Artful Living Magazine | Spring 2024

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DISCOVER

A Legacy of Handcrafted Homes

At the heart of Stonewood’s esteemed reputation lies a deep-rooted passion for handcrafted excellence, a legacy carried forward through four generations of masterful homebuilding.

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The ASID MN showcase home makes a triumphant return after six years.

In partnership with the Pillsbury Castle Project and NARI of Minnesota, ASID Design Home brings you the grandeur of an earlier era. 30 custom designed spaces, original wood-paneled walls, a private terrace off the kitchen, and an imported 17th-century English library are just a few of the treasures that lay within. Experience the magic for yourself.

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Photo by California Closets

A Tudor Revival Castle

Stylishly Reborn in the City

30 designers and eight remodelers reimagine the Alfred F. Pillsbury Mansion, a piece of history in Minneapolis.

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Photo by Spacecrafting

Primary Bathroom Design: Mike Rataczak Studios

Kitchen Design: Kate Roos Design and Partners4Design

Kid’s Bedroom Design: Lucy Interiors

Photographed by Taylor Hall O’Brien

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THE FOOD ISSUE

life. at your summit.

At the core of our care lies the profound understanding that you are on a journey to reach your full potential, to realize your goals and dreams, to reach your summit——no matter what that summit may be. It is this understanding that drives us to provide the highest standard of excellence through every injury or aching joint and muscle that may stand in your way.

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CONTENTS

CULTURE

50 TREND

Are our pets eating better than we are?

55 SPORTING

Lessons from a hospitality tennis league.

63 AT AUCTION

Bonhams sells a collection of canine portraits.

STYLE

69 JEWELRY

Luxury jeweler JB Hudson makes its Twin Cities return.

74 DESIGN

Martha Dayton crafts a Los Angeles haven.

83 GUIDE

This season’s picks reflect pure radiance.

COMPASS

94 FETE

Why the Cayman Cookout should be on every foodie’s bucket list.

100 EXCURSION

Inside Sheldon Chalet, Alaska’s most exclusive stay.

109 TOUR

The Artful Living guide to Portland, Oregon.

CONTENTS

HOME

134 PROPERTY GALLERY Coldwell Banker Realty presents the finest homes for sale.

164 ARCHITECTURE Jackson Strom designs a sophisticated lake home.

172 INTERIORS A Minneapolis condo renovation honors the city’s milling legacy.

178 BUILD Streeter Custom Builder lets the light into a lush lakefront residence.

ADVENTURE

187 TREND

In the latest sporting craze, women over 40 are taking up surfing.

192 PASTIME

David Coggins waxes poetic about fly-fishing.

195 DESTINATION

Laura Schara gets away to Wyoming’s Brush Creek Ranch.

INTEL

203 EXPERIENCE

Inside the immersive world of experiential dining.

211 FARE

José Andrés shares his love of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine.

218 NORTH NOTABLES

The region’s best and brightest.

EDITOR'S LETTER

IT’S FITTING

THAT MY FINAL ISSUE AS Artful Living Editor-in-Chief is our spring food issue. After all, the first issue I had a hand in crafting more than 13 years ago was similarly focused on food and wine, highlighting an up-and-coming chef named Curtis Duffy who we predicted would make his mark on the Chicago culinary scene. That issue also featured explorer and Blue Zones expert Dan Buettner’s five food commandments, travel tips from celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern, and an interview with a precocious Gavin Kaysen, who shared his dream of one day opening a restaurant in his hometown of Minneapolis.

Of course, a lot has changed since then, yet some things remain the same. We still take immense pride in bringing our audience the most compelling content complemented by beautiful design in our trademark glossy, oversize book that we know takes center stage on readers’ coffee tables for months at a time.

As some of you may already know, I recently made the difficult but necessary decision to step down as Editor-in-Chief and shift to an Editorat-Large role in order to dedicate more time and attention to my work amplifying Indigenous change makers and issues. I believe it is my life’s work to bring these stories, told as authentically and carefully as possible, to audiences across the country and the globe.

It’s doubly fitting, then, that our feature, “A Chef’s Journey,” tells Ann Ahmed’s life story in her own words. It marks the first time that the acclaimed Lao American chef behind Gai Noi, Khâluna and Lat14 has been so open and vulnerable about how cooking has shaped her as a person and has helped her overcome some of her past traumas. It’s been one of the greatest honors of my time here at Artful Living to steward her deeply personal story out into the world. (page 116)

With that said, both this magazine and I are moving into our next chapters. I’m delighted to hand the reins of our award-winning publication over to Amy Synnott, who comes to us with extensive editorial experience at top U.S. media outlets including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and InStyle. I’m confident she will uphold our high standards while bringing her own flair to these pages.

Thank you, dear readers, for your incredible support over the years that undoubtedly helped make Artful Living the singular magazine that it is today. I look forward to cheering on the team from the sidelines and hope you continue to do the same.

Happy reading,

Kate Nelson Editor-in-Chief

Thoughtful Innovation

Amy Synnott

Incoming Editor-in-Chief

Hayley Saunders Associate Publisher

Lexi Sunberg Managing Editor

Margaret Cooper Senior Art Director

Rosie Kelly Digital Editor

AJ Longabaugh Contributing Digital Editor

Genevieve Cossette Coleman Vice President of Sales

Meg Kelly Marketing + Events Manager

Mitchell Lambert Director of Operations

Tyra Ericson Project Manager

Frank Roffers Founder + Editor-at-Large

Pete Burgeson President

Editorial Advisory Board

Heidi Libera, Chris Plantan, Dana Swindler

Contributors

Writers: Ann Ahmed, Jennifer Blaise Kramer, Brittany Chaffee, David Coggins, Katie Dohman, Christina Fortier, Amber Gibson, Steve Hoffman, Laurie Junker, Ali Lee, Wendy Lubovich, Melinda Nelson, Marisa Petrarca, Anne Roderique-Jones, Laura Schara

Photographers: Camilla Fuchs, Mary Jo Hoffman, Matt Lien, Spacecrafting

Illustrators: Hilbrand Bos, Michael Iver Jacobsen

Advertising Sales

Contact Emma Cutler Velez at 612-803-1910 or evelez@artfulliving.com.

Subscriber Services

Contact us at 952-230-3133 or hello@artfulliving.com.

Kate Nelson Editor-in-Chief

Emma Cutler Velez Publisher

ON THE COVER

Our Cover Shot

Encouraging us all to incorporate more veggies into our diet, the cover of our spring food issue depicts the nutrient-dense — and surprisingly artful — artichoke, which is currently having its moment in the limelight on Instagram and TikTok feeds the world over. Shot by New York City–based photographer Jamie Chung, the image was inspired by notions of health and abundance. To bring this concept to life, the award-winning creative curated a repeating pattern featuring several edible immature flower buds. “The feelings I tried to capture in this photo are sunny, fresh and bold,” he says. Whether this magazine ends up atop your coffee table, kitchen counter or bar cart, we hope it finds its place in your home as a welcomed pop of green to accompany the long-awaited spring season.

About Us

Artful Living is one of the top independent boutique lifestyle magazines across the United States with international reach. Founded in 2008, this award-winning quarterly magazine features engaging original content and beautiful design, bringing the best of the North and beyond to an affluent audience with impeccable taste. This elegant, intelligent publication aims to inspire and entertain, highlighting culture, home, style, travel, food, profiles and more. The Artful Living lifestyle brand is headquartered in Minneapolis.

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pet project

ARE OUR FURRY FRIENDS EATING BETTER THAN WE ARE?

BY ANNE RODERIQUE-JONES

ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL IVER JACOBSEN

I’M AT MY NEIGHBORHOOD butcher shop, inquiring about the freshest cuts of meat. The friendly gentleman behind the counter patiently helps me decide, wraps up a steak then asks, “Special occasion?” It’s my dog’s birthday. I don’t even eat meat.

I’m not alone in spoiling my four-legged friend. A whopping 64% of us cook our pets a separate meal at least three times a week, according to recent OnePoll research. If that’s not dog math, I’m not sure what is.

I grew up in what we called an “animal family,” which meant that no matter how many pets we had, Mom would take in any stray she came across. Over the years, we had a chow chow named Chow, a pot-bellied pig, a ferret, countless other pups and a smattering of cats. But these weren’t pampered pets; they were more like backyard barn animals.

Oh, how times have changed. My mother and grandmother, who now live together and half-jokingly call each other sorority sisters, have just one pup: a feisty min pin/dachshund mix who lives better than I do. To them, Dudley isn’t a dog — he’s my brother. He gets Greek yogurt for breakfast, a Steak ’n Shake burger for lunch and cookies in between for being a good boy (boy, not dog). Meanwhile, my mother-in-law makes her own food from scratch (vetapproved, of course) for her beloved dachshund, Elsa, who lazes the days away in front of a fireplace.

My own senior pooch, a Lab/Australian shepherd named Delta Burke, has a subscription to the Farmer’s Dog, a service that delivers humangrade meals to our doorstep. My dinner, on the other hand, is usually a slice of pizza or some sad leftovers. I guess it’s safe to say that we’re still an animal family.

So when did our furry friends start eating like humans — only better? A 2019 Canadian Veterinary Journal study found that “most pet owners reported giving equal (53.1%) or more priority (43.6%) to buying healthy food for their pets compared with themselves.” As in: No, Fido, you take the last scoop of caviar.

Remember those Fancy Feast commercials with a white-gloved waiter revealing what must certainly be a gourmet meal? Instead, it’s a crystal dish piled high with — surprise! — cat food. Lori Richmond of Brooklyn, New York, emulates this in real life. Her blue Burmese, Mona, has an only-forher pink crystal dish for her freeze-dried chicken as well as her own stroller, babydoll seat, doll crib and human toddler chair. Mona’s first birthday party was practically purrfect, complete with a tiny treat-filled piñata and glam gifts like a princess carriage and a pop-up play tent.

In Long Island, New York, Emily Cappiello feeds her Siberian husky, Dakota, whatever she’s having for dinner, off a dinner plate of her own:

chicken, salmon, even caviar with crème fraîche and potato chips. Dakota also enjoys sushi, which Cappiello plops into the pooch’s mouth using chopsticks (obviously). “She’s here for a good time, not a long time,” Cappiello says of her pampered pup.

This raises a fair question: Is human fare actually better for our pets? Veterinary surgeon Cat Henstridge, known as Cat the Vet, has a hot take. “It’s extremely unlikely that home cooking all your pet’s meals will give them a balanced, healthy diet,” She explains. “My advice is to choose food made by a brand that employs a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, so you know they have the expertise to ensure their products are balanced and healthy.”

But that doesn’t mean it’s a faux paw to have a little foodie fun with our furry friends. Around the world, high-end hotels are cashing in on this craze. New York City’s luxe Mark Hotel boasts amenities like pet beds, dog bowls and its signature Woof Woof Kit with a collar, a to-go water dish, waste bags and other extras. But it’s the Spoiled Dog’s Menu that takes the cake. Curated by esteemed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the in-room dining offerings include the Healthy Bite (salmon with a cucumber, apple and spinach salad) and the Svelte Pup (hard-boiled eggs, steamed rice and mixed market vegetables).

If you think that’s rich, the five-star Egerton House Hotel in London hosts a doggie tea service in its posh dining room. The afternoon delights include chicken liver and beef meatloaf paired with peanut butter biscuits and carrot cupcakes. The dog-tini, meanwhile, is crafted with chicken consommé and garnished with a meat skewer.

And don’t forget dessert. Pupper Cup ice cream is made exclusively for pooches. This coconut-based sweet treat is swirled with ingredients like salmon, peanut butter and blueberries. Founder/CEO Kelly Crook admits she is typically less spoiled than her four-legged clients. “I’ll be roasting a wild-caught salmon fillet for Pupper Cup then go make a PB&J for myself,” she jokes. She really kicks it up a notch for holidays and other special occasions — think roasted filet mignon with carrots. Sign me up for that Christmas dinner!

So what’s the final verdict from our vet? “It’s absolutely fine to spoil your dog, and this sounds delicious enough for humans as well!” Henstridge concludes. “The occasional treat like this is a wonderful way to indulge them and share a lovely bonding experience.”

That’s all the pawsitive reinforcement I need. For Delta Burke’s next birthday, I’ll be treating her to a bacon Pupper Cup. But I draw the line at blowout bashes and over-the-top gifts — because she is a dog, after all. Just don’t tell her that.

M ATCH PO INT

LESSONS FROMA HOSPITALITY

TENNIS LEAGUE. BY STEVE HOFFMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY JO HOFFMAN

MINNEAPOLIS CHEF ALEX ROBERTS HAS RUN THE ICONIC ALMA restaurant for almost 25 years, is a James Beard Award winner and, it turns out, possesses a remarkably accurate first serve wide to the deuce side.

Sommelier Nicolas Giraud, who has worked for Alain Ducasse in France and Gavin Kaysen in Wayzata, is sneaky quick, with a nearly un-playable drop shot. Stephanie Shimp, owner of Blue Plate Restaurant Company, has a crackling two-hand crosscourt backhand. And Peter Bian of Saturday Dumpling Club can serve a tennis ball 100 mph. I only know this because I too am a member — informally, as we all are — of Hospitality Tennis.

It began with a chance meeting at Norseman Distillery between Bian and Erik Eastman of Minnesota Ice. Some Ping-Pong was played. Some dumplings were bought. Bian introduced Eastman to a spectacularly talented local tennis pro, Mohanad Alhouni, and soon enough, a tennis friendship blossomed.

To understand what happened next, it helps to know a bit more about Eastman. He’s one of our most talented mixologists and purest hearts. Over the past decade, he has managed to fold much of the local food, wine and spirits community into a warm, long-armed embrace through his unlikely profession: selling ice to Minnesotans.

After he saw the light — that day across the net from Bian — he began evangelizing the joys of tennis to all who would listen. Coming from anyone else, this might have amounted to the mere patter of a good salesperson, but when Eastman spoke, people listened. And not only listened, but believed. And joined.

Chef Thomas Boemer, co-owner of Revival Smoked Meats, joined us with his howitzer serve. David Fhima, executive chef of Maison Margaux, brought his elegant slice backhand. And Joe Kotnik, founder of Rootstock Wine Co., came with his nimble footwork.

In this setting, the high standards, the narrow margins, the bad Yelp reviews — all the daily pressures and judgements that await anyone attempting to make a living in the food and wine world — fell away for an hour or two. Our regular Sunday gatherings of professional rivals in a difficult business ended, without fail, with a congenial exchange of hugs, best wishes and gratitude that such a thing existed.

The Minnesota tennis year is a hard-court affair, indoors or out.

Northern winters aren’t kind to grass and clay surfaces. But last summer, we all watched, mesmerized, as tennis’s newest superstar, 20-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, captured the Wimbledon gentlemen’s singles title in imperious and impeccable style. And like kids who throw the pigskin around at Super Bowl halftime or play catch between World Series innings, we ended the Wimbledon fortnight hungry to play tennis on grass.

As it happens, just outside of Charles City, Iowa (about three hours south of Minneapolis), there’s a modest farmhouse on a dusty gravel road, surrounded by what looks like most of the state’s 12 million acres of corn. Next to the house, a picket fence encloses a former cattle feedlot that’s now an unlikely sight: a pristine, perfectly flat, emerald-green, chalk-lined grass tennis court.

This is the All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club, built by an obsessive gentleman (one uses that term in the realm of grass courts) named Mark Kuhn. He grew up listening to BBC Wimbledon broadcasts on a short-wave radio in the 1960s, dreaming of someday creating his own Centre Court. By 2003, he managed to pull off that far-fetched feat, and today, his manicured kingdom is available by reservation to anyone willing to make the drive and pay the $480 daily fee (100% of which supports his nonprofit, the All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club Foundation).

So it was that four members of Hospitality Tennis — Eastman, Bian, Roberts and I — arrived in Charles City on a 90-degree August morning, with the court to ourselves for the day.

Well, not entirely to ourselves. Kuhn, smiling under his Stan Smith mustache, was there to host, talk tennis, offer ice water and invite us into the air conditioning for a spell. He had surely seen far better players grace his court, yet he remained encouraging and commiserative as we sweated under the hot summer sun in our tennis whites (bought specifically for the occasion) and learned, by trial and many errors, how to judge the bounce of a tennis ball off a 7/16-inch carpet of mown bentgrass.

Over lunch, we learned that Kuhn’s quixotic efforts to bring grass-court tennis to Iowa had captured the imagination of the Wimbledon staff and that he had made several visits there, first as a grounds crew intern then as an honorary court attendant. He regaled us with insider stories as we ate Roberts’ fried-chicken sandwiches (which he had prepared that morning

at dawn, because that’s who Alex Roberts is).

It had been clear almost from the start — from our first steps out of rural Iowa, through the looking glass and into Kuhn’s private dominion — that the day wasn’t solely about tennis.

The court began as a boy’s implausible dream but was completed as a family project. Kuhn spent long hours with his sons, Alex and Mason, cutting sod, picking rocks, laying drainage tile and individually cutting, with a jigsaw, the 628 pickets for the bordering fence.

Then in 2016, Alex took his own life at the age of 34. Mark hadn’t seen it coming and, in some sense, has never recovered. But in the way that the smallest daily habits can help get us through the worst of our grief, it seems that the demands of the grass court — the constant tending, the reassuring geometry of white chalk stripes on 10-millimeter blades of grass — provide him with a form of succor, however insufficient, and a connection to his son, however imperfect.

That summer day, we talked about the comforts of tennis, which is sometimes just a game, and sometimes more than a game. And about the comforts of sharing a meal, which is sometimes about food, and sometimes about more than that.

The four of us returned to the court for the afternoon in a different frame of mind, counting our small wins and losses on the scoreboard amid the larger losses that surrounded us, on a tennis court that was not only a tennis court, but also a memorial.

While the sun set over the cornfields and the towering wind turbines, we gathered in Mark’s living room, where he served us strawberries and cream, washed down with wine that Bian had saved for just the right occasion, among just the right people.

In its most important incarnations, hospitality is not really an industry, nor is it simply a way of tending to the wishes of patrons, although that work can approach a kind of sublimity when done just right. Fundamentally, hospitality is about attention and comfort, about tending to the deeper needs. And it can, now and then, be about recognizing when a moment has opened up into something new.

As we prepared to climb back into our cars in the vaguely lonesome and crickety darkness, Mark suggested we make a stop in town on our way home and join him for the summer’s final Party in the Park, where we could share a beer and some tacos and listen to a pretty good Doors cover band.

We all agreed — kind of relieved that the evening wasn’t yet over — and spent an hour in Central Park with Mark and some of his neighbors, a few blocks from Trinity United Methodist Church, Mara bridal shop and the Fullerton Funeral Home. Just southeast of us, on the Cedar River, a white gazebo overlooked a memory garden designed by a Charles City resident who had lost her son in childbirth, started a support group for families whose children had died and wanted to create a place of solace for all grieving parents.

Photo Credit: Chelsie Lopez Productions

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must love dogs

BONHAMS SELLS A COLLECTION OF CANINE PORTRAITS.

BY WENDY LUBOVICH

YOU’D BE HARD-PRESSED TO FIND A MORE passionate group than dog lovers. That’s why a recent Bonhams sale had collectors worldwide contending for some 250 canine-related artworks. The auction was an international spectacle honoring man’s best friend — from bulldogs to basset hounds, papillons to poodles.

“We love dogs, and it is this basic love that spawned an entire genre of art,” says Bonhams Edinburgh Picture Specialist Leo Webster. “Whether working, shooting or simply pets, there is such a broad range of reasons for keeping dogs, and therefore celebrating them in art.”

Although the live auction took place in Edinburgh, Scotland, impassioned admirers from multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, placed bids online and by phone for a rousing sale that smashed early estimates, bringing in £430,739.

Who could resist a posh poodle with the striped bow and red embellishments on its paws? “Meurice of Mannerhead – A Very Fine Poodle,” the lush 20th century painting of an aristocratic-looking animal posed against a lavish yellow drape by British artist Frederick Thomas Daws, sold for £9,600.

An especially mischievous pooch seemed to steal everyone’s heart: a wide-eyed black pup intently holding a tennis racket in its mouth. The 1898 portrait “Sidi – A Poodle with a Tennis Racket” was painted by German artist Paul Friedrich Meyerheim, who beautifully captured the beloved pet’s playful spirit. After fierce bidding, the artwork sold for £51,200.

Among the auction’s most elegant pieces was a portrait of a poised French bulldog, created circa 1900 by British artist Maud Earl. One of the few female sporting painters of that era, she was known for her highly detailed renderings of purebred pooches. In this work, the proud Frenchie is captured with soft brush strokes, evoking a cool sophistication. No surprise, it garnered great interest from breed lovers near and far, bringing in £14,080.

“As with most areas of collecting, there is a whole host of different buyers,” Webster explains. “Some buyers wish to celebrate all dogs, and some only want to collect items related to ‘their’ breed. Some are looking for one special artwork, while others are wishing to fill their entire home.” Collectors with more modest budgets were also thrown a bone, as the sale offered some fetching bargains. An impressive 20th century walking stick with a carved wooden finial in the shape of a spaniel head sold for £358. Meanwhile, a 19th century brooch featuring a rough collie set in a rock crystal reverse intaglio imbued with a delicate seed-pearl border brought in £640. A patinated bronze greyhound letter clip went for £538,

his spring-hinged jaw ready to hold handwritten keepsakes. But surely, the item that garnered the most attention was the large-scale 1896 sporting canvas entitled “The New Forest Buckhounds.” Painted by the incomparable British artist John Emms, the work shows a group of hounds seated in the forest, accompanied by a huntsman and kennel assistants. Emms specialized in painting hounds in the Hampshire area; here, he used dynamic, precise brush strokes to capture the dogs’ spirit and energy. Amid strong demand from sporting lovers the world over, the artwork sold for £82,950 — a grand gesture of puppy love, indeed.

LEGACY LUXURY JEWELER JB HUDSON MAKES ITS GLORIOUS TWIN CITIES RETURN.

BY MARISA PETRARCA

CROWN

JB HUDSON IS ONCE AGAIN THE TALK OF THE TOWN, HAVING RETURNED with refreshed vigor and a stylish new home at Galleria Edina. In 2021, the iconic luxury jeweler shuttered its doors after a 136-year reign on the corner of Nicollet Mall and South Ninth Street in downtown Minneapolis. Little did clients know that JB Hudson was beginning a new chapter in its illustrious legacy with a quietly orchestrated move to the upscale shopping destination.

A little backstory: In March 2021, family-owned jewelry retailer Gunderson’s acquired JB Hudson from Pohlad Companies, whose diverse business ventures span several sectors (including ownership of the Minnesota Twins). After the Minneapolis store closure, JB Hudson re-emerged in Wayzata, but under the Gunderson’s name. Gunderson’s President Breanne Demers candidly admits that clients were disheartened; they yearned for the JB Hudson they knew and loved.

“There was never a plan to have JB Hudson go away,” Demers affirms. “We just wanted to make sure that when we re-launched we had it right.”

Behind the scenes, a deal with Galleria Edina was already in motion, and the team was bursting with excitement. The only problem? “We couldn’t announce it yet,” says Demers, who adds that their phones were ringing off the hook. “People were calling with requests to have their jewelry resized or repaired and didn’t want to bring it anywhere else in town.”

Years of anticipation crescendoed with the grand opening at the Galleria last November. The shop’s location was carefully chosen, nestled among premier brands like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. The community response was overwhelming. “We opened the doors to a line of people, and everyone was exchanging hugs and smiles,” Demers warmly recounts of the long-awaited reunion.

While JB Hudson’s devoted following is strong, the Gunderson’s team’s unwavering passion for jewelry might just be stronger. “We are deeply rooted in this industry — it’s our sole focus,” Demers says. That commitment shines through in the revamped store. The open-concept space is bathed in natural light, with marbled display cases showcasing the finest jewelry and timepieces.

Fresh aesthetics aren’t the only thing to look forward to. Shoppers can also expect new exclusive lines unavailable anywhere else in Minnesota. Among them

is Armenta, a women-owned and -operated artisanal brand offering handcrafted pieces for both men and women. Founder Emily Armenta uses ethically sourced materials such as mixed metals and colored gemstones to create designs brimming with personality and vintage charm.

Another newcomer (and JB Hudson exclusive) is LAGOS. The brand’s baubles transcend classification, but one category stands out among the rest: cult-favorite caviar bracelets, famous for their roe-inspired beading and timeless shape. And true to a collector’s dream, there are endless styles to choose from — including classic takes in 18-karat gold or sterling silver as well as modern options with colored ceramic beading.

The new locale also features delightful modern touches. Case in point: Male clients can peruse a devoted section that the retailer has dubbed the Man Cave. “It’s an entire area of the store dedicated to men,” says Demers. “And it’s not just wedding bands and watches, but men’s fashion jewelry, too.”

Of course, watches remain a priority for the reimagined JB Hudson. Top Swiss brands Blancpain and Norqain join ranks with favorites like Omega, meaning there’s no shortage of luxury pieces available. Exclusive in-store events, such as the annual men’s watch gathering held at the former location, are also making a comeback — but they’re not limited to timepieces. Diamond enthusiasts can also look forward to happenings highlighting rare styles that aren’t regularly on display.

Although JB Hudson has certainly evolved since its debut in 1885, the team hasn’t strayed from its founding philosophy. They remain wholly devoted to offering Minnesotans the finest luxury jewelry, including access to exclusive designer lines. But some change is good, in this case. The beloved retailer’s subtle yet deliberate shift to embrace modern clients while retaining the loyalty of lifelong patrons is evident and admirable — a welcome fusion of old and new.

CLASSIC

CALIFORNIA

BY WENDY LUBOVICH

MARTHA DAYTON DESIGNS A LOS ANGELES HAVEN.

PHOTOGRAPHY

LAURE JOLIET

SOMETIMES THE SMALLEST HOMES CAN PRESENT THE BIGGEST opportunities. That was the case with this petite Spanish-style bungalow tucked into a very walkable West Hollywood neighborhood. Perfectly appointed and filled with effortless charm, the 1,600-square-foot retreat is packed with sunshine and embodies easy California living.

“When you have a small footprint, you can choose finishes and materials that cost slightly more than you might have spent if the house were much larger,” Minneapolis interior designer Martha Dayton points out. “We wanted this home to be cohesive but to have some playful moments, too.”

That playfulness starts outside the home, then works its way inside.

That’s because from day one, the Minnesota-based client wanted to take full advantage of the outdoor living areas. “Since we don’t get to be outside year-round in Minnesota, it was important to prioritize the outside as much as the inside,” the owner says. “I really viewed the backyard as an extension of the interior spaces, so this is true indoor/outdoor living.”

To achieve this, not one but four sets of doors open onto an intimate terrace where dining, relaxing and reading take center stage. Crafted with help from Elizabeth Low of Elow Landscape Design and Build of Los Angeles, the space boasts a tidy garden area where raised beds are brimming with lush flora. “Because the yard is on the smaller side, our goal was to have a cohesive planting plan that would flow from the inside out,” Low explains. “Now, every window in the house looks out at something green.”

For vertical appeal, Dayton worked with Low to add tall black lattice panels along with lemon, lime and kumquat trees, which happily produce fresh fruit ready for the picking. Paired with drifts of lavender and white geraniums, the terrace has the feel of a secret garden, with a built-in stucco banquette for added seating.

“Although the best part of this home is the outdoor living, there’ s no question I love the entire house.”

But it’s the diminutive pool that sets the tone for these open-air rooms, with its vibrant custom-made cobalt blue tile from California Pottery & Tile Works. A ceramic fountain, meanwhile, adds a splash of Mediterranean chicness. “Honestly, this house just lends itself to having people over and spending time in the backyard,” says the owner. “I am happiest at dusk when the fireplace is on, the pool fountain is bubbling, and friends and family are sitting around.”

Of course, this style of effortless living is a hallmark of Martha Dayton Design, which brings a sense of functionality and finesse to every project, be it a renovation in South Minneapolis or a retreat south of the U.S. border. The award-winning team has spent the past two decades collaborating with builders and architects to create lasting homes that feel like sanctuaries.

The firm accomplished that in this bungalow by honoring the home’s original 1929 architecture. The plan was to build on the Craftsman aesthetic, adding rounded archways to bring in some softness. “We could see the structure had good bones, and we wanted to preserve that,” says Mark Caputo of boutique California builder Caputo Construction. “The house is very inviting — you walk in, and it’s like a jewel box. I have built bigger homes, but this one took just as much effort with all the same trades and finishes.”

You see this commitment to quality with the two custom-stained front doors, which make for a grand entrance indeed. Painstakingly hand carved in oak, the intricate motif speaks to the bungalow’s Mediterranean influences. The team worked closely with Arte de Mexico in North Hollywood to achieve this tour de force — one of the project’s great splurges. “The front doors are very elegant, with great Old World charm,” Caputo says. “Not what some would expect to see in this little gem of a

house in West Hollywood.”

Once through the front door, it’s the organic texture of the flooring that greets you, seamlessly connecting one room to the next. Composed of custom-stained white oak, the handsome herringbone pattern comes courtesy of WD Flooring in Minneapolis. “The wood floor adds the necessary warmth since the walls are white (Benjamin Moore White Dove) and the windows are black,” Dayton explains. “The goal in the living and dining rooms was to create a space that could fit 10 people yet still feel open and welcoming.”

But perhaps the most joyous aspect inside the home is the lively ceramic tile found throughout. You’ll see this in the kitchen, where the island is dressed up in a graphic pattern of blue, gray and white (Walker Zanger Duquesa Fatima Mezzanotte). Ditto in the primary suite, where a spacious shower sports a powerful punch with crisp black-and-white tile (Country Floors Bavi 2). Carved into that shower tile is a last-minute transom window that brings in loads of natural light. No surprise, that little detail quickly became one of the most beloved features. “The client wanted a black-and-white bathroom, but we didn’t want it to go too cold, so having a custom-designed vanity made out of white oak was really important in the space,” Dayton adds.

To be sure, it’s the dozens of inspired design touches that make this home so enchanting — a cherished warm-weather escape where friends and family can sit back and indulge in some serious California dreaming. “Although the best part of this home is the outdoor living, there’s no question I love the entire house,” the owner says. “I love the ease of singlestory living and the simplicity of a small house. It’s amazing how little space we need when it’s well thought out like this.”

THE GUIDE

WITH LUXURY IN EVERY GLASS, THIS SEASON’S PICKS REFLECT PURE RADIANCE.

PRODUCED BY CHRISTINA FORTIER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPACECRAFTING

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photo by Scott Amundson Photography

FROM TECH STYLES TO TEXTILES

Exquisite

chef's

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY THE RITZ CARLTON, GRAND CAYMAN

kiss

BY KATE NELSON

WHY THE CAYMAN COOKOUT NEEDS TO BE ON EVERY FOODIE’S BUCKET LIST.

WHEN JOSÉ ANDRÉS OFFERS YOU A SWIG OF HIS FRESHLY

prepared sangria from the porrón wine pitcher he’s passing around, there’s only one obvious answer: Yes, chef. The standout SpanishAmerican chef, restaurateur and humanitarian had taken over the beachfront — ostensibly to show us how to make his prized paella, but in reality to have us laughing, crying and laugh crying with his skillful storytelling and heartwarming humor. As he danced between two giant paella pans and lovingly dropped in ingredients, Andrés also dropped little nuggets of wisdom like, “In both life and cooking, the separation between chaos and perfection is one degree.”

These are the kinds of intimate encounters with the world’s top chefs that Cayman Cookout attendees can expect. The annual foodie fete just celebrated its 15th anniversary at the world-class Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Renowned French chef Eric Ripert — best known for his three-Michelin-starred New York City institution, Le Bernardin — has hosted this epicurean extravaganza since its inception. To commemorate the occasion, this year’s celebration featured more than 90 perfectly orchestrated events, including dozens of bespoke food and drink experiences, catamaran and private jet excursions, chef-led scuba-diving and deep-sea fishing expeditions, and even an exclusive Goo Goo Dolls concert.

“The Cayman Cookout is never the same from year to year because of the talents we bring in,” Ripert tells Artful Living. “It has evolved a lot over time. We started with only a few chefs — Anthony Bourdain, José Andrés, a couple others and myself. It was just José’s paella class, some dinners and some classes on the beach, and we were catering to maybe 100 or 200 people. But even today, we keep it very limited in terms of access. We want the guests to have those intimate experiences with the chefs, because that’s what makes the cookout so unique.”

I hesitate to use the word “festival” to describe the Cayman Cookout, as that term conjures up images of droves of people waiting in long lines to snag bite-sized portions of uninventive fare made for the masses. In contrast, this FOMO-inducing affair is limited to just 500 guests — many of whom return year after year to rub shoulders with the likes of Emeril Lagasse, Andrew Zimmern, Kwame Onwuachi, Kristen Kish, Angie Mar, sommelier Aldo Sohm and others. (This year’s running joke was that attending the cookout might be an easier way to experience Onwuachi’s cuisine than trying to secure a reservation at his Big Apple hot spot, Tatiana.)

These celebrity chefs are having just as much fun as the attendees themselves. After all, how could you not enjoy spending five days at a Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond Caribbean paradise? The cookout events — some of which accommodate larger groups, while others allow for just a handful of people — are peppered throughout the 144-acre property spanning from storied Seven Mile Beach to the North Sound. Known for its hospitality and safety, Grand Cayman is the largest and the most populous of the Cayman Islands at 76 square miles. The festival showcases local flavors and ingredients in addition to highlighting the extraordinary talents of the featured chefs.

But the Cayman Cookout is about so much more than just rubbing elbows. Sure, guests get to have authentic, personal experiences with these food world icons (many of whom remember devotees and look forward to seeing them time and again), but they also get to experience multiple meals of a lifetime. And that’s not an exaggeration.

An elegant evening at signature eatery Blue by Eric Ripert, for instance, celebrated the diamonds of the earth — aka Sabatino truffles — across multiple courses prepared by Blue Chef de Cuisine Thomas Seifried and Okan Kizilbayir, chef de cuisine at Salt at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. The lively Beach Bash on nearby Rum Point, meanwhile, involved a relaxing catamaran sail with a stopover at Stingray City, a shallow sandbar where adventure seekers can mingle with the calm titular fish, before arriving at this idyllic isle to nosh on more casual culinary creations. And not to be missed is the Bon Vivant Chef Competition Brunch — a favorite among cookout regulars — which features a vast smorgasbord of inventive fare to savor while watching a spirited cooking contest among friendly rivals.

There’s also ample downtime to enjoy the elegant yet easygoing resort’s many impressive amenities, including a beckoning beachfront; multiple pools; a family-friendly water park; a Greg Norman–designed golf course; basketball, pickleball and tennis courts; and a plethora of island activities like sailing, kayaking and snorkeling. The 20,000-square-foot spa engulfs you in a world of relaxation and boasts a full menu of massages, facials, nail services and other pampering treatments employing high-end ESPA and 111SKIN products. Travelers who can’t get enough can fully buy into a residence, which offers the best of both worlds.

Ripert visits several times throughout the year to check in on Blue and help plan for the next cookout. So how does this esteemed chef like to spend his time there? “Going to the spa in the morning never hurts,” he says with a smile. “I really enjoy going to the beach every day, and I love swimming with the stingrays at Stingray City. Sometimes in the late afternoon, I’ll go kayaking in the mangroves at the back of the property; it’s just so majestic and beautiful. We also enjoy playing pickleball. And I sleep so well at the Ritz — much better than at home.”

Even if you can’t make it out for the epicurean affair, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is a foodie destination in itself. The expansive property has six onsite eateries and lounges, including Blue, fan-favorite sushi joint Taikun, Italian outpost Andiamo, breakfast spot Seven and the swanky Silver Palm (complete with an extensive cocktail menu, a selection of Caribbean cigars and a lovely afternoon tea service). But this gourmet couldn’t get enough of refined beachfront restaurant Saint June, which dishes up South American–inspired fare paired with picture-perfect water views and fresh ocean breezes.

As for Ripert’s top dining choices at the resort, he has “a weakness for the pizza at Andiamo; I have a pizza almost every day I’m there,” he shares. “At Blue, the menu changes, but there are a couple signature dishes, like the carpaccio of tuna with foie gras that we also serve at Le Bernardin. We also have different types of ceviche that are very local. Right now, it’s the season for conch and spiny lobsters, which are very unique to the Caribbean, so I always recommend trying the ceviche.”

No matter how you slice it, the Cayman Cookout deserves a spot on every foodie’s bucket list. My advice for anyone eager to attend? Book early, as the exclusive festival sells out early thanks to all those devotees. Pack some clothes with stretchy waistbands, as you’re like to leave a few pounds heavier, as beloved Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman General Manager Marc Langevin half jokes (he’s as much a celebrity around these parts as the chefs themselves). And be prepared to have the culinary experience of a lifetime.

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8834 7th

(763)

THE LAST FRONTIER

INSIDE SHELDON CHALET, ALASKA’S MOST EXCLUSIVE STAY.

BY ALI LEE

ALASKA, WITH ITS WILD ALLURE, HOLDS

a special place in my heart. In 1978, driven by a family crisis, my dad left Minnesota’s predictability for Alaska’s limitless adventure.

While caring for his brother after a plane crash, he and his siblings embraced the rugged lifestyle there — king crab fishing seasons, helicopter commutes to work on the pipeline and an impromptu climb up Denali in bunny boots.

In the midst of this northern saga, my mom entered the scene. A born-and-bred New Yorker, she had been exiled to Anchorage by her family. Upon meeting, my parents found more than solitude in the 49th state’s vastness; they found love. Together, they formed a family as a refuge from their fractured pasts.

Despite growing up in Minnesota, I heard all sorts of nonconformist Alaskan tales throughout my childhood that defined my outlook on life. Years later, chasing a desire to rediscover my roots and rebel against societal norms, I would return to the place that shaped my family’s unconventional story. First, I headed to the bustling streets of New York City as a wide-eyed 17-year-old, eager to absorb every drop of urban wisdom. The knowledge I acquired there became the foundation for my expertise in design and hospitality. But it wasn’t until I was back in the northernmost state that my perspective on luxury took an unexpected turn.

In the heart of the last frontier, I immersed myself in a place that completely redefined my understanding of grandeur, discovering the secret lay not in the concrete jungle of New York City but in the captivating beauty of Alaska. There, I unearthed a hideaway that embodies the essence of its roots and introduces a sixth dimension to high-end hospitality.

Welcome to Sheldon Chalet, a once isolated rock transformed into an illustrious eco hotel offering year-round experiences. Here, 6,000 feet above the Ruth Glacier and just 10 miles from North America’s highest peak, my journey as a concierge unfolded. My role was to contribute to a broader story marked by dedication, resilience and a humble pursuit of excellence.

Nestled amid the rugged Alaska Range, Sheldon Chalet has become a hallowed haven where passion, purpose and the human spirit converge. Its key players show up in tales of aviation, cartography, glaciology, mountaineering and sustainable engineering, all of which contribute to the property’s standard-setting stature.

So how did this world-renowned retreat come to be? In the 1950s, the late trailblazer Don Sheldon claimed a plot of land under the Homestead Act; he was granted a land patent only after the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. Over time, this privately owned outcrop became enveloped by Denali National Park. All the while, the Sheldon family has actively collaborated with policymakers to support conservation and heritage efforts, striking a delicate balance between preservation and development for current and future generations’ benefit. They are also committed to honoring the longstanding history of local Alaska Native communities, including using traditional names for area geographical features.

My connection with the Sheldon legacy starts with the historic Mountain House, the pioneering refuge built by Don and his wife, Roberta. From my initial stay in that rustic abode in 2010 to my work at the chalet years later, I have witnessed the evolution of a family’s bold vision and its lasting impact on the rare few who, like me, have had the privilege of being part of this remarkable tradition.

Bound by a deep love and a shared commitment to adventure, Don and Roberta forged a lasting connection with the Alaskan wilderness. Roberta, the daughter of notable pilot Bob Reeve, brought worldly intelligence from her career as a

Flying Tigers flight attendant and Reeve Aleutian Airways administrative manager. Don, a legendary bush pilot who pioneered a glacier landing technique, created strategic partnerships between his air taxi operation and luminaries like mountaineer Ray Genet, bush pilot Stub Morrison and cartographer Bradford Washburn. Together, they transcended boundaries and left an enduring impact on both the landscape and the community.

In 1966, Don and his friends built the Mountain House by leveraging their unique skills to access the glacier. The 212-square-foot hut, now known as the Don Sheldon Amphitheater, sits on a five-acre rock and ice outcrop overlooking the Ruth Gorge. Back in the day, Roberta had an apt mandate for anyone venturing up to the Mountain House: You must be physically fit and mentally flexible. This inspiring directive fueled my desire to explore and understand the way of life in such a remote place. The shelter was more than just a structure; it felt like a living, breathing homage to the spirit of adventure.

The Mountain House now shares its revered rock with Sheldon Chalet — a dream that was inspired by 1968 blueprints Don and Roberta left behind and that was realized in 2018. Elegantly accommodating up to 10 guests within its 2,000 square feet and five bedrooms, the warm abode was brought to fruition by the next generation of the Sheldon family in honor of their forebears’ undeniable trailblazing spirit.

In 2018, I served as a concierge at the hotel, helping to craft utterly unforgettable moments for guests. But my bond with this special place goes far beyond professional duty; I have also relished the retreat from a personal perspective.

A journey to Sheldon Chalet begins with a captivating flight by

helicopter, the exclusive transportation mode for guests, or on a fixed-wing aircraft for the staff. Soaring above the Alaska Range teaches a lesson about the infiniteness of space and time, urging us to approach our years on earth with sincerity.

Upon landing, you’re immediately immersed in a transformative atmosphere, a realm where each breath carries qualities of both freedom and vulnerability. A magical camaraderie would unfold once the staffers’ boots hit the glacier, and we’d morph into a close-knit family bonded by the frozen canvas. We shared a common purpose as we unloaded provisions: ensuring our guests’ comfort during their stay with us.

Waking up to the crisp mountain air, I observed the unfolding weather patterns. I navigated cinematic scenes throughout the day, including thunderous avalanches and fleeting whiteouts. As night fell, the real spectacle began. The aurora borealis danced above, creating a kaleidoscope of brilliance. In those moments, I felt intimately connected to the untouched wilderness, which the family aims to preserve.

To that end, the lodge is redefining luxury through sustainable living 55 miles away from civilization. Its state-of-the-art systems seamlessly blend in with the landscape and embody the leave-no-trace philosophy. Solar arrays, altitude-adapted turbines and an innovative energy storage system dramatically shrink the property’s ecological footprint and reflect an unwavering commitment to sustainability in what is often a wasteful industry. “Our mission has always been to share this incredible vertical haven with the world, responsibly and enduringly,” explains Robert Sheldon, Don and Roberta’s son.

Conventional hospitality norms take a back seat at this one-of-a-kind luxury lodge, giving way to a distinctive ethos that encourages both guests and staff to lean into a more authentic experience. The hotel is now co-managed by Robert and his wife, Marne. Along with their son Ryan, who serves as experience director, the family operates with a commitment

that transcends mere business. Actively involved in daily affairs, the Sheldons uphold their forebears’ vision, emphasizing local expertise, nurturing emerging enterprises and prioritizing an all-Alaskan staff.

Marne reveals what she seeks in exceptional team members: “I treasure qualities like high emotional intelligence, attentive listening, empathy and a resilient yet gentle confidence.” Robert adds, “In a globalized society, we often overlook the potency of local knowledge.” Together, they’ve developed a team with complementary strengths that collectively tackles challenges and celebrates milestones.

Chefs Todd Ritter and Dave Thorne (lovingly known as Delicious Dave) as well as sommelier Tom Laret chart a distinctive culinary path. Their backgrounds emphasize life experiences over conventional hospitality training, and their combined knowledge of fishing, hunting, foraging, aviating and enduring harsh environs deeply informs their craft. Their evident artistry is rooted in their Alaskan heritage and draws inspiration from the unique setting.

Some of us ventured out and experienced life elsewhere before joining the team, but we all eventually returned. I worked in the vibrant New York City fashion scene. Thorne trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, then served as a private chef on tour with music icons like Neil Young, Justin Timberlake and Jack Johnson. Laret, who spent years in Los Angeles and New York City, has an uncanny ability to showcase his Alaskan roots while easily connecting with guests from around the world. This synergy defines the team’s sophisticated approach, organically blending the essence of the last frontier with the refined influences of top global destinations.

Each chef weaves their close connections to Alaska into their menus, accentuating the importance of place. Imagine the grandeur of Ruth Glacier, where in the late sixties Don orchestrated legendary gatherings dubbed the “highest cookouts.” Amid this breathtaking setting, he grilled steaks, scallops and wolverine burgers, creating an unforgettable experience under the open sky.

Fast-forward to today, when Ritter upholds that legacy by meticulously selecting and serving the finest Alaskan-raised meat and produce. This culinary commitment comes to life both out on the glacier and within the cozy confines of the chalet.

Showing off his talents, Thorne prepares dishes like black cod embellished with a ginger-sesame glaze and crowned with kizami wasabi. Paired with tea-steamed rice, garlic-chili-sautéed sugar snap peas and lion’s mane mushrooms, this dish is nothing short of a delicacy to be savored on a frozen mountaintop. Thorne’s imaginative touch even involves handpicking rocks on the nunatak and heating them to a piping hot 400 degrees for a couple hours. He then skillfully sears the fish atop these hot stones to achieve the perfect medium-rare temperature by the time he’s done introducing the course.

Beyond the epicurean bliss, Sheldon Chalet distinguishes itself through the humble and familial dining experience. At the request of the guests, everyone slows down next to a crackling fire to share a meal after a day of outdoor adventures. It’s a down-to-earth luxury, where your concierge, sommelier and mountain guide become your dinner companions. The compact, exposed kitchen enhances this feeling of closeness, creating an intimate atmosphere to be appreciated by a select few.

In Robert’s eloquent words, “Legacy is not just the past; it’s how we conduct the present for future remembrance.” This insight lays the foundation for a team steeped in local knowledge an invaluable asset that shows in the property’s dedication to detail.

His son Ryan, meanwhile, embodies the third generation’s leadership. “Preserving my grandfather’s Alaskan legacy, especially his vision for the chalet, is a profound responsibility,” he says in a moment of quiet contemplation. “Standing among giants, I strive to enhance the experience continually, knowing that Grandpa Sheldon envisioned it to be awe-inspiring.”

Leaving Sheldon Chalet feels like saying goodbye to family. From the historic Mountain House to the otherworldly eco lodge, it has been more than a job for me — it’s been a journey through the heart of the Sheldon legacy. And this is no ordinary luxury escape; it’s the epitome of understated elegance. During a time when genuine hospitality has become such a rarity, it’s a living story where nature, heritage and camaraderie all come together. And the journey continues, with generations of the Sheldon family carrying forth that torch to present this singular travel experience.

PORTLAND

TOUR

BY AMBER GIBSON

SPRING IS AN ESPECIALLY BEAUTIFUL TIME TO VISIT PORTLAND, OREGON, WITH azaleas, rhododendrons and cherry blossoms bursting to life and rare morel mushrooms popping up across the lush forest landscape. The destination’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean and Willamette Valley wine country makes for an abundance of culinary delights, from truffles and hazelnuts to seafood and wild berries galore. The pioneering spirit that first lured settlers out west pervades the vibrant food scene here, and a diverse array of chefs, craftspeople and artisans are taking risks to bring the city to creative new heights.

THE ARTFUL LIVING CITY GUIDE TO PORTLAND, OREGON.

THE RITZ-CARLTON

The Ritz-Carlton surpasses expectations as the first true luxury hotel in town, with a spa, club lounge and electric Mercedes house car. The gleaming skyscraper is one of the city’s tallest buildings, so guests enjoy incredible skyline views whether they’re relaxing in the zero-edge infinity pool, working out in the fitness center or dining at the signature restaurant, Bellpine, up on the 20th floor. Copper and timber motifs are on display throughout the property, from the textured drapery and tree-branch chandeliers in the “forest hall” lobby to the moody artwork in the guest quarters. The hotel’s art collection, including the reclaimed-fir table at lobby bar Meadowrue, was commissioned from regional artists.

Leading the kitchen at Bellpine is Michelin-starred Pedro Almeida, who previously oversaw the eateries at the Ritz-Carlton–owned Penha Longa Resort in Portugal. Here, he embraces Oregon delicacies like cedar plank–roasted sockeye salmon and mushroom ice cream for dessert.

DINE

KANN

First-generation Haitian-American chef Gregory Gourdet serves the most personal food of his career at Kann, blending culinary influences of the African and Caribbean diaspora with the freshest, most flavorful Pacific Northwest ingredients. Upon opening, Kann was named the best new restaurant in America at the James Beard Awards and received similar praise from The New York Times, Esquire and Eater.

Live-fire cooking combines with jerk spices, coffee rubs and herb marinades to reflect Haitian barbecue traditions. Gourdet serves up the country’s national dish — griyo twice-cooked pork — with fried green plantains and pikliz (pickled vegetables). Akra (crispy taro root fritters) is another menu staple that shouldn’t be missed. In the spirit of inclusivity, all of the food is gluten- and dairy-free, with vegan options. A robust zero-proof cocktail list is also available.

HOPSCOTCH

Surprising and delighting at every turn, the unconventional, interactive exhibits at Hopscotch defy art museum expectations. Rotating sensory works by local and international artists interplay art, light and sound to tell stories in innovative and sustainable ways. The 23,000-square-foot space spans nearly an entire city block, with 14 different installations to discover. Some particularly impactful recent collections include an ethereal rainbow cave constructed from salvaged postindustrial materials; a colorful LED light maze encouraging a future of love and acceptance; and a cosmic quantum trampoline where museum goers could draw pictures with each leap.

Visitors usually spend around 90 minutes at Hopscotch but are welcome to explore as long as they like. Afterward, they can enjoy snacks by beloved Top Chef alum Sara Hauman in the lounge and browse local art at the gift shop.

SEE

PHOTOGRAPHY

PORTLAND ART MUSEUM

Founded in 1892, Portland Art Museum is the oldest arts institution in the Pacific Northwest and a cornerstone of the city’s cultural district. The permanent collection includes encyclopedic assortments of Native Northwest Coast art and Japanese prints. PAM frequently hosts artist talks and multimedia presentations, letting visitors engage with creatives and discover the joys of the artistic process. The newest exhibition this spring is dedicated to futuristic footwear, featuring digitally designed and 3D-printed shoes as well as sustainable vegan sneakers made from mushroom leather and ocean plastic.

The Mark Rothko Pavilion opens in 2025 after a multi-year renovation aimed at making the museum more accessible and inclusive, along with a more collaborative curatorial approach. For instance, Native American Art Curator Kathleen Ash-Milby of the Navajo Nation has recently worked closely with Choctaw/ Cherokee multimedia artist Jeffrey Gibson, who will represent the United States at the 2024 Venice Biennale and whose glass panels are noteworthy new acquisitions.

JANKEN

A cherry tree blossoms over curved booths in the middle of the dining room at Janken, a modern Japanese-Korean fusion restaurant helmed by Colombian chef Rodrigo Ochoa. The glamorous eatery serves sushi and hot-stone wagyu paired with Japanese whisky cocktails and sake against a backdrop of white oak and quartz. There’s also a sleek 10-seat sushi bar.

The extensive menu might seem intimidating, but indecisive diners can let their server curate a meal in omakase fashion, beginning with a crudo and sushi platter, followed by hot items like wagyu gyoza, pork sticky ribs, charred broccolini with housemade barley miso, and grilled branzino with yuzu kosho and green apple chimichurri. The weekday happy hour is a steal, with discounted snacks like caviar latkes and soft-shell crab bao on offer. Even if you’re stuffed, the fluffy bingsu is a light, airy dessert that’s perfect for sharing.

DINE

FIRST NATURE TOURS

Explore beyond the city limits for a day or two with a bespoke private itinerary arranged by First Nature Tours. Dedicated to highlighting the local ecology and community, this sustainable travel company offers popular trips like wine tasting adventures in the Willamette Valley and loop tours around Mt. Hood that include the Columbia River Gorge and Hood River Valley. The area is best known for its epic skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking trails, but the dining is excellent, too.

First Nature’s friendly expert guides go above and beyond to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience. Whether it’s picking your own apples, cherries and pears at Kiyokawa Family Orchards (which grows 150+ fruit varieties) or foraging for morels, chanterelles and matsutake mushrooms deep in a fairytale forest straight out of a Tolkien novel, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for nature’s bounty before the outing is over. Afterward, why not celebrate by sitting down to a familystyle feast at Hiyu Wine Farm?

A CHEF ʼ S

JOURNEY

Acclaimed Lao American chef Ann Ahmed reflects on her recent return to her home country — and her return to herself.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

MATT LIEN

Cooking is the core of who I am. It’s my work, my craft, my passion, my spirituality, my entire existence. Cooking makes me feel alive and challenges me to be better every time I’m in the kitchen. Long before I had earned the title of chef, cooking gave me a sense of purpose and belonging as a child when I would help my grandmother prepare food for the family. Cooking is also the driving force behind my journey of self-discovery — a journey that has led me to open four Twin Cities restaurants in the span of 18 years and that has taken me around the world and back to my birth country.

My father died when I was 18 months old, and shortly after that, my mother and I fled war-torn Laos to seek refuge in Thailand. We stayed in the refugee camps for two and a half years, until my great uncle sponsored us to come to the United States. Upon arriving in Minnesota in 1984, my mother set out to provide for our family and took on multiple jobs, including working as a cook at Sawatdee Thai in the evenings.

Before we immigrated to America, I hadn’t spent a moment without my mother. She was my entire world, so losing her to work was so hard. I rarely had time with her, so when she was home, I was glued to her side. My love for cooking began in those moments watching her prepare our family meals. I would even tag along to Sawatdee and hang out in the kitchen while she was working the line. Since then, the kitchen has been my home.

When I was seven years old, my mother remarried and moved us to California. Unfortunately, I didn’t fit in with my new blended family and missed my home in Minnesota. So when I was 11, my mother sent me back to Minnesota to live with my 70-year-old grandmother. That was such a traumatic experience for me; even though I put on a brave face, I felt so scared and alone.

I felt like I’d been abandoned by my own mother, like I’d lost the only person I had. Her actions also seemed to validate everything that my aunts and uncles had labeled me after my father’s death — weak, hopeless and at a disadvantage in life. Their words haunted me so much that I was always praying for a miracle.

Then I discovered the word “resilient” and became determined that this would be me, that I wasn’t doomed like everyone said I was. Whenever the people around me made me feel small, I’d close my eyes and remember the words my mother would whisper in my ear: ote ton, meaning “stay strong.” That simple yet powerful phrase is the greatest gift my mother gave me, and it has carried me through so many hardships in life.

When I was a freshman in high school, my mother and stepfather moved back to Minnesota. I told my mother upon graduating that I wanted my own restaurant, which she immediately shot down. She explained that working in a restaurant was not the life she wanted for me — she wanted more for me, to see me sitting behind a desk wearing nice clothes. She felt that in order to achieve that goal, I needed to go to college and get a degree in anything but culinary studies.

To honor my mother’s wishes, I went to San Diego State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with the intention of becoming a teacher. But when I started my student teaching, I realized that my heart was not in the classroom. My creativity felt stifled, and I didn’t have the freedom that fuels my soul. I longed for the excitement, the sounds and the smells of the kitchen.

In 2005, out of nowhere my mother called and explained that while she was out for a walk in her Brooklyn Park neighborhood, she saw a Restaurant for Sale sign. She suggested I look into it. I was so confused, because this was the same person who had told me “no” seven years ago. But if she was going to tell me “yes” now, I wasn’t going to hesitate. Without seeing the space, I knew I wanted it. I went straight to the bank, walked out with a check for $150,000 and flew back to Minnesota to open my first restaurant, Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine.

At just 25, I was young and stupid when I made that decision (though “fearless” probably sounds better now). I didn’t have a business plan or any plan really, so I winged the whole thing. I found a lawyer online to help me finalize the transaction. I maxed out all my credit cards to repaint the space and remove the smelly carpets. I didn’t have any money left to stock my walk-in cooler, so I sold my car and walked instead. I was so determined to make it work.

We opened the doors to our first guest two weeks later. I couldn’t afford to hire anyone, so the Lemon Grass team consisted of my mother, my cousin and myself. Because we were such a small operation, we were able to survive the Great Recession. Then business started to boom. By 2011, I had saved enough money to expand from 10 tables to 20.

With the success of Lemon Grass, I knew I had it in me. I had long dreamed of building a restaurant from the ground up — something I could really pour my heart into. I wanted a menu that was a reflection of me and also yearned to inch my way closer to the city, so I settled for the western Twin Cities suburb of Golden Valley. But I didn’t want to play it safe with the food; I wanted to push the boundaries.

At that time, I was really missing my grandmother, who had passed away in 2004. I found myself cooking her favorite dishes as a way to comfort myself, replaying those memories of her in my mind and tasting them on my palate. When I opened Lat14 in 2018, I wanted to honor her life and her passion for taking care of others. Focused on the diverse, flavorful cuisine found along latitude 14, the menu is a combination of my past and my future, reflecting my growth as a chef and restaurateur.

“Through cooking, I’m learning who I really am and understanding that I am enough.”

That’s when the public started to take notice of me. They were curious about the girl who was flipping a former Perkins into a posh Asian eatery in the suburbs of Minneapolis. As I started getting more attention, people wanted to know my story, which forced me to have a tough conversation with myself: Who am I? What am I doing? With everyone watching, that was a scary conversation. But it was also the beginning of my truth.

I started to realize I don’t need to be Asian enough or American enough — I just need to be me. I need to do what feels right for me and serves my purpose. Through Lat14, people got to see that my restaurants don’t fit into a stereotypical box. I wanted my guests to come for the delicious Southeast Asian–inspired dishes and stay for the drinks and vibe. Later that year, Rick Nelson of the Star Tribune gave me the title Maverick of the Year, and that’s when I truly felt I was Ann Ahmed. Not too Asian nor too American — just me.

I have always wanted to own an eatery in Minneapolis, but I never would have thought that opportunity would arise during a global pandemic. Opening a restaurant was the last thing on my mind at that time, but I knew that if I wanted to see change that I needed to be a part of that change. I was hopeful for our city after the social uprising that followed George Floyd’s murder, and this would be a way to create jobs and help revive our industry. In October 2021, I opened Khâluna, named for the Buddhist teaching about compassion. During that time of collective struggle, I felt like we all needed to show one another some compassion.

My design inspiration for Khâluna was born out of the pandemic, when we were all stuck at home. Like most, I dreamt of tranquil beauty, nature and escape. My goal was to make guests feel like they’re on vacation by stimulating all their senses. Khâluna quickly became a destination experience, but without the long airport lines and TSA security checks.

I kept telling myself that Khâluna was the last restaurant I was going to open, but then another opportunity presented itself.

My husband, Tarique, reminded me of my dream to create a restaurant heavily influenced by my Lao roots. I agreed to do a walk-through of the space, and it just spoke to me. I was immediately inspired by my favorite city in Laos, Luang Prabang. Gai Noi opened in Minneapolis’s Loring Park neighborhood last May, with an easygoing vibe that encourages guests to come as they are.

I don’t like to be called an expert in Lao cuisine since I left my birth country at the age of two. I am still learning and am always searching for answers myself.

What I want to share with guests is my interpretation of Lao food, why it’s important to me and how it’s part of who I am as a Lao American.

Every time I work on a new restaurant project, it becomes my obsession, just as cooking challenges me to create something more delicious than the last time.

When a guest enjoys my food, it makes me feel worthy and needed — the exact opposite of that little girl who felt like she wasn’t wanted by her own mother. I’m slowly healing from my childhood trauma through cooking. It has been a bumpy journey — one filled with heartache, sorrow, mistakes and growth. But it’s my journey, and given the choice I’d do it all over again, because it led me to where I am today.

I started my first eatery solo, but oftentimes reaching your dreams requires being surrounded by people who believe in you. I started to feel that support when I met my husband. Up until that point, I felt destined to fail, just how everyone said I would. Tarique saw the exact opposite in me: a girl filled with hopes that he wanted to help make a reality. Learning to trust and accept help has allowed me to grow as a chef and as a person. Every single evolution I’ve experienced has strengthened my

connection with my core and my foundation as a Laotian woman who grew up in the American Midwest.

Throughout my career, I felt like I had to pick between growing my business and having children — that the two couldn’t go handin-hand. When I was 35, I chose to get pregnant with my twins and still focus on my work. I remember at one point I was cooking at the wok station and couldn’t reach the wok because my belly was in the way. I was so hormonal that I would sometimes lock myself in the employee bathroom and just cry. But those nine months flew by so quickly, and before I knew it, I had the cutest little faces to stare at. My now nine-year-old twins, Maxwell and Emma, are such a blessing. They gave me something I had been seeking for so long: a family of my own.

Choosing to have children and still run my restaurants has come with its own set of responsibilities and consequences. I have been told by women in my circle that I can’t do both — that I can’t be a great mother if I’m still working full-time, that it’s selfish to be away from my children, that I’m going to miss all the milestones in their lives. Of course, I feel guilty not being able to put my twins to bed every night, but I also know that I wouldn’t have been happy with myself if I had walked away from my restaurants to focus solely on my family. I am definitely not a traditional mom; instead, I’m charting my own path in parenthood. I only hope that my twins will appreciate this shared journey.

Now that I have my own children, I’m able to better understand the decision my mother made when she sent me away to live with my grandmother. Ever since I opened Lemon Grass, she has been my biggest supporter and has put my needs before her own without ever asking for anything in return. This is the love of a mother that I was not able to see until I became a mother myself.

These days, I want to give my aging mother everything and share as many experiences with her as possible. That’s why our recent trip to Laos was so important to me. I know that she’s proud of me, but I wanted her to bask in the glory of her success in how I turned out, to experience firsthand her daughter being invited

“My truth is that I don’t need anyone’s approval to cook from my heart.”

to cook Lao food for native Laotians at the luxurious Rosewood Luang Prabang resort. I am successful because of her.

Laos should feel foreign because I left as an infant, but for some reason it doesn’t feel that way. I remember returning to my birthplace when I was 29 years old and looking out the window as the plane descended upon the jungles, the mountains and the mighty Mekong River. When I first set foot outside the airport, it felt strangely comforting despite being so new to me. Traveling throughout Laos, I was mesmerized by its simple beauty and tranquility. These trips to my home country remind me to slow down, breathe and enjoy life’s small moments.

Before my recent dinner at the Rosewood Luang Prabang, I felt so anxious that my Lao cooking wouldn’t be authentic enough. Then when I saw the list of notable guests who would be in attendance, I fell down a rabbit hole of self-doubt and started to question myself as a chef: Am I Lao enough to cook this meal for all these important guests at a luxury hotel like the Rosewood? Am I skilled enough to represent myself as a Lao American?

I had to remind myself that this invitation to be a guest chef at the Rosewood is one of the most honorable invitations of my career — to be able to showcase my skills as a Lao American chef at a luxury property in my home country. When Adrien, the hotel manager, invited me, I almost couldn’t believe they had chosen me for this experience. But he believed in me, and I wasn’t going to disappoint him. This opportunity aligned beautifully with who I am as a chef at the moment: I am a Lao refugee who fled her home country and is now returning to cook in her homeland with her mother and children in the audience. I was not going to let my trauma take this spotlight away from me.

Beforehand, I was also nervous about preparing the meal in a foreign kitchen and working with a completely different staff, especially since I’m not a super fluent Lao speaker. Most of all, I was worried they wouldn’t accept me as a Lao American presenting a non-traditional menu. But when I got there, I found a team of almost entirely women under the age of 30 who were so excited to work with me. They swarmed around me, trying to learn as much as possible during our few days together. I immediately felt inspired by these young women, and their curiosity to study my palate made me want to cook the best flavors for them.

The guest list for the evening was one of the most diverse audiences I’ve ever cooked for, including a group of friends from Napa, California, a lovely couple from Brazil, a foodie from Singapore, some native Laotians, a Minnesotan friend who now lives in Bangkok, and Khun Rena Udomkunnatum, owner of the Rosewood Luang Prabang. It was such an honor to cook for Rena and her friends. My biggest supporters were also amongst the diners, including my husband, my twins, my mother, my stepfather and my in-laws.

The menu I curated was very close to my heart. My welcome bite was a special surprise for my mother: a wild fruit known as mak kall that’s her favorite food. It is such a treat to find these purplish-blue delicacies at the morning market, because they are foraged in the wild from the tarow palm. I blended the mak kall’s creamy, silky flesh into sticky rice, then seasoned it with a hint of local cane sugar and lightly dusted it with young coconut meat and toasted sesame seeds.

Next, the first course was a quintessential trio of pun (wraps), followed by a Bangladeshi lamb curry that knocked everyone’s socks off. When the guests first saw this dish on the menu, many of them were confused: Why is a Lao American girl cooking Bangladeshi curry in Luang Prabang, Laos? In explaining the inspiration behind the dish, I shared my Bangladeshi love story with them.

In our lifetime, we have different points when we feel that our life begins again. For me, my life started when I met Tarique, which is why this dish is so important to me. My in-laws had very specific criteria for who was going to marry their son, and I didn’t meet any of those. So I did the one thing I know best to earn their

acceptance: I cooked my way into their hearts.

The third course was a Laotian feast featuring six different dishes, many of them inspired by my grandmother. The guests especially liked the knapp ped, grilled minced duck marinated with herbs and heavily seasoned with prickly ash from Xiangkhouang province. They commended me for not holding back; some of them were even a little shocked that a Lao American could deliver such bold, fearless flavors. For dessert, I gave the Rosewood chefs complete freedom. It was the perfect way to highlight their talents and close out the meal.

I went into that dinner with so much self-doubt, fearing that the guests would be underwhelmed with my style of Lao cooking. But the menu really helped me stay grounded to who I am. Once I started cooking, I felt more relaxed and confident that the diners were going to love the food, because everything came from the heart. This event was so special in so many ways, giving me a sense of connection and purpose that I didn’t know could exist.

What is my truth? Cooking has helped me deal with my childhood trauma and has also allowed me to express wholeheartedly who I am. My apron is like a superhero cape — I feel so capable and strong when I’m in the kitchen. My truth is that I don’t need anyone’s approval to cook from my heart.

Over the years, my eateries have earned awards and accolades. Lat14 was named one of the 50 best restaurants in the Twin Cities. Khâluna was named one of the top 15 restaurants in the country and also earned James Beard restaurant and chef semifinalist honors. I still remember the morning last September when I found out that Gai Noi had been named one of America’s best new restaurants by The New York Times. I couldn’t believe I was being recognized with one of the highest honors in the industry.

Once I got over the initial shock, I was so proud that my team and I were finally being seen for all our hard work. Yet it was also a bittersweet moment: Of the many messages of congratulations I was receiving, none were from my aunts, uncles or cousins. In that moment, I felt like no matter how successful I am in the public eye, I will never receive that same recognition from my family. I fell back into the mindset that I’m not enough, that I need to work harder, that I need to accomplish more.

But deep down, I know that I am enough. I am grateful for the love and support of my husband and my mother. I’ve done my best to accept that these types of validations aren’t expressed verbally in my family; instead, it’s how they show up for you. Despite our differences, my family has always shown up for me whenever I need them. They just won’t ever tell me how proud they are of me. I have made peace with that, but I hope this ends with my generation. I will make sure that my kids, nieces and nephews know how much we love them and how proud we are of them.

At the end of the day, I’m happiest when I’m cooking Lao food from memory and reliving that special time with my grandmother. Through cooking, I’m learning who I really am and understanding that I am loved, that I am enough. I now realize that I take up space and leave an impression when I exit the room. These are things I failed to see for so many years, because I was so consumed with self-doubt. That’s not completely gone, but I’m in a much better place now, with people and tools to support me. I also make sure I’m taking care of myself as much as I’m taking care of others.

My experience building and working in my restaurants has helped me realize I have earned my confidence and that the obstacles I have faced along the way have given me so much strength. I no longer need validation in everything that I do. Nearly 20 years and four successful restaurants later, I know that I’m capable and strong. I got this. And I’m not done yet.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Guiding you Through all of Life's Seasons

The days are getting longer, the sun is shining brighter, and the real estate market is heating up. Spring is a time of renewal both in life and in real estate. In real estate, we anticipate a hopeful return to what we’d consider to be normal in contrast to what we’ve experienced over the last 4 years. We have had plenty of highs and lows in the real estate market since 2020 and we are confident that good things are around the corner. This is our time to roll up our sleeves and dig deep to provide you with the best real estate service possible in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.

Year after year Coldwell Banker Realty continues its legacy as the most prominent luxury real estate brand in the 13-county Twin Cities Metro and Western Wisconsin. When it comes to luxury, we are #11, with the largest market share across all real estate brokerages.

We understand that a home is not just a place to live but a reflection of your dreams. We're committed to helping you find the perfect home, where you can embrace the change of seasons in style and comfort. Thank you for your continued trust with all of your real estate needs.

#1

#1 in Chanhassen2

#1 in Eden Prairie2

#1 in Edina2

#1 in Forest Lake2

#1 in Minneapolis2

#1 in Minnetonka2

#1 in Orono2

#1 in St. Paul2

#1 in Wayzata2

Whether you’ve long called Minnesota or Western Wisconsin home or are embarking on a new chapter in this corner of the Midwest, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve your real estate needs, now and in the future. If you plan to list your home for sale or are ready to purchase your dream home, stop by any of our Coldwell Banker Realty offices and connect with one of our amazing affiliated agents. You can also visit ColdwellBankerHomes.com to get started anytime.

TIM LOVETT

952.933.4030

tclovett@cbburnet.com

mrlakeshore.com

17950 BREEZY POINT ROAD | WOODLAND

6 BR 12 BA | $12,495,000

Heading down the tree-lined drive you are welcomed by this country estate on Lake Minnetonka. The grand foyer invites you across polished marble floors, passing graceful twin-curved staircases and coffered ceilings, to the great room with walls of glass framing lush lawns, gardens and lake views. Wrapped in brick and copper, this English Manor boasts 12 fireplaces, official length lap pool, 7 garage stalls, and a tennis court lakeside. Hidden from view, tucked away on 3.5 private wooded acres with pristine riprapped shoreline on Wayzata bay.

4940 MEADVILLE STREET | GREENWOOD

4 BR 6 BA | $5,695,000

Rare lakeshore opportunity, walkable to Excelsior. Enjoy 128 feet of prime, NW-facing frontage, offering panoramic views of Lake Minnetonka year-round! A Steiner & Koppelman/Mike Sharratt collaboration brought forth this luxury English Cotswold with generous spaces and breathtaking views. An elevator services the levels, to access the upper-level bedrooms, garage, and lower-level pub and recreation area. Beautiful landscaping surrounds the bluestone patio and leads to the lakeside deck, where the views of the lake never end.

1640 BOHNS POINT ROAD | ORONO

5 BR 6 BA | $7,495,000 | SOLD

Recently remodeled by Lake Country Builders, this Sharratt-designed home is move-in ready. Boasting over 200 feet of shoreline on Crystal Bay, this property offers privacy and conveinence, with close proximity to Wayzata, amenities, and freeways. Enjoy a turn key property with panoramic Lake Minnetonka views!

KRISTA WOLTER

612.247.5106

krista@kristawolter.com

kristawolter.com

CATBIRD LANE | NORTH OAKS

5 BR 5 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST

This is the private estate that you have been waiting for! This custom, Michels built home includes 9+ acres of privacy, with breathtaking views out every window. Enjoy main floor living at its best with all of the modern conveniences along with wonderful spaces both inside and out. The gourmet kitchen opens to a charming informal dining room and hearth area with gas fireplace. Head upstairs to find two additional bedrooms and a bathroom. Outdoor amenities include heated swimming pool & pool hut, basketball court, and plenty of space to play.

209 QUAIL STREET | MAHTOMEDI

2 BR 2 BA | $995,000

Welcome home to a unique opportunity to live in the heart of Mahtomedi. The award-winning Hagstrom Builder is offering custom built villas on nearly half an acre with private views. Experience main floor living at its best with the option of two bedrooms on the main floor, a finished lower level and 3 car garage. Step into a world of limitless potential for your custom dream home. With high ceilings, open floor plan concept, exceptional craftsmanship and elegant finishes, these detached villas exudes comfort and style. One lot remaining!

1048 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE | SAINT PAUL

4 BR 3 BA | SOLD

Beautifully updated Crocus Hill 3 story home with enameled woodwork, hardwood flooring, and lots of natural light throughout! Home features original millwork & crown molding, and an updated kitchen with custom cabinetry.

215 10TH AVENUE S., #810 | MINNEAPOLIS

2 BR 2 BA | SOLD

Wide open views of the Mississippi River, the Stone Arch Bridge & Cold Medal Park in this amazing 8th floor unit in the heart of the Mill District. This condo features a gourmet kitchen, a private owner’s suite, and world class amenities.

JEFFREY DEWING

612.597.0424

jdewing@cbrealty.com

jeffreydewing.com

19955 COTTAGEWOOD AVENUE | DEEPHAVEN

4 BR 6 BA | $8,495,000

Gorgeous custom-built home designed by Andrea Swan + built by Streeter. Enjoy the open floorplan with walls of windows showcasing breathtaking views overlooking 140’+ of south-facing shore with private beach. Main-level living, elevator, golf simulator & pool!

2112 MEETING STREET | MINNETONKA

4 BR 7 BA | $2,950,000

Gorgeous 4+ bedroom gated estate in Wayzata schools! Enjoy the natural light-filled spaces; open flowing floorplan with gourmet kitchen; and 3-season porch with fireplace. Main-level primary suite with sitting room; spa-like ensuite and two walk-in closets.

19561 CEDAR COURT | PRIOR LAKE

5 BR 5 BA | $1,899,000

Gorgeous custom-built home privately sited on 2.6+ acres at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac! Enjoy the main-level primary suite with fireplace and spa-like bath; walk-out lower level with theater; pool; built-in outdoor fireplace and 10 car garage!

2119 E. LAKE OF THE ISLES PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

4 BR 5 BA | $4,395,000

Beautifully sited featuring breathtaking sunset views over Lake of the Isles, this impeccably remodeled home offers timeless architecture & details! Enjoy the gourmet kitchen with doors opening to the gorgeous patio creating the perfect blend of indoor + outdoor living.

159 BIRCH LANE W. | WAYZATA

5 BR 5 BA | $2,795,000

Premier home in Wayzata Highlands! Open floorplan, gourmet kitchen, main-level primary suite with laundry and floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the views of the expansive backyard. 3-car garage. Serene ½ acre lot - walk to Wayzata shops + restaurants!

233 BROADWAY

AVENUE

N. | WAYZATA

4 BR 4 BA | $1,825,000

Gorgeous home in the heart of Wayzata! Beautifully updated with a flowing floorplan this home offers a main-level bedroom and three bedrooms on the upper-level. Newly remodeled lower-level. Extra deep 3-car heated garage.

JEFFREY DEWING

612.597.0424

jdewing@cbrealty.com

jeffreydewing.com

2412 LAFAYETTE ROAD | MINNETONKA BEACH

5 BR 4 BA | $4,095,000

Highly sought-after Minnetonka Beach location! Beautiful custom-built home offering an open floorplan with walls of windows offering gorgeous lake views! 5 bedrooms on the upper-level including the primary suite with private covered deck overlooking the shoreline.

295 SALEM CHURCH ROAD | SUNFISH LAKE

5 BR 9 BA | $2,699,000

Gated estate private sited on 3.4 acres! This incredibly built home offers endless nature views and high-end finishes & details at every turn. Main-level primary suite including an office with fireplace, 2 walk-in closets and 2 en suites. Large 8-car garage.

6298 STEEPLE CHASE LANE | CORCORAN

4 BR 5 BA | $865,000 | PENDING

Like-new construction in sought-after Ravinia! Features include an open floorplan with walls of windows; main-level office; 4 bedrooms on the upper-level including the spacious primary suite with two walk-in closets; walkout lower-level with exercise room and 4-car garage!

2847 E. LAKE OF THE ISLES PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

4 BR 4 BA | $2,975,000

Thoughtfully designed by PKA Architects and built by Hage Homes, this modern European masterpiece offers unparalleled finishes and details at every turn. Ideally sited to maximize privacy while showcasing breathtaking west-facing views over Lake of the Isles.

1820 KNOX AVENUE S. | MINNEAPOLIS

5 BR 7 BA | $2,395,000

Private gated residence offering timeless architecture and details throughout! The perfect blend of old-world charm with modern amenities, this home was completely remodeled with a flowing floorplan designed for entertaining. 5-car garage.

5155 WEEKS ROAD | GREENWOOD

6 BR 7 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST

Beautiful Lake Minnetonka masterpiece on a private 1+ are lot with tranquil water views at every turn! This East-Coast influenced home features a light & bright open floorplan with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking 150’ of rip-rap shoreline.

952.210.2626

jmartineau@cbburnet.com

jeffmartineau.com

JEFFREY MARTINEAU

4201 HALSTEAD BAY ALCOVE | MINNETRISTA | 5 BR 7 BA | $3,100,000

LUXURY LAKE LIVING ON HALSTEAD’S BAY

This idyllic retreat, crafted by Gonyea Custom Homes and inspired by Old World charm, is a true oasis set on the shores of Lake Minnetonka with elevated views over Halstead’s Bay combining waterfront luxury with modern amenities. The home’s warm earthy hues and carefully curated selections harmonize with the natural surroundings, evoking a profound sense of tranquility. Noteworthy features include a deck and screen porch designed for savoring the changing seasons, expansive windows that embrace the outdoors, a spacious gourmet kitchen with scullery, a built-in kitchen banquette; and a luxurious primary suite – altogether creating the perfect place to call home!

KRISTI WEINSTOCK

612.309.8332

kdweinstock@cbrealty.com

theweinstockgroup.com

STUNNING LAKESHORE ON LAKE MINNETONKA'S CRYSTAL BAY!

2166 SHADYWOOD ROAD | ORONO | 4 BR 4 BA | $2,995,000

This lakeside haven has been tastefully and thoughtfully renovated seamlessly marrying elegance, comfort, and the allure of Crystal Bay. A beautiful blend of shiplap, wide plank hardwood floors, gas fireplaces, wood shutters, and high end fit & finish, create a warm and inviting ambiance. Boasting east-facing views, this meticulously designed home offers an unparalleled blend of sophistication and comfort. Step into a chef's dream with a stunning gourmet kitchen featuring an expansive center island, a steam oven, 6-burner range, and an impressive vent hood for the culinary enthusiast. A separate prep-kitchen features Cambria countertops, an in-wall coffee maker, and ice maker to make entertaining a breeze. The primary suite, a true sanctuary, features an attached conservatory with a gas fireplace, offering breathtaking lake views. Embrace the lake lifestyle with proximity to trails, both Wayzata & Excelsior, and a short 20-minute drive to Downtown Minneapolis.

MATTHEW S. BAKER

612.860.4222

mbaker@cbrealty.com

matthewsbaker.com

2201 ISENGARD STREET | MINNETONKA

5 BR 8 BA | $4,600,000

ELLYN WOLFENSON

612.644.3033 ejwolfenson@cbrealty.com ellynwolfenson.com

A commanding home on a special lot, offering complete privacy. A distinctive masterpiece, built in 2016 with irreplaceable style by Streeter/Elevation Builders & Peterssen/Keller architects. Perfectly integrates indoor/outdoor living, boasting a high-end chef’s kitchen, screened porches, sports court, home theater, ensuite bedrooms, audio/video system, floor-toceiling windows, an indescribable pool and outdoor space, and so much more. A one-of-a-kind treasure, 15 minutes from downtown, the airport, and Lake Minnetonka.

2388 W. LAKE OF THE ISLES PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

4 BR 5 BA | $4,599,000

Iconic Lake of the Isles home with beautiful light-infused interiors, refined sophistication, panoramic vistas, and an extensive 2020 renovation (new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, windows), an award-winning collaboration by; Charlie & Co. Design, L Kraemer Builders & Twist Interior Design. Winner of the 2022 ASID MN Design Award. A landmark residence with preserved historic detail, integrated modern-day sensibilities, and irreplaceable style.

735 KENWOOD PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

4 BR 5 BA | $1,035,000

Reimagined Carmel-style fairy tale cottage with nearly 4,000 SF & 1/3 acre set on winding Kenwood Parkway. Meticulously updated with 4 new marble bathrooms, 4 gas fireplaces, plus new roof, furnace, central HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. An entertainer’s dream main level-open bright living room leads to the stately dining room. Multiple patios and a fenced backyard. Enjoy outdoor dining in the covered Portico Dining Room with a fountain overlooking the Carriage House with a new kitchen and bath.

JIM SEABOLD

651.276.8555

jim@boldmarketing.com

MYA HONEYWELL

651.329.3619

mya@socialresponsiblerealtors.com

HIGHLAND BRIDGE CUSTOM HOMES | SAINT PAUL

NEW CONSTRUCTION | $1,800,000 - $3,500,000

KATHRYN KENNEDY

651.558.6488

kennedy@cbrealty.com

Highland Bridge Custom Homes offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build your dream home along the Mississippi River. With over 50 walkable acres of parks, shops, and restaurants out your back door and dozens of miles of River trails out your front, Highland Bridge is an innovative community in an ideal central location. The community's preferred highquality local home builders and designers will provide the guidance and support needed to make your perfect home a reality. Photos courtesy of Sustainable9/Unfold Arch & Detail Homes.

300 WALL STREET, #31 | SAINT PAUL

2 BR 2 BA | $550,000

Great Northern Luxury Condo-soaring brick barrel roll ceilings, arched windows overlooking Lafayette Bridge and an original safe! Oriented east for kitchen, dining, great room and den while sleeping rooms face west. Huge primary with ensuite, second bedroom features Murphy bed and built-ins, both with generous walk in closets.

HILL FARM CONDOMINIUMS | NORTH OAKS

2-4 BR 2-4 BA | $925,000 - $2,600,000

Enjoy the freedom of a maintenance-free resort lifestyle in North Oaks. Hill Farm Condominiums is surrounded by 300 acres of conservancy land with access to 40 miles of trails in North Oaks. The expansive amenity collection includes: Golf Simulator, Guest Suite, Fitness Center, Party Room, and Club Room with breathtaking 30 foot beamed ceilings and Patio with grilling station, fire tables, and lounge seating. Each condo includes SubZero, Wolf, Cambria, and Kohler. Ask about our Parade of Homes promotion!

GEORGE W. STICKNEY

952.476.3694

gstickney@cbburnet.com

DAVID STICKNEY

952.250.0122

dstickney@cbburnet.com

4 BR 5 BA | $4,265,000

KEVIN STICKNEY

952.250.2015

kwstickney@cbburnet.com

JACOB STICKNEY

952.250.1267

jmstickney@cbburnet.com

Masterfully crafted by Charles Cudd Co. this walkout rambler is nestled upon a serene 3+ acre wooded retreat in the luxurious Mooney Lake Preserve development! Includes an exceptionally detail oriented primary suite that offers a “spa like” bathroom with an extended walk-in closet. Fabulous great room that is sure to impress with the walls of windows, custom ceiling lighting, stone surround gas fireplace and the openness. The lower level offers a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience with an oversized “U” shaped wet bar, expansive family room, game room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, exercise room and a walkout to the paver patio. 5 minutes to downtown Wayzata! Orono Schools!

5 BR 6 BA | $2,695,000

Beautiful custom-built newer home on Mooney Lake. Features and amenities include an open floor plan with huge windows providing lake views from nearly every room, great room with built-ins and a fireplace, high-end custom kitchen with a large walkthrough pantry and coffee bar, main level office/den, three-season porch with a fireplace, formal dining room with a built-in buffet, four bedrooms on the upper level including the owner’s suite all with private baths, spacious bonus room with a wet bar and large deck, and a walkout lower level with built-ins and a fireplace, game room, wet bar, exercise room and oversized sport court. Stunning lakeshore setting on 1.57 private acres.

1175 MOONEY LAKE DRIVE | ORONO

18540 COUNTY ROAD 6 | PLYMOUTH

GEORGE W. STICKNEY

952.476.3694

gstickney@cbburnet.com

DAVID STICKNEY

952.250.0122

dstickney@cbburnet.com

18844 BEARPATH TRAIL | EDEN PRAIRIE

6 BR 7 BA | $1,895,000

KEVIN STICKNEY

952.250.2015

kwstickney@cbburnet.com

JACOB STICKNEY

952.250.1267

jmstickney@cbburnet.com

Executive custom-built Lecy home on one of the finest lots in the sought-after Bearpath Golf & Country Club gated community. Loaded with architectural details and amenities, this residence offers a dramatic two-story vaulted living room with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and huge windows showcasing the creek setting with golf course views, gourmet kitchen with a hearth room opening to the three-season porch and large deck, main level owner suite, grand two-story foyer and library, and a walkout lower-level ideal for entertaining.

1595 MARSH POINTE COURT | MEDINA

3 BR 3 BA | $1,394,800

Welcome to Marsh Pointe Preserve, Charles Cudd builders newest luxury detached villa community in Medina. The neighborhood features 30 home sites across a breathtaking 36 acres offering wider lots with privacy and panoramic views of wetlands making the perfect backdrop for your dream home. The architecturally enhanced main level living homes are built through a collaboration of Charles Cudd’s in-house architects, designers and constructed with the finest craftmanship. Association managed snow/lawn care. Packages start at $1,150,000+.

PRAIRIE HEIGHTS DEVELOPMENT | EDEN PRAIRIE NEW CONSTRUCTION | 3 BR 3 BA | $835,000+

Welcome to Prairie Heights, a new luxury villa home neighborhood built exclusively by Norton Homes in Eden Prairie. Showcasing 23 beautiful lots and architecturally designed plans, this opportunity provides the convenience and simplicity of one-level, maintenance-free living. Exceptional details and amenities are afforded with Norton Homes’ high level of standard features including the ability to make custom selections. Prairie Heights is conveniently located within minutes of shops, restaurants and parks.

BERG LARSEN GROUP

612.925.8404

getinfo@berglarsengroup.com

berglarsengroup.com

5805 MAIT LANE | EDINA

5 BR 10 BA | $4,995,000

One-owner Rolling Green home built by Steiner & Koppelman and remodeled by TEA2 Design, takes advantage of its gorgeous pond site and includes a beautiful pool with expansive terracing and a cabana. Tremendous amenities throughout.

2120 KENWOOD PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

3 BR 4 BA | $1,295,000

Pristine three bedroom plus skylight third floor studio, just steps to Lake of the Isles, finished to perfection on all levels, including excavated and remodeled lower level, plus fully landscaped with fenced yard. An amazing “small home” gem.

1920 IRVING AVENUE S. | MINNEAPOLIS

4 BR 4 BA | $1,395,000

Warm, inviting four bedroom, four bath home with main level family room addition, open to center island kitchen. Gracious front porch. Finished lower level with laundry, billiards and media area. Private back yard with stone and brick patio.

5008 OAK BEND LANE | EDINA

5 BR 5 BA | $3,150,000

Stunning designed home on a quite 1 acre cul-de-sac site. Exceptional center island kitchen/family room, main floor primary suite and study; three bedrooms on upper level; finished lower level; attached garage.

2617 DEAN PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

4 BR 5 BA | $2,395,000

Admired Tudor overlooking Kenilworth Channel. Superb water views from large front terrace and decking. Exceptional character and generous public rooms. Four bedrooms, three baths on second floor. Outstanding private rear yard.

2764 W. LAKE OF THE ISLES PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

5 BR 5 BA | $2,895,000

A rare Parkway gem on a large lot, this 1951-built home is loaded with updates. Enjoy the clear sightlines to the Lake and City, or it’s stunning backyard oasis with a large lawn, stone patio, dining pavilion, water feature, and more.

BERG LARSEN GROUP

612.925.8404

getinfo@berglarsengroup.com

berglarsengroup.com

35

GROVELAND TERRACE | MINNEAPOLIS

3 BR 3 BA | $2,675,000

Completed new construction with architecture by PKA and interiors by Martha Dayton Design. Modern design and floor plan with 2,627 FSF, three bedrooms and three baths. Three units available from $2,400,000 for immediate occupancy.

4887 E. LAKE HARRIET PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

4 BR 6 BA | $1,850,000

Set high on the South end of Lake Harriet Parkway, on a large ½ acre lot, this majestic property enjoys views of Lake Harriet and the Minneapolis Skyline. Lovely setting with mature trees, stone decking, concrete pool and a stunning 400+SF poolside cabana/screen porch.

2130 W. LAKE OF THE ISLES PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

6 BR 7 BA | $3,695,000

Light-filled, superbly updated home with lake views, great terraces, main level family room, dual sunrooms, finished lower level. Four bedrooms, three and one half baths on 2nd floor, private yard with pool, carriage house over three-car garage.

1324 MOUNT CURVE AVENUE | MINNEAPOLIS

7 BR 7 BA | $2,675,000

Prairie School masterpiece designed by architect George W. Maher. Stunning woodwork, gracious spaces, updated center island kitchen, primary suite plus three bedrooms, two baths on second floor. Finished third, lower levels and carriage house.

2728 DEAN PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

5 BR 8 BA | $2,375,000

Mediterranean-style home overlooking Kenilworth Channel with generous public rooms, great natural light, custom Italian-tiled center island kitchen, second floor family room, and stunning third floor library. New slate roof 2023. Private yard.

3520 W. FRANKLIN AVENUE | MINNEAPOLIS

4 BR 4 BA | $2,195,000

Architect-designed award-winning “tree house” takes advantage of light and Cedar Lake views. Vertical in design, it features walls of glass, white oak hardwood floors and trim, and a modern exterior of cedar planking & white corrugated metal.

DREW HUELER

612.701.3124 drew.hueler@cbrealty.com drewhueler.com

2660 HAMEL ROAD | MEDINA

5 BR 8 BA | $2,395,000

Set on over 11 acres, this estate property provides a luxurious, private retreat. Enjoy the impressive grounds, including beautiful landscaping and an in-ground pool. Located in Orono schools.

5000 OAK BEND LANE | EDINA

4 BR 6 BA | $3,149,500

This expertly crafted home in coveted Mirror Oaks features exquisite, hand-selected finishes throughout. Backyard is a true oasis and features outdoor kitchen, saltwater pool and spa, firepit and mature landscaping.

1030 LAKE STREET E. | WAYZATA

NEW CONSTRUCTION | SOLD FOR $5,394,400

Custom-built, luxury home by Black Dog Homes and Windmiller Design Studio. Interior design by The Sitting Room. Views of Lake Minnetonka just down the street from the heart of downtown Wayzata.

11411 RIVERVIEW ROAD | EDEN PRAIRIE

4 BR 6 BA | $2,349,500

Brand new construction with stunning views of the Minnesota River bluff. Quality craftsmanship and impeccable finishes throughout. Open concept main level, luxurious primary suite, sport court and more.

1038 LAKE STREET E. | WAYZATA

5 BR 6 BA | $4,795,000

Custom-built, luxury home by Black Dog Homes and Alexander Design Group. Interior design by Vivid Home. Views of Lake Minnetonka just down the street from the heart of downtown Wayzata.

575 OXFORD ROAD | ORONO

5 BR 6 BA | PRICE UPON REQEUST

Stunning Lake Minnetonka home on Stubbs Bay. Gorgeously updated with impeccable design and finishes. Over 250 feet of lakeshore on 2.97 acres with permanent dock, outdoor pool and sport court. Co-listed with Meredith Howell.

GREGG LARSEN

612.719.4477

glarsen@cbburnet.com

gregglarsenhomes.com

75 WEST POINT AVENUE | TONKA BAY

4 BR 3 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST

Lake Minnetonka beach house! Rare, Lower Lake lakefront with level lawn and miles of panoramic views of Big Island and beyond. Open main level features lakeside kitchen/ great room with wall of glass and access to the patio and lush yard.

200 BLACK OAKS LANE | PLYMOUTH

4 BR 5 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST

Winding, wooded lane leads to this mid-century style home sited on nearly 5-acres of privacy. Anchored by a massive 3-sided fireplace, this sprawling architectural floor plan features an indoor resort-style pool and entertainment room.

3371 BREI KESSEL ROAD | INDEPENDENCE

4 BR 4 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST

Stunning two-story sited on private 3.5-acre lot. Main floor features hardwood floors, center-island kitchen and great room with fireplace. Large deck overlooks the lush lawn and wooded back yard. Large heated garage with bonus space for all the toys.

37XX COUNTY ROAD 44 | MINNETRISTA LOT/LAND | PRICE UPON REQUEST

Premier Lake Minnetonka build site with 106’ of southeast-facing, A-rated, sandy Lake Minnetonka Lakeshore. This stunning 1+ acre property features gently rolling lawn, towering hardwood trees and miles of views of the Main Upper Lake.

4936 EDGEWATER DRIVE | MOUND

2 BR 1 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST

Lake Minnetonka beach house with direct lakeshore and panoramic views of Harrison Bay. Main floor living, three-car garage with additional storage underneath for easy boat/ toy storage. Enjoy as is, remodel or rebuild on this special property.

510 DEBORAH DRIVE | ORONO

5 BR 5 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST

Private estate setting in demand Orono location. Two-story sited on 15-acres of rolling lawn and long views. Private pool and patio space. Orono Schools.

4 BR 4 BA | $3,195,000

Estate setting overlooking Lake Minnetonka! Timeless artisan home designed by TEA Architects. Soaring ceilings throughout with unique dormer and beam detailing. Main-floor living. Timeless design paired with unmatched craftsmanship, and long-lasting materials make this a true legacy property. Association takes care of the docks.

Gregg Larsen 612.719.4477

Jeff Martineau 952.210.2626

6 BR 5 BA | $1,899,000

Custom-built, Orono Schools, with over 1 acre of exquisite landscaping and in-ground pool. Pofessional-grade kitchen complete, huge island overlooking main-level family room & porch. 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, bonus room & second laundry room upstairs. Lower level has hockey room with synthetic ice, bar, bath and 6th bedroom.

Ellen DeHaven 612.817.5555

Jennifer Peterson 312.282.2221

0 BR 2 BA | $4,750,000

One-of-a-kind “condo" garage unit has been finished to the nines. Perfect as a retreat or conference center for work. All furniture, excluding the cars, included.

Ellen DeHaven 612.817.5555 edehaven@cbburnet.com

| ORONO

5 BR 6 BA | $7,495,000 | SOLD

Highly desirable estate on Bohn’s Pt. East facing, 200ft of lakeshore. Designed by Mike Sharratt and recently remodeled by Lake Country Builders.

Ellen DeHaven 612.817.5555 edehaven@cbburnet.com

2610 KELLER ROAD | MEDINA

3600 ARROWHEAD DRIVE | MEDINA

1640 BOHNS POINT ROAD

5860 MAPLE FOREST | MINNETRISTA

5 BR 5 BA | $1,070,000

|

Modern luxury log home with high-end features - just 10 minutes from the St. Croix River complete with a 1 acre lot.

Michael Boege 651.325.7419

Abby Dean 651.226.6035

4 BR 3 BA | $825,000

Enjoy the stunning sunsets. A work-from-home dreamhouse with 2 office spaces with lakefront views. 40 minutes to downtown Minneapolis.

TJ Pierret 651.755.6669 tj@cbrealty.com

5 BR 5 BA | $998,000

Spectacular walk out rambler on 2.55 gorgeous acres. Main floor living with sumptous owners suite and private office.

Steve Schmitz 952.484.6045 steveschmitz@sellshouses.com

4 BR 4 BA | $2,390,000

Executive Home 5400sf, Immaculate, Furnished, 6-Stalls Heated, 169' Sand Beach, Level Yard, Mature 6+ Acres, Tennis Ct.

Christy Kowalzek 612.619.1910 christy.kowalzek@cbrealty.com

5 BR 5 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST

Completely renovated Crocus Hill brick colonial with professional landscaping, 2+ car garage, geothermal heat and more!

Kathryn Kennedy 612.558.6488 kennedy@cbrealty.com

4 BR 3 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST

142 ft. south facing level "sandy" lakeshore on Carson's Bay of Lake Minnetonka.

Panoramic mile-long views. Almost an acre of land. Extra 2-car garage.

Susan Stensrud 612.875.4220 sjstens2209@aol.com

1059 US HIGHWAY 12

ROBERTS, WI

11569 ALAMEDA AVENUE | INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

5189 EMERALD DRIVE | MOUND

780 GOODRICH AVENUE | SAINT PAUL

10836 INDIAN BEACH ROAD | SPICER

2335 S. LAKE GEORGE DRIVE NW | OAK GROVE

5 BR 7+ BA | $1,995,000

Stunning 2-sty walkout, MN River Bluff views! Sunny south facing w/pool + sport court. Updated, exceptionally maintained, 1.5-acre site.

Diana Johnson 612.720.6031 dljohnson@cbburnet.com

4 BR 2 BA | $865,000

Welcome to lakelife with a vibe of luxury. 100

to enjoy all lake activites. 1 hr/TC

Lana Cook 612.747.2300 lmcook@cbrealty.com

of sandy

on Bone

Stephane Cattelin 612.703.8229

Hill Custom Homes

Lisa Piazza 612.751.0976 lisa.piazza@cbrealty.com

4 BR 4 BA | $850,000

Sophisticated two-story lakefront living opportunity on quiet McCoy Lake. Pride of ownership throughout. All with a view!

Stephane Cattelin 612.703.8229 stephane@cbrealty.com

5 BR 4 BA | $2,200,000

The house with a kitchen in the kitchen and 1,400 sqft primary ensuite.

Entertainment dream on private ¾ acre lot.

Stephane Cattelin 612.703.8229 stephane@cbrealty.com

6365 RANIER LANE N. | MAPLE GROVE

4 BR 4 BA | $1,200,000

Creek

open concept main level living, finished lower level, 3 season porch with fireplace and wet bar.

2007 ISLAND VIEW LANE | MILLTOWN, WI

feet

lakefront

Lake

8884 FLESHER CIRCLE | EDEN PRAIRIE

117040 CREEK RIDGE TRAIL | MINNETONKA

5 BR 4 BA | $685,000

Walkout Minnetonka two-story on half-acre lot with main floor family room with built-ins and fireplace, 4 bedrooms up including private primary ensuite.

stephane@cbrealty.com

2301 PARKLANDS ROAD | SAINT LOUIS PARK

11039 BELL OAKS ESTATE ROAD | EDEN PRAIRIE

1020 PORTLAND AVENUE | MINNEAPOLIS

3 BR 3 BA | $769,900

Fully remodeled throughout, an incredible rooftop with 360° skyline views, and 3 side by side heated parking spaces right out your back door. ShaneSpencer.com

Shane Spencer 614.256.8500 shane.spencer@cbrealty.com

750 S. 2ND SREET, #409 | MINNEAPOLIS

3 BR 3 BA | $1,099,000

Experience urban luxury at its finest in Humboldt Lofts, a masterpiece of modern conversion nestled in Minneapolis’ vibrant Mill District. ShaneSpencer.com.

Shane Spencer 614.256.8500 shane.spencer@cbrealty.com

AT EASE

JACKSON STROM ARCHITECTURE DESIGNS A SOPHISTICATED LAKE HOME FOR AN ACTIVE YOUNG COUPLE. BY

LAURIE JUNKER

THIS LAKE MINNETONKA CONTEMPORARY

had good energy from the start, thanks to an easy rapport between architect Jackson Strom and the homeowners, a couple in their early thirties. “We get along really well and have a similar open communication style,” Strom recalls. “That helped establish trust quickly and made the whole process run smoothly.”

The clients — high-school sweethearts and busy professionals — decided to streamline their lives and buy on the lake, where they have spent many summer weeknights (including weekends on a boat that the couple kept nearby). “For four years, we hauled bags and coolers from the house to the car to the boat and back again, which got old,” the owner says.

After looking for a year, they found this property, with its remarkable natural features — including 135 feet of curving shoreline with a flat grassy area for lakeside games — and an unremarkable 1950s-era house. Fortunately, they were open to building. Though they appreciated their previous home’s Craftsman style, they wanted something brighter, with water views and open, casual rooms that flow easily inside and out for entertaining, recreation and everyday living.

The couple had another tall order: He is a former pro basketball player and stands at 6 feet, 8 inches tall. “I wanted tall ceilings, tall doorways, tall counters, tall everything!” he explains. “I didn’t want to duck to get through doorways or up the stairs.”

Strom delivered on both stature and style, designing a 7,220-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath home that checks all the boxes for this fun-loving couple that often hosts friends and family. The front entrance begins with a heavy wooden door that opens to a Zeninducing water vista and massive sliding glass doors offering seamless access to a lakeside deck.

On the main level, there’s an easy, open exchange between the kitchen, dining area and living room. Strom helped define each space through careful application of architectural features like ceiling height, windows and lighting. As a result, the layout feels comfortable for a large gathering or a quiet evening in.

A robust Pinterest board and ideas that the couple gleaned from attending home tours guided the interior spaces’ look and feel, marrying contemporary lines with warm Scandinavian design: steel windows, light wood tones, and clean-lined cabinetry and trim. A brawny blacktiled living room fireplace looks cool in the summer and provides warmth in the winter with the touch of a button — a welcome contrast to the frosty lake outside. The calm, quiet color palette throughout keeps with a Scandinavian sensibility and an understanding that here, the star of the show will always be the lake.

Strom encouraged the clients to create a few private living spaces in addition to the spacious

entertaining areas, knowing that sometimes it’s good to get away. To that end, he bumped out one side of the house to create an office and placed a three-season porch on the other side behind the kitchen — both with lake views, of course. The couple is appreciative, explaining that “Jackson did a phenomenal job piecing off parts of the home for quiet space.”

A floating steel staircase with white oak treads has ample clearance — the basketball-playing owner could take a jump shot without bonking his head — and weightlessly connects all three floors, while a bank of windows distributes western light from the back of the residence.

Strom treated the lower level not as an afterthought, but as an integral part of the abode, with a bar, family room, fitness room, sauna, and a guest suite and bunkroom for visitors. It reflects a focus on flow, which is the name of the game for this active couple. “We are in and out year-round — boating, swimming, and playing volleyball and yard games in the summer then snowmobiling and having outside fires in the winter,” the owner shares. Polished, heated cement floors are friendly to wet and cold feet, and there’s a mudroom, bench and half bath for lake traffic.

The clients take full advantage of all the amenities, even when it’s just the two of them.

“My wife and I love being able to see the lake when we’re working out in the gym,” says the owner, referring to the floor-to-ceiling windows that make up one wall. They also use the lower level sauna almost daily, often jumping into the lake afterward for a cool plunge.

Less frequently used is a theater room they had requested early on. Placed above the garage, the space boasts reclining seating and surroundsound speakers — but the couple discovered that it takes a lot to pull themselves away from the lake view. They mostly watch TV in the living and family room instead.

Ensuring those vistas remained unobstructed was a priority, and windows were one of the bigger budget lines — a sensible investment, given the location. The team chose Marvin Modern for their slim profile and thermal control. “The look and performance of these windows will pay off in enjoyment and energy savings,” Strom notes.

The clients specifically requested a vaulted window in their second level bedroom so that they can wake up to big water and sky vistas. And because it’s the only room in the residence with a peaked ceiling, it feels dramatic and special.

The water has fulfilled its promise of fun and relaxation, and the owners can’t get enough. “We’re outside by the lake almost every day in some capacity, whether sitting on the dock or playing volleyball, bocce or badminton in the yard,” the owner says. “We are blessed with all the cool aspects that our home offers.”

As a nonprofit, Children’s Minnesota relies on donations from this community to deliver not only highly specialized care — everything from brain tumor treatments to heart transplants — but also the vital support families need when their child is in the hospital.

GIVE TODAY AND HELP US RAISE ’EM UP.

GOLD STANDARD

WHEN IT COMES TO REAL ESTATE AND flour milling, location is everything. Which is why, when a couple was looking for a brand-new condo in downtown Minneapolis, they set their sights on the Whitney Landmark Residences overlooking the Mississippi River in the Mill District. Originally built in 1879 by a team of top engineers, draftsmen and millwrights, the seven-story brick building set a new bar for industry design. Known as the Standard Mill, the innovative, light-filled structure reflected Minneapolis’s position as the epicenter of the global milling industry for several decades.

In 1987, the property was transformed into the luxurious Whitney Hotel — favored by celebrities like Elton John and Clint Eastwood — then eventually converted into condos in 2007. But of the 27 original units, only two raw adjacent shells on the seventh floor were available. Peppered with structural columns, mechanical and plumbing stacks, and other industrial remnants, the gritty 5,000-squarefoot space was a far cry from a move-in-ready condo. And the client had recently remodeled a condo in Sarasota, Florida, so she’d sworn off renovation.

“I said I was never going to do that again,” she says with a laugh. “But as soon as I saw the brick walls and the views of the river, St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge, I knew this was going to be my next project.”

An artist, the client has loved design and construction since childhood, when she helped her carpenter father draw up house plans. Based on her recent experience in Florida, she knew the renovation would require the gold standard of builders, architects, designers and artisans. Enter Streeter Custom Builder, whose team came in to examine the loft and identify the possibilities.

“Streeter is uniquely positioned to evaluate project potentials because of our vast experience crafting utopian environments for our clients,” says CEO/COO Bill Costello. “Senior Project Manager Ian Alderman and I were charmed by the historic elements, and we knew the design had to preserve those while also resolving the structural challenges. We introduced the clients to PKA Architecture founding principal and designer Gabriel Keller and architect Brent Nelson as well as Martin Patrick 3 cofounder and interior designer Greg Walsh, because we knew they would take them on an extraordinary journey. There’s nothing formulaic about their designs; each project feels fresh.”

Upon observing the 18-foot wood joist ceilings hewn from oldgrowth timber, the handmade bricks, the original glass windows, and the handcrafted metal hooks and pulleys, the design team was inspired to honor the legacy of the original West Side Milling District, a tight-knit community of metal, machine and woodworking shops that supported the area’s many mills.

“Materiality is always a key element of our designs, and with a historic renovation, it’s where the story begins,” says Nelson. “We were excited to work with Hurley Custom Cabinets, Islero Fabrication, Hennepin Made and GlassArt Design, because we knew these artisans would elevate the design and make the loft truly special.”

Just as the Mississippi River powered the mills, the client’s appreciation for artistry served as an incredible catalyst. She wanted the views to take center stage, so the designers oriented the entry on a window to create a dramatic sense of arrival. She also requested a balance of inviting public and intimate private spaces, so they divided the expansive residence with

a gutsy steel mezzanine suspended from the structural columns. They created an open kitchen and dining/living area while tucking the guest bedrooms and an office/den beneath the mezzanine, which does double duty as both an art gallery and studio.

The clients have wonderful memories of living with their two young sons in England, Ireland and the Netherlands, so the team masterfully wove those experiences into the plan. When she requested a quiet, verdant space to grow plants, the designers looked across the pond to London, where Sir Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace dazzled the world in 1851. Inspired by that innovation, the team conceived of a breathtaking solarium that brings nature into the top-floor loft. Crafted of steel and glass with a rhythmic pattern that nods to the Stone Arch Bridge, the space neatly frames the river and captures a remarkable spirit of place.

“As a team, we’re deeply rooted in Minneapolis, so we’re proud to have been entrusted with the transformation of this landmark space,” Walsh says. “We’re thrilled that the loft has been honored with design and architecture awards, but that was never our intent. For us, it was about working with our client to create a one-of-a-kind home that reflects her reverence for history and love of craft.”

SUNSHINE

STREETER CUSTOM BUILDER LETS THE LIGHT INTO A LUSH LAKEFRONT RESIDENCE.

BY WENDY LUBOVICH

STATE

IN THIS LAKESIDE RESIDENCE, THE INSPIRATION INVOLVED A greenhouse — a windowed conservatory where plants could flourish and warm light could flood in. That vision became a reality in the form of a glassedin sanctuary with a serene sense of calm that’s now the heart of the home.

“In winter months, I love spending time in sunny, warm greenhouses, and I thought maybe I could recreate that at home on a smaller scale,” the client explains. “Initially, it was supposed to have a glass roof, but that posed a challenge with the hot and cold Minnesota seasons. We decided to turn it into a sunroom where we could still enjoy our greenery and have a sunny space come winter.”

This 11,000-square-foot residence is a study in contrasts: classic yet contemporary, bright but cozy. Inspired by the clean lines of homes in warmer climates, it’s a streamlined nod to the Floridian Mediterranean aesthetic. “The house is special in that it has a regal yet fresh and welcoming nature to the architecture,” explains Streeter Custom Builder co-owner Nate Wissink. “Its seamless connection to the landscape makes it feel holistic.”

One of those connections shows up in the soaring, three-story window wall that flanks an elegant staircase. With dramatic water views from every floor, the ethereal, open stairway gives the illusion that it’s floating. “We worked diligently with exacting detail on the artisan railing and mirrored wall panels adjacent to the staircase,” Wissink points out. “It allows the natural light from the window bank to reflect into the space, creating an additional dynamic.”

It is this kind of bespoke craftsmanship that sets Streeter Custom Builder apart. The Deephaven firm builds and renovates homes for the way clients want to live. The talented team does this by transforming raw materials like steel, stone and concrete into homes of distinction. Always at the heart of their work is a strong sense of collaboration, which is reflected in their longstanding relationships with top architects, designers and craftspeople.

In partnership with architect Andrea Swan, Streeter’s team worked closely with the clients to bring their dreams to life. One of the priorities was to develop an open living area combining the kitchen, dining room and living room. “This is the first project where I have created a layout like this for these high-trafficked, critical spaces, and it feels so right,” Swan says. “The dining room feels more like a library, with its warm walnut woodwork, and offers balance to the living room fireplace.”

Indeed, the openness of these rooms allows the parents to keep an eye on their three young girls while still creating a welcoming space where the whole

Inspired by the clean lines of homes in warmer climates, it’s a streamlined nod to the Floridian Mediterranean aesthetic.

family can be together. “We sit at the dining table for every meal and the kids do their homework and have snacks on the island while I’m making dinner,” the client says. “We also love having the fireplace on and lounging on the couch with the dogs.”

While interior designers are often relied upon to establish the decor direction for a project, in this case, it’s the homeowners who determined the overall look. “The clients had a distinct vision that drew on many aesthetics and traditions,” Swan observes. “They like contrasts like black and white but also balance and symmetry. It’s a yin-and-yang home.”

We see that push-pull in the kitchen with its refined palette. Grounding the room, a massive bank of black windows offers sweeping views of the property. Bookending both sides are two cream-colored cabinets that bring a pleasing sense of symmetry. Tucked nearby, a tidy pantry is perfectly organized with kitchen essentials, right down to the built-in coffeemaker. “We love turning on music and having dance parties, baking and cooking together, and hosting our family and friends,” the client shares.

In the primary suite, it’s all about quiet relaxation. A mélange of marble, mirror and painted wood makes for a spa-like white-on-white refuge. “We wanted the bedroom to be separate from the bathroom and closet area so that it would not

interrupt sleep,” the owner explains. “Our favorite element is our heated bathtub, which remains a warm temperature for the entirety of the bath.”

Another favorite spot is the expansive lower level, which has been deftly designed for family fun. From here, you can sneak out to the sunken patio — an intimate space replete with a private fire pit and comfy chairs. Nearby, a twotiered terrace is composed entirely of greenery. Designed by Travis Van Liere Studio, the lush garden frames the space and makes it feel like a secluded oasis.

Back inside, the lower level feels bright and cheerful, as two massive glass doors bring the outside in. “We didn’t want it to feel like a basement, so we opted for 10-foot ceilings with lots of natural light pouring into the space,” the owner notes. “This is where we watch movies, play in the sport court and arcade room, work out in the gym, and have cutthroat Ping-Pong competitions.”

Understandably, it’s during the warmer months that this lakeside residence comes alive. That’s when the various outdoor spaces capture the splendor of summer. “Whether relaxing in the screened porch with its automatic screens, sitting in the hot tub, lounging by the pool or playing in the expansive, flat backyard, there’s something for everyone,” says Wissink. “The best part of this project is seeing the clients’ vision come to life and creating a place for their family that will evolve with them as the years go by.”

WAVES MAKING

IN THE LATEST SPORTING TREND, WOMEN OVER 40 ARE TAKING UP SURFING.

BY ANNE RODERIQUE-JONES

ADVENTURE TREND

I WAS 44 YEARS OLD WHEN I JOINED MY FIRST SORORITY. OK, that’s a lie. I’ve never gone Greek, but I have gleaned that it could be described as a group of supportive, like-minded women who magically become lifelong friends. I may have skipped rush, but I swapped it for a female-focused surf camp: the house of Las Olas.

The first of its kind, Las Olas was founded in 1997 with a commitment to providing a positive and inclusive surf experience for women and nonbinary folks — an encouraging evolution in what has long been a maledominated sport.

Las Olas also caters to all ages. When one thinks about aging, surfing isn’t typically part of the vernacular — golf, tennis or mall walking, perhaps, but not balancing on a board above white-capped waves. But after its debut at the 2020 Olympics, surfing has become one of the fastest growing sports within a surprising demographic: women over 40. Maybe I could still become a midlife surfer after all?

Las Olas founder Bev Sanders explains emphatically that yes, I can. Now 70, she is no stranger to board sports. She and her husband previously owned a snowboard company that crafted gear specifically for women, then she did a midlife career pivot and traded the snow for the sea. “I learned to surf at age 44 in Maui, and a new idea sparked,” she recalls. “I knew then and there what I would do with the rest of my life: teach

Sanders specifically chooses surf spots with forgiving, beginner-friendly waves, but the exact locations are a secret. Campers book their flight to Puerto Vallarta, and the final destination remains hush-hush until arrival to avoid the crowds. Women of all ages travel to Las Olas and simply trust the process — chalk it up to one part pre-trip communication and one part throw-caution-to-the-wind outlook. “Surfing is a soul sport that attracts some of the coolest, free-spirited ladies who, without reservation, pack up and travel to Mexico to learn together,” Sanders says.

Our group of 15 ranged from their twenties to sixties, and everyone embodied an incredible sense of adventure and a positive attitude. Think of it as having your own personal cheerleaders, but in rashguards. Catching that first wave is one of the greatest feelings in the world, but having your new surf buddies scream your name as you rise up on your board makes you feel like a bona fide celebrity.

The six female and nonbinary coaches, meanwhile, not only show you how it’s done (quite literally) but also provide a serious dose of serotonin. Senior coach Mando LeVett discovered the joys of surfing years ago and now finds coaching others equally as rewarding. “My family wasn’t the beach type; they were more tennis rackets and golf clubs than wetsuits and sandy cars,” they explain. “But once I started surfing, I couldn’t stop. It’s like an addiction.”

women to surf and tailor a fun-filled curriculum specifically for them.”

The whole idea felt like kismet; I’m the exact age Sanders was when she started her surf journey and I desperately want to call myself a surfer. I had taken a couple group lessons in my thirties but never felt like I could truly claim the moniker — mostly because I didn’t understand the fundamentals. My past experiences involved standing up victoriously, flailing around wildly, then crashing and burning. I started to wonder if perhaps I was just too old to get on a board.

Before committing to camp, I posed the question to Sanders: What do you say when someone thinks they’re too old to surf? “First, I laugh,” she told me. “Then I have two questions for them: If you lie prone on the floor, can you get up without too much trouble? And can you swim across the short end of a pool?” If you can answer yes to both those questions, Sanders says you can surf. So I signed up for Las Olas.

Upon arrival to sunny Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, I checked into my gorgeous villa with a private plunge pool overlooking the picture-perfect Pacific. A four-night stay with Las Olas is the marriage of surfing, relaxation and luxury. A day in the life goes something like this: Wake up in your oceanfront villa and walk sleepily to the poolside pavilion for morning yoga. Next comes a healthy waterside breakfast followed by the first surf session of the day. There’s a massage at the spa (included), another afternoon surf lesson, then celebratory drinks and dinner with your new surf sorority.

At Las Olas, I finally began to understand the addictive nature of surfing, which I recently heard someone describe as a legal way to feel high. I learned to watch for the right waves, feel them beneath my board and have the courage to catch them on my own. More importantly, I learned to be present. You can’t doomscroll through social media, answer emails or join a Zoom meeting while on the water — it’s just you and the waves.

As a newbie, though, I’m also learning that surfing hasn’t always been so inclusive. LeVett explains that when they first started coaching, Las Olas was a rare safe haven for women and nonbinary people in a sport dominated by men. “These days, there are all sorts of inclusive clubs emerging along the coast, including for queer and BIPOC surfers,” they say. “All of these are attempts at creating spaces that feel like our own and redefining the sport without the toxic traditions that the surf community has held so tight.”

I want to be part of that change. In fact, I sort of want to be Bev Sanders. “No matter what age, as long as I can paddle out, I’ll still be surfing,” she says confidently.

On the last day of camp, I quietly observed our group with immense gratitude. Our faces were free of makeup, our hair matted from the waves. Our limbs were blanketed with bruises, along with some cuts and scrapes here and there. But every single person in the squad was radiant, with smiles seemingly bigger than the waves we had just conquered. Forget the sorority — we are now surfers.

Plan your visit at artsmia.org/ArtInBloom

April 25–28, 2024

Experience floral beauty throughout the museum during Art in Bloom, Mia’s annual celebration of art and flowers. Featuring imaginative floral interpretations of works of art, tours, events, and more. Presented by the Friends of the Institute.

Lead Sponsor: Major Sponsors:

Generous Sponsors:

Christi Belcourt, It’s a Delicate Balance (detail), 2021, acrylic on canvas. Gift of funds from Andy and Meg Ubel in honor of Mia’s Docent Class of 2015, 2021.30

Floral interpretation by Bachman’s floral designer Mayumi Redin.

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Acupuncture,

REEL TALK

FOR THE LOVE OF FLY-FISHING.

BY DAVID COGGINS ILLUSTRATION BY HILBRAND BOS

FLY-FISHING, LIKE MANY WORTHY PURSUITS, REQUIRES A LEARNING CURVE.

That learning curve feels quite steep at times. You may find your line caught in trees, your fingers struggling to tie knots, or your rod — the rare object that is both strong and fragile — snapped in two (though I’ve also broken them, by a miracle of physics, into three). That’s all before the fish get involved, and they rarely cooperate.

But when everything aligns (and even when it doesn’t), fly-fishing is a delightful diversion. For some of us, it has become the main attraction.

The sport really began with trout in the English chalk streams. They live in cold water in very appealing places worldwide, like Patagonia’s great rivers, Montana spring creeks and winding brooks in Wisconsin’s Driftless area. So you’re already in a beautiful setting and, ideally, out of reception. You’ve escaped the forced urgency of emails, the social media hum and all those notifications about developing stories. (I’m prepared to wait until the story is fully developed.) Yes, you’re on the water and out of time.

Now, all you have to do is catch a fish. If you want to do this the easy way, you wouldn’t pick up a fly rod. But that’s alright. We’re aiming for something higher here, a certain ideal, an artfulness, though we rarely meet that lofty standard. We move the rod back and forth — the cast is harder than it should be — but if everything goes well, the line gently unfurls and the fly lands on the water and drifts down the current toward a willing trout.

In this moment, the sport is no longer about aesthetics and overwrought poetry. When that fly moves over the fish, we enter the realm of action. Or potential action, anyway. This drift is important. The fly must move in the current naturally; if there’s any drag, no discerning trout will bother. And trout are nothing if not discerning. You might drift a fly over a trout and be rejected, often more than once. This can be frustrating. What more do they want? we ask. Sometimes the fish will come right up — you can see them clearly in the river — and turn away. I’ve seen trout open their mouths and decide at the last possible second, No, this isn’t for me, while my knees went weak.

But every so often, the fly disappears in a little splash, sometimes so subtly you barely notice. Don’t be deceived, though: Those subtle takes can be caused by large trout. You raise the rod to set the hook. There’s a brief second, which seems to last for an eternity, before the line goes tight. Until that happens, you’re suspended, uncertain if you’ve connected to the fish. Today, the angling gods have smiled upon you, and you feel the weight of the fish. Game on.

Fly-fishing uses light tackle — you can’t simply reel the fish in, as the line is so fine the fly will break off. (I told you this wasn’t the easiest way!) You try to keep pressure on a trout that wants no part of you. It may swim upstream away from you; it may jump out of the water. The first time you see any trout is always exciting. Now you know what you’re dealing with.

This connection, this fight is the burst of action that gives fly-fishing its symmetry. Though it’s really asymmetry, since you’re not catching fish that often. This is the moment that you dream of, that justifies all the waiting and speculating. You’re part of a drama — and sometimes, it must be said, that drama turns into tragedy. I’ve lost fish in many ways, none of them satisfying. Sometimes the loss really is nobody’s fault, mere vagaries and the angling gods’ whims. Occasionally, the loss is due to what might be dubbed “user error.” Creaky reflexes, too much pressure — the list goes on. (To spare his feelings, we won’t name the user who has made this error.)

When it all works out, though, you net a brown trout — a fine creature. Not brown at all, really, but a gold flank with fine black spots, occasionally lined with vivid red. Finally, the circle is complete. Fly-fishing offers, in these rare moments, a deeper connection to the natural world and an escape from the fast-paced one where we spend most of our lives. Our skills improve over the years, though never as much as we hope. And the humbling moments make the successes all the more exhilarating. Yes, you can philosophize too much about fishing, and I certainly do. But then you move beyond that, gather yourself and make one more cast.

A Minnesotan turned New Yorker, David Coggins is the author of the New York Times bestseller Men and Style and writes a column for Artful Living. His latest book, The Believer: A Year in the Fly Fishing Life, comes out in April.

WEST WORLD

EMBARKING ON A GIRLS’ GETAWAY TO WYOMING’S BRUSH CREEK RANCH.

BY LAURA SCHARA

VISITING BRUSH CREEK RANCH IN SARATOGA, WYOMING,

HAS

been on my wish list for years. This all-inclusive working cattle ranch nestled in Medicine Bow National Forest effortlessly preserves the spirit of the American West as well as its own unique heritage. The property sprawls across 30,000 acres, with something for everyone to do. An invite to a friend’s birthday celebration at Brush Creek was all the motivation I needed to hop on a plane and head out west.

We visited in October, when the fall colors were on full display. The afternoons were sunny, yet the mornings and evenings brought crisp, cold air, which felt like Mother Nature’s way of telling us a harsh mountain winter was coming. This is a wonderful time of year to visit if you want more of the place to yourself, as ranches are at peak capacity during the summer months, when family vacations, weddings and corporate buyouts fill up rooms and cabins. I personally love the feeling of a quiet resort; you can be present to absorb the terrain and nature without the distraction and intensity of large groups of people. I tend to book all my vacations during off-peak times to avoid crowds.

Upon arrival, we encountered friendly staff, incredibly cozy lodges and luxurious ranch-style accommodations. There are three distinct guest quarters, including the Lodge and Spa, French Creek, and Magee Homestead. We chose the Lodge and Spa, which was full of antler chandeliers, vast stone fireplaces and other mountain chic decor.

While modern amenities are plentiful, this all-inclusive property still feels like a working cattle ranch — because it is. Some may hesitate at the idea of all-inclusive thinking that food quality suffers, but that isn’t the case here. Many of the ingredients featured in the delicious meals are grown right onsite in the farm’s 20,000-square-foot greenhouse.

One favorite moment was having breakfast with baby goats. Now, you may not think goats and breakfast go hand-in-hand, but hear me out. The ranch raises goats for its Medicine Bow Creamery, offering guests fresh milk for their coffee and some of the best yogurt I’ve ever tasted. After you nosh on a simple breakfast spread of yogurt, fresh fruit, and housemade granola and pastries, you’re invited to interact with the curious baby goats, who not only climb on the rocks but also attempt to climb on you. They’re small and adorable, and snuggling with them after a yummy breakfast is a can’t-miss moment.

Fall is also the season for upland bird hunting. Pheasant, chukar and ruffed grouse are all species found in the sagebrush sea. Brush Creek is an Orvis-endorsed hunting and fishing lodge, which is not easy to achieve. This accolade means guests can expect expert guide service along with respect for natural resources. I’m forever working to improve my upland hunting skills, so I signed up for a morning wingshoot. My two friendly guides, along with their six dogs, were happy to shepherd me through the brush. We walked some of the most beautiful terrain, with snowcapped

ADVENTURE DESTINATION

mountains in the distance.

I have a personal philosophy of taking what you can eat and leaving the rest, so I harvested a few birds and watched a few fly away. But the part of pheasant hunting I most enjoy is observing the dogs at work. These pointers and flushers were so well-trained with spot-on instincts. I was also delighted to learn that my harvest would be vacuum-sealed and frozen for me to take home at the end of my stay. I love having this organic, free-range protein on hand in my freezer.

The adventures continued, as the list of activities at Brush Creek is seemingly endless, including cooking classes, range shooting, archery, fly-fishing, mountain biking, hiking, yoga and, of course, horseback riding. After all, a ranch visit wouldn’t be complete without some time spent in the saddle. For my friend’s birthday celebration, we signed up for a trail ride and a creek-side picnic.

Brush Creek is home to more than 180 horses, and I couldn’t help but notice that many of the wranglers are women. I also found it endearing that the equines who retire from their trail riding days are cared for at the ranch for the rest of their lives. During the ride, I was in awe of the fall colors as we crossed streams, galloped along the trails and felt that cold, wild Wyoming wind on our faces. Thank goodness for shearling coats — I now understand why they’re a staple among cowpokes.

One of the most unique experiences the ranch offers is barrel racing, which is an activity near and dear to my heart. I grew up as a barrel

racer, so getting back in the saddle with the help of two instructors brought me right back to my teenage years. Brush Creek has horses suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders who want a little more horsepower. My steed, Rico, was a great teammate to help reacquaint me with those high-speed hairpin turns, and I walked out of the arena with a cheek-to-cheek smile. I didn’t think tapping back into barrel racing would have me considering buying a horse of my own, but it has.

This is why ranch stays are priceless: They leave an imprint on your heart. If you’re new to this way of life, an experience like this can open your eyes to the beauty of the Western spirit, offer new outdoor activities to enjoy and inspire respect for those who work hard to put food on our tables. The days are full of activity, and the nights fill you up with delicious fare, campfire conversations and authentic connections. At Brush Creek, luxury meets an authentic working cattle farm experience. I don’t tend to repeat vacations because I like embarking on new excursions, but these 30,000 acres of high-quality outdoor adventure will have me returning for more.

Visit ArtfulLiving.com for Laura Schara’s pheasant egg roll recipe.

Laura Schara is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast and cohost of the television series Minnesota Bound.

ADVENTURES

INSIDE THE IMMERSIVE, MULTI-SENSORIAL WORLD OF EXPERIENTIAL DINING.

BY BRITTANY CHAFFEE

IN EATING

AT BLACKOUT IN LAS VEGAS, DINERS ARE BLIND TO everything but the taste of their food. After locking up their phones and other personal effects, customers select a savory, spicy or sweet flavor profile from a mystery menu. A waiter wearing night goggles then escorts them into the pitch-black dining room, where they’ll enjoy a 90-minute, six-course meal they can’t see at all. Spoons clink, Champagne pops, and — if husband-and-wife owners Avraham Levi and Rachel RobertsLevi have their way — taste buds are titillated like never before.

This may seem like a wild concept, but it’s part of a growing trend. “Consumers have emerged from the pandemic with a heightened demand for entertainment, spectacles and sensational experiences,” says Datassential trend forecaster Huy Do. And who can blame us? After years of living behind screens, who wouldn’t want to press pause on our phone and, say, sip a margarita in a cave full of stalactites, à la New York City’s La Caverna? And if your plate of seared scallops can be floated to you on a table-turned-river like at New Jersey’s Stone House, why settle for standard service? From sensory-rich meals served in complete darkness to 50-course tasting menus delivered with virtual

reality hijinks, a new wave of immersive, multi-sensorial experiences is redefining the art of fine dining.

So what’s driving this craze? Gen Zers’ interest in the experiential, experts say. “Younger consumers use restaurants to reward themselves,” says Mintel food-service analyst Varchasvi Singh. “High-end experiential dining satisfies not only their need for novel, exciting experiences, but also their general curiosity about unique flavors, cuisines and their origins.” Add to that the fact that 70% of consumers are interested in multi-course meals and tasting menus, with nearly 60% saying they’re willing to pay more for these kinds of experiences, per a recent Datassential report, and you’ve got a full-blown fad.

Plus there’s science to back it up. The brain is intimately involved in our appreciation of food, according to late Yale neuroscientist Gordon Shepherd. Everything from plate color to background sounds impacts how we process taste. Lower pitched music, for example, can emphasize bitter flavors. Even chair softness has an effect. That’s why Eatrenalin in Germany combines an eight-course dinner with comfy floating chairs. Flavor is more potent when all our senses are triggered.

Presentation also influences how we perceive food. A recent Ohio State study found that people enjoyed eating popcorn more with chopsticks than by hand and preferred the taste of water when sipping it out of an envelope or lapping it up like an animal (seriously). Concept restaurants lean into this, like the tiki-themed Tonga Room at Fairmont San Francisco, where you can dine alongside an indoor lagoon.

Lighting has a role, too. Rouge Room in Las Vegas plays into the “darkroomcore” aesthetic to influence how patrons feel upon entering the Parisian-themed eatery. A nocturnal atmosphere can trigger a visceral reaction, says color consultant Jennifer Guerin. “Red light is thought to stimulate hunger,” she notes. “It also evokes notions of sexiness and danger, so it can create a sense of intimacy.”

And even virtual reality can influence our perceptions. A Cornell University study found that participants thought cheese tasted more pungent when savored in a (virtual) cow barn as compared to other settings.

As artificial intelligence, augmented reality, robotics and similar innovations continue to shape the culinary world in ever more inventive ways, experiential dining will no doubt give all of us lots of food for thought.

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Artful Guide to Experiential Dining

The science is compelling, and the experiential dining possibilities are seemingly endless. So which culinary adventure should you try? Here’s our guide to some of the best hot spots around the globe.

If You Like Dinner with a Side of Adventure

At Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort in the Philippines, patrons travel to the base of Labasin Falls, where they can enjoy kamayan, a traditional Filipino feast that’s served in banana leaves and eaten with your hands.

Meanwhile, Norway’s aptly named Under invites you to savor your meal submerged 5.5 meters beneath Lindesnes’ icy waters. While dining on briny sea kale, foodies can enjoy unfettered views of the majestic marine life of the North Sea.

If You Love Art as Much as You Love Food

Chef Steven Greene of Herons restaurant at North Carolina’s Umstead Hotel models his dishes after the property’s unique paintings, complete with curatorial explanations. “People want an element of surprise,” he explains. “If you’re eating at a restaurant and the food is phenomenal but you’re arguing with your significant other, the food isn’t going to taste as good. Your senses are enhanced throughout a positive, immersive experience. A special moment makes food taste even better.”

Greene may be onto something. Recent Oxford research revealed that when a salad resembled artwork by Russian painter and abstraction pioneer Wassily Kandinsky, diners enjoyed it more than traditionally plated fare.

Bar to get there. “There’s something magical about gliding through the lagoons under the stars,” says Mixology Director Joshua Monaghan.

If You Want to Experience

Ratatouille IRL (Sort Of)

The team at Le Petit Chef inside Hotel Phillips in Kansas City, Missouri, uses cutting-edge 3D technology to project an animated 2.5-inch-tall chef onto tables. At a recent dinner, as classic French music played and guests looked on with bemused wonder, the diminutive augmented-reality chef crawled out from a hole in the table, fired up a steak on each of their plates, used a tiny saw to chop down a stalk of broccoli, got into a skirmish with a pesky fly and briefly caught himself on fire. As the food he cooked was delivered moments later (after the faux fire had been extinguished, of course), patrons burst into applause.

If You’re Craving a Clandestine Cocktail

Restaurants aren’t the only establishments upping the ante when it comes to seducing adventurous guests with unique experiences. La Isla Secreta at Mexico’s Rosewood Mayakoba aims to recreate the intrigue of a 1920s-era speakeasy. Whimsical lagoons hide its undisclosed location, accessible only by boat, and customers must use a coin procured at the hotel’s Zapote

If You’re Ready for Food that Makes You Think

In Copenhagen, Denmark, two-Michelin-starred eatery Alchemist by famed chef Rasmus Munk boasts a staggering six-hour, 50-course tasting menu that starts with a modern dance and ends with a ball pit. While guests nosh on fare like freeze-dried butterflies and sheep’s brains served in a head-shaped mold, projected AR images and culinary stunts turn the experience into a meditation on some of the thorniest issues of our time.

To wit: Pig’s blood ice cream shaped into a droplet of blood comes paired with a QR code urging diners to donate blood. Before eating an intricately prepared yet somewhat ghoulish-looking course dubbed “burnout chicken,” guests must extract the chicken’s claw from a cage while sitting in a room surrounded by dead farmed chickens in cages. Then as diners are served “plastic fantastic” — a mysterious, diaphanous-looking dish resembling Saran Wrap — images of sea turtles stuck in ocean plastics flash across the walls.

“I hope we will set things in motion,” Munk says. “I want Alchemist to comment on the present and create something that resounds beyond the restaurant industry. I want people to eat — and then think.”

Custom Home Build by Hendel Homes

Interior Design by Coco Perry Design

soul food

FAMED SPANISH-AMERICAN CHEF JOSÉ ANDRÉS SHARES HIS LOVE OF EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE.

LONG AFTER THE CITY’S RESTAURANTS HAVE GONE TO bed, I’m standing on the Galata Bridge in Istanbul watching a young man turn simple ingredients into a masterpiece past midnight. He stuffs a soft roll with shredded lettuce and pickled sweet peppers, then slides a just-grilled meat köfte into the roll. He wraps it all in paper and hands it to me. It’s hot and juicy and just what I need after a night walking through the city streets. The stalls under the bridge that sell the city’s famous fish sandwich, balık ekmek, are all closed. But up top on the street, the bridge is alive with people, mostly men, with their long fishing poles hanging into the water below, hoping to catch sardines and bluefish.

From here, I can see the old city of Istanbul, the home of the sultans and the Ottoman Topkapi Palace, and across the bridge to the more modern heart of Europe’s busiest city. Farther out lies the Bosphorus Strait, where Europe and Asia come together. In this moment, I find myself just where I love to be, one foot in the old and one foot in the new — eating an old recipe that survives in the hands of a young cook. In this part of the world, the curve of the Eastern Mediterranean where east meets west, I am humbled and inspired by how tradition and modernity connect.

These connections, these shared cultures that speak through our food, are at the heart of Zaytinya. The best stories to share are the authentic ones, the ones that come from a place and a community with its own history and culture. I always say that I don’t open restaurants, I tell stories. Of course, in restaurants we tell our own versions of those stories, using our own accents — while always aiming to be truthful and respectful. We strive to share those stories with love and joy, with appreciation and admiration.

I came to understand the importance of storytelling more than 20 years ago with the creation of Zaytinya, my restaurant celebrating the food of Greece, Turkey and Lebanon through the delicious little dishes known as mezze.

Everyone knows I’m from Spain, and ultimately that will always be my identity. It’s where I come from. When I first arrived in Washington, D.C., I told my story through the food from my home country in my first restaurant, Jaleo. Through small plates of garlic shrimp, jamón and piquillo peppers, I introduced the beauty of Spain’s tapas to America. But that was not enough for me or my partners, Roberto Alvarez and Rob Wilder. We had bigger appetites. We wanted to see if we could tell the stories of another place, across the Mediterranean.

In one of the richest parts of the culinary world, I set out to discover the traditions of mezze: small plates of spreads like hummus and labneh, olives, mussels, grape leaves filled with rice, and salads of wild greens to share around a table. I was amazed by how much the ingredients and the recipes — and the people who cook them — connected to my soul.

Greek Zucchini Fritters (Kolokythokeftedes)

Makes 16 fritters

It’s a mouthful, and many of our diners won’t attempt to say the name of this dish and instead will just point to the menu. But take the opportunity to learn a little Greek: kolokythi (zucchini) plus keftedaki (meatball). No matter how you say it (or not!), it’s one of our favorites: light fritters with a crunchy exterior and a sweet, creamy inside. I first tasted this dish in Santorini, where the rich volcanic soil of the Greek island makes for superb zucchini and tomatoes. If you can use in-season farmers’ market vegetables, the dish will be at its peak, but grocery-store zucchini will get you most of the way there. If you can’t find kefalograviera, manchego cheese can be substituted; just add a pinch more salt.

Caper-yogurt sauce

⅔ cup Greek yogurt

1 tsp. caper brine, plus 1 Tbsp. capers

¼ tsp. orange blossom water kosher salt

¼ tsp. dried mint extra virgin olive oil

Fritters

2 cups shredded zucchini

3 scallions, thinly sliced

1 Tbsp. chopped parsley

2 tsp. chopped mint

1 tsp. dried oregano

⅓ cup panko bread crumbs

2 ounces kefalograviera cheese, grated or shredded

2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

½ tsp. kosher salt

¼ tsp. freshly ground white pepper

2 large egg whites

2 Tbsp. canola oil, plus more if needed

1. To make the caper-yogurt sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together yogurt, caper brine, orange blossom water, 2 tsp. water and a pinch salt until smooth. If sauce is too thick, add 1 tsp. water. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. To make the fritters: In a large bowl, stir together zucchini, scallions, parsley, mint, oregano, panko, cheese, flour, salt and pepper. In a separate medium bowl, whip egg whites until firm peaks form, then fold into zucchini mixture.

3. Heat canola oil in a large nonstick sauté pan over mediumhigh heat. Spoon 1 heaping Tbsp. zucchini batter onto hot pan to form fritters, using a spoon to pat out to 2 inches wide. Cook, turning once, until nicely browned, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer fritters to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.

4. Continue with remaining batter, taking care not to crowd pan. If you need to add more oil, be sure to let it get hot before adding batter.

5. To serve, remove caper-yogurt sauce from refrigerator, give it a good stir then spread in a shallow serving bowl set on a serving platter. Top sauce with whole capers, sprinkle with dried mint and drizzle with a little olive oil. Arrange fritters around sauce.

Cucumber Melon Soup

Makes 4 servings

This summer soup is easy to play with and a great way to cool off on hot nights. If you like it more herbaceous and less sweet, add more cucumber and less melon, or maybe blend in some basil or parsley leaves. If you like the purée to be creamier, add more yogurt to the blender and use less as a garnish. Keep it cold in your refrigerator and serve in chilled bowls. We call this dish Cretan Cucumber Soup on our menu due to a garnish of crushed dakos or paximadia, which are traditional barley rusks from Crete. These dense croutons are found in bakeries all over the island and are often topped with chopped fresh tomatoes and feta, but we love the texture and flavor they add to this sweet, creamy soup. Look for them at specialty grocers and online. But don’t worry if you can’t find them; pita chips also work very well.

1 English cucumber

1 lime

1 honeydew melon, about 5 pounds

1 bunch fresh mint, leaves only

½ tsp. dried mint

1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. Greek yogurt, divided

½ cup pita chips or dakos, broken into ½-inch pieces flaky sea salt

Aleppo pepper

extra virgin olive oil

1. Peel cucumber, halve lengthwise and remove seeds. Finely dice half of cucumber and set aside other half (you want about 1 cup diced cucumber). Place diced cucumber in a bowl and zest lime over top using a microplane.

2. Remove rind from melon by first cutting off top and bottom, exposing flesh. Stand melon cut side down on a cutting board and remove rind with a sharp knife, slicing from top to bottom to remove it in strips; make sure to trim away all of rind. Halve melon, scoop out seeds and discard. Finely dice 1 cup melon and add to diced cucumber. Set aside remaining melon.

3. Divide mint leaves in half, then thinly slice half while leaving other half whole. Add sliced mint leaves to diced melon and cucumber. Stir to combine, then cover and refrigerate.

4. Chop remaining melon and cucumber, and place in a blender. Add reserved mint leaves, dried mint and 2 Tbsp. Greek yogurt. Juice zested lime into blender, then purée until totally smooth, about 3 minutes. Strain purée through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher or container and refrigerate until cold, about 20 minutes.

5. When ready to serve, spoon ¼ cup Greek yogurt into 4 chilled bowls, then divide chilled diced cucumber and melon among bowls. Remove chilled soup from refrigerator. Stir soup briskly in case separation occurred, then pour into bowls and top with pita chips. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and Aleppo pepper, then drizzle with olive oil.

From Zaytinya by José Andrés. Copyright © 2024 by José Andrés Media. Excerpted with permission from Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

North

Notables

THE REGION’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST.

BY KATIE DOHMAN

Kasey Johnson and Regan Nix

BLUE PENCIL COLLECTIVE

You know you’ve made it when your names become a portmanteau. Kasey Johnson and Regan Nix met at a big design firm with international reach, where their ambition, vision, hustle and proven results quickly earned them the “magic team” label from clients and colleagues. Now 10 years into their partnership, the dynamic duo behind their own full-service architecture and interior design agency, Blue Pencil Collective, has morphed into “Kagan.” Together, they’re known for guiding clients beyond anything they could imagine.

The collective of experts is quite conscious about the lifespan of their decisions. “Everything has a purpose and a reasoning behind it,” Johnson shares. “We want each project to have an overall positive impact — not only on the client, but on future generations, the environment, and all angles and aspects.”

That’s why BPC focuses on start-to-finish new construction and whole-home or business renovation. “We and our clients value how it all comes together, like a puzzle,” notes Nix. “You need all the pieces to create the final picture.” Behind the scenes, the team is editing, problem solving, arranging and rearranging so that the final reveal exceeds expectations every single time. Often, that even includes folding towels and perfecting other little details before a client moves in.

“None of our projects look the same; if you put them side by side, the only similarities are quality and timeless creativity,” says Nix. “The magic is us getting to know a client so well that we’re creating environments that enhance their lifestyle. It’s not about labels or architectural styles; it’s about how a client lives or works, and what makes their heart happy.”

Johnson attributes their success to a unique combination of business smarts, design chops and unabashed exuberance, which defies industry stereotypes. “You’re either professional and polished, or you’re joyful and fun — but we’re both,” she says with a smile.

Liz Mattingly

LILIA FLOWER BOUTIQUE

“I’m so in love with what I’m sharing, and I want people to enter my shop and feel that love,” says Lilia Flower Boutique Founder and Creative Director Liz Mattingly. “There is a sacredness that emanates from beautiful flowers that calls out to us on a very deep level.”

If nature is the infinite land of discovery, then it has taken Mattingly through a wondrous journey — from a florist in Minneapolis proper all the way to reaching her ultimate goal of being a top purveyor of exceptional flowers in one of the most quintessential Twin Cities towns: Excelsior.

Mattingly struck out on her own in 2011, conceiving Lilia to one day be the finest of florists available to everyone. Now, the boutique is comfortably settled in her “dream home” along Excelsior’s Water Street, with enough quaintness and space to do what she’s best at. “We’re the most approachable, humble and relaxed floral business offering the absolute highest quality product you can find,” Mattingly affirms.

Her exceptional, original designs and longestablished relationships with local farmers yield optimal results for any event, big or small. By tapping those partnerships as well as her design genius, Mattingly has successfully navigated obstacles, including seasonality workarounds.

“If you hung out in Lilia for one day, you’d see people walk in and take literal deep breaths,” she says. “Many people come in here during the most emotional times in life, needing us to know what is in their heart and how they can express that.”

And this, above all, is what Lilia is all about: sending love through flowers. “Flowers can light your heart on fire, and a stunning arrangement holds a very high frequency,” Mattingly shares. “Drop in sometime and experience the magic for yourself.”

Marcus Hanson

SMALL LOT WINE & SPIRITS

Marcus Hanson, minister of wine and director of portfolio for Small Lot Wine & Spirits, has a mission statement for life: connecting people and sharing joy through food, wine and music. Hanson — who studied music at St. Olaf then sang a cappella professionally — realized he could do just that years ago. It started when he worked as a sommelier at Three Crows Cafe in Delano to earn some extra cash after becoming a stay-at-home dad. On a French wine night at the eatery, he decided to sing from the opera Carmen. “I did it half-jokingly, but jaws hit the floor,” he says, recalling the audience’s enthusiastic response.

Then 10 years ago, he joined Small Lot Wine & Spirits, a company focused on family-owned wineries from around the world, or what they call “wines with soul.” He soon realized that wine presentations could use more of that authentic connection.

“Wine is a complicated and intimidating subject matter for many, because it involves foreign language, geography, history, agriculture, geology and chemistry,” he says. “Opera is similarly viewed as highbrow or complicated. I remind audiences that wine is just an ancient method for preserving food and, over in Europe, wine came up at the same time as opera. People went to the opera to be entertained; it was pop music.”

Hanson’s events fuse wine and music, transporting attendees to places around the world like Italy, Portugal and Australia. “It opens the door — and heart — for people to hear about wine in a different way,” he notes. “Not a purely academic way or a fluffy, artistic way, but in a real, visceral way where they are experiencing wine with all of their senses.”

And if people love the idea of Small Lot Wine & Spirits but can’t attend a presentation or host a singing sommelier? Then there’s the company’s app, Sourcd, which helps consumers learn about and locate its craft wines at area retailers.

GET YOUR DAILY DOSE OF THE ARTFUL LIFE ON

DESIGN YOUR DREAM KITCHEN WITH THE ULTIMATE LUXURY APPLIANCE COLLECTION FROM ROTH LIVING. SCHEDULE A SHOWROOM VISIT TO START YOUR JOURNEY IN KITCHEN DESIGN PERFECTION.

PUBLISHER'S TAKE

THIS SPRING, I’M FILLING MY WORLD WITH UPLIFTING COLOR AND objects that nourish the spirit and the senses.

Paris-based online store La Romaine Editions features the most gorgeous craftsmanship, usable art and modern heirlooms. With two annual collections that pay homage to a color, mood or season, it is a source of endless beauty and inspiration for me. Think romantic hand-embroidered textiles, unique objects and covetable flatware. You can even shop by the table set. Want the mood all perfectly Parisian for your guests? They’ll curate it for you. Their beautiful Les Fleurs En Papier collection is holding me over until the flowers start to bloom!

Field Recordings winemaker Andrew Jones is known for producing unusual and soulful wines along California’s Central Coast. Over the past few years, his catalog has become my go-to source for top-quality pours. I love bringing Skins, a crisp orange, and my newest favorite, Super Gnario, a confident red blend, to dinner parties.

New Orleans–based Sunday Shop offers a treasure trove of rare antiques and contemporary finds alike. My latest obsession? The Betty Sofa, upholstered in blush mohair velvet. Bench-made in small production between Los Angeles and North Carolina, this perfectly feminine yet playful sofa comes complete with an exquisite bullion fringe skirt.

French-American designer Sophie Lou Jacobsen’s unique houseware and glassware embrace the notion that objects have the power to elevate the everyday. Her new Bouquet Collection — five elegant pieces of stemware made of sturdy borosilicate glass — is specifically crafted to enhance a drink’s aromatics with a delicate brim that fans out like a flower.

Nette founder Carol Han Pyle set out to disrupt the candle industry by offering a sustainable, clean-burning alternative. The brand’s signature handmade ceramic vessels contain a non-toxic coconut/soy wax blend (and zero synthetic ingredients) and use first-to-market certified organic cotton wicks. Adding to the charm, Carol inscribes evocative poetry on every label.

Twelfth Night, one of my favorite candles in the line, boasts an expansive throw sufficient to permeate a large room.

My very best,

Emma Cutler Velez

Publisher

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LAST CALL

Embark on a culinary journey with renowned Lao American chef Ann Ahmed on page 116.