LIFE + CULTURE
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS AND CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Long Live Loving Local
We are already into the month of love! For our team, it means putting together the annual Love Local issue. Here at Minneapolis Lakes Lifestyle, we show our love for community in as many ways as we can through articles, social media, and events. We give back several times a year by highlighting local non-profits, businesses and residents. Local love is what this publication is all about.
Matt Baker is engrained in community. From his family history in the skyways, to tennis, leadership, family, and a love of real estate, Matt takes pride in all that is local. We took time to capture a bit of his story and how he has grown true Minnesota roots.
Just across the river, Grand Hand Gallery is hosting it’s third annual art resale event. Showcasing work from local artists and those throughout the Midwest, this event gives art another lifeline and a chance to be enjoyed, repurposed, and repurchased. This year, jewelry has been added. Items will be on display in Grand Hand Gallery for the month of February, so don't miss a unique opportunity to support local and snag a beautiful piece for your collection.
The Minnesota Historical Society is pleased to share that historical Fort Snelling is now open in the winter. If you and your family are looking for an educational afternoon during the cold months, you can check out their current exhibit "Many Voices, Many Stories, One Place” which dives deeper into lives from various backgrounds and cultures who impacted so much.
Since we are still in the cold season and you might be looking for a fun date night or gathering with friends, Bear Cave Brewing is hosting it’s monthly Speakeasy Dinner Series. Join the fun with a prix fixe menu paired with fabulous locally brewed beer. Candlelit and coursed out, this is a dining experience you won't want to miss.
With the hustle and bustle of today’s fast paced everything, February is a great reminder to show support, appreciation, and gratitude for what makes this community a special one.
Happy Valentine’s, Galentine’s, and long live loving local!
ALEXANDRA PATTY, PUBLISHER @MINNEAPOLISLAKES
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Kassi Miranowski | kassi.miranowski@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Sarah Knieff
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tammy Brice Creative, Lucy Hawthorne, Jason Horowitz, Andrew Vick
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
December 2024 Wine & Stroll Event in Linden Hills.
Dear
Ask Susan
Susan Stiles CFP, CHFC, AIF, CPFA, MBA Founder / CEO Stiles Financial Services, Inc.
Susan: My fiancée wants to combine financials.
Am I being a bad partner if I don’t say yes?
- Mark
Susan:
Mark, it’s okay to say yes to marriage and partnership, but say no to fully combining financials. Couples assets are rarely 50-50, and that balance fluctuates continually over time. The key to financial success in a marriage is communication, not simple math. Understand the relationship each of you have with money, take inventory of your current assets, discuss your future plans, then find an approach that works – and keep communicating as you grow. A financial advisor can help you sort through the options to keep your marriage and your finances harmonious. Click the QR code for my video with our resident newlywed, Kristine, as we dive into this topic. And congrats to you both!
Susan Stiles is the Founder / CEO of Stiles Financial Services; an independent, fee-based, private wealth management financial advisory firm, specializing in families that have complex portfolio, wealth management and estate planning needs. We also advise companies on their retirement benefit plans and corporate cash management. Send your questions to: AskSusan@stilesfinancial.com.
www.stilesfinancial.com
“Petunia the Perfectionist”
Named A Best Indie Book
"Petunia the Perfectionist," a heartfelt and empowering children’s book by Minneapolis author Marissa Bader, has been honored as one of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Indie Books of 2024. This prestigious recognition places the book among the most distinguished independently published titles of the year, celebrated for its compelling story, relatable message, and vibrant illustrations. Bader is truly honored by this and "wrote the book to help children—and adults— see mistakes not as failures but as opportunities to grow, learn, and shine." marissabader.com
Jester Concepts Acquires Rustica
Jester Concepts, a Minneapolisbased restaurant operator, has acquired Rustica Bakery & Cafe. The deal includes the bakery's two public stores and its wholesale operation. Brent Frederick, owner of Jester Concepts, said he has no plans to make any big changes at Rustica, and that both parties are thrilled with the acquisition. To find out more information, visit rusticabakery.com.
Diane's Place Makes NYT's Best Bakeries List
Diane's Place, owned and operated by local Chef Diane Moua, made the New York Time's "22 of the Best Bakeries Across the U.S. Right Now" list this past December, ranking it amongst the best of the best. The restaurant is a Hmong American full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is located in northeast Minneapolis. dianesplacemn.com
coming FULL CIRCLE
A STORYBOOK CAREER WITH A FOCUS ON HELPING OTHERS
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BAKER FAMILY AND TAMMY BRICE CREATIVE
Matt Baker and Ellyn Wolfenson.
Photo by Tammy Brice Creative.
As a college graduate in 1983, Matt Baker was looking for a career. When he saw signs around town advertising a local real estate agency merging with a multinational financial corporation, he was intrigued.
“All around the Twin Cities there was a billboard campaign that said ‘You're not losing Burnet. You're gaining Merrill Lynch.’ It sounded really exciting.”
He called and was able to speak with the founder of the company, Ralph Burnet. “After about 30 minutes with him, I was ready to go. It was inspiring and entrepreneurial, and I was so excited to be part of this company that I didn't even realize you didn't get paid until you actually sold something!” Matt says, laughing.
Real estate wasn’t completely new to Matt. Growing up, his dad, Edward Baker, was an architect who became known as the father of the Skyway system. “In the early 60’s he had started his own firm, and his first large commission was the Northstar Hotel, where he introduced the first skyway to the city of Minneapolis.” Edward went on to have a remarkable career, being involved in many landmark properties with the most notable being the IDS building.
Matt loved visiting his father’s downtown architectural office. He was always intrigued with real estate, having a front row seat to the process, from concept to completion, of many of the city's significant buildings. He ultimately determined; however, he would be better suited to the residential versus commercial side of real estate. “It’s emotionally charged, but I’m a people person, so for me it was really fun to navigate the personalities and play a role in such a meaningful event in people’s lives.”
Eventually, Merrill Lynch Realty Burnet became Coldwell Banker Burnet, and he was enjoying his new career. Then, two years into it, his manager asked if anyone wanted to coach a company softball team and Matt raised his hand. “It was like, ‘Okay, he's got leadership,’ and the next thing I knew, I was a manager. I never aspired to climb the corporate ladder, but it happened nonetheless.”
Matt and his son, Matthew.
Matt and family.
He found great fulfillment in helping others in the office achieve their goals. “We went from about 30 agents and $25 million in production to over 300 agents and about $1.5 billion in production. Our office perennially led the country in sales volume. It was an amazing ride,” Matt says.
“I found that when you have great people, they attract other great people, and one of my life lessons was to surround myself with successful people. And most importantly, quality people aren’t cutthroat, but collaborative. It was an environment where everybody won, and we really became the place to be.”
Matt ultimately became the president of Coldwell Banker Realty, Minnesota & Western Wisconsin, for six years. “During that time, I realized that each of our branches and our communities are special, and felt very fortunate to help guide the organization through an incredibly exciting time of rapid change, even including a global pandemic. It was nice for me to broaden my horizons geographically, and again play a role in terms of helping a collective organization grow.”
So, in May of 2023, it was full circle, and Matt transitioned to assisting buyers and sellers.
“It really felt like a homecoming,” he says. “In addition, following my philosophy of surrounding yourself with successful people, I was beyond excited when Ellyn Wolfenson suggested we explore some collaboration. Ellyn is somebody I once managed and for whom I have profound respect. We share the common philosophy of going the extra mile to ensure our clients have the very best outcome, and we’ve enjoyed some wonderful successes this past year. We also are having fun and couldn’t be more excited about the coming year.”
“It’s been 40 years but I continue to be excited to get out of bed each and every day to see what adventures await.” — Matt Baker
In the spring of 2023, a national restructuring impacted Matt’s role. “The timing couldn’t have been more perfect,” says Matt. “While I took great pride in my leadership roles, I had been contemplating the next chapter and found myself feeling a bit removed from the everyday interactions with clients.
Matt is fully embracing all the changes in the market, especially the use of technology. But, as much as things have changed, he still likes to consider himself “old school” at times, such as meeting each client in person and answering his phone. “Nothing can replace that personal involvement and contact.”
While admitting that his career can be a 24/7 proposition, he does need to clear his head from time to time. “I do like to work and real estate is very much full-time, but I'm also a tennis addict. That's been my outlet. It’s great exercise, fun and social, and it forces me to mentally be in the moment.”
He has his son, Matthew (Misha) Shawn-Henry, to thank for getting him back into the game. Rather than just watching his student-athlete son
during drills at the Lifetime Health Club, he took advantage of the adult drills and was soon hooked. Today, his Misha is a very talented competitive tennis player and instructor.
He also takes time out to spend with his wife, Melinda (Mimi). The couple live near Cedar Lake and met when Matt became friends with her younger brother. They’ve been married for 38 years.
It’s important for him to give back too. He’s involved with the Coldwell Banker Burnet Foundation that holds events, and raises funds for housing-related charities such as Ronald McDonald House. Matt’s also on the executive committee
and board of directors of the Minnesota and Minneapolis Associations of Realtors.
“I’ve had a storybook career, and I'm so grateful that I made that call in 1983. This is a remarkable industry, and we have an extraordinary community. I’ve had, and continue to have, so many opportunities. It’s been 40 years but I continue to be excited to get out of bed each and every day to see what adventures await.” 3033 Excelsior Blvd. | 612-860-4222 | MatthewSBaker.com
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW VICK
GIVE ART A SECOND LIFE
Discover Unique Pieces at The Grand Hand Gallery’s Resale Event
Nestled in a vibrant community of the Twin Cities, The Grand Hand Gallery is more than just an art space; it’s a celebration of fine American craft that showcases the incredible talents from Minnesota and the upper Midwest.
Owned by the passionate married couple, Jim Jacobson and Rachael Hartzler, Grand Hand offers a carefully curated selection of mediums that include exquisite paintings, stunning pottery, intricate glasswork, innovative printmaking and an array of other creative expressions. Whether a customer is a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the art scene, they’re bound to find something that speaks to their heart in this inviting space.
This February, excitement is building as Grand Hand prepares for its much-anticipated Resale Event, now in its third year!
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Running from January 13 through February 27, this event invites members of the community to bring in their well-maintained art pieces for consignment. If one has purchased artwork or crafts from Grand Hand in the past—or if they have pieces from regional artists—this is the chance to breathe new life into those treasured items. As Jim notes, “We’re dedicated to providing a venue for reselling quality, well-cared-for artwork,” and this year, the event also embraces jewelry as a new, exciting medium.
During the resale, interested sellers can submit details about their artwork for review by Grand Hand’s knowledgeable staff.
Once accepted, artists and owners will negotiate a fair price, and the pieces will be placed on display in approximately one-third of the gallery space.
Last year's event yielded remarkable results, as the community rallied around this unique opportunity to repurpose beloved artworks while supporting local artists. This year, the inclusion of a jewelry segment has already shown promise, with past trials indicating a high demand and rapid sales. As Rachael shares, “Many customers were asking to sell their jewelry, and when we saw how well that turned out during a previous occasion, we knew it had to be a part of this year’s sale.”
Jim Jacobson and Rachael Hartzler.
Historic Fort Snelling Now Open in Winter
Discover the "Many Voices, Many Stories, One Place" Exhibit
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
“Many Voices, Many Stories, One Place” exhibit.
“This is really the first time that we talked about the Native American importance of the site in an exhibit … it’s vital for us to relay these messages.”
For only the third-year, Historic Fort Snelling welcomes visitors during the winter months, offering a unique opportunity to explore its rich and intricate history through the exhibit, "Many Voices, Many Stories, One Place." Nestled at the confluence of the Mni Sota Wakpa (Minnesota) and Haha Wakpa (Mississippi Rivers), this immersive exhibit spans over 10,000 years and reveals the diverse narratives that intertwine at one of Minnesota's most significant historical sites.
As you journey through the fort’s grounds and the new 4,000-squarefoot exhibit gallery, you will encounter a tapestry of stories from individuals representing various backgrounds— Dakota and Ojibwe peoples, JapaneseAmericans, immigrants, enslaved African Americans, soldiers, and fur traders. Among the poignant narratives is that of Dred and Harriet Scott, who courageously fought for their freedom after being enslaved at Fort Snelling. Their decade-long struggle in the courts serves as a powerful testament to resilience and hope.
The site itself has undergone significant transformations to accommodate this winter expansion. Historic Fort Snelling initially opened its doors in 1976, but its winter operations were limited due to the previous structural design. However, thanks to funding from the Minnesota State Legislature in the 2010s, a new visitor center was constructed by refurbishing a historic 1905 cavalry barracks. This upgrade now allows for year-round interpretation and engagement, including a dedicated space for the exhibit, which officially opened to the public in 2023.
Dr. Bill Convery, the director of research at the Minnesota Historical Society and the lead exhibit developer, emphasized the importance of authentic storytelling. Collaborating closely with the Dakota Community Council and various community advisors, Dr. Convery ensured that the exhibit accurately represents the voices and histories of all those connected to Fort Snelling. He stated, “This is really the first time that we talked about the Native American importance of the site in an exhibit … it’s vital for us to relay these messages.”
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Map of the Fort Snelling area drawn by Indian agent Lawrence Taliaferro, 1835.
“So many stories are connecting people to this place, and I think that’s what makes this exhibit so compelling. Many visitors leave wanting to come back because there is so much to learn and explore.”
Visitors will find a variety of engaging formats to experience the stories of Fort Snelling; from traditional exhibit panels and object cases to interactive videos that feature descendants of those who lived and worked at the fort. You’ll hear firsthand accounts from World War II veterans, narratives from the descendants of the Dakota people regarding the US-Dakota War, and captivating insights into the lives of the Scott family.
Nancy Cass, the site manager at Historic Fort Snelling, noted that the depth and complexity of the stories often surprise guests. “So many stories are connecting people to this place, and I think that’s what makes this exhibit so compelling. Many visitors leave wanting to come back because there is so much to learn and explore.”
Now, during the colder months, schools and curious minds alike can enjoy an expanded field trip season, diving deeper into the complex histories that both define and enrich our understanding of this pivotal site. So bundle up and experience the confluence of history and storytelling at Historic Fort Snelling; the winter opening promises an enriching adventure for all!
For more information on hours, admission, and special events, visit the Historic Fort Snelling website and plan your visit today!
200 Tower Ave., St Paul | 612-726-1171 mnhs.org/fortsnelling
Military Intelligence Service Language School students at Fort Snelling, 1945.
Dred and Harriet Scott space.
Historic Fort Snelling
ENJOY UNIQUE CULINARY EXPERIENCES THAT PAIR VARIOUS BEERS WITH ELEVATED DISHES
Come to the Cave
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEAR CAVE BREWING
Dan Murray and Marc Paavola
With their expansive culinary backgrounds, General Manager Dan Murray and Chef Marc Paavola enjoy collaborating with each other to bring the patrons of Bear Cave Brewing in Hopkins unique experiences. While they have fun with the restaurant’s everyday menu of elevated pubstyle food, they get to be even more creative with the monthly dinner parties that take place from December through April.
“What Marc and I wanted to do was something a little bit more special and create a themed menu that would run throughout the slower parts of the year when we actually have the time to invest in an event like this,” says Dan. “So, rather than what you usually find with a wine pairing dinner, we wanted to really highlight our beers.”
These beer pairing dinners are held in the speakeasy on the lower level of the restaurant, and seating is capped at 24 guests. As soon as guests arrive, they are served an amuse-bouche, a plate with three different small hors d'oeuvres complemented by three different beers. Then, the brewer Ryan Kartes, along with Chef Marc, provide an overview of the beers and the food being served that evening.
Although it’s an elegant event, it’s in a relaxed atmosphere. “We're all here throughout the dinner, so we chat with everybody and make it a fun night,” says Dan. Everyone tends to mingle and make new friends and it gives Dan and Chef Marc a chance to get to know their customers a little bit better.
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“Dan and I both come from fine dining backgrounds and even with the casual nature of Bear Cave, when we originally wrote the menu, we wanted to make sure that we were doing something different,” says Chef Marc. “I wanted it to be highly elevated, but since we're also a brewery pizzeria, it needed to be casual at the same time. Once that was done, we realized we were missing our true passion of pairing food and the hospitality of throwing parties.”
The tasting menus offered at most other places, they say, tend to be a reflection of either something that’s already on the menu, or they’re built off of an already existing menu. But, that’s not the case here.
“We pair the beer to unique dishes, and we're actually coming to the point now where we can kind of do the opposite and maybe have the brewer say, ‘I want to use these beers,’ and then actually put food to them,” says Dan. “So, we have a lot of fun challenges coming ahead of us.”
To add a little mystery to each dinner, there’s a secret theme to each menu. For instance, their holiday cheer classic menu reflected a French technique theme. “The foie gras tartlet with roasted beets and pickled apples was paired with its barely nutty English brown ale,” says Chef Marc. “The earthiness of the foie gras and the beets with pickled apple really went well with that beer. It tasted almost like a hazelnut beer although there were no nuts in it.”
Also on the menu was a sweet potato tarte tatin. “We paired that with a lardon salad and goat cheese foam, and the beer chosen was our rye IPA that was very highly pine aggressive,” says Chef Marc. “With the sweetness and the depth of the sweet potato, and the salad, it was spectacular.”
This month, the Valentine’s dinner will have a Scandinavian theme, although the actual menu is a secret for now. “It’s really interesting that we were actually able to sell out the last dinner when people didn't know what they were going to be eating,” says Dan. Of course, if someone lets them know ahead of time that they have dietary restrictions, they’ll gladly accommodate them.
When it comes to pairing beer with the various foods, they say it’s a lot easier than doing so with wine. “It's easy to grab a beer that goes with whatever you're eating,” says Chef Marc. “Wine can be more aggressive and it's more challenging to find the right wine for a specific situation. We’re also making 20 plus beers here, so we have a lot of options.”
Their goal is to satisfy everybody's palate while at the same time introducing them to beers they might not otherwise drink. “We're very diligent and thoughtful about how the food and beer are going to interact,” says Dan.
Another interesting development is their new partnership with The Vine Room. “We're going to be adding on a dinner for their club members to do a wine pairing with one of our beer dinner menus,” he says. “That's going to be really fun as well.”
In addition to these special dinners, Bear Cave Brewing offers many other fun events such as comedy nights, bingo, trivia nights, family movie nights, speed dating and live music.
To learn more, and to buy tickets for one of these special monthly dinners, go to BearCaveBrewing.com.
1201 Mainstreet, Hopkins | 952-426-3214
FEBRUARY 2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 1ST - MARCH 23RD
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Guthrie Theater
In this beloved tale of mischief and merriment, four stories are cleverly woven together: the marriage of the Athenian duke to the Amazon queen; a spat between the fairy king and queen; the follies of four lovers; and the hilarious antics of amateur actors staging a play. guthrietheater.org.
FEBRUARY 1ST
Loppet Winter Festival
Bde Maka Ska and Theodore Wirth Park
The City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival is a two-day festival that includes the Luminary Loppet, which is the most magical night of winter; a variety of point-to-point Cross-Country Ski, Fat-Tire Bike, Skijor, and Snowshoe events, both competitive races and recreational touring events through Theodore Wirth Park; and a number of unique events, such as the Captain Ken's Kubb Tournament – plus much more. loppet.org.
FEBRUARY 14TH - 15TH
A Sinatra Valentine
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres | 7:30 PM
On the weekend of cupid’s holiday, Andrew Walesch and His Orchestra will take you on an unforgettable journey through the career of one of the most romantic voices of all time, Frank Sinatra. Leading his all-star big band packed with local sidemen favorites, showman Andrew Walesch kidnaps the Blue Eyes tradition and makes it his own in his jazz-bent Sinatra revue that jams venues all over the Midwest and beyond with a uniquely cross-generational audience. chanhassendt.com
FEBRUARY 21ST - 23RD
Minnesota Golf Show
Minneapolis Convention Center
Jumpstart your swing with free MN PGA lessons, test new clubs, or visit vendors from apparel to accessories to the latest tech at the Midwest's largest golf show. mngolfshow.com.
FEBRUARY 22ND
Winter Beer Dabbler
Minnesota State Fairgrounds | 3:00 PM
The Midwest’s biggest and best winter beer festival will make its triumphant return to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The Winter Beer Dabbler team is beyond excited to welcome you all back to the Mighty Midway to sample great beer from breweries all over the United States while enjoying music, food trucks, and other thrilling attractions. beerdabbler.com.
FEBRUARY 28TH - MARCH 2ND
Disney On Ice Presents Into The Magic
Target Center
Hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse bring audiences on an expedition across raging seas, snow covered mountains and the marigold bridge in Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic. This action-packed extravaganza, produced by Feld Entertainment, Inc., features Disney’s Moana, Frozen, Coco and Beauty and the Beast with other beloved Disney characters returning to be featured in seven fun-filled performances. disneyonice.com.
pastry
PERFECTION
Our pastry selections aren’t just stunning, they’re scrumptious! That’s because our experienced bakers and pastry professionals make them with classic pastry creams, real fruit and premium chocolate – by hand – every day. Check the Pastry or Cake Case for scratch-made mini pies, cream puffs, éclairs, tarts and many more tantalizing treats in a variety of sizes. Pick up a little something special for yourself, or ask for an assortment to wow guests at your next gathering. That’s the joy of good pastry!
Selection and availability may vary by market.
