Missoula Valley February 2016

Missoula Valley FEBRUARY 2016

MissoulaValleyLifestyle.com

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FONDUE FOR LOVERS THE LOFOTEN ARCHIPELAGO DANCING WITH THE MISSOULA STARS

Kathie Butts 406-363-8114

Deer Ridge Rd, Victor Charming 3 BD, 3 BA well cared for home overlooking a large pond with views in all directions. Enjoy the lovely shaded patio and easy care landscaping.

Extremely private location in an area of 20 plus acre parcels that surround this property. A walking nature trail runs through the 23 acres and across a mountain creek. Detached large shop and garage with guest suite. $625,000

Bear Creek Rd, Victor Super mid-valley location with charming, nicely maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bath single level home, garage shop. Property is horse friendly on 10 acres with a 3 stall barn, large pasture, paddocks and round pen. Barn includes a small tack room plus storage for approximately 10 tons of hay. Past uses of this property includes a small training facility and boarding operation. $389,900

China Silk Way, Hamilton The living is fabulous in this brand new home, and the views are incredible from just about every room in the house.

Bordered by county land on the east this home enjoys end of the road privacy. Beautiful upscale features including honed granite counters, mixed material mosaic tile, lovely appliance package, European style flooring, spa style nat gas fireplace and a soaking tub like no other! $365,000

Lifestyle Letter

The perfect travel companion.

S

ix months shy of my 18th birthday I went on my first international trip—Australia, where my younger brother would box a kangaroo. I kid you not. Well, I’d been to Canada and Mexico, but according to my teenage self those places didn’t count…yet. I didn’t have the bag. As a child I imagined—but never thought it’d happen—traveling the world with a hard-shelled suitcase dotted with stickers from all the exotic places I’d visit. My travels couldn’t begin until I had the perfect luggage.

My mother and step dad Dan gifted me the bag—a bluish-green Eagle Creek backpack— just shy of eighteen years ago. This bag has been with me on every trip that’s counted (and even some that haven’t like, for example, my weekly trips down to the Bitterroot to hang out with my dad whose wanderlust he passed on to me and who regularly surrenders to his). While it doesn’t have stickers, my bag does have patches—including one from our neighbors to the north and south—strategically sewn on to highlight some of the special places and things I’ve done: rock climbing in Joshua Tree with my younger brother, living in Colombia and Philadelphia (the greatest city in the world), studying abroad in Ireland, sailing around Cape Horn with my dad.

FEBRUARY 2016 publisher

Michael Tucker | MTucker@LifestylePubs.com editor

Danielle M. Antonetti | DAntonetti@LifestylePubs.com administrative assistant

Chelsea Lyn Drake | Chelsea.LynDrake@LifestylePubs.com contributing writers

Matthew Bowman, Chelsea Lyn Drake, Anne Potter Russ, Mike Tornatore contributing photographers

Matthew Bowman, Pamela Dunn-Parrish

CORPORATE TEAM | Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Happy travels!

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR AD COORDINATORS

| DeLand Shore | Brad Broockerd

| Sara Minor

ART DIRECTOR

I remember when it had just one—a round patch with a manta ray on it I picked up after snorkeling off Lady Elliot Island, the southernmost coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef.

On a recent trip to Joshua Tree, again with my brother, a baggage handler at the Missoula airport commented, "Those are a lot of patches." The bag and I have racked up a few but we're still eagerly collecting patches and memories. We've been on this journey together, so I was a bit surprised to find out it's called the Solo Journey bag. As anyone who has taken a trip solo can tell you, you're never really alone when you travel.

| Matthew Perry

| Nicole Sylvester

| Cyndi Harrington, Chelsi Hornbaker, Kim Foster, Megan Seymour

LAYOUT DESIGNER DESIGN SPECIALIST

| Nicolette Martin | Ashleigh Thomson

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPER

| Melanie Carlisle | Michael O’Connell | Hanna Park

Danielle M. Antonetti, Editor DAntonetti@LifestylePubs.com

by Community ™

ON THE COVER Someone once told the writer

of this month’s feature on the Lofoten Islands

MissoulaValleyLifestyle.com

that they were once voted the world’s second most beautiful archipelago. This fishing village located in one the islands’ many sheltered bays proves it must be the most picturesque.

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Missoula Valley Lifestyle | February 2016

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P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Missoula Valley Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Missoula Valley’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 Missoula Valley Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

2620 Brooks 543-3200 | 4561 N. Reserve 541-8141 Also visit us when you’re in Kalispell, Butte, Great Falls and Billings!

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February 2016

20

Departments 8

Good Times

10

Around Town

14

Local Limelight

26

Hops & Vine

30

Locally Owned

32

Lifestyle Calendar

34

Parting Thoughts

14 Dancing with the Missoula Stars

Zootown celebrities boogie for the Downtown Dance Collective.

20 The Lofoten Islands

Man recounts his autumn trip to the Scandinavian archipelago.

26 Fondue for Lovers

Celebrate V-Day with cheese, chocolate, and cheer.

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26

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Good Times

Painting with a Purpose

Friends, neighbors and community members enjoyed an evening of music and painting at an event hosted by Painting with a Twist for the Center for Music by People with Disabilities. Music was provided by CMPD and the event raised $600 for the center.

PHOTOGRAPHY PAINTING WITH A TWIST-MISSOULA

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Around Town

AROUND TOWN

BIG SKY NEWS

Hearst Journalism Awards, the most prestigious student journalism awards nationally. The story KickingWoman wrote was for the spring 2015 Native News project, a class that sends teams of journalism students—a writer paired with a photographer—out to each of Montana’s American Indian reservations. Reporting from the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, KickingWoman and his partner, photographer Celia Talbot Tobin, told the stories of tribal members navigating questions of sexual and gender identity. One storyline followed a transgender teen attending her first prom. “I had a lot of fun doing that story,” KickingWoman said. He is pleased to

The Missoula Education Foundation awarded Big Sky High School

have won an award for a piece where he found both the subject

teacher Tom Andres the 2015 Exceptional Educator Award. All award

matter and the length of the writing to be a challenge. “It was

selections were made by the MEF Student Board, which is comprised

kind of outside my comfort zone.” To read KickingWoman’s story,

of high school students from across the school district. Andres was

view Tobin’s photos and learn more about the Native News proj-

born and raised in Missoula, is a Big Sky graduate, and a part of the Ag-

ect, visit NativeNews.Jour.UMT.edu.

riculture Center staff. Over the last eight years, Andres has continued the Center’s tradition of excellence, bringing science to life for students across Missoula County Public Schools. Congrats to Mr. Andres!

DOCUMENTARY FILM FEST TIME! Travel the globe at the 13th annual Big Sky Documentary Film

Also getting a shout-out is Big Sky sophomore Betta Lyon-Delsor-

Festival (BSDFF), the largest cinema event in Montana and the

do for being the 2015 Recipient of the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership

premiere venue for non-fiction film in the American West. The

Scholarship. This spring, she will attend the State Leadership Semi-

festival draws an audience of 20,000 and receives over 1,400 film

nar. Great work, Betta!

entries from every corner of the globe. BSDFF offers a unique

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setting for filmmakers to premiere new work and for audiences to see innovative new films as well as classics in the genre.

Montana Ace Hardware believes our veterans should be remem-

BSDFF hosts over 100 visiting artists, and screens an average of

bered every day—not just once or twice a year. The hardware retailer,

140 nonfiction films annually at the historic Wilma Theater, The

through its Veterans Club, offers an everyday 10 percent discount on

Top Hat, The Roxy Theater, and Crystal Theater in downtown

all regular-priced items to all active duty and retired military person-

Missoula. This year’s event is February 19-28. More information

nel. It's free and easy to sign up. The discount is available at Mon-

is available at BigSkyFilmFest.org.

tana Ace Trempers, Eastgate, Ronan, Polson, and Kalispell as well as Montana Ace Fancy Plants and Montana Ace Power Pros. For more information, visit MontanaAce.com/veteran-s-club.html.

$25K FOR UM'S BLACKSTONE LAUNCHPAD The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a leader in advancing education and entrepreneurship, awarded the University of Montana’s Blackstone LaunchPad a $25,000 grant to further understand women’s participation in pre-entrepreneurial stages. Blackstone LaunchPad aims to help UM students and alumni jump-start their own businesses by nurturing young entrepreneurs and providing them the skills and network necessary to succeed. They will use the one-year grant to better understand why female students may choose not to engage and to foster better participation by women in entrepreneurial programs. For more information visit UMT.edu/launchpad.

EXPLORE CRETACEOUS

UM STUDENT A HEARST AWARD FINALIST

Medicine Dinosaur Center, has taken up residence in Missoula at the

A life-sized cast of a Tyrannosaurus rex skull, on loan from the Two

Until spring semester 2015, University of Montana senior Kol-

Montana Natural History Museum, 120 Hickory St. The exhibit, which

by KickingWoman had not written a long-form feature during

runs through May 30, also has a collection of Cretaceous flora and

his time at the School of Journalism, focusing instead on short

fauna fossils from the UM Paleontology Center. Admission is $3 for

stories mostly about sports. Six months later, his first long-form

adults, $1 for children ages 4-18, and free for kiddos 4 and younger.

story tied for 17th place in the Feature Writing competition of the

Visit MontanaNaturalist.org for more information.

10

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | February 2016

CONTINUED >

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Around Town

(CON TI N U ED)

Lakeside Promise

J

osh Gilligan, son of Jim and Julie Gilligan of Missoula, was trying to play it cool when his soon-to-be fiancée Rachel Bradford,

daughter of Bob and Karee Bradford of Billings, scanned his pockets for a certain size box last October. They were at Canyon Ferry Lake on their way to a familiar bench overlooking the shore, the sweet spot where they first told each other they loved one another.

“Oh God, she was so beautiful,” says Josh, remembering the first time he ever saw her. “I just knew I wanted to get to know her more.”

They bantered on Monday nights when he worked as a dishwasher at MSU and she was in charge of the kitchen staff. As luck would have it, she began dating someone else before she knew Josh had

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her in his sights.

“I guess I’m going to have to wait this out,” says Josh, remembering himself swallowing hard and praying that he didn't grow old before he had his chance at asking her out on a date. Luckily, that chance came a few weeks later when they shared the quietest car ride of their lives as they drove to Starky’s restaurant in Bozeman.

“There were so many things I wanted to talk with her about but none of them were short enough for a car ride,” says Josh, laughing between his words. “And I hadn’t really thought of any small talk.”

Turns out, their drive to the lake this past October wasn’t too different from their first date. They were on their way to Helena at first to return her aunt and uncle’s booster seat that Rachel had accidentally taken home with her. This was Josh’s ticket, an excuse.

Suspecting that Rachel was holding true to her perceptive personality, Josh kept calm and let their conversation linger a bit longer at the lake, savoring the moments just before the one that would soon take them to their special day.

By way of a booster seat and a love that budded from first-sight, Rachel said yes. The date is set for May 28 at Hart Ranch in Gallatin Gateway,

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another epicenter for Montana’s sweeping views. The couple will reside in Bozeman after their honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

“I am just so overwhelmingly excited for the rest of my life with her,” says Josh. “Every time I think about it…I just can’t wait.”

BUDDY DEFRANCO JAZZ FESTIVAL The 36th annual UM Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival will kick off March 17 and will feature young musicians performing each day as well as professionals giving sessions on jazz improvisations along with master classes on various instruments. Each evening the "Best Section High School Big Band," high school soloists, the UM Jazz Ensemble I, and special guest artists will perform in the Dennison Theatre and UM Music Building. All seating must be reserved in advance. Adult tickets are $18 per night, or $30 for both evenings, and $10, or $15, respectively, for students/seniors.

Josh Gilligan and Rachel Bradford

For more information, schedules and performances, visit UMT.edu/music.

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Missoula Valley Lifestyle | February 2016

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Local Limelight

Dancing with the Missoula Stars MEET THE CELEBRITIES AND THEIR PROS PHOTOGRAPHY PAMELA DUNN-PARRISH

T

en fewer Missoulians will have two left feet following their participation in “Dancing with the Missoula Stars,” a fundraiser for

the Downtown Dance Collective (DDC).

‘ ’ Got Sabor ?

For weeks, our celebrities—or non-dancers, the preferred term

Celebrity: Paul

of at least one competitor—have been rehearsing their steps with

Ryan, Attorney

their professional dancers. All their hard work, blood (no doubt

Pro Dancer: Jennifer Corbin

they’ll have a popped blister or two), sweat and tears will come

Dance Style: Salsa

together Sunday, February 21 at the Top Hat Lounge for an event "It's a new experience and

sure to have you wishing you were a celebrity.

Missoula Valley Lifestyle was there when the couples were intro-

exciting. I'm not a very good

duced and captured the excitement and panic, but mostly the hap-

dancer at all, so I hope I get to stand while my partner

py nervous energy of the “non-dancers” and their pros.

dances around me."

-Paul Ryan

Bring the Drama

Celebrity: Charene Herrera, DJ on KYSS 94.9 Pro Dancer: Patrick Marsolek

Dance Style: Argentine Tango Before Charene officially learned her dance style: Charene: "I figured tango since you're the tango master."

Patrick: "You didn't know that."

Charene: "Yeah, I kind of did. I'm smarter than you think."

"I'm the non-dancer. I prefer non-dancer to celebrity. After this, I'm going to be a dancer!"

-Charene Herrera

Ham It Up

Celebrity: Suzanne Phillips, Chef/Manager at The Trough at The Olde Dairy Pro Dancer: Heidi Jones Eggert Dance Style: Lindy Hop Suzanne’s winning spirit: "I'm definitely not shy. I'm definitely a ham.”

Suzanne, you’ve sized up the other dancers. Who is the biggest competition?

"Reid [Reimers] has a lot of theater experience. I think his having been in shows and being part of the theater give him a big advantage, and he's also quite a ham.”

14

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | February 2016

Throwing Shade

Celebrity: Corey Regini, Lead Brewer at the

KettleHouse Pro Dancer: Christopher Coburn Dance Style: Hip Hop Corey, what are you most looking forward to?

"Shaking my butt."

"Katie's good. I'm better. Her partner seems really cool, too. Corey's cooler."

-Christopher Coburn

Dance with a Kick

Celebrity: Melanie Charlson, President of the Missoula Education Association Pro Dancer: Jennifer Meyer Vaughan Dance Style: Latin Jazz “My genre has a bit of spice, so I think I’ve got this. Plus, I can shake my hips.”

-Melanie Charlson

The Shade Gauntlet

Celebrity: Christine Littig, Owner of Bernice’s Bakery Pro Dancer: Katie Lewis Dance Style: Hip Hop Stylized Katie, there are two hip hop dancers in this competition, you and Christopher. Sum up Christopher’s style.

"His style is kind of jazz, funk, West Coast, and I don't know what that means. He probably read it on the Internet."

"Katie will have to put up with my

smelling like a cookie every day."

-Christine Littig CONTINUED >

EVENT DETAILS

When: Sunday, February 21 Time: Doors at 5 p.m., show at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Top Hat Lounge, 134 W. Front Cost: $35/person; purchase at TopHatLounge.com Follow the teams and vote for your favorite on DancingWithTheMissoulaStars.org.

February 2016 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

15

Local Limelight

(CON TI N U ED)

Fez Astaire

Celebrity: Felipe “Fez” Von Sydow, Co-Owner of Arcane Fitness Pro Dancer: Meagen Hensley Dance Style: Old Hollywood

Meagan, are you going to teach Fez

Spirit of Hawai’i

how to lead?

Celebrity: Susan Hay Pat-

"We’ll see. If I have to lead, I'll lead. If he

rick, CEO of United Way

can, he will. He's definitely able to pick

of Missoula County

me up. I can't pick him up, unfortunate-

Pro Dancer: Mina May

ly, although that could be kind of fun."

Dance Style: Hula

Fez chimes in, "I'm not afraid to fall."

“Hula?!? Well, I’ll certainly be the only 60-year-old Jewish hula dancer in Missoula.”

-Susan Hay Patrick

Under Pressure

Celebrity: Jeff Medley, Actor and

Musician Pro Dancer: Joy French Dance Style: Contemporary Team Advantage: Partners in Real Life Team Disadvantage: Partners in Real Life Jeff, have you sized up the competition?

"Some of it."

Are you feeling confident?

"Not really. I can pretend."

"There are some high stakes with us: Jeff got voted best actor last year and I got voted best dancer, so we cannot screw up. We're not allowed."

-Joy French

Talking Trash

Celebrity: Reid Reimers, Actor and Arts Educator Pro Dancer: Colleen Rosbarsky Dance Style: Musical Theater Fosse-Style Colleen, have you sized up the competition?

"I think I have a huge advantage because I have Reid.

He's an amazing performer.”

Reid, do you have a little rivalry with fellow actor Jeff Medley?

"Yes, very much so and a really fun one. I just want to give him the stink eye. Competitions are more fun if you talk some trash."

16

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | February 2016

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A 50-year wait to see the Scandinavian archipelago ends ARTICLE MATTHEW BOWMAN WITH DANIELLE M. ANTONETTI PHOTOGRAPHY POLAROID PHOTOGRAPHY MATTHEW BOWMAN

T

he bus's motor can be felt as the driver steadily increases its hum, pulling us higher and higher into Norway. Finland's myri-

ad trees begin to dot the landscape rather than line it as the earth yields to Norway's rock formations. Each curve on the road brings another, even more stunning view. I sit up higher in my seat.

Someone once told me—I neither know nor care if it's true—that the Lofoten Islands were once voted the second most beautiful archipelago in the world. They are stunning and the reason for this trip.

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Missoula Valley Lifestyle | February 2016

ROVANIEMI, FINLAND

My journey to the Lofoten Islands begins in Oulu, Finland, home to Nokia and the Air Guitar Championships. I kick myself for not coordinating my visit with the 20th annual event in late August 2015; I miss it by five days. Although disappointed, I eagerly await my train's departure to Rovaniemi, which sits a few kilometers from the Arctic Circle and is the city considered to be the official home of Santa Claus. He and his elves remain busy year-round in Rovaniemi at the Santa Claus Village, a town within this city dedicated to his work and spirit. It's September, and Santa welcomes me to sit on his lap and I tell him my Christmas wish list and assure him that I've been nice this year. Later, I overhear him speaking to children (and adults like me) in other languages: French, German, Arabic, Mongolian, and of course Finnish, among others. I even meet Rudolph.

As a history buff, I make my way over to the Arktikum Museum. The exhibit "Northern Ways" recounts the history and culture of the Sami (Lapp in English), the northernmost indigenous people of Europe.

While perusing the photos and artifacts, I transport myself into this culture and wonder if I could raise a herd of reindeer, live in an igloo, wear traditional Laplander clothing rather than my Levi's, endure a sunless winter. I tell myself I can.

That evening I eat at Restaurant Nili, a local favorite. Having just met Rudolph, I hesitate when the waiter recommends reindeer meatballs and I recall my daughter pleading with me not to eat Rudolph on my trip. Instead, I eat a cousin. The dish is served with boiled potatoes with melted butter, pickled cucumbers and homemade lingonberry jam, and I wash it down with olut (beer in Finnish) and say, "Kiitos"

lls served Reindeer meatbaan t Nili in ur sta Re e at th nd la Fin , Rovaniemi

MS Richa

rd With

(thank you). Rovaniemi isn't large, and I walk around the city, meeting people and taking note of the summer and winter activities to do here—camping, hiking, skiing, fishing, dog sledding, and kayaking.

Excuses to come back.

The writer in the Lofoten city of Ă…

CONTINUED >

Rovaniem

i, Finland

February 2016 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

21

THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS (CON TI N U ED)

TROMSØ, NORWAY

As the bus traverses the highway between Rovaniemi and Tromsø, it occasionally slows or stops to allow the moose and reindeer to cross. It's sweet, and I'm reminded of last night's meal. I am amazed at the beauty that peppers the landscape of a place in such a seemingly inhospitable location: pristine waterways, splendid mountains, picturesque fjords, and quaint villages. After nine hours, the bus makes its final push up the mountain to the city's center. Tromsø is the capital of the Norwegian Arctic. A local tells me that during the winter residents line the city's steep roads to watch in good humor as buses and cars maneuver up and down the icy slopes, miraculously missing the spectators and parked cars. It's clear this is more lore than fact, but it is true that the Aurora Borealis can be seen about 200 days out of the year.

I visit the Polar Museum (Polarmuseet), which while a bit graphic provides a fascinating history of whaling and polar bear hunting in the region and Norwegian explorers; the Arctic Cathedral to listen to the daily organ recital; and Polaria, the world's most northerly aquarium, which features lots of exhibits for children (or adults who are really just big kids) and is the home of three bearded seals. Across town is the Arktisk alpin Botaniske hage, the world's northernmost botanic garden. Its location, which corresponds to the north coast of Alaska, would suggest that the harsh arctic conditions would freeze the life of any plant that dared to flower. Not so; a branch of the Gulf Stream sweeps up the coast to moderate the Arctic's reputation for unforgiving conditions. The garden's colors resemble the rainbow and the earth feels fertile underfoot, a welcome home for several species of rhododendrons,

Navigating of the Lof through the fjord oten Island s chain

poppies, asters, Jacob's ladders, among many others.

As I watch the sun sink toward the horizon, I hurry to the Fjellheisen cable car for a ride that takes me from sea level to more than 1,300 feet. The five-minute ride is exhilarating as I watch the town shrink below. I can see the surrounding islands and fjords and Tromsdalstinden, a 4,062-foot peak at the valley's southern end. My busy day ends at Emma's Under, a popular walk-in eatery for Scandinavian food. I eat the herring platter.

22

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | February 2016

Tr Wharf in

omsø, Norw

ay

LOFOTEN ISLANDS, NORWAY

That night, I dream of being a Viking. I wake with dawn and head out for coffee and pannekaken (Norwegian pancakes).

There is solace to be found at this hour.

I stand on the wharf waiting to board the Norwegian cruise ship that will navigate the fjords to the Lofoten archipelago. My mind drifts back a half century to when, at 21 and on leave from the U.S. Air Force, I stood on this same wharf only to be forced to turn away and return to base as my leave was up. Today, I board the MS Richard With of Hurtigruten cruise lines, take my post on the boat's deck, and stare in awe at the landscapes of the “second” most beautiful archipelago as the enormous cruise liner navigates south through the islands. A day and a half later, the Richard With docks in Svolvær, the capital city of the Lofoten island chain, and I disembark grinning widely. I'm here…finally.

I love driving through unfamiliar and fa-

miliar places alike so I rent a car to acquaint myself more closely with as much of Lofoten as possible. Many of the islands are connected with bridges. From Svolvær, on the island Vestvågøy, I head south taking short off-road detours to mountain peaks, sandy beaches, hidden fjords, and petite fishing

A nearly d e south ofseSrted beach volvær

villages. Many times, I am alone, walking barefoot along a beach with nary another soul to startle me. I stop in Leknes to see the Viking Museum, where there is a reconstructed Viking longhouse, the world's largest. I've long admired the accomplishments and culture of the early Vikings. The name of my day's final destination begins with the first letter of the alphabet, the southern city of Å (pronounced like the double "o" in "floor"). That night, I return to Svolvær to rest before heading to Andenes in the north; again, I take the long way. I investigate the

robuer, or fishing houses that have been converted to overnight sites. Each place is an Eden. A perfect place.

As I wait to leave Lofoten, I am anxious, having loved my time here yet lamenting that there isn't more of it. As I promised myself fifty years earlier, I swear to return—next time with more

e start iew at tBhorealis v g in n e v E rora of the Au

Fun fac t

s about

Norway

time and a fishing rod.

February 2016 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

23

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Missoula Valley Lifestyle | February 2016

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ove is in the air (and snowflakes if we're lucky).

Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to melt

cheese and chocolate as well as hearts.

Many couples celebrate with a night out—a romantic dinner and a little bubbly. A night in, sitting around a warm pot of cheese and/or chocolate and dipping bread cubes, apples and strawberries, might be just what the love doctor ordered.

The Rules

Fondue must be served with crusty bread, and the

cheese must be thick enough to engulf an entire bread cube. Here are a few other rules:

First: No salads; cured meats, however, are acceptable.

Second: The wine or alcohol used in the fondue reci-

pe should never impart a lasting impression; leave that to the evening and gastronomic experience.

Third: The Swiss (who know better as fondue is

Switzerland's national dish) only serve white wine or tea with fondue. They believe these two drinks pair most appropriately with such a meal and also aid in the digestion of the cheese.

Fourth: The Swiss strictly adhere to this: If you lose

your bread in the pot, you’re on the hook for buying a round of drinks. I like this rule, but they should have one that covers double dipping, too!

The Cook Pots

There are generally three traditional types of fondue pots:

cheese pot, a wide brimmed pot able to withstand high heat; chocolate fondue pot, which is used to dip a variety of fruits

in, has a smaller opening, and isn't as deep requiring less heat; and hot oil pot, which is typically taller and has a smaller opening to help avoid spattering. I have used the various

types of pots, and for my money I recommend electric pots.

You can easily control the temperature, and they are versatile for all three styles of cooking and easy to clean.

The Right Wines

The Swiss have already narrowed down the wine se-

lection, at least to the color: white. Aromatic wines are perfumed with hints of tropical and exotic fruits and/or

Fondue for Lovers CELEBRATE V-DAY WITH CHEESE, CHOCOLATE, AND CHEER ARTICLE MIKE TORNATORE

cast an alluring floral aroma. Well-made aromatic wine varietals such as Riesling and Viognier are neither too fragrant nor too sweet; rather, they are perfectly harmonious wines in which the aromas and flavors come together like a well-rehearsed orchestra.

Champagne and sparkling wine go beautifully with fondue. The former can be quite expensive. Sparkling wine, on the other hand, can be just as good and offers great value. The Italian sparkling wine Prosecco brings together the best of the bubbly and aromatics.

CONTINUED >

26

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | February 2016

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Hops & Vine

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GRUET BLANC DE NOIRS

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Missoula Valley Lifestyle | February 2016

Color: Clear light yellow Nose: Lime, citrus, aromatics of white peach and stone fruits Palate: Citrus, lush fruit, mineral Finish: Delicious acidity with a hint of confection

WINE GUY MIKE’S CHEESE FONDUE RECIPE

1 shallot, finely chopped 1-1/4 cup Cristalino Extra Dry Cava (sparkling wine) 2 cups Gruyere cheese 1 1/3 cup Emmentaler cheese 1/2 cup Brie cheese 4 tsp corn starch 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice nutmeg white pepper 1 loaf crusty bread, cubed Directions In a large sauce pan, combine shallot and sparkling wine. Bring to boil for two minutes; remove from heat.

Add the Gruyere, Emmentaler and Brie cheeses and stir until they begin to melt. Mix the cornstarch with the fresh lemon juice and add to cheese mixture. Return pot to medium heat and stir for 10 minutes, or until mixture has thickened. Add 4-5 healthy shakes of nutmeg and 4-5 generous

BASKETBALL

shakes of white pepper about eight minutes after returning pot to heat.

Continue to stir. Once thickened, pour into a fondue pot and keep at a medium-low heat. Grab your fondue fork, poke a piece of cubed bread, and dunk it in the fondue. Apples slices go great with this fondue, too!

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29

Locally Owned

LOCAL GYM LAUNCHES INTERACTIVE PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS ARTICLE CHELSEA LYN DRAKE | PHOTOGRAPHY PAMELA DUNN-PARRISH

I

t seems there are several small truths hidden

"Typically, people join a club for weight loss,

under each year's new methods for improv-

but there are so many things that go along

ing our well-being. Articles, commercials, and

with that, whether it's poor sleeping patterns

friends have told us—reminded us—of these

because of how you're eating, or poor nutrition,

simple solutions. Year after year we read and

etcetera," she says. "We've recognized that

hear the same jingle: Eat better, exercise more,

there are missing puzzle pieces. So we have

get some fresh air, quit smoking, and lose those

a registered dietician nutritionist, we've got a

extra few pounds we swear are from this win-

health coach, and we have personal trainers,

ter's hibernation. These truths cut right through

so we feel like we have all the pieces to the

our New Year's resolutions and smirk at our al-

puzzle but potentially, in the past, maybe we

ready not-so-stellar track record of cheats.

haven't had the eating part of it."

So we march ourselves to our local gym.

Supplements, she continues, "are often no more than just a multi-

We've pictured ourselves here on the sunny side

vitamin." There is a time and a place for them and the staff at the

of winter with our new workout gear, new mem-

PEAK are now certified and comfortable selling third party–test-

bership and a new mind full of expectations.

ed supplements in their juice bar because the supplements

However, somehow, by May or June, we've been

have been hand selected according to their purpose.

rerouted, distracted. We silently slip in and away from these facilities perhaps never having taken full advantage of them to begin with.

Susie Turner, director of PEAK Health &

"It will be a very small part of what we do, but there are some people who will benefit and take advantage of it," says Turner.

The bigger part, though, is not necessarily choosing one pillar over the other. It's the club's newfound

Wellness Center, says she's seen this happen

pride in being able to deeply know their mem-

year after year over a couple of decades. This

bers and recognizing where they may need the

month, they have started offering something

most help and how to go about getting them

different, a program called dotFIT, which caters

to their goals the way that's best for them.

to the four essential pillars of health to help create a more interactive experience for members.

"We want people to succeed," says Turner.

"We want to be the one-stop shop, whether it's getting your hair cut to getting your nails done to a massage to buying your

"Our goal is to build relationships with people and

multivitamins," she says. She laughs

help them succeed in whatever avenue it is."

and then whispers as if she is tell-

The four pillars are nutrition, exercise, supple-

ing a secret to a friend that her

mentation, and professional assistance. There is

staff will even go with you to

no order or necessity for all four to be included in

the grocery store or help

each visit to the gym but they are available and

clean your kitchen, if

easily accessible to members, new or current.

that's what it takes.

30

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | February 2016

Proud to be an American company.

"We can have the most beautiful building, the most up-to-date equipment, but if we don't develop a relationship with our people, it's just a nice building," she says.

"Somebody could come in…maybe [they're looking] to lose some weight. The trainer is actually going to work with them, and they're not, per se, recommending what they eat but they will guide them to our dietician to help them. The dietician may say these are just a few tweaks that they can make that will make a big difference."

She talks about several members she's known personally over the years. Their successes are the fun part, whether

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it means that they've run their first race or that they've perhaps left the club only to come back because of the unique communities it produces. One woman, a spotlight member just a few months ago, said the PEAK opened up a whole new life for her, enabling her to do things she may not have known she was capable of.

"We always say 'fitness is a journey, not a destination' because it is true," says Turner. Their new pledge to members is to be the gold standard—to offer much more than their facilities.

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February 2016 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

31

Lifestyle Calendar

February FEBRUARY 4

Register/information at Currents Aquatic Cen-

outdoors this winter. A free program brought

GLORIOUS VISTA: ART OF THE

ter, 600 Cregg Lane, Active.com or 406.721.

to you in part by Garden City Flyers Club. All

AMERICAN WEST

PARK. Proceeds benefit the REACH MORE

ages welcome. GardenCityFlyers.org.

MONTANA MUSEUM OF ART AND CULTURE

program, which makes adventure and recre-

Interim curator Jeremy Canwell gives a tour of

ation accessible to people with disabilities

this show curated by Cheryl Leibold. The ex-

FEBRUARY 20 STRFKR AND COM TRUISE

hibit, which runs through February 20, fea-

FEBRUARY 6

tures 59 landscapes and historical depic-

CONTRA DANCES

STRFKR’s dance party hits career-spanning

tions by Edgar Paxson, Charles M. Russell,

UNION HALL

live set is a sweat-drenched, laser-soaked

Nancy McLaughlin, and Ralph Earl DeCamp. Visit

The Missoula Folklore Society welcomes singles

affair. Com Truise features Seth Haley’s sig-

UMT.edu/montanamuseum for more information.

and couples to its bi-weekly Contra Dances at

nature production style, one that’s rooted in

the Union Hall on Feb-

classic sci-fi sounds and analogue textures

ruary 6 and 20. There

but nevertheless utterly contemporary. For

will be live music and

tickets, visit TopHatLounge.com.

TOP HAT LOUNGE

a lesson for beginners (or newcomers) at 7:30

FEBRUARY 21

p.m. Cost is $6 for MFS

LA FOLIA

members and students,

UM MUSIC RECITAL HALL

$9 for all others. For

A String Orchestra of the Rockies' Musi-

more information, visit

cal Folly explores an ancient melody that

MissoulaFolk.org.

became an unrivaled phenomenon in the

FEBRUARY 10

history of western music. Discover musical gems of many centuries while following that

PARENT YOGA

tune. For tickets and more information, visit

PEACEFUL

SORMT.org.

HEART YOGA A

relaxing,

casu-

FEBRUARY 27

FEBRUARY 5

al environment where you relax, stretch

WINTER BREWFEST

MISSOULA MAULERS VS. SEATTLE TOTEMS

and develop strength without having to

CARAS PARK

GLACIER ICE RINK

find childcare. Children of all ages are

Beat the winter blues and enjoy some

Come watch your Missoula Maulers take

welcome. Babies may nap, watch you,

local brews. Taste beers from dozens of

on the Seattle Totems. Full schedule, more

crawl on you or be lifted during your

different breweries and enjoy a night in

information and tickets are available at

warrior poses and older kids may do the

downtown Missoula.

MissoulaMaulers.com.

poses with us. Every Wednesday (1-1:45

FEBRUARY 6 WINTER CARNIVAL AND MARSHALL MOUNTAIN SNOWSHOE CLASSIC

p.m.) with Jess Matthiae and every Fri-

FEBRUARY 27

day (9-9:45 a.m.) with Amy Friedman.

A GERMAN REQUIEM

PeacefulHeartYogaMissoula.com.

DENNISON THEATRE The

Missoula

Symphony

presents

MARSHALL MOUNTAIN

FEBRUARY 13

Activity booths, live music, food, demos,

FOLF IN THE PARKS

200 musicians in the powerful and dra-

and general winter fun including a winter

BEN HUGHES PARK

matic Brahms German Requiem featur-

folf course! Snowshoe races registration

The same sport you love the rest of the year

ing soprano Christina Pier and baritone

fee includes swag bag, a multi-function-

can be played in the winter. A great way for

Charles Robert Stephens. For tickets, visit

al ski cap, and raffle tickets for door prizes.

the whole family to stay active, engaged, and

MissoulaSymphony.org.

32

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | February 2016

a heart-pounding combination of nearly

business directory ART & PHOTOGRAPHY HEALTH & WELLNESS Art Attic Framing and Design (406) 728-5500 artatticmt.com

Mariane Maynard Photography (406) 381-1921 marianemaynardphotography.com Open Lens by Pamela (406) 370-2704 openlensbypamela.com

AUTOMOTIVE

Reds Accessories Plus (406) 728-0040 redsaccessoriesplus.com

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS Big Sky Denture Group (406) 829-8900 bigskydenture.com

Missoula Pediatric Dentistry (406) 541-7334 missoulapediatricdentistry.com Northwest Denture Center (406) 542-0609

EDUCATION

University of Montana Athletics (406) 243-4336 gogriz.com

Acupuncture Clinic of Missoula (406) 728-1600 acupunctureclinicofmissoula.com

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

Peak Health & Wellness Center (406) 251-3344 peakmissoula.com

Bellamah Vein Center (406) 541-3200 veinmontana.com

The Wellness Institute of Montana - Aleph PC (406) 721-2537 alephmt.com

Northwest Plastic Surgery Assoc.

(406) 728-3811 nwpsa.com

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

Oral Surgical Associates (406) 728-6840 oralsurgicalassociates.com

Abbey Carpet Missoula (406) 721-1810 missoula.abbeycarpet.com

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS Direct Source (406) 728-8099

HOME SERVICES SpeedConnect (406) 241-2901 speedconnect.com

INSURANCE

Danny Blowers Insurance Agency (406) 541-9885 dannyblowersagency.com

Diane Beck Windermere Real Estate (406) 532-7927 move2missoula.com LAMBROS ERA Susan Laine (406) 370-1010 eralambros.com

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE Montana Club Resturants (406) 541-0076 montanaclub.com

Partners In Home Care (406) 728-8848 partnersinhomecare.org

Mustard Seed (406) 542-7333 mustardseedweb.com

Western Montana Clinic (406) 721-5600 westernmontanaclinic.com

Paradise Falls (406) 728-3228 paradisefallsmissoula.com

OTHER

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews (406) 830-3170 redrobin.com

PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE

SHOPPING CENTERS

Montana Ace Hardware (406) 728-3030 montanaace.com

Berkshire Hathaway Montana Properties (406) 721-4141 BHHSMT.com

Southgate Mall (406) 721-5140 shopsouthgate.com

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February 2016 | Missoula Valley Lifestyle

33

Love Parting Thoughts

Is in the Air

WORDS ANNE POTTER RUSS

my seatmate for our eight-hour

comments from friends, so I took my chances

flight, and we commence what could

that he would at least look familiar.

be termed a date—dinner, movie, etc.

Honeymoon is the word we use for those

There were way too many intelligent

two weeks of Christmas bliss. Without ques-

conversations, laughs and glasses of

tion, we would end up together, so two years

wine, and the next thing I knew, the sun

of trans-Atlantic, pre-Internet, large phone

was coming up on our trans-Atlantic flight,

bill dating ensued. There were some lan-

and I didn’t want the fun to end. He was return-

guage and culture barriers to overcome, and

ing home to Germany, and I would eventually

fortunately for my non-German speaking

return home to Kansas City—worlds apart.

self, he was excited to move to the States.

He called a week later asking if he could

We were married two years after meeting,

ho knew boarding a flight 23 years

come to visit for Christmas in a couple of weeks.

and immediately moved to California for his

ago in my blue sweat suit (think 1980's

“Sure!” I answered, not knowing how many

engineering job. Now, I have to giggle at peo-

wear) would change my entire life? Certainly

martinis it would take to enlighten my parents

ple with text and Skype who complain about

not me, or I might have dressed a bit snappier

of this impending event. So I commenced, “I

having to endure long-distance relationships

and put on a smidge of makeup and perfume.

am 29 years old, you have trusted me this long,

from New York to Boston.

But I had reached that elusive place of peace in

blah, blah, blah.” Their shock equaled my freak-

Love at first sight does happen, and some-

my quickly-nearing-explosion biological count-

out. I’d known him for eight hours. When I went

times it comes in a big old jumbo jet of a

down when I figured that if the right guy were

to the airport—in a much spiffier outfit—I actu-

package. We are ready to celebrate our 22nd

to come along, I best relax a bit and calm down.

ally wondered if I would recognize the gentle-

wedding anniversary and have two won-

So calm down I did, donning one of the ugli-

man who had wooed me weeks before. I had

derful teenagers. Maybe the blue sweat suit

est outfits I had for sheer comfort. Then, in walks

already endured all of the “Are you CRAZY?”

wasn’t such a bad choice after all.

W

34

Missoula Valley Lifestyle | February 2016

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