DECEMBER 2023
COMPLIMENTARY
TABLEOFCONTENTS
FARGO MONTHLY // DECEMBER 2023
COVER STORY
24 BITES OF '23 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40
36
Wicked Willies Twisted Pasta Pizza Done Right Taj India Moonrise Cafe Spaghetti Western Chai Moto Duchessa Gelato
14 Sponsored Content: Dry January with D-S Beverages 16 Sponsored Content: SCHEELS The Year of the Home Chef 42 Think Global, Act Local; Returning and Rediscovering Fargo with Ann Nguyen 44 Meet the Maker: Tylar Frame 46 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 46 Artist Feature: Rachel Collier 50 HOME & DESIGN 50 Rooted in Art; with Alicia Hauff
50
58
58 FOOD & DRINK 58 Wine of the Month: Prairie Rose Meadery 60 Downtown Eating Guide 62 PARENTS & KIDS 62 New in Town
FIND US ONLINE
info@spotlightmediafargo.com 701-478-7768
All your favorite things in one spot. FARGOMONTHLY.COM Extended content, events, drink specials, giveaways and more.
4 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
/fargomonthly
fargomonthly.com
@fargomonthly
@fargomonthly
MEET THE TEAM.
LEARN MORE ABOUT US AT SPOTLIGHTMEDIAFARGO.COM
Volume 13 / Issue 12
December 2023
Fargo Monthly Magazine is published 12 times a year and is free. Copies are available at more than 500 Fargo-Moorhead locations and digitally at fargomonthly.com.
Publisher EDITORIAL Editorial Team Lead Editors Art Director Editorial Graphic Designer Creative Strategist Contributors INTERACTIVE Business Development Manager Business Development Associate Videographer Director of Creative Strategies Graphic Designer Web Developer ADVERTISING VP of Business Development Sales Representative Sales & Marketing Advisor Business Development Representative Client Relations
Mike Dragosavich Brady Drake Brady@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Geneva Nodland, Grant Ayers Kim Cowles Ty Betts Josiah Kopp Alexandre Cyusa, Ashley Morken Nick Schommer Kellen Feeney Tommy Uhlir Megan Suedbeck Ben Buchanan Austin Smith Paul Hoefer Paul@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Al Anderson Al@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Tori Helland Tori@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Austin Cuka AustinCuka@SpotlightMediaFargo.com ClientRelations@SpotlightMediaFargo.com
Client Relations Manager
Jenny Johnson
Marketing Coordinator
Jessica Mullen
Operations Assistant DISTRIBUTION Delivery
Miranda Knudson John Stuber
Fargo Monthly is published by Spotlight, LLC. Copyright 2024 Fargo Monthly and fargomonthly.com. All rights reserved. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced or distributed without written permission of Fargo Monthly and Spotlight, LLC is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information. Spotlight, LLC accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the advertisers.
Spotlight, LLC 4609 33rd Ave S Suite #304 Fargo, ND 58104 or info@spotlightmediafargo.com ADVERTISING: 701-478-SPOT (7768)
FROMTHEEDITOR
HAPPY
TEW YEARS! H
appy two-year anniversary to us! By us I mean, you and me, reader and writer, consumer and vendor, basically, the ying to my yang. I debuted my voice and my position with Fargo Monthly in the December issue of 2021 (wow, a lifetime ago), and this month marks two official years as Fargo Monthly's editor. It feels like a pretty big deal when I lay it all out like that. Two years sounds like a small amount of time, but when you think about where you were, and who you were, two years ago— there's a bit of a difference. Me, I was a fresh college graduate, naive and ready to kick-start my career. I discovered Spotlight's editor position while scrolling through job listings on Indeed, and thought, 'I'll try it,' with very little confidence in my application. To be honest, I knew I was looking at the working world post-COVID,
10 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
where working from home and online jobs were a commonality, and I was convinced I was going to land one of those one-in-amillion remote jobs; choosing my hours, unlimited time off, great benefits (as if I had any idea what good or bad benefits were then). But, soon enough I got a call and landed an interview with a crew that I now call my friends. I am going to confess something (something I've never even confessed to my boss, don't read this Brady) before I started on my first day here, I looked at my Indeed inbox still holding out on the idea that I would find a fairytale of a job, even though everyone told me the odds were slim that I'd get a gig like that right out of college. As it turns out, they were wrong. Now, at risk of sounding too corny, I'll keep this brief—I feel extremely fortunate to do what I do at Spotlight. From exploring
the community and meeting the coolest people, to getting creative with my coworkers to put together a physical product every month, I have the privilege to often say, I love my job. Oh, by the way, I haven't mentioned anything about this month's issue yet—it's just a lot of really, really good food. Thanks for two years of reading my little notes, humoring my bits of advice, laughing at my puns, and going on a lot of adventures with me. Merry Christmas, until next year, and Happy Reading!
Geneva Nodland Editor
14 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
SPONSORED CONTENT |
ELISABETH EDEN
15
The Year Home Chef OF THE
16 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
PIZZA CHEF ome could say that 2023 may be remembered as the year of homemade pizza. Pizza ovens experienced a rise in popularity, giving home chefs confidence in creating pizza magic. Thanks to the Ooni Pizza Oven’s ultra-high heat, stone-baking, and extreme speed, you can bring restaurant-quality cooking right to your backyard—given the right ingredients. Speaking of ingredients, SCHEELS has a great selection of crusts, sauces, and seasonings that make pizza making easy and delicious.
Checkout the recipe here:
This authentic Margherita pizza is a favorite recipe that will quickly become a go-to. You can easily make it your own by experimenting with different ingredients, just don’t forget to use the pizza seasoning.
17
BBQ SMOKE BOSS o matter what you cook with a smoker, the delicious wood-fired aroma fills the air! The Traeger Pellet Grill is the go-to choice for every outdoor chef. The digital Pro Controller ensures your food is cooked to perfection every time, bringing restaurant-quality wood-fired flavor to your backyard with ease. Your whole neighborhood will be asking for a seat at your dinner table when they smell your Traeger fired up. A smoker can be used for much more than just meat. If you really want to wow friends and family, try Smoked Cinnamon Rolls. This sweet and slightly smoky treat is perfect for a festive Christmas morning breakfast that’s sure to impress!
18 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
Checkout the recipe here:
GRIDDLE KING ne of the most versatile pieces of equipment for any home chef is the griddle. The Blackstone Griddle Cooking Station checks all the boxes, giving you 36 inches of cooking surface to create culinary masterpieces. From omelets, smash burgers and stir-fry, to steaks, chicken, and fish, all of your favorites can be made on the griddle. If you like versatility, a Blackstone Griddle is the perfect addition and will help broaden your culinary adventures.
Checkout the recipe here:
Freshen up your menu this winter with Baja Fish Tacos. Malcom's Grande Gringo Mexican Seasoning adds the perfect zest to walleye. This is a quick and easy weeknight meal thanks to the Blackstone.
19
GRILL MASTER very dedicated home chef should have a charcoal grill, and we’re not talking about your dad’s old charcoal grill, we’re talking about a shiny, bright red, ceramic Kamado Joe. The Classic Joe Grill is built on performance and brings innovative new features to the charcoal grill world. The divide-andconquer multi-level cooking system makes cooking easier and will most likely make your neighbors jealous, especially when you’re grilling a tri-tip seasoned with coffee (yes, coffee).
Checkout the recipe here:
This is one you’ll have to try to believe it, as the Black Rifle Coffee takes this tri-tip to another level. The recipe and video will walk you through just how easy it is to become a grill master.
| scheels.com
20 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
| /scheelsoutdoors
| @scheelsoutdoors
land |
od eva N
By Gen
neva N
by Ge Photos
odland
Attention Fargo-Moorhead foodies! If you thought our local dining scene couldn't get any tastier, buckle up your taste buds because 2023 has served up a delicious platter of brand-new eateries. From innovative eats to cozy coffee corners, our neighborhoods have been peppered with more flavors than ever. This year, we've seen doors opened to welcome us into new worlds of culinary delight, right in our backyard. So, grab your forks (and maybe a friend or two), because it's time to embark on a mouthwatering adventure and support our local chefs and restaurateurs. Let’s dig into this year's newest feast of flavors in the FM area!
24 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
Continued>
25
26 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
Captain Hook's Crab Shrimp, snow crab, red potatoes, sweet corn, spicy andouille sausage, sweet onions, plus, a lobster tail add-on!
27
The two entrees offer at Twisted Pasta, Fettuccine stuffed bread (left), and Spaghetti and Meatballs stuffed bread (right)!
28 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
A ghost kitchen is a deliveryonly cooking space with no dine-in facilities, operating primarily through online orders. It offers lower overhead costs and focuses on efficient meal preparation. This model allows for culinary experimentation and operation in shared kitchen spaces, catering to the growing demand for food delivery services. Brian hopes the ghost kitchen idea will, over time, allow food truck operations to run year-round rather than seasonally.
| /Twisted Pasta | twisted-pasta.square.site Twisted Pasta, a unique food service in Fargo, ND, has recently opened its doors—virtually, that is. This innovative venture is led by two local foodies, Brian Larry and Josiah Rusten. Larry created Twisted Pasta, a concept inspired by a combination of two beloved foods: pasta and artisan bread. The signature dish features stuffing customordered loaves from Breadsmith, a local bakery, with homemade spaghetti or fettuccine. Operating as a "ghost kitchen," Twisted Pasta rents kitchen space from Square One Kitchen Rentals in Fargo. They take orders online a day ahead and have customers pick up their creations at a specified time. On November 18, Twisted Pasta began taking pre-orders for their dishes, now, the business can be found online and on social media platforms, promising a twist on your favorite traditional pastas! 29
Canadian Bacon and Mushroom 'Za and the Smash Burger with fries! | 2630 S University Dr Fargo, ND | 701-630-6724 | / PIzza Done RIght Inside the Bowler, Pizza Done Right is one of Fargo's newest pizza eateries, launched in early November. As the adventure of a seasoned local chef, this spot has quickly become appreciated for its high-quality, scratchmade pizza dough—as the name suggests. "We make our dough from scratch, we add fresh herbs and roasted garlic," Owner Tim Olauson said. Beyond exceptional pizzas, the restaurant also serves an array of bar food, complementing the vibrant atmosphere of the alley and upstairs bar. With what is a small team now, the large kitchen for Pizza Done Right has even bigger plans—including options for catering. Grab your bowling shoes and a slice, or order Pizza Done Right for pickup and delivery through Food Dudes!
30 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
Mango cake (left) Pistachio ice cream (below) Vegetable Biryani (right) Mango Lassi (far right)
| 2877 45th St S Fargo, ND | 701-532-0705 | tajindiafargo.com Taj India, which opened on October 18 in Fargo, is the newest addition to the city's diverse dining scene. Founded by married duo Malkit Singh and Balwinder Kaur, who have over a decade of experience in Fargo and a passion for cooking. This family-owned restaurant comes from a longtime dream of Malkit, finally taking form inside Taj India's walls. The standout feature of Taj India is its innovative lunch special. Customers can savor two different entrees, along with rice and their choice of bread, offering a diverse taste experience at an affordable price and a perfect lunch portion. "It's like a little sampler," Balwinder said, emphasizing both the variety and value of their lunch combo. Taj India is quickly becoming a favorite in Fargo, known for its authentic spice without too much heat (unless you want it), extreme hospitality, and familyoriented approach, just as Balwinder explained— "Everything [is made] with love."
32 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
Mango ice cream (left) Butter Chicken (above) Chicken Karara (bottom left) Gulab Jamun (right) Garlic Naan (bottom right)
A breakfast burrito or berry homemade poptart and oatmilk latte for a quick breakfast, an apple cinnamon muffin pick-me-up, and of, course, a custommade Heart Cake!
34 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
| 111 Broadway N Fargo, ND | 701-478-6626 | moonrisecafefm.com Moonrise Cafe, opened on October 17 by friends and culinary enthusiasts Emily Driscoll and Alexa Eugenio, brings a new touch to Fargo's downtown cafe scene. Emily, whose background in running the popular, Heart Cakes, melds perfectly with Alexa's passion and experience in local foods to create Moonrise Cafe.
If you're interested in getting a vintage Heart Cake from Moonrise Cafe, you can place an order for your very own custom vintage Heart Cake—but, make sure you place your order EARLY! Emily reminded us that you should order 10 days in advance, or, preferably, 2-3 weeks. But, you can always head into the cafe to see what Daily Cake is available in the pastry case!
Specializing in graband-go items, coffee, and pastries, the cafe off Broadway offers an array of choices. The cafe is also where the custom vintage cakes are now created, continuing Emily's celebrated baking legacy, and giving Alexa the opportunity to learn the cake craft. As far as the savory menu goes, both Alexa and Emily work to build out the menu (including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-friendly options). Alexa is also passionate about local ingredients, sourcing different seasonal foods to incorporate into daily dishes. The inside, decorated with thrifted decor and paired with the smell of coffee and baked goods, creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Moonrise Cafe offers a perfect blend of homey vibes and fresh local eats!
35
If you miss the vintage posters on the north wall, you may wonder where Spaghetti Western gets its name—Zio explained the concept was directly influenced by the subgenre of Western films, 'spaghetti westerns.' These were primarily Italian-produced, and known for their unique filming style, rough atmosphere, and complex main characters. Combining the feeling of these movies with the cherished Italian dishes, and based in Fargo— Spaghetti Western was born!
36 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
Tiramisù (left) Neopolitan Gnocchi (below) Beet Salad (right) | 24 N Broadway Dr Fargo, ND | 701-532-4699 | spaghettiwestern.online Spaghetti Western, a new cherished restaurant in downtown Fargo since July 5, offers an authentic Italian experience. Born from the vision of Zio, who hails from Italy, and carried out by both him and his wife, Brighid, Spaghetti Western serves dishes steeped in family tradition both in execution and ingredient. "Everything comes in fresh. We challenge customers to find a freezer," Zio said. The restaurant's uniqueness comes from its blend of Italian authenticity and Western-themed ambiance. They import all their dried pastas from Italy, or handmake them, ensuring an unparalleled dining experience. The food is paired with an extensive, curated wine list, also all imported from Italy. Spaghetti Western is an embodiment of Italian culture with a touch of Fargo charm, inviting the community to savor the genuine Italian taste in the heart of Fargo! Carrot Soup (of the day) (left) Cannoli (below) Lemon Ricotta (right)
37
A cup of Malawi Oolong tea (left) and Chamomile tea (right).
| 3955 56th St S Fargo, ND | chaimoto.com A new cafe, Chai Moto, recently opened in early December, introducing a unique tea experience to the area. The cafe is the next development of Pasteur Mudende's business, Chai Moto, which began with Pasteur's interest in blending his own tea, inspired by East African flavors, and led to sharing those blends at the local farmer's market. The new cafe now operates as a storefront for those products and offers the perfect spot for tea enthusiasts, remote workers, friends looking to catch up, those who want to tear through a book, and everything in between. At Chai Moto, the focus is on quality and simplicity. Pasteur's passion for tea is evident in every cup, with blends crafted from fresh herbs and high-quality ingredients, which are carefully sourced in order to blend the best teas and spices. From a market stall to cafe, Chai Moto's new physical location merges the taste and feel of East Africa with a modern, warm, and welcoming space!
38 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
Duchessa Gelato's Blueberry Ripple Cheesecake gelato (far left), pint-sized Gianduja gelato (middle), and a scoop of Pistachio gelato in a waffle cone, plus their Gouda and homemade stroopwafels!
| 1702 1st Ave N Fargo, ND | cowsandcocreamery.com Duchessa Gelato, inside the Brewhalla market, offers delicious European-inspired local treats. This shop, along with the parent company, Cows & Co. Creamery, brings Owner Maartje Murphy's Dutch heritage to life with artisanal gelato, using farmfresh milk from her family's dairy farm in Carrington, ND. The rural North Dakota dairy farmstead also has a café location for visitors to come and enjoy the treats and coffee and even take a tour and meet the cows who provide the dairy for these treats! A visit to the Carrington café is like taking a trip to the Netherlands, from treats to decor, and now, you can enjoy a sliver of that in Brewhalla! Alongside a rotating selection of 12 gelato flavors and fresh stroopwafels, they also specialize in farmstead gouda cheese and cheese curds for customers to purchase and munch on in the market. This blend of traditional flavors and local artisanal craftsmanship makes Duchessa Gelato a must-visit, whether you're exploring Brewhalla or not! 40 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
THINK GLOBAL, ACT LOCAL
Returning and Rediscovering Fargo Happy Holidays! This month, I got the opportunity to visit with Ms. Ann Nguyen who reflected on coming back home to Fargo: "I was born in Vietnam, raised in north Fargo, and relocated to Washington, D.C., in 2005. My adult life centered around living in D.C., where I experienced many milestones. These included graduating from GMU, advancing in my management consulting career, marrying my husband at the Jefferson Memorial, buying a city center home, and embracing motherhood. Fifteen years of the East Coast lifestyle kept me constantly in motion, pursuing one goal after another with little time to spare. Returning to Fargo, I found myself with more free time than I was used to. Initially, it felt odd, as if I needed to fill the time constantly or risk feeling unproductive. However, I've learned to cherish downtime. Professionally, I'm a business consultant helping organizations solve complex problems, optimize business processes, and implement technology solutions. Beyond work, I enjoy supporting social initiatives in our community. While I miss D.C., Fargo's slower pace enriches the quality time I spend with my family. This is my second time living in Fargo, and I hope to rediscover this Midwest city with thoughtful intentions." Until we meet again: Umwaka Mushya Muhire wa 2024! Cyusa Where do you call home? My concept of "home" has evolved over time. It was once solely tied to my physical location. I recall my early days in D.C., where people often expressed surprise at meeting someone from Fargo and would inevitably ask if I planned to return. Consistently, my response was “never.” However, as the saying goes, “never say never,” and in 2021, I returned to Fargo unexpectedly. 42 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
Through extensive international travel, my perspective of “home” shifted beyond geography. It’s now an emotional connection, encompassing a sense of community, belonging, and inclusivity. Returning to Fargo, I’m readjusting to calling it home again. This time, it's not just about the location; it's about authentic connections. Tell me about your journey and lessons learned in Washington, D.C., before coming back to Fargo. My initial move to D.C. had me quickly adapting to its fast-paced life, long commutes, and urban isolation. I learned the value of decision-making, timing, commitment, and execution. Over 15 years, I established a successful career in management consulting that exceeded my expectations. I owe much of my success to colleagues and mentors who were like a guiding light on my journey. They recognized my potential and valued my talent, work ethic, and holistic identity. Here, I learned the value of connections, grit, and keeping an open mind. Overall, the D.C. experience deepened my social consciousness and enriched my perspectives, allowing me to appreciate global diversity in personal, public, and professional settings. However, transitioning back to Fargo also taught me a great lesson in balancing authenticity and professionalism, discerning and ignoring distractions, and prioritizing commitments that hold true value. Fargo is a marked contrast to the city life and culture I embraced in D.C. Can you talk about your experiences with all the new Fargo features? Although raised in Fargo, I'm a newcomer in terms of engaging with and discovering the nuances of our community. Recollecting my teenage memories, I was preoccupied with enduring our 'charming' winters. Having lived in D.C. and traveled globally, I’ve been spoiled with diverse culinary options. So, it's delightful to see Fargo's growing food scene and vibrant farmers' markets.
By Alexandre Cyusa Photo By Gary Ussery
In early 2023, I ventured into the business ecosystem. As a newcomer, it was intimidating to participate—everyone seemed to have their established circles— but self-motivation pushed me to continue. However, one introduction with someone whose authenticity and welcoming nature gave me a sense of acceptance in the community, emphasizing the value of my presence. As I continue navigating the business community, I stand as evidence that a single encounter can be transformative, encouraging, and substantially enrich the path initially set for a newcomer. I miss D.C.'s all-inclusive experience and am hopeful in continuing to discover how Fargo has and continues to grow. Thus far, my experience returning to Fargo has provided me with fresh insights into the city I once thought I knew. What is the story of your passion for giving back to the Fargo-Moorhead community? As refugees, my family was matched with a family sponsor affiliated with Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which served as our connection to Fargo during our initial arrival. When I look back, our sponsor’s support was instrumental in my family’s integration into new life landlocked here in the middle of a then foreign country. Fast forward, after my return to Fargo, I intended to connect with LSS for opportunities only to learn they no longer have a local presence. In seeking other ways to get involved in the community, I’ve crossed paths with incredible community builders, and I’m inspired to support their efforts. With that, I’ve enjoyed supporting various engagements presented by community-building organizations, exploring minorityowned businesses, and volunteering at cultural events, such as the annual Asian Night Market in May. I hold a sense of pride for Fargo. There are opportunities to connect our expanding communities, celebrate its vibrancy, and encourage multiple dimensions of diversity. When opportunities are harnessed and pursued, collectively with a
culture of inclusivity, Fargo can create an allure that overshadows its geographic and climatic challenges in attracting newcomers to join this flourishing community. Why should and how can people learn about outside the Midwest? I strongly advocate the idea of interacting with people and environments beyond one's immediate circle. This can be achieved through meaningful conversations locally and immersive travel experiences, with humble intentions to seek understanding. The key is to be open-minded, apply self-awareness, and self-reflection in the act. “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” – Audre Lorde Intellectual curiosity leads to a deeper appreciation for learning and a willingness to explore diverse perspectives. Though comfort is our inclination, engaging in conversations beyond the familiar cultivates a richer diverse perspective, promotes personal development, and equips one with valuable skills for navigating our increasingly interconnected and globalized world. Traveling also deepens our comprehension of the world and our place in it. What is one thing the FM area could benefit from which you liked in other cities you lived in? Just one? Simple, Trader Joe’s! Joking aside (but not really), the dynamic D.C. metro area is a melting pot full of economic activities, cultural diversity, historical significance, and social interactions offering abundant options to suit any lifestyle. One significant way I met new friends was participating in social sports where players of all levels are welcome. This allowed me to interact with people from all backgrounds and be part of a community year-round. Locally, social sports can be an opportunity for new and established community members to build friendships and be actively engaged year-round.
Tylar Frame
Meet The
MAKER MAKER
By Ashley Morken, Unglued Photos submitted by Ashley Morken
W
e’ve been totally obsessed with collage as a medium and Tylar Frame is a local artist making all the waves in it! We discovered Tylar at a Brewhalla Makers Market in Fargo and you’ll catch her there again on Sunday, December 10 noon-6 p.m. From original pieces to prints or even DIY kits, it’s been inspiring to see everything she creates with vintage magazines.
Tell us a bit about yourself. I was born and raised in Fargo. Outside of photography and collage, I’m a pretty simple gal—I love watching movies, hanging out with my pets, playing video games, and eating good food. Describe what type of products you make? I create hand-cut collages using material primarily sourced from vintage magazines. Some of my pieces are turned into prints and stickers, and others are sold as original works. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with collage on different objects, such as switchplates—every light switch in my house has a different design— and lighter sleeves. I’m probably best known for my functioning anaglyph prints that are sold with a pair of 3D glasses for viewing. Tell us how you got started with your business. One day, in early 2022, I was browsing Facebook Marketplace and I saw a listing for a box of National Geographics from the 70s. I knew that old magazines were a popular material used by collage
44 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
artists and I had always wanted to try my hand at collaging myself. So, I responded to the listing, drove across town to pick up the box, and then spent that whole night flipping through every single issue and picking out images I thought were cool. By the time I put together my first piece, I had fallen in love with the process. Where do you get inspiration for what you create? Nostalgia, current events, and irony. I’m often drawn to things that filled me with wonder as a child, like CRT TVs and threedimensional technology. I try to keep that hopeful naïveté alive through my work, but being an adult now, it’s not easy to pretend the world is that simple—so sometimes my work is a reflection of my anger or frustration with the things I can’t control. And sometimes, I throw all of that deep meaningful stuff out the window and I just want to make something weird. Do you have a favorite type of subject to collage? Televisions! I’ve always loved using them in my art. Not only do I love how they look, but there’s an abundance of TV ads and photos in the magazines I use. They can represent so much to me—happiness, distraction, our overuse of technology, portals to another world. I have to force myself to use them sparingly. What attracted you to collage as a medium? I’ve always loved all kinds of art. I think I’ve tried everything once now—tufting, sewing, embroidery, sculpture, you name it. Collage was just another thing I thought could be cool to try. Now, I love it because of how similar to photography it is, at least in the way I do it. It’s like I’m creating new photos out of other peoples’ photos. Skills I’ve developed from my years of photography experience—especially creating compelling compositions—made it easy for me to find my own collage style and really settle into it. What is your personal favorite item or piece you've created so far? I lost my amazing grandmother to breast cancer in October of 2022. Within 24 hours
of her passing, I had poured myself and all of my feelings into a piece for/about her. I always knew that people leaned into their art to navigate difficult times in life, but I had never experienced that before losing my grandma. That piece holds so much pain and joy and anger for me. It’s basically a time capsule of exactly how I was feeling at that moment in my life. What is something you've enjoyed the most about doing this handcrafted business? My favorite part about selling my art is seeing people’s reactions to it. Not everybody cares for it, but when somebody really connects to something I’ve created and I can tell they just get it, it’s extremely rewarding. What is the most challenging thing? It’s hard to put my work in front of people. There’s a level of vulnerability required to take these pieces that are extremely meaningful to me and show them to the world and hope that they mean something to somebody else, too. If you were to walk past my table at an art market, you would see my prints and my stickers and some original pieces sitting out. Nothing out of the ordinary. But to me, it feels like my heart and soul and brain are laid bare on the table for everybody to see, judge, or simply disregard as I sit and watch. What is a word that best describes you? Determined. What advice would you have given yourself five years ago? I think I would tell myself to have a little more faith in us. We figure it out eventually. Where can people find your work? You can find original pieces and prints in my online store: shop.tylarframe.com. I’m hosting a collage workshop at Unglued on December 14! I’ll also have a table at Brewhalla’s Maker’s Market on December 10. | @tyla.r
ART & ENTERTAINMENT
By Josiah Kopp Photos provided by Rachel Collier
Minneapolis-based mixed-media artist Rachel Collier is a true artist of the upper Midwest, drawing inspiration from the grand skies and vibrant sunsets this region offers. "I’m especially attached to the big skies and neon sunsets, which can be seen in my painting and fiber art," she said. Growing up, Rachel's family moved around Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, which makes her feel rooted in the prairie landscape even today—which is evident in her work through textures, colors, and patterns. Rachel earned her BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the top art schools in the U.S., and has since been consistently making work for over twenty years. However, only in the last five years has she been able to attempt sustainability in a full-time professional practice, which has also been an opportunity to build a community with other likeminded artists. "I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to work every day and am thrilled to share and grow with my painting family," she said. "There is an emotional focus of my work that helps me to connect with myself and others in a way that I find cathartic and healing. I’m drawn to aesthetic cults and collective consciousness and I feel socially gratified when making work that is in dialogue with artists that have influenced me."
46 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
A unique and empowering aspect of her story is that she is a fourthgeneration female painter in a direct matriarchal lineage. This inspires her to feel a deep connection to her artistic practice as a way to carry on the work and legacy of her grandmother, Marticia, and her mother, Rachel, whom she was named after. "I feel strongly that painting has been passed to me by my great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother," she said.
Works Currently, Rachel is working on some new pieces for a group that will be in a show titled 'Chimera' at Hair and Nails Gallery in Minneapolis. The show includes fellow gallery artists and friends of Rachel's, including Emma Beatrez, Julia Garcia, and Christina Ballantyne. All work can also be seen on the Hair and Nails Gallery homepage of artsy.net.
From an academic perspective, Rachel hopes for her work to be seen in lineage with the spiritual abstraction of Hilma Af Klint, the healing properties of Emma Kunz, the domestic and Japanese inspiration of Vuillard and Bonnard, and the maximalist materialism of Frank Stella. She also finds inspiration in many other art forms, from ambient filmmakers, silent comic writers, ASMR video artists, tarot card readers, gnostic gospel scholars, noise musicians, sheepherders, and ancient weavers. In a world where 2D art can be so dimensionally limiting for an artist who craves a more immersive experience, Rachel bridges the worlds of 2D and 3D with her work through relief, physical layers, and rich texture. But why are texture and dimension such valuable elements of creating for her? "I feel like painting is intimidating in a way and I try to overcome that by translating the most intuitive elements into other mediums and dimensions," she said. "It's kind of tricky in a fun way to demonstrate how wool can be mixed together like paint and the color theory I've learned through painting can also be expressed with fiber. Flatness is also a dimension and I like to exercise that concept. Ultimately, I enjoy making things that want to be seen in person and touched when no one is looking."
Pictured here are some of her pieces titled "Your call is important to us," "Roll by our silo," and "Breakwater,"—all are multi-paneled paintings made with acrylic and wool. This is a recent development in her work and she has been excited to be more seamlessly transitioning between fiber and paint through a technique called needlefelting. 47
ART & ENTERTAINMENT
JOSIAH KOPP
Every Night J. ALAN PAUL PHOTOGRAPHY
"When selecting pieces for Kesler, we strived to highlight both female artists and pieces that call back to nature. Rachel Collier's "Every Night" is a stunning representation of both, and we felt its bright colors and intrinsic motion made it the perfect piece to welcome residents and visitors to Kesler."
Rachel's philosophy through her work has resonated with many communities, including Fargo. When the Kesler apartments were being built in downtown Fargo, The Kilbourne team was seeking art that supported local and regional female artists with subject matter that gave a nod to the wide open spaces of the Red River Valley to furnish the spaces. Rachel's "Every Night" caught 48 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
their eyes and proudly hangs today in the main lobby at Kesler. "Every Night" was a piece that was originally made for Rachel's show at the Nemeth Art Center in Park Rapids, MN, titled "Soft Landing" and curated by Tessa Beck. The title and series focused on how Rachel's journey in creating a new piece—which starts with her asking
"impossibly broad questions that have no answer, grasping vaguely at a theory of everything," as her artist statement said. "I begin as a psychonaut, opening a portal into outer space while my earthly self prepares a soft landing for the astronaut's return—the completed artwork."
The finished piece, which is non-representational, allows the viewer to come up with their own ideas for what the subject matter might be. It's a piece not just for the observer, but for the daydreamer as well. "I was so thrilled to have ample space and made a couple of paintings that were as big as I could fit through my studio door—this is one of them," she said. "It was the last painting I made for the show and I remember feeling so much pressure to pull it off in a short period of time. To combat the sense of pressure, I relied on experimentation and covered the canvas with a black background to amplify the noise. I hoped to convey a 'charged moment' that inevitably happens in some place or another every night." The black base of the canvas perfectly fits the space of the lobby, which dons black walls. The bottom left of the artwork feels floral, almost as if a handful of lilac was used as the paintbrush to create the look. The streaks of neon and vibrant color throughout could almost be the lights of cars buzzing up and down Broadway, with the signs of nearby shops adding illumination to the ambiance. But that's just one editor's interpretation. Meditate on the artwork yourself and see what your mind comes up with.
| rachelcollier.com | @rachelcolliermwa
HOME & DESIGN
Rooted in Art By Geneva Nodland
Geneva nodland
Once a nurse practitioner, Alicia now channels her nurturing spirit through another outlet—art, capturing the essence of nature and the human experience in it. In her studio, she brings to life stunning pieces that reflect her deep connection to the natural world. Each piece is a dialogue with nature, reflecting her passion for the environment she so lovingly portrays. Her journey challenges the norms, showing us how embracing our true passions can lead to unexpected yet fulfilling destinations.
50 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
HOME & DESIGN
B Before fully immersing herself in her art, Alicia dedicated eight years to serving as a nurse practitioner at the Homeless Health Services in downtown Fargo. In addition to that, she also was a part of the Cass County Jail medical outreach, an outreach program of Family HealthCare.
pandemic made everything that much more heavy for Alicia and her peers. She reached eight years in that role in the fall of 2021 and at the same time had found she was hitting her limit. "I was very angry every day, just angry at the whole system and the stuff that I couldn't change," she said.
"I do miss it," she said, "People ask if I miss it—I miss the people. I don't miss the systemic barriers that I had to witness people dealing with every day. They couldn't get meds covered, they couldn't get food that day or a place to stay, they couldn't get sober enough to reach some stability, or they couldn't maintain housing. We would do all we could, every day, to help them where they were at that day because things were always in flux. It was very harmreduction, trauma-informed care."
Already going to therapy for compassion fatigue, but still struggling with the lack of resources and effort from the industry for her and those in her position, she yearned for change. Despite the passion for her career and the fulfillment it brought, Alicia felt a tug towards a different path, one already ingrained in her. "Growing up, I'd always loved art, always made art," she said. This underlying current of artistic desire, coupled with the intensive demands of her nursing career, led Alicia to a pivotal moment, but she admitted that it was really her husband Matthew,
With an already taxing work environment, the effects of the
52 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
who first offered her an olive branch. "It was Matthew who said, 'I can see you're having a really tough time. Is it time for you to make the change to pursue your art career?' And I said, 'Is it okay that I do?' It never occurred to me; I really thought I had to stick [my nursing career] out for some period of time—that I had to put in the time. That I had to be more financially stable to do this, and my kids needed to be out of the house—you get these timelines in your head, and they're just in your head, it doesn't mean that that's the right thing for you," Alicia said. While she fully realized that the potential to switch careers was there, it came with a lot of shame and guilt for Alicia. "I felt Iike I was quitting, that I was letting my team down, that I was letting my patients down, leaving them. I told people that I'll still be here; I'll just be showing up differently. So, that's how I left things. And the more that I thought about all of that, the more I [realized] I needed to heal myself. I was so burned out." Alicia knew she needed time to heal and recalibrate. "I really rested, took it easy, and just focused on the kids, and family stuff for a few weeks," she said. This period was crucial for her, a time to recover from the burnout and revisit her passion for art, which had been simmering beneath the surface for years. It was during this time of reflection and healing that Alicia's path as an artist began to take form. With the support of her husband, she began to fully invest in the change. Setting up her studio, which Matthew built, became a symbol of this new chapter, a physical space where she could explore her creativity and develop her unique style. Alicia began to find her artistic voice through a key project—creating an inspiration board. As part of an online educational course, Alicia sifted through a myriad of magazines to create a "vision board" for her artistry. Not quite realizing the scope in which nature influenced her work just yet, she noticed that she was drawn to pieces with outdoor themes. "You know what you're drawn to. That's the thread that you have to follow. That's the spark," she said. The board wasn't just a collage of images; it was a reflection of her bond with the environment, leading to an epiphany.
53
HOME & DESIGN "I looked at it and [thought], holy crap that's awesome," she said. That awe-moment was a pivotal moment in defining her artistic direction. Understanding that her work is driven by the natural world, Alicia realized what her fine artwork would be centered around when she stumbled upon a guidebook on native wildflowers of the prairies. "And that was when the light bulb went on; everything that was culminating came together," Alicia said. This newfound inspiration led her to create her first series on raw stretch canvas, marking a departure from her earlier work. Until this point, her focus had been on layered, textured abstracts, which, while still a passion, did not fully capture the essence of what she now wanted to express. The guidebook, featuring pictures and descriptions of wildflowers, along with folklore and their uses in medicines by First Nations peoples, resonated deeply with Alicia. It encouraged her to return to drawing, particularly focusing on botanicals. This series was not just an artistic endeavor but also an exploration of the natural world, intertwining her art with her growing interest in flora and its historical and cultural significance. Simultaneously, Alicia recognized the need to understand the other side of pursuing an
54 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
artist career full-time, the business side. She dedicated time to taking educational courses, beginning with an eight-week course on art business fundamentals. This was complemented by a 12-week online program which equipped her with knowledge of technical design principles and business management. Seeing her connection with nature, Alicia even extended her learning through self-study, becoming inspired by the book "Make Ink" by Jason Logan, which broadened her perspective on art production and material sourcing—another impactful decision that gave her work more direction. This blend of practical education and personal introspection paved the way for Alicia to confidently pursue what she loves, but this simple equation didn't, and doesn't, mean finality—that's the beauty of it. Alicia has spent the years since she departed from healthcare discovering and honing her craft, and she continues to try new techniques and challenges to this day. Her most recent exploration calls back to the book, "Make Ink" by Jason Logan, and you can guess what she sought out to do—the creation of her inks to be used in her art, yet another call back to Alicia's dedication to natural, sustainable art. Creativity and connection to nature
HOME & DESIGN
bleed into every corner of the process; from foraging for the natural materials to be used in the ink, to combining those materials to create different hues, to understanding how each ink will interact with both the paper and each other. Guided by "Make Ink," but led by her own passion, Alicia has created and now sells a variety of Wild Ink Sets through her online shop. There is a level of complexity in making her inks, some require a chemical for color fastness, while others are a result of intricate natural processes, but above all, they require an educated dedication every step of the way. Working and experimenting with these handmade products requires Alicia to embrace the unpredictable nature of the materials, which has ultimately led to a philosophy of letting go and allowing the materials to dictate the outcome, reflecting the natural world's inherent unpredictability and beauty, as well as another aspect of her relationship with nature being that she gives it
56 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
a voice by allowing it to "speak" through her canvas. And finally, Alicia incorporates one more layer to her art that is ingrained in her own ethics. She goes beyond what others may consider "environmentally conscious" or "sustainable," not only sourcing materials in that way but sourcing her creativity the same.
Q: Why do you think that land and a relationship with land is so important to you? A: That's a great question. And I
really have thought about that, like where did this come from? I've always loved sciences in general, but the physical sciences—I used to be a rock hound. I love spending time outside, [it's] necessary. I will go for a run in negative 20-degree weather, just to be outside. That, for sure, has something to do with it. Being outside has always been so nourishing. For instance, we had a huge mature cottonwood tree in our backyard growing up. Home life was a little tense, my parents
need so that it can grow back. I wasn't as good or as conscious about asking for permission—I honestly was just overly excited, it was this new thing. This year, I'm so much more relaxed about it, and I'm much more conscious, like, 'Do I really need to harvest that?' and 'I see all of this sumac or all of this buckthorn, do I really need it right now?' No, I don't, it's gonna be there next year, so it's almost a joy in not taking from the land now. It's looking at it like, 'Hey, how can we spend time together today?'
ended up divorcing, so I didn't want to be inside. Going outside was more secure for me. I was always in that tree. So, I realized some months ago, that that tree helped raise me. It was a tree elder right there, helping me. I consider that tree a member of my family, even back then, kind of—it's almost like you see things in hindsight. I love to garden. I grow things from seed. I've done that for some years. Clearly, I love plants. So, the clues have always been there. I've always been drawn to those things. It's just now, I'm starting to realize how all the things are coming together. The outdoors, the other hobbies—all those things were already there, so this just seemed like a natural fit.
Q: How has your relationship with land and nature changed since you started this? A: When I first started foraging last summer, I didn't know what I was doing, I would yank things, root and all, thinking that I knew that I was okay to do that. [Now] it's like, come prepared, bring a trimmer, you don't need to yank the whole plan out, just trim off the part that you
This year, I was painting and working outside with the land, and I honestly would read the cues a little bit. One day, a spot is a really good spot to work, and then, later, I'll come back to that park and I'll just get this vibe like, "No, not today, go to a different spot." Maybe the grass grew where I was, there's kind of an intuitive, vibe check or energy check with the land, and so then I'll go to a different spot. Which Goldenrod plant wants to be drawn today? To actually let it guide me or [I'll ask], "Hey, I need a place to sit down on this walk," and then there'll be a big tree stump or something. It's developing that deeper relationship and consciousness with it. Honestly, learning how to communicate with it and being attentive and attuned. I'd say that's been the biggest change— Letting me be taught, instead of just diving in there and taking what I want, the land is very forgiving. I'm doing this because that care has always been there," Alicia said. "It's the way that I look at the world. I look at it through just the eyes of detail and color and how things relate to each other. It's very relationshiporiented, and coming to realize a lot of these things in the last year, even less than a year, has just been eye-opening." In her fine artwork, Alicia utilizes her newly formed perspective on the earth and her surroundings to infuse each piece with a tangible piece of the environment. Her spiritual journey with herself and nature has deeply influenced her art, she gives a lot of credit to the book "Braiding Sweetgrass," which blends indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants to explore themes of ecology, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of humans and the natural world.
Alicia's nature-focused work was debuted in the form of a collection and she has since released her art collections seasonally. Those collections include fine artworks reflective of her relationship with the natural world, weaving together local flora, ethnobotany, and ecological consciousness. Her work always embodies a respectful relationship with the land, showcasing a commitment to community and an exploration of the interconnectedness of art and nature. Each collection is released with a personal note from the artist, expanding on the theme of the works, and offering additional value to the collection as a whole.
This spring, Alicia will be working on a new focus—birds of the prairie! That collection will be released in March or April, accompanied by an artist reception. You can follow her on Instagram at @aliciahauffstudio or sign up for her newsletter on her website for updates!
Each element of Alicia's work—from the sustainable sourcing and creation of materials to her fine art—is a blend of her deep respect for nature and her commitment to environmentally conscious art practice every step of the way. Alicia's transition to this new style was more than a change in technique; it represented a deeper connection with her surroundings and a commitment to bring the beauty of nature into her art. A true artist's evolution, where personal growth and a connection become the primary drivers of creative expression. Support Alicia and learn more about her work at aliciahauffstudio.com.
57
FOOD & DRINK
Wine of the Month.
REVIEW BY ASHLEY SERBUS OF CELLAR 624
Photos by Josiah Kopp
Honeyberry Haskap PRAIRE ROSE MEADERY, 2022
"If you are a fan of semi-sweet red wines, this is the mead for you. This mead took several months to perfect—we tested four different hascap (otherwise known as honeyberry) varieties to get the best flavor of honeyberry—not too bitter yet enough acid to give the mead life. Honeyberry has a nice berry flavor yet gives grape wine-like notes and hints of chocolate. After choosing the variety of hascap I felt had the best characteristics I then played with the balance of hascap to honey as I like both the fruit and honey to come out in the finished mead." - Susan Ruud, owner
58 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
mediumbodied with notes of clover, honey, blueberry, raspberry, and cranberry.
sweet finish with flavors of currant, raisin, and dried fruits.
honey aroma
"ENJOY IT FOR DESSERT OR AROUND A BONFIRE. IT'S A PERFECT NIGHTCAP IN MY OPINION!" - ASHLEY SERBUS, CELLAR 624
The Review To be honest, the last mead I tried was years ago. I hadn’t revisited any because of how syrupy the one I tried had been. Well, let me tell you that is not the case here! The Honeyberry Haskap mead from Prairie Rose was refreshingly light. Immediately on the nose you can smell honey and alcohol. On the palate, the mead was medium-bodied with notes of clover, honey, blueberry, raspberry, and cranberry. This mead has a fairly quick finish that is sweet with flavors of currant, raisin, and dried fruits. I know haskap berries can sometimes give off a tart profile as well, but I didn’t encounter much of that in this honey wine. A variety of foods can be enjoyed with this mead. It paired very nicely with manchego, gruyere, and blue cheese, as well as the salami and olives on my charcuterie board. Based on the tasting profile, I believe it would also accompany red meat, tomatobased pasta, spicy fare, or
mushrooms. Knowing I was going to be enjoying a sweeter wine I went out and bought myself a slice of cheesecake, and the pairing was delightful! I am so glad I have been reintroduced to meads, and how great that we have a tasting room full right here in Fargo! I look forward to visiting Prairie Rose Meadery and trying out all they have to offer. In the meantime, grab a bottle and enjoy it for dessert or around a bonfire. It's a perfect nightcap in my opinion!
Cellar 624
| 624 Main Ave
Suite 4B, Fargo
| cellar624.com
Prairie Rose Meadery | 3101 39th St S, Ste E
Fargo, ND
| prairierosemeadery.com | @prairierosemeadery | /prairierosemeadery
FOOD & DRINK
60 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
46 North Pints & Provisions 635 2nd Ave N, Fargo 701 Eateries 01 N University Dr, Fargo 84 Italian Steakhouse (In the Radisson Blu) 201 5th St N, Fargo Atomic Coffee 222 Broadway N Ste 100, Fargo
District 64 64 Broadway N, Fargo Drekker Brewing Co 1666 1st Ave N, Fargo Drunken Noodle / Slurp Ramen 414 Broadway N, Fargo Duchessa Gelato (In Brewhalla) 1702 1st Ave N, Fargo
Phở D'licious 623 Northern Pacific Ave, Fargo Pixelated Brewing Co 1100 NP Ave N, Ste 101, Fargo Poke Bowl 560 2nd Ave N, Fargo Pounds 6 Broadway N, Fargo
The Boiler Room 210 Roberts Alley, Fargo Empire Tavern 424 Broadway N, Fargo The Old Broadway 22 Broadway N, Fargo The Silver Linings Creamery 123 Broadway N, Fargo The Toasted Frog 305 Broadway N, Fargo
Duffy's Tavern 16 12th St S, Fargo
Rhombus Guys 606 Main Ave, Fargo
Erberts & Gerberts 300 Broadway N, Fargo
Rooters Bar 107 Broadway N, Fargo
BernBaum's 402 Broadway N, Fargo
Fargo Brewing Company 610 N University Dr, Ste 104, Fargo
Rosewild 215 Broadway N, Fargo
Bismarck Tavern 522 Broadway N, Fargo
Fort Noks Bar of Gold 52 Broadway N, Fargo
Sammy's Pizza & Restaurant 301 Broadway N, Fargo
Black Coffee and Waffle Bar 550 2nd Ave N, Fargo
Front Street Taproom 614 Main Ave, Fargo
Sandy's Donuts 300 Broadway N, Fargo
Insomnia Cookies 412 Broadway N, Fargo
Sidestreet Grille & Pub 404 4th Ave N, Fargo
Ishtar Mediterranean Cuisine 68 Broadway N, Fargo
Smiling Moose Deli / BurgerSear 102 Broadway N, Fargo
JL Beers 518 1st Ave N, Fargo
Sons of Norway 722 2nd Ave N, Fargo
Wasabi 560 2nd Ave N, Ste B, Fargo
Marge's Bar 212 Roberts Alley, Fargo
Spicy Pie - Downtown Fargo 322 Broadway N, Fargo
Wild Terra 6 12th St N, Fargo
Babb's Coffee House 604 Main Ave, Fargo Beer & Fish Company 230 Roberts Alley, Fargo
Blackbird Woodfire Pizza 206 Broadway N, Fargo (In Brewhalla) 1702 1st Ave N, Fargo Blarney Stone at the Hotel Donaldson 101 Broadway N, Fargo Boss' Pizza & Chicken 228 Broadway N, Fargo Brew Bird 30 N University Dr, Fargo Burger Time 1900 Main Ave, Fargo Camp Lone Tree 7th Ave N, Fargo Chub's Pub & Package Place 421 N University Dr, Fargo Cowboy Jacks 506 Broadway N, Fargo Dairy Queen Grill & Chill 402 N University Dr, Fargo Dempsey's Public House 226 Broadway N, Fargo
Marge's Diner 220 Broadway N, Fargo Mezzaluna 309 Roberts St N, Fargo Moonrise Cafe 111 Broadway N, Fargo Momos N More 530 6th Ave N, Fargo Nichole's Fine Pastry & Café 13 8th St S, Fargo (In Brewhalla) 1702 1st Ave N, Fargo NoBull Smokehouse 609 Northern Pacific Ave, Fargo
Sports Bar 619 Northern Pacific Ave, Fargo Sushi Burrito Cafe 623 Northern Pacific Ave, Fargo Tea & Crepe Fargo 72 Broadway N, Fargo
The Troll Lounge 722 2nd Ave N, Fargo Third Drop Coffee 111 Broadway N, Fargo Thunder Coffee (In Brewhalla) 1702 1st Ave N, Fargo Twenty Below Coffee Co. 14 Roberts St N, Fargo Unicorn Park (In Brewhalla) 1702 1st Ave N, Fargo Vinyl Taco 520 1st Ave N, Fargo
Würst Bier Hall 630 1st Ave N, Fargo Yeobo Sweet Shop (In Brewhalla) 1702 1st Ave N, Fargo Young Blood Coffee 623 2nd Ave N, Fargo
Teaberry 119 Broadway N, Fargo Teddy's Eatery & Back Alley Bar 212 Broadway N, Fargo ThaiKota 1201 1st Ave N, Fargo
61
PARENTS + KIDS
BOPPA'S BAGELS
DREAMLAND ND Dreamland ND, a soft-play indoor playground, is set to bring joy and excitement to the FargoMoorhead area this spring! To be located at 2911 45th St S in Fargo, Dreamland ND will be an imaginative world where families with children up to 12 years old can explore and have fun. This vibrant space is currently under construction and promises a variety of attractions, including
slides, a ball pit, climbing structures, and a special area for toddlers. Dreamland ND is all about creating an engaging environment for kids to be active and enjoy themselves. Until they open they are offering rentable inflatables and games. Stay updated on this exciting new destination for family fun by following their Facebook page at / Dreamland_Nd
BONUS!
THE 1889 Head to downtown Fargo at 602 Main Ave and discover The 1889, a newly opened event space where imagination meets reality! Opened in December, The 1889 offers an eclectic mix of activities and experiences for both adults and kids. From cooking and art classes to hosting diverse events, this space is a
62 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
hub of creativity and fun. Picture yourself learning new culinary skills, exploring artistic endeavors, or just enjoying an event on their charming patio that runs along Broadway. The 1889 is a community space where the sky's the limit, head to the1889fargo.com to see what's coming up!
York's offerings. Announced this fall was exciting news for Bobba's Bagel lovers: a second location is opening in early 2024 at 3251 Seter Parkway, Ste 101, in Fargo's EagleRidge development. Don't miss the chance to visit FM's favorite bagel spot!
FROM THE DREAMLAND_ND FACEBOOK PAGE
GENEVA NODLAND
Boppa's Bagels in Fargo, ND, a local favorite since 2001, offers an impressive spread of nearly 30 bagel types and over 18 cream cheese flavors—beloved by the community in every mix-and-match imagined! Renowned for its delicious bagels and welcoming atmosphere, it's even been praised as better than New
BY GENEVA NODLAND
HOUSE OF NOODS + BUNS House of Noods + Buns is a new eatery coming to Brewhalla's market in Fargo, offering a delicious array of Asian-inspired dishes. Spearheaded by the creators of Unicorn Park, this eatery features unique ramen-reminiscent noodle bowls and bao-like buns,
like Dirty Buns (pork belly, dirty sauce, cabbage slaw) and Maitake Mushroom Buns (black vinegar, scallion, aioli). With an array of noodle choices and Asian-inspired small plates, it's designed to offer quick meals, with shorter wait times for food. Check it out soon!
VIC’S BAR AND GRILL Moorhead's Vic’s Bar & Grill, a staple at the Moorhead Center Mall for over 50 years, is embarking on an exciting new journey. The iconic bar has relocated to the building formerly known as Chumley's on Main Avenue. Vic's is
BONUS!
officially reopened with a fresh look and the same beloved charm. Join in on the celebration for this exciting move and continue to enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere that Vic's is known for!
FROM THE DAVE'S HOT CHICKEN WEBSITE
PARENTS + KIDS
DAVE’S HOT CHICKEN Get ready for a fiery flavor explosion at Dave's Hot Chicken, coming to Fargo in 2024! This Nashville-style hot chicken sensation, born from a humble parking lot pop-up in 2017, now has over 160 locations in the US and Canada, and now 1 of the 6
new locations in North and South Dakota is coming to Fargo! With a beautiful blend of spice and flavor with their famous chicken, be one of the first to try by keeping an eye out for more news on this hot new spot!
KWIK TRIP Fargo, get ready for Kwik Trip! This popular convenience store chain is opening two locations in the city. The first, near The Tavern at 4501 37th Ave S, and the second at 4177 Crossroads Drive South, right at the I-94
and I-29 intersection. These new stores promise easy access to convenience and quality. With the opening dates yet to be announced, the excitement is building already!
BENEDICT'S MORNING HEROES Benedict's Morning Heroes is bringing its unique take on the modern diner experience to Fargo! With a third location coming to 3165 33rd Street S, Benedict's Morning Heroes has two successful locations already in Wayzata and Rochester, MN, and is known for its
BONUS!
LUSH The highly anticipated Lush at West Acres Mall in Fargo recently opened in December! Located conveniently off the food court, Lush offers a range of fresh, handmade cosmetics, famous for
64 | DECEMBER 2023 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
their ethical ingredients and eco-friendly practices. From fizzing bath bombs to solid shampoo bars, head over to grab stocking stuffers, birthday gifts, or something for your next self-care night!
delightful twist on classic breakfast and brunch offerings like Hot Fried Chicken Benedict, Chilaquiles, or Chicken Pesto Hash! Keep an eye out for the opening and be one of the first to experience the delights of Benedict's brunch!