more than ever, who you hire matters.” - RYAN PLATZKE
#1 #1 Home Selling Team in Minnesota for Coldwell Banker since 2015
THE PLATZKE PROMISE
From contract to close, I pledge to listen, deliver, and redefine Real Estate with accuracy, transparency, and guided results, aiming for unrivaled excellence
MARKETING AT A HIGHER LEVEL
Our property specific marketing efforts cannot be duplicated in the markets we serve On average we generate 3-4x the amount of exposure than our competitors
Give me a chance to show you why we are Coldwell Banker Realty’s #1 Home Selling Team since 2015!
Platzke Real Estate Group 952 942 7777
RMPlatzke@CBRealty com
PlatzkeRealEstateGroup com
“Ryan and his team were great Very professional and helpful Staging was perfect and house pictures were amazing Ryan's team hung in there with us during these challenging times The closing couldn't have gone any better, simple and smooth. We would definitely recommend Ryan and his team to help sell your house.”
FOR 60 YEARS AND COUNTI NG, YOU CAN BANK ON US .
There is a lot to consider when choosing a financial institution - such as convenience, technology and products. Perhaps you want a bank that gives back to the community it serves. More than anything, your bank should have familiar, friendly people you know you can count on any time of the day. At First Western Bank & Trust we are all these things and more. You can bank on us.
David Thompson
Tony Seipp Market President
Richard Hawes
Natalie Schultz
Tony Berthiaume
Peter Haugen
Eat, Drink, and Be Eden Prairie
Hello Eden Prairie Lifestyle reader,
It’s the annual food and drink issue! I paid Bob Dylan $1 million to write a food-themed poem in honor of the occasion. Here it is:
Hey, Mr. Beef Fried Rice Man, fry some rice for me I am hungry and I don’t have any sandwiches Hey, Mr. Beef Fried Rice Man, fry some rice for me With a side of crab rangoons and a fortune cookie too
Wow! What a talent! You know, it’s times like these that make me really appreciate how important food and drink are. Can you imagine how hungry and thirsty we’d all be without them? That’s just one of the several thousand reasons I’m grateful Eden Prairie exists. Our food and drink put all other Twin Cities suburbs’ food and drink to shame!
Need proof? Read on to discover Baker’s Ribs, Brazin Public House, Nothing Bundt Cakes, The Boardroom by Office Golf, and HopSpot Brew Hall by Fat Pants Brewing Co. A single morsel from any of these fine local dining establishments is guaranteed to make your hairs stand on end. And if you’re keen on cooking something at home, then you’ll definitely want it to be pork after you’ve read our exclusive feature on Pampered Pork.
Have you already eaten? Not to worry. We’ve got plenty of non-Epicurean stories in store for you, too. Keep turning these pages to read about home equity loans by First Western Bank & Trust, expert estate planning by Andy Gregory Law, stateof-the-art regenerative medicine by QC Kinetix, and convenient home cleaning by Cleaner Spirits. You might just say it’s … food for thought. Drink it all in!
As always, I would like to thank all of Eden Prairie Lifestyle’s sponsors, without whose generous support we could not mail our magazine directly to our readers’ homes. I always welcome any feedback or interest you may have in appearing on our magazine’s pages!
Best regards,
JOHN LEE, PUBLISHER @EDEN_PRAIRIE_LIFESTYLE
October 2024
PUBLISHER
John Lee | john.lee@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
David Scheller | david.scheller@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Graham Johnson, Bill Scheller
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Emily John
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
business monthly
Mary Sickels Competes in USATF Championships
Eight-year-old Mary “Aggie” Sickels of Eden Prairie has all the makings of a varsity athlete! This summer Aggie competed as an unattached athlete in the USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships, where she placed 7th in mini javelin, 9th in shot put, and in the top 50 in long jump. Keep an eye on this one. If anyone’s bringing Olympic gold home to Eden Prairie, it’s Aggie.
Sergeant Shortbread Joins The Cottage Foodie
A thriving community of talented cottage food producers is crafting delicious, artisanal edibles in their home kitchens and selling them through farmers markets, vendor fairs, local deliveries, and other local events across the United States. Sergeant Shortbread, Eden Prairie’s very own cookie virtuoso, is one of them – and now featured on The Cottage Foodie’s online directory! thecottagefoodie.com | sergeantshortbread.com
First Bank & Trust Cuts the Ribbon
Managing your daily finances or funding your future? First Bank & Trust can help you do both. The family- and employee-owned bank serves 17 thriving communities with 22 locations in Minnesota and South Dakota. Their founding philosophy – to meet each local community's needs with integrity and innovation in banking – is why they support independent leadership and employee ownership. bankeasy.com
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LET’S DO MEDICARE TOGETHER
Emily, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Medicare Advisor
Join us for a Medicare workshop
Learn what Original Medicare covers, how and when to enroll, and Medicare plan options available in your county. Our Medicare experts are with you every step of the way, from helping you select the right plan for your needs to understanding your benefits and coverage.
Reserve your spot today. Call 1-855-620-8238, TTY 711 or visit bluecrossmn.com/Workshop2
Flying Dutchman Spirits Cuts the Ribbon
Flying Dutchman Spirits: where handcrafted spirits become mouth-watering cocktails! The local distillery’s spacious, casual cocktail lounge hosts live music, rotating food trucks, date nights, parties, happy hour hangouts, and simple, relaxing evenings Monday through Saturday. With a seasonally rotating menu of over 30 unique cocktails, Flying Dutchman Spirits guarantees you’ll find one (or ten!) you love. fdspirits.com
Beginning in October, we’ll present 2025 plan information. Workshops cover individual Medicare plans. If you’re Medicare-eligible and covered under the Federal Employee Program® or a Blue Cross group employee or retiree plan, talk with your employer. You may be able to get better coverage than an individual Medicare plan. Blue Cross offers PPO, Cost and PDP plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment in these Blue Cross plans depends on contract renewal. Plans are available to residents of the service area. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, call 1-855-620-8238, TTY 711.
Y0138_062024_P01_M Blue
Americana Community Bank Cuts the Ribbon
Hard-working farmers in and around our communities. Small businesses upholding the communities in which we live, work and play. Families, nonprofits and schools that make our communities great. Americana Community Bank
supports them all with knowledge, dedication and excellent service. Discover how Americana can help you achieve financial success throughout your lifetime with personal, business and digital banking solutions. americanafinancial.com
Fafinski Mark & Johnson Cuts the Ribbon
Fafinski Mark & Johnson (FMJ) is a full-service commercial law firm that practices differently. Since their inception in 1999, FMJ’s primary goal has been providing the knowledge, experience, and sophistication of a big firm, with the responsive, agile, customer-service model of a smaller firm. In other words, FMJ provides sophisticated and accessible legal service at a lower cost and compelling value. fmjlaw.com
First Western Bank & Trust
Home Equity Loans by Eden Prairie’s “Big-Small” Bank
Your home is more than just a place to live. It’s a part of our community, and a cornerstone of the life you’ve built here. When it’s time to turn your home’s value into something more, it’s important to choose a financial partner who understands the unique needs of our local area.
By choosing a home equity loan from a community-focused bank, you’re not just investing in your future. You’re also investing in the future of our community. Local employees provide timely, personalized service, with a deep understanding of what matters most to our neighbors.
“Many people are surprised to learn how flexible a home equity loan can be,” said Peter Haugen, consumer lending officer for First Western Bank & Trust. “Our home equity product makes an excellent bridge loan for real estate transactions, and can cover down payments on second homes, vacation homes, and new primary residences. Our clients may also designate those funds toward important milestones,
such as their child’s college acceptance or a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation.
“First Western Bank & Trust occupies a special middle ground in the banking world. We have opened 19 branches throughout Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota since our foundation in Minot 60 years ago. We earned all the credentials of a major lending institution during that time, but also haven’t lost the small bank touch we owe our success to. I personally meet with each of our clients to discuss their plans. If they have additional questions after our meeting, then I’ll make myself immediately available to answer them. And because we do all of our decision making right here in Eden Prairie, I can usually approve a loan within one business day of receiving the application – and close around two weeks afterward.”
Visit 100 Prairie Center Drive or call (952) 516-7300 today!
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
pampered pork
PORK AS IT’S MEANT TO BE, WITH FREE HOME DELIVERY
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
Minnesota’s highest-quality brats, chops, hams, tenderloins, ribs, bacon, cottage bacon, and more – raised humanely, sustainably, and on a non-GMO diet free of growth additives, antibiotics and animal byproducts – delivered straight to your doorstep by the same farmer who produced them. It’s the Connolly family’s gift to the Twin Cities: pork as it’s truly meant to be.
David, BrittNee, Diane and Kevin Connolly
“Every pig we raise lives out their entire life on our family farm in Le Center, Minnesota,” said David Connolly, who owns Pampered Pork alongside his parents and wife. “There are no-industrial confinement barns here – just free-roaming hoop houses filled with organic bedding for our pigs to root, run around and play in while they enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
“There are no farrowing or gestation crates, either. Our sows nurse their own piglets on beds of soft straw. We will never trim their teeth, cut their tails, or corral them using shock prods. They will stay together throughout their lifecycle, which is essential to ensuring such a social animal’s happiness.
“We raise hybrid pigs: Duroc sire, Yorkshire dams. That gives our pork the full characteristics of Duroc, which is famous the world over for its exceptional yet accessible flavor, as well as its perfect balance of leanness and deep intramuscular marbling. That also means our piglets are raised by careful mothers, which is a trait the Yorkshire breed is highly regarded for.
“I can’t express how wonderful it feels to work on a beautiful farm with my family. I also enjoy the privilege of sharing that work with our customers whenever I meet them face to face at three farmers’ markets throughout the Twin Cities. Winter is our slower season, as you might imagine, which is why we double our number of home delivery dates during it: Monday and Thursday, instead of Monday only. Home delivery is always free of charge, regardless of order size, and we’re just as happy to stop by on a regular basis or one time only.”
Support a true family business! Learn more about Pampered Pork and order porcine delights at pamperedpork.com .
CERTAINTY AFTER THE INEVITABLE
Andy Gregory Law
Jeremiah described it as “resting with your ancestors.” John Cleese called it “joining the choir invisible.” Brendon Small dubbed it “hamburger time.” Referring to it euphemistically does help to make that fated celestial tea party a touch more palatable. Just don’t forget: You received your invitation on the day you were born, and attendance is mandatory.
You would much rather have the world keep turning in your favor, of course, which is why you can’t afford to miss the deadline for estate planning. Your loved ones will already be beside themselves once you’ve acquainted yourself with the great unknown. Adding uncertainty, bureaucracy and squabbles to the mix will only make things harder on them.
You need an attorney whose expertise comprises equal parts estate planning and estate and trust administration; a right-hand man, who will tirelessly devote himself to formalizing and effectuating your wishes so nothing is left to doubt. To put it less ambiguously, you need Andy Gregory.
“Many attorneys in my field tend to focus on one side of the coin or the other,” said Andy. “Some realize their strengths lie in wills, trusts and incapacity planning. Others prefer the distinctive challenges of trust administration and probate. By specializing in the before and the after, I’m able to give my clients unique peace of mind. They already know and trust the attorney who will shepherd their beneficiaries and fight for their rights. And
because probate court has taught me all the issues that could result from estate planning errors, I’m able to avoid them altogether. I mend holes before they become leaks.
“Unfortunately, I don’t always have the liberty of helping my clients avoid preventable problems. Several of them come to me once probate is already in effect, as in a recent case where I represented one of two siblings who had formerly co-owned a cabin. The other sibling’s passing revealed that the cabin had not been properly titled. The fact that neither party had done any estate planning beforehand didn’t simplify the matter. Had they only come to me sooner, we could have set up a cabin trust or LLC that would have seamlessly transitioned ownership. We still reached a happy outcome, but the whole ordeal truly underscored the importance of taking action today – not later.
“My focus may be multifaceted, but my areas of practice are still highly specialized. Exclusively working in estate planning and administration gives me a greater degree of flexibility than most other firms can offer. My services are totally transparent. I meet my clients wherever they are. Instead of a paralegal or associate, they always speak with me directly. And because I’ve rehearsed my field of law’s (admittedly impenetrable) lexicon so many times before, I’m able to explain all its intricacies in plain English. You don’t want your surviving family members bombarded with legalese. I will spare them that grief.
Wills • Trusts • Incapacity Planning
Trust Administration • Formal & Informal Probate
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY JOHN
“Making estate law accessible is one of my greatest passions. It motivates the pro bono work I do for Wills for Heroes, which provides free estate planning services to first responders and their spouses throughout Minnesota, as well as the Minnesota State Law Library's Probate Clinic which provides free legal advice to the general public – many of whom live in Eden Prairie.
“I also give back by regularly teaching free estate planning and probate clinics in Eden Prairie and nearby suburbs. Each class is an opportunity to explain the vital importance of having a general healthcare directive and power of attorney. And thanks to my extensive involvement with the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota State
Bar Association, and Rotary International, I take even greater heart knowing I have helped many people avoid needless distress during already distressing times.
“Simple though it may sound, that’s really what I take from all of this. I enjoy helping people, and consider myself blessed to practice an area of law that allows me to do just that – and only that – on a daily basis.”
If you want an estate plan that is perfectly tailored to your unique needs – or ironclad representation that will secure your interests in the wake of a loved one’s passing – then you need Andy Gregory. Please call (612) 562-9130 or visit andygregorylaw. com to book a virtual or in-person consultation.
Andy Gregory, Attorney, and Sydney Conrad, Services Manager
QUALITY CARE WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH
Flying Cloud Animal Hospital has assembled a devoted care team that has been part of the community for 45 years, providing quality care to our clients and their furry friends The new location provides more resources, more parking and more appointment availability. We offer routine wellness visits, vaccines, sick visits, urgent care visits, dental prophylaxis, surgical procedures and more. We have a board certified cardiologist and board certified surgeons that travel to our facility to assist our clients and patients with advanced diagnostic tools and procedures. (952) 941-8676 | www.flyingcloudanimalhospital.com 12365 Singletree Lane, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, 55344
DOCTORS CARON RODMAN, MIKE GRACE, JEFF KRULL, JESSICA KOUPAL & ZACH BEACH
Brazin Public House
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
When Kevin Champlin was 13 years old, he entered a loaf of challah bread in the Pierce County Fair. The judges would have been amazed enough to discover any example of traditional Jewish cuisine in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. That the child’s skill surpassed that of many professional bakers surprised them even more.
Why challah, of all things? It was simply Kevin’s stab at creating something out of the ordinary.
Kevin proceeded to spend decades working for restaurants, corporate cafeterias, golf courses and in-flight catering services. He attended culinary school at Dakota County Technical College and earned a degree in accounting in the meantime.
Whether he was frying eggs at Shoney’s, slicing prime rib at Treasure Island, or attempting to change public perception of airplane food for the better, it was all in service of the big dream: opening a restaurant of his very own, where he could defy the ordinary every day.
That dream came to fruition last year. Kevin named it Brazin Public House: a portmanteau combining his and his sons’ names ( Br aden, Za ch and Kevin).
CONTINUED >
Committed journalist that I am, I brought my wife to Brazin for the best kind of dinner there is: tax deductible. I ordered the “Mushrooms Etc.” burger, fully expecting something delicious but by no means prepared for the best burger I had ever eaten.
I know what you’re thinking: It behooves me to wax poetically about a client’s burger. I’ll remind you that I am a committed journalist, whose praise is based purely on objective reality. I do not violate my lofty professional standards one iota when I claim that the Mushrooms Etc. should be painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
I begged Kevin to explain how he’d done it. “I just know what works,” said the chef. “You can learn how to cook in a professional kitchen. But true creativity? Maybe that can be taught as well, but for me, it’s always been there. It’s why I unwind after a long shift by going home and cooking some more.”
Kevin’s originality shines in every dish on Brazin’s menu, which changes nearly as often as I return to order from it. It’s not a steak sandwich. It’s marinated carne asada flank with caramelized onions, chimichurri and provolone on a rosemary ciabatta roll. It’s not a fish taco. It’s a sunny taco, with guacamole, pico de gallo, and a chipotle crema so divine that no other restaurant should be allowed to have “chipotle” in its name. Even the wedge salad bucks convention. Instead of the usual shipsinker, it’s made with fresh artisan romaine and dressed up with Mediterranean delicacies.
“I enjoy reinventing flavors Minnesotans are already accustomed to,” said Kevin. “That might mean putting a Southwest or European twist on a classic, or adding spicy flair to a sauce – without transgressing against the ‘Minnesota nice’ palate, of course. If I find a way to make a bold statement that defies our diners’ expectations, then there’s a good chance one of our menu items will revolve around that discovery.”
Chef Kevin Champlin
There’s always something amazin’ at Brazin. Visit the cozy fireplace-warmed dining room between 3 and 5pm any day except Sunday for happy hour, when all shareables are 20 percent off and libations are sharply discounted. Visit between 9 and 11am on Friday (or 9am and 2pm on the weekend) for brunch, which features Benedicts, omelets, “syrupy things” and other deliciousnesses that will make you glad you skipped breakfast. Visit during
Burger Monday, Taco Tuesday, Wing It Wednesday, Half-Price Wine Thursday, or Friday or Saturday when Kevin showcases a truly remarkable special.
You could invent any flashy gimmick for a restaurant. Brazin’s is simple: a master chef, doing whatever he wants, and who only wants to astonish his patrons. Dine at 6399 City W Parkway in Eden Prairie, or order online at brazinpublichouse.com .
Baker's Ribs
A Barbecue Icon Is Back and Better Than Ever
It was a beautiful wedding. The music, the flowers, the pretty bride and the handsome groom, the happy families.
The ribs. The brisket. The smoky baked beans.
We all know that a good marriage starts with a proper feed. And this one was off to a stellar start, because the barbecue entrees and delicious sides were provided by Baker’s Ribs.
“We cater quite a few weddings,” says Al Killion, proprietor and pitmaster of the Eden Prairie outpost of Dallas-based Baker’s. “Other events, too – this past summer, we handled a customer appreciation event for a local company, with 275 guests.”
ARTICLE BY BILL SCHELLER
Photo by Emily John
Local fans of authentic Texas-style barbecue know that you don’t have to be a wedding guest, or a company’s appreciated customer, to get your fill of the real thing. They sidle up to the counter at Baker’s Glen Lane location, open five days a week, and order St. Louis pork ribs, beef brisket, pork butt, chicken and turkey, all smoked to perfection on the premises. Barbecue-friendly sides – baked beans, rotini pasta salad, baked potatoes, dilled potato salad, coleslaw, dirty rice, and salads, plus Texas toast, are all made right out back. And the soda collection, bottles nestled in an icefilled bathtub, is the most eclectic around.
Just after last Thanksgiving, though, those fans had a nasty scare. Fire destroyed the pit where Baker’s meats are smoked, forcing a four-month closure – a ribless, brisketless stretch BBQ-vores would rather not remember.
“Fortunately, the fire was contained in the pit, no one was hurt, and the kitchen and dining room were spared,” says Al. “But I had to begin the search for a new pit.” (The term “pit” sounds like it describes a hole in the ground, but it’s simply a nod to barbecue’s origins. A modern pit looks like a giant fridge.)
That search brought Al back to his native Texas, and a company based in a town with the smoky name of Mesquite (Baker’s, by the way, uses oak). “I went down there to their test kitchen, did some smoking, talked to the folks, and hit it off right away with the CEO.”
The result? Al’s fire-damaged 34-year-old pit was replaced with not one, but three new “Little Red” model pits.
“The new pits are so much more versatile,” says Al. “They have electronically controlled fans inside that keep smoke and heat circulating through all ten shelves, so there’s no difference in product from the top to the bottom. There’s a bit of a time difference – ribs may cook a half-hour quicker, with no effect on flavor. I think we have a better product now, brisket and pork shoulder, ribs too. It was good before, but extremely good now.”
The pits may be new, but the method remains the same: overnight smoking over slow-burning oak logs (ribs take between three and four hours), using green wood with dry split wood added if a little more heat is required. The goal is that true Texas flavor, a simple blend of meat and smoke.
CONTINUED >
Baker’s fans stayed true throughout those four long months. Word that Baker’s would reopen spread through social media, and the local paper. “People kept calling, asking when we would be back in business,” Al recalls. “That first month after we reopened, we were overwhelmed. It brought a whole new bunch of people who had never heard of us before.”
Long-time patrons were relieved to find that none of the old Baker’s ambience had been changed by the fire and shutdown. They were welcomed by Al’s famous collection of pig paraphernalia, and a new addition that honors the poultry side of the business. “One of our regular customers is a turkey hunter,” Al explains. “He’s shot turkeys in seventeen states, and each time he bags a bird from a new state, he has the tail feathers mounted above a plaque in the shape of the state. He gave us the Texas tail, and it’s proudly displayed in our dining room.”
Talking turkey brings to mind the approach of the holidays, and Al’s reminder not to wait too long to place orders for Thanksgiving and Christmas. For November’s feast, he recommends getting orders in early in the month. For the Yuletide table, give Baker’s a call during the first week of December.
And when giving thanks, don’t forget the happy revival of Baker’s Ribs. bakersribsmn.com
Photo by Emily John
Photo by Emily John
Whether you’re reimagining a bedroom or ready to update the entire exterior, your home is our priority. Side to side, top to bottom, inside out, and outside in, CertaPro Painters ® is committed to painting every side of life in our community. Schedule your FREE estimate today!
ARTICLE BY GRAHAM JOHNSON
HOW A NON-BAKER BECAME A SWEET SENSATION
NOTHING BUNDT CAKES
Kim Cassens, owner of the Nothing Bundt Cakes locations in Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Eagan, and Mall of
Nothing Bundt Cakes makes a lot of cakes. A single store can go through more than 350 pounds of eggs and
A STORE CAN GO THROUGH MORE THAN 350 POUNDS OF EGGS AND NEARLY 25 GALLONS OF FROSTING IN A SINGLE DAY.
America, admits she is no baker. Her background is in business and marketing, and before coming to Nothing Bundt Cakes, she worked as a project manager at a software development company. After leaving her position, Kim stopped at the Eden Prairie Nothing Bundt Cakes to pick up a bundt. After that one cake, she decided it was a business she wanted to be a part of. It was that good.
Beyond the bundt cakes themselves, what appealed to Kim was the culture.
“It’s a product you can do a lot with in your community.” Not only is Nothing Bundt Cakes a part of so many celebrations big and small for so many families, Kim also partners with The Birthday Party Project to extend her reach even further. The Birthday Party Project is a non-profit that helps to throw birthday parties for kids and families who couldn’t have them otherwise. Kim provides some of the cakes The Birthday Party Project serves at children’s celebrations.
nearly 25 gallons of frosting in a single day. And all of that goes into bundt cakes. “I hesitate to call them bakeries because we only make bundt cakes,” says Kim. She settles on the term “bundt bakeries,” which is fitting for the store’s name.
Kim’s initial store was located in Minnetonka. It opened nearly nine years ago, and for most of that time, she only had the one location. Just last year, Kim took over Eden Prairie, Eagan, and opened the Mall of America location. This expansion is set to continue. At the time of writing, Kim plans to have opened a new store near Prior Lake this year. From her time as a project manager, Kim uses a lot of the same skills at Nothing Bundt Cakes. “Managing people, building teams and processes” are perennially applicable, as well as “figuring out what’s going to work and what’s not going to work,” says Kim.
As the business has grown, more and more of Kim’s family members have come to work with her as well. Her eldest son is her accountant, and her middle son is her director of operations, who plans to take over the business someday.
Kim is tight-lipped about how bakers can capture some of Nothing Bundt Cakes’ deliciousness. For baking, “follow the recipe,” she says simply. If baking isn’t your forte, then Nothing Bundt Cakes is always available to whip up however many delicious ring-shaped desserts you need, each one lovingly frosted to perfection. Try a familiar flavor, or discover your newest bundt passion. Either way, your party guests will clamor for seconds!
nothingbundtcakes.com
Kim Cassens, Owner
THE BOARDROOM
It is Office Golf’s full-service restaurant, which serves elevated American fare and restorative beverages in a bright, airy environment.
I’m in Bloomington, just off 494, watching deer taking turns sipping from Nine Mile Creek. They look discontent on this dour, drizzly autumn evening. I’m sure it would comfort them to know how cozy The Boardroom is keeping me.
You seldom associate warmth with the phrase “30,000 square foot facility,” yet The Boardroom glows in its own hospitality. It is Office Golf’s full-service restaurant, which serves elevated American fare and restorative beverages in a bright, airy environment. It is a perfect spot for a date, which I am presently on with my beautiful wife, who does not play golf, and who loves it here. She says she loves being anywhere with me, but I know the truth. She specifically loves going to The Boardroom.
Why? Many reasons. The truffle tots, which we firmly believe to be the pinnacle of tot cuisine. The supreme pizza, which is only slightly more supreme than the Hawaiian pizza. The Jack Daniel’s bacon mac n’ cheese, which comprises all four of the loveliest ingredients known to man. The pretzel-crusted salted caramel brownie, which I am determined to find a way to live inside of someday. There are even salads. It’s all a far cry from the sort of food you would normally eat off of green checkerboard paper.
“Mmm-hmm, that's good booze!” Jackie Gleason said it often, and I’m sure he’d have said it here. There are cans, bottles and drafts, the last of which includes Office Golf’s exclusive OG Amber Lager. Divine There are both primary colors of wine, as well as rosé for the true renegades. There are signature cocktails as well. I’m drinking a Fairway Fizz, which may have negated my ability to appreciate a greyhound unless it has elderflower liqueur in it.
A normal pub has one bar. Office Golf has three. Two are in The Boardroom itself: a large one for raucous gatherings and televised sports, and a tucked-away speakeasy for intimate tête-à-têtes. The third makes the 19th hole perpetually available to indoor golfers.
I tried my hand at one of Office Golf’s 18 Trackman iO golf simulators before (during an earlier, wifeless visit). Within seconds I was transported to first tee at Bethesda Country Club, where I was blown away by how faithfully the machine interpreted my golf skills. I was exactly as bad at virtual golf as I am at the real thing.
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
I could practically feel the sand in my shoes by the 18th hole, which I somehow managed to reach in just under an hour. (A party of four can play a full round in about as many hours.) Such stateof-the-art yet accessible technology really opens golf’s applications. If you’re accustomed to closing big deals on the green or just palling around with your friends there, Office Golf makes it possible to be yourself all winter long.
Office Golf also makes it easy to host gatherings of all sizes. The Boardroom comfortably accommodates up to 300 guests, and has two adjacent simulator rooms to entertain them. Just let
the dedicated event specialist know what the ultimate rehearsal dinner, family reunion, corporate get-together or other private party must include. You’ll find it all waiting for you on your arrival.
The date is now nearing its conclusion. I don’t dread the 10-minute drive back to Eden Prairie, and I expect to return soon. It’s hard to believe my new favorite hangout features a sport I’m so dreadful at, but that’s the beauty of Office Golf. You can ignore its signature attraction entirely and still love it here.
officegolf.com
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Minnetonka • Chaska
Eden Prairie • Waconia
NON-SURGICAL REGENERATION
QC Kinetix
“With QC Kinetix, they can get better without forfeiting their financial livelihoods. No surgery, no downtime.
Arthritis. Degenerative joint disease. Overuse syndrome. Sports injuries. If you have one of these, then you already know it. You can feel it in your bones.
Discomfort. Loss of mobility. Loss of joy. Any TV drug commercial would remind you of the tolls of chronic pain. And it only gets worse. It’s chronic. Its defining trait is that it sticks around, which it could do for as long as you stick around.
Chronic pain drives many to surgery. It addicts many others to drugs or alcohol. It ruins lives. But it doesn’t have to! Within each body are natural substances that heal and eliminate pain. They just need a little help getting to where they can do the most good.
“Everyone has innate healing abilities within their own body,” said Josh Means, who owns five Twin Cities QC Kinetix locations alongside his wife Pam. “Inside your blood are healing properties whose purpose is to regenerate damaged soft tissue, including the cartilage surrounding joints. Your body also contains stem cells, which are an extremely potent regenerator. QC Kinetix delivers these healing properties and stem cells to where they are needed to drive regeneration of the cartilage and soft tissue to reduce and eliminate the pain.
“Our five QC Kinetix locations have treated over 500 patients in the Twin Cities since November 2022. Our medical team is very proud to help people from all walks of life regain their quality of life! Our patients range in age from early 20s all the way to late 90s! We treat a lot of plumbers, electricians, and
trades workers that simply can’t afford an expensive surgery or spare the months of downtime that recovery and rehab often require. With QC Kinetix, they can get better without forfeiting their financial livelihoods. No surgery, no downtime.”
According to one patient testimonial: “I am so very happy I talked the hubby into coming here to QC Kinetix! Guess I listen to the right radio shows! The difference has been unbelievable even after just three treatments, it has made an epic improvement for my husband’s pain levels! I am so praying for continued progress for him! The most welcoming, understanding staff, nurses, doctors, y'all really make a difference in people’s lives, I just want you to know that! My husband cannot believe the relief he has gotten from this! He may not be 100 percent healed yet, but the ability to tolerate the amount of pain he was in then till now is amazing. Thank you so much! It makes a difference for the spouse too, believe it or not!”
According to another patient testimonial: “So glad I decided to go to QC Kinetix after dealing with pain in my knees and hip for years. The pain is gone and I'm rebuilding the strength in my legs. I'm able to do the things that I love and want to do without being in pain for days afterwards. The staff were excellent! They walked me through everything throughout the whole process. They were extremely helpful and accommodating as well. I would definitely recommend QC Kinetix to anyone who is dealing with pain and physical limitations. My only regret is waiting so long to call them!”
“As a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience across the country, my wife Pam has seen too many lives destroyed by overmedication,” said Josh. “That’s part of the reason why we’re so committed to helping people avoid or stop taking drugs or using alcohol to mask the pain. Many of our patients have moved past their dependence on alcohol, oxycodone and other pain meds simply because they no longer have pain to manage. That’s a big deal and a major part of our mission as a company.
“We offer many treatments, but they’re all in service of the same goal: enhancing our patients’ quality of life to the greatest degree possible. Whether you want to get back to work, get back on the golf course, or get back to chasing your grandkids, QC Kinetix is here to get you there!”
QC Kinetix’s nearest location to Eden Prairie is located at 7770 Dell Road, Suite 130 in Chanhassen. Visit qckinetix.com to learn more, or call (612) 688-4253 to schedule your free consultation.
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It’s not just Thanksgiving dinner. It is the most important Thanksgiving dinner you will ever host in your entire life. Everyone you love, respect and admire will be there. Everyone.
There’s your older sister, the deaconess, whose baking has historically overshadowed your cooking and who is bringing two pies. There’s your 20-something daughter, who seems quite serious about her handsome new plus-one. There’s your boss, Mr. Olson, founding partner of the illustrious Olson, Nelson & Anderson, who has taken a keen liking to how stereotypically Minnesotan your last name sounds.
Even dear Great-Great-Aunt Mary is coming. She will no doubt regale the table with many tales of her life so endlessly well lived, such as the time she turned down Harry S. Truman for senior prom. She may also have attended the original Thanksgiving dinner, which gives you a tough act to follow.
You toiled all day in the kitchen. Your hand seized up from chronic basting. You rammed every windowsill full of pies. You prepared as many different green bean casseroles as there are dietary restrictions known to man. But the effort was all worth it. The spread you laid out would bring even the most hardened Bon Appétit editor to tears.
And the guests begin to arrive. And everyone is getting along splendidly. And Mr. Olson seems genuinely impressed by your collection of Vikings memorabilia. And the food … is … perfect. You could fit the room’s collective discontentment into a teaspoon.
You hear laughter. It is your sister, the deaconess, who appears to have found something incredibly amusing in your bathroom.
CONTINUED >
“The mudroom is muddy!” “The living room looks lived in!” “The stovetop has gluten-free fried onions stuck to it!”
“What was it?” you ask upon her return to the table. “Did you like my novelty hand towels?”
“No, my little sibling,” she explains, attempting and failing to stifle her laughter. “It’s not that. It’s just … it’s just that you…”
“I what? ”
“It’s just that you have … a ring … around … your tub.”
The dining room falls silent. Suddenly everyone rises, like doves flushed from a bush, and begins milling around your home in search of other incriminating dinge. One by one they all find it, and they call out to each other each time they do. “The mudroom is muddy!” “The living room looks lived in!” “The stovetop has gluten-free fried onions stuck to it!” You try to explain that you were only just cooking in there, but your defense falls on deaf ears. Your guests have forgotten about dinner entirely. They can now only focus on the ignominious state of your home.
Your daughter’s plus-one announces he only just realized he still isn’t over his ex, and leaves alone in his 911 Targa 4 GTS. Your boss doesn’t exit before curtly instructing you to answer directly to Peterson from now on. Even dear
Great-Great-Aunt Mary says she must be going. She doesn’t even want to take a plate home.
The most important Thanksgiving dinner you will ever host … is ruined
All of this could have been avoided if you’d only hired Cleaner Spirits. The greater Twin Cities area’s preeminent cleaning service would have given you a free quote, arrived whenever was most convenient for you, and promptly set to work thoroughly scrubbing every scrubbable surface in your home. You would have loved the warm, personal service Cleaner Spirits co-owners Gerald and Rosemarie Espiritu provide with each regular, one-time or recurring house cleaning. You would have rested assured that you have finally found the only solution you will ever need for tile and grout cleaning, bathroom-only cleaning, and moving day cleaning, too!
But wait. It turns out this story has a happy ending after all. None of that stuff actually happened, which means there is still time to hire Cleaner Spirits in preparation for the holidays. Just visit cleaner-spirits.com to learn more, or call 1 (844) 519-3835 today to request your free quote!
HopSpot Brew Hall
PRIVATE EVENTS PERFECTED AT FAT PANTS BREWING CO.
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
Going to parties? I’m all in favor of it. Promise to put good food, drink and company around me, and I’ll be right there.
Planning parties? Count me out. I’m strictly in the business of enjoying good things. I never absorbed the moral of The Little Red Hen
Thank goodness Fat Pants Brewing Co. is here for people like me. The family-owned brewery offers far more than exquisite beer. It also presents the perfect spot for hosting any get-together – regardless of its size or formality, and with virtually zero effort.
HopSpot Brew Hall is 2,300 square feet of highly customizable event space, replete with on-site catering, a private bar, atmospheric lighting, a high-fidelity sound system, exclusive restrooms, and seating for up to 120 guests. HopSpot can be as lively as your high school reunion needs it to be, or as intimate as a small, dignified wedding
reception calls for. Like beer itself, it is befitting of any social occasion.
“The beauty of HopSpot is how little it needs to look amazing,” said Augusta Berling, event and community manager for Fat Pants. “Its tall windows, Edison bulb lighting, and sumptuous wood tabletops are enough to create an inviting ambiance all on their own. Many of our guests do choose to add certain decor and amenities, of course. HopSpot events have featured everything from china plates and table linens to magic shows and carnival games. We recently set up a miniature putt-putt course for a corporate anniversary party.”
Augusta Berling, Fat Pants Event and Community Manager
HopSpot’s fare is no less versatile. Hosting a cocktail party? Treat your guests to a kabob platter, charcuterie board, and other gourmet appetizers and shareables. Throwing a family reunion? Show Uncle Bob and Aunt Mary to the taco, wing or fish fry bar. They’ll rave about it. And if your guests are wearing black ties, then HopSpot’s short rib, chicken caprese, and pasta primavera will suit their dining expectations to a T. There are even breakfast buffet options.
Want something else? No worries. HopSpot welcomes other caterers. That’s only fair, as HopSpot regularly caters off-site as well.
HopSpot’s attachment to Fat Pants doesn’t limit its libations to brewskis. Wine, bubbly, spirits, pop: the gang's all here, and served by professional bartenders. But Fat Pants’ beer really is the star of the show. That’s bound to happen wherever it’s poured.
“Oh gosh, which beer do I recommend most?” said Augusta. “Bajo, our session IPA, which has given so many of our guests a newfound appreciation for the hoppy style of beer? Shirley, our cherry witbier, which we serve with a Luxardo cherry? No. It would have to be the Cream-Sota: our warm, traditional, full-bodied cream ale that satisfies my sweet tooth without trespassing into ‘cloying’ territory.”
You can spend as much time enjoying Fat Pants’ indescribably good beer as you care to at your party. Augusta will save you from any and all distractions.
“From the moment you first reach out until your last guest’s departure, our events team is committed to making your life as easy as possible,” said Augusta. “We pride ourselves on our quick communication and methodical behindthe-scenes planning. We even provide a list of local vendors that we have vetted ourselves. It does away with the difficulty of choosing the DJ, florist, baker, or any other specialist you could need to make your event truly your own.”
Party on. Visit fatpantsbrewing.com to learn more about HopSpot Brew Hall, or reach out to Augusta today at events@fatpantsbrewing. com or (507) 459-6572.
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This hearty chicken noodle soup is the perfect comfort food that is packed with nutritious goodness. This pairs perfectly with homemade beer bread or a sourdough loaf.
INGREDIENTS:
• 8 cups chicken broth (add more if desired)
• Whole fryer chicken, cut in chunks or shredded
• 5 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 carrots, sliced
• ½ onion diced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• ¼ cup half and half (optional)
• 1 package egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
In a large stock pot, add 8 cups of chicken broth. Dice carrots, celery and onion and add to the broth. Bring to a boil, and reduce to medium heat until the vegetables are soft. In the meantime, skin and cube 1 whole fryer chicken and add to the stock pot. Next, add egg noodles (frozen Reames homemade egg noodles are my favorite) and let boil until noodles are cooked. Add butter, half and half, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low until ready to serve.
Fall’s most notable comfort meal
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
OCTOBER 5TH
Cadence Chiropractic Motion Is Life 5K/1 Mile
6409 City W Pkwy #105, Eden Prairie | 10:00 AM
The Cadence Chiropractic Motion Is Life fundraiser is back! Run or walk the 5K or 1-mile route. Bring your always-eager pooch. Bring an unregistered guest, too – s’all good! All funds raised will go straight to Twin Cities Pet Rescue, which has placed more than 4,500 animals with loving forever families since 2009. Register online at buff.ly/3YVo3VS
OCTOBER 19TH
Bunny Yoga With Rabbit Rescue of MN
16700 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie | 10:00 AM
The cutest form of exercise imaginable! Visit the Eden Prairie Community Center 10-11am for bona fide bunny yoga. Dozens of adorable scamps will roam freely as participants get their stretch on. You can pet the bunnies (just don’t pick them up – they don’t like that). One child (10+) per adult participant allowed; $25 entry; reserve your spot at rabbitrescueofmn.com
OCTOBER 19TH
Fall Festival at The Mustard Seed
10000 Great Plains Blvd, Chaska | 11:00 AM
Visit The Mustard Seed 11am-4pm for games, contests, pumpkin painting, food trucks and more! Browse the garden center for beautiful plants and decor, reflect by the koi pond, and give your regards to the resident chickens and roosters. The petting zoo will feature cute, pettable animals 11am-3pm. You should pet them. themustardseedinc.com
OCTOBER 19TH
Pet Adoption Event at Eden Prairie Center
8251 Flying Cloud Dr, Eden Prairie | 12:00 PM
Spot's Last Stop Canine Rescue is showcasing a variety of impossibly cute dogs at Eden Prairie Center! If you’ve been meaning to meet your new best friend – or just want to support a very worthy cause – then you’ll love what lies in store at SCHEELS Court. edenprairiecenter.com
OCTOBER 24TH
Twin Cities Young Professionals Summit
6700 Washington Ave S, Eden Prairie | 8:00 AM
Are you ready to elevate your career, expand your network, and embark on a journey of personal and professional growth like never
What is the Yetzer Experience?
It’s our free in-store and in-home design services. It’s our vast selection of inventory, and knowing you can take home anything on our showroom floor the same day you fall in love with it. It’s the freedom to customize the perfect piece of furniture by great Amish brands like Canadel, Fusion, Oakwood or Smith Brothers. If you can dream it, we can create it! And above all else, the Yetzer Experience is high-quality (yet highly affordable) American-made solid wood furniture – not flimsy particle board shipped from overseas like some big box stores sell. You don’t stay in business for over 80 years by selling junk! Come discover the Yetzer Experience at our stores in Waconia or Forest Lake today! – Thomas Wiest, Owner
