Plymouth - October 2023

SPI C E I T UP WITH TOGARASHI

Plymouth-based spice company puts a Midwestern spin on a classic Japanese flavor

Ready. Set. TCO

New Plymouth location ready for you.

Ready with a new Plymouth location. Set with more specialty services and urgent care locations open 8 - 8 daily. Go to TCO for the care your body needs to keep moving. Like Plymouth’s own Jackson McAndrew, you can get back to what you love. No referral or appointment necessary. TCOmn.com

Jackson McAndrew, All-State Basketball Star

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023

“It’s not just remodeling, not design. It’s a chance for us to showcase how we help people through the most emotional time in their life to the most elated, happiest moment. To see that journey and share the outcome with the world.” —Lindsey Uselding, co-host of Renovation 911

Photo: Mark Brown with Twin Town Media

New Location, Same Great Care!

FROM THE EDITOR

Madeline Kopiecki — madeline@localmedia.co

Some of my fondest memories were made during autumn. Growing up, my family would take day trips to Taylors Falls in search of colorful fall scenery. After an afternoon spent hiking the craggy bluffs and scenic river trails of Interstate State Park, we’d slake our heroic appetites with a stop at the old-school The Drive In Restaurant, still heralded by a towering mug of Frostop root beer.

If we’d gone north one weekend, we’d head south the next and hunt for the perfect Halloween pumpkins at a stop-off in Red Wing before swinging down to the quaint Pepin Heights Orchard store for a bag of Honeycrisps and some hand-dipped caramel apples.

October and November are accompanied by a cornucopia of seasonal foods and traditions.

For a taste of fall, be sure to explore our Noteworthy section, where blogger Emily Maxson shares a recipe for homemade pumpkin spice lattes (page 8) and a salad recipe that will put your own orchard apples to good use.

Our October/November food and home issues tend to incorporate Halloween and Thanksgiving, but this year, we’re adding something new to the table (although there’s something for trick-or-treaters on page 38).

NOW OPEN!

10150 Niagara Lane N, Suite 100 Maple Grove, MN 55369

As the Twin Cities’ largest and most experienced cancer treatment provider, we know that treating cancer calls for more than compassion. It means giving our patients access to more than 100 cancer care experts, evidence-based treatment paths, close-to-home locations and comprehensive services to support the whole person.

Our compassionate team works tirelessly towards one common goal –fighting cancer. mnoncology.com

Ana Rayas has brought the flavors of Mexico to Plymouth for over 10 years with her take-and-bake restaurant La Cocina de Ana. Rayas and her friend Judith Díaz bring us a new taste of tradition by sharing their Día de los Muertos celebrations with us (page 34).

Day of the Dead is sometimes interpreted as analogous to Halloween, but my conversations with these two women challenged that impression. Where Halloween advises a wariness of the dead, Día de los Muertos embraces them. The spirits or the memories of the departed, depending on the family celebrating, are welcomed back into the homes of their families. As Rayas says in our interview, “It’s not a sad remembrance. You try to remember the good and the fun and what [the dead] liked.” As someone who lost a grandparent this year, her sentiment greatly resonated with me.

Here’s to spending time with family this fall, in whatever form that takes.

Here’s the Deal Spice Co., photo by Chris Emeott, page 42

See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town! Plymouth Magazine @plymouth_mag @plymouthmag

Photo: Chris Emeott

publisher Susan Isay editor Madeline Kopiecki president Pete Burgeson

FRIGHTFULLY GOOD

ADULTS DESERVE A SPOOKY TREAT

for Halloween, too. This take on a traditional sangria is sure to raise the spirits of your next Halloween bash.

Spooky Sangria

» 1 Honeycrisp apple, cored and sliced into rounds

» 1 orange, sliced into rounds

» 1–2 limes, sliced into rounds

» 1/2 cup blackberries or 1 peach, pitted and sliced into wedges

» 1 (750 ml) bottle red blend wine (Apothic works well.)

» 1/2 cup orange juice (Freshly squeezed works best.)

» 1/2 cup Grand Marnier » club soda, optional

Place ingredients in a large pitcher; chill overnight. Flavors need time to release and blend. Serve the Sangria from the pitcher, or pour the mixture into a punch bowl. Pour servings over ice. For guests who prefer some fizz to their beverage, top the glass with a splash or two of club soda.

Serving tip:

Rim glassware with a spooky, sugary cocktail rimmer by using Halloween-themed sugar sprinkles.

Optional:

Serve with a large skull ice mold. —Renée Stewart-Hester

Photo: Chris Emeott

TASTE

Falling for Fall Flavors

Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

This Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte is easy to make and has healthier ingredients than one you would buy at your typical coffee shop. It is made with real pumpkin and sweetened with pure maple syrup. I use a combination of almond and coconut milk, so this version is also dairy-free. Enjoy the latte served hot or poured over ice for a cold drink.

» 3 Tbsp. canned pumpkin

» 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup

» 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

» 1/8 tsp. cloves, ground

» 1/8 tsp. ginger, ground

» 1/8 tsp. nutmeg

» 1 3/4 cups almond milk

» 1/2 cup coconut milk

» 1/2 tsp. vanilla

» 3 chai tea bags

» frothed almond milk or whipped coconut cream for topping

In a small saucepan, combine the pumpkin, maple syrup and spices over medium heat, blending well. Add the almond milk and coconut milk, and whisk well to combine. Bring the flavored milk to a boil. Remove from heat, and add the vanilla and three chai tea bags. Steep the tea for five minutes. Remove the tea bags, and pour into two mugs. Top with frothed almond milk or whipped coconut cream.

Apple, Cheddar and Smoked Almond Salad

I love the combination of apples, cheddar cheese and smoked almonds in this salad. Adding these ingredients to fresh spinach and topping it with a simple honey Dijon dressing makes a delicious fall dish. This recipe couldn’t be easier to prepare and is perfect for your Thanksgiving table.

» 4 cups fresh spinach

» 4 oz. sharp cheddar

» 1 apple (I like Honeycrisp, but any variety will do.)

» 1/2 cup almonds, smoked and chopped

» 3 Tbsp. olive oil

» 1 Tbsp. white balsamic vinegar or fresh lemon juice

» 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

» 1 tsp. honey

» 1/4 tsp. sea salt

Chop the fresh spinach and place in a large salad bowl. Cut the cheddar cheese into small cubes and place on top of the spinach. Core and dice the apple and add to the salad. Add the smoked almonds. In a small jar, add the olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey and sea salt. Place a lid on the jar, and shake until combined. Pour over the salad, and toss well.

Photos: Belén Fleming of Belu Photography

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

THRILLING READS FOR AUTUMN NIGHTS

Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb

This thriller-meets-historical-fiction novel is set in the world of music. The renowned Delaney Foundation discovers the lost works of their namesake, Frederick Delaney, who, since his death, has become the most famous American composer of all time. The novel hops back and forth between the present day and the start of Delaney’s career in the 1920s. Bern, a college music professor, and Eboni, his tech-savvy friend, are hired by the Delaney Foundation to lead the musical research. But, as the duo begins to uncover dark secrets about Frederick, they start to question if they’re putting their careers— or worse—in jeopardy.

One by One by Freida McFadden

Three couples plan on a weekend getaway full of hiking and hot tubs. That is, until their van breaks down on a lonely dirt road. With no phone reception or idea where they are, the group start walking in hopes of finding rescue, but, when members of the group begin being killed off one by one, they have to confront the possibility there’s a killer in their midst. If you want a book that will keep you guessing until the crazy twist at the end, this is it.

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

A Fresh Nest Plymouth sisters create an all-

By Kristie Smith

AFTER YEARS OF OWNING and managing Clean Nest Homes, an allnatural cleaning service, co-owner Katie Lother began noticing a worrying trend. “I loved cleaning, but by the end of the day, I would have a headache because I was using bleach and commercial cleaning products. I started realizing how it was affecting my body,” she says.

“You research these products, there are so many known carcinogens. It’s on our floors, in our air, our kids and pets are being affected,” Lother says. “Some are so strong, they are ruining the surfaces of our home and changing the air quality, too.” Lother notes that these products may make cleaning easier because of those harsh chemicals, but they leave behind films and introduce toxins into the home.

Luckily, Lother and her co-owner sister, Angela Ducklinsky, have already begun bottling a solution.

The idea for their brand of all-purpose cleaning sprays, The Clean Nest, originated from the way they thanked their clients at Christmastime. “We were using pure essential oils in a base soap that left people’s homes with a really fresh scent.” Lother says. “So we bottled an all-purpose spray for my friends to try and left it as a gift for our clients.”

The duo works with a local company to create essential oils to mix into a castile soap base. Since their original rosemary-mint blend, they’ve branched into other natural, plant-derived scents like juniper-clove, fresh basil and

lemon-mandarin. “Sometimes, we want to smell it to prove it’s cleaning,” Lother says. But, for the scent-sensitive, there’s also the unscented pure blend.

The Clean Nest brings more to the table (and chairs and countertops) than just an effective surface cleaner. Its concentrate serves as a refill for the surface cleaner, which can also be added to a bucket of water for larger cleaning projects; its essential oil blend can be used in home diffusers, wool dryer balls and added as a freshener to sink drains. The company is also developing a non-abrasive, essential oil-based cleaner for showers, bathtubs and toilets to help make those cleaning projects a little easier, too.

purpose, nontoxic cleaning spray.

Clean Nest Homes

co-owners

NATURAL SOLUTIONS

The Clean Nest aside, Lother says there are other natural methods of cleaning to explore.

“Once in a great while, you’ll come across something that’s moldy, and you will need a little bleach. A lot of times tea tree oil, baking soda and some lemon juice does the trick,” Lother says.

She also suggests opening your shades and letting light into your home, getting your carpets and air ducts cleaned and adding some house plants to help purify your air.

The Clean Nest; thecleannest.com

The Clean Nest @cleannestliving

Photos: Skylar Rae

Katie Lother and Angela Ducklinsky.

“FOLLOW YOUR HEART.” This simple message of hope has been the leading light that guides the women of Waytonka Club Inc. It’s also a torch they say they’re determined to pass on well into the future.

The Waytonka Club is composed of a group of women whose mission is to serve the needs of local families and individuals in the communities of Wayzata, Plymouth, Minnetonka and surrounding areas. Its origins date back to 1911, when some local nurses, known

Follow Your Heart

By Josie Smith

as the Junior Mission Band, raised money for a missionary in China. In 1937, the members decided to change the focus of the group to local needs. A name change to Waytonka Club followed.

Sarah Colpitts, current president of Waytonka Club, has belonged to the organization for 23 years. She says her family has deep ties to this community, “My kids are fourth-generation Wayzata High School graduates,” she says.

Typically, the group hands out three to four scholarships a year to seniors

Laughter and longevity are the ties that bind the ladies of the Waytonka Club together.

Top left: 2023 Waytonka Club member picnic.

Top right: Members Christie Salonek, Lin Juntti and Sarah Colpitts assemble spruce tip pots for the Waytonka Club 2022 Fall/Winter Marketplace fundraiser.

Bottom left: Members tend to the Spring Marketplace 2023.

Bottom right: Waytonka members work the Plymouth Square Holiday BBQ.

in financial need graduating from Wayzata High School. As a nod to the group’s roots and to honor the nurses who first started the organization, Waytonka Club looks for candidates who are pursuing a future in the medical field and have a history of volunteerism within the community.

The club’s treasurer, Barb Boulware, who joined the organization 34 years ago, says Waytonka Club nearly ceased to exist during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We went through a time when there were like five of us that kept it alive. You know, we kept it going,” Boulware says. “It was important that we were still there, especially for the battered women shelters that we work with and places like Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners,” she says.

Now, the club is growing again and has around 20 members, with ages ranging anywhere from 40 to 80 years old.

Cindy Chang has been a member of the club for three years but has already embraced the role of marketing coordinator. When asked what drew her to join, she says, “It’s the sense of community within the club and the great feeling we get from helping our local community by giving back.”

Merry Marketplace

The club holds a large fundraising event every spring and fall. On November 11, Waytonka Club is sponsoring a fall craft fair at the Hamel Community Center, featuring 20–25 vendors. The event is free and open to the public.

“There are homemade soaps, jewelry, mittens, aprons, home décor, pet stuff, etc. We usually have a Waytonka Club table and put funds raised from this event into our scholarship fund,” Boulware says.

The organization plans to sell its popular spruce tip pots at the event, too. “When we do our marketplace with our vendors, we make these spruce tip pots with the evergreens and the dogwood. The last few years, we’ve sold out every time,” Colpitts says.

Prices range from $50–$80 per pot. Those interested in preordering can do so starting in mid-October.

Waytonka Club Inc.; waytonkaclub.weebly.com

Waytonka Club, Inc

@waytonkaclubinc

Photos: Waytonka Club Inc.

Jordan Willaby

VENTURES In the Mood

Designer shares tips for crafting your own home renovation mood board.

By Mollee Francisco

THERE’S NOTHING JORDAN WILLABY LOVES more than walking into a space and envisioning the possibilities. “I always wanted to be an interior designer,” Willaby says. “I used to use graph paper to redesign my bedroom when I was a kid.”

Although already in the industry, Willaby branched out on her own to follow her passions during the COVID-19 pandemic. She launched her own interior design firm, Willaby Way, in August 2020, and she’s been building her business ever since, taking on projects like kitchen renovations; creating new bathroom designs and finishing basement spaces. “Lots of remodels,” she says.

These days, Willaby’s tools may be slightly more sophisticated, but her path to achieving a design vision is largely the same, and it usually starts with a mood board.

Willaby believes mood boards can be incredibly useful tools to, “Hone in on the style and direction you’re looking for,” she says.

“With every Willaby Way project, the mood board acts as the overall inspiration for the space and something we refer back to when making design decisions,” Willaby says.

Earlier this year, Willaby helped clients in Plymouth tackle an unfinished basement, mudroom, butler’s pantry and laundry room. The project was dubbed The Alvarado Modern Scandinavian Project, and the goal was to “incorporate a Scandinavian feel with modern elements,” Willaby says.

To begin, Willaby created a mood board, combining a black and white color palette with light wood tones. The mood board helped Willaby and her clients refine the design and select materials for tile, plumbing and lighting that complemented the color scheme and feel. They ultimately chose black plumbing fixtures mixed with gold accents and earthy tones.

“We wanted to add some character through wood slat walls and vertical paneling,” she says.

Willaby loves how the project turned

Photos: Chelzie Lopez

The Alvarado Modern Scandinavian Project

Elements of the home that were featured on the design moodboard include black and white color palette with light wood tones; wood slat walls and vertical paneling; matte black plumbing fixtures, mixed with gold accents; and earthy tones throughout the spaces.

Jordan

out and how it carries through the feel from that initial mood board.

Willaby says mood boards are easy for anyone to create. The first step is to find your inspiration. She recommends using sites like Pinterest, Instagram and Houzz, or even paging through magazines, to find images that match the style you’re aiming for in your project. “Pinterest is a great resource because it begins to curate for you,” Willaby says.

The next step is to save the images, whether it’s to a folder on your computer or an actual folder. Then it’s time to put the mood board together. Willaby recommends using computer software like Adobe Illustrator or online design tools like Google Slides or Canva. Any of those programs allow users to crop, arrange and layer elements to create their mood board.

Playing around with the images as you assemble your mood board can help determine if certain elements work with or against one another. “You start to see themes as you put together the elements,” Willaby says.

Employing a mood board can help keep a project from feeling overwhelming, she says. “All you need to know is what you like and what you don’t like.”

Further, a mood board can help a designer adhere to a budget, whether it’s finding similar items at a lower price point or helping a client determine their project priorities.

Once a mood board is complete, you can begin to realize that vision. “The ultimate goal is that they would love to be in their home,” Willaby says. Willaby

Willaby, designer

HOME & GARDEN Collection

BOYER BUILDING CORPORATION

A LEGACY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP FOR 70+ YEARS.

Taking your kitchen (and other areas of your home) to a new level of luxury.

Our years of experience has allowed us to design and expertly craft whole homes and/or remodel spaces that bring you joy, purpose and value to your lives.

Check out our galleries at boyerbulding.com, and contact us for a consultation in making your home one that connects with your heart and soul.

BOYER BUILDING CORPORATION, 3435 COUNTY RD. 101, MINNETONKA; 952.475.2097; BOYERBUILDING.COM

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Exteriors Storm Restoration Award-Winning Designs

DON’T

Roofing, siding and windows are more than just functional components of your home—they define its aesthetic appeal and protect it from the elements. With Hoffman Weber Construction, you can trust that every aspect of your project will be handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Whether you need a roof replacement that guarantees long-lasting durability, new siding that adds elegance and curb appeal or windows that enhance energy efficiency and beauty, our team is here to bring your vision to life.

• Unmatched craftsmanship and attention to detail

• Superior quality materials for lasting results

• Dedicated team of skilled professionals

• Transparent communication and exceptional customer service

Why Choose Hoffman Weber Construction?

BIRTHPLACE OF THE HOME TOUR

In 1948, Minneapolis and St. Paul became the birthplace of the Twin Cities Parade of Homes. What began as a single trend home presented by the then-Minneapolis Builders Association, has been transformed through the years into the largest home tour in the United States. At Housing First Minnesota, we’re proud to be celebrating 75 years of presenting the Parade of Homes in the Twin Cities.

The builders who participated in the early Parade of Homes events were shocked that the community lined up around the block to explore the stunning new construction homes that had the latest designs and technology. Today, the widely recognized and respected regional event continues to draw thousands of tour-goers to connect with builders and be inspired.

Adding the Remodelers Showcase® in 1984 and the Artisan Home Tour in 2014, our home tours are truly the ultimate community celebrations of homeownership.

PARADE OF HOMES; PARADEOFHOMES.ORG

PARADE OF HOMES TWIN CITIES @PARADEOFHOMESTC

Since the Parade of Homes’ inception in 1948, hundreds of thousands of people have enjoyed the tour with their families, flocking to the now-biannual event to gather inspiration and see firsthand the latest offerings from local builders.

WE TURN YOUR HOUSE INTO THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS

At J Brothers, we go above and beyond for our clients. Our hands-on, collaborative process assures you J Brothers was the right choice long before the projects completed. Backed by over 40 years of new custom home building and remodeling expertise, we provide a stressfree experience turning your investment into a home you love. Our crews always show respect for the home, keeping it clean, protected and comfortably livable during construction.

Clients work with one of our in-house Interior Designers to make product and material selections. We provide professional guidance for maintaining your style and budget. To help visualize how it will look, we also provide 3D renderings of your space.

When you trust us to bring it to life, we dedicate ourselves to making your vision a reality. We prioritize your satisfaction every step of the way, from our initial meeting to the final walk-through.

J BROTHERS DESIGN BUILD REMODEL, 10025 COUNTY ROAD 116, CORCORAN; 763.732.8731; JBROTHERSREMODEL.COM

THE TWIN CITIES PREMIER KITCHEN & BATH SHOWROOM

At The Cabinet Store + Culina Design public showroom, you will find over 6,000-square-feet of American-made products including SHOWPLACE Cabinetry and CAMBRIA Quartz. Our experienced team is ready to work with you each step of the way to help you feel comfortable throughout the design and installation process of remodeling. We offer a SIMPLE, straight-forward approach to your cabinetry and countertop needs: We design, sell, and install cabinets and countertops. Contact us today to learn more about a free showroom tour and complimentary design consultation!

THE CABINET STORE + CULINA DESIGN, 7611 147TH ST. W., APPLE VALLEY; 952.997.2686; THECABINETSTORE.COM

THE CABINET STORE @THECABINETSTORE

THE CABINET STORE

TAILORED INTERIOR DESIGN

The team at Zimmer Design provides spatial planning and interior design, working directly with clients, contractors and builders. “We create 3D renderings and/or CADS, selection schedules, as well as the interior sourcing from plumbing fixtures to furnishings,” says Kelly Vickers, owner. At Zimmer Design, we encourage our clients to share all their ideas. Individualized design allows me to be the most creative, which is what my clients deserve. I follow my clients’ visions for their spaces, adding my signature elements and pragmatism along the way. I deliver a genuinely curated design no matter the genre.

ZIMMER DESIGN, 612.470.5660

ZIMMER.DESIGN ZIMMER DESIGN

@ZIMMRDESIGN

THE FINE ART OF CREATING EXCEPTIONAL EXTERIORS

For more than 45 years, builders, remodelers and homeowners have counted on Allstar Construction for all their exterior construction needs. We specialize in:

• New Construction: Single & Multi-Family

• Remodel: Exterior Renovations & Additions

• Storm Damage & Insurance Claims Management

It’s our mission to set the industry standard in terms of outstanding value, uncompromising quality, continuous innovation and exceptional client experience. We want to provide you with the right service at the right price at the right time—every time.

ALLSTAR CONSTRUCTION, 6500 CARLSON DRIVE, EDEN PRAIRIE; 952.295.3425; ALLSTARTODAY.COM

BUILDING LUXURY FOR YOUR LIFE.STYLE

Hartman Homes lends over 35 years of expertise to assist in lot selection, architectural planning, meticulous craftsmanship and the interior design of your home. Our custom design-build experience is the perfect blend of your vision and our design talent. Our award-winning team takes pride in the long-standing relationships with superior quality trade partners. This ensures your future home will meet the same standards of excellence you’ve seen in any Hartman model. Enjoy the experience as your ideas transform into your extraordinary new home! Proudly serving the Twin Cities, Western Wisconsin and Big Sky, Montana.

HARTMAN HOMES INC., 744 RYAN DRIVE SUITE #102, HUDSON, WISCONSIN; 715.377.1555; HARTMANHOMESINC.COM

HARTMAN HOMES, INC. @HARTMANHOMESINC

Chazin Interiors Your Source for Great Design YOUR HOMEYOUR STORY

At Chazin Interiors, we strongly believe that the art of crafting a home is really about storytelling: Who you are, who and what you love, and how you choose to move through the world.

Wherever you might be in that story, let us take you through an exciting process of discovery and together we can create the home of your dreams!

Complimentary design services available. Your source for great design,

CHAZIN INTERIORS, 1250 E. WAYZATA BLVD., WAYZATA; 952.935.0300; CHAZININTERIORS.COM

CHAZIN INTERIORS @CHAZININTERIORS

YOUR LOCAL HOME EXPERTS Obsessed?

GRADY STEPHENS

Chief Executive Officer

Q: How Can I Prepare My Roof for Winter?

A: Here are five steps to take to get you roof ready for winter:

1. Remove debris and leaves that have accumulated in gutters to prevent water from backing up and causing damage.

2. Repair or replace damaged shingles to prevent water infiltration during winter snow or rain.

3. Trim overhanging tree branches to prevent them from falling on your roof during winter storms.

4. Ensure proper attic insulation and ventilation to prevent ice dams from forming.

5. Remove snow promptly to prevent excessive snow accumulation to avoid structural damage and leaks.

Allstar Construction, 6500 Carlson Drive, Eden Prairie; 952.295.3425; allstartoday.com

JAMES VAGLE

Parade of Homes

Q: What’s the best way to find a new home or connect with a builder?

A: The Parade of Homes has a proud history of presenting the leading homeownership event in Minnesota. Touring is a great way to discover what features you want to incorporate into your home. It’s your chance to explore different floor plans, check out neighborhoods and see the latest styles. This year, we’re celebrating 75 years of home tours and invite you to join us in special events throughout the tour—all while finding your next home!

SPRING 2024

Housing First paradeofhomes.org

Parade of Homes Twin Cities @ParadeofHomesTC

Photo: Chris Emeott

Lindsey (Brinkman) Uselding and Kirsten (Brinkman) Meehan

RENOVATION 911 SISTERS CO-HOST HIT EMERGENCY RESTORATION SHOW AND FLIP HGTV MODEL “UPSIDE DOWN” IN THE PROCESS.

Written by Kristie Smith

When was the last time you snaked your drains? HGTV’s hit show Renovation 911 co-host Kirsten (Brinkman) Meehan says that although, “It’s really gross, so put on a pair of rubber gloves,” it’s something you should be doing once a month to minimize potentially serious damage from hair clogs and backups.

Did you turn off the water the last time you left for vacation? “Even if you’re only gone for a week, shut it off,” she says as she looks at her sister Lindsey (Brinkman) Uselding, who is the other half of the HGTV home emergency restoration show.

Growing up in the Brinkman household, the two recalled being on construction jobsites way back when they were little. “I grew up doing demo and paint work for my dad,” Meehan says.

“One of my earliest memories is spending Saturdays together and dad always stopping to get one last thing done on a job,” Uselding says,

as the two of them talk fondly of their childhood, helping their dad, Ted Brinkman, who joined Plymouth’s Ungerman, Inc. as its first employee in 1977.

Since then, the two have become co-owners at Ungerman, Inc., a restoration, reconstruction and renovation company serving the Twin Cities Metro area. “My role is taking an emergency call when someone has damage to their home, talking about next steps, getting them through the insurance process,” Uselding says.

“I take over with design and build and help put it back together,” Meehan says. “Lindsey gets them through the emotional part, and I get to help start making it beautiful again. We love our jobs.”

They love their jobs so much that HGTV turned their typical eight-hour workdays into an eight-part series on mitigation restoration. But the show, just like a restoration, didn’t

happen overnight. Meehan says it took about four years, along with many short video clips shot on a job site along the way, to finally get Hollywood to notice.

By all accounts, the pilot was a huge hit, and, thanks to “really positive test ratings,” the series was picked up. “All we knew was they offered us seven more episodes that were filmed over many months from 2021 through 2022. Each episode followed us through two emergencies,” Meehan says. The format includes work on an entire home that is the focus of the hour, with a smaller emergency, one-room project that gets introduced and revealed in the middle of the show.

“HGTV has never followed restoration—only remodel,” Uselding says. “So we had to flip their typical model upside down.” The two explained they would review a project their company

would be handling to determine work scope and whether it would be a good match for HGTV. “We needed to make sure we were offering a variety of emergency projects and that we would be able to finish a job on a very tight production schedule,” Meehan says.

Meehan says they would show up to a job with eight or nine added film crew on top of their regular workers just to get started and neighbors would peek out their windows. Though there is no additional incentive for a homeowner to invite cast and crew into their homes, both women agreed their clients were patient and stayed positive as the cohosts worked to keep the restoration flow as normal as possible.

“Unlike many other home shows, we were in charge of our contractors, scheduling and budgeting, as well as design and the hands-on work

Photos: Ungerman, Inc. ; Chris Emeott

Page 30: Kirsten Meehan and Lindsey Uselding at the home of their colleague and his wife, Ron and Sonia Ungerman. The Ungerman home was featured on one of the episodes due to ice dams that caused water damage throughout the house.

Page 31, top: The remodeled den, complete with blue walls and warm leather accents.

Page 31, bottom: Preremodel water damage that occured in the den.

to complete the project. These are our real clients, and we would have worked with them with or without a show,” Uselding says.

The extensive timeline took both hosts away from their regular lives, with long days on camera, away from family routines and their other clients. “Our usual jobs don’t find us working on site together too often,” Meehan says. “[Lindsey] lifted me up when I needed energy, and I lifted her up when she needed a laugh. Our level of friendship and sisterhood is unparalleled.”

The two shared a bedroom growing up; Meehan says they had their own rooms for one week at one point, “but we didn’t want to be apart, so we kept sneaking into each other’s rooms.” Their sense of connection and friendship is palpable on and off the show and has attracted viewers and fans across the HGTV platform.

They both agree that the heart of their work is their goal to respond to people who need help. “It’s not just remodeling, not design,” Uselding says. “It’s a chance for us to showcase how

Below:

Next page: The newly redone living room that leads into the den, seen on page 31.

(Both the entryway and living room weren’t featured on the show, so this is an exclusive look at how those projects turned out. Check out HGTV to see the full episode.)

Left: Kirsten Meehan and Lindsey Uselding walking through the new entryway at the Ungerman household.

The “before” shot of the stairwell.

we help people through the most emotional time in their life to the most elated, happiest moment to see that journey and share the outcome with the world.”

One episode in the series followed the restoration process after lightning tore through a home during a thunderstorm. Most of the family was four hours away when the house lit into flames, and the family’s teenagers, along with neighbors, began to gather in the street in the downpour. “Talking with them during our first meeting, you could see how they were going to be affected forever,” Meehan says. “At the reveal, they walked into the room where their last memory was fire raging up the wall, and the homeowner said, ‘I could have never imagined this room ever being this beautiful.’”

A favorite part of each episode for both are the takeaways they share. “It all comes down to the practical tips we can leave with our viewers. Clients ask us what they could have done to prevent the property mishaps they’ve experienced in their homes. And we started turning those tips into a regular part of the show,” Uselding says.

Those tips sparked a new idea, which led

to a new company the two just launched. By combining savvy solutions for home damage prevention with compelling design, Practical Home was born. The online outlet combines tips, tricks and fun facts focused on helping women navigate home improvement along with safety solutions for purchase.

“You’d be surprised how much time it takes to create an affordable, pretty plunger,” Meehan says. “Our crew kept telling us how much they learned working on our job sites. The shows have a pretty reveal and some great family emotions, but we also wanted people to see a tip and think, ‘I have to go check this out,’ so that there are educational opportunities for viewers to put safety and prevention to work.”

With their new venture and the 400 clients they’ve worked with in the last year, the show hasn’t stopped them completely. And now they wait to see if they get the nod for season two.

Visit our website for some tips on preventing major home mishaps and check out the dynamic duo’s new website practicalhome.com to continue learning.

Ungerman, Inc.; ungerman.net

Ungerman, Inc.

@UngermanInc Practical Home; practicalhome.com Practical Home @practicalhomeofficial @practicalhomeofficial

@kirstmeehan

@lindsey.uselding

Photos: Chris Emeott; Ungerman, Inc.

Written by Madeline Kopiecki

by Chris Emeott

Día de los Muertos

Two locals share how they celebrate the Day of the Dead.

It’s late October in Querétaro, Mexico, and the streets are a riot of color. Overhead, panels of intricately cut tissue paper flutter in the wind. Vendors line the downtown streets with carts offering sugary confections—sugar skulls with frosting trim, candied pumpkins, brioche-like buns. And everywhere, the scent of orange cempasúchil flowers fills the air.

This is the Day of the Dead as Plymouth local and owner of La Cocina de Ana, Ana Rayas, remembers it in her hometown. “Growing up with that is just a beautiful thing,” Rayas says. “It’s not a sad remembrance. You try to remember the good and the fun and what [the dead] liked.”

Día de los Muertos comes from the combination of native Mexican traditions with the Catholic celebration of All Saints’ Day. Generally celebrated on November 1 and 2, the holiday represents a time of communication between the living and the dead, when souls are called back to their families to once again partake in the joys of life.

Rayas says that the holiday is one of the biggest in Mexico. “Everywhere it is celebrated, just in different ways,” she says. Large cities might put out public altars to celebrate the departed. Families might cook the favorite dishes of the dead. In some

Photos

Ana Rayas

WHO’S COMING TO VISIT?

In Judith Díaz’s tradition, each day focuses on a different set of spiritual visitors.

October 27: Pets

October 28: Souls without a family

October 29: People who didn’t have hope when they died

October 30: Souls that passed away via an accident

October 31: Family ancestors

November 1 (All Saints’ Day): Young children “It’s when you put all the food in the altar,” Díaz says.

November 2: Adults from your immediate family

November 3: On the last day, Díaz says goodbye to the visiting souls and asks them to come back next year.

smaller towns, some cemeteries still come alive with activity, laughter and lights.

In her household, Rayas says her daughter— born on November 2—tends to take charge. “She’s the one that’s like, ‘Oh, let’s start the altar de muertos,’” Rayas says.

Altars are as unique as the families that create them, but there are some common elements, like photographs of the departed. “Ours is a smaller altar in my kitchen,” Rayas says. “They can be as complicated or as simple as you want.”

For Ana’s friend and Maple Grove resident Judith Díaz, her altar plays a prominent role in celebrating Día de los Muertos from October 27 to November 3.

Usually, Díaz constructs an altar on a side table in remembrance of her husband’s father and her family’s beloved husky. This year will be different. “This year is very important because my dad passed away in December, so I want to do a special altar this year,” Rayas says. Her plan is to take over the dining room table. “Of course in my parents house, my sister is going to decorate the whole first floor,” she says.

Díaz’s Día de los Muertos traditions are informed by her childhood in southern Mexico. “In my dad’s town, I remember that we used to celebrate in the cemetery the whole night,” Díaz says. “They put the ofrenda (altar) on the tomb, and then they have music. And you were having a good time also with the neighbors, because the tombs are close to each other, so you were celebrating together.”

Anatomy of an Altar

Díaz says that every element of the altar has symbolic meaning. For her three-level altar, she includes the following items:

Water: “You need to have water, clean water, and you need to change it every day,” Díaz says. “It’s an element of purification.”

Salt: Díaz also places a small container of salt on her altar. “The salt represents the purification of the soul,” she says.

Bread: Pan de muerto is a rich, brioche-like bread baked specifically for Día de los Muertos. “That represents the body, the physical world,” Díaz says.

Flowers: The bright orange marigold, or cempasúchil, features heavily in the celebrations. “Usually, that represents the perfection of life,” she says.

Petals: “You also have a lot of petals that you put on the floor,” Diaz says. “They are guiding your loved ones that are coming to visit you to the altar.”

Calaveras, or sugar skulls, Rayas purchased on a recent trip to Mexico.

Candles: Díaz uses different colored candles as decoration, but she says that white candles are what she traditionally lights each night in celebration of different souls coming to visit.

Incense: The woody copal is the type of Mexican incense specifically associated with Día de los Muertos

Pan de Muerto

As part of her family’s celebration, Rayas bakes the iconic Día de los Muertos treat. “It’s a very moist, eggy, not very sweet, buttery bread. On top, what they do is interesting. You have to know about it because when you see it, it’s hard to tell, but it’s bones, like a femur. They make those shapes and put them on top of the bread,” she says. Rayas says that each year, La Cocina de Ana is inundated with calls for pan de muerto. Currently, she only makes it for her family. “It’s so much work,” Rayas says. “Maybe one of these days, if I have a helper, I’ll make it.”

Pan de Muerto with the traditional dough “bones” creating an X design on top.

A GHOULISH GOOD TIME

Halloween at the Lake returns to Parkers Lake Playfield.

GATHER UP YOUR YOUNG GHOSTS AND GOBLINS for an evening of fun in anticipation of All Hallows’ Eve. Plymouth recreation supervisor Jessie Koch says the free family event will be a great opportunity to show off costumes, play games, enjoy music and more.

A few of the highlights from last year’s Halloween at the Lake event will be returning (Think apple launcher and pumpkin bowling.) and some new spooky surprises

have been added to the lineup.

Koch’s favorite part? “Seeing all the kids in their costumes. This is a fun event to be a part of—everyone is happy to be there, and they seem to really enjoy themselves.”

On October 27, don your masks, grab your trick or treating bags and dress warm for an evening outside at Parkers Lake Playfield. Festivities run from 5–9 p.m. For additional event information, visit plymouthmn.gov. —Madeline Kopiecki

Photos: City of Plymouth

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Onelove Yoga

10/14

Onelove Yoga will take you through an hour-long introductory guided practice of yoga at Crisp and Green. Attending the class includes a buy-one-get-one-free salad or grain bowl. All ages. Free. 9:30–10:30 a.m. Crisp & Green, 2700 Annapolis Circle N.; 763.280.6447; crispandgreen.com

Veterans Drive-Thru Breakfast

11/08

The City of Plymouth will hold a free drive-thru breakfast for veterans routed from the parking lot at Plymouth City Hall to the Veterans Memorial. Letters of appreciation and a small gift will also be given. Breakfast is for veterans only. All ages. Free. 9:30–11 a.m. Veterans Memorial, 3400 Plymouth Blvd.; 763.509.5000; plymouthmn.gov

Plymouth Artisan Market

11/18

Visit Plymouth’s artisan market, featuring area designers showcasing their handcrafted creations. There will be live music throughout this event. All ages. Free.

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Plymouth Creek Room at the Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Ave. N.; 763.509.5000; plymouthmn.gov

AREA EVENTS

Bloody Mary Festival

10/07

Celebrate the brunch party of the year at the fifth annual Twin Cities Bloody Mary Festival. Tickets include unlimited Bloody Marys, plus food and beverage tests from local restaurants and companies. Ages 21 and older. $52.50. 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Union Depot, 214 Fourth St. E., St. Paul; thebloody maryfest@gmail.com; thebloodymaryfest.com

Sensory Friendly Sunday

10/08

Enjoy Walker Art Center’s monthly free event designed for children and adults with sensory disabilities, autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities. Galleries are closed to the general public during this time. All ages. Free. 8–11 a.m. Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Place, Mpls.; 612.375.7600; walkerart.org

Girl From the North Country

10/08–10/14

In the new Tony Award-winning musical, Bob Dylan’s legendary songs are reimagined and presented in a story that takes place in Duluth in 1934. Ages 12 and older. Prices vary. Times vary. 910 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.455.9500; hennepintheatretrust.org

Mania: The ABBA Tribute

10/13–10/14

NOVEMBER 9–11 9 A.M.–3

MINNESOTA BLUEGRASS SONGWRITING WORKSHOP

Join Tim Stafford as he leads a three-day songwriting workshop, which includes full admission to Fall Jam events and concerts of Bluegrass, Old Time and Ukulele Gathering jams. All ages. $250. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3131 Campus Drive; info@minnesotabluegrass.org; minnesotabluegrass.org

Jam out to beloved songs from the hit band ABBA. Revisit all the classics, including those from the hit musical Mamma Mia, and make memories with those around you during the ABBA tribute performance by Mania. All ages. $27.50–$64.50. 8 p.m. 805 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.455.9500; hennepintheatretrust.org

Minneapolis Vintage Market

10/15

The October Minneapolis Vintage Market at Machine Shop includes two floors of

vintage clothing, accessories, home decor and more, complete with food trucks, coffee and a DJ. All ages. Free. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Machine Shop, 300 Second St. SE, Mpls.; 612.940.9647; mplsvintagemarket.com

Hot Cider Marathon

10/21

Run the 5K October-themed marathon, and you’ll be greeted with hot cider, caramel apples and a finisher mug to celebrate. All ages. $40. 8:45 a.m. Normandale Lake Bandshell, 5901 W. 84th St., Bloomington; info@allcommunityevents.com; hotciderhustle.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.

Minneapolis Vintage Market

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

Spice it up With Togarashi

Plymouth-based spice company puts a Midwestern spin on a classic Japanese flavor.

Written by Mollee Francisco Photos by Chris Emeott

TOGARASHI : Undoubtedly fun to say, but for many here in Minnesota, it remains a foreign concept. Tom Dokman is working to change that, one spice bottle at a time. The co-founder of Here’s the Deal Spice Co. has been offering togarashi as one of its unique spice blends since the Plymouth-based company launched in 2019.

“It’s been around for hundreds of years,” Dokman says. Prevalent in Japan and on the coasts in the United States, togarashi is a popular seasoning for fresh seafood and Asian cuisine staples like ramen and stir fry. “It’s unique,” he says. “It’s different.”

Togarashi, which is considered a table condiment in Japan, is a blend of seven spices. The base is Sichuan peppercorns. “The husk numbs the tongue a bit,” Dokman says.

While traditional togarashi includes hot Thai chili peppers, Dokman’s blend is “remade” for the Midwest, sans the heat. “Ours is zingy and zesty,” he says. “Higher citrus, lower spice.”

The blend includes citrus peel, sesame seeds, garlic and nori seaweed. “We hand peel our oranges and dehydrate them ourselves,” Dokman says. “We also hand cut our nori.”

“It’s a labor of love to create this blend,” Dokman says. “It takes a lot of time to create.”

Tom and Nicole Dokman

The Dokmans peel and dehydrate the orange peels that add a citrusy zip to the togarashi blend.

The hard work is paying off. “It’s our second-best selling spice blend,” Dokman says.

With a pop of orange and the earthy flavor of nori, togarashi is a good garnish blend, Dokman says. He’s seen it used on everything from hot dogs and sushi to stir fry and tater tots, but he recommends first-timers try it on a soft cooked egg or in pho. Rice also makes for a good entry point, as does fresh fish like salmon or sea bass. “It’s a delicate blend,” Dokman says. “You want to bake it, not sear it.”

What’s the Deal?

In addition to togarashi, Here’s the Deal Spice Co. offers its 127 Blend, barbecue rib rub, wing blend, Bloody Mary rim seasoning and a new taco blend that debuted in August.

“There are more blends to come,” Dokman says. “We want to expand on our own terms. It’s all about balance.”

After two decades spent working his way through the Twin Cities culinary

Tom Dokman

Recipe for success:

Red Pepper Flake

Toasted Black Sesame Seeds

scene, Dokman has learned the value of balance. “I wanted to learn it all,” he says of his early days as a chef. “As much as I could. It was addicting.”

When he married his wife, Nicole, in 2017, they created a special 127 Spice Blend (named after their wedding day) to give as a wedding favor. The guests went crazy for it. “Everyone wanted more,” Dokman says.

That gave him an idea, and the couple decided to switch gears. “It was time to do something for us,” he says.

The duo simultaneously launched a catering company and a spice company in November 2019. Four years later, they’ve pushed pause on the catering to focus on Here’s the Deal Spice Co. (The

Toasted White Sesame Seeds

name was inspired by Dokman’s father, who was known to say the phrase when he wanted to get his point across.)

The Dokmans, however, prefer to use taste to get their point across. “Food is our love language,” Dokman says.

Get Cooking

Dokman shares a quick rice recipe to help get you started on your togarashi journey. For more togarashi recipes, visit plymouthmag.com.

Here’s the Deal Spice Co.; 612.422.1620; heresthedeal.co

Here’s The Deal Spice co. @heresthedealspice

Szechuan Peppercorn

Nori Seaweed

TOGARASHI RICE

Yields 3 cups cooked rice

» 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed

» 1 1/2 cups cold water

» 2 tsp. togarashi

Measure out 1 cup of basmati rice, and place in a fine mesh strainer. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Place the rinsed rice in a 3 quart saucepan. Add 1 1/2 cups of cold water, and stir. Add in the 2 tsp. of togarashi. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir, cover and reduce heat to a simmer for 15–20 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir to fluff.

Chef’s Tip: Dokman recommends adding some soy sauce and sesame oil to the rice.

Garlic

Orange Peel

Here’s the Deal Spice Co. uses organic ingredients to craft their spice blends.

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Ruth Manthey

Title: I Spy With My Little Eye …

Equipment: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Location: Manthey’s home in Plymouth Category: People & Families

Award: Second Place

“My 2-year-old grandson was captivated by the dollhouse. He seemed so delighted that he could see me through this tiny window. I’m so pleased that I was able to capture his eagerness for all the amazing things he can see … with his little eyes. In my many years as a self-taught photographer, I am constantly in search of this magic. I love being able to provide a way to once again experience the unique times of our lives. How better to do this than to capture photographs of life’s special moments … after all, life is simply magical!”

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

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