Lake Minnetonka, MN July 2023

The Summer Fun Issue

Summer Fun

I hope this letter finds you laying by the pool or Lake Minnetonka and soaking in some much-needed Vitamin D.

As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, I find myself eagerly anticipating the arrival of summer. There's just something about this season that brings about a sense of excitement and adventure.

Sure, Fall has my favorite flavors and scents, Winter has its cozy charms and I can't deny the beauty of Spring. But when the Summer solstice rolls around, I’m more than ready for the long, languid days sitting by the pool or floating on a boat.

The pages in our Summer Fun issue will help you make the most of this season in Lake Minnetonka. And even if Summer doesn't mean three months of summer vacation anymore (because we're, you know, adults) we can still look forward to an adventure by crossing things off our ultimate Summer bucket list. (See what we're checking off our bucket list in our new column 'Life Minded!') In this issue we also head out on the water in a new, eco-friendly boat from BluWater Imports, grab a tasty treat from Rush Bowls, test out a new tropical restaurant in town, make margaritas, and discover a Wayzata hidden gem.

My family loves to take in soccer, baseball, summer walks on trails or just the neighborhood, travel when we can and frequent local dog parks with our pack! There's something about being in nature that feels so rejuvenating and refreshing.

Just like this season has a way of bringing people together, we hope the pages inside this month’s issue will help you experience the Lifestyle of Lake Minnetonka this Summer!

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Dave Robertson | dave.robertson@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lauren Beaubaire | lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Lynlee Critz | lynlee.critz@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kendra Johnson, Jen Fortner, Jamie Tjornehoj, Sara Hoeman, Thomas Brown, Ana Meyer, Casey Weber, and Lauren Beaubaire

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Anna Kostochko, Emily John

Corporate Team

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 Andi Foster

DAVE ROBERTSON, PUBLISHER @LAKEMINNETONKALIFESTYLE

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @LakeMinnetonkaLifestyle

Your Expert in Designing and Building Beautiful Outdoor Living Spaces

Meet Josh Ferri, the owner of Lakeside Decking Company based in Wayzata, MN. Formerly a skilled cabinet maker, Josh transitioned his fine woodworking expertise exclusively to deck building. Lakeside Decking thrives on local roots, committed to outstanding results and durability. From summer to winter, Josh and his team construct high-end decks year-round. Don't wait for nice weather to redo your outdoor space – reach out to Lakeside Decking today! www.lakesidedecking.com

Photography: Lakeside Decking Company

Want

Providing sophisticated wealth management to successful individuals in a simplified, personal manner.

Lake Minnetonka team for financial planning, based right here in Excelsior.

We can help you reach your most important financial goals.

RETREAT. RELAX. REFRESH. RENEW.

Whether you are looking for a local yoga + fitness studio or a wellness retreat in some beautiful place you've always dreamed of traveling, GYPSET has got you covered. Laurel Van Matre + Melissa Schoeller, Co-founders of all things GYPSET, have a lovely studio in Minnetonka, GYPSET Midwest Yoga with a huge variety of yoga and fitness classes and your first class is free!  www.gypsetmidwestyoga.com Add travel to your wellness journey and check out GYPSET Yoga Retreats www. gypsetyogaretreats.com

Photography: GYPSET Midwest Yoga

Scan to read more.

Start your day & plan your next adventure at Base Camp Coffee

Base Camp Coffee & Provisions and Unmapped Brewing Co. proudly call the Glen Lake neighborhood of Minnetonka their home. Both coffee and beer are meant to be enjoyed with other people - most of the time planning or reminiscing about adventures of the future and past. Open during the week starting at 7am and the weekend at 8am. Start your day at Base Camp and go somewhere Unmapped! www.basecampmtka.com

Photography: Base Camp Coffee & Provisions

18

local experiences

Don’t let the summer season get away from you before school and cooler temperatures return. Grab your crew and tackle our bucket list recommendations to check off before one of our favorite seasons comes to an end.

EXPERIENCES

Festivals Around the Lake

ROCKVAM BOAT YARDS INC: Rent a pontoon from Rockvam and head out on the water to enjoy a relaxing day with friends cruising Lake Minnetonka.  4068 Sunset Drive Spring Park, Minnesota 55384

FESTIVALS AROUND THE LAKE: From 4th of July fireworks, art festivals, and Crazy Days in Wayzata and Excelsior to the Spirit of the Lakes Festival in Mound, you'll find great events all summer long. Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota 55331

DINNER ON THE PATIO AT MAYNARDS: Grab lunch or dinner on one of the best patios in Excelsior. Right on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, enjoy the perfect combination of lake views and great food. 685 Excelsior Boulevard Excelsior, Minnesota 55331

HOMEMADE ICE CREAM AT TOMMY'S TONKA TROLLEY: Stop by the historic trolley for some of the best ice cream around. Grab a seat, enjoy a snack or one of their famous Mackenthun's dogs.  379 Lake Street, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331

CONCERTS IN THE COMMONS: Enjoy a great summer night with free live music, great food and drinks, and sunsets over Lake Minnetonka. Vendors open at 5pm and the music starts at 7pm. Excelsior Commons, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331

Photographed: Spirit of the Lakes Festival

LOCAL

The “Tesla of the Sea” arrives in Lake Minnetonka

EMBRACE ECOFRIENDLY LAKE LIFE IN LUXURY

ARTICLE BY KENDRA JOHNSON

If there’s one thing Minnesotans are good at, it’s enjoying the warm weather while we have it. And what better way to spend the hot summer days than on the lake in an all-electric boat! At least that’s the sentiment Mercedes and Marc Steffes are bringing to BluWater Imports, the sole provider of Swedish X Shore electric boats in Iowa and Minnesota.

As the electric vehicle market continues to advance in the U.S., it makes sense that the industry would expand to boats as well, and Mercedes and Marc are excited to help boaters discover a way to be environmentally friendly while still enjoying the water.

“We live in one of three blue water spring fed lakes in the world… and we just really wanted to get involved with doing something neat for the environmental friendliness of the water,” expresses Marc.

Based in Okoboji, Iowa, BluWater Imports specializes in “luxurious internationally built vessels,” including the Eelex 8000 and the brand new X Shore 1. Both boats are 100% electric and were deemed the “Tesla of the Sea” by Forbes

The Eelex 8000, a 26-foot-long boat with a 170-kilowatt electrical motor and 126-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, is perfect for hosting family and friends out on the lake. The boat features a center console with a large touchscreen for an excellent driving experience and more than ten different layouts to accommodate everything from water sports and fishing to socializing.

The X Shore 1, arriving later in the year, is the perfect vessel for those with a need for speed. This 21-foot-long boat features a 125kw electric motor and a 63kWh lithium-ion battery, ideal for gaining top speeds in seconds.

CONTINUED >

While both boats can be used for high-speed water sports, one unique feature they offer is the “power of silence” mode. While in this mode, the watercraft will not exceed five miles per hour. “So your kids could drive this boat and mess with the throttle all they like, and it’s never going to go above or below a certain miles per hour,” says Jordon Rasmussen, sales manager at BluWater Imports.

In addition to the eco-friendly motors, the boats are also made out of recycled components. “Instead of destroying trees and making teak, the interior is made of a cork material and is cool for the feet and very luxurious,” Marc says.

One of the most significant and convenient differences between these electric boats and standard combustion boats is how they get their power. Even simpler than filling a tank with gas, you can charge the Eelex 8000 and X Shore 1 right from your dock.

Depending on the charger you use, your boat can receive a full charge within a range of one to three hours, and the money you’ll be saving more than makes up for the extra time. But if the charging time still concerns you, BluWater Imports is working on a solution to bring superchargers to the area.

“A lot of East Coast boating communities are way ahead of the game on the electric boats and have these superchargers, but we have been talking to certain companies to obtain those and get them to our local midwest markets,” says Marc.

The maintenance involved with electric boats is another perk because there isn’t much upkeep needed at all. Winterizing the boat requires emptying the cooling tubes that suck in lake water and replacing them with antifreeze. That’s it! And if anything ever did happen to the boats, “the nice thing is we have representation in the United States from XShore, who, if there is a problem, will come to your location to service whatever issues that might occur,” Jordon assures.

As the boating season arrives in full force, BluWater Imports is excited to arrange for lake trials or test drives in Minnetonka. So embrace the future of lake life in Minnesota with X Shore electric boats! To arrange your test drive contact jordon@bluwaterimports.com and check out their website: bluwaterimports.com

www.GYPSETMIDWESTYOGA.com

for new students with this postcard.

+++ FREE CLASS for new students

We offer yoga classes to meet students at all levels: vinyasa, yin, beginner, hot, nidra, restorative, and alignment based yoga, as well as, fitness classes including pilates and strength training.

We offer yoga classes to meet students at all levels: vinyasa, yin, beginner, hot, nidra, restorative, and alignment based yoga as well as fitness classes including barre, pilates and strength training.

GYPSET Midwest Yoga

15400 Minnetonka Industrial Road Minnetonka, MN

Spotlight: Rush Bowls

HOW ONE LOCAL COUPLE IS MAKING EATING HEALTHY EASY AND DELICIOUS

ARTICLE BY LAUREN BEAUBAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY JOHN

Libby and John Hitt may have done the near impossible. They found an easy and delicious way to sneak in your daily dose of fruits and veggies. “It’s almost like ice cream. Even our three-year-old loves it,” laughs Libby. Serving up fresh, all natural blended fruit bowls and smoothies, Libby and John brought the first Rush Bowls to Minnesota, opening their first location in Minnetonka in 2022.

“Our bowls are a great way for people to get in their healthy fruits and vegetables,” says John. “It’s something fun and different and a healthy alternative to other fast casual fare. The amount of repeat business we have speaks to how good and satisfying the product is.”

From their signature Beach Bowl to their Hangover Cure smoothie, Rush Bowls’ menu is packed with brightly-colored blended fruit bowls and smoothies that offer up to five servings of fruits and veggies in each bowl.

“For someone who hasn’t tried us before we recommend starting with our Beach Bowl,” suggests Libby. “It’s our best seller blended with acai, bananas, mangoes, and guava juice. Each of our bowls are also topped with a drizzle of honey and our gluten-free, crunchy granola. Everyone raves about the granola.”

John adds, “Every bowl is customizable. You can choose whichever toppings you like. We can top each bowl with freshly cut strawberries, bananas, blueberries, coconut, almonds, chia seeds, flax seeds. And if you want to add a little treat we can add chocolate chips or graham cracker crumbles.”

“Whatever toppings or combos you love, we can make it,” says Libby.

While many of the Rush Bowls are naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, if you do have any dietary restrictions, they can easily accommodate. “You can also add in boosts and supplements to get your protein in,” says John. “The Super Protein Smoothie is great when you’re on the go or have a full day. It’s packed with fruit, spinach, protein powder, and a scoop of our house-made peanut butter, so there’s around 40 grams of protein in just one smoothie.”

“We grind our own peanut butter in house every day so it’s fresh and tastes absolutely amazing,” shares Libby. “All of our bowls can be considered a meal replacement. You don’t feel like it’s just a snack and you’ll have to eat a meal later. You can have a bowl or smoothie for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and you’re all set. And, you’re getting in all your nutritional value at the same time.”

Not only are Rush Bowls great after a workout or on the go, but it’s a great option for events. “We’ve catered graduation

parties, business meetings, and office, retailer, and school events,” shares Libby. “We’re able to work with our customers to cater to their specific event needs.” Certainly, a fresh, cool acai bowl would be the perfect addition to a mid-August wedding in Minnesota!

“We honestly just love providing our customers with a healthy product they can feel good about,” says John. “When I see somebody enjoying one of our bowls or smoothies and see their reaction and a smile on their face, it makes it all worthwhile.”

And Libby and John make sure everyone in the family can enjoy a healthy and delicious treat. Their Goldendoodle, Filbert, can’t get enough of the Bow Wow Bowl made with banana, peanut butter, milk, froyo, and topped with a treat. “We love dogs,” says Libby. “We’re pet-friendly at Rush Bowls so you can even bring your pup along. We treat everyone here like family.”

This past April Libby and John opened a second Rush Bowls location in Edina and plan to open three more locations. “We’re so excited to bring Rush Bowls to the community in Minnetonka and now in Edina,” says Libby. “We can’t wait to continue to grow and bring more delicious and healthy options to the Twin Cities.”

Start getting your daily dose of fruits and veggies and check out more at: rushbowls.com/minnetonka

ARTICLE BY JAMIE TJORNEHOJ

Wayzata’s Hidden Gem

A LOOK BENEATH THE GLITZ AND GLAMOR OF WAYZATA: THE SECTION FOREMAN HOUSE

The soil Wayzata is built upon is much richer than one can see with a blind eye. If natives and foreigners alike were to look behind the glitz and glamor of the city, they would find puzzle pieces of stories that compose the picture of Wayzata as we know it today.

One tale specifically continues to be told when it comes to Wayzata. That’s the story of the Section Foreman House.

Panoway in Wayzata

In 1902 the house was built by the Great Northern Railway. Its purpose was to house the section foreman, the person entrusted to keep the railroad tracks in good operating condition. It is a Heritage Preservation Site and on the National Register of Historic Places.

“That’s about a 12-year history of getting this building to be known about and cared about,” says Wayzata Historical Society Board member and Wayzata native Susan Sorrentino.

Many locals recognize the tracks when walking or dining downtown. Those grabbing a drink at local hotspot CōV keep one ear open for the annual ringing of the bell that signals a round of drink specials offered upon the passing of the train.

Despite these localisms, most overlook the importance of the tracks and don’t know to point to it when explaining the growth of the city.

Nestled on the shoreline of Lake Minnetonka, the Section Foreman House hosts history within its hardwoods.

“The railroad came to Wayzata from St. Anthony - St. Paul area in 1867, and it brought people to our city,” she says. “I think the railroad put Wayzata on the map.”

Heritage Preservation Board Member Judy Starkey continues to be humbled when flipping through the archives of the property.

“Now think about this. City water was added in 1938, and finally toilet facilities in 1940,” Judy says. “It was a pretty primitive place to live.”

Originally built as a two-story building, the architecture underwent various revisions throughout the century following its construction and switched ownership a few times. Despite these changes, the house’s exterior has perplexingly stayed the same.

Starkey adds, “A wooden house, no matter when it’s built, if it’s not maintained, it’s going to fall down.” That’s why its acceptance into the National Register of Historic Places was a “sigh of relief.”

Playing in Water Feature on the Panoway

LAKESHORE LEARNING CENTER

A native of Wayzata, Peter Hitch grew up imagining stories held in the wood plank walls of the 1902 building. As the Executive Director of The Wayzata Conservancy, he saw an opportunity to cultivate the imagination of generations to follow.

Upon renovation, the Section Foreman House will serve as an educational pinnacle in Wayzata and become the Lakeshore Learning Center, a place to inspire the next generation of leaders.

Its main level will be open to the community, offering meeting rooms and educational spaces.

“The history is now going to be preserved,” says Susan. “The Conservancy advocates what the Heritage Preservation Board and the Wayzata Historical Society want to happen in the project because it’s an environmental and historical education center. It’s a nice way to combine both,” she says.

Being an advocate for youth empowerment is no new venture for Peter. He is one of the masterminds behind the first-ever Minnesota Children’s Museum. With a thirst for perseverance, and a legacy too long for any resume, the City of Wayzata has crowned Peter as the principal of the Panoway Project, a multi-phased process that enhances the ecology, community, and purpose of the Panoway.

The Lakeshore Learning Center was planned to settle into the property this year, but due to a lack of funding, the renovations were postponed.

THE CONSERVANCY

As plans for the Section Foreman House continue to develop, The Wayzata Conservancy continues to find ways to creatively advocate for the community it serves.

This summer, The Conservancy is hosting Wayzata’s first-ever formal communal dining experience in September, bridging local restaurants in the community through a multi-course meal featuring cuisine from several Lake Street restaurants. Folks will wine and dine on the best dishes in town while watching the sun set over Lake Minnetonka.

For more information on the Panoway Project, upcoming events, and donations, please visit  www.wayzataconservancy.org

Section Foreman House in 1910

Section Foreman House Today

It always irritates me when Fourth of July weekend rolls around and someone inevitably says, “Well, summer is halfway over already.”

It is NOT. I still psychologically and emotionally operate on the school calendar rhythm. Including buying myself a few new pens and notebooks each September. If school doesn’t let out until the first week of June and doesn’t begin again until the first week of September, the mid-point of summer would technically be late July. Late July. Which is to say - we are just getting started on summer. Don’t rush me.

Life Minded

When my kids were younger we would make a summer list of things to do. Simple things like biking into town for an ice cream. More ambitious things like “read 20 books”. Sadly they do not have reading on their wish lists any longer, although I do. And it got me thinking that I’m going to make my own list this summer, for me.

Boat rides. We take boat rides. But I want to take a leisurely boat ride with friends. This summer I will boat slowly. We will have charcuterie and a cocktail with a citrus peel garnish and watch the sun go down. We will not be taking a dozen adolescent girls on a boat to take selfies. We will not bring 6 boys tubing fighting waves of nausea as we try to fling them over the wake. We will not allow children on these boat rides with Cheeto-dusted fingers and sopping wet towels to clean up after - we’ve already done all of that.

Deck sitting. This summer I will sit on the deck. Just sit there. Listen to the frogs. Watch the great blue heron

stalk their prey. Try to spot the owls. We have somehow just become landlords to our deck. We power wash it. We scrutinize it for damage or needed repairs. We drag out the outdoor furniture, wipe down the cushions, hang the string lights, sweep off the cobwebs and winter detritus from the spindles. Sometimes we grill quickly and wolf down a burger out there on the way to somewhere else. But we do not USE the deck for sitting and this year I’m going to let the deck take care of me for a change.

Concerts. I want to go to the outdoor concerts in this short window we can enjoy the outdoor concerts. I have been trying to get to the Wednesday night music in the Excelsior Commons for years. Something always comes up. A practice. A game. A pandemic. A thunderstorm. This is my year to hear some live music outside. Much of my concert going in the last ten years has been indoors in humid gymnasiums watching middle school choirs,

hordes of beginning violinists or the worst ever elementary students playing recorders poorly.

Walking. I want to walk this summer aimlessly. Not tracking distance or speed or steps. Not setting a time limit or goal or destination. Not cramming in a quick walk because I’m supposed to. I don’t need fitness rings to close or walk like I’m being chased. I’m going to walk like I walked before walking became something to track and measure and sit on the bench on the trail to watch the sailboats pass by and measure nothing.

Something about this summer feels different. Maybe I’m different. Winter seemed to last 7 months this year, that is likely a contributing factor. And it appears many of my summer goals involve sitting. Perhaps that is the secret to slowing summer down, to sit in it instead of darting from one day to the next. I’m going to squeeze every drop of summer out of these weeks. Summer fun but in slow motion.

Minded

COLUMN BY JEN FORTNER

Jen Fortner is a freelance writer who enjoys asking friends and strangers far too many questions. She spends her spare time sitting in inclement weather watching youth sports, traveling, cooking, and searching for the very best baked goods. She lives in Shorewood, Minnesota with her husband, three children and the most spoiled dog.

comes to minnetonka LAKE

“A home is not just a set of walls, although essential,” says Erin Haugerud, owner of interior design firm EH Design. “It’s where the day ends and a new day begins, so it should welcome you home and bring you joy.” Striving to bring a polished and functional style to all her projects and clients, in collaboration with Revision, the remodeling division of Stonewood, custom home builders in Lake Minnetonka, Erin’s latest interior design project was no different, a beautiful Nantucket-inspired home on Lake Minnetonka.

When you walk into this Lake Minnetonka home, you’ll see elevated spaces with a very classy, nautical vibe and elegant touch to all the rooms. “Our goal for each client is to discover what ‘home’ means to them and to create a beautiful and functional space around their concept,” says Erin. “They should love coming home. It should be a space that allows them to rejuvenate and recharge. When the project is complete, and the keys are returned to the clients, we want them to feel at home and at ease,” says Erin.

CONTINUED >

AN INSIDE LOOK AT HOW ERIN HAUGERUD, INTERIOR DESIGNER OF E.H. DESIGN IS TRANSFORMING DAY-TO-DAY LIFE—WITH BEAUTIFUL INTERIORS.

“Our main inspiration for this design was again our clients and also, in this case, the home and its location,” says Erin. “The family loves Nantucket, and the home we were remodeling was Nantucketstyle architecture. There was no question then that the inspiration would largely be drawn from that.” Utilizing inspiration from the lake and water was an obvious tie-in, and focusing on the gorgeous lake views was important. “Since this home also sits on Lake Minnetonka, marrying the two locations [Nantucket] into one style was an easy decision,” says Erin.

In addition to setting the feel and tone throughout the whole house, Erin also took into account the family’s needs and what they wanted to use the spaces for. “We wanted to maximize the home’s existing foundation by adjusting the layouts both on the main level as well as the lower level,” says Erin. “This busy family of four (and two dogs) needed a space that worked for them and made life easier while at home.” Almost no space in the home was left untouched. “On the main level, we brightened the space by adding white enameled paneling on the ceiling, removed unnecessary posts, wrapped the structural beams with white oak, and installed new white oak floors. We fully remodeled the kitchen and opened it up for better lake views,” Erin says.

“In the back entry, we added a laundry room, mudroom, powder room, and drop station with a dumbwaiter to the lower level. We fully furnished the living room off of the lake so they could enjoy the lake views. On the lower level, we converted one of the garage stalls into a rec room and wet bar, as well as added a 3/4 bath and mudroom with an amazing dog wash. On the upper level, we freshened everything up with a new coat of paint and remodeled the upper-level bathroom.”

Everything from the pristine white paint, blue accents, nautical-inspired wallpaper, tile, and thoughtfully curated décor truly makes this a rejuvenating space that the family can’t wait to come home to. After all, a place to unwind and enjoy life is what makes it a home.

Check out EH Design to view their portfolio and see what Erin and her team can do for your space.

ehdesignco.com

New in Lake Minnetonka: MontegoBlu

AN ISLAND OF TROPICAL PARADISE COMES TO EXCELSIOR

Excelsior has a new tropical oasis in town!

When Excelsior’s well-known sports bar, the Suburban, came up for sale last year, a pair of locals, Jeff Doyle and Ben James, immediately saw it as an opportunity to invest in their hometown.

As a young boy, Jeff recalls biking on a path near his home that cuts through Excelsior and reflects, “I couldn’t have imagined then that I would someday own a restaurant in my own hometown!”

Jeff and Ben, however, are not new to the business world. They own another business in the design and marketing sector: Blue Label Creative, which has been successful in designing brands and the branded environment for several

businesses, including restaurants. Taking on a new venture into this space, especially being a hometown one, was a natural fit for the pair. The wheels started and continued to turn quickly after their purchase in the fall of 2022. MontegoBlu officially opened in early May 2023.

The “MontegoBlu” name comes from a blend of inspirations from the tropical city of Montego Bay in the Caribbean as well as the design firm backing the venture, Blue Label Creative. Why a tropical ambiance? Jeff shares, “We wanted patrons to feel that they could come through the door and feel as if they were immediately transported to some of their favorite warm destinations like a mini tropical vacation, all without leaving Excelsior.”

ARTICLE BY THOMAS BROWN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA KOSTOCHKO

Dishes to Try:

MontegoBlu is described as a ‘Tropical American Kitchen”. On first impression, that description may seem like a contradiction in terms. Jeff explains, however, that while there is a specialization in tropical cuisine (and not just Caribbean), it also includes the traditional “American” menu standards. Regular patrons familiar with the Suburban’s classic fare of burgers and fries with their famous feature item, the “Labor Inducer,” will not be disappointed. When you enter, MontegoBlu certainly still feels at home to those of us who have been coming to the Suburban for years.

But Jeff and Ben wanted more than just a catchy name and tropical décor. To make MontegoBlu truly worthy of its namesake, they wanted genuine authenticity and quality and brought in their friend Kenneth Montague from Jamaica as their head chef. Jeff says, “Patrons can be sure it’s the real thing when it comes to the tropical genre. That is something we are uniquely proud of.” Looking at the menu, you’ll find a lot of new tropical-inspired items Kenneth has crafted, including Mahi Mahi, Conch Fritters, Hot Honey Glazed Coconut Shrimp, and

Island Tacos, delicacies you’d expect more at a beachside restaurant in the Florida Keys. Couple that with an extensive menu of colorful island cocktails from a full bar, and you can almost feel the sand squish between your toes.

As you walk through the doors of MontegoBlu, you will also ‘see’ the influence of Blue Label Creative immediately. The wavey tilework and tropical color motif compliments the ambiance of the tropics. Jeff continues, “We want patrons to feel as if MontegoBlu is an extension of the beach and waterfront they have just arrived from. Shorts and beach shoes are the norm!” Aside from the main dining area, a generously sized “Event” room is available for private functions, and an “al fresco” patio for dining and music on those balmy summer evenings.

On Fridays and Saturdays, MontegoBlu has also added cover-free live music that will complete your journey to the tropical oasis.

Perhaps the experience of visiting MontegoBlu is described best by what you see on the staff’s shirts: “Smile, You’re on Vacation!”

Learn more at: www.montegoblu.com

Pan Seared Mahi Mahi

Jerk Pulled Pork Island Taco

Tropical Crafted Cocktails

The Perfect Steak

ARTICLE BY CASEY WEBER, TALL GRASS MEAT COMPANY

Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?

1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.

2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.

3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.

4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.

5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.

6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.

7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:

• Rare: 120°F

• Medium Rare: 130°F

• Medium: 140°F

• Medium Well: 150°F

• Well: 160°F

8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.

VINYL WOOD PAINT STAIN WINDOW TREATMENTS WALLPAPER

BUYERS LOVE MY SELLERS’ HOMES

2420 Lorien St, Minnetonka, MN 55305

4 Bd | 4 Ba | 3 Car | 5,344 SF |

TRANQUIL LIVING ON WOODED 1 ACRE MINNETONKA RETREAT

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS, AND EVERY OTHER SATURDAY

Yoga in the Park at Excelsior Commons

EXCELSIOR COMMONS PARK

8:30 AM

Grab your yoga mat and water bottle and head to Excelsior Commons Tuesdays, Thursdays, and every other Saturday for a great yoga class. The class meets just beyond the outfield of the baseball diamond at 8:30am. The suggested donation is $15 and all proceeds benefit Community for the Commons, a nonprofit park conservancy. However, everyone is welcome regardless of ability to pay!

THURSDAY EVENINGS

Sunset Series

Outdoor Concerts

DOWNTOWN PARK IN HOPKINS

7:00 PM

Additional features include:

• vaulted ceilings

• .96 acres

• indoor/outdoor living

• remodeled kitchen

• located on a cul-de-sac

• screened-in porch

Come and experience the beauty firsthand!

SELL WITH A RESULTS-DRIVEN REALTOR

CHRIS DENNIS, ASSOCIATE BROKER

Lakes Area Realty Excelsior

37 Water Street, Excelsior, 55331 (612) 229-9322

Chris@ChrisDennisGroup.com

LakesAreaExcelsior.com

Enjoy FREE live music with the 2023 Sunset Series put on by the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Every Thursday evening throughout the summer, head to Downtown Park in Hopkins to enjoy music from local favorites to emerging new talents. Bring a chair and some friends! If there's bad weather, the alternate location is announced by 3pm day of concert. The first performance is Salsa Del Soul on July 6.

FRIDAY EVENINGS

Live Jazz at Sovereign Estate

SOVEREIGN ESTATE WINERY

5:00 PM

Every Friday evening through October 6th enjoy live jazz and light pop music on Sovereign Estate’s Marquette Pavilion Patio for only $5 per person. Relax with a glass of wine as you listen to a variety of premier musicians from around the Twin Cities. They will also

Nestled in the picturesque rolling hills and wooded streets of Minnetonka, this home offers a soft contemporary style that blends beautifully with its natural surroundings. Step inside and be greeted by a grand entrance foyer and a sweeping circular staircase, setting the stage for the elegance that lies within. Designed with entertaining in mind, the spacious living room and adjacent dining room provide ample space to accommodate 10-12 guests comfortably.

be one of the participating vineyards in the upcoming Waconia Wine Festival on July 29 and July 30. Learn more: www.sovereignestatewine.com

JULY 4TH

Lake Minnetonka 4th of July

EXCELSIOR COMMONS | 7:30 AM

Don't miss the spectacular fireworks show! The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce proudly hosts the only public 4th of July fireworks event on Lake Minnetonka. Come out for a day full of activity, starting with the Firecracker Race, Kid's Parade and Popsicle Social, petting zoo, food trucks, and of course, ending with a fireworks show over the Lake. Learn more:  www.ex celsiorlakeminnetonkachamber. com/lake-minnetonka-4th-of-july/

JULY 12TH

Emsculpt Neo Party Bus at Vively Body Science

VIVELY BODY SCIENCE | 2:00 PM

Join the team at Vively Body Science as the EMSCULPT NEO Party Bus arrives in Wayzata from 2pm - 4pm. Hop on the bus for a EMSCULPT NEO session, the first and only non-invasive body shaping procedure that provides simultaneous fat elimination and muscle building. Vively will also host an open house from 2pm - 7pm with Sofwave demos, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and dayof only specials!

JULY 20TH-23RD

Crazy Days

WATER STREET, DOWNTOWN EXCELSIOR

Get ready for the best sidewalk tent sales of the summer. Crazy Days is a favorite Excelsior tradition. Spend all weekend shopping up and down Water Street as local businesses put up tents and offer great shopping specials. Enjoy vendors, food, live music, and the best bargains both inside stores and out, as well as delicious specials in the restaurants. Learn more:  business. excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber. com/event-calendar

18|8 The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes 12063 Elm Creek Blvd. N Maple Grove, MN 55369 763-400-9124

18|8 The Promenade of Wayzata 340 Engel St Wayzata, MN 55391 952-693-4024

A Healthier Margarita

DISCOVER THE DELICIOUS FRESH TASTE OF A CLASSIC MARGARITA MADE WITHOUT SUGARY MIXERS

ARTICLE BY ANA MEYER

Whether you’re hosting a pool party or simply enjoy sipping the sweet and tartness of an amazing Margarita, this healthier version with these natural ingredients is sure to make your palate happy. This is all fresh ingredients, no mixers. It’s just as easy, much cleaner and better for you!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. Casamigos Reposado or Blanco Tequila

• 1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

• .25 oz. Fresh Orange Juice

• .5 oz. Agave Nectar

• .5 oz. Orange Liqueur

• Garnish with a lime wheel through a skewer

INSTRUCTIONS

• Combine all ingredients into a tin shaker.

• Add ice, shake vigorously and strain into rocks glass.

• Add fresh ice and garnish.

BRING YOUR VISION TO US

The experts at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery are here to help create a home that’s as extraordinary as you are. Any project, any style, any dream—bring your inspiration to fruition at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. Visit build.com/ferguson to schedule your personalized showroom experience today.

YOUR LOCAL SHOWROOM: GOLDEN VALLEY OAKDALE

48" Dual-Fuel Professional Range