Edina Magazine December 2021

EDINA MAGAZINE

D R E A M BI G

DECEMBER 2021

Local author releases a middle grade novel that amplifies diverse voices

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TORN ROTATOR CUFF

It’s the sticks and stones of everyday life that bring you to TRIA. Like that snowball the size of a boulder that wrecked your shoulder. Whether you’re a professional athlete or king of the snow fort, you’ll receive the same expert orthopedic care and attention you need to get back in the game. It’s why you’re treated and how you’re treated by TRIA.

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Spacious rambler in the heart of Edina - Chowen Park Neighborhood. Charm filled with 3Br, 2Bth including an owner’s suite with a 3/4 bath.

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Spacious entry walks into a soaring, vaulted living and dining room. Sun drenched,cozy front patio, private back deck - perfect for entertaining Main level owner’s suite with views, full bath, and lg. walk in shower. Walk out lower level with office area and fireplace. Updated and Impeccable!

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And a 63 - year history of selling the Twin Cities finest neighborhoods.

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Charm galore in this Tudor Gorgeous original detail, tasteful renovations built for today’s lifestyle.

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STUNNING CITY BELLA CONDO!

AMAZING COLONIAL!

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Open floor plan, stained concrete floors, Italian interior doors, gorgeous lighting. High-end appliances, granite, California Closet built-ins, slim-line wall fireplace. Jetted tub & rain shower systems. Awesome work-at-home office and much more!

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Edina Realty 50th & France 952.920.1960 | Edina Realty 6800 France 952-927-1100 3

DECEMBER 2021 This December, we’re celebrating family and friends, the community and giving back.

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two helping hands: one for helping yourself and the other for helping others.” —Audrey Hepburn

PAG E 3 0

Photo: Danielle Flake Photography

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REASONS TO SPEAK WITH A REAL ESTATE

PROFESSIONAL TODAY

DEPARTMENTS 14 — Lifesavers Edina-based nonprofit has worldwide impact.

16 — Second Chances Consider making Edina’s new blood donation center part of your routine.

** CALL ME TODAY ** (612) 280-7983

18 — Dream Big Local author releases a middle grade novel that amplifies diverse voices.

20 — Connecting with Kids Edina honors volunteers who make our community great.

FEATURES 24 — A Perfect Time to Gather

1. Evaluate current and future markets.

The real estate market is constantly changing and future market predictions may help guide today's decisions. It's never too soon to talk with a professional about your future real estate goals.

2. Find out how much your home is worth.

Local event planning expert launches a successful business during the pandemic.

Automated home reports are a handy starting point, but a true property valuation requires an in-depth analysis of all comparable properties and a conversation about recent home improvements.

30 — Put a Ring on it Edina Alumna Natalie Ringham creates her own wedding planning business.

TASTEMAKERS

3. Professional answers to your questions.

I'm happy to sit down with you and discuss the entire sales process from start to finish. As an experienced, full-time agent, I can also share my tips for saving both time and money.

44 — Wine of the Times Sommelier wine buying strategies and cold-climate wine education.

Contact Sara Anderson: (612) 280-7983 or sanderson@kw.com

Your Distinctive Home Will Thank You!

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 — Editor’s Letter 9 — Noteworthy 39 — On the Town 42 — Gallery 48 — Last Glance

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Sara Anderson Distinctive Homes is a woman-owned real estate company owned by Sara Anderson, REALTOR®, serving the Twin Cities metro area. Sara understands that every property is unique and believes an individualized approach benefits both a seller and buyer in any real estate transaction.

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FROM THE EDITOR Angela Johnson, edinamag@tigeroak.com

excited to tackle a brand-new challenge. After over nine years at the helm, I have exited my role as editor of Edina Magazine and managing editor for Tiger Oak Media’s collection of community lifestyle magazines for an opportunity that will help me build on all I’ve accomplished. By the time you read this, my final issue, the ongoing work here at Edina Magazine has continued in very good hands. The creative team that has supported me and this publication over the years remains dedicated to connecting and celebrating Edina in 2022 with even more stylish and engaging local stories that you’ve come to love. Being a part of your lives in this creative capacity has truly been my pleasure.

Thank you for reading!

Photo: Lisa Buth

I

’m entering the holiday season with joy in my heart. Joy for having had the opportunity to share local stories about amazing people doing cool things in Edina in the pages of your community lifestyle magazine.

I’ve met artists, chefs, restaurateurs, builders, boutique owners, educators, beauty experts, dedicated volunteers and nonprofit leaders. This is a truly wonderful city, and it has been my pleasure to be a regular explorer in and around this uniquely incredible town.

We spotlight more of what makes Edina so special in this issue’s collection of articles including stories about fundraising for breakthrough medical advancements, a children’s book author and a local event planning entrepreneur! And, because it’s the holidays, we’ve also included a feature story about wine to help broaden your knowledge and appreciation for a few new sips. These stories and much more await you in these pages.

And, as we wrap up 2021 and approach a brand-new year, I am also

Find more stories & photos online. Plus, tag us in your Edina pics!

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EDINA MAGAZINE

@EDINAMAG

On the Cover Payal Doshi, photo by Chris Emeott

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December 2021

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VOL. 18 NO. 4 edinamag.com publisher SUSAN ISAY

editor ANGELA JOHNSON

managing creative director RENÉE STEWART-HESTER

managing editor HAILEY ALMSTED

copy editor KELLIE DOHERTY

staff writers AVA DIAZ, MADELINE KOPIECKI, DAN AMUNDSON, VIVIAN SHINALL

editorial interns JOHN DEIGNAN, HILARY KAUFMAN, KIRA SCHUKAR

editorial advisory board Jeanne Anselmo, JJ Designs Tina Bohrer, Edina Community Foundation Sarah Dulong, Ron Clark Construction Cheryl Gunness, Edina Community Education Krista Johnson Elizabeth Kriel, Jerry’s Foods Jeff Ohe, Cahill Financial Rebecca Bell-Sorensen Jasmine Brett Stringer Rachel Theleman, 50th and France Business Association Erin Zosel, Sloane’s Beauty Bar

senior managing art director SARAH DOVOLOS

art director ALLISON NOLDEN

lead staff photographer CHRIS EMEOTT

print production director BRITTNI DYE

digital production director DEIDRA ANDERSON

project coordinators ADRIANNA BLACK BULL, LISA STONE

senior account executives BROOKE BEISE, KATIE FREEMARK, CYNTHIA HAMRE, SARA JOHNSON

circulation and marketing KATIE RINGHAND

credit manager APRIL MCCAULEY

chief operating officer SUSAN ISAY

chief financial officer BILL NELSON

Edina Magazine 9877 AIRPORT ROAD NE BLAINE, MN 55449 612.548.3180 SUBSCRIPTIONS: Edina Magazine is published 12 times a year. Rates $18 for 12 issues.

Back issues $5.95.

For subscription and customer service inquiries, please contact customerservice@tigeroak.com or call 1.800.637.0334. ©Tiger Oak Media Inc. 2021.

All rights reserved.

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Let John's Experience in Edina Work for You! SOLD

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NOTEWORTHY local tips, tidbits & insights

HAGEN AND OATS Sister duo turns creativity into a full-fledged business.

BY MADELINE KOPIECKI

A N N A H AG E N A N D H E R S I ST ER N I K K I H O L L E R I C H have always been

Photos: Hagen and Oats

crafty. With a creative streak like theirs, it’s no wonder that when the sisters encountered a band saw for the first time, they became enthralled.

Now, the sisters run their own custom wood décor shop, Hagen and Oats, and sell their wares in a number of makers markets and shops around the Twin Cities, including at Six For Good in Edina.

Part of their success, Hagen believes, is thanks to the Minnesotan ethos of supporting local businesses as well as local businesses supporting each other.

“As far as the creative process goes, we have our classic pieces like the cribbage board or the beer opener, but it really just evolves with the customer,” Hagen says.

Also, happy accidents supply the creative spark that catches light. “The Northern Lights just kind of happened,” Hagen says in reference to a technique the company uses to create glittering night skies out of wood stain and paint. “Before the Edina Art Fair, we had spilled some stain, and were like, ‘Oh this is cool, let’s cover it up and make it stars.’”

Hagen and Oats also specializes in custom projects, which can often strike a sentimental tone. From creating memorabilia out of a family’s old kitchen table to memorializing a grandmother by capturing her hand-written grocery list in wood, Hagen says it’s pieces like these that she tends to love best.

Hagen and Oats, Available at Six For Good at 50th and France, 3931 Market St. hagenandoats.com, sixforgood.com

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ART

Blast of Color, Burst of Joy Lindsey Made This and the Galleria collaborated to create public art.

Art contributes to our lives in many ways: It educates, commemorates people and places, creatively inspires or challenges—and sometimes it just makes us feel good. That was the intention of the FloralPop initiative, the vibrant art on the exterior of the Galleria this past summer.

“We wanted to make people smile,” says Rachel Oelke, marketing director.

When the shopping center had to cancel its Floral Experience event last spring, which would have filled its walkways with fresh flowers, it decided to bring flowers to people on the outside of the building.

The Galleria collaborated with local artist Lindsey Made This, a graphic designer who created murals for Coach’s flagship store in Manhattan and is committed to making people happy through her art.

The lively patterns and psychedelic designs were transferred to large vinyl sheets and, over two weeks, 152 of these panels were heat-applied to the Galleria’s exterior. The installation and the removal of the brick wrap occurred overnight, adding to the magic with its unexpected arrival and sudden disappearance.

Like any bold artwork, the exuberant FloralPop may have been controversial as well as colorful, but it’s hard to argue that we all needed more fun during this difficult year. “It was a hard year, and this was an opportunity to bring color and fun into our world, our home, our self,” Oelke says. Inside the mall, spontaneous giveaways of fresh flowers and sweets surprised shoppers and art-themed popup events benefited local art nonprofits, such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery in North Minneapolis and the African American Interpretive Center of Minnesota.

Contributed by Laura Westlund, a tour guide at the Weisman Art Museum and an Art Hound for Minnesota Public Radio.

First Avenue team opens up the first show

After 476 days, First Avenue reopened with suds, smiles, and The Suburbs.

When the pandemic forced First Avenue to shut down on March 13, 2020, CFO Mike Killeen immediately reached out to Ashley Dolphin, Crown Bank’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending, to troubleshoot how to get through the impending crisis.

Fast forward to today and the live music is back.

To watch the whole story, search news at crown-bank.com.

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NOTEWORTHY

Your House.

Our Expertise.

National TV.

SHARING IS CARING Nonprofit founder helps families at Christmastime.

We’re looking for Minnesota’s best properties to feature on a show focused on lifestyle, entrepreneurship and real estate. Be featured and gain increased exposure to sell your home.

VIEW ON ABC, STREAMING DEVICES OR OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

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Ryan Muhlbauer is passionate about creating community and bringing people together. An entrepreneur, who founded Dogtopia of Bloomington, Muhlbauer’s connections to Edina residents in his Christian men’s group and Metro Men’s Club set him on a path to becoming one of the Edina Community Foundation’s Community Impact Partners in 2019.

Muhlbauer started a nonprofit called Sharing Christmas Shopping Spree in 2018 after several years organizing volunteers at People Serving People, Loaves & Fishes and Second Harvest Heartland. He wanted to create an opportunity for people to “put their hands and feet” into the work.

Muhlbauer raised $5,000 and was able to serve 25 kids.

In 2019, Muhlbauer partnered with the Edina Target and branched out to serve younger kids, connecting with Kids ’n Kinship. Each family receives approximately $200, and volunteers shop with the kids and also help them wrap their gifts. In three years, Sharing Christmas Shopping Spree has taken 76 kids shopping, purchased gifts for 263 recipients and raised $17,000.

While Muhlbauer’s vision for Sharing Christmas Shopping Spree is to continue its growth, he hopes others will be inspired to found their own versions in their home communities. To donate or volunteer to share the joy of the Christmas season, visit scssmn.com.

READ

GOOD EGGS Add this debut novel to your end-of-the-year reading list.

Kevin Gogarty, 50, has had it. His widowed mother, Amelia “Millie” Gogarty, has been picked up by the Dublin police.

Shoplifting excites lonely Millie, as does the thought of the trip she’s supposed to take to America. After Kevin springs Millie, he tells her that she cannot leave Ireland due to police order.

Kevin returns home to find his daughter Nuala locked out of the house by her twin sister, Aideen. The 16-year-old sisters have had a screaming match, and Aideen has taken off with the key to their home.

Nuala is popular and successful at school, but Aideen is struggling, and her grades are falling. Kevin decides to get Millie a companion to mind her and to send Aideen to boarding school. His wife, Grace, a busy executive, agrees.

Thus, Kevin, an out-of-work celebrity journalist, thinks he has the Gogarty house in order. Feeling abandoned and unloved, Millie and Aideen thwart Kevin’s plans in spectacular and hilarious ways. Good Eggs by Rebecca Hardiman is a debut novel and a great read.

Maureen Millea Smith is a librarian at the Edina Library and a Minnesota Book Award winning novelist.

Photo: Ryan Muhlbauer

CIT IZ E N OF E D I N A

Contributed by the Edina Community Foundation. edinacommunityfoundation.org

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Story by Dan Amundson — Photo by Scott Streble

ENLIGHTEN

Lifesavers Edina-based nonprofit has worldwide impact.

CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE (CHD) is the seventh leading cause of

death in infants across the world. Even though CHD is common, global access to care for heart illnesses is tricky. This is why Children’s Heartlink exists.

Based in Edina and founded in 1969, Children’s Heartlink got its start in Vietnam when a medic sent three kids with heart illnesses to Minneapolis for heart surgery. Kids continued to be sent to the U.S. during the next few decades.

In 1993, Children’s Heartlink began to branch out into other countries and now focuses its efforts in Brazil, China, India, Malaysia and Vietnam.

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Those five countries hold approximately 40 percent of the world’s population, and all have a need for help. For example, in Brazil, only one out of every three children with CHD get access to the care he/she needs. The statistics go on about the need for CHD care in each of these countries.

Children’s Heartlink now operates in a capacity-building, or as some call it, a train-the-trainer model. The staff go and train a team, with volunteers from the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom, at a hospital on how to treat heart illnesses. That hospital then becomes a center of excellence and can

train other hospitals in other areas, allowing the amount of trained professionals to grow exponentially. “The whole team gets trained at the hospital,” says Jackie Boucher, president of Children’s Heartlink. “This includes nurses, surgeons, dietitians and anyone else who’d be involved.”

Earlier this year, Children’s Heartlink announced a new partnership with the Medtronic Foundation.

It is a three-year partnership and allows Children’s Heartlink access to Medtronic employees and volunteers and provides funding, which will expand outreach and research.

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JIM KIDD Realtor®

At left: Baby Kavinaya and her mom with medical providers before her hospital discharge. She spent only three days at the hospital recovering from surgery. Kavinaya was diagnosed with heart disease before birth, which is not commonplace in India.

“Corporate sponsors aren’t just monetary,” Boucher says. “Access to people is awesome.”

Just like everyone else, the staff had to adapt because of COVID-19. Trainings had to go virtual, which ended up being a pretty positive experience. “We were actually able to reach more people,” Boucher says. “We could reach multiple groups with one training.”

There is new technology in the works called the Microsoft Hololens. Children’s Heartlink could use it to improve its training even more. It is a pair of glasses capable of transmitting what the user is seeing to another audience. “A physician in China could wear them during a medical procedure, and a physician in the United Kingdom could watch and see what’s going on,” Boucher says.

Being a nonprofit organization, Children’s Heartlink relies on donations and sponsors to function, and it doesn’t take a whole lot of money to make a difference. “People always think large donations are necessary, and that’s just not the case,” Boucher says. “Just a single gift of $240 or 12 monthly gifts of $20 sponsors training for one nurse who can teach 100 families a year how to care for their child who is recovering after congenital heart care surgery.”

Boucher also says they are always looking for volunteers with a wide variety of skills and knowledge. Everything from helping with events in the community to expertise in the medical field is welcomed. Those willing to donate their time or wisdom are asked to email hello@childrensheartlink.org to get in touch. “The biggest thing is education,” Boucher says. “We need to advocate for why this cause is so important.”

To donate, go to childrensheartlink. org, and click on the donate tab in the upper-righthand corner of the page.

Children's Heartlink @childrensheartlink @cheartlink

Jim.Kidd@cbburnet.com | (612) 805-2614 JimKidd.CBintouch.com

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Story by John Deignan

WELLNESS

Second Chances

SINCE OPENING IN OCTOBER 2020, the Trusting Heart Blood Center

has been transporting healthy blood donations to local hospitals. This Edinabased blood center focuses on platelets, the tiny cell particles found in large numbers within the blood that help with blood clotting and wound healing.

Platelets are also important for patients fighting cancer and other diseases.

Carlie Pederson, head of center operations, believes Edina is an excellent spot for a blood center. “Edina is a really great area,” she says. “The people seem really inclined to help us with our cause; I think right now it’s the perfect fit to be operating out of Edina, and it’s close enough to so many other areas that people come to

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the center from those areas as well.”

Because the donor population for platelets is older, the center’s goal is to get people who aren’t accustomed to donating platelets to come in and have it become a part of their scheduled routine every two weeks. “Anyone can come in and try to donate,” Pederson says. “The first step is that you do a pre-screen appointment. During that appointment, you answer health history questions and undergo a physical. We then take a blood sample and send it off for testing, and as long as that comes back clear after 21 days, that person can donate platelets.”

The 21 days is a safety timeline to ensure samples are healthy.

Platelets can take up to two hours per

donation. Because of this, the Trusting Heart Blood Center tries to make donating a comfortable experience. “Everyone has their own private suite. We understand two hours is a good chunk of your day, and we want it to be a nice experience for you,” Pederson says.

The Trusting Heart Blood Center consists of 15 to 17 staff members on site. According to Pederson, the medical staff is always there to make people feel comfortable and answer any questions about medications, etc. The staff also includes center medical directors who oversee the center every week and biological supervisors who test and process all of the platelets.

It is important that donations hap-

December 2021

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Photos: Trusting Heart Blood Center

Consider making Edina’s new blood donation center part of your routine.

M O R I T Z G LI K

Behind every smile is a great dental team

pen near the laboratory because platelets only have a five-day shelf life. “We process those as quickly as we can, which is why it is really beneficial that we have our lab on site,” says Pederson, who is excited about the growing business and all the potential new volunteer donors who can help save the lives of those in need.

CARL E. SCHNEIDER, DDS AND STEVEN J. VEKER, DDS

Trusting Heart Blood Center 7390 France Ave. S.; 844.222.7001 trustingbloodheartcenter.com Trusting Heart Blood Center @trustingheartbloodcenter @TH_BloodCenter

3925 W 44th St. Edina 952.922.2159 www.44thStDental.com 17

Story by Ava Diaz — Photos by Chris Emeott

PERSPECTIVES

Dream Big Local author releases a middle grade novel that amplifies diverse voices.

TRANSFORMING THE LITERATURE LANDSCAPE for young readers, Edina

resident and debut author Payal Doshi released her first middle grade novel Rea and the Blood of the Nectar this past June.

Though reading has always been a part of Doshi’s life, it wasn’t until college when it occurred to her that her love for reading could be translated into a career. Breaking into the writing world, Doshi started her journey working as a features editor for a lifestyle magazine. Tired of creating the same type of content daily, she began to wonder if there were other ways for her to write about what truly intrigued her. Upon opening her laptop one Saturday morning, Doshi found herself writing a short story about an 8-year-old girl who ran into the forbidden woods to discover a magical and mysterious tree that left her feeling not only frightened, but curious. Discovering the joy that creating this enchanting tale brought her, Doshi instantly knew that this was the start of her new future. “It was like an epiphany. I felt so happy that I had just created this out of nothing,” she says. “It was so natural.”

Using this two-paragraph draft as her outline, Doshi says the premise of the tale is very true to what the book is today. What differed, however, was the diversity of her characters and the societal structure they were placed in. Building out her story, she says she subconsciously developed Caucasian characters and customs because that is what she was used to reading.

Wanting to break barriers and ultimately dismantle stereotypes of individuals with diverse backgrounds, she began to edit her story to seamlessly include food, clothing and customs from her Indian culture and heritage. “All kids are amazing, and all kids are awesome. All kids should see themselves like that,” she says.

With the desire to increase the presence of Indian protagonists in children’s

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fiction, Doshi sent her finished manuscript to Mango and Marigold Press in Massachusetts, a publishing house founded

by Sailaja Joshi to provide a source for her daughter to see characters like herself on the cover of a book. “At the time, there were five times as many books about trucks and dogs than there were about children of color,” she says. With a mission of sharing South Asian experiences, Joshi believes in the power of providing a space for children to see themselves in new manners. “It gives them the opportunity to explore different communities, cultures and experiences in a safe and wonderful way,” she says.

Prior to receiving Doshi’s manuscript, Mango and Marigold was at a standstill and ready to close up shop. Upon reading Rea and the Blood of the Nectar, Joshi says she knew this was what she needed to get back on her feet and continue her mission of amplifying new voices. “In a time when I was going to quit, Rea found me,” she says.

Now working on the second book in the trilogy series, both Doshi and Joshi are excited to see where Rea will take them.

“If the books do well, that just means that there are that many more kids who are picking up books with diverse characters and not caring that they are different them,” Doshi says. “That is really why I write these books, to give kids a source of entertainment and give them a place to escape to a magical fantastical land.”

Payal Doshi; payaldoshiauthor.com @payaldwrites

@payaldoshiauthor

Payal Doshi – Author

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Story by Madeline Kopiecki — Photo by Chris Emeott

FA C E S

Connecting with Kids Edina honors volunteers who make our community great.

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SINCE 2008, the Edina Community Foundation’s Connecting with Kids Leadership Breakfast has shined a spotlight on the efforts of local volunteers and their impact in the Edina community. In April 2021, eight honorees were celebrated for their work.

“Every once in a while, you’ll get a nomination where it’s just like, ‘Oh, my gosh, why haven’t we honored this person in the past?’ And I kind of thought that, especially for Shane,” says Patty Dronen, director of the Connecting with Kids program, about 2021 honoree Shane Stumm.

Stumm, an Edina resident for the past 20+ years, has dedicated half of that time to volunteering with the Edina Soccer Association, which is the largest sports association in the community with an incredible 3,500 kids in K–12 participating yearly. Stumm was nominated by Krista Johnson, an administrator for the association.

“Stumm, as she explained it, literally did everything,” Dronen says. From coach to committee member, vice president to president, Stumm oversaw a lot of the programming and used that time to develop a popular tournament as well as a scholarship grant for Edina student-athletes.

“Everything he touched kind of seemed to turn to gold for the soccer association and really helped growth,” Dronen says.

“It’s always been a big program but just really made it special for kids. And for us to give him an award, I just thought it was so natural.”

“I felt super humbled and obviously super excited about becoming a nominee for this award,” Stumm says. “When you volunteer for this type of thing, you don’t expect to be recognized. You just kind of do it because that’s what you do.”

Stumm first started volunteering with the soccer association when his wife signed him up as a coach. “I started talking to people and recognized pretty quickly that the core values of the association aligned with my own personal beliefs,” Stumm says. “I decided that I wanted to put my volunteer time and efforts into that organization; that’s kind of what spurred it all.”

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had been a member of since freshman year as well, she noticed students often expressed interest in the nursery.

“There was not an easily accessible route through which students could volunteer and support the organization,” Maggie says. As a result, she contacted staff members she knew through volunteering to pitch her idea of a student advisory board.

“My idea was to establish a more formal and regular connection between high school students and the nursery

through volunteer engagement, planning and fundraising,” Maggie says.

With the Blake student advisory board already boasting 40 student members and two more student boards at Visitation School and Edina High School, Maggie says she hopes to expand to even more schools as well.

“She just has a way about her,” Dronen says about Maggie. “She’s so smart; she’s so eloquent. I could just see that anything she got involved with would be for the better because she

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Photo: Mycah Bains Photography

Another community member, who received recognition from Connecting with Kids this year, was Maggie Seidel, an Edina resident and senior at The Blake School, who was honored as a student leader. “Maggie was nominated by a woman that works at the Minneapolis Crisis Nursery,” Dronen says.

Along with volunteering at the clinic since her freshman year, Maggie created a student advisory board for the nursery. At meetings for Blake’s community service board, which Maggie

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would just bring so much energy and smarts to everything she did.”

After a year enduring pandemic restrictions, Maggie says the leadership breakfast itself was a wonderful experience. “It was nice to be able to see faces again,” she says. “I was just so struck and inspired by the people I was surrounded by, and by the other recipients and hearing their stories.”

Do you know someone in Edina who deserves recognition? Send nominations to info@connectingwithkidsedina.org.

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a perfect time to

GATHER Local event planning expert launches a successful business during the pandemic.

E

dina resident Kari Gronseth took a bold step during an extremely volatile time and launched Gather Event Group in 2020. While events were being postponed, cancelled or recalibrated across the world, Gronseth saw an opportunity to make her mark in an industry that would surely experience a comeback led by the most creative individuals. Her bravery is paying off with expanded bookings and very happy clients.

Gronseth’s background includes a bachelor’s degree in urban planning and design from the University of Minnesota and corporate experience in space planning, logistics, organization and budgeting. She also loves interior design and would often redecorate her home and help friends with redecorating projects.

Enter her affinity for gardening and setting a beautiful table, something inspired by her grandmother, and Gronseth decided to go back to school for floral design. “I thought I knew a lot,” says Gronseth, who credits her added education for “learning a ton” on topics like purchasing florals in large quantities, how to pick and process flowers and how to select the best florals for specific needs like bridal bouquets. She says, “Florals used in bouquets need to look good out

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of water for a few hours. Hydrangeas just don’t work.”

Word of mouth led to growth in Gronseth being tapped for everything from baby showers to weddings under the banner of her small business Pink and Green Floral Design. The success led to Gronseth being recruited by a larger local company to specialize in weddings, where she spent seven years at what may have been considered her dream job, collaborating with great mentors and working on weddings as well as corporate events and even a Super Bowl. “I loved it,” she says. But then, the pandemic hit, and her event planning employer was forced to lay off staff. When others might despair, Gronseth, who still had close relationships with vendors, brides and corporate clients, viewed the timing as an opportunity to step out on her own. It wasn’t easy, and it was definitely scary. “I had to plan and replan events sometime three times over,” says Gronseth, who constantly monitored changing health guidelines “But I still loved it. The day I ‘set an event’ is always the best day and gives me the sense that ‘I did it!’”

The experience of creating events for clients during a pandemic has ratcheted up Gronseth’s creativity. Although she would prefer to never hear the term “pivot” again, the success of her Gather Event Group is likely due in part to Gronseth’s inventiveness and

CLOSE TO HEART & HOME

Gronseth says, “My favorite event every year is The Abbey’s Hope Annual Golf Tournament. I have worked on this for 14 years. The family are my dear friends; I knew Abbey, and working on this event is very special to me.” If you’d like to learn more or donate, visit abbeyshope.org.

Story by

ANGELA JOHNSON Photos by

CHRIS EMEOTT

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ability to coach people through the learning curve of being flexible and imaginative. She’s helped clients reimagine events like company picnics and holiday parties.

Personalized to-go employee gifts that are shipped to homes and safely handling food distribution at gatherings when buffets no longer made sense are just some of her ideas. Even as we head into another holiday season, continued social distancing protocols mean larger tents for outdoor venues and even requests for backyard igloos, ice bars and s’more stations.

Gronseth says, “Smaller guest lists means there is more budget to spend on things like food and drinks, floral arrangements, rented China place settings and beautiful centerpieces. People want to spend time together and enjoy a beautiful presentation of food and bubbly.”

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WE’VE INCLUDED SOME OF GRONSETH’S EXPERT EXPERIENCE FOR READERS PLANNING TO HOST AN UPCOMING EVENT. BE SURE TO ADD THESE ITEMS TO YOUR CHECKLIST, OR CONSIDER HIRING A PROFESSIONAL.

Always walk a space pretending to be the guest.

Where will guests park? How will snow and ice removal be handled to ensure a safe path to the home or venue? Valet parking may be priceless on a cold, snowy night or in places where parking is tricky.

Will guests enter through the front door, or, for a tented event, how will foot traffic flow?

Know where any hostess gifts should go.

Where can guests place jackets?

Where do guests get a drink? Does the bar placement make sense? It should not be in a crowded corner.

People want space.

For outdoor events in winter, consider bringing in appropriate heaters or fire pits.

For outdoor events in summer, make sure there is shade and plenty of water, and don’t forget the bug spray.

When it comes to food, Gronseth says, “I am seeing more grazing boxes that people can grab and eat, custom designed mini food boxes. The charcuterie box is huge now!”

“In place of buffets, we are seeing food stations with small plates and pre-plated courses that people can grab and go … Hand-passed small appetizers are still popular. I am also working on custom take-home late night snack boxes like donuts, cookies and milk, and french fries with dipping sauce,” Gronseth says.

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SOME OF GATHER EVENT GROUP’S TRUSTED PARTNERS: “Partnering with amazing vendors is the key to a smooth event,” Gronseth says. “I trust my catering vendors are always up to speed with current food and catering trends and can recommend amazing menus and ideas.”

“Chowgirls Catering (chow girls.net) is amazing. They are the most creative catering company with fabulous food ... I’ve worked with many food trucks this past summer, the Rusty Taco (rustytaco. com) and Little Blue Food Truck (littlebluefoodtruck.com) are my top favorites,” she says.

“To add some extra personalization and fun to events, I love working with Claire Ward Illustration (clairewardillus tration.com) or North Mallow (northmallow.com),” Gronseth says. “Claire will draw a beautiful sketch of your guests that they can take home

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and always have a memory of your fun event, and who doesn’t love roasting s’mores any time of year? North Mallow brings a beautiful setup with the tastiest treats and the most creative combinations of goodies.”

The vendor Gronseth usually calls first for an event is Katiee from Après’ Party (apresparty. com). She says, “She is my tent and decor go-to. I trust them, and I know whatever I order will be perfect, set up on time, and my clients will be happy.”

Balloon garlands have been huge for the past year, and Gronseth does not see this slowing down. “Corner Balloon Shoppe (cornerballoonshoppe. com) is my balloon go-to vendor for all things balloons.”

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PUT A RING ON IT Edina Alumna creates her own wedding planning business.

Photos: Danielle Flake Photography; Katie Clark Photography

Wr it ten by Ava Di a z

Growing up in an environment where everything was celebrated, Edina alumna and founder of Ringham Events Natalie Ringham says her passion for planning has been a part of who she is for as long as she can remember. “It was just always something that gave me energy that was a really fulfilling feeling,” she says. “I love putting the time into the back end of it and seeing the outcome.” Crediting her mother for her attention to detail and desire to put on showstopping events, Ringham would develop anything from elaborate birthday parties to a neighborhood summer camp for kids alongside her longtime best friend and now business partner, Katie Malcom. “I love the meaning and intentionality behind social events. They are always celebrating something special,” she says. “There is more freedom to dream and go big.”

Becoming a certified wedding planner through The Bridal Society as a sophomore in college, Ringham later went on to receive her degree in event management at High Point University in North Carolina and received a certification to become a master certified wedding planner in 2020. Upon graduation, she settled back home in Edina to launch her brand, Ringham Events, in the midst of the pandemic. Despite the challenges that came with being a recent grad and starting a business from scratch, Ringham was not going to let those elements steer her away from her goals of becoming her own boss.

STAR T O F SO M E T HI N G N E W Instead of taking a big-picture approach for each wedding, Ringham works from the start to identify elements that are important to each client such as traditions and values. “The way that she gets to know her clients helps make the dream a reality,” says Abby Fischer, Ringham Events client and Edina resident. “It is really the forefront of every conversation that we had with her. All she did was ask questions about us like, who we were, how we are as a couple, what we loved, what we like to do together and what we want in our wedding.”

Though creating that Pinterest-perfect aesthetic is ideal for many, Ringham emphasizes the importance of incorporating these client-focused features to ensure a more personalized touch on the big day. “There are so many aspects that go into Katie Malcom, Natalie Ringham and Christine Ringham

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way of maneuvering these heavy blocks of wood upstairs, Ringham was still determined to make it happen for the sake of the bride and her wedding day vision. Recruiting the groomsmen and their muscles, they managed to move the tables, with a bit of trial and error, up the small stairs to the reception space; right before the power turned back on (of course!). “It was probably not very important, but it was important to me, and she went out of her way to make that happen,” Tkach says. “I think wedding planning is such an emotional experience and to have someone who can celebrate the joys of it while still being the calm level-headed person in the storms of it is super important to have as a bride.”

Taking pride in creating fruitful experiences for her clients, Ringham says the most gratifying moment is seeing her hard work pay off.

“My favorite part of the wedding day, which is why it is so fulfilling, is lighting the candles in the reception right before the first look from the couple because that is the picture-perfect moment of all the work and vision that they have put into it coming into fruition,” Ringham says.

“It is that mood board coming to life.”

“If nothing else could happen and you walk away from the day, what would mean the most and what would be the most special thing?”

—Natalie Ringham

Photos: Danielle Flake Photography

a wedding day that you might not remember but figuring out in the beginning what would be the most important, you’ll never forget that,” Ringham says about the typical material components of events. “If nothing else could happen and you walk away from the day, what would mean the most and what would be the most special thing?”

For wedding client and close friend Emmie Tkach, it was this approach that brought her the most joy on her wedding day. Incorporating faithbased elements like a unity candle and scriptural songs, hand selected by Ringham herself, Tkach says these components were what made her autumnal boho wedding feel uniquely hers. In addition to these personal touches, Tkach also says that Ringham’s efforts toward ensuring a seamlessly stress-free day made her services even that much more worth it.

Experiencing a power outage on the day of her wedding due to a storm the night before, the event set-up faced some challenges. Located on the second-floor loft of a barn, the reception was projected to feature large wood farm tables for the bridal party’s seating. However, no power meant no elevator service. With no easy

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Photos: Danielle Flake Photography; Celia Rawson Photography

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Planning any event can be stressful. Add in organizing a ceremony and a reception, combining two families and taking vows to last a lifetime, well, that can add up to a marriage of stress and anxiety.

Take note. There are steps couples can take in shifting the focus and maintaining perspective throughout the planning process.

• Exercise, especially in

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the open air.

• Take breaks to recharge.

• Delegate, so you are not managing it all yourself.

• Hire a planner to get a professional perspective.

• Stay organized with the help of a comprehensive checklist.

• Communicate because a good chitchat can do wonders.

• Keep perspective about what is truly important for the day.

• Carve out time for yourself to take your mind off things.

• Practice mindfulness through yoga or meditation.

• Let off steam, and be sure to have some fun. —gohen.com

Ringham Events ringhamevents.com connect@ringhamevents.com Ringham Events @ ringham.events 35

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ON THE TOWN things to see and do in and around Edina

CELEBRATING FROM HOME Make New Year’s memories from home this year with these tips.

W H O SAYS YO U C AN’T RING IN

from the comfort of your own home? Hunker down for a cozy celebration this winter without compromising any of the fun. Pop the Champagne or the sparkling apple cider, and be merry with these familyfriendly New Year’s activities.

iStock.com/AnastasiaDobrusina

THE NEW YEAR

midnight, play a fun game to ramp up the anticipation. The possibilities are endless, think Minute To Win It style (cup stacking contests, egg-spoon races, trivia games, etc.).

Make Dinner an Experience

Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you need to be in sweats. Make the night feel special by having everyone dress in their best black-tie attire (sparkles encouraged).

Let the family pick from a buffet of goodies without making dinner.

Instead of a traditional meal, opt for a night of appetizers. Take a trip down your local grocer’s freezer aisle and grab pigs in a blanket, shrimp cocktail supplies and whatever small bites that catch your eye.

Do Hourly Activities

Collect Your Thoughts

Make it a Formal Affair

Each hour on the hour leading up to

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Encourage your family to sit down

and think back on the year. What went well? What are you grateful for? What are you looking forward to in the new year? While New Year’s resolutions are often quickly forgotten, entering the year thoughtfully can set you off on the right foot.

Cheat the Countdown

For families with rambunctious kids (who may not know everything about time zones), turn on the countdown from New York to give them the full countdown experience, while still being in bed at a decent hour. Added bonus, you can celebrate the real countdown in peace. —VIVIAN SHINALL

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ON THE TOWN

LOCAL EVENTS

ages. $15–$20. 4–7 p.m. Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave.; 952.833.9580

11411 Masonic Home Drive, Bloomington; sidekicktheatre.com/elvestickets

Bob the Beachcomber Concert

Teddy Bear Band

Cocoa & Cookies at Cornelia

12/2

12/16

12/31

A fun and great show for kids, but every-

With the intent for children to gain and

Stop by while supplies last to get a

body is encouraged to sing along, clap

maintain a positive sense of self and an

cookie and some hot chocolate. When

their hands, stomp their feet, get up and

appreciation of their own abilities, the

done eating and drinking, enjoy an

dance, and enjoy popular music. Come

Teddy Bear Band is a great experience

afternoon of skating. A great way to

listen to songs from the Beach Boys

for all ages. “Adult friendly” opportunities

spend a few hours during your win-

to Raffi, SpongeBob SquarePants to

are provided to encourage parents and

ter break, bring your kids and enjoy

Scooby-Doo, and Elvis Presley to Jerry

teachers to join in the fun as role models

Lee Lewis. Free event, general admis-

to support this process. Free event, gen-

this free and chilly afternoon. All ages.

Noon–4 p.m. Cornelia School Park, 7142 Cornelia Drive; edinamn.gov

sion fees required to enter playpark.

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Edinburgh Park, 7700 York Ave. S.; bobthebeachcomber.com

eral admission fees required to enter playpark. 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Edinburgh Park, 7700 York Ave. S.; teddybearband.com

Santa’s Winter Wonderland

Elves and the Shoemaker

12/10

12/23, 12/28

Waiting on his sled at the Centennial

Elves and the Shoemaker is a tale about

Old-Fashioned Holiday Bazaar

Lakes Park Amphitheater, Santa will meet

elves who help to restore a poor cob-

12/2–12/4

with you and your family for photos. Make

bler to prosperity. A heart-warming

Enjoy holiday shopping, joyous music

sure to pre-register for this event in which

adaptation, the musical tells of midnight

and tasty treats at the Landmark

a professional photographer will be tak-

enchantment and of virtue and gener-

Center’s 43rd annual holiday bazaar.

ing photos of your family with Santa. All

osity rewarded. $17–$19. Times vary.

All ages. $5. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Dec. 2

iStock.com/takoburito

AREA EVENTS

Cocoa & Cookies at Cornelia

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Compiled by Bryce Helmbrecht-Lommel and Grace Masuda

and Dec. 3 and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Dec. 4.

Landmark Center, 75 Fifth St. W., St. Paul; 651.292.3225; landmarkcenter.org

Northern Express 12/3–5, 12/10–12, 12/17–19 Step into an immersive Christmas experience at the Northern Express, including a Christmas market with local makers, scavenger hunts, holiday stories, tasty treats and visits with Santa. All ages. $15–$22. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Tanadoona, 3300 Tanadoona Drive, Excelsior; 952.474.8085; thenorthernexpress.org

Reindeer Run 12/11 Spend your Saturday at the 34th annual Reindeer Run around Lake Harriet. This festive event includes 5K, 10K and 15K races and a 0.4-mile kid race. A virtual option will also be available. All

ages. Ticket prices vary. First race at 9:30 a.m. Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Parkway, Mpls.; info@mnrunseries.com; reindeerrun.com

New Year’s Eve with Bob Stromberg 12/31 No New Year’s Eve plans? Spend the holiday at the Heart of the City Music Factory for its third annual New Year’s Eve event.

The night will feature performances by comedian Bob Stromberg, along with DJ Scott Rousseau and Dan & Sandy Adler.

There will also be a photo booth and a Mexican buffet. Pre-ordered tickets $35, tickets at the door $45. 7:30 p.m. Heart of the City Music Factory, 2665 Fourth Ave., Anoka; 612.990.6192; heartofthecity.org

To have your event considered: email edinamag@tigeroak.com by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication.

in digital format!

Never miss an issue of Edina Magazine with free, anytime access to our digital editions.

Full screen viewing on your digital device allows easy cover-to-cover reading. You can zoom in on text or images as well as share your favorite Edina Magazine stories with friends and family.

Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment, please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

Learn more at edinamag.com 41

GALLERY Photos by RebeccaStudios

Nolan Mains Date Night

On July 29, 11 retailers at Nolan Mains hosted “Date Night,” offering in-store specials and experiences to invite the local community in for an evening of fun and discovery. The event featured area shops, restaurants and fitness studios offer specials, along with free horse and carriage rides.

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advertise with

EDINA MAGAZINE To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos and contact information, and a brief description of the event, to edinamag@tigeroak.com.

@

Contact Cynthia Hamre

952.843.8268 cynthia.hamre@tigeroak.com

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TASTEMAKERS

story by HAILEY ALMSTED AND ANGELA JOHNSON

photos by CHRIS EMEOTT

44

Wine of the Times Sommelier wine buying strategies and cold-climate wine education.

WINE CAN BE APP R EC I AT ED A L L YEA R , but it’s especially apropos during the holiday season. Dinner parties, restaurant gatherings and holiday gift giving tend to make wine top of mind for many revelers. So, with stemware in one hand, we connected with local experts for information to help would-be wine drinkers get more comfortable buying, ordering and gifting wine during the holidays, or for that matter, any time of year. Because, anytime can be wine time.

Sarina Garibović is a certified sommelier and owner of Ženska Glava, a woman owned and operated wine and spirits events business. Garibović became interested in wine and wine education while working in the hospitality industry and used her education to help create restaurant wine lists and teach servers how to make wine more approachable without over-simplifying. She also founded a nonprofit with fellow sommeliers call Twin Cities Somms. We asked Garibović what to look for in a wine best suited to your occasions. She says, “As a somm, what we’re thinking about is what do you usually like to drink? What flavor profiles do you already appreciate? If you love a California pinot noir, you probably like fruity wine with some acidity. Also, price is a factor for everyone, so we might ask which producers you enjoy in order to see what you’re used to paying; because you might not love a fantastic wine if you feel like you’ve overpaid!” For the adventurous types who prefer to try new things and for whom it doesn’t matter if those things align with what you already like, then Garibović tends to suggest wines from underrepresented regions like Slovenia because, “It can be good and also be a better value.”

Most importantly, Garibović encourages people to ask the staff at any restaurant or wine seller. They should know about the wines they offer. She says, “Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions, because a little bit of knowledge can go a long way, for example knowing things like more fruit character typically comes from a warmer climate where there is riper fruit and more sugar and higher alcohol. Knowing a little bit about how grapes are grown can go a long way.”

We dove deeper into our wine glass and asked Garibović’s opinion about some common wine varieties.

R EDS:

Cabernet Sauvignon — In a restaurant setting, if guests say they frequently enjoy cabernet sauvignon from the Napa Valley, that gives a lot of information about the character of the fruit they may expect, whether they expect the wine to undergo barrel aging as well as the price they are accustomed to spending on a bottle. The land in Napa Valley is quite expensive and new oak

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barrels are used to produce many cabernet sauvignons in the area, all leading to a higher cost for the finished wine.

Merlot — Merlot used to be quite popular but has since fallen out of favor with many drinkers, arguably due to the popular movie Sideways, which created a preference for pinot noir.

This makes merlot, a delicious wine worthy of frequent enjoyment, on par with a passion project for many producers.

Much like cabernet sauvignon, merlot is a wine with grippier tannins, lots of ripe black fruit character and pairs well with weightier dishes like steak.

Pinot Noir — Pinot noir is a hugely popular grape variety that can express itself in wildly variable ways due to factors such as climate, soil type, aspect and aging methods. Typically, pinot noir coming from a cool place like Burgundy, the Loire Valley and Oregon will have a lighter body, show high toned red fruit and herbs with more acidity while examples from California will express themselves with richer fruit, a fuller body and more subdued acid. If you love pinot noir from Burgundy or Oregon but find the offerings restrictive due to budget, try gamay from the same places, which can offer similar qualities with a typically more affordable price tag.

Malbec — Originating in France where it is known as cot, it has really exploded in popularity and low cost examples are practically ubiquitous. The issue with malbec occurs when the cheap examples available in grocery stores cannot be found on wine lists and are instead replaced by higher quality examples at surprisingly high prices. This is because though malbec originated in France, it is now produced primarily in Mendoza, Argentina, where it can vary greatly in quality depending on where it is grown and the methods used to produce it. Stick to affordable examples when buying retail for everyday wines, but talk with your server in a restaurant for help finding a great example or another wine that matches your preferences.

Zinfandel — It can be misunderstood because of the way the grape bunches ripen on the vine. Unlike other red grapes, which ripen at relatively the same speed, becoming darker and concentrating sugars over time, zinfandel can have a bunch of grapes with green grapes, ripe grapes and raisins all at the same time. In the finished wine, this can mean a range of fruit character and perception of body and texture. More and more, producers are aiming for a more balanced zinfandel

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TASTEMAKERS

Wine Terminology Enology The science that deals with wine and wine making Hybridization A hybrid grape are grape varieties that are the production of two or more grapes Residual sugar The amount of grape sugar left in wine after the fermentation process is complete Tannin A natural compound, which adds bitterness and astringency to wine, mostly found in red wine Terroir The French word meaning “earth,” describing the natural environment where a wine is produced; includes the soil, climate and topography Viticulture The science and cultivation of grape vines (Viniculture is specific to grapes for winemaking.)

Zymology The science of wine fermentation

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rather than pushing the limits of harvest time to get the most ripe fruit, which has in the past contributed to the perception of zinfandel as a big, jammy wine. The rich and ripe style can be great for pairing with weightier and more intense dishes, just talk to your wine pro to find out which example might be right for you and the occasion.

W HITES:

Sauvignon Blanc — Garibović says, “Sauvignon blanc is so popular, and in so many people’s comfort zone, that at times it can be hard to guide guests to any other wine on the menu.” It’s refreshing and crisp but also has a uniquely green character, like bell pepper or a gooseberry quality. It pairs well with vegetable dishes or foods with an herb component.

Most folks like the crispness and fruity quality of many New Zealand sauvignon blancs, but there are other options like Sancerre from the Loire Valley in France or Styria in southern Austria that are worth trying.

Riesling — Known as the darling of somms; “We all adore it,” says Garibović. Due to the popularity of Liebfraumilch in the ‘80s (Blue Nun), there is a common idea that all riesling is sweet, creating a well-known and oft examined difficulty of selling the wine in many settings. If you like a high acid, high tone, crisp, electric white wine, you cannot find a better option with lime, lemon, apricot flavors. Though even riesling with sweetness shouldn’t be discounted, due to its high acidity, the sugar is easily balanced and sometimes practically imperceptible. Riesling is also versatile in food pairing; turn to a dry example for salads with a vinaigrette, weightier and more concentrated bottles for spicy dishes and the classically sweet styles for fruit tarts and many other desserts.

Pinot Gris — Same as pinot grigio, both are wonderful, crisp and neutral with a fresh style. Gris is from France and expresses itself differently, a little richer and with a golden hue. A bottle of gris is a wine for a table of four because it pairs with most everything.

Chardonnay — Known as a love it or leave it variety, climate and winemaking have a great impact on chardonnay as a finished wine. A fairly neutral grape, tending towards a high toned, chalky, minerally wine from cool climates like Chablis, and riper apple, and even tropical fruits when grown in a warm place like Napa, chardonnay can be many things.

Chardonnay can be a wine of process like lees stirring (to create creaminess), malo lactic conversion (the source of that buttered popcorn aroma) and oak usage (vanilla aromas and flavor) are employed. So, it’s important to ask, “Where does it come from and how is it made?” Cost can be a window into style as well, since extending time before bottling and the use of new oak barrels create a lot of expense for winemakers.

Are Rosés still a thing? Garibović says, “Yes. It’s a thing and somms want to make rosé popular all year round because the idea that you can only drink it in the summer and only crisp varieties from southern France isn’t really true.

There are beautiful examples from Germany, Austria and California. It also has the ability to age, so a rosé that is not from 2020 is totally fine. In fact, seek out a rosé with a couple of years of age and see how it goes. It’s basically a very light red wine, so it’s strength is in pairing, like a white wine but with some structure of red wine.”

Why is white wine served chilled and red wine is not? White

wine is very frequently too chilled, and red wine not chilled enough. Most restaurants are forced to store white wine in a beer cooler at 36 degrees, which is too cold, so you probably don’t need a chiller. White wines taste better when they’ve had some time to warm up a bit. When white wines are too cold, you will have a hard time appreciating any of the aromas and character of the wine, and it will taste pretty neutral.

Red wines are best at 55–65 degrees rather than room temperature. When red wine is too warm, the alcohol overrides other flavors. So, maybe get a chiller for your red wine if it’s too warm. Stone chillers without ice can help chill wines a little or at least maintain a more appropriate temperature.

What makes a good cooking wine? I usually have a couple of unfinished bottles of wine in the fridge that I use for cooking. If you cook so much that you need specific cooking wine, go for something in the middle because the problem with low quality wines is the addition of so many things that they’re not worth using. But most people also don’t want a $20 cooking wine. If you care about the ingredients you put in your food, you should care about the sourcing of your wine for cooking. Also consider responsibly produced wine.

What’s the best bottle to bring to a dinner party or give as a gift? A host gift is one thing, but a bottle to share is dif-

ferent. To share, bring a bottle that pairs well with food, beaujolais goes well with lots of dishes. Or select a red from Jura in France, where you can find textured red wines with balance, and impress your friends with wine from a lesser known place! For a gift, if you want a high impact, fancy gift, give Champagne though sparkling wines can be just as good and at a lower price point. Good marketing on behalf of Champagne as a celebratory wine means it costs a lot. Garibović also recommends gifting magnums (larger bottles that hold as much wine as two standard bottles) because they have a celebratory impact and can age for longer because there is less oxygen exchange before opening.

Magnums are also great for the dinner table because they’re indulgent. You can find a good one for around $60.

ZENSKA GLAVA, ZENSKAGLAVA.COM

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LAST GLANCE

Photo by Cade James Miller

RUNNER UP: PLACES IN EDINA

Night Lights How any moment can be a special moment.

We regularly feature photo submissions from our Images of Edina photo contest in the pages of Edina Magazine and online. This month, we asked Cade James Miller to tell us about his 2020 photo contest submission titled All Aglow.

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Where did you take the photo?

On our neighbor’s outdoor patio.

What prompted the photograph?

I was waiting for them to come outside and looked up to find this picture-perfect scene.

the pandemic, which collectively challenged us all, but I have always believed that life is about perspective. So, when I looked up and saw this … I chose to take it in, take a breath and capture this magical moment.

What do you love about this picture?

I shot this photograph during

What kind of camera did you use?

My iPhone 11 Pro Max.

December 2021

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