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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 /J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 This issue is all about giving back. “At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished … It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” —Denzel Washington, actor
PAGE 1 4
FEATURES
IN EVERY ISSUE
14 — All Dolled Up
22 — Take the (Cold) Plunge
Taylors Falls photographer opens photo studio space.
Dip into the freezing water this winter.
18 — A Memory of the Prairie
26 — A Kitchen Worth Howling Over
6 — Editor’s Letter 9 — Noteworthy 31 — On the Town 40 — Last Glance
Belwin Conservancy’s newest art installation brings visitors closer to nature.
Photo: Hello Dolly Photography
DEPARTMENTS
Remodelers create functional, modern, two-toned kitchen.
20 — Accessible Art Art bus promotes healing for children with life-limiting illnesses.
TASTEMAKERS 34 — Staying Hungry Black Rooster Bistro serves up flare in downtown Hudson.
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LOVE Happy Holidays from
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his issue marks St. Croix Valley Magazine’s last of 2022, as well as the first of 2023, and we’re ending the year on a high-note. In this issue, we’re celebrating the season of giving back and the journey to wellness. Speaking of wellness, I’ve been interested in the emerging trend of cold plunging—a Scandinavian tradition of immersing yourself into extremely cold water. It’s said to stimulate blood flow, increase energy levels, improve sleep and more; and though I’m all for the benefits, I’m unsure if I can take the plunge myself. Writer Daniel Huss chats with Maria O’Connell of Lakeland, who started a cold plunging group in the Twin Cities, and Christa Rymal of Afton. Of cold plunging, Rymal says, “I see cold plunging as incredibly cathartic. When people get out of the water, they’re beaming. It’s far more profound than I thought.” Read Take the (Cold) Plunge on page 22. And, in the mood of giving back, writer Ava Diaz connects with Belwin Conservancy’s program director Susan Haugh about its newest art installation, Roaming Stone, and its creator, David Sprecher. In A Memory of the Prairie, Sprecher discusses the connection between the installation and the conservancy itself, namely the bison that live on the grounds, and how the piece gives back to the land. Read the story on page 18. Top off your holiday cheer with a couple of holiday-inspired beverages. In Get Into the Holiday Spirit, Matthew Watkins of O’Brien’s Wine and Spirits shares his favorite festive beers, ales and more. Find his recommendations on page 12. From our team to your family, Happy Holidays!
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On the Cover Black Rooster Bistro, photo by Chris Emeott, page 34 See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town! St. Croix Valley Magazine @stcroixvalleymag @scvmag
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staff writers Zoe Deal Ava Diaz Daniel Huss Madeline Kopiecki Staci Perry Mergenthal Kira Schukar
contributing writers Alexandra Eve John F. Farrell III Rachael Johnson Rachael Perron
editorial interns Nicole Berglund Megan Hegenbarth Hanna McDaniels Paige Schuller
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N OT E WO RT H Y
lo c al tip s, tidb its & i ns i ght s
VOTE
WE HAVE AN IDEA … … L ET’ S STEP IN TO 2 02 3 with the spirit of gratitude and support for the St. Croix Valley and its local businesses that have served us all so well over the previous year. What’s the best way to say, “Thank you,” to your favorite dining spots, service spaces, shopping venues and more? Vote for your favorite local businesses and community venues in our annual Readers’ Poll—this year’s Best of St. Croix Valley 2023. Our contest is live throughout January at stcroixvalleymag.com, where you can vote for your “best of the best” in a growing number of categories. While some of your favorite categories return for another year, our editorial team has included a few more sections that further embrace our retail and business communities. Curious? Go online to vote!
December 2022/January 2023
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Here’s what you need to know:
Voting is live with three simple rules*: 1. One entry is allowed per person; each ballot needs to include an email address. 2. Ballots must be completed by 5 p.m. January 31, 2023. 3. Voters need to vote in at least five categories to ensure their ballot is counted. 4. The top three finalists will be announced online on March 1, 2023. 5. Watch for our much-anticipated Best of St. Croix Valley in the June/July issue, where the winners and runners up will be revealed—along with Editor’s Picks and a host of other community highlights. *Any rule not adhered to may result in entire surveys being discarded, and all results are subject to editorial discretion.
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N OT E WO RT H Y
TA S T E
HYGGE HOLIDAYS I’m a fan of many, many world cuisines, and I’m lucky to have the opportunity to explore the foods and recipes of other cultures as a part of my job. Over the years, I’ve tried and tasted food from Central and South America, Southeast Asia, Europe and the Middle East, among other places. Along the way, I’ve discovered favorites and techniques that have changed the way I shop, eat and cook at home. Surprisingly, a type of cuisine I haven’t spent a lot of time studying is Scandinavian, even though my husband is 50 percent Swedish and 25 percent Norwegian. Foods like lutefisk, rye bread and kringla show up at family gatherings at holiday time, but I’ve never really dug into it at home. This season, I decided to rectify my oversight and developed some Scandi (or at least Scandi-inspired) recipes to share with my kids and my husband’s family. My 100 percent Swedish mother-in-law taught me how to make kringla and was thrilled to share both her childhood food memories and her opinions on my first ever attempt to make lefse (I know, mom, it’s Norwegian, not Swedish!). I plan to serve Swedish meatballs for Christmas, with sweet and sour cabbage, hasselback potatoes and pepparkakor, skipping lutefisk in favor of lingonberries. Happy (hygge) holidays to all!
Rachael Perron is the culinary and brand director for Kowalski’s Markets, where she specializes in product development and selection, culinary education and communications. Find more at kowalskis.com.
ABODE
Hostess Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season With the season of parties and hosting
Wine: Another easy, go-to gift that your
Food Gifts: A few of my favorites are local
coming up, I wanted to share a few of
host can enjoy this holiday season.
honey, maple syrup and candies or choco-
my favorite hostess gift ideas with you to Books: There are many beautiful coffee
Another option for a food-themed gift is a
shops, florists and quality grocery stores,
table books that can be conversation pieces
curated assortment of gourmet crackers,
so you won’t have to travel far to find a
as well as art in the home. Try to pick one
cheeses and meats.
quick, thoughtful gift.
that features your hostess’s favorite hobby, musical artist or travel destination.
Housewares: Think candles, candle holders, charcuterie serving boards, decorative
Fresh Flowers or House Plants: Stop by a
hand towels, unique coasters or throw
local florist or greenhouse and wow your
blankets and pillows. Try to find these items
host with a colorful bouquet in a pretty
that feature a seasonal touch!
vase or a unique houseplant they can have
Alexandra Eve is a local stylist and wardrobe consultant. To learn more or for help with gift giving and personal shopping this holiday season, visitalexandraeve.net.
for years to come.
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December 2022/January 2023
stcroixvalleymag.com
Photo: Kowalski’s Markets
lates that feature elaborate packaging.
bring along. The Valley has some great gift
PIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Swedish Meatballs Serves 4 » ⅔ cup plain breadcrumbs » ½ tsp. kosher salt, plus more for seasoning the sauce » ½ tsp. garlic powder » ¼ tsp. freshly ground Kowalski’s
Call Ahead to Reserve Your Pies!
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Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat, StrawberryRhubarb, Dutch Apple, Apple-Pecan Pies ... from Pine Tree’s own recipes. Great selection of apple gifts, too!
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black peppercorns, plus more for seasoning the sauce » ½ tsp. ground allspice, divided » ½ tsp. ground nutmeg, divided » ¾ cup milk » 1 lb. Kowalski’s certified humane 93 percent lean ground beef » ½ lb. Kowalski’s naturally raised ground pork » 1 egg » ¼ cup finely chopped onion » 1 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley, plus more for garnish, if desired » Kowalski’s extra virgin
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olive oil cooking spray » 4 Tbsp. (½ stick) Kowalski’s unsalted butter » 3 Tbsp. flour » 2 cups beef broth » 1 cup heavy cream » 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce » 1 tsp. Dijon mustard Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, pepper, ½ the allspice and ½ the nutmeg. Stir in milk; let stand for 10 minutes. Add meat, egg, onion and parsley to the bowl; using your hands, thoroughly mix until well blended (do not overmix). Form 20–22 (1 ¾–2 inch) balls using slightly wet hands; arrange on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Spray meatballs with cooking spray; bake in preheated oven until done (about 25 minutes). Set aside; keep warm. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook and stir for
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1 minute; slowly whisk in broth and cream. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and remaining allspice and nutmeg. Reduce heat to mediumlow; simmer until sauce starts to thicken. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste; add cooked meatballs to the skillet, and cook until hot (1–2 minutes).
Phone 651-461-4770 or visit mnwcare.com/pampersuite
Our location
1687 Woodlane Drive | Woodbury, MN 55125
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N OT E WO RT H Y
SIP
Get Into the Holiday Spirit
Dr. Marc Roehrich Dr. James Erlandson
Where visiting the dentist feels like visiting a friend.
Always accepting new patients!
CALL TODAY!
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It’s the time of the year to gather with
» Pryes Brewing Company Blood
your friends and family and have a nice
Orange Miraculum: An IPA infused
ale by the fire. Stillwater’s O’Brien’s Wine
with blood oranges
and Spirits offers an array of festive beers to spice up the holiday season, and man-
If eggnog is more to your taste,
ager Matthew Watkins has some great
Watkins recommends the best-selling
recommendations.
Pennsylvania Dutch Hard Eggnog, the “grown-up” version of eggnog, featuring
FESTIVE BEERS
notes of nutmeg and cinnamon.
» Great Lakes Christmas Ale: A six-time
On top of the fun festive beers, Watkins
award winner with notes of ginger, cinna-
is also giving an opportunity for custom-
mon and sweet honey
ers to try the yummy ales. “I started up a
» Bell’s Brewery Christmas Ale: A tradi-
whole bunch of things here like tasting on
tional Scotch ale with notes of caramel
Fridays and Saturdays after 3 p.m. until
» Prairie Seasick Crocodile: A sour ale
closing, [including] a beer and wine club,
with notes of cranberry, ginger, cinnamon
raffles and exclusive items,” he says.
and nutmeg “[It’s] a fun one—it has a
—Hanna McDaniels
Christmas vibe to the can with a croco-
2185 Woodlane Drive Woodbury, MN 55125 12
dile eating an ugly sweater. It’s a sour
O’Brien’s Wine and Spirits, 118 Chestnut
beer and has that cinnamon taste, perfect
St. E., Stillwater; 651.439.7595;
for the holidays,” Watkins says.
obrienswineandspirits.com
December 2022/January 2023
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iStock.com/DisobeyArt-
Inside our practice, you may forget you’re at the dentist. We love to laugh and have fun, while still providing high-quality care customized to meet your needs. You’ll feel among friends here.
READ
Collisions of Earth and Sky
Subscribe to your community’s magazine or purchase additional copies at localmedia.co
You have countless options. This book is so lovely. Part autobiography, part manifesto on how important nature is for our human spirits, local author Heidi Barr describes how nature makes us better. It offers us solace. It grounds us and helps us to stay in the moment. It helps us to know and honor our forebears. It heals us and directs us to connect with our higher power. Nature reminds us that beauty is ever present and encourages us to be fully alive. Not only is her writing beautiful and poetic, Barr is also donating 50 percent of her author royalties to Indigenous-run organizations. It’s easy to deeply respect her and her work. This book releases on January
We have one responsibility: To serve as your financial steward and help you use your wealth to accomplish your goals.
31. Consider preordering it from your favorite indie bookstore. Preorders help authors, and it’s an honor to champion our local talent. If you choose to preorder from Valley Bookseller, you’ll
Visit carlsoncap.com/steward and we’ll take it from there.
receive a signed copy.
Rachael Johnson is the assistant manager at Valley Bookseller. Find Collisions of Earth and Sky in-store or online starting January 31 at valleybookseller.com.
See Carlson Capital Management’s Form ADV Part 2A for a complete summary of services and a discussion of the limitations on services.
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December 2022/January 2023
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Photos: Hello Dolly Photography, Tayler Dumas Photography
SCENE
All Dolled Up Taylors Falls photographer opens photo studio space. By Hailey Almsted
Gi�s, trips, and other winter plans? An LEB Home Equity loan product can help with your holiday plans.
KATELYN FERGUSON dates her inter-
est in photography back to her senior year of high school, when she took her first photography class and won a film camera. “... [I] promptly traded it in for my first DSLR,” Ferguson says. “I was, without a doubt, the most in your face, little aspiring photog at that time.” Her passion for photography continued at the University of Wisconsin - Stout, where she pursued art education. Upon graduation, she fully nurtured her photography business, Hello Dolly Photography. “Being a small business owner is equal parts difficult and rewarding,” she says. “So many hats to be worn but also so many moments that have me pinching myself.” Ferguson has been capturing smiles for 11 years and counting—but her studio space has been open for just shy of one year. The Doll House Studio, located in Taylors Falls, serves as a space for local photographers, influencers and more to use for creative photography. “We have a variety of people walk through our doors—families, maternity, newborn, milestone, seniors, branding, boudoir, wedding,” she says. “Some people have shared some very personal moments in the studio, like pregnancy announcements, first family photos after an adoption or even family photos after a cancer diagnosis. Providing a space to house these big life moments is really an honor.” Although the studio space is only one room, Ferguson says each corner is thoughtfully designed with clients in mind. Most of the space features neutral tones, but one corner was created with fun at its core. “We worked with Juniper Rose Floral (who has done two
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December 2022/January 2023
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Photos: Hello Dolly Photography, Samantha Burke Photography, Kyra Lee Photography, Heather Bottjen Photography
FAMILY PHOTOS With the holiday season in full swing, Ferguson offers her advice to capture the perfect family
Introducing the MB Stillwater Personalized Shopping Registry
photo. “My number one golden tip I share with parents: You only need a couple seconds here and there during a photoshoot to capture something special,” she says. If your little ones aren’t smiling or aren’t listening to directions, don’t fret! “Another tip I share with people is to walk into a session with the intention of having fun,” she says. “Let down your barriers, and allow yourself to be in the moment with your loved ones … Leaving room for spontaneity can create such magical moments that you will forever cherish.”
installations for us) and Holland Dee Design to bring to life a funky, disco floral and hand-painted canvas backdrop,” she says, noting that design was removed in September and was replaced with a winter motif. “Our intention is to continue offering something new and exciting throughout the year.” Part of its newest design is a natural wood arch, created by Lindstrom’s Seth Alsaker of Seth Builds. Ferguson and her fiance, Tucker Lamski, moved to Taylors Falls just over two years ago. “We love our life here,” she says. “Our favorite things to do here [include] hiking around Interstate State Park, swimming at Lake O’ the Dalles (where we got engaged!), hanging out at Wild Mountain, frequenting our favorite small businesses, finding new trails, exploring all of the small towns around us and connecting with our neighbors.” Ferguson notes that their Taylors Falls home was originally a local telephone building, and the previous owners rebuilt the space to what it is today. “Terri, the owner at the time, created it to fulfill a dream of having a garden shop. We’ve connected a bit here and there,” Ferguson says. “I told Terri that her dreams ultimately made my dreams come true, too.”
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A R T S & C U LT U R E
SITTING ON 1,500 ACRES OF LAND, the Belwin Conservancy wel-
A Memory of the Prairie Belwin Conservancy’s newest art installation brings visitors closer to nature. By Ava Diaz
Roaming Stone by Chicago sculptor David Sprecher, currently on view at Tallgrass Trails at Belwin Conservancy in Afton.
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comes individuals to learn and engage with nature. Partnering with a variety of local educational institutions and indigenous organizations, Belwin program director Susan Haugh says the team hopes to be a resource where “people can come relax, have fun and learn about the land.” This is made possible through education and restoration projects to rejuvenate, restore and maintain the land. “The more we respect the earth, the better off we are going to be,” Haugh says. “Without all of the bugs and birds and the mammals, there is no life … We depend on them, and they depend on us, so we need to be better about taking care of the land.” A part of getting people interested in preservation is through art, says Haugh. That is why the Belwin partnered with 4Ground: Midwest Land Art Biennial, a three-month-long contemporary art festival that spans across four states and tribal lands in the upper Midwest. It works to raise awareness around the importance the ecosystem has in our daily lives while also celebrating art and history of the rural regions. “Art is such a beautiful way of enriching the experience of anything at a deeper, more emotional level,” Haugh says. “I think about sculpture as anything and everything in the world. It feels like a very open-ended medium ... So that is very liberating,” says David Sprecher, a Chicago sculptor, whose art is featured at the Belwin Conservancy as a part of
Roaming Stone, made of bison tracks and natural imprints, during its creation.
December 2022/January 2023
stcroixvalleymag.com
BIRTH CENTER THE WINTER SOLSTICE BONFIRE The Belwin Conservancy will host a Winter Solstice Bonfire on December 20 to celebrate the start of the new season and the lengthening of the day on December 21. In addition to the roaring flame, the event
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will also feature night hikes, storytelling, hot mulled cider and cookies. “We wanted to celebrate the celestial happenings, and the solstice is, of course, a beautiful commu-
Photos: David Freeman
nity event,” Haugh says.
the Biennial and will be permanently displayed. “I like making things that feel like they have a certain amount of autonomy in the sense that they are kind of like characters growing and changing in time and can respond to people differently.” As the first long-term art installation on the Belwin land, Roaming Stone by Sprecher pays tribute to the bison that inhabit the land. Sitting amid the Tallgrass Trail, the feature comprises a collection of bison tracks and natural imprints formed from polyurethane foam molds. The molds were then wrapped around a large inflatable sphere and later cast out of concrete to seal the memory of the prairie. “I am very interested in the ability of the large stone to reiterate impressions if it rolled … Conceptually, it would restamp or reprint the time capsule of the prairie’s topsoil, top surface,” Sprecher says about the piece. The significance of the bison runs deep, says Haugh. Bison are essential to the prairie land because they help aerate the soil which assists in dispersal of native seeds. “All of the things that they do nurtures the prairie, and the prairie nurtures them,” she says. “It is just a whole system that is incredibly beautiful because it is an example of how the earth takes care of itself.”
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DOING GOOD
Accessible Art Art bus promotes healing for children with life-limiting illnesses. By Hanna McDaniels
and soul. For some Metro children, creativity and restorative care come by way of an art center on wheels. Haley Brunelle has seen just how much art can make a difference through her son, Felix, 5. “Felix was born with a one-of-a-kind chromosome deletion, presenting as several different physical challenges, medical complexity and the need for a 30-plus strong medical and therapy team to follow him on the regular,” says Brunelle. So, when Felix encountered Ziggy’s Art Bus, a bus that serves children with life-limiting illnesses by indulging their creative minds, his creative self took flight. Felix’s first creation at Ziggy’s Art Bus was a birdhouse he made three years ago that is still used today. Brunelle says, “We enjoy the chickadees that make this little birdhouse a home in our cherry tree every spring. Although Felix is nonverbal, he reminds me [of his art] when we’re watching the birds move back in [during the spring]. He points to [the birdhouse] in the tree and then to himself—he’s clearly quite proud of his work.” Founder of Ziggy’s Art Bus Gina Zaffarano of Minneapolis says she knew this artful idea had to come into play when she was introduced to Crescent Cove, a respite home and care facility for children in Brooklyn Center. “I realized when working at Crescent Cove that there was not a lot of space for creative
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December 2022/January 2023
Photos: Ziggy's Art Bus
ART HAS LONG BEEN USED AS A FORM OF HEALING the body, mind
endeavors for these children ... Art is such an equalizing experience for everyone, regardless if they think they have artistic ability or not, and it is something that takes people out of their heads and into their hearts,” she says. From there, Zaffarano drafted the idea of an art bus to make the experience as accessible as possible for every child. The art bus travels year-round to Metro area facilities, including Fairview Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House and Crescent Cove. “We want to bring joy to children with life-limiting illnesses. That is our sole foundation for Ziggy’s Art Bus,” Zaffarano says. When the bus shows up at the hospital, the volunteers are there to help facilitate the art-making process for the children. Sometimes it is very hands-on for volunteers, or the kids take over the projects themselves. “We generally curate these art projects based around the demographic of kids we are seeing that week,” Zaffarano says. Lake Elmo resident and lead volunteer of Ziggy’s Art Bus Erica McNair Marsden has a passion for people in need. Marsden is a part-time death doula and grief educator, and serves on the board for Ziggy’s Art Bus and is one of the two lead artists. Marsden says she knew she had to be a part of Ziggy’s when she heard about her friend Zaffrano initiating this beautiful idea. She was involved in the initial fundraising in 2019 and decided to get more involved with Crescent Cove. With Marsden being an end-of-life doula and her having a magical combination of loving the arts and helping people, Ziggy’s was a shining opportunity. “I really started volunteering because I had a strong pull with endof-life issues,” Marsden says. The volunteers also receive a biography of the children they are working with prior to the bus arriving in order to provide the most enjoyable and engaging experience possible. “Seeing the kids engage in art in unexpected ways is beautiful to see. It’s important they have a space where they are seen—art can truly be an escape and a pause from their everyday lives,” Marsden says. ziggysartbus.org
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1395 Curve Crest Blvd W, Stillwater, MN • 651-333-6162 • www.orchinsmiles.com
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TA K E T H E (COLD) PLUNGE
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December 2022/January 2023
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D I P I N TO THE FREEZING WAT E R T H I S WINTER.
Photo: xxxxxxxxx Photos: Christa Rymal
written by DANIEL HUSS
If cold plunging or dipping one’s body into ice cold water isn’t thumbing your nose at a Minnesota winter, it could be or maybe should be, but no. Lakeland’s Maria O’Connell, D.C., a chiropractor who runs a corporate wellness business from the shores of the St. Croix River, sees cold plunging in an entirely different light, and her views are backed by science. “After a 20-mile run, I stepped into a cold Lake Harriet when I was living in south Minneapolis,” O’Connell says. “My legs felt great.” Stepping or dipping would soon turn into cold-water swimming. She loves it. “I pretty much swim year-round,” she says. Her biggest take away? “My sleep,” O’Connell says. “When I wake up in the morning, I feel great.” After researching the benefits of cold plunging—lower inflammation, metabolism boost, immune system support and reduced muscle soreness—O’Connell shared her knowledge. “I told a couple friends,” she says, noting she started a group on Facebook called Twin Cities Cold Thermogenesis Group. “Four told eight, eight told 10, and it’s been growing ever since. Today, it’s close to 1,000 members.” The club meets throughout the Metro for freezing-cold swims and dips. “We’ll do some big ones where we
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might get 70 people,” she says. The St. Croix River, Lake Johanna in Arden Hills and Cedar Lake in Minneapolis are frequent destinations. When asked about the duration of each plunge and if a longer plunge is a better one, O’Connell says, “There’s benefits to any cold plunge. I typically don’t do more than 10 minutes, but that’s me. When I feel like I’m done, I’m done.” When O’Connell enters the water, she stays calm. She encourages others to do the same. “There’s a psychology behind it,” she says. “If you get in and stay calm, a newbie can get in and stay calm. If they’re in for 10 seconds and out for 10 seconds and hooting and hollering, they’re going to create a negative vibe, which is contagious.”
COOL TO COLD As a rule of thumb, a cold plunge can be defined as immersing as much of your skin as possible into water that’s 50 degrees F or cooler. Outside of Minnesota, that could be any time from October to May. But in Minnesota and Wisconsin, experienced cold plungers find the dead of winter to be the sweet spot. And yes, that often involves cutting a plunging hole through the ice. “I remember cutting through ice so thick, it took six to seven hours,” says Afton’s Christa Rymal, CEO, founder and co-owner of The Point Retreats, a health and wellness business operating out of the Pequot Lakes area. “The temperature was 30 below.” Rymal adds that they’ll plunge if it’s zero degrees or warmer, though she wouldn’t recommend it for new plungers. She also adds that they’ve had clients from as far away as Argentina and Australia. “The water can be so really cold that you don’t focus on anything else,” she says. “You have to be totally present. That means you’re not multitasking, and you’re not thinking about 100 different things.” And the benefit? “Happy hormones,”
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Rymal says. “I see cold plunging as incredibly cathartic. When people get out of the water, they’re beaming. It’s far more profound than I thought.” The science behind all of this supposedly has cold plungers increasing their metabolism, dopamine and brown fat (an increase in white fat cells can lead to weight gain, while an increase in brown fat cells can lead to weight loss).
EMBRACE NORTH South Minneapolis’ Embrace North offers year-around cold plunging into 37–45 degrees F water. Instead of lakes, plungers sit in 100-gallon coolers. A sauna experience (190–210 degrees F) also awaits. “There’s nothing like it close to us, but places like this are gaining traction around the country,” says Embrace North partner Harrison Klein. “Utah has one and so does California.” While Klein acknowledges coldplunging’s anti-inflammatory and recovery benefits, he thinks the bigger picture involves mental resiliency. “You’re adapting to stress by regulating your nervous system,” he says. “Historically, it was a predator versus prey thing. While you’re not worried about a bear when you’re sitting in an ice bath, you’re controlled and you’re calm.” Exiting, he adds, leaves the plunger with more energy, more clarity, enhanced focus and a better attention span. Klein recommends two-to-fiveminute cold plunges. “Real benefits start after two minutes,” he says. “After five, they start leveling off.” O’Connell says the key is to submerge your neck and upper back. “That activates brown fat production,” she says. The polar opposite to cold plunging is heat therapy via sauna. Like cold plunging, spending time in a sauna will increase metabolism. Claims of detoxification, weight loss, increased blood
circulation, improved sleep, relaxation and stress management are also associated with sauna use. Klein also notes muscle growth and development happen due to heat shock proteins becoming activated. “Cells talk to each other,” Klein says about sauna usage. “That’s good.”
OUTSIDE THE BOX Signs of cold plunges date back to ancient Rome and ancient Greece. Saunas are said to have originated in Finland some 2,000 years ago. So, why the local resurgence? “People living in European countries tend to live healthier lives,” Rymal says. “We’re paying attention.” And? Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. O’Connell, Rymal and Klein all urge cold plungers and sauna users to first check with their doctors. Liability waivers also have to be signed. “We welcome all types,” Rymal says. “Once, a 78-year-old woman celebrated her birthday with a plunge. It was totally amazing and she was awesome.” At Rymal’s retreat, guests go through a seminar with history and current information, including health benefits and research, and complete a breathing lesson. “No one has ever panicked, and we’ve always coached everyone through their goals,” says Rymal. “That might be 15 seconds, 30 seconds or two minutes.” And? “Community support around the ice hole is amazing,” Rymal says. O’Connell concurs. “If you have a problem with cold, you can always move to Florida,” she says. Twin Cities Cold Thermogenesis Group Embrace North, 4420 Drew Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.268.2445; embracenorth.com The Point Retreats, 7684 Ruttger Road, Pequot Lakes; 651.336.8259; thepointretreats.com
December 2022/January 2023
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written by MOLLEE FRANCISCO
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A K I TC H E N WO RT H HOWLING OVER
Photos: Crescent Photography
Remodelers create functional, modern, two-toned kitchen.
FOR THE FIRST TIME in her adult life, Emily Wulff had the chance to host Thanksgiving at her home this year. It was the perfect opportunity to show off their new kitchen remodel courtesy of SpaceTurtle Construction. “Really, I think it was because I now have two ovens,” Wulff says. When Wulff and her husband, Matt, moved into their Bayport home seven years ago, they loved the kitchen. “I thought it looked so pretty,” says Wulff. But over time, they had amassed a wish list of things that could make it better. “We’re both cooks, and Matt is an avid bread maker,” Wulff says. With both of them working from home, the kitchen has become a centerpiece for the home, and they wanted it to live up to their expectations. Enter SpaceTurtle Construction. “There was nothing wrong with the kitchen,” says Marie Brenden, SpaceTurtle Construction coowner and lead designer. “It just wasn’t them.” The Wulffs wanted to increase the kitchen’s functionality, add a second oven and a larger, deeper sink as well as revamp an adjacent powder room. After interviewing
December 2022/January 2023
several potential remodelers, they hired Woodbury-based SpaceTurtle Construction to bring their vision to life. Wulff says her primary reason for selecting SpaceTurtle Construction was its ability to listen and work to understand their vision. “Marie was a breath of fresh air,” Wulff says. “She was open to hearing what I wanted. “It was really our ideas that we’ve been planning for six years,” Wulff says. “[Marie] brought our vision into focus and showed us what was practical.” The Wulffs wanted to create a clean, modern kitchen, inspired by a warm, Scandinavian design. “We both have a modern aesthetic, but modern doesn’t necessarily fit into the rest of the home’s design,” Wulff says. With the help of Brenden and SpaceTurtle Construction founder and co-owner Cody Kupitz, the Wulffs were able to incorporate modern elements and clean lines in a way that complemented the rest of the main level’s open floor plan. They dubbed it the “Coyote Project.” (The animal-loving company gives every project an animal
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FRESH TONES The Wulffs selected a newly available stain from Koch Cabinetry called Dune for the upper cabinets. The stain is a light natural stain with whitewash. The walls are painted with Abalone Shell (Sherwin Williams 6050), a pale pink tone. The lower cabinets and island are a deep indigo, which is a custom color created by the cabinet maker. The indigo was also used on the custom millwork piece above the island and a boot bench in the hallway.
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name and donates a portion of its proceeds to the Humane Society.) Tired of white and gray kitchens, the Wulffs chose to embrace the twotoned cabinet trend, selecting the newly released Dune stain (a light natural stain with whitewash) for the upper, ceilingheight cabinets. SpaceTurtle Construction brightened up the kitchen by installing square-edge, white Cambria countertops with gray veining and white wall tiles. New oversized pendant lights above the island and a set of undercabinet lighting were installed—Wulff says this is one of her favorite parts of the new kitchen. “They add so much light,” she says. Removing a trio of existing pendant lights left holes in the ceiling that would have required them to redo the entire ceiling had Kupitz not brainstormed his way to a creative and unique solution— a custom slat paneling piece that hid the holes and allowed them to recenter the lights over the island. The result is a stunning, one-of-a-kind piece of millwork that ties the space together and acts as a focal point for the kitchen.
“The custom millwork is my favorite because we got to create it on our own,” Brenden says. “I would love to put that in other projects.” An industrial faucet, a pop-up outlet in the island and a beverage station are among the project’s fun elements. “The beverage station is so nice,” Wulff says. “It keeps the kids out of the rest of the space.” Pale pink walls carry around the pantry door and down the hall past the boot bench to the powder room where SpaceTurtle Construction wrapped up the remodel project by creating a bright, clean space. “[The team was] incredibly friendly and patient,” Wulff says. The fond feelings go both ways. “They’re the absolute sweetest family we’ve ever worked with,” Brenden says. “They really became part of the family.”
SpaceTurtle Construction; 612.900.3494; spaceturtleconstruction.com SpaceTurtle Construction @spaceturtleconstruction SpaceTurtle Construction
December 2022/January 2023
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www.stillwatergazette.com
Budget Blinds of Stillwater/ Lake Elmo can transform your windows into beautiful views. With 1,000’s of options available to us, including; motorization, shutters and drapery, we are sure to transform any room or window in your home! Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo 651.351.7620 budgetblinds.com/stillwater
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Medicinal Blends is dedicated to connecting you with the power of plants. We work with the finest herbalists, who produce high-quality herbal remedies and whole plant beauty products. We celebrate artisanship, sustainability, and conscious living. Medicinal Blends 224 Chestnut St. E., Stillwater 651.555.1212 medicinalblends.com
One of the area’s finest collections of fine art and contemporary craft, featuring the work of over 150 local, regional and national artists. Live Art. Love Art. Give Art. Grow Art.
The right school makes all the difference. Come and visit Trinity Academy PS-8th in downtown Hudson 715-386-9349 or Trinity Early Childhood Academy 6wks through 6 years 715-381-1414.
SEASONS Gallery 401 Second St., Hudson, Wis. 715.381.2906 seasons-gallery.com
Trinity Academy 1205 Sixth St., Hudson, Wis. 715.386.9349 trinityacademyofhudson.org
in digital format! Never miss an issue of St. Croix Valley Magazine with free, anytime access to our digital editions. Full screen viewing on your digital device allows easy cover-to-cover reading. Share your favorite St. Croix Valley Magazine articles with friends and family.
TA S T E M A K E R S
TRAVEL BACK IN TIME When Moslemi is asked about his favorite ’90s moments and themes, he laughs and shrugs. Moslemi says, “... I really don’t think I have very notable favorite moments because everything meshed together because they were my young years.” Here’s a few of his throwback moments. Food/Snack: Gas station nachos with cheese sauce Movie: Armageddon TV show: Seinfeld Singer/group: Nirvana … “I sometimes catch my 13-year-old daughter singing and humming Nirvana, and I’m like, ‘Are you singing that right now?’ I get so proud. It’s cool to see,” he says. Song: Glycerine by Bush
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October/November 2022
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Photo: xxxxxxxxx
Photo: xxxxxxxxx
Clothing: Jeans, a white T-shirt and Converse or Dr. Martens
his favorite show: Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Moslemi says, “I watch Guy Fieri all the time, and I love it because of the diversity of the different chefs. I would just watch and take notes. I have a notebook filled with ideas that the Wild Hare uses a lot of [techniques] of.” Moslemi has taken his experience working in mainly fine dining and applied what he learned to casual dining. With inspiration stemming from Stillwater, Guy Fieri and his past experiences, he created the Wild Hare, a hybrid-food experience focused on diverse taste palates. Though Moslemi and his wife, as well as business partner, Sarah, come from the world of fitness, they’ve introduced concepts from that realm into dining. Moslemi says, “Originally, we owned several yoga studios—so that really influenced the Wild Hare because we took a lot of ayurvedic knowledge, which is an Indian practice, with wellness, eating and dietary needs. We fused that with a lot of knowledge I had from the restaurant business.”
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O N T H E TOW N
th in g s to se e a n d d o in and aro und St. Cro ix Valle y
SNOWSHOEING UNDER THE STARS Saint Croix Vineyards hosts a night of fun.
SA IN T C R O IX VINEYARDS AND WAH O O !
are partnering to bring a peaceful, fun night under the stars. Sporting a pair of snowshoes, enjoy a 30 to 45 minute trek through the beautiful vineyards. “Starlight snowshoeing is such a fun event,” says Colleen Bartels of Saint Croix Vineyards. “We put out these beautiful ice luminaries that light up the trail, and it’s so pretty to see.” Guests are provided with snowshoes to hike the 0.5-mile long trail. Afterward, they’re met with a box
Photo: Saint Croix Vineyards
A DV E N T U R ES
December 2022/January 2023
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of “nibbles,” Bartels says. “The nibbles box is a charcuterie box … as well as a glass of hot, spiced mulled wine” she says. The end of the trail also includes bonfires and s’mores kits—a perfect treat to end stargazing. Pre-registration is required and non-alcoholic beverages will be served; however, it’s recommended for ages 21 and over. —Hanna McDaniels The Starlight Snowshoeing series takes places January 6–7, February 24–25 and March 3–4. For more details and registration, go to scvwines.com.
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O N T H E TOW N Compiled by Nicole Berglund and Megan Hegenbarth
World Snow Sculpting Championship
musicians will perform Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Trisha Yearwood, Miranda Lambert and more. All ages. Ticket
prices vary. 7:30–9 p.m. The Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust St., Hudson, Wisconsin; 715.386.2305; hudsonwi.org
World Snow Sculpting Championship 01/18–01/23 Come to downtown Stillwater for snow sculpting, social events and other family-fun activities. The competition, hosted by the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and the City of Stillwater, will be judged, and winners will receive cash awards and the World Champion title. All ages. Free.
Lowell Park, 201 Water St. N., Stillwater; 651.439.4001; greaterstillwaterchamber.com
An Evening with Ella 01/28 The Minnesota Jazz Chamber Orchestra is partnering with Courtney Burton for a celebration of Ella Fitzgerald. Enjoy Fitzgerald’s discography live, intermixed with comedy and audience participation. All ages. Ticket prices vary. 7:30–9 p.m. The Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust St., Hudson, Wisconsin; 715.386.2305; hudsonwi.org
That Holiday Feeling
on-site cash bar. All ages. Free. Saturday,
10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Oak Glen Golf Course, 1599 McKusick Road N., Stillwater; 651.439.6981; oakglengolf.com
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AREA EVENTS
A Christmas Carol 12/01–12/31
Starring Colleen Raye, Debbie O’Keefe,
Holiday Cheers
The biggest grouch of Christmas is
Gary LaRue and the 10-piece Blue
12/17–12/18
back in A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie
Eyes Band, That Holiday Feeling fea-
Bring your friends for drinks at the
Theater. Ages 8 and up. Tickets $15–$134.
tures performances of favorite holiday
beautiful Saint Croix Vineyards. As a
tunes with sing-alongs and audience
bonus for each paid flight of wine, you
participation. All ages. $35. 7 p.m. The Zephyr Theatre, 601 Main St. N., Stillwater; 651.342.1542; stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org
can enjoy a free sample of warm mulled
Holiday Craft and Gift Show
wine. Ages 21 and over. Free. Noon–5 p.m. Saint Croix Vineyards, 6428 Manning Ave. N., Stillwater; 651.430.3310; scvwines.com
Times vary. Guthrie Theater, 818 S. Second St., Mpls.; 612.377.2224; guthrietheater.org
44th Annual Old-Fashioned Holiday Bazaar 12/01–12/03 Handcrafted items from Metro artists are available for purchase, includ-
Throughout the weekend, shop for
Girls’ Night Out: A Tribute to the Superstar Women of Country
one-of-a-kind gifts from 60 local ven-
01/14
dors while enjoying tasty food and an
This nine-piece band of Twin Cities
soaps and plenty more. All ages. $5 for adults, free for kids under 12. 10 a.m.–
12/10–12/11
ing jewelry, wood pieces, paintings,
To have your event considered: email stcroixvalleymag@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.
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December 2022/January 2023
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iStock.com/seiksoon
LOCAL EVENTS
7 p.m. Landmark Center, 75 W. Fifth St., St. Paul; 651.292.3225; landmarkcenter.org
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet 12/02–12/03 Watch as your favorite Christmas figurine dances in Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at the Orpheum Theatre. The performance will be filled with large puppets, incredible acrobatics and extravagant costumes. All ages. Tickets starting at $33. Times vary. Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.339.7007; hennepintheatretrust.org
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WINNER
BEST OF
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Holiday Flower Show 12/03–01/08 Como Park Conservatory is sure to
1000 Radio Drive, Suite 220 Woodbury, MN 55125 651 739-1555
please with this year’s holiday flower display. Elegant white poinsettias are complete with other arrangements for a unique viewing experience. All ages. Free with reservation required. 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park, 1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul; comozooconservatory.org
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Orthodontic treatments for all ages • Comprehensive corrections as well as cosmetic improvements • Complimentary consultations • hkortho.com
The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show 12/03, 12/10, 12/17 At this interactive comedy show, enjoy a full-course dinner while solving a murder mystery. And watch out! The criminal may be nearby, and you might be the prime suspect. Teenagers and up. $69.95 tickets. 6–9 p.m. Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown, 1500 Washington Ave. S., Mpls.; thedinnerdetective.com
Elf 12/17–12/18 Listen to John Debney’s rendition of Elf while the film plays on the big screen.
All ages. Tickets starting at $50. 2–4 p.m. Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Ave., Mpls.; 612.371.5656; minnesotaorchestra.org
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve 12/23 Rock out with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra during their Holiday tour. The show will feature an impressive light display and festive music.
All ages. Prices vary. 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Xcel Energy Center, 199 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; trans-siberian.com
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TA S T E M A K E R S
Photo: xxxxxxxxx
Staying
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Black Rooster Bistro serves up flare in downtown Hudson. Written by Zoe Deal Photos by Chris Emeott
B L AC K R O OSTE R B I STR O
Hungry
Pork Chop
Photo: xxxxxxxxx
cheddar grits / greens / smoked applesauce / cider jus
is bringing a hyper-local eating experience to downtown Hudson, Wisconsin. The new arrival, nestled in a basement location formerly occupied by Winzer Stube, a German restaurant, is the brainchild of Hudson High School graduate Nichole Frazer and her husband and executive chef, Rick Frazer. Don’t let the speakeasy-esque setting fool you; Black Rooster’s regional menu and relaxing setting add up to an eating experience that Rick dubs “familiar but elevated.” With classics like pork chops, roasted chicken and duck—paired with items including roasted carrots, butternut squash and fennel, honey and game jus. Behind the bar, crowd favorites like the Campfire Old Fashioned (featuring homegrown marshmallow root syrup) and the Proper Lady (made with tea-infused gin) pair well with an ever-changing bar menu of quick, mouthwatering snacks. And while the Frazers are looking to “change a lot of minds” with Black Rooster’s elevated regional cuisine, they’ve devoted a portion of their menu to the Winzer Stube heritage. “We still do the apple strudel and the mushroom soup. There’s the same guy back there doing some of the same stuff,” Rick says. It’s a Hudson legacy that the Frazers are excited to build upon. As we chat over a plate of ricotta dumplings, just four months after Black Rooster’s opening, the pair settle into a comfortable rhythm, punctuated by laughter, fascinating tangents and the stories that have defined them—together and apart. The pair met a decade ago working at Cravings Wine Bar & Grille in Woodbury, and the years that followed have been a whirlwind of activity, with the two getting married, moving to Hudson and
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TA S T E M A K E R S
Proper Lady
Photo: xxxxxxxxx
infused gin / cointreau / lemon / egg white
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Duck Breast brussels sprouts / roasted carrots / fennel honey / butternut squash / game jus
building a home with their daughters, Maren (14) and Lilly (12). “It’s always been my dream to open a restaurant in the town I live in,” Rick says. “I’ve just always romanticized the idea of … going to the high school and [seeing] the billboards on the fence of the baseball field. I’d like one day for my name to be up there.” The Oakdale native has developed a stacked resume since graduating from Minneapolis’ Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, most recently serving as executive chef of The St. Paul Grill. But it’s a passion for cooking and camaraderie that perpetually pulls him back into the kitchen, where you’ll find him every night, alongside his staff at Black Rooster. Nichole has been in the restaurant industry for years as well, having spent the last four leading the bar program at Stillwater’s Brick & Bourbon. At Black Rooster, she’s both the general manager and creative force behind the ingenious cocktail menu, though she can more often be found slinging drinks and waiting tables than behind a desk.
Black Rooster is an amalgamation of the duo’s collective passion and skills, refined over the years and finally pushed into being by a pandemic, of all things, when the Frazers were both laid off. “We finally got to the point where we were like, ‘Do we want to be in a nursing home when we’re 80 [wishing] we would’ve taken the chance? Or should we just roll the dice and go for it?’” Rick says. A chance Google search led them to Winzer Stube, and, after a process that was far from a fairytale (it took a purchase agreement falling through for the Frazers to get the building), Black Rooster opened its doors in late March 2022, two months after Winzer Stube closed. In that time, the Frazers simplified the space by taking down any visual distractions in favor of a clean, focused setting. “It was a very busy atmosphere down here before, and so we went opposite of that and really stripped down to … the old wood and the old stone, making those the focal points,” Nichole says. The 110-seat dining room is a soothing blend of light and shadow, crimson and
green. Ceiling lights play up the exposed wood beams, and golden table lamps illuminate the tucked-away vinyl booths. A trendy neon sign and Edison string-lights hanging over the bar reveal the building’s distinct stone walls. It resembles a cellar as much as a speakeasy, though with a refined atmosphere typical of a beloved neighborhood restaurant. Black Rooster’s 12-person team enjoys a two-day weekend (the restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays) to support the Frazers’ vision for a balanced workplace that supports families. “We are who we are because we’re also parents,” says Nichole. With this mentality, the staff has the rare luxury of working a full-time schedule in the restaurant business, and a wealth of knowledge that both Frazers share willingly. “[Rick] loves to teach. It makes him the perfect chef for a new restaurant like this,” Nichole says. “It’s his menu, but it’s a 17-year-old that just cooked your duck to perfection. We’re like a family here.” “We’re a crazy motley crew,” Rick adds. “It’s a restaurant full of passionate people
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TA S T E M A K E R S
doing what they love, which is putting out the best food, the best drink and giving the best experience that we can.” It’s the community angle that the Frazers pitch to new customers, and rightly so. Protein comes from a butcher “up the hill,” and produce is often handpicked by Rick on his way into town each morning. Though guests won’t find Tito’s Handmade Vodka behind the bar, they will be introduced to spirits from 45th Parallel Distillery in New Richmond, Wisconsin, Midwest-made brews and a variety of locally produced and sourced wines. Anything that can’t be found within the area is delivered by regional distributors. “The more local small businesses we can support with our local small business; that’s our dream come true,” Nichole says. Their tagline “Stay Hungry” plays off the same legend that fuels Black Rooster’s name. The Gallo Nero is the historic
symbol of the wines of Chianti Classico, inspired by a story of rivalries and the hunger of one early rising black rooster that cemented control of the Chianti territory for the Florentines. “That black rooster that was up before dawn. That’s what sealed the deal for us with naming the restaurant, because that’s exactly how we’re going to run [it],” Nichole says. “We’re going to be up early. We’re dedicated. We’re here all the time, staying hungry like that rooster. We want to provide the best experience for our guests, and we’re both here to ensure that happens. That’s just who we are.” And they’re already looking ahead with ideas in the works for a craft cocktail class and five-course wine pairing dinner. “Now that we have this space under our feet, we can keep moving forward and moving up,” Nichole says. As the Frazers recount recent moments of challenge and success,
seated with ease in the restaurant they built, it’s clear they’ve found the purpose and fulfillment they once dreamed of. “Everybody hears the cliché, ‘When you work for yourself, you never work a day in your life,’ and I really feel that,” Rick says. “There are days that it’s tough, but when I go behind the line and start talking to the guys and the tickets start coming in, nothing else matters. “You don’t get into this industry to become a millionaire; you get into this industry because you love it,” Rick says. “If you keep your focus on that, everything else falls into place.”
Black Rooster Bistro, 516 Second St., Hudson, Wisconsin; 715.808.0560; blackroosterbistro.com Black Rooster Bistro @black_rooster_hudson
Ricotta Dumplings spinach / bacon / pesto / parmesan
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December 2022/January 2023
stcroixvalleymag.com
RAPID FIRE Q+A WITH THE FRAZERS What’s the most memorable meal you’ve ever eaten? Nichole: You’re supposed to say something I made. Rick: Oh. I was going to say Demi, in Minneapolis. N: Oh yeah, we went there for your birthday. It was a 20-course tasting menu. R: It was crazy. They shaved fresh truffles on everything. So, now you [Nichole] have to say something Rick’s made! N: The ravioli with the chicken and the sage butter. R: Oh yeah, I still have to figure that one out, because I don’t remember. N: You make it, and then you don’t write down the recipe, and I’m like, ‘That was the best thing ever’ and you’re like, ‘I don’t know what I did!’ It was delicious. What’s an ingredient you can’t live without? N: Vodka. My recipes don’t have food! R: Salt. What about a more creative ingredient that you love? N: Rosemary. R: Gochujang. That’s been my go-to recently. It’s a fermented chili paste that’s sweet and spicy. It’s in a few of our daily soups and in the honey for our pork chop glaze. Do you have a second passion? N: Coffee. I need a lot of coffee. R: I don’t do it enough, but I’d say reading. How do you spend a day off in Hudson? N: I try to spend as much of my day outside. We swim in
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the pool. We sit on the deck. I garden, clean the chicken coop, hunt Morel mushrooms. I just want to be outside. That’s what fuels my soul. R: Recently, I’m kind of on the same kick.
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LAST GLANCE
By Hailey Almsted
SECOND PLACE: CITY LANDMARKS
Sun Dog Rare atmospheric phenomenon captured in Stillwater. “IT WAS A FRIDAY. I had just dropped off my two sons at [school]. It was 17 below out. I was on my way to work, and I had a 9 a.m. meeting, but when I turned my car out from the school, there was this gargantuan sun dog in the sky,” says Jonathan Quijano, photographer of St. Croix Sundog, which received second place in the City Landmarks category of the 2022 Lens on St. Croix Valley photo contest. “I rescheduled my meeting. Then I headed over to the Second Street hill in Stillwater … How often do you get to see a huge sun dog shimmering symmetrical over the center of the St. Croix River? Sun dogs themselves are rare, and this one in particular was ridiculous.” Although Quijano owns a Canon SLR, he didn’t have it with him at the time. “I had my iPhone on panorama mode,” he says. “I only got a few shots before my phone froze and shut off.”
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Photographer:
Jonathan Quijano
Title: St. Croix Sundog
iPhone SE Second St., Stillwater
Equipment: Location:
To view other Lens on St. Croix Valley photo contest winners, visit stcroixvalleymag.com.
December 2022/January 2023
stcroixvalleymag.com
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