EPIC Universe, Vegan food delights (well, some)

July 6, 2026 Trimid Dew Lanns

Back in February, I stayed at the Helios Grand Hotel in EPIC Universe theme park. The experience overall was quite fun and there’s something surreal about seeing Mario World with spinning coins in the distance from your hotel room window in the dark. You sort of get into the park earlier. Not exactly though. You can line up outside, but we were let in at the same time as other people and overall our wait for the biggest ride there was as long as it would’ve been just heading straight there. But whatever. Being able to easily head back to your room or get things was nice to be sure.

One thing that has gotten so much better about these places is the prevalence of vegan food in the parks. Disney has done some stellar work on this front except when it comes to special events. They almost never have any special plant based treats available for after hours stuff and it is incredibly disappointing. I hope at some point this will change. The sit down restaurants and quick service as well as the Food and Wine Festival offer a bevy of delights however. I love the Food and Wine Festival in particular and eating at places like Ohana and Brown Derby is quite something.

EPIC is doing some good work on the vegan front. There’s just a few things that seem a bit off. Such as advertising vegan ice cream and each time I went they never had any. They did have a vegan chocolate chip sea salt cookie that was yummy.

Each spot seemed to offer at least one vegan item. And we tried as many as we could. There are also some tasty cocktails around the park as well. I look forward to visiting again as they get their feet more on the ground. (THEY NEED MORE SHADE AND PLACES TO SIT)

Each morning at Helios, I would have an iced mocha with oat milk and a vegan croissant. Ok, coffee drink was decent and I don’t drink these much (only as a treat so it was nice for me). The croissants were bad though. $7 for burnt and dried out. Not the best so I hope this isn’t the norm. It happened all three times we got them.

But, this was redeemed by going to eat at Oak & Star Tavern each morning. They don’t offer vegan breakfast for long, but if you can get it, you should. It is enjoyable and filling. The space is ethereal and calming too. One thing about EPIC is everywhere is beautifully decorated. So much thought clearly went into everything.

Another meal we really enjoyed was our sit down lunch a Blue Dragon Pan Asian Restaurant. The decorating is gorgeous. Like walking into a high end Blade Runner film restaurant. Good cocktails as well. Multiple vegan items available. Spicy cucumbers, tofu, etc…

Pizza Moon is so cute and like stepping into the set of Coraline or another surrealist daydream. Rich colors, moving backgrounds. Had a pretty good vegan pizza too.

I could’ve stayed in Pizza Moon watching all the moving scenes for an hour.

The American Bar in the “Paris” section of EPIC was our favorite. I loved the glittery prosecco cocktails and had a few of them over the days. And came to understand that getting in line even with an express pass having a drink or snack or both you could finish up right before needing to toss things is a top tier park hack. Especially if the ride goes down(this does happen as there is a lot of new tech here).

One of our favorite Quick Service items at Mario World is located at Yoshi’s Snack Island. They offer a vegan Green Turtle Shell calzone. It was cooked well both times we had it and had all the filings with cheesy goodness and tomato sauce you could want. It’s an excellent stop between Bowser’s Castle on your way to Mine Cart Madness (fabulous ride) if you are in need of a snack. Also, it makes your aim better at Bowser’s Castle.

We went into EPIC being most excited about Dark Universe. And it was truly amazing. We did not make it to eat a Das Stakehouse yet, but we did stop for a cocktail at Burning Blade Tavern and we enjoyed that experience quite a bit.

What took us by surprise was how much we loved Isle of Berk of How to Train Your Dragon fame. This part of the park is super cute and Mead Hall had a really good and filling vegan ancient grain burger with perfectly cooked fries. The details of this whole area make you feel as if you will be adopted by a dragon at any moment. Even having moving ones and growling and all sorts of bright colored fun.

We had a stop at the Meteor Astro Pub and tried the vegan sausage with peppers and it was a decent midday snack. The drinks were not quite as good as Bar American, but a couple of their tools were not working so maybe if they get that fixed up it would be a touch better experience.

One evening we made a reservation at Atlantic even though we were lukewarm on the menu for vegan options. We wanted to experience the atmosphere of the absolutely stunning space. As if you’re under the sea looking out into the ocean and above you were blown glass fish floating all around your head. We did try the two vegan options and shared a cocktail.

It was not our thing, but it was worth it to see the space. I think next time I’d just have a drink and skip dinner.

Our last stop before checking out the final morning was Bar Helios at the top of the hotel. You can go out onto the patio and see across the entire park. It’s a really cool view and an experience I am so glad I had. An excellent escape from reality. With pretty drinks.

The First Tulip Field in Minnesota

May 14, 2026 Trimid Dew Lanns

Spring has finally warmed up the state and as such getting out and about has been a priority. The local news told of the first ever tulip field in Minnesota at Brand Farms in Farmington, Minnesota. Last Friday we made the trek out there and it was busier than I expected for during a weekday, the sparkling apple cider was a delight (I regret not buying more), and the farm itself has been family owned for generations. I do worry about it out there though as Farmington is facing down a huge data center and we cannot pretend that these things are good for our planet. People will and they’ll argue about it, but I suspect we are gonna regret this for many lifetimes. Until then I am trying to get out there and support small business and small towns as well as the Twin Cities. Class Solidarity so to speak. Also, I like flowers. Here is the link to their website for more information about events:

Brand Farms

Book Life 2025

January 29, 2026 Trimid Dew Lanns

Welp, I finished out 2025 with my highest amount of books read in years: 83

This used to be normal for me, reading almost or passed a 100 books a year but life gets in the way. I made it a point to do it last year and I intend to do it again this year. I am five in so far this year and starting Alchemized tomorrow. I’ve heard a lot about this book so I am pretty curious about it.

Some of my highlights from 2025:

Em Que Viet

December 28, 2025 Trimid Dew Lanns

The first few years of living in a new place was made quite difficult by both lockdown and the condition of the house we moved into several years ago. It didn’t make for easy exploring. Constantly dealing with one emergency after another and then spending the better part of a year and half with multiple illnesses and surgeries was not the fun downtime one would hope to have for themselves. Thankfully the last year and half or so has lent itself to finally getting to know some of the places around the city. One of the favorites we’ve eaten at is Em Que Viet. A small gem of a place in Saint Paul that has a delicious menu with multiple vegan options and a staff always willing to answer questions. Em Que Viet has a fun and interesting drink menu and also, pretty bathrooms. You should visit.

Explore Minnesota

November 17, 2025 Trimid Dew Lanns

My partner and I used to more regularly drive out to random towns around Minnesota and do whatever fun, odd activity that was in the town. Then lockdown happened and we moved and all was chaos. But we gave it a shot last week by going out to Treasure Island Casino. Not to gamble, but to try out the new swim up bar. The only one in Minnesota. Now you can’t actually swim up to it but it is a funny experience to sit in a pool at a bar. Which is what we did for two hours. They also have jacuzzis in and outside as well as a lazy river and slides. We just hung out at the bar and stayed over night and it was a fine way to spend a few hours not dealing with real life. They have shows and bowling out there as well. They do lots of deals so if you’re interested in these types of things this is for you as an easy mini escape.

Notes on a House

November 16, 2025 Trimid Dew Lanns

I had been recently cleaning up notes about things that have been going on around the house the last few months, It’s sort of non-stop but it’s a lot easier when you don’t have to deal with contractors. We’ve used dozens and only one turned out to be a good one. We are still waiting for a return visit from someone who got over $2000 from us to deal with a squirrel and lo and behold the squirrel is not gone. We’ve been waiting three weeks for the return visit. And this isn’t the first time we’ve been dealing with this company not following through. It’s wild as I want to support it since it is supposedly owned by women, but this is literally amounting to nothing when their employees don’t follow through. Turns out regardless of gender you can be a worthless company. I am starting to get to the point of filing complaints with the BBB. I don’t know if they do anything but I think it would at least be on the record that you should avoid this company. It’s insane how they leave you hanging over a barrel with almost no recourse over and over again. And funnily, we don’t even deal with the worst it. I see in the news and read people’s posts over and over about how awful contractors are they deal with, it’s wild, this profession. I am glad we have learned to do more and more on our own. The stress is just not worth it. Here are some of my notes I wrote out a month or so ago.

Currently: We still haven’t had any luck with the car lift people. Squirrel issue not solved. Trash seems somewhat better lately but the squirrels are literally eating and chewing the city issued cans. A bathroom door finally got installed. Waiting to see what happens. Who knows what’s next?

Emptying Things

July 14, 2025 Trimid Dew Lanns

I had noticed on the various social media threads people discussing not buying any new products until what they had was empty. As often many back up products went to waste due to expiring. This is touted as a cost cutting measure. Now, I hadn’t had this problem in the past except when lock down took place for a such a long time, I wasn't using many things that I normally would for going out. But before that this was not an issue of mine, but I did notice as I was reading these threads that I had more things than normal as I was trying to find new skincare for my aging skin that was more sensitive than ever. This was difficult, expensive, and even painful at times due to reactions.

I had already stopped buying most make up. I am still trying to find a decent close to 50 years old foundation but so far, no luck.

So, I took it upon myself to spend the first six months of the year using everything I had including samples. Sometimes, I did have to get rid of things (usually gave them to someone else) as I did have reactions to some things during this process but overall I did pretty good. I think this is a great way to not only save some money but to really pay attention to what works for you. There were some genuine surprises for me. Also you will cut down on waste a lot and that is also good for the planet.

This one did not work for me at all. Used it on my elbows.

Drunk elephant Marula oil is worth its weight in gold.

Works in a pinch but not as well as Drunk Elephant imo

Nerdin Out Comic Con

July 3, 2025 Trimid Dew Lanns

Twice in the last few years I have vended at a CON in Rochester, Mn. about an hour or so from where I live. Both times this has been a pretty enjoyable experience and that is because the people are quite friendly.

You always meet friendly people at events but sometimes there can be more rude people than normal which I have also experienced. That is a bit wild, like why go out if you’re just going to be rude to everyone?

The convention is not super well advertised and I’m not sure why this is because I think more people might attend if they knew more about it. But not everyone has the time to become an expert at social media so that could be part of it as cons tend to be run on volunteer hours.

The costumes are fun. The first time I did it there were theme drinks, that was delightful. The other vendors come say hi and brought all sorts of treats. A lot of the guests will even come around and say hi during the convention. But really just the overall atmosphere is generally more welcoming and cheerful than other CONS I’ve vended at or attended. I hope to vend at it again if it happens.

Here is a link: https://www.nerdinoutcomiccon.com

Learn to Love Yourself and Get Rid of Hangers ONs

June 26, 2025 Trimid Dew Lanns

I have always wanted to have a Valentine’s Day party and decorate for it in a crazy way. I’ve always found Valentine’s day to be a bit sad because we all are told to hate ourselves day in and day out for whatever reason that particular ad or person’s agenda is at the moment. I wanted to do it in a way that was not related to romance. So I did get to decorate this year and it was seemingly fun. Looks cute and all. I was about to plan a party when things kept happening. The universe tends to warn me about people but I never listen. This time I put off the party because someone was having an early birthday party on V Day weekend and I decided to attend as I can count on one hand the number of people who’ve invited me to do anything in the last ten years and never even mind the last 20. So I went and something happened there that made me realize that I am not sure I’ve ever had actual friends. I’ve hosted people well over a thousand times over the 20+ years with my partner. In every way, shape, or form you can think of and I noticed that not once, even at my own birthday, was anyone ever concerned with the time I am having. I am meant only to serve and listen and give and give. While people unload on me, drink and drink and drink and eat and steal and break things and disrespect me and of course, then go and talk about me behind my back. But this thing that happened made me realize that I had not had any friends though I have had two different therapy groups also point that out, I guess I kept holding out hope. I had some friendly acquaintances at best. I have only served to distract, somewhat entertain(which I am also asked for advice constantly and then told what a bitch I am for being truthful when they asked me not lie to them over and over. I now understand I was supposed to lie to them I guess), be a punching bag, and to be of use and when I am not, no one wants anything to do with me. And on top of that I had tried and tried to talk about this to the people I thought were my friends just to be sent an emoji or rebuffed or one person who came to my house multiples times of week sleeping there and drinking there and whining about all their self-made problems, that “I did not have anything going on that they gave a shit about.” I mean I guess points for being truthful finally. Although, how could they know what I had going on? I could barely get in a word. This went on for years.

Then lockdown happened and not one single person checked on me, not one. I checked on everyone. Even people I was barely friends with, offering support, groceries, anything I thought could help. Sending gifts, cards, to them and the kids I should add, tipping lots, supporting peoples art projects, giving away my stuff, making care packages, giving to gofundmes…. you name it. Sometimes someone would say, “how are you?” after I already checked on them multiple times but not one person reached out on their own. The “how are you” was often met with no response when I started to respond so now I don’t even bother to answer if anyone bothers to pretend to ask. There’s no point. Someone who thought they gave me COVID after repeatedly pressuring me to come to my house, I checked on everyday after they thought they exposed me and not once did they ask if I was okay. Not one time.

I’ve literally had people take up entire dinner times with their own bullshit and then if I say anything they stare off into space and ignore me, then start back in on themselves. I had someone who talked about themselves all day long, I asked about them with follow up questions cuz I assume this how to be a friend to someone, planned the entire day we were out, my partner drove them all around and as I sat quietly listening them continue to ramble on after hours of it, they waited till my bf had left and told me ‘I was kind of a lot.’ Without a trace of irony. I had said maybe 5 sentences in 10 hours.

So I never had the party. I did have people over a couple times this year most recently in May and it was awful and I am now done hosting people for the foreseeable future. And the only invite I have received to anything I got and then a few hours later the person cancelled cuz their bf had a “hair appointment.” I am not joking. There has been no attempt to reschedule. It’s almost funny how awful people are, I just wish more than anything I had cut more of them off sooner than I did. I already agreed to give away some more of my stuff and I will follow through on that. But now I am done. People can find someone else to use and discard and belittle. I could go on like this for a while depressingly enough. And in many cases, for some reason I am always relegated to a care giver role and I am beyond sick of that for sure.

The Learn to Love Myself Lounge is teaching me for the first time that it’s the most important relationship I actually have and it’s a hard lesson to work through. I think of all the times I showed up for people(which btw apparently also makes them hate you, in 2018 I had someone tell me thank you for saving their lives and also no one liked me cuz I helped too much so that was fun and not at all confusing) and it’s brutal to realize that when bad things have happened to me, I don’t have anyone to turn too. I confide in no one, and I trust no one. But this has been true for almost my entire life, I have also realized. I guess I just thought if I tried hard enough it would change. I was wrong.

Show Season In Full Swing

September 20, 2024 Trimid Dew Lanns

As the holidays approach more art markets and cons are happening. I’ve already done two but here is a list of several more I’ll be part of!

Romanticized Women

February 14, 2024 Trimid Dew Lanns

Pre-Spring/Mid-Winter beauty: Last January I went to the Delaware Art Museum and learned about Pre-Raphaelite Feminist Painter Evelyn DeMorgan. She painted older women into her works and young women in scenes wishing to escape(even asking for death) their rich, elderly husbands they were forced to marry. Her husband was the son of a mathematician and he created ceramics that Evelyn designed. He would use math to make everything symmetrical. She supported his art selling her work till he wrote a book that made him financially successful. As you can see the work is quite lovely.

I suspect I found it inspiring as I came home and made this piece with some materials I’ve had for some time now. (Of course, I do actually have a work space now so that also helps).

Iolite, labradorite, gray agate, antique beads from the 30s, silver plated findings, hand enameled pendant plate, silver flower toggle, Chinese fire crystals, vintage Czech glass beads.

Tips for Eating Less Meat in 2024

January 6, 2024 Trimid Dew Lanns

Tips for Veganuary

Don’t worry about being perfect! There’s lots to learn tho it is easier than ever to eat less animal products.
Don’t let people make you feel bad about eating Beyond products or Impossible products(seriously seeing this happen is very irritating to me). It’s excellent to have them and hey, they can be pretty yummy.
It’s quite likely there are substitutes for your favorite recipes. Spend a little time looking up vegan versions if you like to cook for yourself.
Make sure to get protein which is plentiful in a vegan diet. Nuts, tofu, hummus, greens, oats, etc… iron and protein is pretty easy to come by! It’s a common misconception that it’s not.
However! B12 and vitamin D in winter especially are something to pay attention to when you completely cut out meat. There are easy to find fortified foods (like Orange juice or cereals) as well as getting supplements. You may very well not be getting enough on an omnivores diet so take time to take care of yourself.
Pay no attention to the vegan “police” (you’ll know who they are) no one is perfect and shame is a terrible motivation. Truthfully my partner was a little this way when we met. It took time but I made him realize it was more fun to go find the vegan donuts for people than to bitch about someone making mistakes.
Ask your vegan pals. People have frequently given me shit whether or not I say a word about my diet. We are more than happy to answer questions when we know someone isn’t just being obtuse. In fact, I prolly get too excited about it. 🙃
Feel good about trying! Lifestyle changes are challenging. They take time and effort but now is the time more than ever to take care of yourself and maybe even help animals and the planet a bit. We all have a part to play in this world, work on your corner of it. Changing my diet took a while but it’s quite possibly the best decision I’ve ever made (or pretty close anyway lol)
Be adventurous. So many different kinds of foods to try from all over the world. And BIPOC have always contributed in spectacular ways. Look up some of their social media accounts for example. I can’t even imagine life without Indian food or Vietnamese food.
Be careful not to get too carb heavy or only buy processed foods. This is how a lot of folks take a wrong turn. You’ll feel sluggish and hungry. Nothing wrong with some easy prep foods, but don’t let it become your main meals everyday. And no I’m not saying give up bread (never!) just pay attention to how much you’re eating. It burns off fast and that’s why you’ll also need your protein!
Happy Cow App is an excellent resource especially for traveling.

Season Creepings

December 23, 2023 Trimid Dew Lanns

Just wanting to wish everyone a Safe & Spooky Holiday Season

The Artwork of Kim Simonsson

July 18, 2018 Trimid Dew Lanns

I recently went to see an exhibit by artist Kim Simonsson at the American Swedish Institute.

A place I have seen some of the most delightful, whimsical art and as someone who has gone to lots of former fancy people homes I can speak with authority to the fact that it also has some of the best wood work, ceilings, and fireplaces in the world.

It is kept up better than a lot of places and seems to specialize in unique Scandinavian art.

This exhibit was no exception.

It had a dreamy, romantic quality with just a touch of creepiness that all fairy tales seem to possess.

People always point to bright, glossy wedding pictures and proclaim fairy tale, leaving out that fairy tales are darkness filled cautionary tales that include a lot of work to make it to the dreamy wedding/ending.

I have also attended a few events at the ASI including the Loki Halloween party a few years ago and they are good fun. They sadly never have any vegan treats, but you can usually get a pretty good drink from the bar.

In years passed, my partner and I used to purchase mystery books in Swedish from the gift shop for his hundred-year-old grandfather which was of great delight to him.

The shop has a great number of lovely things to behold and I always stop in there as well on a visit. It's probably my second favorite in town to visit behind the Russian Art Museum's shop which has no shortage of wondrous objects.

I leave you with a collection of snaps I took on this visit: The Moss People

DJ Curium's Dance for UnCanny Con-Goers

July 11, 2018 Trimid Dew Lanns

My playlist from my set at 2018 CONvergence this passed weekend:

Bad Reputation from the movie Kick Ass covered by The Hit Girls

Let’s Do It from the movie Tank Girl covered by Joan Jett and Paul Westerberg

Everyone is Wrong from the movie Elektra by The Donnas

Kids in America from the television show Riverdale (inspired by Archie Comics) covered by KJ Apa and Camilla Mendes

None of Your Business (Barb Wire metal mix) from the movie Barb Wire by Salt 'n' Pepa

Backdoor Lover from the movie Josie and the Pussycats "performed" by Du Jour

I Want Your Cray Cray from the television show Jessica Jones performed by Rachel Taylor (Trish Walker) & Kandi Marks

It’s On Again (piano edition) from the movie The Amazing Spider-Man 2 by Alicia Keys featuring Kendrick Lamar

King Charles from Marvel’s The Runaways by YUNGBLUD

DeadPool Rap from the movie Deadpool by TEAMHEADKICK

Wrek tha Discotek from the movie Blade by Roger Sanchez & Soulson

Opps from the movie Black Panther by Vince Staples & Yugen Blakrok

99 Red Balloons from the movie Watchmen by Nena

Just Like Heaven from the movie Atomic Blonde (based on the comic Coldest City) by The Cure (I picked a song from this movie because there is a scene in which there is a television on in the background and an Information Society video is on)

(Can’t You) Trip like I Do from the movie Spawn by Filter & the Crystal Method

Atom Bomb from the original X-Men movie by Fluke

Poison Lips from the movie Dredd (based on the comic
Judge Dredd) by Vitalic

Bidibodi Bidibu from the television show Wynonna Earp by Bubbles

Wonder Woman’s Wrath (edited) from the movie Wonder Woman by Rupert Gregson-Williams

What to Eat Wednesday: Fig & Farro

June 13, 2018 Trimid Dew Lanns

Earlier this year as winter was dragging on and Minneapolis was trapped under the weight of a certain sports ball event, a new vegetarian restaurant opened its doors and brightened the grey days. We lost a lot of good veg places last year to retirements and lost rental contracts so getting something new was a great thing for us vegan types.

Fig and Farro took over an old space that was home to one of the more successful places in town. For reasons I do not know it changed names and then didn't really seem to do too well. Oh well. Their loss, our gain.

Fig & Farro has a sustainable, low-carbon footprint sort of mission as well as a delicious menu.

I have eaten here a handful of times now and it is delightful. They really seem to shine with their pasta dishes. That said they have now changed to a summer menu I am dying to go try.

Rich, luscious, and rounded out with local bits and pieces such as the vegan cheese platter from makers Punk Rawk Labs(divine).

They have quite an imaginative cocktail list and even though the one I liked the most (The Copenhagen Hotel) has since gone away, there's plenty of new ones I look forward to tasting.

They have Minnesota brews on tap and Aquavit from Tattersall distillery.

The only slight critical thing I have to say is the service is unsteady. Always friendly to be sure, but things come out of order or not at all and you have to ask. We've gotten things we didn't order and on the All You Can Eat $12 soup night (which I did enjoy a great deal) we were a bit early. So we waited for them to set up but even by the time they were supposed to be going (5 pm) they still aren't ready at a quarter after.

These are the issues of a new staff and a relatively new space. I think it'll work itself out and it's definitely not a reason to not visit. And anyway they have multiple vegan desserts to pick from so that fixes a lot.

See some of my pics! Vegan Cheese platter, Cocktails, Cashew Pesto Pasta, Blueberry Cinnamon Roll, Strawberry Shortcake and more.....

New Things

June 9, 2018 Trimid Dew Lanns

I am in the process of listing new items in my Etsy shop as well as changing its name and a bit of its identity. I still love geeky things, but of everything my true love is stories and storytelling. Not all that long ago at a show I was at someone pointed out to me that every single piece I sell has a story behind it. This is true. These are tales for your ears, fingers, necks. From the stones I use to the parts I recycle.

The change is taking some time, but I've made many new things some already listed in my shop.

You can currently find things here: GirlyGeekChic.