Lavender Magazine 660 by Lavender Magazine

Wear a mask in public spaces. Get tested if you have any symptoms. Answer if your health department calls.

CONTENTS ISSUE 660 SEPTEMBER 10-23, 2020

Page 14: Photo by Mike Hnida, Page 16: Photo Courtesy of BigStock/paul prescott, Page 20: Photo Courtesy of Red Cow

Dine & Drink

14 Eat the Menu: J.D. Hoyt's Supper Club 16 Travel: Quirky Museums 20 Red Cow/Red Rabbit 24 Twin Cities Wineries

OUR LAVENDER

8 From the Editor 9 A Word in Edgewise 10 From A to ZEE

OUR SCENE

12 Coming Attractions 19 Lavender+MACV Silent Auction

OUR LIVES

28 Senior Living: Harvey Perle

OUR AFFAIRS

30 Serve Our Society: Pride Institute

OUR RESOURCES

32 Community Connection 33 The Network

OUR VOICES

34 Jamez Sitings

20 ON THE COVER

Red Rabbit/Red Cow Chow Down Photo by Mike Hnida

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Volume 26, Issue 660 • September 10-23, 2020

Editorial Managing Editor Ryan Patchin Editorial Assistants Linda Raines 612-436-4660 Editor Emeritus Ethan Boatner Editorial Associate George Holdgrafer Contributors Brett Burger, Ellen Krug, Steve Lenius, Mike Marcotte, Jennifer Parello, Holly Peterson, Jamez L. Smith, Randy Stern, Zaylore Stout, Kassidy Tarala, Bradley Traynor, Carla Waldemar

Advertising Vice President of Sales & Advertising Barry Leavitt 612-436-4690 Senior Account Executive Suzanne Farrell 612-436-4699 Account Executives Nathan Johnson 612-436-4695 Richard Kranz 612-436-4675 Advertising Associate: George Holdgrafer Sales & Event Administration: Linda Raines 612-436-4660 Classifieds Suzanne Farrell 612-436-4699 National Sales Representatives Rivendell Media 212-242-6863

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Administration Publisher Lavender Media, Inc. President & CEO Stephen Rocheford 612-436-4665 Chief Financial Officer Mary Lauer 612-436-4664 Distribution Manager/Administrative Assistant Kallie Chu 612-436-4660 Founders George Holdgrafer, Stephen Rocheford Inspiration Steven W. Anderson (1954-1994), Timothy J. Lee (1968-2002), Russell Berg (1957-2005), Kathryn Rocheford (1914-2006), Jonathan Halverson (1974-2010), Adam Houghtaling (1984-2012), Walker Pearce (19462013), Tim Campbell (1939-2015), John Townsend (19592019) Letters are subject to editing for grammar, punctuation, space, and libel. They should be no more than 300 words. Letters must include name, address, and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be published. Priority will be given to letters that refer to material previously published in Lavender Magazine. Submit letters to Lavender Magazine, Letters to the Editor, 7701 York Ave S, Suite 225, Edina, MN 55435; or e-mail <editor@lavendermagazine.com>.

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FROM THE EDITOR | BY RYAN PATCHIN

Live Free or Dine Hard As I rode my bicycle to get some dinner tonight, I felt autumn in the air. I wore a sweatshirt for the ride, the first time in months; it was that back to school air. It was too cold at first, but I quickly acclimated to weather during the short ride to the restaurant. Just as I was thinking the place seemed too empty, I saw a sign on the door: Closed. I guess it’s closed on Tuesdays now. Wednesday too, actually. This was a bummer, as I was looking forward to a hamburger and some fresh cut fries on this breezy Tuesday. I grabbed a slice instead. As I watched a full-moon rise over a mostlyempty patio, I thought back on a summer of modified dining experiences. It’s been a devastating year for the service industry, especially restaurants, and it’s been painfully fascinating to watch from the table. Distance, reservations, masks—and that’s if they let you inside.

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I’m not complaining—my love for not eating at home has triumphed in a big way lately. I didn’t like crowds pre-virus, so I can appreciate the spaced-out layouts that are becoming common in restaurants. And they need us. Now more than ever, your favorite spots need you to make that reservation or place that pickup order. Maybe even buy a gift card for a birthday or to give at the holidays—it’s a restaurant gift card, it’ll get used. There are countless ways to patronize your favorite culinary cache. When I was a teenager, my Mother would buy me gift certificates to restaurants inside the mall near home. This way, I could treat my pals to lunch and my Mom knew her son wasn’t spending her money on cigarettes. Win-win. However you decide to indulge, just indulge. You’re needed; do it for Mom. 

OUR LAVENDER

A WORD IN EDGEWISE | BY E.B. BOATNER

Through a Glass, Darkly; Now Face to Face?

Given my age and blood type, I’ve mainly stayed home the past several months. I read. A lot. Currently, Barbara Tuchman’s 1978 A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century. Everyone read it back in the day; I’m a late-comer. Fascinating it is, and calamitous it was. I was curious: How it was reviewed forty years ago? The New York Times Eric Cochrane sniffed, “She has obviously not pretended to offer an introduction for prospective students of medieval history.” Having no intentions of becoming a medieval historian, knowing little about the times, I was happy to enter this harrowing era through a more diffuse lens “She accomplishes [her] purpose,” Cochrane went on, “not by giving a survey or an analysis of Europe at the time, but by describing in only one part of it—southern England and northern France—the feats of arms and pageantry done by knights who could not have cared less about plague, famine, depression or even their own approaching extinction.” He further takes Tuchman to task for con-

structing her narrative around nobleman Enguerrand VII de Coucy, whose shadowy life (1340-1397) stretched through much of that turbulent century, but who left no writings, no portrait. Whenever he did surface, he was memorable; held hostage in England 1359-1360, after five further years as guest of the Royal Court, he married King Edward III’s daughter, Isabella, to fanfare and wealth. Enguerrand serves points of departure for Tuchman to present in detail the times of the Black Plague, the decimation of villages, farms and peasants’ famishing as royalty feasted on pheasants and wore garments lined with 1,200 squirrel skins; the revolt of the Jacquerie, brigands and cutthroats savaging the land and its people. Tuchman’s concentration on one relatively small area of territory casts the misery of those who lived through the times into stark relief. Events Tuchman makes vivid might even inspire the reader to seek Jean Froissart’s Chronicles, the telling of the Hundred Years’ War—as reviewer Cochrane snidely suggests. Kirkus, on the other hand, praised the “con-

summate ease” with which Tuchman “draws her reader into the sprawling, violent 14th Century,” and remarked how she both compared and contrasted the turmoil of those times (schism of the Papacy, famine, plague, wars) to the here and now of 1978. The Kirkus reviewer found Enguerrand VII an “engaging metaphor for this process of change,” and further, that he “adds poignancy and concreteness to a work in which all the characters, whether kings, knights, or entire social groups (such as, interestingly, women) come to life.” We in 2020 might take note of Kirkus’s observation that Tuchman showed how “these realities resulted in unrest among the lower classes, a failure of will at the top, and a pervasive sense of disintegration, an atmosphere in which a ‘cult of death’ flourished.” Enguerrand VII, having survived the Black Death in his childhood years, died in captivity in Bursa, Ottoman Empire, in 1397—during yet another wave of plague. 

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OUR LAVENDER

FROM A TO ZEE | BY ZAYLORE STOUT

Family Privilege Sometimes you are able to gain perspective

writings of John Seita, an Associ-

ence. She’s the niece of President

when you are able to compare and contrast dif-

ate Professor at the Michigan

ferent experiences, life events, or facts against

State University School of

each other. That opportunity presented itself

Social Work, who special-

tack caused by alcoholism.

recently when I had the chance to connect with

izes in child welfare, fos-

According to her tell-all

an old friend and learn more about his upbring-

ter care, and foster care

book, Too Much and Nev-

ing while at the same time reading interviews

transitions. He’s written

er Enough: How My Fam-

given by Mary L. Trump, regarding her up-

some extensive articles on

ily Created the World’s

bringing and life experiences.

this topic and defines fam-

Most Dangerous Man, her

I met John Paul Horn, now Dr. John Paul

Trump. Her father died when she was sixteen of a heart at-

ily privilege as “the benefits,

family was never accepting

Horn, during my first trip to Washington D.C.

mostly invisible, that come from

I had won an international writing competition

membership in a stable family,” and “an

and was there as a guest of the American Bar

invisible package of assets and pathways that

with her grandmother Mary Anne MacLeod

Association’s Section of International Law. We

provides us with a sense of belonging, safety,

Trump, relates a time when her grandmother

became fast friends. At some point, during one

unconditional love, and spiritual values”. This

referred to Elton John as a “faggot.” This con-

of our many discussions over the year, John

reminded me of discussions during the mar-

firmed in her mind that she could not come out

shared with me that he had grown up in Cali-

riage equality debates pre-2015 when it was

as a lesbian to her family.

fornia’s foster care system.

widely circulated that married couples receive

I highly recommend reading Mary L.’s in-

some 1,138 benefits, rights, and protections

terview in the Advocate Magazine, since this

that cohabiting couples do not receive.

is where she dives in the most on this issue.

Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting John as a guest on my Facebook Live Discussion

of anything or anyone who was “different.” Mary L., not to be confused

that takes place every Thursday at noon CST

This left me to reflect on what family privi-

Even though she grew up in one of America’s

(@gay50states). It was great to catch up and

lege I had benefited from over the years. My

wealthiest families, the presence of homopho-

get to learn more about him on a more per-

father purchased my first car, an orange 1976

bia and rejection of anything/anyone who was

sonal level. From ages eight to eighteen, John

VW Super Beetle. When the Great Recession

“different” was ever present in her family dy-

lived in eighteen different care placements and

occurred, and I needed a cosigner for my stu-

namic. Although she benefited from family

spent time in both the child welfare system,

dent loans or risk not being able to attend my

privilege more than, let’s say, my friend John,

and the juvenile justice system as a crossover

last year of law school, I called my mother for

there was still significant psychological dam-

or dual-status youth. Early on, John was placed

help. After graduating law school, I was able to

age/trauma she had to endure that was not at

with his two younger siblings, but they were

return home and spend three months focused

all healthy.

later separated. There is no way this could have

on my studies so I could pass the bar exam on

We all have different areas in our lives

been easy, let alone coming out as gay at the

my first try, which I did. Since buying my first

where our lived experience has provided us

age of sixteen.

home, I can just pick up the phone and call my

with a privilege that others might not have

During our discussion, John introduced me

dad or stepfather for “fix-it” advice regarding

had. I am thankful to have learned about yet

to the concept of “family privilege.” First coined

the house. I always have a place to go for the

another opportunity where I could show em-

in 2000, family privilege recognizes that some

holidays. These are just a few of the first things

pathy to those who were not raised as I was.

families are the beneficiaries of unearned ad-

that come to mind when thinking about my

With this knowledge, I hope to serve as a bet-

vantages in our society, simply based on how

family privilege.

ter advocate and ally for those who may need

they are configured. I was introduced to the

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OUR SCENE

ARTS & CULTURE | COMING ATTRACTIONS | BY BRETT BURGER

The Pulse Gets Stronger As we reach September in the year 2020, we are actually starting to see some normalcy. Some of our favorite places are starting to surface again, with proper social distancing guidelines. Whether it’s being six feet apart and wearing a mask, or streaming an event from home that is brought to you by a theatre here in the Twin Cities, they are slowly coming. Organizations are getting more and more creative on how they can connect with their patrons, and it’s lovely to see.

Joyann Parker brings a full range of talent to her performances as an accomplished singer, pianist, guitarist and songwriter. Photo courtesy of Crooners Supper Club

THE MUSIC OF PATSY CLINE WITH JOYANN PARKER

DALEKO HOME INVASION

Daleko Arts Through 2020 – 2021 season dalekoarts.com/dhi Daleko Arts is one of the first companies I’ve seen that may truly be onto something in the age of the COVID pandemic. They have recently launched Daleko Home Invasion, a virtual subscription box. Each month, subscribers will get a “box” that is sent to their email. The box will include a variety of things each month, like produced readings of plays, a reality show, live readings of plays where actors are watching with you, Daleko After Dark, a cabaret series, and more! They even have taken the extra step to include a variety of content for all ages, whether that be children’s shows or more date night shows for the evening. Sign up at the link above!

LAVENDER

SEPTEMBER 10-23, 2020

Wednesday, September 9 Crooners Lakeside Cafe Croonersloungemn.com I grew up listening to Patsy Cline. My dad is a huge fan so I knew all of her hits by heart by the time I was ten years old. For fathers day, my sister and I got him tickets to see Joyann Parker sing a tribute to Patsy Cline and he absolutely loved it. If the biggest Patsy fan gives her a stamp of approval, then she must be good. Parker has actually performed this similar concert over a dozen times at Crooners and continuously comes back by popular demand because she usually sells. Parker is a phenomenal vocalist and has her own jazz music on Spotify so you can give it a listen before the concert!

DINING IN FOR LIFE

Thursday, Sept. 24 Restaurants across the Twin Cities diningoutforlifemn.org Established in 1991, Dining Out For Life is an annual fundraising event where communities come together to eat out at restaurants

that are committed to donating a percentage of their profits to HIV/AIDS service agencies in their city. Due to the pandemic, this year they are encouraging people to participate by ordering online for pickup or delivery. This is an incredible program where you can also donate, volunteer, or sponsor.

COLIN & BRAD: STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS

Friday, Sept 11 Stream from Home Ordway.org Originally, these two comedic and improv legends were set to come to MN in person but they’ve since moved their show online. Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, from the longrunning television series Whose Line Is It Anyway? will perform an all-new improv show via Zoom, that promises an interactive experience fueled by audience suggestions. One ticket allows viewing for one device, so the whole family can watch! 

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OUR SCENE

EAT THE MENU | BY BRADLEY TRAYNOR | PHOTOS BY MIKE HNIDA

J.D. HOYT'S SUPPER CLUB

Steak Spaulding topped with crab cake and bÃ©arnaise sauce

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EAT THE MENU BY BRADLEY TRAYNOR

It’s hard to believe summer is already winding down, but happily there’s still plenty of quality patio time yet to be had. Even in the midst of our new, masked and socially-distanced normal. This new normal also includes an increasingly volatile restaurant landscape that has seen long-lived dining institutions disappear with nothing more than a Facebook post. Which makes our visits to those still with us even more important. Thankfully, there are still plenty of Twin Cities favorites to support. J.D. Hoyt’s is one of those favorites. Celebrating 35 years of supper club style and substance, J.D. Hoyt’s is an iconic piece of real estate, both in our hearts (ok, stomachs) and along Washington Avenue in the North Loop. Like every restaurant in this moment, they’ve had to make adjustments to their schedule and menus. The good news is they’re still serving up the same award-winning flavors and atmosphere as they did in 1985—when they first opened their doors. I got the chance to eat my way across the menu one late August Friday evening with a friend. We grabbed a table on the patio with a beautiful view of downtown as our backdrop. Having spent much of the summer in my own backyard, it felt wonderful to get out, relax and enjoy some great food. Our supper club saunter began with J.D. Hoyt’s famous garlic cheese toast. What more do you want right now than the warm embrace of freshly-baked bread, slathered in garlic butter, festooned with three cheeses and toasted until bubbly? It might surprise you, but the most popular item on the menu isn’t a steak. It’s a decadent, unique comfort food creation combining all of your favorite things. All of the things you want in your mouth, that is. J.D. Hoyt’s world famous buddy bowl is an epic marriage of red beans, dirty rice and homemade creole sauce, covered with a layer of gooey melted cheese. The entire dish is then baked to perfection and topped with your choice of broiled seafood. It’s a meal in itself. More like two meals. The buddy bowl is fabulous, but let’s be honest. You come to J.D. Hoyt’s, as I did, because you want that old school supper club experience. And by supper club experience, I mean expertly cooked steaks, chops, and ribs—piled high on your plate. The table favorite by far was J.D.’s chop and rib combo. The thick-cut, cajun-seasoned pork chop is grilled to perfection; crispy on the outside, juicy and full of flavor on the inside. The slow-cooked ribs, finished on the grill are smothered in tangy BBQ sauce. They fell off the bone right into our eager mouths.

J.D.’s One Chop – Half Rack of Ribs Combo

J.D.Hoyt's world famous Buddy Bowl

If steak is more your style, I highly recommend the Spaulding. A melt-in-your-mouth filet topped with an equally luxurious béarnaisekissed crab cake. The tender asparagus and panfried hash browns are a delightful afterthought. The array of sides can seem overwhelming, but fret not. As long as you welcome the cajun cream pasta to your table, you’re golden. I say golden, because I’m assuming you’re not sharing. If you’re sharing, order two. In addition to delicious food, a telling of J.D. Hoyt’s tale wouldn’t be complete without celebrating their staff. You don’t stay in business beyond three decades without a team that knows how to take care of its guests. Which is exactly what they did that late night in August on the patio, as the sun set over downtown. A supper club might seem a quaint novelty in any other moment, but in 2020 J.D. Hoyt’s is a reassuring connection to a time we hope is as much a part of our future as it was our past. 

Cajun Pasta

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OUR SCENE

TRAVEL | BY CARLA WALDEMAR

Photo courtesy of BigStock/paul prescott

QUIRKY MUSEUMS

Yeah, I’m one of those. Wherever I travel, I check out museums. The Louvre? The Prado? Been there, done that. Just as fascinating: discovering a destination’s hidden cache of collectibles—the weirder the better. Here are a few of my favorite haunts, discovered in quirky little museums around the world. Underneath its suave demeanor, Cleveland, Ohio hosts a cache of such oddball collections, starting with the National Polka Hall of Fame and Museum with its vintage accordions, ornate costumes, and performance videos. Proceed to the Museum of Divine Statues, featuring just that: rescued, life-sized statues of saints once housed in former churches. Then head to “A Christmas Story” House and Museum, where part of the holiday classic film was shot. Admire the original “fra-gi-lay” leg lamp. Purchase a replica, too. The International Towing & Recovery Museum calls Chattanooga home because that’s where the tow truck itself was born. Check out restored antique vehicles, toys, tools, and pho-

tos in what may be the only time being up-close to a tow truck doesn’t elicit tears and swear words. Foodies: lots of offbeat collections are calling your name. Are you desperate to learn more about kimchi, that love-it/hate-it Korean staple? Head to the Kimchikan (Kimchi Museum) in Seoul to absorb the history of the popular condiment, and its regional variations and place in the land’s culture and cuisine. The line-up of hundreds of canning jars makes our State Fair look frail. I confess to an asparagus fetish. If you, too, believe it’s rightly called the “king of vegetables,” proceed to the European Asparagus Museum in a tiny Bavarian town in Germany called Schrobenhausen. Here, a former prison tower of the medieval town wall houses all you need to know about the vegetable’s botanical varieties: its planting, cultivation, and complicated harvesting procedure—plus a display of cooking and serving tools and artworks depicting its enjoyment. There’s a statue of a

six-foot spear out front to guide you and serve as photo op. Oh, you prefer fish? The Norwegian Fisheries Museum in Bergen’s lovely historic harbor unfolds the story of its cash-cow industry—canning herring for the world market—in a converted wharfside warehouse, where the King Oscar brand was king of the world market. The dividend: This museum also explores the social history of the times, as in how women workers were (mis)treated on the factory line, along with canners’ wages and other fascinating you-were-there info on workers’ conditions and daily lives. Just add onion and enjoy. While in Norway, pop into Stavanger’s Norwegian Petroleum Museum to learn how gas and oil got started back in the days of dinosaurs, and how it’s discovered and produced today in those huge tanks looming offshore. Models, films and interactive exhibits explain everyday life for workers. Offshore for weeks and weeks at a time, plus the technology inContinued on page 18

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MAY 21 - JUNE SEPTEMBER 10-23, 3, 2020 2020

Dine-in Hours Mon: closed Tues: 4 pm-10:30 pm Wed: 4 pm-10pm Thurs: 4 pm-10:30 pm Fri: 4 pm-11pm Sat: 4 pm-11pm Sun: 4 pm-10pm

Take-out Hours Mon: closed Tues: 11:30am-10:30pm Wed: 11:30am-10pm Thurs: 11:30am-10:30pm Fri: 11:30am-11pm Sat: 4pm-11pm Sun: 4pm-10pm

TRAVEL BY CARLA WALDEMAR

Icelandic Phallological Museum founded in 1997 houses the world's largest display of penises and penile parts. Photo courtesy of BigStock/v0v

volved and historical accounts of dramatic, um, incidents. On to the human body. For skulls galore (and more), head to Rome and descend to one of its catacombs along the Appian Way, on the outskirts of the city (burials within city walls were taboo). The Capuchin Crypt holds the bony remains of 4,000 monks. To explore it, enter beneath the Capuchin Church of the Immaculate Conception of 1645, where you’ll shiver to see “bone art,” such as bones-as-furniture and chandeliers. And piles of skeletons, dismembered into piles of ribs and femurs and such. Broken bones? Sad. Broken heart? Even more so. Find solace at the Museum of Broken Relationships in the heart of the Old Town section of Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Within a former Baroque mansion, discover mementoes and stories of former love affairs gone wrong. Head to the Brokenship Bistro for a comforting meal after the emotional rollercoaster ride. Don’t miss the gift shop, featuring the popular Bad Memories Eraser. Good memories of loved ones? That’s the forte of Leila’s Hair Museum in Independence,

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SEPTEMBER 10-23, 2020

Missouri. Back in the 1800s, before the advent of photography, the classic way to remember a deceased loved one was to snip off strands of the deceased party’s hair and weave it into jewelry—a broche, a necklace—even a picture frame. Ogle examples of the “art form” during a lively-narrated tour. Human bones, hair….and penises? That’s the theme of the Icelandic Phallological Museum in Reykjavik, which displays 200 of them, collected from all types of mammals found in Iceland—whales, polar bears, seals, and yes, Homo sapiens. Expect crowds, It’s popular. Back in Kansas they collect marbles, not body parts. Moon Marble Company, in Bonner Springs, just outside Kansas City, was born of necessity. The owner had been making wooden toys and game boards but had trouble locating the marbles needed for their use. So, he decided to produce them. He now demonstrates glassblowing and explains marbles’ history to customers, who clog the place picking up their treasures to take home, ranging from pee-wees to 50mm giants.

Glass to neon? Not a huge leap. And no place does neon like Las Vegas. Let’s end our tour with a stop at its Neon Museum, aka the Boneyard, where 200 restored and repaired signs that once served casinos now live—including the Golden Nugget of 1946, Vegas’ first casino, the iconic Silver Slipper of 1955, and even Happy Shirt, “cleaners to the stars.” Guided tours only. Open at night, too, when the signs are lit up. And when in Vegas, don’t miss The Mob Museum, housed in the actual courthouse where Senator Estes Kefauver cracked down on organized crime. You’re read the Miranda Act in the elevator that opens upon the “slums of New York,” which tempted Irish, Jewish, and Italian immigrants to turn to crime. Organized crime, that is. It infiltrated industries from garment workers to longshoremen, from sports to Hollywood films to booze and prostitution. Experience Chicago’s Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929, and J. Edgar Hoover’s efforts to nab Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd. View a video of a Cosa Nostra initiation. Then practice on a Tommy gun or revolver before you leave. Just in case. 

OUR SCENE

PROMOTIONS | BY RYAN PATCHIN

Lavender+MACV Silent Auction

Lavender Magazine is excited to partner with Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) for a timely, silent-auction fundraiser.

Times are tough for everyone—even more so for the homeless, especially our homeless veterans. All proceeds from the silent auction will support MACV’s programs and initiatives, and their goal to eradicate homelessness among veterans. MACV is committed to ensuring that every veteran has access to the services and support they need to avoid homelessness, and secure stable housing. This challenge persists, even in the best of times. MACV takes an individual approach, providing housing, employment, and legal services, tailored to veterans that need it most. Since the individual circumstances contributing to homelessness differ, MACV offers both permanent supportive housing and transitional housing for Veterans. MACV Employment Services is a leader in the collaborative effort that combines the powers of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development with local nonprofits, the VA, as well as employers throughout the state. The MACV Vetlaw program combines legal outreach, support, and community partnerships to ensure the numerous barriers standing in between veterans and stable housing—can be overcome. These services are largely powered by donations, or through charitable community events. Your donation makes a difference. You can help MAVC in their mission to support homeless vets by participating in Lavender’s virtual silent auction. An eclectic array of items will be available for auction, beginning September 10, 2020. Bidders will have until October 8, 2020 to secure an item from Lavender’s curated collection of goodies. Bid early and often!  www.32auctions.com/macv2020

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I Spy With My Little Eye… Something Red BY KASSIDY TARALA

Red Rabbit and Red Cow, two of the Twin Cities’ most beloved restaurants, are known for more than their juicy burgers and rich pastas. If you’ve ever been to Red Cow or Red Rabbit, you know what love is. The second one of Red Cow’s delicious burgers and addictive fries touch your mouth, you know that love is, indeed, food. And the first time you treat yourself to a heaping pile of Red Rabbit’s pasta, you know what it feels like to be in heaven. Okay, maybe I’m being a bit dramatic. But still, they’re pretty great. And what makes these staples of the Twin Cities’ culinary scene even more spectacular, is the way they give back to the community. “Red Cow and Red Rabbit make monetary and food donations to many local charitable organizations each year through their inspiRED giving program. For example, of the $109,000 donated in 2019, we partnered with the U of M Masonic Children’s Hospital to not only raise $10,000 through a partnership with Gopher’s Coach P.J. Fleck to help fight childhood cancer, but we also provided meals to families staying at the hospital,” says Luke Shimp, owner of Red Cow and Red Rabbit. Shimp says giving back to the community

has always been a pillar of their organization. Over the years, the Red Cow and Red Rabbit team has given to a variety of organizations including the Sanneh Foundation, local youth sports, the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, Second Harvest Heartland, and the Think Great Foundation, among others. “Many of these partnerships began because of community connections. A guest may need a sponsor for a youth sports team or in the case of our partnership with the U of M Masonic Children’s Hospital, P.J. and Heather Fleck were regular visitors to our 50th and

France location. We collaborated on creating a special burger and raised funds for a cause near to their hearts,” Shimp adds. In addition to these organizations, Shimp says they’ve worked to support neighborhood youth activities, from sports to arts to music. They’ve also worked to support military families. “Despite the many challenges in 2020, we are in the process of solidifying our charity partner for fall/winter 2020,” he says. “Restaurants aren’t just food but a wonderful collection of people serving a community. We’re committed to supporting organizations and causes that inspire us and help the comContinued on page 22

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munities we live and serve,” Shimp says of Red Cow and Red Rabbit’s involvement in the community. While the pandemic can make getting involved and interacting with community members much more difficult, Shimp says they have been able to rely on their resources and the community in order to keep up the support. “COVID-19 has certainly made things more difficult, but in these difficult times, it’s even more critical to utilize our resources and rely on our community to give back. We’re lucky, our guests and staff want to support—we just need to make it easy to give back,” he says. “Every partnership presents different opportunities. Typically, we collaborate with our charitable partner to create featured menu items where proceeds benefit the organization. By simply dining at our restaurants, our guests make it possible for all of us to make a difference.” So whether you’re looking for a delicious meal or a restaurant that consistently gives back to the community, look no further than Red Cow and Red Rabbit (and, seriously, try Red Rabbit’s shrimp garganelli). For more information about Red Cow and Red Rabbit, visit redcowmn.com and redrabbitmn.com. 

Best Burgers in the Twin Cities, no question.

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Our nine distinctive cottages and lodges are crafted high up onto steep bluffs, with hawk’s eye views of the Mississippi River and Old Fountain City, Wisconsin. Guests check in at our Seven Hawks Vineyards tasti ng room, wine shop and wine bar in downtown Fountain City, Wisconsin. All of our wines are made from 100% locally grown grapes and fruit. 651-293-0803 or 866-293-0803

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Female Sexual Orientation Genetics Research Depends on You

7/23/20 11:46 AM

Sexual orientation is a fundamental trait of great scientific interest. Understanding the origins of sexual orientation will enable us to learn a great deal about sexual motivation, sexual identity, gender identity and sex differences. Our primary goals are scientific, but we also are hopeful for greater societal understanding.

To assist us in our research, we are seeking participants who are: • cisgender (i.e., women assigned at birth as female) • women (at least 18 years old) • regardless of sexual orientation (e.g., lesbian, bisexual, straight) Participants will receive a gift card after providing DNA samples (saliva) and answering a questionnaire. For more information, call toll-free 866.364.7571 FemaleSexualOrientation.com LAVENDERMAGAZINE.COM

Let’s Wine About It BY KASSIDY TARALA

Before summer officially wraps up, enjoy the last bits of sunshine and outdoor time by visiting one of Minnesota’s wineries. I think a trip to wine country is in order for everyone once this pandemic is over. Whether you’re a wine drinker or not, the coasts of Northern California and Oregon are bountiful in more than just grapes—from scenic views and hiking to its rich history and small-town charm. But until then, Minnesotans will have to settle for the treasures in their own backyard. Luckily, thanks to some local winemakers, that doesn’t look too different from California’s famous wine country. Understandably, “wine” isn’t typically the first thing one thinks about when they think of the North Star State. Beer? Sure, everywhere you turn in the Twin Cities you’ll find a brewery loaded with guests and their pups. Spirits? Absolutely, Minnesota’s distilleries offer a warm, cozy place to gather and sip with friends during the long winter. Cider? Definitely, there’s a reason the annual Minnesota Cider Festival has an impressive collection of Minnesota-made offerings. But wine? Well, if you ask the folks at Cannon River Winery, Wild Mountain Winery, and Millner Heritage Winery, Minnesota should also be recognized for its wines, and here’s why:

Cannon River Winery – Cannon Falls

Located in the Sogn Valley, Cannon River Winery is proof that this Midwest state can be just as beautiful as Napa’s renowned rolling hills. Cannon River Winery’s Vineyard is home to more than 9,000 vines spread across forty acres of land. And because of its soils, high elevation, and south-facing slopes, the Vineyard has all of the qualities needed for growing wine-making grapes. “Being a winemaker from the West

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SEPTEMBER 10-23, 2020

Vineyard in Spring. Photo Courtesy of Millner's Heritage

Coast, I can say that each Minnesota winery is a different and unique experience. Our winery is in the center of a picturesque small Minnesota town in an old Chevy dealership that had been around since the 1920s,” says winemaker Sam Jennings. “Other wineries are out in the country on a farm, some wineries are on the shores of Minnesota’s many lakes. Some Minnesota wineries cater to the more

fancy winery experience, and some Minnesota wineries are more rustic and cater to the more rural, laid-back feel. It truly is a mixed bag of options in our little Minnesota industry and it gives customers lots of different options when visiting.” Also, Jennings notes, the wines are different from the West Coast, as Minnesota can’t grow Cabernet or Chardonnay. “But we can grow

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some truly unique grapes that make fantastic wines. Who doesn’t like trying new things?” As for what sets Cannon River Winery apart from other Minnesota spots, Jennings has a clear answer: “Our wine and our attitude! We are not your typical West Coast “styled” traditional winery. Our wine production area is literally in the same room as the tasting room so our customers can watch us winemakers do our thing firsthand. Our Minnesota Farm winery is in the heart of downtown Cannon Falls (the only Minnesota farm winery in a downtown setting). We are not wine snobs, we try and make wines that EVERYONE can enjoy. Whether it be first-time wine drinkers to fancy wine connoisseurs—we have a delicious, award-winning wine for EVERYONE (and beer for anyone else!). Cannon River is a laid-back, friendly, and easygoing place, you won’t find a pretentious person on our staff!” Speaking of attitude, Jennings also says they have a sassy wine series called Feisty Bitch (because what else?). “My personal favorite Cannon River summer wine is our Feisty Bitch Red, slightly chilled. It’s a red blend, slightly sweet, and packed full of crisp blackberry and raspberry flavors. Serving it slightly chilled brings out more of the fruit flavors and aromas. Perfect on a hot summer day when you want a something cool and refreshing,” Jennings says. “Our Reserve Ice wine is a great summer dessert wine. I love pairing it with fresh fruit and a good French soft cheese like Brie or Boursault with some crackers for a fun picnic lunch.” And the best part of Cannon River Winery is that it can be enjoyed despite COVID-19. Jennings says they have their outdoor patio open seven days a week, and they also have indoor seating, which is appropriately distanced.

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Wild Mountain Winery – Taylors Falls

Outside of the breathtaking North Shore, Taylors Falls has some of Minnesota’s most beautiful hiking. Nestled on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin, the small town has bluffs and views of the St. Croix River that can instantly make you feel like you’ve traveled to coast of Oregon. And its wines might have the same effect. The Wild Mountain Winery has an extensive list of white wines, red wines, rosé, and specialty wines, including a Gold Medal ice wine and a sweet, light apple wine. Assistant Manager Andy Olson says that

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what sets Wild Mountain Winery apart from other establishments is its unpretentious atmosphere (which, if we’re honest, is something California can’t quite claim). Plus, the wines are made with 100% Minnesota grapes, so you can be confident that what you’re drinking is locally made and delightfully refreshing. “We are able to showcase not just our wines but our state, its people, the land, and the fruit. None of which are like those of California or Oregon,” Olson says. In the past, Midwest-made wine had a reputation for being overly sweetened or too acidic, but Olson says that is no longer true throughout the region, especially at Wild Mountain Winery. “Midwest wine is now on a more level playing field with the Vitis vinifera grapes, which are native to the Mediterranean region, Central Europe, and southwestern Asia. Olson says their best summer offers are the chilled rosé and their very popular red wine sangria. They also offer two hard ciders– one traditional and one apple pie moonshine cider–and local beers from Uncommon Loon Brewery. The winery has been taking necessary precautions to keep guests safe and physically distanced during COVID-19, and Olson says patrons have been great about following their protocol (including the dogs, which are welcome!).

Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery – Kimball

Appropriately named, Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery is themed after its own heritage, that being primarily Austrian and Hungarian. And in addition to its unique culture, this winery is also known for its welcoming, friendly atmosphere. “Under non-COVID-19 times, it is pretty common for us to sing a song or two during a person’s wine tasting. I suppose in a sense, COVID-19 is kind of killing the culture a bit at Millner’s, but soon, hopefully, things will be right again with haus Millner and with the world and we can get back to having some fun a little more,” says Jon Millner, owner and vintner of Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery. COVID-19 has also meant that policies and procedures at the winery have changed, including switching to a flight system to limit human interaction. They also have an outdoor pavilion, which is usually used for weddings, but is now where all of the customers enjoy Millner’s. Despite the challenges that COVID-19 has brought, Millner’s is continuing serving unique Minnesota wines, which, Millner says, is revolutionary.

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SEPTEMBER 10-23, 2020

Wedding Venue. Photo Courtesy of Millner's Heritage

A great place to host memorable events. Image Courtesy of Wild Mountain Winery

“If I told most Minnesotans that the grapes being bred out of the University of Minnesota, largely using a species native to Minnesota, were literally revolutionizing the entire wine industry globally, I think that would strike as a very peculiar thing to most Minnesotans. But that’s exactly what is going on here!” Millner says.

Millner says some popular summer wines are the white and rosé, with the Naplemente rosé being at the top of Millner’s list this year. “It is from our 2018 vintage, I think possibly the best or one of the best Frontenac Gris wines I’ve made. It is kind of high alcohol and high acid for a rosé, so it is really only starting to come into its potential now,” Millner says. 

ENJOY OUR RAINBOW OF

FALL COLORS

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OUR LIVES

SENIOR LIVING | BY KASSIDY TARALA

No Cost, Just Care

Harvey Perle, Medicare advisor at Perle & Co., shares how he found his third career in affordable health care. After twenty-nine years as a kitchenware wholesale representative, Harvey Perle was ready to retire… on to a new career, that is. “I needed to find a third career doing something that my past career experiences could contribute to, while providing a great deal of personal gratification. As I explored opportunities, I discovered that people either applying for Medicare, or current Medicare recipients, want the feeling of security in their health care coverage but are not confident that they have made the correct choices,” Perle explains. “As we age, affordable health care coverage becomes critically vital to provide comfort that no matter what happens to our health, we are going to be okay. We want to enjoy our families, our Annual Enrollment Runs 10/15 - 12/7. Image Courtesy of BigStock/Stoathphoto grandchildren, our friends, and our communities as you travel domestically or internationally for serve all counties of the long as possible. But any length trips, if you are a snowbird, or if state, says there are many Medicare is very compliyou need rehab, nursing home, or home health federal and state laws cated and confusing.” care,” Perle says. that apply to health care As a former nursing But if you are still working, health care coverage. Each insurance home owner and adminiscoverage currently provided by your employer company providing Meditrator, as well as a licensed might be the best care advantage, Medicare agent in life, health, accident, option for you, even beyond the age of sixtysupplements (Medigap), and & travel insurances, Perle was five. prescription drug coverage ofalready certified in Medicare, makFor those on Medicare, Perle says vision, fers a wide variety of choices, and No Fee. EVER! Photo ing it a pretty easy decision to be- Courtesy of Perle&Co dental, hearing aids, chiropractic care, free each has a lot of rules to know, come a Medicare advisor. “The fit is gym memberships, and wellness coaching Perle explains. perfect.” might be available to you. “When you come “As I understand your medical, prescripAnd because the health care industry is tion, financial, transportation, athletic, and home from the hospital, you might appreciate notorious for nickel-and-diming patients, Perle social needs, the key is to ensure that you are delivered meals, or if transportation is provided wanted to offer his clients his vital services covered by the right health care coverage proto go to and from the doctor, or even the gym. free of charge. viding confidence that you are going to be in Some plans provide free over-the-counter prod“Clients never pay for my services. My a safe place if your health is at risk,” he adds. ucts for you to have at home throughout the responsibility is to teach what is not underTo apply for Medicare, Perle says it must year,” he says. “Your partner, spouse, or any stood, uncomplicate the complicated, identify be three months before or three months after other family members are always welcome to custom-fits, and then help find and apply for your sixty-fifth birthday. After that, penalties participate in our conversations. I want your the best Medicare plan. As a licensed agent, I might apply. entire family circle to feel that the advice being have access to plans from multiple Medicare “You have a lot of living to do. Knowing that provided is something that everyone can find sources to customize the kind of coverage that all information is collected confidentially, you comfort in.” fits you,” Perle says. “And, as your health or control what is shared regarding recent mediPerle notes that there is a window between finances change over time, I can be relied upon cal history, preferred physicians, specialists or October 15 and December 7 for Medicare reto guide you. So, like your financial advisor, I hospitals, and current prescriptions. This incipients to renew or update their coverage can be with you for life, as I learn what your formation is useful to research the ideal plans plans. for you. Additional questions arise concerning needs are. I become your advocate.” For more information about Perle & Co., how and where health care will be provided if Perle, who is licensed in Minnesota and can visit perleandcompany.com. 

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SEPTEMBER 10-23, 2020

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OUR AFFAIRS

SERVE OUR SOCIETY | BY MIKE MARCOTTE

PRIDE INSTITUTE

The country’s ﬁrst LGBTQIA-speciﬁc program for addiction is based in Eden Prairie September is National Recovery Month, a time focused to increase awareness of mental health and substance use disorders. It’s also a reason to celebrate the people who recover. In Eden Prairie, Pride Institute is helping LGBTQIA individuals from around the country reset in a comfortable environment.

“We were the first LGBTQIA-specific program for substance use and addiction treatment in the country, and since have become leaders in the field for 34 years,” said Luke Miller, Pride Institute’s Director of Business Development. Pride Institute originally opened in 1986 as a direct response to the HIV/AIDS epiContinued on page 34

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One Treatment Center Does Not Fit All

Exclusively Serving the LGBTQ+ Community Located in the Minneapolis Metro area of Minnesota, we specialize in:

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• Drug & Alcohol Abuse • Specializing in Crystal Meth and Sexual Compulsivity • Residential & Intensive Outpatient Programs • Exclusively providing the LGBT community a comfortable safe alternative to traditional treatment programs for 30 years.

The Pride Institute accepts insurances from: • United • Blue Cross Blue Shield • United • UBH/Medica • Health Parters • Aetna • MN Medicaid • Preferred One • Cigna

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Brighten your future - contact us today. www.pride-institute.com 952.934.7554/ 800.547.7433 Please visit jobs.uhsinc.com/pride-institute/jobs for all open positions

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COMMUNITY CONNECTION

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OUR VOICES

SERVING OUR SOCIETY BY MIKE MARCOTTE

JAMEZ SITINGS | BY JAMEZ L. SMITH

demic. They provide residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient treatment services for substance use disorder and addiction. They also have specialty programs that occur weekly, including Transwellness, Meth and Men, Sexual Health, a family program, and other gender-specific groups. “Our model was created for the LGBTQIA+ community specifically,” Miller said. “A lot of programs have tracks, or specialty groups, but at Pride, being queer is the standard, not the exception.” Residents of Pride typically stay 30 days, while outpatient services last approximately 20 weeks, or five months. Jessica Green from Minneapolis heard about Pride Institute from a friend who attended their treatment program. Green was a resident for six weeks in 2019. “My journey with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues began when I was about 12 years old,” Green told Lavender. “I used substances to numb emotions that I did not want to feel, and as a way to cope with the fact that I really did not want to be alive. Prior to deciding to attend Pride Institute, I was in such a dark place that I had decided that ending my life was the only way to deal with all of this. Due to some divine intervention, the idea came to me that maybe getting sober could help with some of these problems.” Green, who identifies as pansexual, previously experienced problems with inpatient hospitalization because staff did not know where to room her since her attraction is not dictated by gender. “This really got in the way of addressing necessary issues at the time,” Green said. “This sort of thing would never happen at Pride. Pride allows people to be comfortable in their true identity, removing what is often a serious barrier to receiving help. It also allows individuals to build a support network of folks in the sober LGBTQ+ community that is immensely helpful both at Pride and after discharge.” “Since we are an LGBTQIA-specific treatment program, most of our patients correlate their substance use with past trauma and negative life experiences that came with being in the ‘other’ category society placed them in,” Miller said. “Pride is, and has been, providing safe spaces for people in the community so they can share their stories, and hear others like them, to gain the tools and education to beat addiction.” “At Pride, an individual can be fully com-

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SEPTEMBER 10-23, 2020

fortable expressing their gender identity and sexuality without fear of being judged for these things,” Green added.

THE ‘PRIDE’ OF AMERICA

Pride’s residential location, in Eden Prairie, includes 42 beds. “During my time at Pride, I took part in group therapy sessions, individual therapy, art therapy, 12-step recovery meetings brought in by community organizations, meditation-based recovery, and even spending time outside going on walks or having bonfires as a part of my recovery,” Green recalled. “I saw a psychiatrist, who helped with medication for my mental health issues. I was monitored by excellent nursing staff who ensured my safety at all times. I had the opportunity to get to know so many amazing individuals, many of whom I am still in contact with today. On Saturdays, my family was allowed to come visit and they brought my dog to come see me, which really helped as I missed her so much while in treatment. I was even able to attend the Gopher State Round-Up with Pride, which is a yearly Alcoholics Anonymous convention that takes place in Minnesota with the chance to attend many meetings and meet groups from around the state.” During COVID-19, staff at Pride are following CDC guidelines to provide patients the care they deserve. Pride Institute’s outpatient program has moved to a virtual platform. Pride Institute is in-network with Minnesota Medicaid and accepts public funding through the state of Minnesota. “If an LGBTQ+ individual feels that substance abuse is negatively affecting their life, Pride Institute is an amazing place to begin a journey of recovery,” Green said. “There is so much more to life than drugs and alcohol, and it is possible to get and stay sober with Pride. Pride Institute didn’t just change my life. It saved my life and allowed me to build a life worth living.” To learn more, call Pride Institute’s admissions team at (952) 934-7554. You can also fill out a referral form on their website, www. pride-institute.com. An admissions coordinator will do an over-the-phone assessment to make sure your needs, goals and values will be best served by the program. 

Mike Marcotte’s Serve Our Society series highlights nonprofit organizations impacting the LGBTQ community. To nominate a community group for a future article, email him at mike@ givemethemike.com.

MANIFEST (FOR THE MARAJOARA)

We visualize as is meant to be We see the light of Love Crystallize reality Solidify The Dreaming Manifest. Flames die As anger subsides and tempers cool The worst has passed hardships yet to come Hard work has just begun

To which we are no stranger Sacrifices made

The Green will recover Dark hearts will fade Like the ashes of our beloved dead 

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