Waconia, MN October 2023

Lymphatic Drainage: Pre + Post-Op Head + Neck Trauma

Detox + Drainage Protocols: Parasites, Mold, Lyme, Heavy Metals Frequency Healing: Naturally Balance your Emotions

The Food Issue

First, I want to introduce myself as the new Publisher of Waconia City Lifestyle. Amy Janzen successfully launched it about a year ago, and we’re thrilled she will continue with the magazine in community relations along with other team members, writers, and photographers who have made Waconia City Lifestyle such a beautiful magazine. I’ve been publishing Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle for a while now and am excited to bring the ideas and what I’ve learned to Waconia with the goal of growing and expanding the magazine in the coming months. Now, on to this October issue!

With the changing seasons comes a change in what we crave, and with fall, that often means comfort food. October is our most delectable issue of the year, filled with some of our favorite foods around town.

When I think of fall, I remember all those autumn days busy with my apple trees. It was really my first business, and with 28 trees in our yard, I had enough apples to support much more than our family’s needs. After all, how much apple sauce, apple pie, and apple crisp can one consume? So, at an early age, with a little help from my dad’s sprayer and a lot of tree trimming by me, I began selling my apples to produce managers at the local Lunds, Red Owl, and SuperValu stores by the bushel. I remember selling them for a dollar more to Lunds because I figured they could afford it.

In this issue, I harken back to those days with a new apple story to share as we take a tour of LuceLine and Minnetonka Orchard. We also let you know what’s new in Waconia with local experiences and the popular business monthly sections. We share our favorite cookbooks to elevate your meals and delve into savory culinary creations perfect for fall.

Finally, our main feature highlights a few fantastic local spots that do the food thing just right.

The aroma of certain spices and foods can bring us right back to our childhood, which can be incredibly powerful and comforting. Food brings us all together, and whether we share a meal with loved ones or enjoy a night out on the town, the time spent while enjoying food is invaluable. As always, thanks for reading, and we’ll see you around town!

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Dave Robertson | dave.robertson@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lauren Beaubaire | lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

Amy Janzen | amy.janzen@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Lynlee Critz | lynlee.critz@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Natalie Fox | natalie@nataliefinazzofox.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Maria Benedict | mariaclairephotography@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emily McKeever, Kendra Beneke, Linda Ditch, Angela Broockerd, and Graham Johnson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Janie Jones and Natalie Finazzo Fox

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Evan Duevall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

DAVE

ROBERTSON, PUBLISHER & TERRITORY LEADER @WACONIACITYLIFESTYLE

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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

1: Gratitude abounds for the Event Leadership Team in their dedication to ensuring a successful event at Relay for Life. 2: The 2023 Relay for Life Honorary Survivors, Stephanie DeYoung and Carl Pierson. 3: Events at the fair are fun and can be educational. Take cattle shows for example!

4: Love ‘em or hate ‘em, rides for every age and thrill level awaited visitors. 5: Members of the Waconia Football Team came out in support of this worthy cause. 6: The best 5 days of summer = The Carver County Fair! 7: UTV races tore up the grandstand with thrills and heart-stopping moves!

DestinationWaconia org

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

BUY SELL TRADE

Waconia High School has a new Activities Director!

Exciting news for Waconia High School as they welcome Bucky Mieras as the new Activities Director! Mieras comes from Orono schools where he’s held a variety of roles such as health and physical education teacher, dean of students, and activities director. “Bucky’s experience in Orono – a district with a lot of similarities to Waconia – will allow him to hit the ground running here,” Waconia High School Principal Paul Sparby shared. Welcome to Waconia!

NEW: SPECIALTY & PREOWNED COLLECTION

J. Carver Distillery announces first release of new bourbon whiskey

J. Carver Distillery recently announced the first release of their J. Carver 7-Year

Brickyard Straight Bourbon Whiskey! Yet another fine spirit coming out of J. Carver with its distinctive flavors derived from grains only Minnesota can offer. This first release produced 1,111 bottles which were all handcrafted on-site in Waconia. This is a well-aged whiskey that they can’t wait for you to come in and try. Cheers to J. Carver Distillery!

Photography: J. Carver Distillery

Scan to read more.

Bode Gray’s wins silver award for best new restaurant

Each year the Star Tribune celebrates the restaurants and local businesses we all love by presenting ‘Minnesota’s Best’ awards. Hundreds of thousands of votes are cast for everything from best beauty salon to best bloody mary and… drum roll, please… Waconia’s own Bode Gray’s received a silver award in the best new restaurant category for 2023! Next time you’re in, be sure to congratulate them on this well-deserved win!

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heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Waconia

Every Step of the Way

Photography: Bode Gray’s

local experiences

Our community is brimming with incredible food and drinks to indulge in and we’ve selected some of our picks that you must experience for yourself. Bon appetit and cheers!

WACONIA BREWING COMPANY: Sweet Wink's loves Waconia Brewing Company! You can find our truck there a few times a month so stop in for a sandwich and beer.  255 West Main Street Waconia, MN

SCHROEDER MEATS: Looking for quality meat? Schroeder Meats is the place to go. Sweet Wink’s loves serving their quality meats from our truck. 17425

62nd St New Germany, MN

THE BUTCHERS DELI: Check out The Butcher’s Deli in Victoria for an amazing burger! It's a butcher’s shop, deli, and liquor store all in one.  1550 Arboretum Blvd Victoria, MN

AGAVE MEXICAN RESTAURANT: Agave Mexican Restaurant in Mayer is our favorite for amazing Mexican food. Check out their awesome (and delicious) specials. 421 Ash St N , Mayer, MN

THE MAIN SCOOP: We love buying our staff ice cream from The Main Scoop. We're a group who loves our ice cream and theirs is so refreshing.

140 West Main Street Waconia, MN

Scan for more photos and the full list.

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Matt Winkelman | @sweetwinksfood

Hello, I am Matt Winkelman, owner of Sweet Wink’s Food Truck out of Mayer, MN. Food has always been a passion of mine, but coming out of college I went the youth ministry route. In 2021, with the support of my family, I decided to follow my passion for food and start Sweet Wink’s. We love pulling up to local breweries with the truck and having a presence at private events (we cater!) In our free time, we enjoy sitting on our front patio and hanging with our neighbors as well as checking out new breweries in the great state of MN.

to do in

EATING LOCAL

ARTICLE BY KENDRA BENEKE

A DELECTABLE EXPEDITION THROUGH THE AREA’S CULINARY TREASURES

Winchester & Rye

A vast history encompasses Winchester & Rye, a refined restaurant and whiskey lounge in Victoria. From the restaurant’s namesake to the building’s past, a visit to this incredible restaurant means great food, phenomenal whiskey, and a memorable story.

Owners Kim and Kevin Heenie opened Winchester & Rye in 2019 after remodeling the more than 100-yearold former Victoria Creamery building. Kim and Kevin looked to their own pasts when naming the restaurant. Kevin’s grandfather was a well-known gunsmith associated with Winchester, and Kim’s great-grandparents made rye-and-corn whiskey during prohibition.

The fascinating history of Winchester & Rye isn’t the only thing that makes the restaurant special. A unique food and drink menu sets it apart from other restaurants in the area.

From the favorite wood-fired pizzas to the Sweaty Betty Burger and the Eddie Burger, the menu offers plenty of comfort foods and a chance to branch out with something new.

Similarly, the drink menu offers a wide selection of cocktails (and mocktails), wine and beer. Distilleries and breweries like J. Carver Distillery, Enki Brewing, and Waconia Brewing Co. lend a local flair to the menu.

Winchester & Rye has already claimed a lasting spot in the community. In 2022, they were voted best in family dining in Carver County and named Minnesota’s Best bronze winners for best Manhattan and Old Fashioned.

If you’re one of the few people who hasn’t already claimed Winchester & Rye as your new go-to spot, plan a night out to experience some of the best Victoria has to offer. winchesterandrye.com

Iron Tap

Iron Tap just celebrated its eight-year anniversary, and if you ask owner Greg James, consistency is the key to success.

A little more than eight years ago, Greg and his wife wanted to share their love of restaurants and craft beer with the city of Waconia. So they created Iron Tap to provide a dining experience that Waconia was “desperately lacking at the time.”

A huge part of Iron Tap’s success can be traced back to its expansive selection of craft dishes. “We have a nice variety that focuses on craft food. Everything is made in-house. It ranges from street tacos to smashburgers. We have salads and pastas. We do a little bit of everything that focuses on really good craft, comfort food,” Greg says.

Some of Iron Tap’s most popular dishes include the Zen Smashburger (double Kobe beef patties topped with American cheese, fried onions, and pickles) and the Adult Mac & Cheese (Cavatappi noodles tossed in a barbeque sauce topped with smoked pulled pork, poblano peppers and grilled onions).

Iron Tap prides itself on sourcing ingredients and meat locally from farmers. “We just try to do everything authentic and real,” says Greg.

In addition to the food, one of Iron Tap’s biggest draws is its 30+ rotating Minnesota draft beers. The selection is not something you’ll find anywhere else, and every winter, Iron Tap offers an exclusive Beer Club you can join to get the most out of their draft beer selections. They also offer Burger & Beer nights every Tuesday. If you’re not much of a beer drinker, Iron Tap boasts a great cocktail and wine list as well.

After eight years, Iron Tap has become a staple for many Waconia residents, and several staff members have been with the restaurant since day one. After all, consistently good food, beer, and service can be hard to find, and with Iron Tap, “people know what they’re getting at a good price and great service,” Greg says. irontapmn.com

Bode Gray’s

From a respected VFW to a beloved Italian-fare restaurant and speakeasy, Bode Gray’s and the Brass Hat provide an environment and menu previously non-existent in Waconia.

“The idea came about when my partner Jared DeWolf and I wanted to bring a different, unique style of restaurant and speakeasy to Waconia. We wanted to fill a gap and add another dining option — artisan pizza,” shares Greg James, co-owner of Bode Gray’s and the Brass Hat.

The Italian-fare restaurant — which opened in February — is located at the site of the old VFW. For Bode Gray’s to open, Greg and Jared renovated the building to create a unique environment that blends old and new.

As an homage to the old building, Bode Gray’s offers a pizza called the “VFW Meat Raffle” that incorporates red sauce, pepperoni, fennel sausage, Canadian bacon, grande mozzarella, and Parmigiano.

And while the pizza may be a customer favorite, Bode Gray’s also delivers a wide selection of other menu items.

From Wagyu steak to grilled trout and some gluten-sensitive options, you’ll be sure to find something you love.

In addition to their dinner options, Bode Gray’s has brunch every Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 am with a variety of cocktails and menu items. Or, if you’re looking for a cozy night in, treat yourself to takeout, just call in to place your order.

While the food is phenomenal, a place that doubles as a speakeasy could never forget about the drinks. Located directly below Bode Gray’s is the Brass Hat speakeasy. The sleek, dimly lit bar takes you back in time and offers a different selection of cocktails, wine, and craft beer than what you’ll find at Bode Gray’s.

“The craft cocktails, I would put them up there with some of the best in the area, if not the best,” Greg says.

And finally, what is dinner without a show? The Brass Hat often has live music and is planning some comedy shows in the near future. For your next night out, enjoy an unforgettable evening at the newest go-to restaurant in Waconia. bodegrays.com

Buddy Boy Fine Barbeque

Buddy Boy Fine Barbeque began 20 years ago with a small roadside smoker and later evolved into a food truck that owners Joe and Jennifer Cox traveled across the country with. It wasn’t until 2010 that Buddy Boy became what it is today: a place to gather with friends and family and enjoy a real taste of Minnesota.

Located in Minnetrista, Buddy Boy offers more than your typical barbeque joint. The restaurant features a full wood-fired menu, including slow-smoked barbeque (brisket, beef ribs, pork, and chicken), wood-fired steaks, burgers and pork chops, and wood-oven walleye. The menu also boasts a variety of pasta and rice dishes, as well as salads and many gluten-free and vegetarian options.

But the best part about Buddy Boy’s wood-fired menu is where it all comes from. “Buddy Boy serves the best of what Minnesota ranchers and farmers have to offer. We receive Minnesota-grown goods daily. We have great relationships with Minnesota Grown, Minnesota Farmers Union, and local vendors,” Joe says.

Buddy Boy has become a destination spot for its barbeque and prime beef brisket. Don’t believe me? The restaurant typically goes through 150 heads of cattle every three days for brisket. If that’s not the sign of a popular restaurant, then I don’t know what is.

In addition to delicious barbeque, Buddy Boy offers live music during the summer on Fridays and Saturdays and is planning music festivals on the 20 acres the restaurant sits on for the future. This winter, you’ll also be able to enjoy an outdoor winter ice bar.

Aside from the delicious food and lively events, Buddy Boy “is a place to gather with family and friends celebrating and meeting and getting to know strangers at the tables next to you,” Joe says. “Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us over the last 20 years. We hope to be a blessing to the community for many more.” buddyboybarbeque.com

In the early 1980s, then-teenager Marc Huebner developed a love for food while living and traveling across Europe, eventually leading to a stint on the Food Network and the inception of The Noble Lion in 2017.

“I just wanted to create something that I liked. And I traveled a lot to Europe, New York, San Francisco, and I always liked finding those little neighborhood restaurants that all the locals hung out in, and that’s kind of what I wanted to emulate,” Marc says.

A blend of European and Midwestern fare, The Noble Lion incorporates a variety of made-from-scratch menu items that will leave your mouth watering.

Two to three times a year, the menu at The Noble Lion is updated to reflect seasonal items such as the customer-favorite Pan Seared Halibut that includes fresh Alaskan Halibut, seasonal risotto, and beurre blanc. Another unique seasonal addition to the menu occurs in the summer when The Noble Lion runs specials with locally foraged mushrooms.

However, some menu items are so popular they’re never removed from the menu, like the beloved Scallops and Bacon. “Our menu is quite varied. We’re not a singular cuisine. Our variety really gives people choices,” Marc says.

While The Noble Lion often receives accolades for the food, Marc says it is the staff that truly makes the restaurant special. “Everybody’s friendly, everybody’s humble.”

And that carries over to the Lion’s Den speakeasy just behind The Noble Lion. A craft cocktail-oriented bar, the Lion’s Den features the same great cocktail and wine menu as The Noble Lion but has a few more options for beer on tap and now offers The Noble Lion’s full menu at the Lion’s Den.

Located in Victoria, The Noble Lion is a friendly, casual neighborhood eatery that you’ll want to return to again and again. thenoblelion.com

The Noble Lion

“I just wanted to create something that I liked. I traveled a lot to Europe, New York, San Francisco, and I always liked finding those little neighborhood restaurants all the locals hung out in, and that’s what I wanted to emulate.”

Pangea Cafe

Awarded “Best in Show” at The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s Taste and Toast event in 2022, Pangea Cafe has been a staple in the Waconia community for years.

A combination of locally-sourced breakfast and lunch items as well as a premier catering service are exactly what Waconia needed when Pangea opened its doors nine years ago.

While Pangea offers a wide variety of dishes, the breakfast menu is the real star of the show. With a selection that includes french toast, skillets, omelets, eggs benedict, and more, Pangea can fulfill your savory or sweet tooth cravings seven days a week.

Some breakfast favorites that customers tend to go crazy for are the 3-2-1 (one meat, two eggs, hash browns, and choice of toast), the Cakes & Eggs (three buttermilk pancakes and two eggs) and the fresh brown sugar oatmeal with a choice of fruit.

If breakfast isn’t your forte, Pangea offers a mix of lunch options, from salads and tacos to deli and “from the grill” sandwiches. A great selection of wine,

cocktails, and rotating seasonal draft beers from local breweries are the perfect addition to lunch too.

What makes Pangea’s breakfast and lunch menus so special is their use of local ingredients such as cheeses, eggs, and dairy products. “At Pangea Cafe, we make sure that we purchase the fittest local goods for our customers so they can enjoy fresh food products that were produced by local farmers,” their website states.

Another unique feature of Pangea Cafe was started when Executive Chef and Owner Lance Hamlin — after spending 20 years in the catering industry — was inspired to start his own catering company that would provide quality food and create an enriching experience for customers. L&L Catering provides exceptional food from birthdays and graduations to weddings and business meetings.

So whether you’re looking to visit Pangea Cafe for their locally-sourced, premier breakfast and lunch or plan an event with L&L Catering, you’ll find their motto of “bringing good food and people together” couldn’t be more true. pangeacafemn.com

Lola’s Lakehouse

At Lola’s Lakehouse, the culture has been a defining factor in the restaurant’s success since its inception in 2008. From the incredible fresh seafood prepped daily to the cleanliness in the kitchen and the welcoming staff, Lola’s is one restaurant you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.

What sets Lola’s apart from other restaurants in the area is “our access and ability to create fresh seafood on a daily basis in the town of Waconia that is far — west or east — from any coast, is quite something, and we do it really well and take a lot of pride in it,” says Executive Chef Evan Freeberg.

With menu options such as the Chilean Sea Bass, a customer favorite, or the Shrimp and Lobster Risotto, Evan’s favorite, each seafood dish is prepared fresh to order and exactly as you want it. Additionally, Lola’s presents specials every weekend that give customers a chance to branch out and try something more adventurous.

While Lola’s specializes in fresh seafood, the restaurant also features pizzas, salads, steaks, sandwiches and more. “We really want everyone to be able to come here and have something that they say, ‘wow, that was amazing,’ whether you like seafood or not,” Evan says.

Lola’s also boasts a rotating drink menu with plenty of options from local distilleries and breweries such as J. Carver Distillery and Waconia Brewing Co.

With unparalleled views of Lake Waconia, Lola’s is the perfect place to plan a mid-day lunch or a night out. The restaurant occasionally hosts live music, but the real draw is the welcoming staff. “We have this culture of people wanting to make good food and wanting to give people the best experience when they’re here,” shares Evan.

So whether you’re a seafood lover or not, Lola’s is the perfect place to visit for incredible food and mesmerizing views. lolaslakehouse.com

Photo by Natalie Finazzo Fox

Photo by JUX Agency

An Apple a Day

How two local orchards are helping families cultivate treasured traditions

ARTICLE BY GRAHAM JOHNSON

Visiting apple orchards in the fall is a time-honored Minnesota tradition. It ranks next to lakeside cabins and the State Fair as hallmarks of our year. As the leaves begin to turn and the days grow shorter, if you find yourself craving an apple cider doughnut or feel the need to pluck Honeycrisps from branches, here are two highlighted orchards where you can do just that.

LUCELINE ORCHARD

LuceLine Orchard sits just alongside the LuceLine trail, southwest of Watertown. Owned and started by Rich Pawelk and Terri Traen Pawelk in 2004, LuceLine

Orchard, as it exists today, was never a set plan. Terri says, “We didn’t buy this place with the intent for it to be an orchard. It just kind of morphed, fell into place, or was meant to be.” In 2007, the couple planted the first 300 apple trees, and in 2009, they planted an acre of grapes. Now, LuceLine Orchard boasts more than 10,000 apple trees and six acres of vineyards. There’s a lot to do at LuceLine. Beyond the gardens and trails spanning the 200-acre orchard, LuceLine has a beer garden, pub and grill, petting zoo, 30-acre corn maze, and all kinds of local products from honey to syrup tapped just off the LuceLine trail. A key part of LuceLine

LuceLine Orchard

LuceLine Orchard

Minnetonka Orchard

Minnetonka Orchard

Orchard’s calendar is its focus on live music. And if you’ve met Terri or maybe simply recognized her voice, that is unsurprising.

Before coming to LuceLine, Terri worked at KQRS in Minneapolis for more than thirty years. Her morning show was the number one show in the country, several of them. Now, she leverages that PR experience to bring live music to the orchard. About making the jump from a radio skillset to an orchard, Terri shares, “This was completely different, but then it’s not. It’s very similar in some ways.”  Bands coming to LuceLine in November include Emerson Avenue, The JustUs Band, Olivia Roosa, and The Stand Ups.

The farmhouse and barn that Rich and Terri turned into LuceLine Orchard was built in 1907. Being more than a century in age required some serious renovations to both structures.

What has been surprising about opening the orchard, however, has been crossing paths with people who used to live there long before Rich and Terri bought the place. While there have been several, a notable example was a woman who celebrated her ninety-fifth birthday at LuceLine Orchard. She had lived at the farm in the 1930s and 1940s when she had been a schoolteacher in Hutchinson. “When she first saw the barn, she teared up because she thought it would have been torn down,” says Terri. lucelineorchard.com

MINNETONKA ORCHARD

Minnetonka Orchard is another wellloved fall destination for apple picking. Located west of Orono on County Road 26, Minnetonka Orchard has more than ten varieties of apples available to pick across its forty acres.

Minnetonka Orchard sets itself apart by staying open through the Christmas season. The orchard opens for the Christmas season Thanksgiving weekend for a full calendar of Santa and Grinch visits, Live Christmas tree sales, and a gift barn.

A specific focus of Minnetonka Orchard is tradition. “People come here with their kids and now with their grandkids,” says Crystal Madsen, the manager of Minnetonka Orchard.

Many have been coming for years and don’t want the traditions that they once did to change. Favorites include Minnetonka Orchard’s apple cider doughnuts as well as the now-famous ‘How Tall This Fall?’ sign. “Simple things like a ‘How Tall This Fall’ sign, a Minnetonka Orchard sign with a ruler, hold a special place for visitors. People have been coming out to measure their kids with it for years. It’s just a staple here,” says Crystal.

So, whether you are returning to a long-loved orchard or venturing out to a new one, apple picking or kicking back for a picnic within the groves is a time-honored way to celebrate the season. minnetonkaorchardmn.com

“Simple things like a ‘How Tall This Fall’ sign, a Minnetonka Orchard sign with a ruler, hold a special place for visitors. People have been coming out to measure their kids with it for years. It’s just a staple here.”

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP ® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP ® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. Thrivent is the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Insurance products issued by Thrivent. Not available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., a registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC, and a subsidiary of Thrivent. Licensed agent/producer of Thrivent. Registered representative of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. Thrivent.com/disclosures. Thrivent provides advice and guidance through its Financial Planning Framework that generally includes a review and analysis of a client’s financial situation. A client may choose to further their planning engagement with Thrivent through its Dedicated Planning Services (an investment advisory service) that results in written recommendations for a fee. Insurance products, securities and investment advisory services are provided by appropriately appointed and licensed financial advisors and professionals. Only individuals who are financial advisors are credentialed to provide investment advisory services. Visit Thrivent.com or FINRA’s BrokerCheck for more information about our financial advisors.

Cooking with Fresh Herbs

SAVORY CULINARY CREATIONS PERFECT FOR THE FALL PALATE

If you’re not fully ready for cold weather yet, first off, you’re not alone, and secondly, these are the perfect recipes for you. These garlic herb butter and chimichurri recipes are a great way to hold onto the freshness of summer while transitioning into those more savory and cozy fall dishes. Plus, herbs are one of the few plants that can more easily be kept alive indoors during the winter!

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Garlic Herb Butter

This butter is versatile and goes with just about anything. You can use this on top of bread, popcorn, veggies, as a sandwich spread, and more.

ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon herb of your choice (dill, basil or oregano are my go-to herbs.)

• 1 clove garlic, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• cracked pepper to taste

directions:

1. Add all ingredients in a food processor (or mix by hand in a bowl). Transfer butter mixture on parchment paper or plastic wrap.

2. Cover butter tightly and roll into a log. Place in refrigerator until firm. Enjoy!

Chimichurri

Chimichurri is a condiment that can be used on endless things, and can be enjoyed as a sauce or dip. Serve over fish, chicken, vegetables or with crackers.

ingredients:

• 1/2 cup olive oil (or flax oil for added omega 3 nutrition)

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice as an alternative)

• 1/2 cup-1 cup fresh parsley, chopped finely

• 1/4 cup fresh basil or fresh cilantro

• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small red chilies or 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or italian seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt

• pepper to taste

directions:

1. Chop fresh herbs finely and add to a bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix.

2. Chill for 1-2 hours.  Enjoy!

Fast and Fabulous Eats

Cookbook picks for your busy fall

ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER

A wide range of emotions come forth in the fall as crisp air kisses the skin and the leaves start their transformation from curbside eye candy to a coveted position in the biggest leaf pile on the block. Cozy. Comfort. Nostalgia. A little overwhelmed. Some melancholy. And if you’re a true midwesterner, hunger for a satisfying meal after a summer full of salads taking center stage.

No matter if you have a house full of kids, fur babies make up your crew or there’s a revolving door of grandkid spoiling at your house, this time of year is busy. Coupled with the eagerness to enjoy everything this enchanting season brings, it can be hard to keep up. Not to mention filling the bellies of those you care for isn’t always easy, regardless of the season. Taco Tuesday can only disguise itself as Mexican Food Monday or Fiesta Friday so many times before your people rebel and reach for the nearest box of cereal.

What if you, rocking your best flannel of course, could set yourself up for success with a new cookbook to prepare for those nights when you just “can’t.” In addition to saving yourself time and angst, keep it interesting and add a few new meals to your repertoire! How do Chicken Romano Meatballs or Ultimate Creamy Mac

and Cheese (4 ways!) sound? Instead of spending your precious fall trying to fit it all in, let these cookbooks take a little pressure off, providing you with all the coziness, comfort, and contentment you deserve. Then, because no well-rounded fall meal is complete without one, toss a pumpkin-spiced latte on the side.

1. The Home Cook: Recipes to Know by Heart: A Cookbook by Alex Guarnaschelli

2. The Well-Plated Cookbook by Erin Clarke

3 Everyday Dinners: Real-Life Recipes to Set Your Family Up for a Week of Success: A Cookbook by Jessica Merchant

4 Weeknight Gourmet Dinners: Exciting, Elevated Meals Made Easy by Meseidy Rivera

5 Dinner, Uncomplicated: Fixing a Delicious Meal Every Night of the Week by Claire Tansey

6 The Modern Proper: Simple Dinners for Every Day by Holly Erickson and Natalie Mortimer

LEARN MORE: We’re all ears (and taste buds!) We’d love to see your cooking creations. Did you enjoy making them? What’s on your top 5 cookbook list? Let’s dish! Tag us at #waconiacitylifestyle with a photo of your dish or find us on Facebook! We can’t wait to see what you make!

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

STYLISH SOIREE

ELEGANT BUT CASUAL GATHERING

Autumn is a lovely season to have friends and family over for dinner. Why not host an elegant but casual gathering before the holiday craziness begins? A table setting of white dishes, woven placemats, copper utensils, and linen napkins decorated with succulent or herb clippings creates a stylish atmosphere conducive to conversation and enjoyment. This simple menu will allow you to host a stress-free evening.

CHEESE BOARD

While your guests enjoy a pre-dinner glass of wine or cocktail, set out a cheese board for them to nibble on. It is much simpler to assemble than a full-on charcuterie board. The basic rule is to offer three types of cheese—one blue (stilton, Roquefort, gorgonzola), one hard (cheddar, gruyere, manchego), and one soft (brie, camembert, Port Salut). Feel free to add olives, nuts, and grapes to the board, or just keep it simple like this one pictured with slices of artisan bread, crackers, and breadsticks.

ROASTED BEET SALAD

STEAK RUB

• 6 medium beets

• Olive oil, for drizzling

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 bag of salad greens

• 1/4 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped

• 2 ounces of goat or feta cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots

• Favorite vinaigrette dressing

Coat the beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place on a baking sheet. Roast in a 400-degree oven for 45 minutes until fork tender. Cool for 10 minutes, and then rub with paper towels to peel. (Beet juice stains, so be careful.) Cut the beets and toss with the remaining ingredients.

The dinner’s main event is a lovely piece of beef seasoned with a this spice rub. Use a steak of your choice grilled or seared in a cast iron skillet.

• 3 parts brown sugar

• 3 parts smoked sea salt

• 1 part smoked paprika

• ½ part coriander

• ½ part chili powder

• ¼ part cayenne pepper

• ¼ part dried thyme

• ¼ part cracked pepper

Mix all spices and apply liberally to the beef. Place the seasoned meat in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before grilling or searing.

Recipe by Linda Ditch

Recipe by Chef Eric Carter

THE FLAVOR OF FALL

Apples are the trademark fruit of fall, and with the many varieties to choose from, there is an apple that is sure to please any palate. They can be included in both sweet and savory dishes and are delicious and incredibly healthful. We all have heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While they aren’t a cure-all, apples are packed full of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins and fiber. Make the most of autumn’s best produce and the flavors of fall with these simple recipes.

APPLE GALETTE WITH CARAMEL DRIZZLE

Easier than pie but with all the same textures, this gooey warm dessert is sure to please. For simplicity, this can be made with a premade crust.

INGREDIENTS:

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups flour

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/4 cup iced cold water

Filling:

• 2 apples, peeled and sliced into thin slices

• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Caramel sauce

• Optional: 1/4 chopped walnuts or pecans

INSTRUCTIONS:

Crust:

(Note: If running short on time, store bought crust works great, too.)

Mix flour, salt and sugar together in a bowl. Cut in the butter. Add water and mix until moistened. Lightly knead the dough and then form into a ball. Next, flatten dough into a thick circular form and refrigerate for one hour.

Filling: Mix the apples, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar together in a bowl.

Assemble and Bake:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into a circle and set on parchment paper. Arrange apples in center of dough, leaving about one inch of space for the edges. Fold crust over the apples and press to seal edges. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans or walnuts. Bake for 35 minutes. Serve with caramel sauce and ice-cream.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

ELEVATED GRILLED CHEESE

This take on the classic grilled cheese is sure to satisfy your fall cravings. With the combined flavors of savory and sweet, it packs a punch for your taste buds.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 red onion, sliced

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Sliced sourdough bread

• 1-2 tablespoons butter

• 4 ounces Brie, sliced

• Fig jam, or preferred choice of jam

• 1 Granny smith apple, sliced

• Arugula

• Thinly sliced ham, optional

INSTRUCTIONS:

Heat olive oil in the skillet and add sliced onions. Cook for a few minutes and then add brown sugar. Sauté until soft. Set aside. Butter the outside of the sourdough bread. Next, spread jam on the inside of both slices. Add cheese, apples, onions and arugula. If using meat, add as well. Top with slice of bread and grill on skillet until both sides are toasted and cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy!

events

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

OCTOBER 12TH-22ND

Tour the Scarecrows of Waconia PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES IN WACONIA

The Scarecrow Tour in Waconia has earned its spot on the top of many fall bucket lists. Hosted by the Waconia Chamber of Commerce, this fun activity is one that’ll delight the entire family. Pick up a map/ballot here https://www.destinationwaconia.org/events/chamber-hosted-community-events/scarecrows-tour/ then plan your tour. Vote for your favorite and drop it at any participating business. May the best scarecrow win!

OCTOBER 14TH

2nd Annual Fall Festival

GATHER & GROW WACONIA FOOD SHELF | 12:00 PM-3:00 PM

Don’t miss the 2nd Annual Fall Festival at Gather & Grow Waconia Food Shelf! This event is all about giving back to the community, connecting with neighbors, and showing gratitude to past clients. Bring a donation (food or monetary) to the food shelf and receive a pumpkin! There will be a costume contest, photo booth with professional fall-themed pictures by Jamie Joos, delectable samples from local restaurants and food trucks, a bouncy house, face painting, music, and much more.

OCTOBER 19TH

A Fun Evening of Safety and Self-Defense at Less Than Lethal Event

STOCK AND BARREL | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM

Learn situational awareness, handgun safety, and self-defense skills at the Less Than Lethal event! Hosted by Freedom Financial Group and Stock and Barrel in Chanhassen, enjoy an evening of education, food, and shooting practice for ages 10 and up (with a parent/guardian). The event is free and spots are limited. RSVP to Melissa Bobka or Liz Walker at Melissa.Bobka@thrivent.com or Elizabeth.Walker@thrivent.com, or call (952)-442-8461.

OCTOBER 21ST

Chili & Bonfire Fest - Sovereign Estate

SOVEREIGN ESTATE | 12:00 PM

Chili? Bonfires? Wine? You can’t paint a more perfect fall day. Cozy up in your favorite sweater for an event filled with delicious food, smooth wine, and great music at Sovereign Estate. Buying tickets in advance is highly recommended. Grab them here https://www.sovereignestatewine.com/events and enjoy everything that makes fall fun!

OCTOBER 26TH

The Grater Good Cheese and Wine Pairing – Halloween

SCHRAM VINEYARDS | 6:00 PM

Leave the monsters at home, grab your ‘boo crew’, and head to Schram Vineyards on October 26th from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm when The Grater Good hosts a Halloween-themed wine and cheese pairing class. We’re talking spooky names, haunted vibes, and colored-themed combos. After all, adults deserve Halloween treats too! Get your tickets here: https://www.schramvineyards.com/events.

OCTOBER 29TH

Haunted Hustle 5K at Bayview Elementary

BAYVIEW ELEMENTARY - WACONIA | 9:00 AM

WooOOooo…the Spooky Woods and Death-Defying Hills trails are waiting for you at the Haunted Hustle 5k. Ghosts and goblins 6th grade through age 99 start at 9:00 am at Bayview Elementary and 5th grade and under will start at 9:45 am. Prizes will be awarded for the best costume in each race! For more info, visit www.communityed.org

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