SUMMER FUN FOR THE FAMILY IN THE SOUTHWEST REGION
NORTH EDITION 2019
PUBLISHED BY
2 | May 23, 2019
Southwest Summer Fun, North edition BY ALEX CHHITH
Get out there and ride
T
he southwest metro isn’t just for cars. There are miles upon mi les of trails, perfect for stretching those cramped winter legs on earth-friendly, two-wheeled vehicles — bikes. Some trai ls are wel lknown and attract hundreds of users, while others are off the beaten path. Residents living in Plymouth, Chaska, Minnetonka, Shakopee or any other neighboring community can take advantage of the Luce Line Trail, Dakota Regional Trail, Lake Minnetonka LRT Trail, Chaska Ravine Trail, the Arboretum’s Three Mile Drive, Purgatory Creek Park and the Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail. So what are you waiting for? Take on a new adventure right in your own backyard. Oh, and don’t forget a helmet!
Choose your own adventure
1. LUCE LINE TRAIL: BEGINNER’S TRAIL.
FILE PHOTO BY DANIEL HUSS
Choose your adventure this summer.
This beauty stretches 38 miles from Plymouth to Watertown and 45 miles from Plymouth to Hutchinson, taking users from their suburban homes to rural America. Much of it is flat, making it family-friendly and easy for beginner riders. The trailhead in Plymouth is located at Vicksburg Lane and 10th Avenue North. Park in the nearby shopping strip and the trail will lead you 38
miles west to Watertown, 43 miles to Hutchinson and 63 miles to Winsted.
2. DAKOTA REGIONAL TRAIL: FUN RIDE This trai l stretches 25.5 miles bringing riders through Mayer, Waconia, St. Bonifacius, Minnetrista, Mound, Spring Park, Minnetonka Beach, Orono and the Wayzata Dakota Rail Regional Trail. While you soak in the views, you can also stop by a number of businesses along the way, including Back Channel Brewing. Access to this trail is at Wayzata, 175 Grove Lane; Mound, 5515 Lynwood Blvd.; Minnetrista, Gale Woods Farm, 7210 County Rd. 110 W.; St. Bonifacius, 4150 Bell St.; Mayer, State Highway 25 and First Street Northwest.
3. LAKE MINNETONKA LRT TRAIL: PICTURE PERFECT TRAIL Bring your camera on this scenic route, which includes some of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the west metro. It stretches 15 miles between Hopkins and Carver Park Reserve, with the best views of Lake Minnetonka along the way. The path, made up of crushed limestone, passes through the communities of Minnetonka, Deephaven, Greenwood, Excelsior, Shorewood and Victoria. The trailhead begins at Eighth Avenue North just
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Southwest Summer Fun, North edition
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south of First Street North in Hopkins and ends at 81st Street, west of Highway 5/Arboretum Boulevard in Victoria.
4. CHASKA RAVINE TRAIL: OUT IN THE WILD Pack your bug spray and binoculars for this one! The Chaska Ravine Trail is a hidden gem few have ridden on. You’ll be able to spot egrets, fish and much more. It follows the the East Chaska Creek watershed through Chaska and the north and south portion are dissected by a railroad track. From the north, it loops McKnight Lake. South of McKnight, it flows through Chaska’s Jonathan neighborhood toward the Minnesota River. Access is directly south of 105 W. 82nd St., Chanhassen (near the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s Spring Peeper Meadow) and at the SouthWest Transit, East Creek Station, 2120 Chestnut Street N., Chaska.
5. MINNESOTA RIVER BLUFFS LRT REGIONAL TRAIL: TAKE IN THE MINNESOTA RIVER VALLEY. This trail is busy for a reason, it gives users great views of lakes and forested areas in the Minnesota River Valley. The trees provide shade along the paths and shelter from the winds. Along the way you may spot some animals alongside fellow bikers and walkers.
May 23, 2019 | 3
Access to the Hopkins trailhead is at 9451 Excelsior Boulevard; Chaska trailhead is at Bluff Creek Drive (a quarter mile north of Flying Cloud Drive).
6. ARBORETUM’S THREE MILE DRIVE: FIND TRUE INSPIRATION Take it slow over at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and look for true inspiration. The pathway is frequented by dozens of people daily looking to spruce up their own gardens. Visitors can drive their car, walk, bike, or even ride the Arboretum’s Bee-Line shuttle through the path. Access is at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (admission fee applies) 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chanhassen.
7. PURGATORY CREEK PARK TRAIL: TAKE A BREAK FROM THE CITY IN THE CITY Wild animals are a common sight on this trail, even though it is located in the center of Eden Prairie. The trail is only 3.1 miles, but can easily be extended by following the trail to Staring Lake. Purgatory Creek Recreation Area Trail can be accessed at 13001 Technology Drive. The trailhead starts at the Veterans Memorial and along the way you’ll find the Mayor Jean Harris Memorial Gathering Bridge. Foodies will also take pleasure that R Taco, Chipotle, Culvers, Cafe Zupas and Caribou Coffee are just across the street from the main parking lot.
TWINS EXPRESS
FILE PHOTO BY UNSIE ZUEGE
Avoiding parking hassle, Chris and Ann Brown of Eden Prairie parked their car in Plymouth, then took the Luce Line Trail into Wayzata for an art festival.
FILE PHOTO BY ERIC KRAUSHAR
Picturesque views of Lake Waconia and Lake Minnetonka are only a part of the landscape beauty among the 25.5-mile Dakota Rail Regional Trail between Mayer and Wayzata.
Quick, easy, and convenient! SouthWest Transit offers bus service to all weekday home games from:
12:10 3:10 6:40 7:10
East Creek Station
A New Adventure Every Tuesday: June 4........... Como Zoo June 11 ........ MN Children’s Museum June 18 ........ Minnehaha Falls June 25 ........ Science Museum of MN July 9* .......... Valleyfair July 16.......... Como Zoo
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Join SouthWest Transit for Summer Adventures June 4 - August 20
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10:10 1:10 4:40 5:10
10:20 1:20 4:50 5:20
10:30 1:30 5:00 5:30
11:00 2:00 5:30 6:00
*Please Note: No Service from Chanhassen Transit Station or Carver Station
Carver Station
Carver Hwy 11 & Ironwood Dr.
9:55 am
Cash & Mobile App Accepted No Go-To Cards Please Call Ahead for Groups of 10 or More 952-949-2BUS (2287) swtransit.org
East Creek Station SouthWest Village SouthWest Station Chaska Hwy 212 & Hwy 41
Chanhassen Hwy 212 & Hwy 101
Eden Prairie Hwy 212 & Prairie Center Drive
10:05 am
10:15 am
10:25 am
Arrive at Destination 11:00 am
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Depart from Destination
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SouthWest Village
East Creek Station Chaska Hwy 212 & Hwy 41
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2:00 pm
2:35 pm
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Eden Prairie Hwy 212 & Prairie Center Drive
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Fares $6/Round-Trip Children 5 & Under Ride Free
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4 | May 23, 2019
Southwest Summer Fun, North edition
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Cascade Bay’s mascot Captain C. Breeze stands in front of the Cascade Bay water park’s poolside ship, complete with water slides.
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the water silly. And fortunately for us in the southwestern suburbs, we’re surrounded with splash pads, water parks, swimming pools and beaches galore. Here’s a guide for some of the best places to take a dip this summer. What are you in the mood for? If it’s an outdoor water park, the big kahuna of water parks is, hands down, Valleyfair’s Soak City. Not only is it a fabulous water park but it’s inside an amusement park. Can’t beat that. Go on spinetingling rides, cool down in the water park, and repeat. H ig h l ig ht s : Breaker’s Plunge, touted as the “tallest side-by-side speed slides in the country.” And if that’s not a t h r i l l , t r y out t he 350,000-gallon wave pool that has a depth that goes from 0 to 6 feet. Also try out the Raging Rapids, a rough whitewater tube ride, and top that off with Hurricane Falls, a 70 -foot-tall behemoth that drops multi-person rafts into the pool that then takes you down a 1,280 foot “river.” I f you don’t ne e d t he amusement park experience, just water thrills, try out Cascade Bay in Eagan. It has Sandpiper Beach, a zerodepth entry, a leisure pool with water slides, and when you want to take a break from the water sports, try out a round on the mini golf course. What if you simply want sun and sand and water. Try out SandVenture Aquatic Park in Shakopee. The pool has a sandy bottom so it’s like being at the lake, but it has the benefits of being a chlorinated pool. For another lake, but not a lake, day at the beach, try out the Lake Minnetonka
Soak City
Cascade Bay
1 Valley Fair Drive, Shakopee. Water slides, wave pool, rafting and more. Regular admission to Valley Fair $37 includes access to Soak City. More info at www.valleyfair.com, or call 952-445-7600.
1360 Civic Center Drive, Eagan. Leisure pool, water slides, Sandpiper Beach. Admission $11; for more info go to threeriversparks. org/location/lakeminnetonka-swim-pond, or call 651-675-5500.
Lake Minnetonka Swimming Pond
SandVenture Aquatic Park
4610 County Road 44, Minnetrista. Daily vehicle permit fee $5. For more information go to threeriversparks. org/location/lakeminnetonka-swim-pond or call 763-694-7754. Swimming Pond in Minnetrista, part of the Three Rivers Park District. The 1.75acre swimming pond at Lake Minnetonka has a maximum depth of six feet and is completely surrounded by sand. The pond features filtered, chlorinated water, a changing shelter, concessions, and large beach umbrellas for shade. A pass is required for ages 1 year and older. But what if you’re in the mood for a real lake and chance encounters with sunnies and bluegills and lily pads? Head to western Carver County, to Baylor Regional Park at Eagle Lake. It’s a Carver County park, covering 201 acres. It not only has a swimming beach and beach house, but it’s got a campground, 18-hole disc golf, and an observatory, too. But what if you don’t want to drive that far? Check out Carver County’s other lakes with swimming beaches. How about Lake Waconia Regional Park? It has a swimming beach
1101 Adams St S, Shakopee. Sand bottom, chlorinated pool, 300 ft. waterslide, two 12-foot drops. Daily fee $7. For more information, go to threeriversparks. org/location/lakeminnetonka-swim-pond, or call 952-233-3840.
Carver County Beaches Baylor Regional Park, 10775 Cty. Rd. 33, Norwood Young America. Lake Minnewashta Regional Park, 6900 Hazeltine Blvd. Excelsior. Lake Waconia Regional Park, 8170 Paradise Lane, Waconia, off of Hwy. 5 at Paradise Lane. Admission for all county parks, daily vehicle permit $6. For more information, go www.co.carver.mn.us/ departments/publicworks/parks-recreation/ parks-trails, or call 952466-5250. with changing rooms and restrooms on site, lifeguards from noon to 6 p.m., picnic tables and grills and seasonal shade umbrellas for those
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May 23, 2019 | 5
Lake Minnetonka’s sweet spots SUBMITTED PHOTO
Boats float between Palmer Point and Eagle Island on Lake Minnetonka to hear country singer Tim McGraw perform in August 2018. BY LARA BOCKENSTEDT lbockenstedt@swpub.com
So you’re interested in getting out on a boat this summer to soak up some sun and enjoy time with friends and family. This is a good thing — it means you have hardy Minnesota genes. But if you don’t own one, here are a few tips to enjoy a boating experience on one of Minnesota’s biggest and most entertaining lakes.
OPTIONS There are a variety of businesses on Lake Minnetonka from which people can rent pontoon boats and fishing boats. Know which side of the lake you want to set out from when picking a business, and plan where you’ll park in advance. Several of the rentals can be arranged online; follow this link to look at just a few of the options available: http://bit.ly/lakemtkarentals.
LOCATION, LOCATION One of the more popular boating hotspots on Lake Minnetonka is Big Island. The site of an amusement park and veteran’s camp back in the day, the island sees strings of boats line up on summer’s most blistering afternoons and best holidays. It’s inevitable when you’re out that friends and family will start to get hungry, or will have an interest in walking around one of the
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who burn easily. Or dip a toe at the beach in Lake Minnewashta Regional Park, Chanhassen. It’s off Highway 41 between Highway 5 and Highway 7. The beach is open daily from noon to 6 p.m. with lifeguards and a changing room with showers and restrooms. Another option is Lake Ann Park in Chanhassen. It’s free, and all the sandy beach you want. Lifeguards, too. A nifty concessions stand and picnic shelter make life, well, a day at the beach. Excelsior Com mons Beach is a great place to swim and sun in Excelsior. You can brag about hanging out on Lake Minnetonka, and then stroll downtown for ice cream treats afterwards. Another nifty swimming
lake’s downtown areas. Lord Fletcher’s restaurant, Maynards Restaurant, and CoV Wayzata are more recognizable for having docks in their backyards. However, any Lake Minnetonka native would tell you there’s a dozen places you could try, especially in Excelsior and Wayzata. Some of the Twin Cities’ best restaurants, breweries, ice cream shops and boutiques have their cozy niches around Lake Minnetonka, so you can’t go wrong. Plan where you’ll make your stops beforehand.
STAY SAFE Look through the Minnesota Boating Guide for 2019 from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Among the advice for exercising safety are wearing life jackets, staying sober and being weather-aware. Children under the age of 10 by law must wear a life jacket, and ever y person aboard should have an accessible and wearable life jacket available to them. T a k i n g a b o at s a f e t y course is recommended as well. Boat operators under the age of 18 must have a watercraft operator’s permit or the presence of someone onboard who is 21 or older. Also important to read through within the guide: waterway markers, water laws, and rules regarding water-skiing, tubing and wakeboarding
FILE PHOTO
A boat equipped with life jackets sits in Spring Park Bay on Lake Minnetonka. The guide is at files.dnr. state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/ boatwater/boatingguide.pdf The Minnesota boater exam is at https://www.boaterexam.com/usa/minnesota/
FINAL NOTE Research beforehand is key to a great boating experience on Lake Minnetonka. Residents value respect from the lake’s visitors; sound levels, litter and a lack of awareness about boating laws can detract from the experience for others. That said, it’s pretty difficult to not have an amazing time out on Lake Minnetonka. Go forth with your Minnesotan summer!
Lake Ann Park
Clayhole Beach
1456 W 78th St, Chanhassen. No admission fee. Sandy beach, paddleboat rental, concessions. For more information, go to threeriversparks. org/location/lakeminnetonka-swimpondor call 952-227-1121.
3210 Chaska Blvd., Chaska. No admission fee. Beach, splash pad, playground, picnic area. For more information, go to www. chaskacommunitycenter. com/parks-recreation/ things-to-do/swimmingbeach or call 952-448-3176.
hole ne a rby i s t he apt ly n a me d C l a y h o l e S w i m Beach in Chaska. A perfect place for those who want a quieter, smaller scale place to enjoy the sun and water and concessions. After an afternoon in the sun, pop into the adjacent Chaska Curling Center to cool down next to the sheet of ice in the curling center and enjoy a meal at the Crooked Pint Ale House.
FILE PHOTO
A boat on Lake Minnetonka slows as it passes Gray’s Bay Marina, which is operated jointly by the city of Minnetonka and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Excelsior Commons Beach 339 3rd St., Excelsior. No fee. For more information go to www.ci.excelsior. mn.us/ or call 952-4745233.
FILE PHOTO BY MARK W. OLSON PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF SHAKOPEE
SandVenture in Shakopee.
Braxton Miller, 5, of Belle Plaine, gives log-rolling a try at Lake Ann Beach in Chanhassen.
6 | May 23, 2019
Southwest Summer Fun, North edition
9
CHASKA FIREMEN’S PARK
Five hidden treasures
JULY 19-21
around
LAKE MINNETONKA
The Minnetonka Drive COURTESY PHOTO in Spring Park offers patrons an authentic drive-in experience.
chaska cUrLing cenTer corPoraTe groUPs • Learn To cUrL • groUP oUTings
BY FRANCES STEVENSON fstevenson@swpub.com
L
ooking for something fun to do this summer in the Lake Minnetonka area? With 16 cities surrounding the lake, there are thousands of ways to spend your time. Here are five hidden treasures in and around Lake Minnetonka.
BIG ISLAND
stu 220 P t p y
Weddings • MeeTings • gaTherings
chaskaMn.coM 952.227.7912
If you are looking to connect with nature on Lake Minnetonka, you might want to find yourself at Big Island Nature Park in Orono. While today the island is a natural retreat, it has a rich history, in the early 1900s the island hosted Big Island Park, according to the city of Orono’s website. The amusement park was only open for six seasons, but visitors to the island can still find the grand portal stairway and old foundation remnants on the island.
In 1923, the island became the Big Island Veterans Camp, where it offered camping and recreational opportunities to Minnesota’s veterans. The camp was disbanded in 2003. Whether you are looking to find a little nature or take a walk through history, Big Island is a Lake Minnetonka gem.
CENTER FOR ARTS Sitting in Crystal Bay is one of the biggest assets to the Lake Minnetonka area, the Minnetonka Center for the Arts. The Center for the Arts mission is to provide “teaching excellence, quality exhibitions and cultural enrichment for people all ages, interests and abilities.” If you are looking for something to for yourself or your child to do over summer days, take an art class with Minnetonka Center for the Arts. This spring the Minnetonka Center for the Arts has hundreds of classes including
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May 23, 2019 | 7
COURTESY PHOTOS
Classic car enthusiasts can spend their Thursday evenings at the Minnetonka Drive In with good food and classic cars from all over the Lake Minnetonka area.
Minnetonka Center for the Arts summer classes start on June 17, including watercolor classes.
TREASURES continued from 6
classes in calligraphy, ceramics, drawing, fiber arts, glass, jewelry and painting. The center also has lectures this spring including a lecture exploring artistic ideas around books and an abstract curators’ talk and tour. This summer the venter has its exhibit, Art of the Garden, from June 28 through Aug. 8.
EXCELSIOR DOCK Wondering what to do around the lake when the skies are gray? Check out Excelsior Dock Cinema for a classic cinema experience. The small theater has three screens decorated with nautical themes to keep you in the lake mindset while you enjoy a movie.
The Minnetonka Center for the Arts’ summer exhibit Art of the Garden opens June 28.
The theater has a rich history, opening as Tonka Theater in 1940, according to Cinema Treasures. The original theater was a 500-seat auditorium that was later gutted by a fire and rebuilt to have two auditoriums. A third auditorium was added in the 1980s, Cinema Treasures says. The theater has original charm as it sits on Excelsior’s Water Street, the small town-esque downtown stretch of Excelsior that points like an arrow to Lake Minnetonka.
FARMERS MARKET If you’re spending some time in downtown Wayzata this summer on a Thursday, the Wayzata Farmers Market is worth checking out to pick up some fresh food or wander around this hotspot of cheerful Lake Minnetonka residents, human and canine alike. The Wayzata Farmers Market includes produce, meat, dairy, bakery, pantry items, personal products,
arts and more. Whether you are looking to shop or just go for a walk, the Wayzata Farmers Market is a great use of a Thursday afternoon.
DRIVE IN Go back to the 1950s at Minnetonka Drive In in Spring Park. This restaurant was opened by the Bennyhoff family in 1961, and they still own the place, according to the drive-in’s website. If you are looking for a classic burger, fries and milkshake, the drive-in is the place for you. Your food will be delivered to you by carhop like the drive-ins of the past. Thursday evenings are auto memorabilia nights for classic car enthusiasts. Spring hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day (but subject to change based on weather). According to co-owner Deb Bennyhoff, the Drive-In is famous for its fried chicken and homemade root beer.
8 | May 23, 2019
Southwest Summer Fun, North edition
Chilly treats for a hot day Southwest Metro’s best frozen eats BY EDEN TELLER eteller@swpub.com
On a hot July day, there’s nothing quite like a cold, sweet scoop of ice cream to reenergize the senses. While you’re busy boating and biking around the southwest metro this summer, don’t stress about where you’ll find a refreshment: We’ve done the work for you and found five of the best places to stop and rest with a cone or cup:
A married couple opened the store in 1994 as a spot for sports teams and families alike to relax after a game or a day at the lake. With special events on the Fourth of July and other holidays that keep the store open late, you can satisfy your cravings at Scoops any time. Scoops Ice Cream is at 7700 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington. Open Monday to Saturday from noon-9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1-9:30 p.m.
LOST LAKE CREAMERY
LICKS UNLIMITED
No need to drive to this hidden treasure; you can bike, boat or walk right up to Lost Lake Creamery for a frozen cone. Visitors bike along the Regional Bike Trail from as far as downtown Minneapolis to dine at the downtown Mound location, said owner Monica Kahmeyer. Lost Lake opened in 2014 and carries 24 flavors, shakes and malts. The most popular flavor at this seasonal store is Superman, Kahmeyer said, which combines blue raspberry, cherry and vanilla ice cream in a fruity and colorful swirl. Second runner-up is Pirate’s Bounty, which packs caramel ice cream with chocolate candy and cookies. Lost Lake’s f lavors come from Cedar Crest Ice Cream and usually include multiple gluten free f lavors and a non-dairy sorbet option. There’s even a treat for your four-legged friend, Kahmeyer added: A doggy flavor that’s just a small scoop of vanilla ice cream with a dog treat on it. “We have some customers that get it for the dogs every time they visit, which is regularly,” she said. Lost Lake Creamery is at 5575 Shoreline Drive, Mound. Open noon-9 p.m. daily.
Ever wondered what Halley’s Comet tastes like? You can try it out at Licks Unlimited in Excelsior. The popular f lavor combines chocolate and vanilla with a caramel swirl and chocolate-covered caramel cups, a flavor delivered to visitors by Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream in Madison, Wisconsin. While the shop’s 40 f lavors, like Fat Elvis (banana ice cream with chocolate chips and a peanut butter ripple), are eye-catching, what stands out at Licks Unlimited are the cones. Visitors can choose from 11 varieties, including sugar, cake, waff le cones and bowls, and a plethora of sprinkles and dips to complement the flavor of your choice. Classic f lavors are available to those who crave a simple pleasure : Enjoy a chocolate, black cherry or praline treat to
COURTESY PHOTO
Everything at Adele’s Frozen Custard is made fresh daily.
Chilly to 9
ADELE’S FROZEN CUSTARD Craving a fresh treat? Everything at Adele’s Frozen Custard is made fresh daily. “From our waff les cones and custard pies to our giant deli sandwich, everything is made fresh to order,” said Emma Crowell, Adele’s general manager. “We make all the frozen custard and yogurt onsite in a one-of-a-kind machine.” The difference between ice cream and frozen custard lies in the texture. For 35 years, Adele’s has served up smooth, creamy frozen custard to the visitors to its Excelsior location. While ice cream is made by mixing air into a creamy mixture, frozen custard is made by whipping air out of the creamy base and adding a bit of egg, giving it a “smooth, velvety, rich texture,” Crowell said. Adele’s Frozen Custard is at 800 Excelsior Blvd, Excelsior. Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily in April. Summer hours subject to change. PHOTO COURTESY OF EMMA CROWELL
SCOOPS ICE CREAM If you don’t see what you want at Bloomington’s Scoops Ice Cream, all you have to do is ask. Visitors can request a flavor from any of the five creameries that Scoops uses and see the flavor in stock within the week, the shop’s website proclaims.
Adele’s makes all the frozen custard and yogurt onsite in a “one-of-a-kind machine.”
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May 23, 2019 | 9
A custard cup at Adele’s. COURTESY PHOTO
CHILLY continued from 8
balance out the heat of the day. Licks Unlimited is at 31 Water Street, Excelsior. Open noon-9 p.m. daily.
HONEY & MACKIE’S For a hyper-local taste, try one of Honey & Mackie’s cones: They’re all made in small batches in-store, and are constantly rotating through 100 in-house recipes. On any given day, visitors can try one of the 24 flavors in the store with a side of homemade “state fair-style” fries, made fresh every day wit h Id a ho pot ato es a nd gluten free. No dairy? No problem: Honey & Mackie’s always has two dairy-free sorbets for anyone who needs a cool-down cone but can’t stomach lactose. Honey & Mackie’s is at 16725 County Road 24, Plymouth. Open 3-9 p.m. weekdays an d 3 -10 p.m . on F ri d ay, noon-10 p.m. on Saturday and noon-9 p.m. on Sunday. Summ er h ours subje ct to change.
COURTESY PHOTO
A cone at Lost Lake Creamery.
10 | May 23, 2019
Southwest Summer Fun, North edition
What cut of meat is best for your grilled dinner? Local butchers weigh in BY MICHAEL STRASBURG mstrasburg@swpub.com
A
SM
fter a long and sometimes brutal winter, Minnesotans are clamoring to get their grill out and fired up this summer. And while most veteran grillers have their routine down pat, the greatest grilling in the world won’t get you anywhere with sub-par
meat. Expert butchers from a rou nd t he a re a s ay t he first step to a great meal is selecting quality — and appropriate — ingredients.
HAMBURGERS Whether they’re topped with ketchup and onions, slathered in barbecue sauce and bacon, or topped with a poached egg, hamburgers are a versatile summer staple.
Grilled to 11
LMCD BOATER SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM FREE FOR YOUTH!
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL STRASBURG
Kenny Pekarna, co-owner of Pekarna’s Meats in Jordan.
Earn your watercraft operator’s permit through the Boat Minnesota boating safety course – open to youth and adults!
Lunch and snacks are provided!
June 10th 8:00AM
Visit lmcd.org now for more information.
Westonka Public Schools’ Education Service Center in the Community Room (5901 Sunnyfield Rd E, Minnetrista)
Meat markets across the metro carry a wide variety of brats.
OPEN TO ALL TUES-SUN • APRIL-OCT 3000 Town Course Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
2019 Event Calendar fare & refreshment Excelsior Farmers' Market May 21 thru Sept. 24 Tuesdays 2 - 6pm Water St. between 2nd & 3rd
Lake Minnetonka 4th of July Thursday, July 4 Downtown Excelsior, Commons Park.
Excelsior Art on the Lake Saturday June 8, 10-6pm & Sunday June 9, 10-4pm Excelsior Commons
www.elmcc.org
952.474.6461
Excelsior Crazy Days Thursday July 18 -Sunday July 21 Downtown Excelsior
@exclakemtka
#exclakemtka
16 taps featuring local microbrews Signature craft cocktails Elevated pub fare made from scratch Weekend brunch and dinner specials All with a patio view of the course
This is the 19th hole done right.
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PHOTOS BY MICHAEL STRASBURG
Tom Lage assembles a beef tender bite kebab at Von Hanson’s Meat Market in Savage.
Kenny Pekarna points out the difference between a T-bone steak and a New York strip steak.
GRILLED continued from 10
Wh When he en n it comes co ome mes to sselecting elec cti tin ng the beef ng beef, f, h howowow ever,, ex ev e xpe p r tss ssay ay ther erre iiss ffar ar less ch cho oice e experts there choice th han an to oppiings ngs options. than toppings Je efff Cresswell, Cresswell l, st stor ore e manager manager att Von Von n Jeff store H Ha n on’s ns ’ Meatt Market Mark Ma ket in in Savage, Savage, said sa aid the the Hanson’s b be est h amburge erss ar re ma made de with g rou und best hamburgers are ground b e f that beef be t h at has h as a higher hii gh h g er fat f at content. con nt ent. He He rrecommends re co omm men ends tthe he 883-17 3 -1 m 3-17 3i xture e a Von Vo mixture att Von Ha H a nso n s o n’ss and nd ssaid aii d an a nyt y t hing a bo ove e 900 Hanson’s anything above p pe ercen rcen entt is is be estt left left off ff the the grill because be ecau ause it it percent best ri risk isk ks becoming be eco comiing dried d do ut.. risks out. “ ik ke to use ((above abov ov ve 90 percent) m ain inly nl “II lik like mainly forr c fo ch h ili, slopp ppy y Joes J o e , tacos, spa pa a ghet e ti chili, sloppy Joes, spaghetti — meals meal me a s wher al ere e yo ou’ u’re g oing oi ing to a dd itt tto o where you’re going add sso ome meth t in i g, g ” Cresswell C essswelll said. “I Cr “Iff you use usse it something,” (for (f o a or b urg rger er, it’s g oin ng to be dry.” a)) bu burger, going Kenn Ke ny Pe P karn ka r a, co-owner co -owner of Pekarna Pekarr na Kenny Pekarna, Meat atss in in J orrda dan, dan, n, rrecommends ecommends hi igh ghe er ffat att Meats Jordan, higher grou ound ou u be eef for eef f r grilling fo g ri l ling too, although gri alth thou oug gh h e ground beef he ssaid sa aid i low id llow-fat ow-fat fatt g r un ro und ro rround und can m ake a goo od ground make good bur rger if prepared prepa ared d correctly. burger
VSTEAK V VST STE TE AK TEA AK The Th e king kii ng ng o off g grilling rilling meats, mea eats ts, however, however, how ho the b eef steak. But which whi hich ch c ut iiss best? ut iss the beef cut Pekarna Pek Pe ka omes mes do own wn tto o a ma m tter Pekarna said that co comes down matter of preference. “It really y comes com mes es down dow w n to o whatever wha h te t ver the kes, th the ere ar ere er a re a llot ott of o d iff fe fere rent re ntt customer lik likes, there are different styl yles ess,” , Pekarna Pekarr na said. sa aid. ai d. styles,” Co C omm mmon on ssteak tte teak eak ak c utss ar ut a e si irl r oi o n, rib rribeye, bey eye, e Common cuts are sirloin, T-b Tbone, Ne bon bo ew Yo Y rk k sstrip ttrrip and and porterhouse. porr terhouse. T-bone, New York Cressw Cre sw wel el l said said sa id tthe h d he i ferent styles interif Cresswell different twin in ne w wi it h e ach h other. For example, a twine with each T-bo bone n steak is essentially a bone-in New ne T-bone York rk strip str trip and a porterhouse is a New York York d a section of tenderloin. and Pekarna said ribeye is the best selling cut in his shop, probably because it tastes great and is one of the most adaptable steaks. “You can’t screw it up, let’s put it that way,” he said. “Even well done, a ribeye is still flavorful.” Ribeye’s bold flavor is the result of fat marbled throughout the beef, which enhances the beef’s natural flavor. “It’s always f lavor ful, it’s always tender. You can serve it rare, medium or well and it should always be tender,” Pekarna said. Those who prefer leaner meat should Peka karn ka r a rn try sirloin or filet mignon cuts.. Pe Pekarna s a id tthose sa h se meats sho ho oul u d not not be no be c ook oo ke d ked said should cooked
Tom Lage assembles a beef tender bite kebab at Von Hanson’s Meat Market in Savage. beyond medium, since they run the risk of tea e k becoming tough. So if you like your st steak m re more thoroughly cooked, opt for a mo more marbled cut of meat. o “You want to serve sirloin more rare to medium-rare. Sirloin is leaner so it will be tougher,” he said. Cresswell said Von Hanson’s grilling steaks, a variety of sirloin, are their most popular seller. The grilling steaks are a cut of sirloin with pop-up timers that are triggered when the interior of the steak hits 145 degrees. “That’s nice because you don’t overdo o ov over e do ssirloin,” er irlo irl ir loin loi in,” them. You don’t want to overdo Cressw wel elll said. said sa id id. d. Cresswell Both butchers but utch chers recommend recommen end d se seas ason as onin on ing in g Both seasoning
sstteak k with wi salt sallt and a d pepper and allowing an steak it time to reach near room temperature befo be fore fo re tthrowing h ow hr owin ing g it on the grill. Pekarna before said id gar arllic co ould u ld be ul b added for additional said garlic could fllav avor. Cr resssw wel elll rrecommends eco commends marinatflavor. Cresswell sirloii ns n and a nd tenderloins ten nd de erloins to give the ing sirloins steak ak ks an an added added dimension. leaner steaks as is, is, it can ca an be kind of bland, “If you eatt iitt as tende derr,” Cresswell Cresswell said. but they are tender,”
EVERYTHING EV VE ER RYT YTHII NG NG E ELSE LS SE People who come co ome into Von Hanson’s om ome a k rarely r arely y leave lea eave ve with w it ith h only o ly on Meats for stea steak Cressw swe sw well el l said d. In In tthe he summer, they that, Cresswell said. have a bout 15 varieties bo va a ri riet eties of prearranged have about keba bab bs. kebabs. “W W he hen n we we have a busy weekend weeke end it’s it’s “When
n a st stic i k, ic k,” Cresswell Cr Cr sa aid i . everything o on stick,” said. all ly p op pular.” ul “Kebabs are real really popular.” market etts in in the area prepare Most meat markets a variety of brats and other entrees as well. Pekarna said chicken and pork are growing in popularity at his shop. He recommends seasoning those meats with salt, pepper and onion and always making sure the interior reaches 160 degrees before pulling the chicken or port off the grill. The wo worl rld rl d of o grilling is still full of The world conteste ted d debates, deba de bate ba tess, te s, ssuch uch uc h as propane hotly contested vers ve rsus us charcoal, cha c harc r oal, high hiigh h or llow ow h hea ea eat, at, o versus heat, orr how ma ny times t imess o ne sshould houl ho uld d fl flip ip ste t ak akss and an nd many one steaks but the the one one thing thin th ing g everyone ever ev eryo y ne e burgers — but ca n agree ag hat fits ha fiits can on is quality meatt tthat d ro out utin i e. one’s taste and routine.
12 | May 23, 2019
Southwest Summer Fun, North edition
5 hot trends for your summer wardrobe BY MEG BRITTON-MEHLISCH mbrittonmehlisch@swpub.com
DETAILED HEMS You won’t want to crop your jeans with hems like these. This summer, it’s all about the details, right down to the hems on your jeans. Distressed hems are a creative way to add a subtle edginess to a classic look. For a cleaner look, search out a pair of pants with a tulip help or some delicate detailing.
JUMPSUITS Make way maxi-dresses, the jumpsuit is dominating as the long look of the summer. Jumpsuits come chalk full of styling possibilities. The can be dressed up with stylish belts, heels, and delicate jewelry or worn casually with athletic shoes or flats. This year fashion magazines like InStyle, Vogue and Refinery29 are raving about utility jumpsuits in neutrals and earth tones like white and olive. Utility jumpsuits bring industrial style touches like extra buttons, pockets and stitching into a great one piece package. This style evokes a modern twist on the classic Rosie Riveter look.
BOWS You can find bows gracing the some of the most popular shirt styles this summer. Harper’s Bazaar recounted
how designers like Balmain, Valentino and Givenchy took bows to new heights this year, adding them to gowns, backpacks and neck accessories during Paris fashion week. But you don’t have to be haute couture to make this trend work for you. Employees at Mainstream Boutique in Savage said their customers are falling in love with shirts that tie off in knots and bows. And it’s not hard to see why. Bows add a little extra, without much effort, to pieces that would be wardrobe staples.
SLOUCHY TROUSERS Skinny jeans are far from gone, but numerous brands and stores are embracing a more relaxed leg in light materia ls li ke li nen a nd cotton. Palazzo, gaucho, and paper bag waist pants are all trendy versions of this breezy style. Palazzo pants generally come in a longer leg, hitting near the ankle. This European sounding style has a skirtlike bottom that f lairs to create a wide leg silhouette. Gaucho pants are to palazzo pants as capris are to jeans. The shorter cut, ending near mid-calf, creates what the fashion blog Who What Wear calls a split-skirt look. These pants are great for showing off some statement heels or an intricate pair of sandals.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE
Paperbag pants look great with a variety of summer style tops, modeled by a Mainstream Boutique employee. Paper bag waist pa nts may not sound like the most comfortable garment, but this high-waisted style is flattering to a broad range of body types. A signature belt allows you to tie the pants as tightly or loosely as you like, giving you room to breathe and enjoy all of your favorite summer treats. These versatile bottoms would be great paired with crop tops, bodysuits, and longer flowy tops tucked in to the waist.
A Mainstream Boutique employee models one of the store’s many bowed shirts.
TIE DYE If any trend is seeing a revitalization this year, it’s atie-dye. Harper’s Bazaar called the adoption of tie-dye by Prada and Stella McCartney a “tie-dye renaissance.” Bringing back memories of summer camps, this pattern lets you bring a bit of your childhood ease to a modern look. To rock this trend all you really need is your favorite pair of jeans. Less is more when it comes to tie-dye.
Harper’s Bazaar says bows are showing up on everything from gowns to backpacks.
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