Minneapolis Lakes, MN June 2023

Summer, summer, summer!

We’ve waited long enough and summer is FINALLY here. Thank goodness! Warm days, greenery and color everywhere, plus getting outside to enjoy where we live with family and friends. We can now officially say goodbye to that infamous last winter, and Minnesota… it’s about time.

The Minneapolis Lakes Lifestyle team celebrated the ladies in May, and now it’s time to shine a light on the gentlemen. This month, we recognize some local businesses that might be fun for the guys to check out, but ladies are welcome too.

Bear Cave Brewing, which celebrated its one-year anniversary in May, is such a fun venue! With several beers on tap (most brewed in house), a selection of wine, non-alcoholic varieties, event options, multiple levels with patios, and wood-fired pizza to boot — this is the summer go-to stop.

On the construction and remodeling front, we visited with the owner of OA Design+Build+Architecture, Michael Anschel, and his team. They have been pioneers of sustainable options for years. Based in Uptown, their company works all over the Twin Cities, providing great ideas for your project, quality work and excellent customer service.

Have you been dreaming of a new closet, customized workspace or mud room organization for the whole family? Then, Closet Factory is a place to start. Doug and Theresa have invested their all into providing the best of the best.

For Father’s Day and firing up the grill, we wanted to include a fun recipe for Mediterranean chicken kabobs. And, if you want to research some great gifts for Dad, check out our gift guide for a few fresh ideas.

We hope your summer is in full swing and that it’s one of the most memorable.

Until next month,

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Kassi Miranowski | kassi.miranowski@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Abigail Wharram | abigail.wharram@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Sarah Knieff

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andrew Vick, Lucy Hawthorne

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 Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

YEARS

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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

1-7: Welcome aboard! Paradise Charter Cruises and Minneapolis Queen offer sightseeing boat cruises, scenic tours and private charters on Lake Minnetonka and the Mississippi River. twincitiescruises.com.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Build a Backyard Oasis

LUNSETH provides high quality design + build landscaping and renovation. From patios to plantings, we can do it all. Whether you want a backyard oasis or better curb appeal, contact us today for a free consultation and no obligation estimate. With LUNSETH you get quality, professionalism and communication. Those are our core values and that's what you can expect when you engage with us. Check out our photos at lunsethlawncare.com and request a quote today.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

Bike the Arb

Join the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for its third-annual Bike the Arb event on June 10 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cyclists are encouraged to leave behind their cars for the day and bike to the Arboretum by utilizing Highway 5 Regional Trail. This event is a great way to experience nature, get some exercise and reduce your carbon footprint in the process. arb.umn.edu .

See Farm Babies at the Minnesota Zoo

Join the Minnesota Zoo for this late spring-time family tradition! Farm Babies is back for an up-close look at farm life in Minnesota. Celebrate the season with animals, farm demonstrations and more. This event runs until June 4, so don’t miss out! mnzoo.org .

EXPERIENCE

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCY HAWTHORNE

Dan Murray, Jillian Link and Charles Chapman.

Imagine going to a brewery and just serving yourself the beer of your choice and ordering some great food to go along with it at the same time. No need to wait for a bartender to free up or a server to come to the table. Does it sound too good to be true? It’s not. Bear Cave Brewing, which celebrated its first birthday this May in Hopkins, offers all this and more.

“It’s like a candy land for guys,” says owner Jillian Link, who along with her late husband, Nate Bergeland, brought this cutting-edge idea to the area. With innovative iPourIt taps and Toast’s Mobile Order & Pay menu, customers can check in, have their credit card and license scanned, and then receive a small plastic card they can use at the tap walls.

Men, and women of course, can dispense drinks by the ounce if they want to taste, say, the Bear Slayer, or have a whole glass of the Hop/Kin, which is made in collaboration with a local brewery down the street.

“We have a number of beers that we always keep on the [tap] walls, and then we have some rotating things that we try,” she says. “For example, in the fall, we made a pumpkin beer with locally grown pumpkins. This gives us the opportunity to experiment with different flavors in small batches.”

While many of the beverages are made on site, the brewery also partners with local purveyors in order to offer more varieties.

One of its flagship beers, Nate’s Passion, is a passionfruit hazy IPA. “If you knew Nate for more than 10 minutes, he’d ask you, ‘What’s your passion in life?’” says Jillian.

With its ordering system, customers are empowered to do things on their own timelines and per their choice. “You just scan the QR code and order, and the food comes out very quickly, so for busy moms and dads who might have a couple of kids in tow, they can have a nice time here,” she says. “We have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages that the kids can enjoy like our made in house lemonade and iced tea.” Of course, if anyone needs help or has questions, tap tenders are always available.

Since not every adult is a beer drinker, the brewery also offers house made hard seltzer, local cider, wine and cocktails such as a good old-fashioned margarita created by manager Jimmy Pickering. There’s even local kombucha.

Bear Cave Brewing has three floor levels that offer three very different experiences. On the main and upper levels there are 20 taps, while the lower level, the Bear Cave, has 12 and resembles a speakeasy. “That’s where there’s a taxidermy full-mount bear from Saskatchewan. Nate was an avid hunter and when we started throwing names around for the business, that’s how it became Bear Cave Brewing.”

It also has a huge main level patio and an airy conservatory leading out to a rooftop deck. The patio welcomes friendly dogs and has a food menu just for canines. There are water bowls, comfortable mats, and pergola posts to secure them in case their owners want to go inside and grab another drink.

Each level can be rented out for private parties, even weddings. Customers can also meet with head brewer Charles Chapman to make their own personalized beer and create custom labels for the bottles.

Another unique offering is the people food. You won’t find traditional burgers or wings here. There are two menus: pizza and not-pizza. “We have this beautiful Marra Forni pizza oven, which was designed in Italy, but made in the U.S.,” says Jillian. “That was actually an important thing for Nate and for me too - to have as many U.S. products and local purveyors as possible.

“We were able to hire Marc Paavola, a fantastic chef who’s well known in the community. He’s been really creative with the menu.” One menu item consists of a salad with togarashi flavored crickets! Unique for sure.

“Beer and food pairing dinners are also once a month,” she says. “Chef Marc, and our general manager, Dan Murray, who is also a trained chef, collaborate each month on the menu and the execution. It’s held in the Bear Cave and includes five food courses along with beer pairings. It’s a great night!”

The brewery features a weekly lineup of music indoors on Wednesdays, and in the summers, has Sunday Sounds on the rooftop deck. Bring your dad to Bear Cave for Father’s Day and give him a real treat by experiencing everything it has to offer.

“Nate would’ve loved what we’re doing,” says Jillian. “I think he’d be really proud. He passed away before we opened, but he had a really tight group of college friends who are all professionals now. They have been so supportive, and they come here to hang out because we all feel like we have Nate with us when we’re all together.”

Nate Bergeland. Photo by Kristen Miller of Sun Sailor.

“IT’S LIKE A CANDY LAND FOR GUYS.”

IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT.

2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs

End the Perfect Summer Day with a Colorful Dish

It’s grilling season and what better way to celebrate than firing up a delicious meal of Mediterranean inspired chicken kabobs. After a long day full of dad sandals, sunshine and kicking back with friends, this dish can be easily prepared ahead of time or even at the last minute. The kabobs are flavor packed with marinated chicken and colorful veggies. Feeds 2 to 4.

KABOB INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound chicken filet

• 1 large zucchini

• 2 bell peppers of different colors

• 1 yellow onion

• 1 package of cherry tomatoes

MARINADE INGREDIENTS:

• 2/3cup extra virgin olive oil

• Fresh juice of 1 lemon

• 6 cloves of garlic, chopped

• 2 tsp paprika

• 2 tsp thyme

• 3 tsp oregano

• 3 tsp salt

• 2 tsp black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine marinade ingredients in a large bowl.

2. Cut chicken and veggies into similar sized 1-inch pieces. Add to marinade mixture, tossing to coat.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

4. If using wooden skewers, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This step keeps the skewers from burning.

5. Preheat the grill to medium high heat.

6. Thread marinated chicken and veggies onto the skewers.

7. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side or until chicken is cooked thoroughly.

8. Plate and enjoy.

ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF

Work is Play

ARCHITECT SHARES WHAT INSPIRES HIM

ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCY HAWTHORNE & OA

OA Design+Build+Architecture is a small, award-winning architecture firm that strives to bring creative solutions to homes that reveal the potential for form and function.

We spoke with owner Michael Anschel about everything that inspires him, his Minnesotan roots and the firm.

OA is devoted to green building and urban living. What inspired this decision?

We are indeed devoted to sustainable and resilient building practices. Prior to starting the company, I was on course to become a genetic engineer and had spent a great deal of time studying ceramics for which a fair amount of chemistry is required. An interest to better understand the products we use in the building industry resulted in selecting goods that were less harmful and adopting protected strategies for the health of our clients. As the field of building science evolved, there was a natural gravitation towards wanting to know how our buildings work, and the pursuit of a more efficient, durable and healthy home.

Although each client may be different, what is your goal for every project you work on?

At OA, our goal is to tap into our client's unique style and way of being. We want to craft a space that is tailored to how they live and interact with the space as well as reflect their personality. A focus on function might result in something efficient, a focus on form might result in something beautiful, and a focus on form and function might result in something that works well and is beautiful, but still lacks a soul. We want to design and build spaces that are alive with our client’s essence.

What is your design process like?

Our architecture and design process starts with an initial meeting to determine if the four of us; the client, the home, the budget and the OA Team are a good fit.

Then we enter the first phase of design called programming, where we measure the home, build a CAD model, check into local zoning ordinances and code provisions to perform a feasibility study. This is a key step in making sure that we’re not drawing something that can’t be built.

The next phase is schematic design, the fun part! We will sketch ideas to share with the client and get feedback starting with broad stroke general layout and form, and then slowly refine those, each revision building on the last, with greater detail. This iterative process is highly collaborative within our team and with our clients. We’re definitely not the kind of firm that sketches in a void and brings you three choices to choose from.

Once we’ve got the general concept nailed down, we do a preliminary estimate to ensure we’re on course. Then we move into material selections, mechanical systems design, and finally, we produce a full set of drawings for construction that are permit ready.

As a native Minnesotan, what do you love about working in the area you grew up in?

I grew up in Linden Hills, back when it was a bunch of artists and teachers who had bonfires on the boulevard for Halloween. I went to South High, taking the 21A to and from school, and loving the rich diversity of the city. I didn’t realize it when I was young, but the diversity of housing stock also took root. From the Victorians to the Gothic Farmhouse, to the Arts and Crafts Bungalows to the Sears four-square. There is so much to love about working on these old homes, each of which has a slightly different story to tell.

What do you do for fun in Minneapolis?

What do I do for fun? We’re an outdoors family. Downhill skiing in the winter. Rock Climbing, kayaking, and hiking in the summer and fall. Concerts at the Harriet Bandshell as often as possible, biking on the grand rounds, movies in the park – there is a nearly endless list of things to enjoy in this city!

You lived in China and Japan for several years after high school. How has it shaped your business?

The influence of living in China and Japan is something that comes through my work in ways I’m not always aware of. There is definitely an awareness of nature and a desire to incorporate those patterns and textures into the projects. Learning the beauty of balance in asymmetrical design, which creates a much richer and timeless composition, the value of thirds, and when to relax and let the pencil wobble a little has been very important in my work. For a company, the values of patience, practice and working as a team in a non-competitive environment creates a positive collaborative culture.

You’re an active participant in the professional building community. Why is this important to you?

Being active in the professional community is extremely important to us. I think it is our obligation to the industry to help nurture and grow our peers, and work to improve the industry as a whole. In 2002, when we helped lead the development of our state residential green building standard; GreenStar (which now serves the six-state area), we also went on to train hundreds of builders, remodelers and architects on the principles of green building and how to successfully

navigate a certification. It changed the trajectory of building in this state and the ease of building green.

One of your passions in life is being a cellist – tell us more about that.

Music is a big part of my life. I’ve been playing cello for 44 years, and during COVID, the music room, surrounded by guitars, became my home office. Music is just another language. It has movement, texture, accents, and tells a story. The lines we draw on paper are similar, and the experience of entering and exploring an OA home should have those same qualities. The vibration of the strings that evokes emotion can also be felt walking through a beautiful space. At an open house recently, someone came up to me after having toured the home and said, “There are so many things taking place, so many colors, so many lines, so many finishes – and yet they are all working together. It is like walking through a symphony!” It was one of my favorite compliments because it captured so perfectly what we are trying to do.

In honor of June being our gentlemen's issue, who have stood as male role models throughout your life?

I’m lucky to have had some great gentlemen and gentlewomen in my life who’ve given me direction even when I was oblivious to it at the time. My high school ceramics teacher, John Kantar, was one of those who has loomed large. He introduced the ideas of form and function, and encouraged me to explore the medium in earnest at the U of M. Years later, on reflection, what resonates was his insistence that although we were hard at work, we could play. That notion of infusing whatever I’m working on with play has allowed me to explore what I might have otherwise missed. Work is fun. If it wasn’t, why do it?

Michael Anschel and General Manager Michelle Little.

From Design to Install: Closet Factory Has Got You Covered

Owners Doug and Theresa Williams

150% THRILLED

ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW VICK

When Edina couple Theresa and Doug Williams became owners of Closet Factory in 2021, they knew they had made the right decision.

“Our goal was to find a business where we could both use our backgrounds and have fun while working together,” Theresa said. “We looked at many opportunities and kept coming back to Closet Factory.”

The duo brings years of experience in sales, marketing, advertising and management to the company.

Closet Factory originally opened in 1997 and since then has expanded its home organization systems from closets to something for every room in the house – wall beds, laundry room cabinets, entertainment centers, pantries, garage shelves and more. The Williams’ location also has a showroom.

“People can visit our showroom and see versions of all the different spaces we design in a variety of colors and styles,” Theresa says. “We’ve really tried to make a unique guest experience. We are constantly updating our showroom with the latest designs and accessories in home organization. Accent lighting is the hot trend in closets and there are several ways to incorporate smart lighting in your space.”

To start the process of a dream closet, people can request a free in-home consultation where a designer will measure the space, inventory storage needs and help create the perfect custom solution.

“Our designers take great pride in their work,” Theresa says. “If you are creating a closet, they will ask how you fold or hang your clothes, measure how many items of each category you have and attend to all those fine little details. If you are creating or updating a home office, they ask how many files you want to store in cabinets and what computer equipment you have.”

After the collaborative design process is complete, the layout will go to Closet Factory’s in-house manufacturing shop where everything is custom made.

“We work with the highest quality materials and purchase as much as we can from Minnesota or Midwest companies,” Theresa says. “We also partner with a lot of exclusive brands to deliver superior results.”

Once the system has been fabricated, Closet Factory’s installation team will secure it safely on the customer’s wall.

“Our team from designers to installers are just incredible,” Theresa says. “We are like a family here.”

The whole team’s goal is to have each customer be 150% thrilled - not just satisfied.

“It’s incredible to see people’s faces light up after their system is installed,” Theresa shares. “It’s truly rewarding, and I want to do a fantastic job, so clients call us when they are ready for their next project.”

Now over two years as owners, the Williams’ still love what they do.

“You know it’s awesome being the owners because we can bring our dog Nemo with us every day,” Theresa explains. “When our three kids are not at college or working, they are interested in learning about the business too.”

Their children grew up in Edina and Theresa said she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Doug and I love our community,” she says. “We have amazing neighbors and our whole family has made lifelong friends in the area. I have lived in quite a few different places, but Edina is something special. Oh, and we just love the nature trails!”

The whole family has always been active in their community. The kids have played for many local sports teams and enjoyed the programs at St. Patrick’s Church. Theresa was president of the Edina Youth Softball Association and coached for years. She also served on the Edina Early Learning Center board.

For more information about Closet Factory, visit closetfactory.com or stop by the showroom located at 1991 Annapolis Lane, Plymouth.

Are

As

leading

of the invitationonly

Luxury

International ®, Fazendin Realtors is your connection to qualified buyers all around the globe. And we don’t just list your property; we actively market it and provide a tailored, strategic approach to pricing and negotiation.

Be in the know throughout your time as a homeowner. Buying, selling, and simply living - Fazendin Realtors is here for you for all things real estate.

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

JUNE 4TH

Murder on the Orient Express

GUTHRIE THEATER | 1:00 PM

Agatha Christie’s famous novel is a meditation on revenge and justice. Ken Ludwig’s adaptation for the stage streamlines the plot (inspired by the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby) and the number of characters, but it keeps the mystery and famous-if-you-know-it ending. guthrietheater.org .

JUNE 4TH

Minnesota Reptile Show

1500 PARK PLACE BLVD., MINNEAPOLIS | 10:00 AM

This is an opportunity to talk directly to reptile businesses in your area! There will be thousands of reptiles, amphibians, feeders, invertebrates, supplies and more available to the public. Bring your kids and explore the show. coldbloodedexpos.com.

JUNE 8TH

Prince Celebration

PAISLEY PARK | 10:00 AM

Join the annual gathering of Prince's family and friends to celebrate the late star's life. The celebration will feature live music, celebrity panels, in-studio recording sessions and more. paisleypark.com .

JUNE 17TH

Stone Arch Bridge Festival

MISSISSIPPI RIVERFRONT | 10:00 AM

Stone Arch Bridge Festival returns to the west side of the Mississippi River. More than 200 artists and culinary artists will participate with a broad spectrum of artistic mediums. stonearchbridgefestival.com .

JUNE 20TH

Tootsie

ORPHEUM THEATRE | 7:30 PM

This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. hennepintheatretrust.org .

JUNE 24TH

Latin Expo Fair

RECREATION OUTDOOR CENTER | 12:00 PM

The Latin Expo Fair (Expo Feria Latina) promotes Latino-owned products and services. The event will be filled with demonstrations, tastings, live music, arts and craft, raffles, prizes and more. More than a party, the event is like a family reunion full of culture and traditions. This event is free for all to attend. showtimeproductionsmn.com .

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Treat

Father’s Day is fast approaching and if you’re looking for a last-minute gift idea, here is a list of some epic presents – smiles included.

1. All-Purpose Performance Calf Socks

Whether you’re running, hiking or perfecting your golf swing – Bombas has socks for that. Their All-Purpose Performance Socks are designed to keep your feet cool, dry and always comfortable.  bombas.com

2. Flat Braided Leather Belt

Classic preppy braided leather belt with adjustable metal buckle closure and embossed logo. Vineyardvines.com.

3. Rails Cruz Short in Copen Blue

This military-inspired short with a specially developed vintage wash finish has the perfect rugged-cool look and soft, lived-in hand feel. sergeandjane.com .

4. Stretch Riviera Short Sleeve Shirt

This shirt is a best seller for a reason. A few reasons, actually: original prints, comfy stretch and a better fit. bonobos.com

5. Ultimate Grilling Spice Set

Inspired by profound flavors from around the world, Thoughtfully’s spice rubs, seasonings and salts are just what you need to host the perfect party. amazon.com.

6. Viking Revolution Beard Care Kit

This ultimate beard care kit contains a wooden boar hairbrush, double-sided pocket comb, unscented care oil, styling balm and scissors in a sleek metal tin. amazon.com.

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celebrate in style

Bring the taste of Kowalski’s to your next party or event. Whether outdoors or in, elegant or casual, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call today and we’ll help you plan the perfect menu.

651-313-6870

kowalskis.com