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Have you ever wondered, “Do fathers matter? What differences do I make in my home as a dad?” Let’s start with the simple answer — the importance of a father is tremendous! Fathers make countless differences in their homes and families. However, how much impact you decide to make as a dad is entirely up to you!
One of my favorite things to do with the men in my life is watch baseball. When I was growing up, I used to watch the Red Sox with my pepère and my father. My first date with my husband was going to watch a baseball game, and now I love watching my son play baseball with his friends. The memories I have with the father figures in my life that are tied to baseball are truly incredible.
This year Father’s Day feels a little different. It is the first Father’s Day without my pepère. My father, whose prostate cancer was in remission for more than 10 years, is battling cancer again. Both my pepère and my fatherhave had a tremendous impact on my life and shaping who I am today.
A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children.
As I reflect on fatherhood this month, here are just a few of the ways dads can build up their home:
• A father’s strength can be powerful
• A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational
• Hugs from a dad can be deeply comforting
• A dad’s smile can instill joy and confidence
• Time with a dad can be fun and productive
• A dad’s physicality can be challenging
• A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational
• A father’s correction can be life-saving and life-giving
• Adventures with a dad can be exciting and memorable
Let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.
As always, I would like to thank all of Eagan City Lifestyle's sponsors. Their generous support enables us to get our magazine directly into our readers' homes. Please don't hesitate to contact me (amy.sousa@citylifestyle.com) if you have a story to share or a business to recommend.
Happy Father’s Day!
June 2023
PUBLISHER
Amy Sousa | Amy.Sousa@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Matt Sousa | matthew.sousa@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Madeline O'Neil | madeline.oneil@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Jacqueline Elizabeth jacki@ascendanceproductions.com
COPY EDITOR
Judith Sousa
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Lisa Cline | cline.lisa.marie@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Amanda Wagner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Justin Collins
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
1-7: Kid Strong celebrates the grand opening of their Eagan location!
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1-7: Eagan Rotarians dining at the Apostle Supper Club in Downtown St. Paul.
Photography by Leif Hagen and Sue Luse
Top Shelf Solar Solutions is a leading provider of renewable energy solutions for both residential and commercial customers. They offer a wide range of high-quality solar panels, efficient inverters, and state-of-the-art monitoring systems, ensuring that their clients can access reliable and sustainable energy at all times. With their expertise in the field of solar energy and commitment to providing exceptional customer service, Top Shelf Solar Solutions has become a trusted name in the industry.
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Randy Ferris is the manager of Stock & Barrel's Eagan location. He first began shooting for recreation in 1976. Since then he has become a serious defensive shooting specialist and has provided firearms training for countless people. Randy has shared his experiences through his blog "Average Joe's Handgun Reviews." He has also written handgun reviews for Gun Digest Magazine and co-authored the book "Workplace Safety: Establishing and Effective Violence Prevention Program."
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In 2007, Jim Sullivan’s visits to Ghana sparked a realization of the needs in the country, which motivated him and his wife, Kathy, to establish Operation Dignity International. Jim has dedicated himself to making a difference in Ghana with his efforts by being primarily involved with attentive listening to the people. He understood that impactful change would not happen overnight and committed to a long-term approach to sustainable progress. Jim has been steadily making strides toward his vision.
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John was born and raised in Minnesota. He attended St. Cloud State University and majored in journalism. A true food lover, John has cooked in restaurants, for extra dough and for the fun of it. TABLE FOR ONE: The Standard is a gourmet’s dream - a mystery and suspense series set in the world of fine dining and high cuisine. Never before has food, wine and suspense held center-stage in a murder mystery plot so tantalizingly, and you’re served course after course!
Ed Sousa, a retired businessman from RI, never knew he had a hidden talent. Upon his retirement and moving to MN, he reinvented himself as a paraprofessional in the MN school system. Ed would retell stories of his childhood and the lessons he learned along the way. He told his stories to friends, colleagues, and even some children he met. He was encouraged to write his stories down. The end result is the book Tripping Over Time. The book is available on Amazon.com
Gateway Bank is proud to sponsor the 18th Annual Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K Run/Walk to benefit Special Olympics Minnesota and Northern Dakota County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 9:00 am. Register in advance at Mendota Heights City Hall. Registered participants will receive a T-shirt and be entered into a prize drawing. The prizes distributed as part of this event are provided by Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.
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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Eagan
Grab your guys and plan a relaxed or adrenaline-induced day, weekend, or guys’ night out with any one of these local experiences made for the males.
BALD MAN BREWING: Tristan Kusnierek started home brewing in 1992 while in college. After brewery training with the American Brewers Guild, he served his brew at his own wedding - and the rest is history! 2020 Silver Bell Road, Saint Paul, Minnesota
EAGAN ARMS PUBLIC HOUSE: Come to watch the game - stay for the beer and a taste of the UK. 4250 Lexington Avenue S, Suite 111, Eagan, Minnesota
VOLSTEAD HOUSE WHISKEY BAR AND SPEAKEASY: 1920's style Whiskey Bar and Speakeasy. Classic craft cocktails, shareable punches, barrel-aged, wine, and more! 278 Lone Oak Road, Eagan, Minnesota
PROKART INDOOR RACING: Feelin’ fast? Bring the whole family to quench that need for speed at ProKART of Burnsville! 14350 Rosemount Drive, Burnsville, Minnesota
LOST SPUR GOLF AND EVENT CENTER: The course layout presents golfers with an array of challenging shots while dazzling them with spectacular views of the city and valley below. 2750 Sibley Memorial Highway, Eagan, Minnesota
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MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR
Jacqueline discovered her creativity and love for performing arts during her very early years. During her college years, she studied professionally in the following areas: voice, piano, theatre, dance (ballet, tap, jazz, etc.), and skills in professional production for stage performance.
Since moving back to Minnesota, she has built 3 businesses: Jacqueline Elizabeth Artistry (performing arts & music education), Ascendance Productions (wedding and event services), and Jacki E. Coaching (business consulting.)
ARTICLE BY AMANDA WAGNER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA CLINE
It all started in Eagan.
“I was a gas station guy out of college. I worked as a manager and fell in love with the convenience store business,” shared Tony Donatell. “So we bought an Oasis Market in Eagan, on a block that would truly be the start of an entirely different business someday. We kept on the deli manager because I knew nothing about food service.”
But for anyone who has spent time in the restaurant business, you know attention to detail is key. Eventually Tony took over as food manager to oversee labor and food costs. When a space became available next door, that was the beginning of Burgers and Bottles. While the deli was popular during the day, the new restaurant brought customers to the block in the evenings.
When an auto shop on the same block became available, Tony had a vision for what became Volstead House. “This space was all about creating an experience,” noted Tony. “Now there is a full wall of liquor where there once was a tire rack.”
When a former Ground Round became available in Farmington, Tony jumped. This was the first complete restaurant concept, what became Bourbon Butcher, and led to many more unique restaurant concepts in the south metro.
“As someone who lives in the south metro, I didn’t understand why you had to go to the city for a city experience,” said Tony. “I wanted to create a unique and memorable restaurant experience nearby, without the wall of TVs found in many chain restaurants.”
Restaurants are for the community. With each new location, it was about creating something the community could embrace as their own, while also igniting the intrigue to explore other locations, too, since every concept is unique in its own way.
From those early days as a food manager at the Oasis Market, things have evolved. Now Tony employs a fulltime marketing director, culinary director, and beverage
director among other roles. He has seven direct reports and his role is more about listening to the guidance of his team, paying attention to all the details, and supporting his team to do the best job possible.
There has always been an emphasis on doing something different, which isn’t always easy at first. “Early on, we received some bad reviews, especially in the suburbs, because we didn’t allow kids or babies into some of our locations,” noted Tony. “But it was all about creating an experience. I’m a history guy and borderline obsessed with prohibition. I loved the idea of a hidden bar and a more cocktail forward experience and space.”
Growth hasn’t been about more for the sake of more, but instead about creating a destination dining experience in each community. Tony’s role is different today than when he was opening his first concept, Burgers and Bottles, in 2015. His part of the process comes early.
“First, we have to determine if it’s a community we want to be in,” shared Tony. “From there, it’s about finding a good location (always), selecting the right site, developing a concept that fits into our brand, and bringing that concept and vision to life.”
Under the Eyes Wide Hospitality brand, Tony and team are now operating in 7 locations throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. And more often than not, each city location hosts multiple concepts. In Eagan, there are three concepts alone, all in close proximity to further amplify the experience. Across the board, they have approximately 17 different brands currently in operation.
The pandemic changed the game, like it did for the hospitality industry as a whole. His brands retained a majority of their culinary teams, despite COVID. They also pivoted to serve the community in a way that worked at the time. The Bourbon Butcher hosted a very successful BBQ drive through and while it was great at the time, that isn’t what these concepts are about.
Whether you visit Volstead House, Tequila Butcher, Farmer and the Fishmonger, or another location, Tony and his team are focusing on every last detail of the cocktail and dining experience. Because since day one, it has been about delivering a unique and consistent experience that previously felt hard to find in the suburbs.
As they look to the future, growth is always a consideration. “But for now, we’re busy focusing on what we have,” said Tony. “We’re figuring out how to operate in this new economy, when everything about restaurants has changed. We’re making sure we are the best we can be, with the right people in the right roles so everyone wins.”
Whether you visit Volstead House, Tequila Butcher, Farmer and the Fishmonger, or another location, Tony and his team are focusing on every last detail of the cocktail and dining experience. Because since day one, it has been
about delivering a unique and consistent experience that previously felt hard to find in the suburbs.
If you’ve yet to visit one of the many restaurants under the Eyes Wide Hospitality umbrella, we suggest you start in Eagan with Farmer’s Grandson Eatery, Burgers and Bottles, or Volstead House for the ultimate [kid-free] speakeasy cocktail experience. Because, like prohibition and its ban on liquor, there is no better way of getting people in the door, than telling them they can’t bring the kids.
“I’m a history guy and borderline obsessed with prohibition. I loved the idea of a hidden bar and a more cocktail forward experience and space.”
SUMMER IS BETTER WITH PERFECTLY SMOKED MEAT AND A MASTERFULLY CRAFTED COCKTAIL
There’s something about southern-style BBQ and a great cocktail that just screams summertime –the two just go hand in hand. The slow and steady process of smoking meat over a wood fire is just as much of an art as crafting the perfect cocktail. The boys from BBQ Boys, located inside Farmer’s Grandson Eatery, share their secret to making the perfect southern-style smoked brisket. While you are waiting for the smoke to work its magic, enjoy a cocktail provided by the mixologists from the Volstead House.
ARTICLE BY EMILY JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUSTIN COLLINS & PROVIDEDingredients:
• 1 12-15 pound full brisket
• Kosher salt ¼ cup
• Coarse ground black pepper ¼ cup
• Spray bottle with equal parts cider vinegar, whiskey and apple cider
• 24”x 30” sheet of butcher paper
Trust us, this recipe is a game-changer. Don’t just take our word for it - visit the BBQ Boys at the Farmer’s Grandson Eatery and taste the magic for yourself. With their southern soul and commitment to quality, you won’t be disappointed!
directions:
1. Trim the brisket leaving a ¼-½” layer of fat on top of brisket
2: Combine salt and pepper and rub the brisket evenly.
3: Let the brisket sit at room temperature while you start your smoker.
4: Once your smoker reaches 270* place the brisket in the smoker fat side up.
5: Smoke brisket unwrapped for 8-9 hours spraying with whiskey-cider mixture every 20-30 minutes.
6: Once you get a nice bark on the brisket, wrap it tightly in the butcher paper and return to the smoker.
7: Continue smoking at 270* for another 2-3 hours or until the brisket reaches 200-205* or until desired tenderness.
8: Remove brisket from the smoker and let it rest at room temperature for about 1 hour.
Sweet, tart, and surprisingly refreshing. It’s perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon.
ingredients:
• 2 oz Sloe Gin
• ½ oz Sweet Vermouth
• ½ oz Dry Vermouth
• 2 dashes of Orange Bitters
• Lemon twist for garnish
directions:
1. Combine Sloe gin, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, and orange bitters in a large stir glass.
2. Fill the stir glass with ice, covering all of the liquid.
3. Stir the contents of the glass 20 - 30 times.
4. Strain your cocktail into a fresh glass without ice (we recommend a coupe glass). Garnish with a lemon peel and enjoy!
“Aromatised, tamed bourbon with complex maraschino notes…” It’s basically a Whiskey Old Fashioned with maraschino in place of sugar syrup.
ingredients:
• 2 oz rye whiskey
• ½ oz Luxardo maraschino liqueur
• 3 dashes orange bitters
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• Orange peel for garnish
directions:
1. Combine rye whiskey, luxardo maraschino liqueur, and bitters in a large sir glass.
2. Fill with ice and stir 20-30x. Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
3. Garnish with an orange peel and enjoy!
Tulsa Hills Cigar Cellar and Market can help you find the perfect smoke.
BY BILL HERMANN
Cigar lovers often wax poetic when describing the pleasures of a good cigar. Their experiences are tactile. Dreamy. Famous cigar smokers — Sigmund Freud among them — have frequently compared cigar-smoking to romance. And it’s not just men who opine about the virtues of lingering over a Perdomo or Montecristo. “There’s something about smoking a cigar that feels like a celebration,” reflected actress Demi Moore. “There’s a quality, a workmanship, a passion that goes into the smoking of a fine cigar.”
Andrea Gardner, General Manager of Tulsa Hills Cigar Cellar & Market, oversees the operation of the store, and also is an impassioned consumer and connoisseur. “My first cigar was a Romeo y Julieta Reserve Real — an excellent smoke for newcomers,” she recalls with relish. “It was a spontaneous purchase while I was vacationing on the Isle of Capri. I remember sitting at a café in a beautiful, cobblestoned Italian piazza and being absolutely blown away by what I was tasting and feeling. At that point, I was in love.”
Cigar-smoking has grown in popularity among women and young adults, advises Gardner. She notes many people enjoy the socializing aspect of it, while some prefer to use it as a form of relaxation. “A good cigar calms me down and helps me detox from everything else going on in my life. It forces me to sit still and be present in that moment.”
Stepping inside the 300-square-foot humidor at the Cigar Cellar, browsers are surrounded by 900 premium, hand-rolled cigars from 57 brands.
“As with wine, what people look for in a cigar can vary by individual,” she explains. “Each person’s palate is unique and each experience with a cigar is distinctive. In general, when people buy a premium cigar, they are looking for quality craftsmanship and often something that has specific taste, aroma or even burn characteristics.”
Gardner appreciates the attention to detail involved in producing a superior product. “Every cigar is a beautiful, handcrafted piece of art,” she says, with devotion. “I love getting a new smoker in the store because it is exciting to be at the beginning of what may become a life-long love affair. We can teach that person how to get started and guide him or her in finding something they will love.”
“AS WITH WINE, WHAT PEOPLE LOOK FOR IN A CIGAR CAN VARY BY INDIVIDUAL. EACH PERSON’S PALATE IS UNIQUE AND EACH EXPERIENCE WITH A CIGAR IS DISTINCTIVE.”
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What do you buy for the man who has everything? Perhaps an experience oriented around what dads value most – time together – is just what he needs. Fathers and father figures are invaluable in our lives. They help shape and mold us. They’re there for us and support us. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!
Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Dad feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your dad, husband, brother or father figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.
Family heritage websites can offer insight into dad’s past and be an interesting way to study the history of your family. Present Dad with a report on his ancestors or dig in together!
You don’t need to go very far to have a great time with Dad! Explore a new neck of your own woods with a family staycation. You can go out on the town, stay at a fancy hotel and maybe even enjoy some room service!
Lay out a blanket in your backyard and grab your binoculars for a peaceful, naturefilled day. Make a list of how many different kinds of birds you see and guess if you can identify them.
Bowling is a timeless classic Dad is sure to enjoy. Bonus if the bowling alley has an arcade, chicken wings and Dad’s favorite beverage of choice.
Find a local frisbee golf course and grab a slot for the family to play. This activity is fun for both young and old and helps you take advantage of being in the beautiful outdoors together.
Breakfast in bed isn’t just for Mother’s Day. Dads can enjoy it too! Whip up some of his favorite brunch treats and start Father’s Day off the right way.
06 09
Sign up for an artistic experience at a local wine and paint shop so Dad can let his creative side show and you can have a custom piece of art for years to come.
Is Dad a hands-on guy? Why not spend the day constructing a tree house or painting a birdhouse? Or better yet, help him organize the garage or start a garage redesign.
07 10
Consider signing him up for a fitness class together. Whether he likes cycling, boxing or HIIT, encourage him to be adventurous and try something new.
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If some of Dad’s role models include Gordon Ramsay and Bobby Flay, consider thinking outside the box and create a meal with something you wouldn’t usually go for like bison burgers or grilled octopus tentacles. Tackling a complex recipe may seem challenging but the memories and the meal will be worth it.
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There’s no greater way to get to a Dad’s heart than the word “barbecue”. Grab extravagant meats like a rack of ribs or wagyu beef burgers and go to town.
Harken back to Dad’s childhood with a specialty kit of legos. Embark on a family project of helping Dad build models of favorite movie props like the Death Star or Hogwarts castle.
Axe-throwing venues are still going strong across the country. Make an evening of it and practice your throwing skills!
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
WEDNESDAYS
Eagan Market Fest
EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER, 1501 CENTRAL PARKWAY, EAGAN, MN 55121 | 4:00 PM
The local farmers and makers have been busy preparing to bring their amazing products to Eagan Market Fest. As the growing season gets going, watch for early season vegetables like asparagus, rhubarb and peas. Don’t forget, you can leave dinner to us and grab some food from one of our locally owned concession vendors.
JUNE 1ST
Big Rig Rally
EAGAN CENTRAL MAINTENANCE FACILITY, 3501 COACHMAN POINT, EAGAN, MN 55122 | 4:00 PM
Go behind the scenes and get an up-close look at tons of big rigs. Guests will see fire trucks, police cars, mowers, plow trucks and the ever-famous garbage truck! Activities will include face painting, photo opportunities, refreshments and giveaways while supplies last! Event will be held rain or shine. Additional parking will be available at Oak Hills Church (1570 Yankee Doodle Road).
JUNE 7TH
STOCK & BARREL, 2980 COMMERS DR, UNIT 200, EAGAN, MN 55121 | 6:00 PM
A flashlight is one of the best, most effective self-defense tools one can own. For those who choose to not carry a firearm, or even if you do, we
overwhelmingly suggest the addition of a flashlight to your everyday carry. This course focuses on how to deploy a flashlight as a defensive tool as well as other less-than-lethal techniques for defending yourself.
JUNE 14TH
LEBANON HILLS MOUNTAIN
BIKE SHELTER, 4801 JOHNNY
CAKE RIDGE ROAD
EAGAN, MN 55123 | 9:00 AM
Join us for a day camp designed for young riders, taught by Valley Bike and Ski. Bring your mountain bike and helmet. No previous experience required. Age: 6–10. $55 per child.
JUNE 22ND
3340 SHERMAN COURT,
EAGAN, MN 55121 | 2:00 PM
We've enjoyed 20 incredible years of smiling out loud in Eagan, and this party is our gift to YOU! Join us as we celebrate Dr. Jennifer's orthodontic anniversary and officially begin creating smiles as Lakeside Orthodontics. Celebrate with food trucks, yard games, and a kid-friendly DJ.
JUNE 27TH - JULY 8TH
402 ST. PETER STREET, ST. PAUL, MN 55102
Get ready to sparkle at Landmark Jeweler’s Estate Costume Jewelry Trunk Show, happening from June 27th through July 8th! This dazzling event brings together a fabulous collection of vintage and contemporary costume jewelry, handpicked for its unique and stunning beauty. From glamorous rhinestones to eye-catching colored gems, each piece will have you feeling like a true fashion icon.
Make the most of your summer at Omni Viking Lakes Hotel. For a limited time only, the more nights you stay, the more you save up to 20% off. Featuring incredible amenities like the hotel’s full-service Idlewild Spa, four restaurant and bar offerings, including the award-winning Kyndred Hearth, plus an indoor heated pool. Your summer getaway just got that much better. OmniHotels.com/VikingLakes