Plymouth - April 2023

Norte Café brings Colombian coffee directly to doorsteps

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APRIL/MAY 2023

In this issue, we’re focusing on homes, outdoor living and pets. “There’s beauty in every dog. That’s where I focus.” —Lisa Peterson of Pawsh Photography

DEPARTMENTS

10 — Pet Portrait

Pawsh Photography focuses on pups’ personalities.

12 — New Neutrals

Beige is back, baby!

14 — Turning Over a New Leaf

An easy houseplant guide for bringing some greenery into 2023.

FEATURES

17 — Welcome to the Table The Fox and Pantry offers coffee, cooking classes and community.

22 — Hodophile Mavrik Joos charts his own course.

TASTEMAKERS

28 — Something’s Brewing Norte Café brings Colombian coffee directly to doorsteps.

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 — Editor’s Letter

7 — Noteworthy

26 — On the Town

32 — Last Glance

Photo: Pawsh Photography

FROM THE EDITOR

MADELINE KOPIECKI — MADELINE@LOCALMEDIA.CO

When I took a cookie decorating class at The Fox and Pantry in November 2022 (page 17), I remember one of my first thoughts being, “Instagram makes this look too easy.” My feed is often inundated with reels of bakers laying down meticulous lines of royal icing and seamlessly filling everything in to stunning effect. I, on the other hand, faltered and—in my mind—fell flat. It was reassuring to have Kym Joles declare the point of the class wasn’t perfection; it was to play.

Social media tends to tout perfection: the perfectly decorated cookie, the beautifully curated garden, the perfect snapshot of a delicious dinner. During the pandemic, I picked up a few hobbies, as I’m sure many of you did. Since the pandemic, I’ve been learning to let myself enjoy the process of creation and let go of the product. It’s nice to have something turn out, be it bread, cross stitch or otherwise, but I think there’s a growing misconception that you have to be “good” or even “perfect” at your hobbies.

In college, I started decorating my space by keeping a few plants in my dorm. It was cheaper than furniture and turned an impersonal spot into something more intimate. Over the years, my collection has grown, but that growth came through trial and error. I lost a lot of plants (and I mean a lot of plants), but I learned a lot in the process. While the losses were discouraging, the lessons I learned through them became the foundation of my knowledge, which allowed me to grow my collection to the point that I’ve quite literally run out of available plant real estate at my place. (Check out our houseplant care guide on page 14).

Spring is the time of renewal and growth. This spring, I’d like to invite readers to try something new and allow yourself the chance to play. While my cookies didn’t turn out perfectly in my eyes, I found myself among a minority. My partner was nervous about eating them, insisting I save the “prettiest” for myself. My family “oohed” and “aahed” over the pictures without feeling any of my doubts.

Happy spring,

Photo: Chris Emeott

Pete Burgeson

Stiles Financial Services provides personalized services.

When Susan Stiles founded Stiles Financial Services more than two decades ago, she wanted to provide a different kind of experience for clients that was not dependent on selling product, but based on a foundation of fiduciary fee-based advisory services. Today, the boutique firm provides financial planning, portfolio customization and management, fiduciary consulting services and support all under one roof.

“That’s what sets us apart,” says Stiles, CEO and founder. “We invest the time to listen and really get to know our clients to create a personalized experience and customized deliverables.”

“We don’t outsource our services. We manage portfolios in-house and to the specifications of our clients, in conjunction with their goals,” says private wealth manager Brent Atherton, who recently joined the firm.

As fiduciary retirement plan consultants, the goal is not about volume measured by how many plans they consult, but by aligning with plan sponsors and companies that embrace the importance of working with a strategic partner, who is committed to the success of the plan for the benefit of the employees. “Many retirement plan consultants focus on volume, and the result with volume is conveyer-belt deliverables; it’s all cookie cutter. No one thinks anymore; they just regurgitate. We

have a strong proactive, service-forward approach,” Stiles says. “We are expert fiduciary consultants, functioning autonomously from vendors, which eliminates any potential conflict of interest. We sit on the same bench as our corporate plan sponsor clients and are thoughtful and strategic partners to them.”

In addition to the advisory services and engaging with clients, the team at Stiles Financial Services values community service. A few years ago, the Stiles Financial Community Service Fund was started to help local organizations focused on youth.

“I’ve worked really, really hard to build the firm to where it is today,” says Stiles, a longtime Rotarian. “I’ve always believed in giving back and helping others succeed every way that I can.”

Stiles Financial Services is a Registered Investment Advisor.

Get Grilling

LOVE IN BLOOM

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren is a beautifully written story, detailing a friendship that began with reading. The dual timeline introduces the reader to Mary and Elliot as kids living in San Francisco, building their relationship over new teenage experiences. The novel then jumps to the duo as working adults with big decisions gathering on the horizon related to work and current relationships. This is, as you guessed it, a love story that will open your heart and revive your belief in an all-consuming love.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is set in the 1960s and centers around chemist Elizabeth Zott, who doesn’t understand why the world is dominated by men. Elizabeth is unabashedly herself, speaking her mind in all circumstances. This book is told from multiple perspectives, including Zott’s lovable dog, Six-Thirty, as we watch Elizabeth’s family and career grow. Garmus expertly weaves in multiple heavy themes, leaving the reader laughing, crying and eye rolling.

Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables to grill. I like how the stalks get crispy with a little char on the ends. It is tender but still has a little crunch and a smokey flavor. Grilling asparagus couldn’t be easier, and it is delicious with just a simple drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. To take it up a notch, I like to serve it with a lemony aquafaba sauce. (Aquafaba is the liquid leftover from cooked chickpeas.) It has the consistency of egg whites, and I like to use it to make this lemony sauce that reminds me of Hollandaise.

Lemony Aquafaba

» ¼ cup aquafaba from a can of chickpeas

» 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

» 1/2 tsp. sea salt

» ⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper

» ¾ cup olive oil

Drain the can of chickpeas, reserving ¼ cup of aquafaba. Place aquafaba, lemon juice, sea salt and cayenne pepper in a mini food processor. With the food processor running, slowly add olive oil until combined. Store in a glass jar or sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Emily Maxson is a Plymouth food blogger and author of Emily’s Fresh Kitchen Cookbook For Maxson’s directions on how to grill asparagus, visit plymouthmag.com. For more recipes, visit emilysfreshkitchen.com, or follow her on Instagram @emilysfreshkitchen.

Amy Sundet and Katie Timcho are local book reviewers. They can be found on Instagram @overbookedmoms.

Photo: Belén Fleming of Belu Photography

STYLE TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT

Family photos are a great way to preserve memories with loved ones. Being a personal stylist, I have helped many families with photos. To make sure your family photo session is a success, try some of these styling tips:

» Pick a theme unique to your family. For example, if you’re big sports fans and have a favorite team, incorporate that team’s colors or jerseys into your photo. This will encapsulate your group’s unique personality and spark memories of fun times spent together.

» Pick one to three colors to thread throughout your group’s clothing choices. Think of it like a plaid blanket. Not all colors have to be the same, but having a few similar shades will help your eyes move throughout the photo and provide a unified style. Have people of special interest (like grandma, for example) in the brightest color.

» Try to avoid clothing logos. Name brands on T-shirts and jackets can be distracting and can even have reflective properties that cause glare in a photograph. This is not a good look when trying to preserve a lasting memory.

Planning a family or group photo can feel overwhelming. However, by keeping these suggestions in mind, you can make the process a little easier and make a lasting impression for years to come.

Nikki Steele is a stylist serving the Plymouth community and more. For more style tips, follow her on Instagram @nikkisteelestyle, or visit nikkisteelestyle.com.

A Refreshing Spring Sip

Can you feel it? The temperatures are starting to rise. Before you know it, you will be inviting friends and neighbors over to sit on the deck or porch to catch up on that ski trip you took or bond over the 4,000piece puzzle you put together waiting for the spring thaw.

Here’s an easy beverage that can be made with or without alcohol.

Lime Rickey

This is a favorite springtime cocktail that is very simple and refreshingly tart. It only requires three

ingredients: fresh lime juice, simple syrup and seltzer water.

Combine 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice and 4 oz. of simple syrup. Pour this into four glasses, filled with ice. Add seltzer water until full. Add a large lime wedge for garnish.

If you want to add a little booze to your Rickey, add 1 to 1 1/2 oz. of your favorite gin to the glass before pouring in the Lime Rickey mix. Enjoy!

Christian Nesheim is the owner of Vinifera Wines and Ales. Find out more at viniferawinesandales.com.

Illustration: Jamie Klang

PETS Pet Portrait

Pawsh Photography focuses on pups’ personalities.

By Daniel Huss

PHOENIX THE PIT BULL HAD BEEN IN A TERRIBLE FIGHT . The unprovoked battle on a South Dakota reservation would cost the dog both ear flaps, the use of an eye and leave deep bite wounds to his neck and throat.

Photographer Lisa Peterson of Pawsh Photography listened to Phoenix’s story from his Plymouth-based foster mom while setting up for a Minneapolis Pet Market event this past fall. The story touched her. “I’ve worked with a lot of foster dogs,” Peterson says. “Their stories are what make them so beautiful.”

While Phoenix was up for adoption, he wasn’t garnering much interest. His breed can be challenging to place. Dogs previously involved in fights can be even more challenging to place.

Peterson knew all this and offered to take photos of Phoenix as a way of helping her foster friend. She didn’t hide the dog’s physical faults; Phoenix’s tattered ears and old wounds were on full display.

“They say a photo can be worth 1,000 words,” Peterson says. “In this case, that’s 100 percent accurate.” The photos led to a connection with a dog lover. An adoption followed. “Phoenix has this spirit you can’t forget,” she says. “I couldn’t be happier.”

Connections

Peterson started her photography career photographing people, but an industry presentation on pet photography changed all that. “I know with absolute clarity that taking photos of pets is my calling,” she says. “It’s soul-filling work.”

Peterson’s favorite subjects are outdoor dogs. They’re seldom purebreds, and they tend to be older. “Their eyes are so soulful, and the bonds they have with their owners are so strong,” she says. And?

“I like regular dogs, ones with selective hearing, unreliable stays,” Peterson says. The hardest clients to capture tend to ironically be the “best behaved,” aka welltrained show dogs. “No matter what I do, they’re all about their owners,” Peterson says. “Distractibility has been trained out.”

Do’s and Don’ts

Peterson shares some quick recommendations for preparing for an outdoor dog-focused photo shoot. Even more information can be found on her website’s blog section, PupTown Girl.

» Bring water, treats and high-value toys.

Photos: Pawsh Photography

Phoenix

» Outfit changes for the human are also important, which is why Peterson brings a changing tent for outdoor sessions.

» Peterson recommends fitted clothes in neutral tones and appropriate shoes for walking. (You can always change into your fancy shoes later.)

» If you want your pet groomed before the photoshoot, Peterson recommends scheduling an appointment about a week before the session. This way, the fresh haircut has time to look a bit more natural.

» The dogs should be exercised but not fed. (Treats can lose their appeal on a full stomach.)

» Expect to have your pup leashed the entire shoot. Aside from leash laws, Peterson notes this is for safety and control. (Don’t worry; Peterson can edit out the leash after the shoot.)

Doubters

Peterson remembers a client with tempered expectations. “He said he had hundreds of photos of his dog on his phone but nothing good,” Peterson says. “I could tell that he was wondering how I could do any better. His response to the photos was, ‘Oh, my god. You captured my dog.’”

“I know what I’m looking for,” Peterson says. “Dogs talk to me. They always do.”

Pawsh Photography, LLC; pawshphoto.com

Pawsh Photography LLC

ABODE

New Neutrals

Beige is back, baby!

By Zoe Deal

NEUTRAL HOME DÉCOR may be nothing new, but the rise of warm (or “new”) neutrals has us falling in love with the trend all over again. While varying shades of cool whites and grays have reigned for more than a decade, in a post-pandemic world, the trend has warmed to comforting neutral shades and subtle earth tones.

“The warm neutrals create a type of ambience that you can bring within your home … to create a type of calmness,” says Plymouth resident Whitney Gonzenbach, owner of Curated Boutique in Medina. “There’s so much going on in the outside world, that when you come home, you want to feel calm.”

The hallmark of the new neutral style is muted colors found in nature that have warm undertones, such as cream, beige and clay—as opposed to cool neutral colors like stark white and slate gray that lean more pink or blue.

Gonzenbach has used neutrals to curate a sense of tranquility in her shop, which opened its doors in July 2022. At Curated, the minimalist white walls, shelves and tables are layered with neutral, small-batch homewares, giftables and baby items, with notes of sage, burgundy, terracotta, mauve and blush.

“I’m more of a black, white, gray, beige kind of a gal. I’ve always been that way … but I don’t mind a pop of color here and there, as long as it’s a bit more muted. That’s what I gravitate toward,” Gonzenbach says.

The universal nature of neutrals also makes for great gifts, with all items within Curated fitting within the same style. Gonzenbach has even started to offer full-service gift boxing; clientcurated items can be placed in a gift box and made instantly ready to give with a finishing touch of twine and dried florals. “Because I choose all warm neutrals, and we have a warm modern aesthetic, each

Photos: Chris Emeott

piece works together,” Gonzenbach says. “ … When you come into the store, you really can’t go wrong.”

Gonzenbach has made it her mission to create an ever changing assortment of goods (introducing new wares every three weeks) with distinct staples, including driftwood décor and a collection of vases handmade in Portugal.

Another neutral design tip? “We like to mix in textures, as well, with our neutrals,” Gonzenbach says. Wooden chain links, marble elements and dried florals are some customer favorites.

With the décor world at your fingertips, it’s easy to do too much. Gonzenbach explains that the best design approach is often simplicity.

“When I’m doing my displays and my visual merchandising, I try to make sure to keep it a little bit more minimal. I think that a lot of people … try to add so many things and sometimes all you need to do is just take one thing away,” she says. “Sometimes, that’s the best design of all.”

Curated Boutique, 190 Westfalen Trail Suite 100, Medina; shopcuratedboutique.com

@shopcuratedboutique

Whitney Gonzenbach

OUTDOOR LIVING

Turning Over a New Leaf

An easy houseplant guide for bringing some greenery into 2023.

By Mollee Francisco

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A GLIMPSE OF GREEN after a long, white winter. To help survive the days until the first daffodil buds poke through, we asked Lauren Leuer and Cindy Melby, plant buyers for Plymouth-based wholesale florist Len Busch Roses, to select some stylish houseplants to help bring the outdoors in.

ZZ Plant (zamioculcas zamiifolia)

With a stem length that can grow up to 3 feet, Melby likes this African native for its glossy leaves and architectural appearance. It is a “very, very easy, lowcare” plant that can tolerate a variety of light conditions.

» WATER: Good drainage is essential. Allow the soil to dry all the way between waterings, especially in low light conditions. Make sure any excess water is emptied after watering.

» LIGHT: It can tolerate bright to low, indirect light, but avoid direct sunlight.

» WARNING: All parts of the ZZ plant are toxic to cats and dogs and should be kept away from children. When handling the plant, it is recommended to use gloves or wash hands afterwards.

Notes: Varietals include the raven with dark, almost black, foliage and the compact zenzi.

Spider Plant (chlorophytum comosum)

Although the spider plant has gone in and out of fashion over the years, its

variegated foliage and adaptable nature make it a perennial favorite, Melby says. Spider plants are manageable, transition beautifully between indoors and outdoors and are easy to propagate and share. It's also an ideal plant for hanging baskets.

» WATER: Allow the soil to mostly dry out between waterings. (Some moisture under the top inch or so of soil is OK.)

» LIGHT: Offer bright indirect to medium light.

Notes: Spider plants are self-propagating. It produces little babies off the main plant, which can easily be removed to be replanted.

Bird of Paradise (strelitzia nicolai)

The giant white bird of paradise can add tropical flare and height to a room. Its name comes from the plant’s flower, which resembles a bird with a purple head and white crest. With its big, banana-like leaves, the bird of paradise is exotic without being fussy, Melby says.

» WATER: Bird of paradise enjoy the warmer months, so keep soil moist throughout the summer and allow it to dry out a bit more as it cools off.

» LIGHT: Offer bright indirect to partially direct sun.

» WARNING: These are toxic to pets.

Notes: With their large, unique blooms and a height of 3 to 6 feet, bird of paradise can make a statement in your home

Photos: Chris Emeott

year-round or be a bright addition to your outdoor patio in the summer months.

Kalanchoe

The cheerful kalanchoe is a blooming succulent that comes in a variety of colors including yellow, red, orange, pink and white. It is prized for its ease of care and long bloom.

» WATER: Kalanchoes do best when water drains well and dries out between waterings. Only water when the top 1 to 1.5 inches of soil have dried out.

» LIGHT: Kalanchoes thrive with lots of light. Full sunlight or bright, indoor light is best.

» WARNING: These, too, are toxic to pets.

Notes: The kalanchoe bloom cycle lasts for several weeks or even months. Once the original flowers fade, the foliage remains dark and beautiful, and the plant will live and rebloom for many years, although these subsequent blooms will not be as spectacular as the first.

For a list of local houseplant growers, visit plymouthmag.com

Len Busch Roses, 4045 County Road 101 N.; 800.659.ROSE, lenbuschroses.com

lenbuschroses @lenbuschroses

LenBuschRoses

Photos on opposite page from top to bottom: ZZ plant, spider plant, bird of paradise. Photo above: kalanchoe.

WELCOME TO THE TABLE

THE FOX AND PANTRY OFFERS COFFEE, COOKING CLASSES AND COMMUNITY.

Arriving at Vicksburg Square on a dark evening in November, it was easy to find The Fox and Pantry. The display windows of the new coffee shop (event space/gift shop/that night’s cookie decorating classroom) were glowing bright in the night. Inside, fellow attendees clustered in spots around

three long tables set up in a U shape. The tables were replete with table runners, centerpieces and piping bags filled with royal frosting in shades of green, white, red and a dusty pink. Owner Kym Joles was flitting back and forth from the kitchen with class supplies while a barista came around for drink orders.

Some attendees had come in pairs or small groups. I and my neighbor to the left were solo. Joles distributed plain sugar cookies and set to work introducing the class. “You won’t come out with a perfect set,” she said, explaining that wasn’t the point. Instead, Joles invited us to play and let our

Written by Madeline Kopiecki

Photos by Chris Emeott

own creativity lead the way.

My neighbor in the class, a Maple Grove local named Kelly Owata, says she has taken baking classes in the past but had never been to The Fox and Pantry. “My friend is a Plymouth resident, and she sent me the link to the website,” Owata said. “I think the whole concept is really lovely.”

Although she’s taken classes before, Owata says she felt this class taught her techniques she hadn’t previously learned, from using edible gold paint to adding powder to create shadows and heighten the dimension of the cookies. “Or the rose, I’ve never done that with

royal icing before, so I really liked that,” Owata said.

Planting a Seed

In the wake of her father’s passing, Joles says she was looking for a creative outlet that allowed her to be present in the moment. “I always had a way of putting things together visually, but [I’ve] never been able to draw a face, you know?” she says.

Joles, who has synesthesia, a perceptual phenomenon in which one sensory experience may impact another, says she was looking for ways to play with

color. As an example, Joles says, “You see days of the week in certain colors, and you can see people in numbers and certain things like that.”

Her love for color and decoration found her honing her cookie design skills and catching the eye of others through her Instagram. “The Food Network phoned a couple of times, and I was like, ‘No, that’s not for me,’” Joles says. “And then I realized: No one knows me anyway. I was some South African farm girl. I had no Instagram followers. I was just a mom who loved baking.”

Joles decided to take a chance and

was featured on the November 2018 Christmas Cookie Challenge and, even though she didn’t win, she says it was a good experience. “My takeaway from that was to put yourself in uncomfortable positions, even if you don’t succeed, because I think it’s the fear that makes you grow.”

Putting Down Roots

And grow is what Joles did when she and her family moved from Chicago to Plymouth in October 2020. “This is such a cute place with so many great people,” she says. “But there’s nowhere to sit and feel comfortable.” Joles decided to take matters into her own hands and opened The Fox and Pantry in July 2022.

During the day, The Fox and Pantry serves up sweet treats and coffee drinks to customers, who can also peruse the gifts and home goods available on either end of the shop. Around the tables, Joles says it brings her joy to find people engaged in a myriad of activities, from book clubs to business meetups.

In the evening, the shop transforms into an event space catering to cooking classes and crafting or otherwise reserved for private events.

Although it may seem like a lot of businesses under one roof, Joles says the root of all offerings at The Fox and Pantry is connection. “Every single thing that we do is about connection, whether that’s private dinners, getting a cup of coffee or having a class, you make these connections,” she says. “That’s why I designed [the shop] around a dining room and not something too fancy and untouchable.”

“I really wanted something where it’s a dynamic environment that ever changes, and we can create something based around the customer, where it’s custom

Kym Joles

to their needs,” Joles says. “Because I do feel that, at the end of the day, they are choosing to spend money with us, and that’s an honor as a business. So they should have some choice around it.”

For private events, The Fox and Pantry has hosted everything from bridal showers and grooms dinners to corporate meetings and private family dinners. Joles often takes charge of the cooking herself, but if the customer wants something outside her purview— say, sushi—she’s developed relationships with knowledgeable local chefs she can reach out to.

Back to Class

Similar to her ethos on catering, Joles says she invites industry experts to lead The Fox and Pantry classes. While she is knowledgeable in many food topics—from cookies and macarons to chocolates and cakes—she says she sticks to her realm.

“For the floral classes, we have a proper florist company,” Joles says. “He’s a third-generation florist. I feel that, highlighting other businesses, saying, ‘We’re hosting David from his company, and you guys are getting the best,’ that represents my brand but also highlights the business community.”

When she’s leading a class, Joles emphasizes that the goal isn’t perfection. “I am not here to teach you to make the most beautiful plate of cookies. Otherwise, I would have outlined everything for you guys and then filmed it,” she says.

Instead, Joles likes to see her students drop their guard and get creative. She says, “There’s always a moment in class, people really get into it in their own space. You start playing.”

HODOPHILE

Photos: Mavrik Joos

MAVRIK JOOS CHARTS HIS OWN COURSE.

A 2014 Wayzata High School graduate’s career as a social media influencer began when he was around 11 years old making dolphin noises on YouTube. The Plymouth native’s silly video turned viral with more than 60,000 views. Once he was around 24 years old, his platform took off. Now, at 26, Mavrik Joos has millions of followers on various social media platforms and travels the world doing what he loves to do— entertain. “I’ve always been an entertainer at heart,” Mavrik says. “I like to entertain friends or people I’m hanging out around.”

Mavrik, or Mav, as he’s commonly called, took time out of his busy travel schedule to catch up with people from his hometown and offer insight into some of his adventures. His most recent excursion was driving the Alaskan Highway, which was a 3,200-mile trip from Duluth. (The highway was built during World War II to connect the contiguous United States to Alaska across Canada.)

How exactly does a person go from making dolphin noises to becoming an influencer who travels the world? During the early days of surfing the web, Mav recalls stumbling across a fingerboarding commercial shot in Europe. Intrigued by the potential of doing tricks on a fingerboard, which is a small-scale working replica of a skateboard, Mav joined a YouTube group of people who made fingerboarding videos. “That’s what sparked me to realize YouTube could be a career,” he says, adding he’s won several fingerboarding contests and hosted his own well-attended events.

As his YouTube footprint started to grow, Mav began educating himself on how to monetize his channel. “I was pushed to learn more about cameras, storytelling and keeping people entertained,” Mav says. But it wasn’t until a trip during his early years in college that got Mav thinking outside the box.

Growing up, Mav took several vacations with his family, which he has fond memories of, but he realized they followed a traditional travel pattern. On a trip to California with his college roommate, Mav stayed on a sailboat and spent the days surfing. “It was my first vacation that felt like it was different,” he says. “The guy we stayed on the sailboat with would camp out of his truck and stay anywhere he wanted. He really opened my eyes to unconventional ways of traveling and living.”

Mav’s videos range from short clips of him camping out of a truck in bitterly cold weather to 20- to 30-minute documentaries of fishing in a new lake or making new friends. Regardless,

Mavrik Joos

he says he believes his audience enjoys accompanying him on his adventures. “Not everyone is into camping, fishing, cooking or the other things I do, but they find something in the content to grasp onto,” he says. “In some of my videos, I’m inadvertently telling stories of pushing through doing something people say you can’t do … I’m doing it.”

Bringing his viewers along for his journeys serves as encouragement to live out their dreams, no matter how wild they may be. Knowing he has people watching his travels unfold helps keep him company on the road. “There are just as many moments of feeling lonely, [being] crammed [into] spaces and having a sore back as there are [experiencing] beautiful landscapes or an awesome meal,” Mav says. “It’s worth it, but you have to be willing to endure some sort of discomfort to experience those things.”

While most of Mav’s travels are highlighted in his social media videos, there are a few situations that have stood out over the years, one of which he shared exclusively in this interview. During a 2021 trip to Mexico, Mav stopped in the small town of Punta Cabras to purchase firewood from a local resident. Though he admits his Spanish-speaking skills aren’t the best, Mav was able to drum up a conversation with the homeowner, who offered him Wi-Fi access.

“There I was, sitting in the driveway, using the Wi-Fi, and all of a sudden there was a knock on my window,” Mav says. He looked up to see a teenage girl, grinning from ear to ear. The next thing he knew, the young stranger was pointing to the screen on her cellphone, which had Mav’s Instagram pulled up. “She was asking if it was me and motioned to take a picture with me,” he says. “That was one of the craziest moments to me. This town was so small, and she knew who I was.”

In addition to traveling, Mav also has a selftitled merchandise line. Prior to a YouTube career, he ran an e-commerce website for Thorne Bros Custom Rod & Tackle in Blaine, giving him some knowledge of how clothing retail works. “I like online sales and entrepreneurship stuff,” he says. Mav was able to translate that experience into developing his merchandise line, Mav, featuring outerwear. He notes that he’s building a team to develop custom products. “We’re getting our first samples of outdoor jackets, base layers and outdoor pants,” he says.

With his in-the-field experience, Mav doubles as a product tester. “It’s nice to be the field tester and also the business owner,” Mav says. “I’m

a product junkie. I’ll submit to anybody’s great marketing. If the product looks like it’ll make my life easier, I will 100 percent buy it. That’s my goal with this line … I have a great team of designers, and I’m the lucky one to get my name on it. It’s really cool.”

When discussing goals, Mav says his current focus is doing whatever makes him happy. “When I focus too much on what I want later on in life, it puts pressure on what I’m doing right now,” he says. “To be honest, I’d rather enjoy my life, and whatever happens, happens. I’m doing this for as long as it’s enjoyable and fulfilling for me.”

When Mav looks back on how much he’s accomplished in the past three years, he says he knows the young teenage YouTuber he once was would be proud of him. “I feel very fortunate to build what I have,” he says. “I’m the person I used to watch and dream about being one day.”

So, what message does he have for people watching him? “Find something you’re passionate about, and follow it,” he says. “Try not to care so much about what other people are doing or thinking. If you believe in something and have a want to do it, explore it.”

mavmadeit.com

@mavrikjoos and @mav.outdoors (clothing brand)

Mav

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NATIONAL PICNIC DAY

Celebrate spring by having a picnic at a Plymouth park.

IT IS OUT WITH THE COLD and in with the open-toed shoes. Spring is finally here, and everything feels new. Celebrate springtime by having a picnic on National Picnic Day. This year, it falls on April 23. Pick out some snacks, grab a blanket and go lounge about outside with family or friends. These days, people are increasingly curating their picnics, bringing cake, wine*, charcuterie and the works, but you can do it however you want. Bringing sandwiches and simple snacks can still make for the perfect picnic.

If you don’t know where to go, try a local park in Plymouth. Jessie Koch, a recreation supervisor for the City of Plymouth, recommends going to East Medicine Park, Hilde Performance Center, Northwest Greenway or Parkers Lake Park for the best picnic experience. “These are some of our most popular parks for picnics,” Koch says.

*Please note that Plymouth parks are alcohol free unless tied to a shelter rental or special event permit, in which case an Alcohol in Parks Permit Application is required.

Because the Hilde and Northwest Greenway host rental and special events, Koch advises checking in advance if there are scheduled times when those parks will be unavailable. To see if park hours have changed, call 763.509.5200, or go to plymouthmn.gov. —Megan Hegenbarth

older. Free. 7–11 p.m. Cowboy Jack’s, 4120 Berkshire Lane N.; 763.559.0257; theaftermidnightgroup.com

LOCAL EVENTS

Monday Night Book Club

04/10

Join in for a discussion about The Dragons, the Giant, the Women by Wayetu Moore. Ages 18 and older. Free. 6–7 p.m. Plymouth Hennepin County Library, 15700 36th Ave. N.; 612.543.5669; hclib.bibliocommons.com

Marcus Lere

04/20

Singer and songwriter Marcus Lere performs his music. Ages 18 and

Johnny Cash Tribute 04/23

Join Mitchell Hall and the Tennessee Trio as they pay tribute to Johnny Cash and his music. Ages 21 and older. Tickets start at $20. 2–4:30 p.m. Ramada by Wyndham Plymouth Hotel & Conference Center, 2705 Annapolis Lane N.; 763.210.4525; mitchellhallandthetennesseetrio.com

Glass Mosaic

05/01

Create a beautiful glass mosaic photo frame or sign for your photos. Each frame will be $12; signs will be

$14. Ages 10–17 may register with an adult. Free. 7–10 p.m. Wayzata Central Middle School, 305 Vicksburg Lane N.; 763.745.5200; wayzata.ce.eleyo.com

Finale Concert

05/07

Join the Plymouth Concert Band for its 2022–23 Finale Concert. The band will be joined by a special guest. All ages. Free. 4–5:30 p.m. Wayzata High School, 4955 Peony Lane N.; 763.745.6600; pcb-webadmin.squarespace.com

Wild Symphony

05/14

Bring your kids to the Wild Symphony Concert presented by the Encore Wind Ensemble and based on a book by Dan

Photo: Chris Emeott

Compiled by Nicole Berglund and Megan Hegenbarth

to see and do in and around Plymouth

Brown. All ages. 3–4 p.m. Messiah United Methodist, 17805 County Road 6; info@encorewinds.com; encorewinds.com

AREA EVENTS

Twin Cities Auto Show

04/01–04/08

Stop by the Twin Cities Auto Show to look at hundreds of domestic and imported vehicles. All ages. Ticket prices vary. Times vary. Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Mpls.; twincitiesautoshow.com

Hamilton

04/04–05/06

The story of Alexander Hamilton is brought to life in this musical by LinManuel Miranda. Ages 10 and older. Prices vary. Times vary. Orpheum Theatre, Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.339.7007; hennepintheatretrust.org

Hamlet

04/08–05/21

Shakespeare’s classic tragedy tells the story of Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, as his mother, Queen Gertrude, weds his uncle soon after his father’s death. Ages 18 and older recommended. Tickets range from $20–$80. Times vary. Guthrie Theater, 818 S. Second St., Mpls.; 612.377.2224; guthrietheater.org

Paw Patrol Live

04/28–04/30

Kids will enjoy seeing some of their cartoon pals. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.339.7007; pawpatrollive.com

To have your event considered: email plymouthmag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication.

Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment, please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

Something’s Brewing

Norte Café brings Colombian coffee directly to doorsteps.

Written by Madeline Kopiecki Photos by Chris Emeott

WHEN YAIR “LEO” CARVAJALINO

first came to the United States at the age of 21, he learned just how extensive the coffee culture is in this country. But for all the people starting their day with a homebrewed drip or purchased sip, he noticed many people didn’t know the story behind their drinks.

“People don’t really know much about coffee, where it comes from, how it gets produced, the people behind it,” Leo says. “I always felt like I had that responsibility, of educating people and showing people what it is to be a coffee farmer and what it means to grow the coffee.”

In Leo’s native country of Colombia, coffee knowledge grows a lot closer to home. Literally. “[Coffee] farming is a big thing down there,” Leo says. “A lot of people live [in] rural areas, and coffee

is definitely a big commodity and one of the main agricultural activities.” He explains that families generally run small 5- to 10-acre farms and produce a wide variety of food, from corn and plantains to yucca and oranges. But coffee, for these farms, is often king.

“In our case, [it was] my grandpa who had been the first generation that started the process,” Leo says. “Both of my parents come from that background, coffee planting, coffee growing, so they inherited that from my grandparents. It was the easiest way to make money too.”

Leo was an only child, and his parents wanted him to pursue an education rather than stay on the farm. “When I was 10 years old, they sent me to live in the city, so I could go to school,” Leo says. After high school, he moved to Cúcuta, Colombia, for

college, where he studied international business. It was while studying for his undergraduate degree that he decided to make another life-altering shift.

“In the international business world, everything is done in English, so at some point, I wanted to immerse myself in English,” Leo says. “That’s how the idea of coming to the United States was born.”

Leo spent three different summers in the states on a work/travel visa. “On the last time, he came to Minnesota and met me,” says Sally Carvajalino, his wife.

With his family still coffee farming in Colombia, Leo says he and Sally wanted to figure out a way to make the best use of that connection, while also bringing coffee education to a U.S. audience. “Creating a brand that was able to showcase what coffee is all about and sell the coffee too, that

was our first thought,” Leo says. “That’s how it all got started.”

Norte Café, which launched on December 11, 2020, has a double meaning for Leo and Sally. Norte means north in English, Leo explains. “I come from the north side of the country in Columbia, and now we’re in the north side of the United states, so that’s how we came up with the name.” Café, as you might have guessed, means coffee.

Class is in Session

Leo and Sally bring their coffee to farm ers markets over the summer, but their main goal isn’t selling Norte Café there. Instead, they’re working to build brand awareness, share samples of their coffee with locals and educate people on the origins of their coffee.

“Everything gets started when we go to the tree and do the picking process,” Leo says. He explains that coffee technically starts as a fruit, coffee berries or coffee

Left: Yair “Leo” and Sally Carvajalino

Shawn Sailer D.C., Caroline Brost-Sailer D.C., Ryan Elton D.C., Barbro Brost D.C., Aaron Schulte D.C., Aarti Goyal D.C. Tyler Knutson D.C.

cherries, which grow on small coffee trees. “We make sure we’re picking only the ones that have developed the highest level of brightness and the ones that are very sweet. You can tell those by the color. They’re normally very red,” he says.

It’s this selection process that Leo says makes Norte Café special. “Everything is done by hand,” he says. “We don’t use machines either for collecting, sorting, drying, anything in the process, so that ensures that quality selection.”

Once the beans are dried and ready for travel, they’re shipped from Colombia to Minnesota for the last step: roasting.

Norte Café coffee beans are roasted three to four days before any farmers market visit, which Leo says ensures the freshness of their product.

“Normally, in [grocery stores’] supply chain, it’s very common to have an item at the store that’s been around for four or five months,” Leo says. After production in these cases, the coffee is stored in a warehouse before being exported, after which it goes to sit in another warehouse before hitting the shelves. All that sitting around, “hurts the freshness and the quality,” he says

Leo says their goal with Norte Café is to provide more freshness and better quality to their customers via their online store. “People can buy it from our website. That’s the best place to go. Ideally, they become a subscriber too. We have a subscription base of currently 70 people. They get the coffee from us either every two weeks or monthly.”

So, what’s Leo and Sally’s favorite way to enjoy their coffee?

Sally: “I just like mine black. Drip coffee, plain and simple.”

Leo: “People ask me that question at farmers markets a lot. I want people to have the chance to play with different methods. I always tell people to discover different methods and see what they like. Try different things that they may like to try in their coffee too.”

OK, but your favorite way?

Leo: “I like mine black.”

Norte Café, nortecafe.shop

Norte Café Roasters @nortecafe.shop

Photos: Norte Café

Left: Photos of the Carvajalino family coffee farm in Caldas, Colombia.

Right: A painting of Leo’s late grandfather, Concho, is emblazoned on a mug.

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST COLD BREW

Sally shares Norte Café’s method of creating cold brew, which they sample at farmers markets. For more detailed instructions, visit plymouthmag.com.

1. Buy good quality coffee beans. (Sally recommends Norte Café’s medium roast.)

2. Find a large container to brew your coffee in, i.e. a pitcher, large Mason jar, or French press coffee maker with the presser removed. (You do not need a coffee maker to make cold brew.)

3. Grind the coffee beans.

4. Put ground coffee into the container, and pour room temperature water over the grounds.

5. Cover your coffee and water mixture, and leave it on your counter.

6. After steeping, filter the coffee and water mixture.

7. Chill the coffee, and serve when ready.

*Cold brew can be kept in your refrigerator or on your counter for several weeks, just keep it covered. Unlike hot-brewed coffee, coldbrewed coffee will not become stale over time

FIRST PLACE: PETS

Picture Plymouth

Teen captures playful pup.

AVERY GERBER, 14, says capturing something simple and turning it into a lasting memory is what interests her about photography. When she saw Dexter, “I thought it was sweet how he was sitting in a field of dandelions and looking so happy,” she says. “I like that he isn’t looking at the camera and [is] surrounded by a field of green.”

Photographer: Avery Gerber

Title: Dexter Loves Dandelions

Equipment: iPhone 13

Location: Off the bike path near Northwest Boulevard and 34th Avenue

To view other Picture Plymouth photo contest winners, visit plymouthmag.com.

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