Live, Laugh, Love and EAT!
Food….what can I say? Without it, we wouldn’t be here. I was born at about 12:15pm, and have always used that as a prime excuse for my healthy appetite!
Beyond human sustenance, food brings families and friends together. My favorite times growing up were on Sunday evenings, when our family would make time to be at Sunday night dinner which included catch up, sharing stories, laughing and appreciating one another’s company. Our family dinner was a regular, weekly occurrence and although I may have complained about it as a teenager – it is something I really miss.
With the changing seasons comes a change in what we are craving, and with fall that often means comfort food. October is our most delectable issue of the year, so we have included some great soup recipes you can use for those cozy nights at home.
For dining out, we tried to cover some unique stops in Minneapolis including Gia whose menu is inspired by Italy and the south of France. Bucheron is a newer neighborhood gem boasting beautiful and diverse dishes and a romantic atmosphere. Alma has been a staple for many years and is still going strong, so if you haven’t visited in a while, put this destination back on your radar. Finally, if a fancier lunch, dinner or happy hour is on the agenda, The Waterbury Restaurant has all that plus the view.
If you are looking for more of an entertainment spot, the Boardroom restaurant inside Office Golf boasts a fun menu for the whole family and you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the atmosphere and great selection of bites. The pizzas are my personal favorite and the golf simulators and games are an added bonus.
Hoping to incorporate something healthy? Wild rice might be good to add into your fall palette. We caught up with Greg Bellanger of Northland Visions. Greg has become an expert on true, native wild rice varieties and how to source the real thing.
We also found some fun foodie destinations if you plan on traveling this fall.
Food brings us all together, and whether we are sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a night out on the town, the time spent while enjoying food is invaluable.
Wishing you a fabulous fall season of dining and cooking as well as a safe and Happy Halloween, ALEXANDRA
PATTY, PUBLISHER
October 2024
PUBLISHER
Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Kassi Miranowski | kassi.miranowski@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Hannah Barricks, Alison Bailin Batz, Angela Broockerd, Sarah Knieff, David Scheller
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Matti Sprague
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
a wellness center offering holistic health care, celebrated its 13th-year anniversary with friends and family.
SuNu,
Pet Evolution Opens in St. Louis Park
Pet Evolution celebrated its grand opening in St. Louis Park in June. This location features a store with high-quality pet food and treats, full-service grooming and self-serve dog washes. Making things even more convenient, their mobile nail trim service comes right to you! Time to bring your furry friends to their new favorite destination. 5217 Excelsior Blvd. petevolution.com.
Need a Nanny?
Rachel Tepley is the owner and founder of Nurturing Nannies, which serves Minneapolis and the surrounding area. Connecting extraordinary nannies with incredible families is not just a job; it's a calling that fills her soul. Rachel helps place qualified, reliable, expert full-time and part-time nannies, sitters, special event childcare, and more. Get in touch with Nurturing Nannies at nurturingnannies.us and on Instagram @nurturing_nannies_us.
Clean Space, Clear Conscious
Two Betty's Cleaning is making a big difference in the Twin Cities - and not just when they clean your house! They only use eco-friendly and nontoxic cleansers. Plus, they're committed to providing all employees with a safe, equitable work environment and paying every employee a living wage and benefits. They're woman-owned and run, with a leadership of fierce advocates for environmental, economic and social justice. Book your cleaning quote at twobettysclean.com.
S W I TCH T HINGS
Let’s face it, humans are creatures of habit. If we find something we like, we’re going to stick with it. But this fall, the Minneapolis Lakes Lifestyle team challenges you to switch up your weekly restaurant choice and check out one of the following four incredible options (if you haven’t already). These restaurants are sure to delight everyone from the kids to the grandparents.
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CHECK OUT THESE FOUR INCREDIBLE RESTAURANTS FOR DELICIOUS BITES, COCKTAILS AND DESSERTS
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
P
ALMA BÛCHERON
Alma offers two exceptional eatery options; a dinner-only restaurant and a casual cafe. The restaurant features a nationally recognized seasonal tasting menu and is perfect for special occasions. Gluten-friendly, dairy-free and vegan options welcomed upon request. The restaurant is only open Thursday-Sunday. For more laidback dining, the cafe’s menu includes house pastries, sandwiches, signature items, coffee, wine and cocktails. It’s open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
“We maintain close relationships with our suppliers and farmers. We source local, regional and organic produce and meat raised without antibiotics or added growth hormones. Our fish is sourced from certified sustainable fisheries and farms. We feature ‘clean’ fats such as butter, ghee, olive oil, rice bran oil and freshly rendered animal fats.”
– Alma Owners Alex and Margo.
528 University Ave. SE | 612-379-4909 | almampls.com
Bûcheron, which translates to ‘lumberjack’ in French, features French-American cuisine while drawing inspiration from the skill and craftsmanship of generations of lumberjacks who worked and lived in our home state of Minnesota. In this elevated neighborhood restaurant, Bûcheron features a simple yet dynamic menu in a charming and convivial atmosphere. The restaurant team can’t wait to welcome you.
“At Bûcheron, we believe that hospitality starts with the way we treat each other and that our team is truly our family. We are committed to leading with a gracious spirit, showing up each day as professionals, and never forgetting that we’re in this industry because we love food, dining, and having a good time.” – Owner Adam Ritter.
4257 Nicollet Ave. | 612-255-5632 | bucheronrestaurant.com
GIA WATERBURY
At Gia, the food is inspired by the owners’ travels in Italy and southern France, and is driven by their passion for high-quality seasonal produce. Customers will find authentic recipes, traditional ways of cooking and a deep care for the plates they create. The duo’s aim is to create a local restaurant that outlives fashions or trends, but becomes part of the fabric of the community, a space everyone feels is theirs and will always want to come back to.
“We look forward to welcoming you, whether for a casual midweek supper, a cocktail and snack at the bar, or a blowout special occasion.” – Owners Jo and Lisa.
5555 Xerxes Ave. S | 612-274-7163 | giampls.com
Waterbury is a restaurant by Elevage Hospitality and Executive Chef Sam Collins. Featuring a coffee bar, full cocktail bar, and a full-service restaurant to meet everyone’s culinary needs morning, noon, and night. Delicious bites include breakfast tacos, pancakes, avocado toast, burritos, eggs benedict, burgers, sandwiches, pastas, salads and more. If you find yourself in Stillwater or Blaine, check out just a few of Waterbury’s sister restaurant locations. Oliver’s Blaine offers tasty treats, coffee, and lunch and dinner dishes. Feller in Stillwater features seasonal cuisine & craft cocktails inside an industrial-chic former brewery at the Lora Hotel.
“We can’t wait to welcome you.” – Chef Sam Collins.
3012 Excelsior Blvd. | 763-264-4069 waterburyhousempls.com/restaurant
CANOES, TIME-HONORED TRADITIONS AND A SEEDLING
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
By Andrew Vick
At Northland Visions, owner Greg Bellanger proudly offers hand-harvested wild rice sourced exclusively from the lakes and rivers of northern Minnesota. Northland’s wild rice is not just any rice; it is a connection to Greg’s roots, a reflection of the natural world, and a commitment to preserving the traditions of his ancestors. Unlike cultivated varieties, this wild rice is picked with care, ensuring that every grain is a testament to the artistry of nature and the expertise of those who harvest it.
Nestled within the rich ecosystems of the White Earth and Leech Lake areas, the rice is gathered in a “time-honored method that dates back generations,” according to Greg.
Picture this: two friends glide silently through a calm lake in a canoe, surrounded by lush water grasses. Equipped with nothing but two 36-inch cedar sticks called “knockers,” one friend rhythmically pulls the stalks over the canoe and strikes them twice, only knocking off the mature kernels while leaving the unripe grains to mature further. The other friend stands in back and expertly maneuvers the canoe through the tall grasses with a long pole. This delicate dance requires skill and teamwork, honoring the land and the rice in each precise movement.
After an exhilarating day of harvesting, the friends return to shore, laying out their prized catch on tarps to dry in the gentle sun. This meticulous process includes removing any unwanted debris—sticks, weeds, and the like—ensuring the purity of the harvest. The journey continues as they transfer the rice to traditional kettles, where it is gently turned over an open flame to reduce moisture content, achieving the ideal consistency for storage.
Modern methods have introduced new ways to process this precious grain, yet most remain dedicated to respecting the traditional practices that have been passed down through generations. While contemporary machinery allows for efficiency and precision, the essence of hand-harvested wild rice lies in its history and cultural significance. The rice once danced under the feet of young girls wearing new moccasins, as they rolled the grains to detach the brittle chaff—a tradition that encapsulates the spirit of community and reverence for the land.
Every batch of wild rice Northland sells bears witness to the diligence and artistry involved in its creation. From the initial
harvest to the final winnowing process, which involves tossing the rice in birch bark trays to let the wind carry away the chaff or the more modern tumbler method, each step is meticulously crafted to ensure quality and authenticity.
“Hand-harvested wild rice is a labor-intensive process and yields only about 35 to 40% of the original green weight,” Greg says. “I remember going out as a kid with my father. I would wear long sleeves and jeans even in the hot weather of August and September because it’s a real dirty process. But I didn’t mind. We had fun. We would tell jokes, pretend to tip the canoe, splash water at each other. My dad made it a great time.”
For those interested in harvesting, it does require a permit for non-tribal members, reflecting the respect for Indigenous lands. Permits and information can be obtained from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for which non-tribal lakes can be harvested from. Wild rice only grows naturally in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Canada. There are 13 different varieties.
Although Greg doesn’t hand-harvest the rice himself anymore, he still honors his roots by purchasing from the local tribes and members of White Earth and Lake Leech.
“For me and Northland, everything comes back to tradition,” Greg says. “Our store actually started when my dad would make gift baskets, mostly filled with wild rice, jellies, berry syrups, maple sugar candy and herbal teas for local companies to use as corporate gifts. The main gift was the wild rice.”
He continues, “As this took off, my dad decided to open a storefront, Northland Visions, and we started selling a much larger assortment of gifts from the Woodland and Plains tribes. But at the heart, we still sell a large variety of wild rice. My father has passed now, but I continue to honor our culture and his legacy today.”
So when one chooses Northland Visions, know that they’re savoring more than just a meal; they’re participating in a legacy. Taste the difference that true wild rice offers— hand-harvested, sustainably sourced, and deeply connected to the natural rhythms of northern Minnesota. Join Greg and his community in celebrating this exceptional grain, one that embodies the spirit of the land and the heart of our ancestors.
861 E Hennepin Ave. | 612-872-0390 northlandvisions.com
The Boardroom
I’m in Bloomington, just off 494, watching deer taking turns sipping from Nine Mile Creek. They look discontent on this dour, drizzly autumn evening. I’m sure it would comfort them to know how cozy The Boardroom is keeping me.
You seldom associate warmth with the phrase “30,000 square foot facility,” yet The Boardroom glows in its own hospitality. It is Office Golf’s full-service restaurant, which serves elevated American fare and restorative beverages in a bright, airy environment. It is a perfect spot for a date, which I am currently on with my beautiful wife, who does not play golf, and who loves it here. She says she loves being anywhere with me, but I know the truth. She specifically loves going to The Boardroom.
Why? Many reasons. The truffle tots, which we firmly believe to be the pinnacle of tot cuisine. The supreme pizza, which is only slightly more supreme than the Hawaiian pizza. The Jack Daniel’s bacon mac n’ cheese, which comprises all four of the loveliest ingredients known to man. The pretzel-crusted salted caramel brownie, which I am determined to find a way to live inside of someday. There are even salads. It’s all a far cry from the sort of food you would normally eat off of green checkerboard paper.
“Mmm-hmm, that's good booze!” Jackie Gleason said it often, and I’m sure he’d have said it here. There are cans, bottles and drafts, the last of which includes Office Golf’s exclusive OG Amber Lager. Divine. There are both primary colors of wine, as well as rosé for the true renegades. There are signature cocktails as well. I’m drinking a Fairway Fizz, which may have negated my ability to appreciate a greyhound unless it has elderflower liqueur in it.
A normal pub has one bar. Office Golf has three. Two are in The Boardroom itself: a large one for raucous
gatherings and televised sports, and a tucked-away speakeasy for intimate tête-à-têtes. The third makes the 19th hole perpetually available to indoor golfers.
I tried my hand at one of Office Golf’s 18 Trackman iO golf simulators before (during an earlier, wifeless visit). Within seconds I was transported to first tee at Bethesda Country Club, where I was blown away by how faithfully the machine interpreted my golf skills. I was exactly as bad at virtual golf as I am at the real thing.
I could practically feel the sand in my shoes by the 18th hole, which I somehow managed to reach in just under an hour. (A party of four can play a full round in about as many hours.) Such state-of-the-art yet accessible technology really opens golf’s applications. If you’re accustomed to closing big deals on the green or just palling around with your friends there, Office Golf makes it possible to be yourself all winter long.
Office Golf also makes it easy to host gatherings of all sizes. The Boardroom comfortably accommodates up to 300 guests, and has two adjacent simulator rooms to entertain them. Just let the dedicated event specialist know what the ultimate rehearsal dinner, family reunion, corporate get-together or other private party must include. You’ll find it all waiting for you on your arrival.
The date is now nearing its conclusion. I don’t dread the 10-minute drive back to Eden Prairie, and I expect to return soon. It’s hard to believe my new favorite hangout features a sport I’m so dreadful at, but that’s the beauty of Office Golf. You can ignore its signature attraction entirely and still love it here.
7807 Creekridge Cir., Bloomington | 952-324-5236 officegolf.com
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCY HAWTHORNE AND OFFICE GOLF
OFFICE GOLF: MUCH MORE THAN GOLF
Feed Your Soul
Food is exciting to cook, and satisfying to eat but is it enjoyable to read? Novels where food is prominently featured can be a veritable feast for the eyes. Food imagery, also called gustatory imagery, adds depth to a novel, providing a springboard for all kinds of descriptive and symbolic language. Different dishes can transport a reader to new regions of the world, reveal a character’s culture, or symbolically deepen the meaning of a text. So, dive into this list of autumn reads and don’t forget to save room for seconds.
ARTICLE BY HANNAH BARRICKS
Stanley Park
by Timothy Taylor
True crime fans and foodies alike will enjoy this beautifully written novel. The novel follows a Vancouver based chef, Jeremy Papier and his failing bistro. As Papier tries to hold his dreams together, his homeless father drags him into a real-life, 1940s “cold case” investigation. The novel mindfully uses the investigation as well as Papier’s commitment to locally grown foods to pay tribute to Vancouver’s landscape and history.
A Moveable Feast
by Ernest Hemingway
Published after his untimely death, A Moveable Feast is Hemingway’s memoir. A love letter to 1920s Paris and the literary movement, Hemingway charters the reader through his early years there, one cafe at a time. Along the way, familiar characters like Gertrude Stein and F. Scott Fitzgerald float in and out. This no-frills prose will stick to your ribs and leave you satisfied.
The School of Essential Ingredients
by Erica Bauermeister
Love is in the air at this Monday night cooking school. The novel follows a cast of hapless students as they are instructed in both the kitchen and in life by the school’s owner, Lillian. Lillian is the group’s fairy godmother as she hands out morsels of advice and challenges the students with advanced recipes. A cozy read, be prepared to fall in love with the decadence of the school’s dishes as well as the sweet message that lingers long after you put down the book.
The Sol Majestic
by Ferrett Steinmetz
If you love science fiction, this big-hearted, culinary space opera is sure to hit the spot. The story follows impoverished Kenna, an aspiring guru who hungrily wanders the cosmos until he wins dinner at the galaxy’s most renowned restaurant, The Sol Majestic. A novel that is both fun and thought provoking, Steinmetz uses striking food imagery to explore what truly excites the spirit.
SIP, SWIRL, AND SAVOR YOUR WAY THROUGH YOUNTVILLE, THE CULINARY HEART OF NAPA
DESTINATION DELICIOUS
Looking for a once-in-a-lifetime epicurean experience? Yountville, which is nestled into Napa County with vineyards in every direction, is a treasure trove of foodie greatness at every turn. Here is how to take a bite out of it all.
ARTICLE BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
RH YOUNTVILLE RESTAURANT
The flashy, splashy RH Yountville is hard to miss as it takes up nearly a full block along Yountville’s ultra-walkable downtown. The Restoration Hardwareowned property is a wine, food, and shopping mecca comprised of five separate experiences—an indoor/ outdoor restaurant with a glass roof surrounded by 100-year-old olive trees and adorned with dramatic crystal chandeliers; a two-story wine-tasting space with its own share of crystal chandeliers and a sleek limestone bar; a limited-production wine center; an espresso bar; and a boutique design gallery grander in scale than even its ever-so-lavish sister property at the Scottsdale Quarter in Scottsdale.
Award-winning chef Brendan Sodikoff leads the kitchen, sourcing seasonal ingredients from nearby farms and using them as inspiration for both whimsical, shareable, and New American fare, as well as twists on comfort-food classics. His team allows vegetables to shine right along with proteins, making it the perfect place for all diets. There are at least 40 wines by the glass on the menu at any given time, many from neighboring wineries. The expertly trained staff has pairing suggestions—be they wine, craft beer, or craft cocktails—for each dish, offering recommendations based on guests’ palates and preferences over trends and their personal tastes. RH.com/yountville/restaurant
TASTING ROOM TREATS
Yountville’s many wineries and vineyards toss out tradition—bellying up to a bar for a flight of wine with crackers to cleanse the palate or a basic meat and cheese board—in favor of interactive foodie fun when it comes to its tastings.
RH Yountville. Photo courtesy RH Yountville
Handwritten Wines , for example, offers a Breadand-Butter Experience. During the 90-minute seated event, guests can enjoy white truffle potato chips and Bouchon Bakery baguettes, along with multiple mouthwatering artisan butters. The butters are handmade to complement five of the winery’s most awarded varietals that are made on the Napa Valley hillside and most coveted vineyard blocks. HandWrittenWines.com
Priest Ranch , which is next door to Handwritten, boasts a Bacon and Wine Tasting. A must if you love meat and wine, the 90-minute experience marries four wines with its own bacon, each of which has been flavored with everything from honey to harissa to Italian herbs to bring out distinct notes in the wine. PriestRanchWines.com
Silver Trident Winery, across the two-lane street from Priest Ranch and Handwritten—so a one-minute walk— is home to what it calls the Potato Chip Extravaganza. True to its name, those who book this crunch-tastic tasting are treated to five types of potato chips, each sourced from a small producer. Each chip comes with a glass of wine to accompany it. The combination will take your taste buds on a magical mystery tour of flavor. SilverTridentWinery.com
JCB Tasting Salon , approximately 300 feet from Silver Trident, is home to a Caviar and Sparkling Wine Pairing. This dive into the ultimate in decadence pairs four high-end sparkling wines with four distinct artisanal caviars. Prepare for bubbly effervescence and over-the-top indulgence. JCBcollection.com
Chandon is nearly a mile from the others, but well worth the three-minute drive. During its ambitious Epicurean Experience, chef Juan Cabrera highlights the beauty of bubbles by pairing his favorites with five precisely plated works of culinary art. Chandon.com
Baldacci Family Vineyards sits at the intersection of Yountville and Stag’s Leap, and its Perfect Pairings program is just that. The nibble-heavy experience explores the science of how wine and food amplify each other, and even offers suggestions of what to pair with your personal favorite bites and sips. BaldacciVineyards.com
ROMANTIC RESORT RESTAURANTS
As one might imagine, all the accommodations in the region drip luxury, but Hotel Yountville, Bardessono Hotel and Spa, and North Block Hotel stand out, thanks in great part to their dining options.
Hotel Yountville , just steps from more than a dozen tasting rooms and boutiques and built using river rocks from the nearby Napa River, has elegance to spare—and that extends to Heritage Oak, its signature eatery. Guests in the know always arrive prior to their reservations for killer craft cocktails (and adult popsicles!) at the Y Bar before being seated for elevated comfort food infused with wine country sophistication. HotelYountville.com
Bardessono Hotel and Spa is approximately two blocks from Hotel Yountville. The striking, sprawling LEED Platinum Certified property, situated within its own vineyard, is committed to providing a lavish experience for guests and diners within a sustainable environment. Its world-renowned Lucy Restaurant & Bar—named for the Bardessono family’s matriarch—serves up craveable farm-to-fork dishes with global flair, using ingredients from the hotel’s orchards, on-site certified organic farming garden, and similarly minded farms and purveyors across the region. Bonus: The dog-friendly restaurant also has a menu for pups. Bardessono.com
North Block Hotel, which is nearly next door to RH Yountville, features all things wood-fired and wonderful at its primarily al fresco Restaurant at North Block. Beyond the gorgeous grilled main dishes, North Block is a happy hour hot spot thanks to its daily Oyster Hour, where fresh oysters are just $1, as well as a local craft beer selection and seasonally changing menu of scrumptious sourdough pizzas. NorthBlockHotel.com
CELEB CHEF SUPPER CLUB
No gourmet guide to Yountville would be complete without some stargazing. Many of the world’s most celebrated celebrity chefs sharpen their knives and showcase their skills in Yountville.
French Laundry helped put the region on the map. The prix fixe spot—named by Anthony Bourdain as the best restaurant in the world—is one of the only restaurants to hold three Michelin stars. Every dish tells a story, and every visit is unique. Founder Thomas Keller is a veteran of several Food Network shows, a staple of talk shows, and a guest judge on Top Chef. FrenchLaundry.com
Mustards Grill , a casual, yet elegant spot, is known for American fare and is named to honor Napa’s yellow mustard flowers that provide vital nutrients to the vines. The restaurant is covered in them, save for the space carved out for its organic garden. Its founder is bestselling cookbook author and Top Chef: Masters contender Cynthia Pawlcyn. MustardsGrill.com
Bottega Napa Valley excels at bold Italian flavors in a dizzyingly delicious setting complete with dreamy stone fireplaces and glass chandeliers. Emmy® award-winning chef Michael Chiarello helms Bottega, always seeking to authentically connect guests with the flavors from his family’s roots in Southern Italy. BottegaNapaValley.com
Bistro Jeanty brings the French countryside to Yountville. The brainchild of Michelin star and James Beard Award-winner Philippe Jeanty, the bistro has been a Napa staple since 1998. Today, Philippe’s daughter Camille continues his legacy, creating each menu as an homage to her father’s favorite childhood food memories from his native France, and diners taste the love in every bite. BistroJeanty.com
Bottega Napa Valley
Bistro Jeanty
SER VI NG UP S OUP
CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
This hearty chicken noodle soup is the perfect comfort food that is packed with nutritious goodness. This pairs perfectly with homemade beer bread or a sourdough loaf.
INGREDIENTS:
• 8 cups chicken broth (add more if desired)
• Whole fryer chicken, cut in chunks or shredded
• 5 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 carrots, sliced
• ½ onion diced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• ¼ cup half and half (optional)
• 1 package egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
In a large stock pot, add 8 cups of chicken broth. Dice carrots, celery and onion and add to the broth. Bring to a boil, and reduce to medium heat until the vegetables are soft. In the meantime, skin and cube 1 whole fryer chicken and add to the stock pot. Next, add egg noodles (frozen Reames homemade egg noodles are my favorite) and let boil until noodles are cooked. Add butter, half and half, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low until ready to serve.
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ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
TOMATO BASIL SOUP
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or alternatively, 1 stick butter)
• ½ cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
This classic tomato basil soup is easy and quick to make and is the perfect way to get the rustic, tangy and savory flavors of this italian dish.
DIRECTIONS:
Toss the butter or olive oil in the pan. Add onion, and saute until the onion is translucent and soft. Add minced garlic, and saute for 2 minutes. Next, add canned tomatoes and simmer. Transfer to a blender, and puree until smooth. Add the fresh basil and heavy cream. Transfer mixture back to the pan to thoroughly heat, and salt and pepper to taste. Top with fresh parmesan and chopped basil, and serve with toasted italian bread.
CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
For a healthy dose of vitamin A, enjoy this creamy soup that boasts a robust, rich butternut flavor. For an easier assembly buy pre-cut butternut squash.
INGREDIENTS:
• 6 cups cubed butternut squash
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups water
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon salt
• Pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Combine the chopped squash, onion, garlic and red pepper, and place in a large pot. Add water, and bring to a boil. Add salt and simmer for about 30 minutes. Cool and blend mixture in a blender until smooth. Transfer mixture back to pot and add heavy whipping cream and fresh thyme. Pepper to taste. Garnish with pepitas and fresh herbs.
events
THURSDAYS AND LAST FRIDAY
Storytime in the Library
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum | 10:30 AM
Head to the Anderson Horticultural Library every Thursday and the last Friday of each month for StoryTime. We'll celebrate plants and nature and foster a love for books and reading as we explore the library's vast catalog of children's books. StoryTime is included with daily ticketed admission and is recommended for ages 0-5 with a parent, but all are welcome. Visit the website to reserve gate admission. mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu.
OCTOBER 4TH - 20TH
Fall Artisan Home Tour
Twin Cities
Imagine the life you’ll love to live. Housing First Minnesota presents the Artisan Home Tour by the Parade of Homes. View the Twin Cities’ most gracious and well-appointed homes representing the vision and craftsmanship of some of the most respected and innovative homebuilders in the Metro area. artisanhometour.org.
OCTOBER 4TH - 5TH
Twin Cities Oktoberfest
MN State Fairgrounds Progress Center
Don’t miss this chance to sing Ein Prosit, and hoist a great Minnesota beer and cheer "Prost!” Plus, taste delicious German staples and local fare while enjoying entertaining bands and a traditional German dancing troupe that’ll get you grabbing a partner for polka. tcoktoberfest.com
OCTOBER 5TH - 6TH
Rivertown Fall Art Festival
Lowell Park
Located in beautiful historic downtown Stillwater, along the scenic St. Croix River and under 45 minutes from Minneapolis, a stunning fall backdrop awaits to showcase your art! To attract visitors, this event also offers a beer and wine tent, a variety of food selections, live music and entertainment. greaterstillwaterchamber.com.
OCTOBER 11TH - 13TH
Fall Color Trail Hike
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum | 9:00 AM
Be surrounded by prime fall colors while running or hiking the beautiful Arboretum trails! The 5th annual Fall Color Trail Run/Hike is staggered over three days (Oct. 11-13) to prevent overcrowding of the trails and to maximize the experience for all participants. Pick your course (1K, 5K or 10K), date and pace and experience the wonder of autumn from trails lined with stunning fall foliage. mngardens. horticulture.umn.edu.
OCTOBER 25TH - 26TH
Disney's Hocus Pocus in Concert
Orchestra Hall
Accidentally brought back to life in Salem on Halloween night, three witches, known as the Sanderson sisters, attempt to steal the life essence from the town’s children so they can have eternal life. They are outwitted by a boy named Max Dennison and his friends. Dust off your broom and zoom on down to Orchestra Hall for a night of magic and music. minnesotaorchestra.org.
