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LIFESTYLE LETTER
OCTOBER 2021 PUBLISHER
Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR
Kassi Miranowski | kassi.miranowski@lifestylepubs.com
Let's Eat!
AD DESIGNER
Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER
WELCOME TO OUR FOODIE ISSUE! With the cold weather approaching, the Min-
Dani Moore
neapolis Lakes team had food, family, friends, and entertaining on the brain.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
There are so many fabulous restaurants in the Twin Cities, but we focused on a select few you may want to check out for great dine-in or take-out options this fall. We connected with Revival, which now has three locations in St. Louis Park, Minneapolis, and St. Paul. Revival continues to serve up their well-known and fab-
Sue Baldani, Courtney Reed CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lucy Hawthorne, Paul Vincent
ulous southern fried or Tennessee Hot chicken among several other amazing menu items. If southern comfort is what you crave, this restaurant is a must visit. Minneapolis Lakes was also excited to catch up with Amy and Heidi of Chowgirls. In addition to continuing to grow their catering side, we learned how they pivoted and implemented new programs during the pandemic in order to give back to the community and serve people in need. Taberna Street Tacos, your local go-to by Bde Maka Ska is ramping up again to bring you some delicious tacos along with one of the best happy hours in the Twin Cities. With specials and sports on their big screens, Chris Corlett, co-owner and chef shares what makes Taberna special and unique to Minnesota. If it’s something sweet you seek, don’t skip Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe in Hopkins. Amy and her team offer beautiful and scrumptious cupcakes and macarons in a variety of flavors including vegan and gluten-free options. If you’re looking for easy and mouthwatering desserts for any occasion, Amy’s is a fabulous way to treat yourself. To round things out, we spoke with Bridgewater Bank and checked out their new
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
headquarters in St. Louis Park. Bridgewater focuses on supporting local, entrepre-
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen
neurial banking in Minnesota. They pride themselves in understanding and provid-
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams
ing the banking tools businesses need in addition to cultivating personal relation-
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
ships with their customers and community. Cheers to October!
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
Alexandra Patty, Publisher
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CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes
Proverbs 3:5-6 Minneapolis Lakes™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Minneapolis Lakes area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Minneapolis Lakes™ is gathered from sources considered to be
6
Minneapolis Lakes | October 2021
reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
YEARS
INSIDE THE ISSUE OCTOBER 2021
FEATURES 16 Catering with a Cause ChowGirls Offers Organic and delicious food to make your next event unforgettable
22 Sweets and Treats A local mom shares her passion for baking
32 Bank Local, Bank Smart Financial expertise with a personal touch
22
38 Southern Comfort Enjoy some down-home cooking right in your own neighborhood
38
32 16
DEPARTMENTS 6
Lifestyle Letter
10
Good Times
12
Around Town
16
Inspired By
28 Hot Spot 32 Financial Buzz 38 Food & Wine 42 Lifestyle Calendar
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GOOD TIMES
Customer Appreciation on Paradise Charter Cruises Lifestyle Publications celebrated summer with a customer appreciation event aboard Paradise Charter Cruises. Paradise Charter offers a variety of boat sizes and cruise options to enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Mississippi River, the Minneapolis Skyline and the beautiful Lake Minnetonka area. From weddings to corporate events, birthday parties, dinner cruises and more! Cruise comfortably through October. More at www.twincitiescruises.com
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Minneapolis Lakes | October 2021
AROUND TOWN
BOOMIN BBQ Find this new food truck parked outside Ombibulous in Northeast. From
Juicy Lucy’s,
Lamb
Ribs,
Smoked Chicken, Wagyu Beef Ribs, Prime Brisket and more, Chef Dylan Boerboom offers exceptional barbecue. Open Thursday through Saturday check them out on Facebook at Boomin Barbecue or at www.boominbbq .com to check out which meats they're smokin' up this week!
SOOKI AND MIMI Named after two grandmothers of decidedly different cultures and backgrounds, Sooki & Mimi is about both connection and contrast. James Beard award-winning Chef Ann Kim explores a new pathway, trading in her much-lauded pizza crust for springy, soft tortillas. Atop this delectable base sits a deeply personal menu filled with blended culinary cues spanning Korean, Midwestern, and Latin American ingredients, to name a few. All within an elegant-yet-comfortable neighborhood joint on 1432 w 31st st., Minneapolis. Learn more at www.sookiandmimi.com. 12
Minneapolis Lakes | October 2021
LA MICHOACANA ROSE ICE CREAM SHOP There’s a new ice cream shop coming to 50th & France, and they are scooping up some exotic flavors like Tequila and Taro! Try something new like their top seller, the Mangonada which has chamoy, tajin, fresh mango pieces, tamarind candy stick, mango sorbet and a dash of lime. The dessert shop also has Mexican popsicles made fresh in house along with ice cream that is handmade at the shop. 4940 France Ave S. Edina.
Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ MinneapolisLakes using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think. CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes
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INSPIRED BY
ARTICLE SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY CHOWGIRLS
C H OWG I R L S
Minneapolis Lakes | October 2021
16
catering with a cause
CHOWGIRLS OFFERS ORGANIC AND DELICIOUS FOOD TO MAKE YOUR NEXT EVENT UNFORGETTABLE
WHEN HEIDI ANDERMACK AND AMY BROWN FIRST MET IN 2003, THEY KNEW THEY WERE GOING TO BE THE BEST OF FRIENDS. A year after that, they became co-owners of Chowgirls, a catering business serving the Twin Cities metro. “As newlyweds, we were doing a lot of home entertaining and I was catering my husband’s art openings and then his friends’ art openings,” says Heidi. “I took it very seriously.
“We were the first organic caterers in the Twin Cities and received recognition from Minnesota
“Amy was working for Random House and
Bride,” says Heidi. “We received the Best Green
coordinating authors’ events and things like
Caterer Award in 2008, which was an editorial
that, so we both had our hands in marketing and
pick that they made up just for us. So within four
events as well as this personal passion for cook-
years, we were getting recognition for that.”
ing and entertaining.”
After establishing the use of organic prod-
Instead of just being another catering com-
ucts, they next partnered with Eureka Recycling
pany, their plan was to use local and organic
to start composting. “We were part of a pilot
ingredients that others were not, while also com-
program for restaurants composting in the Twin
mitting themselves to making their community a
Cities in 2008,” she says. “Then we became more
better place to live.
involved in recycling. I enrolled in Hennepin County’s Master Recycling Program and every year, as our company has grown, so has our commitment to sustainability.” Another pilot program Chowgirls became involved with was a food rescue program, to prevent perfectly good food from going into dumpsters. “Second Harvest Heartland and Hennepin County both started programs to rescue leftover food from going to waste from restaurants,” says Heidi “They started that in time for the 2018 Super Bowl because they knew that there would be a lot of food waste. That evolved to our chef being on a chef’s council for Second Harvest.” When the pandemic hit, Executive Chef Liz Mullen called Second Harvest to see how Chowgirls could help. “We were going to have this big beautiful empty kitchen. That phone call was the starting point for Minnesota Central Kitchen which took food rescue to a whole other level.” CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes
17
INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)
18
Minneapolis Lakes | October 2021
Along with Second Harvest, the two women sought out local restaurant owners and asked them to donate surplus ingredients which weren’t going to be used since they had to close. “We turned those into meals,” says Heidi. “Within four days of the shutdown on March 13, we were making 500 meals per day, which ramped up quickly to 9000 meals a week. We did that for a full year.” Even though they are now busy with catering once again, they are still committed to Minnesota Central Kitchen and feeding those less fortunate. Chowgirls handles catering for all different types and sizes of events. From a small dinner party at home to a 2000 plus extravaganza, they want to ensure that the food is always something that hosts and hostesses can be proud to serve. “We always strive for our food to taste like what you would get in a restaurant or in our homes,” says Amy. Today, instead of Heidi and Amy doing all the
“One of our more popular items in the fall is our
cooking and testing recipes, there is a whole culi-
butternut squash soup shooter,” adds Heidi. “It’s
nary team, including an executive chef, chef de cui-
a little cup filled with a bisque then topped with a
sine, Sous Chefs, and a pastry chef, who produce
brown butter and pistachio. We also have a roasted
the same quality and taste that the two became
organic vegetable platter with beautiful butternut or
known for when first starting out. Their entire staff
acorn squash, Brussels sprouts, roasted beets in a
is congenial and friendly and focused on making
variety of colors, and various colored roasted cherry
every party and every event special, whether it’s a
tomatoes and carrots.
large wedding or a small board meeting.
“We like to surprise and delight our guests with
Chowgirls is currently expanding their offerings
colors and flavors that they may not be familiar
with a to-go line. “We will have cheese and char-
with.” One of their original recipes, an herb crusted
cuterie boxes that are really cool, beautiful fruit
and grilled pork tenderloin with a dried cherry rose-
platters, and veggie platters and dips,” says Heidi.
mary marmalade, is still one of the most requested
Their fall catering menu is chock full of seasonal offerings. “We have crispy baby polenta cakes with a toasty Brussels sprouts topping and then a nice creamy goat cheese,” says Amy.
menu items. “We are back to catering and are really excited and ready to make your party fancy,” says Amy. “We’re also taking safety very seriously, so we’re setting standards and working with our clients to make sure we’re meeting their needs,” adds Heidi. “It’s been really great to reconnect with a lot of our clients and help them gather again and be a part of their renewed joy.” To find out more, or to book Chowgirls for your next party, go to https://www.chowgirls.net.
CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes
19
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22
Minneapolis Lakes | October 2021
A N D
T R E A T S
AMY BRACE GREW UP BAKING WITH HER MOM AND LOVED IT. After the birth of her own daughter, Caleigh, she took this passion for making treats to a whole new level. “As an adult, I would watch baking shows all the time
Along with delicious gourmet cupcakes, the bakery also
and then I would bake things and bring them into work
offers cookies and cookie sammiches, amazing French
at U of M [University of Minnesota Hospital,]” she says.
macarons, which can be hard to find locally, vegan cup-
“People loved them.”
cakes, and of course, a variety of coffee and lattes to accom-
On one of these occasions, a coworker remarked that instead of working in the medical field, she should take up a career in baking.
pany them. “We also have a whole catering menu for events and we do custom cakes and custom sugar cookies by order,” says
“It was shortly after I had my daughter that I started
Amy. “We do everything from baby showers and weddings
bringing the treats in,” says Amy. “I was super good at being
to corporate events. We even have a new printer which
a CT tech and I loved it, but the hours I was working made
enables us to put company logos on cookies and cupcakes.”
it hard to see my daughter, who was my miracle baby. It
Today, there are three full-time bakers to stock the cases
wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted to spend time with her and
and keep up with all the orders. “We make everything from
see her grow up.”
scratch at the shop, so all of our cupcakes, all of our fillings,
In 2014, Amy began baking at home, but as she received
are made right here,” says Amy.
more orders and acquired more baking paraphernalia, her
Due to COVID, only outside seating is available, but hope-
home began bursting at the seams. She had stuff every-
fully that will change soon. Curbside pickup is also available.
where, and her basement and garage were full.
Amy can’t wait to bring back many of the fun indoor events,
“My husband [Jeff] suggested that maybe we should find a
such as their macaron making classes. “We would typically
space where I could put all this stuff.” Soon after, they acquired
have anywhere from four to six people and we do every-
a small business loan and began looking at places. They finally
thing right from the beginning, so we show people how to
found the perfect space in Hopkins, their hometown, in March
mix them up, how to fill them and press them and get the
2016 and opened Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe that June.
right texture.”
CONTINUED >
A LOCAL MOM SHARES HER PASSION FOR BAKING ARTICLE SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY LUCY HAWTHORNE
CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes
23
SWEETS AND TREATS (CONTINUED)
There is also a kid friendly area that they hope to open up again soon. “We have a little kids’ kitchen and
ers this year, which is our fourth year doing
filled it with a bunch of toys donated
it,” she says. “The idea came from one of
by kiddywampus down the street. You
our regulars at the shop. Scott asked us if
know how much little kids love sweets,
we knew there was a bakery and a brewery
so they would come in and head right for
across the street from each other in every
the kitchen, put on their little aprons, and
city on the trail [the Lake Minnetonka LRT
start making their own pretend cupcakes
Regional bike trail]. I had no idea.”
and lattes.
A M Y ’ S C U P C A K E S H O P P E To find out more about Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe, or to take part in next year’s bike tour, go to https:// www.amyscupcakeshoppe.com. 701 Mainstreet in Hopkins. (952) 479-7516.
24
Minneapolis Lakes | October 2021
Another fun offering is their Bakery & Brewery Bike Tour. “We had about 100 rid-
The 32-mile tour begins in Hopkins
“When you walk in the door, we hope
and proceeds to Excelsior, then from
you immediately feel at home and wel-
Excelsior to Victoria, and then back to
come. We know a lot of our customers
Hopkins again. Tickets for the event
by name, we know their kids’ names, and
include a t-shirt, a free treat at each bak-
their parents’ names.”
ery and a free beer at each brewery.
“We do it to help promote other small businesses that maybe people wouldn’t have seen before or maybe wouldn’t have gone to before,” says Amy. Last year, when the pandemic hit, she created a whole new line called Amy’s Pantry, which includes pancake mixes, a myriad of baking spices, and locally-made LeMire’s Maple Syrup. “It’s a family owned business close to our family cabin in Aitkin, and they’ve been making and selling maple syrup since 1890.” A former athlete, Amy believes her competitive drive helped her get to where she is today. “It was also pure tenacity of not wanting to give up, especially last year. It felt like every day we had to think of something new. It reminded me of having to go over and over a skill until it’s perfected. In business, you don’t know what’s working until you try a few different ways and so many different things.”
CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes
25
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Minneapolis Lakes | October 2021
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HOT SPOT
FOR THE LOVE OF TACOS TABERNA
STREET
TACOS,
THE
NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT OF FRIENDS AND CO-OWNERS CHRIS CORLETT AND TRYG TRUELSON OPENED IN AUGUST OF 2019. Known for their unique taco menu and fun, family-friendly ambiance, Taberna provides a memorable dining experience for the entire community. Chris shares some of the highlights of Taberna below. CR: HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE BUSINESS AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY? CC: I started working in the industry at age 17 at a country club. I really enjoyed the culinary arts side of it because I like the creative part and the food part of it. It’s high energy and there is always something to do and always something to learn. I also love people and human part of it. I can make someone’s day, give them a great meal, provide nourishment, and give them a great experience.
28
Minneapolis Lakes | October 2021
Chef and Co-Owner Chris Corlett
TABERNA STREET TACOS IS A FIESTA FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD
T
TABERNA ARTICLE COURTNEY REED | PHOTOGRAPHY LUCY HAWTHORNE
CR: WHERE IS TABERNA STREET TACOS
LOCATED AND WHAT ARE YOU KNOWN FOR?
CC: We are located next to the Greenway Lakes
Commons area across from Bde Maka Ska. We are known for tacos and for being your local, neighborhood bar. We’re very approachable and offer great viewing for sports and events on our televisions. We also have a great patio which is conducive for social events, meeting friends, dates, or having dinner with your family. Everyone loves tacos! CR: WHAT MAKES TABERNA A UNIQUE CONCEPT IN MINNESOTA? CC: We provide the tacos in a little different way. We obviously have the traditional tacos that are everyone’s favorites like the carne asada, the carnitas, and the chorizo, but we also do outside the box tacos like
our Korean BBQ. We have a great crispy shrimp and we also have a flower power taco. We do some fun and different things with tacos that not everyone else does - which gives us a unique character. In our area we also fit well into the neighborhood. We provide a great bar and patio scene for just about anyone for any occasion. And we offer a comfortable experience in every season in addition to providing free, onsite, heated parking for the cold winter months.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes
29
STREET TACOS HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)
CR: TALK ABOUT YOUR SOME OF YOUR EVENTS AND HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS CC: Events were difficult last year due to the pandemic, but we are slowly bringing them back as people get more comfortable. We hosted events like “Yappy Hour” over lunch on the patio for customers and their dogs which included a special cartoonist providing complimentary illustrations of guests and their dogs. We also had a special dog menu that day. As far as events go, we’re excited to get back to them as long as they’re safe. We’re a big Vikings bar along with the Twins and the Wild. All of the fall and winter sports that everyone loves in Minnesota, we try to have the sound on for a lot of the games - especially the playoffs. Prior to the pandemic we were becoming known as a great spot to watch the games. We hope to have music back at some point too, but again, it’s really based on safety for our staff and guests.
30
Minneapolis Lakes | October 2021
THE MENU? CC: That’s like picking a favorite child! I wrote the menu and for me it is whichever item is really making someone’s time and experience at Taberna memorable. Whenever someone calls me over to the table and wants to share with me how their taco or meal or the overall experience has exceeded their expectations, I am always so grateful and appreciative for those moments. There are a lot of people who work here at the restaurant that put all of their heart and hard work into that experience. I hope that everyone finds their own favorite. At the end of the day, I really want the guests to be happy with their own preference and I just hope to provide a diverse enough menu for them to be able to come back and enjoy it over and over again. For more information and the full menu, visit: tabernatacos.com 3126 West Lake Street including Free Indoor & Heated Parking
As far as specials, we have one of the best happy hours in the city. We work really hard to still provide deals and value, even in these challenging times and throughout the last year and summer. Happy Hour is available every day from 3pm-5pm. It’s a really great deal for our guests. We have chips and guac and chips and queso for $5. One of the “fan” favorites is our $5 burger that we grind in house – it’s 100% ground chuck with two patties and cheese and it is only $5. We also offer $3 drinks, and all of our beers are $3, our house margaritas are $5, and well cocktails and drinks are also only $3.
NEIGHBORHOOD BAR
CR: WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE ON
CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes
31
FINANCIAL BUZZ
BA N K LOCA L , BA N K S M A RT
FINANCIAL EXPERTISE WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH
32
Minneapolis Lakes | October 2021
Caitlin Winter and Gayle Larson Regional Branch Leads
ARTICLE SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL VINCENT
LIKE MANY SMALL BUSINESSES, LOCAL BANKS
and everything around it is one of our values,” says
ARE BEING PUSHED OUT OR ACQUIRED BY
Winter. “We’re different from the standard banking rela-
LARGER CONGLOMERATES. Here in the Twin Cities,
tionship that’s usually out there; we have a different feel
it’s happening more and more.
and a very personal connection with our clients. We truly
“We are seeing a lot of consolidation in the banking
try to understand what they need and try to make sure
industry and it’s not local consolidation,” says Caitlin
we fit their needs best. Unconventional means an ele-
Winter, a Regional Branch Lead with Bridgewater Bank.
vated experience; it’s what keeps people coming in the
“It’s larger, nationwide institutions that are buying local
door and keeps them banking with Bridgewater.”
banks here, and local ownership is being lost right now.”
Bridgewater Bank also has the advantage of knowing
So what can Minnesotans do if they want to keep their
the local economy, what Minnesotans are looking for,
finances local and enjoy the more personal service that
and what’s important to them. “The benefits of being a
comes along with that? Bridgewater Bank has the answer.
local bank is that we know our clients,” says Larson. “We
An entrepreneurial financial institution founded
can go to their warehouses, we can go to their restau-
in 2005 in Minnesota by a group of local bankers,
rants, gas stations, or construction sites. We have a lot
Bridgewater Bank has seven branches in the Twin Cities,
of connections with our clients – we do work for them;
so it’s easy to find one near your home or business. And
they do work for us.”
just because it’s local doesn’t mean its services aren’t the same as you would find in larger national banks.
She adds that many clients say they enjoy a brick and mortar place to go to for their banking. They want that
“We are a full-service bank, so we offer the full gamut,”
personal service that only comes from in-person inter-
says Regional Branch Lead Gayle Larson. “We do have
actions; something they can’t get from a 1-800 number.
our specialty focuses, such as commercial real estate
Bridgewater Bank doesn’t even have an 800 number.
and manufacturing, but we also offer personal accounts,
When you call a branch, you speak with a person, not a
business accounts, and any loan you could want.”
machine. When you walk into a branch, you won’t see
The big difference with Bridgewater Bank, they stress, is its unconventional attitude. “The word unconventional
long lines and the people who greet you will often do so by name.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes
33
FINANCIAL BUZZ (CONTINUED)
“We are hiring the right people with the right
was in recognition of its ability to meet the credit
personalities for Bridgewater to make sure the
needs of Twin Cities’ low- and moderate-income
front-end experience is positive,” says Larson.
neighborhoods and communities through lend-
“They are a reflection of our entire organization,” adds Winter. “We have a rock-star leader-
As an example, through its community
ship team, but if we don’t have a client-facing
development efforts, a local nonprofit entity
team reflecting how amazing that leadership is,
was able to build a technical school that helps
customers won’t know how great it is.”
low- and moderate-income individuals learn
With many local banks being swallowed up
the skills needed to lift themselves out of
by larger, nationwide banks, it might be hard
poverty. Other loans were allocated towards
for some people to put their trust in a local
affordable housing initiatives. Bank employ-
bank. But Bridgewater Bank only has plans to
ees themselves volunteered over 1,000 hours
stay local.
to provide financial or technical assistance to
“First and foremost, our ownership and our
promote community development.
leadership here at Bridgewater really is commit-
Another way the bank gives back to the
ted to the Twin Cities,” says Larson. “The market
community is by working hard to process
here has made us successful and we want to
thousands of applications for the Paycheck
give back to this community and make sure we
Protection Program (PPP), a loan forgiveness
are loyal to them.”
program that allows many businesses to stay
There are many aspects to consider when deciding on what bank to put your trust and
open during the pandemic and to continue to pay their employees.
money into. Whether it’s a personal line of credit
“The work that we do is to build the commu-
or a commercial loan, who you bank with can
nity and help it thrive,” says Winter “We love to
make a big difference in the overall success of
see everyone do well.”
those ventures.
Due to the bank’s growth, a new state-of-the-
“We ask new clients what they liked about
art corporate headquarters opened last year at
their old bank that we can do,” says Winter.
4450 Excelsior Boulevard, right in the heart of
“There are a lot of banks out there, and at the
St. Louis Park. Its operations and administrative
end of the day, we all have money, we all take
offices occupy the second and third floors of the
deposits and we lend it out, so it’s all kind of
four-story 84,000 square foot building, which is
the same. So we had to find a way to differen-
connected to one of its full-service branches.
tiate ourselves and how we do that is through
Other tenants include Hazelwood Food & Drink
our relationships with people across the board.
and Discover Strength and other local, entre-
That’s what has made us successful with peo-
preneurial businesses.
ple who walk through our doors.”
34
ing, investments and service efforts.
To find out more about how Bridgewater Bank
For Bridgewater Bank, being local also
can meet your individual financial needs, go to
means giving back to the community. Last year,
https://bridgewaterbankmn.com/ or call 952-
it received an “Outstanding” FDIC rating for its
893-6868. Member FDIC // Equal Housing
Community Reinvestment Act Performance. This
Lender // NMLS #911973
Minneapolis Lakes | October 2021
CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes
35
36
Minneapolis Lakes | October 2021
Not All Is Lost In Local Banking BWBMN.COM/LOCAL Member FDIC
CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes
37
FOOD & WINE
southern comfort ENJOY SOME DOWN-HOME COOKING RIGHT IN YOUR OWN NEIGHBORHOOD
ARTICLE SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWIST DAVIS GROUP
AUTHENTIC
SOUTHERN
FOOD,
No strangers to the food industry, the
WITH ITS BARBEQUE MEATS, FRIED
two already had a couple of successful
CHICKEN,
AND
restaurants under their belts. Award-
CHEESE, IS A MOUTH-WATERING
winning Chef Thomas has worked with
CUISINE THAT EVOKES COMFORT
some of the best chef’s in the world, but
AND HAPPINESS. But, depending on
along with his fine dining background,
where you live in the country, it can be
he grew up in Lexington, North Carolina,
hard to find.
where his passion for Southern food took
AND
MACARONI
In 2015, Nick Rancone and Chef
root. Many of the recipes used at Revival
Thomas Boemer, co-owners of the hos-
were brought with him from his childhood.
pitality group Twist Davis, opened Revival
Beyond the food items mentioned
Restaurants in order to bring this down-
above, Revival Restaurants also offer deli-
home cooking to Minnesota.
cious entrees such as chicken and waffles
“Before we started the restaurants
with honey butter and maple syrup, and
there was nothing like it in the market, so
shrimp and grits with mushrooms and
we would make it [Southern food] for us
bacon. Sides include white cheddar grits,
as a family meal when we were operating
collard greens and hush puppies. Yum!
our fine-dining restaurant,” says Nick. “We
Of course, all of the ingredients used in the
always talked about expanding and doing
authentic recipes are of the highest quality.
different concepts with that and Revival
“We try to use clean ingredients and source
became one of those concepts and really
as seasonally and locally as possible,” says
caught on.”
Nick. “Much of it comes from local farms.” CONTINUED >
38
Minneapolis Lakes | October 2021
Nick Rancone and Chef Thomas Boemer
CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes
39
FOOD & WINE (CONTINUED)
He describes the general atmosphere of the restaurants as stylized casual - places where the community can gather together and enjoy a great meal. These are dining destinations where you can come as you are and instead of a jacket and tie, you just need to bring a hearty appetite. Unsurprisingly, the majority of their customers are repeat diners. With the success of Revival Restaurants in Minneapolis (the first original location)
“ W e t ry t o u s e c l e a n i n g r e d i e n t s a n d s o u r c e as s e as o n a l ly a n d l o c a l ly as p o s s i b l e . M u c h o f i t c o m e s f r o m l o c a l f a r m s .”
and in St. Paul, demand for its cuisine grew, especially the fried chicken and smoked meats. So, Nick and Chef Thomas decided to expand their locations. Now, even more Minnesotans have an opportunity to indulge their Southern-style cravings. Revival Smoked Meats can now be found on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis, and Revival St. Louis Park, its first suburban location, is on Minnetonka Avenue and serves up its classic fried chicken and sides. “What makes the chicken so special is our process and our focus,” says Nick. “It’s really crispy and crunchy and holds its crunch very well. It’s not soggy or greasy. “With the smoked meats, it’s a traditional kind of Carolina barbecue with pork and beef. We have brisket, spare ribs, beef ribs and more.” All the meat is prepared on wood-burning smokers and is infused with a rich and smoky essence. In addition to its dine in and take out options, Revival has online ordering and delivery available with a customized app through ChowNow. The St. Paul location also offers catering, which customers can pick up and bring to a small dinner party or to a large 100-plus person event. Plans are also in the works to have a food truck available by the end of the year. So, the next time you’re in the mood for some traditional down-home Southern food, Revival Restaurants are ready to serve. To find out what other delicious items they have on the menu, go to www.revivalrestaurants.com. You too will become one of those repeat customers.
40
Minneapolis Lakes | October 2021
We Keep Telling Her to Act Her Age At Jones-Harrison, we believe the ability to thrive is your birthright. That’s why we designed our spacious, modern apartments to provide all the comforts of home in a loving, engaging, and fun environment. Our wide variety of amenities offers convenience to meet your every need including restaurant-style dining, beautiful patios and gardens, and a full health and wellness center. With a caring and dedicated staff, you’ll receive unparalleled service and support whenever you need it.
ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE | LONG-TERM CARE | REHABILITATION For a Personalized Tour 612.920.2030 | jones-harrison.org
3700 Cedar Lake Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55416
CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes
41
OCTOBER
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
2
2-31
13
MEDTRONIC TWIN CITIES MARATHON WEEKEND
DOUGLAS FLANDERS ART GALLERY
ATHLETA PRESENTS GOLD OVER AMERICA TOUR
Edina & Uptown
Visit
State Capitol Grounds - St. Paul
From
the
youngest
racers
Douglas
Flanders
&
Target Center
in
Associates Fine Art Gallery in
The tour is a high-energy, gymnas-
diapers to the eldest taking on
Uptown between October 2 - 31
tics-meets-pop-concert
the family mile, the Medtronic
to view Kim Matthews - Objects
that will be headlined by the most
Marathon Weekend has something
of
Then,
decorated gymnast of all-time, Simone
for every member in your family!
from October 16 - 31, George
Biles. Athleta, a leading women’s per-
Enjoy music, entertainment, arts
Halvorson's recent work will be on
formance lifestyle brand, has joined as
and crafts and more. Learn more
display at the Edina location. Learn
the title sponsor of the show, which will
at www.tcmevents.org.
more at www.flandersart.com.
feature an all-star team of female gym-
Affection
Gallery.
spectacular
nastic champions spreading messages
2-31
3
of empowerment and togetherness to
VALLEYSCARE
JUSTIN SUTHERLAND & FRIENDS SMOKE OUT
29 GORDON LIGHTFOOT: THE LEGEND IN CONCERT
Valleyfair
Fun
terrifying
turn
transforms
into
Join Justin Sutherland and Stephanie
Haunt
March and more than a dozen of
comes to life with 400 creatures
their favorite local chefs (and their
occupying more than a dozen of the
smokers) for an unforgettable out-
This concert tour will feature Gordon
most intense and terrifying mazes
door fall festival. This one-of-a-kind
Lightfoot's well known hits as well as
and scare zones as well as rides.
day is filled with live music, spirits,
some deep album cuts for the die-
During the day, experience the
local beer, smoked meats, plus a live
hard fanatics. All of which are woven
lighter side of ValleySCARE with
meat raffle! Sponsored by Standard
together with some of Lightfoot’s
the Great Pumpkin Fest with some
Heating & Air Conditioning. Learn
own behind the scenes stories and
not-so-scary daytime fun with the
more atmspmag.com/promotions/
personal anecdotes about his historic
Peanuts Gang.
smoke-out.
50-plus-years musical career. Learn
as
takes Valleyfair
a
inspire the next generation of athletes.
ValleySCARE. Halloween
Allianz Field
State Theatre
more at hennepintheatretrust.org.
42
Minneapolis Lakes | October 2021
The story of a
pasta sauce so good it took 3 years to make.
When we set out to create our Signature pasta sauce,
of Venice, simmer with the fiery passion of Vesuvius
we thought, “How hard can it be?” But from the moment
and inspire your personal Tuesday night Renaissance.
we sipped the first taste from the wooden spoon, we knew it
Creating such a masterpiece
It needed to be as bright as the
took a lot longer than we anticipated, but it was worth the wait. Our efforts in
Mediterranean sun. It needed to
the kitchen have made our
bubble with the delicate depth of a Puccini opera – composed of only a few notes, yet
pasta sauce one of the most popular items in yours.
performed with overwhelming
Not all of our Signature
beauty and power.
items take three years to perfect. But no matter how long it takes, we work tirelessly to bring you the best, so that whenever you see the Kowalski’s name on it, you’ll know all of our food is made with the same level of care and craft.
needed something.
It needed to sweep you off your feet, only to break your heart like a wave against the cliffs of Polignano a Mare. It needed to fill the air like the songs from the gondolas
11 Twin Cities Locations
kowalskis.com