will fall into place.
While Andrea has given us some great insights to the local dining scene both in 2014 and today, she has been far more than just local eating source to the community with her many years on the news screen. While Valley News viewers may miss her on the newscast, maybe we can catch her around at some of her favorite restaurants!
Check out Andrea’s and the rest of the features’ top picks from 2014 in Fargo Monthly at fargomonthly.com/archives!
