Lake Minnetonka, MN December 2020

D E C E M B E R 2 02 0

LI F E + C U LTU R E SEL L I N G L AK E LU X U RY A B E T T ER WAY T O F LY FOOD + DRINK A TAS T E O F I REL AN D I N E XC EL SI O R HOME + DESIGN H O M E FO R T H E H O L I DAY S

PREMIERE ISSUE

LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Dave Robertson | dave.robertson@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Welcome to our First Issue

Marissa Cusumano | marissa.cusumano@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall

HELLO AND WELCOME TO THE LAUNCH IS OF LAKE MINNETONKA LIFE-

L AYO UT DESIGNER

STYLE FROM LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS. Inspired by community, Lifestyle Pub-

Jayme Emery

lications is in the business of connecting local businesses with the local community by direct mailing a high quality, luxury-focused publication to the most affluent home owners on a monthly basis. At no cost to the home owner and with a focus on local content, this product is sure to become a staple coffee table piece in nearly every home of the business leaders and owners in our community.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kendra Johnson, Graham Johnson, Casey Ek, Jennifer Fortner CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Emily John, Maddie Uglum

Lifestyle Publications is looking to partner with you. Our marketing platform enables reputable businesses to grow more rapidly by getting into the local premium homes every single month with your brand and message. Our partnerships include a variety of value ad opportunities that start with advertisements and extends to various editorial, PR, online, social media and networking opportunities.

Our local content ensures that our readers literally bump into people they know when reading the publication each month. Our captivating images and content quickly draw our readers to this incredible resource of local community information.

From carefully-crafted food being served up at local restaurant, stunning home remodels and local real estate, this magazine will serve not only the local affluent home owners, but also the businesses and services sustaining it.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

We look forward to becoming a significant resource of information, inspiration, and

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

economic growth within our community and to discussing a partnership to specifi-

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

cally assist in building the future growth of your business.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Dave Robertson, Publisher

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Lake Minnetonka area’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to

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Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2020

be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2020

FEATURES 10 Home for the Holidays 19 A Better Way to Fly 24 Selling Lake Luxury

28 24

28 A Taste of Ireland in Excelsior

19 DEPARTMENTS

10

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Around Town

10

Open House

14

Culinary Creations

16

Trend Setter

19

Locally Owned

22 DIY 24 Local Limelight 28 Hot Spot 32 Lifestyle Calendar 33 Realty Report 34 Local’s Choice

AROUND TOWN

PHASE ONE OF PANOWAY ON WAYZATA BAY IS COMPLETE

offered the Chanhassen Cinema as a venue for the

From making our city’s iconic Lake Street more

Sponsored by the Chris Dennis Group, Lakes

pedestrian-friendly to creating greater public access to

Area Realty, The movie will be Frozen 2. This is ben-

downtown’s Lake Minnetonka shoreline, the comple-

efiting our local ICA Food Shelf.

tion of this phase is an important first step in enhancing and preserving the lakefront experience for genera-

GOOD TIMES

tions to come. To celebrate, the Wayzata Conservancy

Good Times is a great place to show off

brought together residents, community and business

your accomplishments and fun around town!

leaders, and donors for a virtual ribbon cutting.

We want to see what you're up to. Whether it's a charity event or party. We want to see how it

RESIDENTIAL REVIEW PROCESS ORDINANCE ADOPTED

went! The community is a major part of the Lake Minnetonka area and we want to cele-

The Excelsior City Council has adopted a Residential

Review

Process

ordinance.

This

requires a Residential Review Permit for any new construction, addition or remodeling that results in the increase in volume, change in setbacks, or

brate that. Show everyone in the community the happenings around the lake. Send your photos Marissa.Cusumano@lifestylepubs.com

VI BEAUTY LAB

reorientation of a principal structure or accessory

Vi Beauty Lab is a place to connect and to take

structure requiring a building permit. The Good

time for self. The inspiration for Vi started as a

Neighbor Guidelines are used to evaluate proposed

spark to disrupt the traditional idea of beauty and

projects requiring a Residential Review Permit.

turn it on its head. A client takes the time for self

THE EXCELSIOR FIRE DISTRICT, MN

and lays on our table and either speaks their truth or rests in quiet thoughts then looks in the mirror

The Excelsior Fire District Firefighters and The

and realizes the transformation happened inside

Chris Dennis Group, Lakes Area Realty are excited

and out. One of our core values is connection. This

to announce the date for the 2020 Kids Free Movie!

idea of a place to connect felt and feels threatened

It’s being held on Saturday, December 5th, 2020

by the state of the world. The value hasn’t changed.

at 9:30 a.m. The location is at The Chanhassen

The state of the world makes finding ways to con-

Cinema on Market Street in Chanhassen. To ensure

nect more important. When we had to close, the

the Kids Free Movie would happen this year our

reopen felt wobbly. How would we connect? We

team rallied together to keep this 48 year-old tra-

are all craving connection. At Vi, we want to create

dition going. Martin Hubbard, owner of the Dock

a safe space for that to happen authentically.

and Chanhassen Cinema came to the rescue and

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2020 Kids Free Movie.

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

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OPEN HOUSE

Hom e for th e Holi days ARTICLE CASEY EK

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Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2020

THE YEAR 2020 HAS INDELIBLY LEFT ITS MARK ON

Studies show that plants have a beneficial effect with

COUNTLESS FACETS OF OUR LIVES, AND PREPARING FOR

adults, so why not take the opportunity the holidays present to

THE HOLIDAYS IS NO EXCEPTION. As the final leaves fall from

personalize your plants to fit the season? Few plants scream

their branches onto the shores of Lake Minnetonka, we're here

‘it’s the holidays!’ quite like poinsettias. But there are a number

to help sort through time-tested holiday traditions as well as

of other elegant, chic and timeless options to fill any room with

some fresh ideas to help you navigate this unique year.

holiday splendor.

CONTINUED >

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OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

The amaryllis and the phalaenopsis orchid, for instance, are a pair

Switch things up! Instead of the everyday throw blanket, switch

of flowers that are synonymous with the holidays and evoke feelings

it out with a more festive one. You can also do that with pillows and

of quiet sophistication.

any other bedding.

Other fresh plants such as herbs and mistletoe can also add

Also, try something new or if you really want to make a change

increasingly important touches of green into your living spaces.

try geocaching, hunting and finding hidden objects through GPS

Used correctly, these multi-sensory accents will tastefully capture

technology. It's a worldwide phenomenon with rich activity in the

the quintessence of the holiday season while giving you something

Lake Minnetonka area. With geocaches in places like the former site

to look forward to when you walk into a room.Â

of the old Bartlett Hotel, the Minnetonka area is the perfect place to

Don't be afraid to add a little sparkle. Whether it's glittered decorations or candles, a little bit of shimmer can really make your home feel cozy for the holidays.

start what could be a new family tradition.

This may be a different holiday season. However, you can still keep your traditions alive or add new ones. While the Centers for Disease

Speaking of candles, the smell of spices will have your home

Control and Prevention advise against large gatherings and unnec-

not only looking, but feeling like a winter wonderland. Baking those

essary travel, Minnesotans still have choices even though you're not

gingerbread cookies is another way to bring that holiday scent in!

able to make it to your annual trip to Vail.

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Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

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CULINARY CREATIONS

ARTICLE MARISSA CUSUMANO

TORTELLINI TO REMEMBER

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Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2020

EGGS

I COME FROM A VERY LARGE ITALIAN FAMILY. Nothing says the holidays like Tortellini Soup to me.

Here’s a recipe from my family to yours!

TORTELLINI SOUP FLOUR

INGREDIENTS + 3 cups of flour + 6 eggs + ½ pound of chop meat + ½ pound of ground turkey + ½ pound of ground sausage + 1 tablespoon of nutmeg + chicken broth

GROUND SAUSAGE

+ parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Mix three cups of flour and six eggs 2. Roll out to make thin dough 3. Run small batches thru the past machine 4. Cut out round circles with a cookie cutter 5. 1/2 Pound of chop meat, 1/2 Pound of ground turkey, 1/2 Pound of ground sausage GROUND TURKEY

6. Mix and cook all together then mix in grated parmesan cheese.

7. Add a tablespoon of nutmeg.

8. Put half a tablespoon of meat mixture in the center of dough circles and fold dough over into a half moon.

9. Pinch the two edges and roll two ends together.

10. Boil a pot of chicken broth and add tortellini.

11. Cook on low boil until pasta is cooked thoroughly.

12. Serve before the main course for a memorable holi-

NUTMEG

day dinner!

PARMESAN CHEESE

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

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TREND SETTER

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Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2020

THE LOST ART OF T H A N K YO U NOTES ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

IN A DIGITAL WORLD OF EMAILS AND TEXTS, THE SIMPLISTIC, AND ONCE STANDARD “THANK YOU” CARD HAS FADED. Does that mean we are no longer appreciative and grateful for the nice gestures that are extended to us? Absolutely not! We are just caught up in those casual platforms of communication, that we don’t take the time to sit down and give the time and attention to craft our heartfelt thanks in a way that shows purposeful thought.

The written word is proof on a page and this is valuable for so many reasons. Gratitude spurns happiness, but thankfulness is tricky; the only way it is known is if it is verbally acknowledged. Writing it down is evidence of that feeling. Putting words on a page is also more intentional than shooting off a text or email. Communicating your thanks in the common, oversimplified fashion isn’t necessarily bad, but setting aside time be “old-fashioned” with pen and paper, demonstrates the value you place on what has been done for you. Plus, handwriting is an extension of who you are as a person. It breathes your life onto the page. It exudes your voice, your spirit and your message in a way that is uniquely yours.

With the holidays just around the corner, there is quite a fine line

HELPFUL “THANK YOU” TIPS Send a thank you within a week of receiving someone’s gesture Use “snail mail” Be specific: mention the particular item or action you are grateful for Be genuine Personalize it: colored writing utensils, hand-lettering, or cards made from family photos Think outside the box. If writing REALLY isn't your thing, send a video of you verbally thanking them.

between the gratefulness of Thanksgiving and the endless spending of money on the endless lists for Christmas for people who anxiously have the “gimmes.” It’s important to navigate those waters, to cultivate a giving spirit as well as an appreciative heart, and establish an attitude of thankfulness. Receiving such a novelty through the mail is both meaningful and memorable and sending a special gift like this is a blessing to both the recipient and the sender.

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

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BRING ABANDONED CHILDREN FROM THE SLUM TO SAFETY AND INTO THE LOVING ARMS OF CARETAKERS THAT WILL EDUCATE, LOVE AND RAISE THEM TO BECOME FUTURE LEADERS IN THEIR GENERATION. 18

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2020

WWW.ANGELHOUSE.ME

LOCALLY OWNED

a better way to fly

ARTICLE KENDRA JOHNSON | PHOTOGRAPHY MADDIE UGLUM CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

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LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

THE DAYS OF BUSY TERMINALS AND STRESSFUL

Whether members fly with the Jet Card or the

FLIGHTS ARE OVER THANKS TO A PRIVATE JET COM-

Enterprise Membership, one thing is guaranteed,

PANY KNOWN AS JET LINX. With the recent opening of

Jet Linx will accommodate every member’s needs.

its newest terminal location in Minneapolis, Jet Linx is prov-

When members join Jet Linx, a profile is set up to

ing that private air travel is a growing business.

include favorite drinks, snacks, special events and

Based out of Omaha, Nebraska, Jet Linx, has

any other information that will help Jet Linx to pro-

expanded to 19 locations across the United States since

vide a luxury flight. According to McGillivray, “Little

it began 21-years ago. The family owned company

things make a big difference. I mean if you’re paying

prides itself on safety, security and the “little things.”

attention, you’re there, you’re smiling, and you have

With each terminal operating at a local level, Jet Linx

the rug out. It’s those little touches that in the big

can accommodate every member’s needs on a per-

scheme of things make a big difference.”

sonal level including varying membership options.

With the new terminal officially open, Jet Linx is

Jet Linx offers members two ways to experience

looking to bring its local feel to what it considers an

the luxury of private air travel: the Jet Card and the

underserved market. Several communities around

Enterprise membership.

Lake Minnetonka will benefit greatly from what Jet

The Jet Card provides members with guaranteed

Linx has to offer. With the ever-changing prices and

private jet availability with a 24-hour advance notice

availability of commercial flights, private jet travel

and hourly rates. Members also have the luxury of

is becoming more common every day, especially

only paying for the hours they fly while being able to

during the COVID-19 pandemic. McGillvray reiter-

earn flight credits. Jet Card members have access to

ated Jet Linx’s mission of safety in saying, “If you

fly anywhere in Jet Linx’s primary service area which

look at this model, we are extremely safety con-

includes over 5,000 airports worldwide. Additionally,

scious. We carry the highest safety standards in the

the Jet Card never expires. When talking about how the

industry. So, when we treat all our airplanes with

Jet Card sets Jet Linx apart from other airlines, Jet Linx

BIOPROTECT, we treat all the bases as well.”

Minneapolis Base President Lee McGillivray said, “Our

As the demand for private air travel grows, so

Jet Card membership program is very simple to do. It’s

does Jet Linx. In fact, Jet Linx is not done growing its

not very expensive, you pay per hour on your mission.

presence in Minneapolis. According to McGillivray,

We guarantee availability and recovery…So there is that

Jet Linx is planning a second hanger at Flying

element and I think that is a key differentiator to the

Cloud that is expected to be completed in 2021.

other competitors.”

Additionally, the company is looking to add six more

While the Jet Card more so benefits the individual, the Enterprise membership benefits businesses. Members

terminals across the United States by 2023, and then look to expanding internationally.

of the Enterprise membership are allowed unlimited

While the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays and

users within the company, flexible payment options and

even more stress among commercial flights, Jet Linx

guaranteed availability of up-to-four aircrafts per day. The

has bounced back and is ready to embrace the lux-

Enterprise Membership also provides businesses a ded-

ury of private air travel again. So, the next time you

icated account manager, spending reports, guaranteed

plan a trip, look to Jet Linx for guaranteed availabil-

WiFi and fleet upgrades. Businesses that require flexibility

ity, one-way trips and in-person accommodations.

are going to want to check out the Enterprise membership.

You can’t go wrong.

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Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2020

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21

DIY

bullet journaling 101 ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

PHOTOGRAPHY ESTÉE JANSSENS

Let’s face it—in today’s so-much-to-do-and-so-little-time cultural mindset, it

can be hard to keep track of everything we need to do. Wake up—did you get enough sleep? Brush your teeth. Feed the kids. Feed the dog. Get ready for work.

Make your lunch. Those are just six things to think about in the span of 15 minutes after your alarm goes off.

With all of these things to keep track of and our lives moving a mile a minute,

anything we can find to streamline our obligations (and our thoughts) can be a lifesaver! Enter: bullet journaling. It’s equal parts calendar, meal tracker, diary, self care and, well, really anything else that you want to keep tabs on! The “mindfulness practice disguised as a productivity system,” coined by creator Ryder Carroll, can help you master the art of intentional living—any way you want to.

THE BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO START ORGANIZING YOUR LIFE + ACCOMPLISHING YOUR GOALS

start simple

make it your own

There’s so much you can do

When you start searching for

The most important thing to

here with just a notebook (you’ll

bullet journaling on Pinterest,

remember is that it is for you

probably want one with a dotted

it can get really overwhelming

and not anyone else. Find lay-

grid) and a pen! If you want to

really fast. Decide what is most

outs that help with what you

add some creative flair, consider

important for you to keep track

need, use your favorite colors,

incorporating markers, stickers

of and start with that! If you try

doodle things that help you out

and washi tape.

to do too much at once, you’ll be

and make it work for YOU and

less likely to stick with it.

your goals!

what you need

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Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2020

page styles

t ypes of pages in a bullet jour nal + Mood tracker + Activity tracker + Exercise tracker + Ideas list + Chore list + Budget tracker + Spending log + Bucket list + Reading list + Yearly goals + Happiness log + Sleep tracker

symbols

s ymbol char t A bullet journal really becomes what you make it. Use symbols that speak to you! Here are some basics to start with:

Task

Event Note Complete CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

23

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

SEL L ING L A KE LUX U RY WHAT FEELS AT TIMES TO BE A DARK YEAR, ONE

but it also would be great to have a background in psychol-

BRIGHT SPOT IN 2020 IS A HOT REAL ESTATE MARKET

ogy. It’s really about trying to get people to embrace a pru-

IN MINNESOTA. Meredith Howell, a real estate agent with

dent business decision but there is definitely an emotional

Coldwell Banker has enjoyed a long and successful career

piece in purchasing that asset.”

selling homes in the Lake Minnetonka area and beyond.

Meredith grew up in Edina and went to the University

The housing market is very strong right now but agents still face challenges. Meredith explains,

of Minnesota to study math and business. While she

“What stands out is we all have strong buyers and so very

started her career in commercial construction lending

little inventory. It’s true across the board. (At every price

and investment analysis, she never considered selling

point) If something isn’t selling, it’s simply price right now.

homes. Then she and her husband moved to Wayzata.

And the mental state of today is nobody wants to do work

She credits her husband with seeing something in her

on a home, buyers want turnkey. People don’t have the time

that she didn’t see in herself and he convinced her to try

and are busy with other things. They want to move in and hit

selling residential real estate.

the ground running.”

She first began as an agent at Burnet. Meredith and her

Personally, I have many friends who are moving this year,

husband had a personal friendship with Ralph Burnet and

some just a few miles from their current home. In some ways

she made many great connections during her years there.

it seems a precarious time for a big change and yet I envy

She was able to combine her outgoing personality with her

their enthusiasm. They have a new place to look forward to

business background and it all just clicked. She really sees

and since we have all spent more time at home lately, chang-

those years as the pinnacle of working in real estate as it

ing it up seems very exciting. Meredith says the interest rates

was pre-internet. “People sometimes want to rely solely on

make moving more compelling in general but also she has

their own research now, but there is something to be said for

seen different motivations from buyers this past year. She

hiring an expert.”

says, “We all have this hypothesis, there is a lot of money

It’s no secret the Lake Minnetonka area is not only a

coming in from California because those buyers want to get

coveted place to live but a destination for others to window

out of California. Many are people who previously have roots

shop properties. While many admire the exteriors and even

here and there is a connection but they want to get out of

have favorites picked out, not all have an opportunity to have

California and are escaping here. Maybe they grew up here.

a peek inside. Meredith agrees but it’s more than that for

Or they have family who also live here. It’s really having an

her. “A lot of agents say they love showing homes. And I do

impact on the upper bracket on Lake Minnetonka.”

love showing them but what I really like is doing the deal.

When Meredith mentions the upper bracket, I start to

Analyzing the data and bringing people together is what I

fantasize about a luxury mudroom with an alcove for hockey

like the best. It was great to have a quantitative background

gear. I sense such mudrooms may not be the priority in the CONTINUED >

ARTICLE JEN LARSEN FORTNER

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Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2020

“PEOPLE SOMETIMES WANT TO RELY SOLELY ON THEIR OWN RESEARCH NOW, BUT THERE IS SOMETHING TO BE SAID FOR HIRING AN EXPERT.” CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

25

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

upper bracket. But what do those clients want right now? She tells

buyers and sellers. Because the most important thing is to gain the

me home libraries and offices are of critical importance now. And

trust of a new client. Information is one thing but the interpretation of

in the needs section-they see recreational facilities listed. Pools

the information is the true value I bring to the table.”

and indoor sport courts make the top of the list. Meredith contends

One thing Meredith and I clearly have in common is we are

people aren’t traveling or going to health clubs as often now, so the

both Minnesota girls through and through. Both born and raised

feeling of having access to all of that at home is important to them.

here we love where we live as we share an affinity for the water.

Many people have not only made home changes but also job

As we talk, she tells me how much she enjoys it in Wayzata. She

changes this year. People may be starting their career in real estate

currently serves on a task force for addressing the design stan-

wanting success but that may not happen for all of them. How do

dards and works with others committed to enhancing and pro-

they start and someday end up where Meredith is now? She says,

tecting the community. She mentions she is looking at the lake

“I can remember when I first started out and was afraid to pick up

as we speak on the phone. As our warm weather lake recreation

the phone. So I tell new agents to go to everything. Go to every open

season comes to an end and we head into the winter, this area

house. Don’t just sit there. Learn. Do the research. Look at all the

still gives back to all of us with winter recreation and new vistas.

comps. Get informed. Be transparent about yourself when you meet

The views are just as stunning even with a hint of frost in the air.

26

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2020

P UT YO U R C IT Y O N O U R MAP. Start a magazine & build a legacy.

Life is short. Love what you do.

LifestylePubs.com/OwnIt

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27

HOT SPOT

ARTICLE GRAHAM JOHNSON | PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY JOHN

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Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2020

“WE COULD SEE EARLY ON WHAT WE COULD DO WITH THE SPACE, AND IT WOULD SUIT WHAT WE DO. THE VISION WE HAVE FOR FOOD AND MENUS AND DRINK OFFERINGS AND ALL THAT, IT COULD ALL COME TOGETHER BEAUTIFULLY IN THIS PUB.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

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HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)

WHEN ZACH BROWN AND VICTOR

to leave their kids, but brunch should be a

CLAFFEY SET OUT TO MAKE THE BULL

family meal.” Said Brown.

AND FINCH, THEY HAD A VERY SPE-

Of course, an Irish pub needs to have a

CIFIC VISION IN MIND: “RESTAURANT-

drink menu and here The Bull and Finch

STANDARD FOOD, IN THE CHARM OF

leans traditional. Behind the bar there are

THE PUB.” Both men were well suited

sixteen draft beers, eight staples and eight

to bringing the old-world Irish feel to

rotating. “No matter how well they are

Minnesota. Claffey, originally from Ireland,

performing, they will always be changing.

owned several pubs before coming to the

It should be nice and fresh,” Says Claffey.

United States. Brown has worked in restau-

When asked about long list of Irish whiskey

rants across Europe and the United States.

Claffey laughs, “The whiskey list, it’s exten-

They teamed up after working together at

sive, very, very extensive.” The same care

Claddagh Irish Pub in Maple Grove to create

within the food can also be seen in the craft

The Bull and Finch in Excelsior. “Excelsior is

cocktails featuring twists on classics like the

a small quaint town, and its perfect for what

‘Gin and Thyme’ and ‘Rosemericano’. “The

we want to do,” Claffey said, “We didn’t want

craft cocktails” says Claffey, “took a nice

starched tablecloths you know? We didn’t

minute to get together.” The Bull and Finch

want it to be too stiff.”

also boasts long lists of both wine and gin.

When bringing a traditional Irish gastropub

30

Both Brown and Claffey have been very

to Excelsior, they wanted to include more than

happy with the location of The Bull and Finch.

shepard’s pie and corned beef. With a menu

Initially, they had planned on staying in Maple

ranging from the staples of pub food like fish

Grove in a building they had both previously

and chips to horseradish glazed Salmon and

work within, “And then we came in here,” Said

10oz ribeye, Claffey stresses, “It’s gotta be

Claffey. On the corner of Water and 2nd St.,

excellent food.” On how they maintain that

Claffey discovered the location while consult-

high standard, Brown replies simply, “Attention

ing with Excelsior Brewing. “We could see

to detail.” That detail can be especially in the

early on what we could do with the space, and

presentation. Brown personally plates nearly

it would suit what we do. The vision we have

everything that leaves the kitchen because

for food and menus and drink offerings and

he says that first, “You taste it with your eyes.”

all that, it could all come together beautifully

Another way The Bull and Finch strives to go

in this pub,” said Claffey. Where The Bull and

above and beyond is in the careful combination

Finch breaks from Irish pub décor is the light-

of the bar and the food menu. For their signa-

ing. Both men worked hard to create a bright,

ture Manchego burger, Brown makes special

open space for The Bull and Finch, especially

Moscow Mule pickles in-house. “I pickle fresh

due to their corner location in Excelsior, “I

cucumbers. It takes a week for the pickles to

think you should be able to sit up there by the

be good, but it uses actual Moscow Mules so

fire and look out at the snow, as opposed to

you get the flavor without the alcohol.”

guessing if it’s snowing,” said Claffey.

Another break from the traditional Irish

To the sound of Michael Jackson’s Man in

Pub is the focus on brunch and family.

the Mirror Claffey says, “We want every per-

The Bull and Finch will offer a full brunch

son who walks in to feel welcome […] It’s not

featuring traditional Irish breakfasts with

false, its not pretentious.” They want people

black and white pudding and inhouse-made

not to simply come to eat and drink, but to

soda bread, as well as brunch staples like

relax and feel at home. So, in the face of the

eggs Florentine and chicken and biscuits.

oncoming winter, The Bull and Finch opens

Brown and Claffey envisioned The Bull and

its doors to warm food, cold drinks, and a

Finch to be welcoming for entire families,

place by the fire: all the charm of an Irish pub

especially for brunch. “It’s fine if people want

right here in Minnesota.

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

31

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1

5

12

NATIONAL COOKIE EXCHANGE WEEK

EXCELSIOR CHRISTKINDLSMARKT

CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATION

Lake MInnetonka

The Market includes stalls filled with tra-

South Minnetonka Police Department

Try a new recipe or go with your

ditional gifts, handcrafted ornaments,

offers free child safety seat inspec-

traditional cookie. Exchange reci-

wooden toys, nutcrackers, vintage

tions by appointment to those who

pes and cookies with friends, family

pieces, Alpaca sweaters and mit-

live or work in Excelsior, Greenwood,

and co-workers.

tens, Frost River leather goods, hand-

Shorewood, or Tonka Bay. Inspections

crafted wooden boards, original art,

are also available for others outside

German Pottery, and German Lanterns.

the area for a $20 fee.

6

24

EXCELSIOR CHRISTKINDLSMARKT

CHRISTMAS EVE

+ Meet our neighbors

The Market includes stalls filled with tra-

Christmas Eve

+ Giveaways

ditional gifts, handcrafted ornaments,

+ Discounts on services booked

wooden toys, nutcrackers, vintage

and products

pieces, Alpaca sweaters and mit-

+ Learn about our partnerships

tens, Frost River leather goods, hand-

3

VI BEEAUTY {VIBE} EVENT + Open House

+ Meet the Vi Collaborative + Learn about Vi Services

Excelsior Commons

Excelsior Commons

crafted wooden boards, original art,

4 EXCELSIOR CHRISTKINDLSMARKT Excelsior Commons

The Market includes stalls filled with traditional gifts, handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, nutcrackers, vintage

German Pottery, and German Lanterns.

South Minnetonka Police Dept.

Lake Minnetonka

25 CHRISTMAS DAY Lake Minnetonka

Christmas Day

7 NATIONAL PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY Lake Minnetonka

pieces, Alpaca sweaters and mit-

National Pearl Harbor

tens, Frost River leather goods, hand-

Remembrance Day

31 NEW YEAR'S EVE Lake Minnetonka

New Year's Eve

crafted wooden boards, original art, German Pottery, and German Lanterns.

5 FREE MOVIE AND MEET SANTA IN EXCELSIOR

WAYZATA ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

402 Lake Street Wayzata, MN 55391

Would you like to get in touch with

Wayzata Chamber of Commerce

us? We would love to hear from

The Chanhassen Cinema

annual Christmas event. The event will

you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.

Meet Santa and Sparky the Fire Dog

be limited in capacity with required

com/LakeMinnetonka using the

in Excelsior starting at 8:45am. Free

reservations and face coverings.

Get In Touch link and let us know

movie is Frozen 2.

32

10

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2020

what you think.

REALTY REPORT

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMinnetonka

33

LOCAL’S CHOICE 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

MY FAVORITE THINGS

6.

7.

WHO DAVE ROBERTSON WHAT OWNER AND PUBLISHER, LAKE MINNETONKA LIFESTYLE WHERE MINNESOTA LAKESHORE, WHERE I’VE ALWAYS CALLED HOME 1. Dunn Bros Coffee 2. Dogs are the best 3. A good book 4. Travel, Italy is my fave 5. Living my Faith 6. Coaching my kids 7. Wine with my wife 34

Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle | December 2020