A Pinch of Sugar Dust
Prior Lake baker designs intricately decorated French macarons
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“It’s important to have something for yourself. For me, baking was therapeutic. It gave me a sense of independence and accomplishment.” —Safeera Inayath, Sugar Dust & Sprinkles (page 24)
From Gala to Gathering, page 18
World Brews
Idioma Coffee Roastery celebrates the culture behind its beans.
Spotlight on Makers
In her annual gift guide, a writer connects MInnesota artisans with shoppers,
From Gala to Gathering
The Eagan Community Foundation creates an inclusive international food-tasting fundraiser.
Weaving the Nest
An Apple Valley artist builds a welcoming, creative space in her art-filled home.
A Pinch of Sugar Dust
A Prior Lake baker designs intricately decorated French macarons.
Common Bond
Whether it’s a date night, brunch with besties or Sunday supper, The Better Half caters to friends and families.
Photo: Eagan Community Foundation
from the EDITOR
The proverb says necessity is the mother of invention, but as many moms can attest, motherhood makes creativity and invention a necessity. As I put together this issue, I kept seeing a theme appear in stories: Mothers looking for creative outlets that allowed them to care for their family—both physically and financially.
Since I happen to be a mom of three in a creative field, and have redirected my career to accommodate family (several times), I’m especially sensitive to the push and pull that goes into fulfilling duties as a mother, as well as creative and career goals. So when I first met Michelle Sharp, the mastermind behind Meet the Minnesota Makers (page 16) and a member of our Editorial Advisory Board, I recognized a kindred spirit. Sharp was a Spanish professor before she found her passion for promoting local artisans, cottage bakers and businesses. Working for herself allowed her to pursue her passions while raising two children—and we all can benefit by reading her blog and gift guide, which is set to drop in November.
The theme reappeared with Safeera Inayath of Sugar Dust & Sprinkles (I learned about her thanks to Sharp!), who created a baking business because she realized that she could bake and parent at the same time (page 24) and again when I was interviewing artist JuliAnne Jonker (page 20) about her creative space and artistic career that evolved as she raised her four children.
I was inspired by each of these women, and I hope you are, too.
Liz Potasek liz@localmedia.co
On the Cover
See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town!
Photo: Chris Emeott
A Pinch of Sugar Dust, Photo by Chris Emeott, page 24
SPORTS INJURY
For some of our patients the goal is winning a national championship. But you just want your wrist pain to go away so you can skate for state. At TRIA Orthopedics, we’ll treat your broken wrist and get you back on the ice. When that happens, it feels like we all win. It’s why you’re treated and how you’re treated by TRIA.
VOL. 2 NO. 5 citiessouthmags.com
PUBLISHER
Susan Isay
EDITOR
Liz Potasek
MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
DIGITAL EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
COPY EDITORS
Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt
STAFF WRITERS
Kelly Cochrane, Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Daniel Huss, Jennifer Pitterle and Rachel Schuehle
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Melissa Campbell, Erin Holl, Melissa Jaeger
Anne Messerli and Katie Tomsche
DIGITAL INTERN
Alexandra Tostrud
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Tia Benson and Findlay Drabant
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Melissa Ferlaak, Valleyfair ; Sandi Fleck, Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce ; Stephanie Goldfarb, The Divine Living Space ; Eve Heeralall, City of Apple Valley ; Michelle Sharp, Meet the Minnesota Makers ; and Tina Goodroad, City of Lakeville
SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR
Sarah Dovolos
ART DIRECTOR
Allison Nolden
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR
Jamie Klang
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Yaz Lo
LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Emeott
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Brittni Dye
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Lisa Stone
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Mimi Coz
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre, Mary-Catherine Hartel, Sara Johnson and Lauren Warner
PRESIDENT
Pete Burgeson To subscribe to Cities South Magazines , please visit localmedia.co. For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co, or call 612.208.6248. ©Local LLC 2024. All rights reserved.
Savor
Behold Insurance Company offers client education and support.
By its pure definition, insurance is meant to provide protection and mitigate risk, resulting in peace of mind. But getting the right insurance coverage, especially Medicare plans, can be challenging—enter the team at Behold Insurance Company, with more than 10 years of experience, the mother-son duo of Gina and Brock Dierfeldt.
“We assist clients in preparing for Medicare and, with so many available options, help them find the coverage that best meets their needs,” Gina says. “We are local experts in Medicare plan choices, representing many national and local carriers”
“We have compassion and patience for clients shopping for insurance,” Brock says. “Medicare can be overwhelming, and we simplify the process by giving clear, easy-to-understand information to help our clients find the right plan.”
Part of Behold’s commitment to client support includes educating Medicare beneficiaries during the annual election period from October 15 through December 7 through seminars, in-home meetings or remote gatherings. “We are always available throughout the year by phone, text, email or in-person meetings for our clients and anyone aging into Medicare,” Gina says. “There are no costs to our clients for our services.”
Additionally, the Behold team is proficient in assisting clients with MNsure and plans on the individual market. Regardless of clients’ needs, the team is making a positive impact in the area.
“Gina Dierfeldt communicates well and always follows through. Thank you,” says T.W. of Eagan. “Thanks for responding on Sunday—the end of the holiday weekend. You are a great agent and friend.” says D.K. of Bloomington.
Serving the community’s insurance needs is only part of the Dierfeldts’ commitment to the area. They volunteer at Eagan’s Feed My Starving Children; Brock is a youth leader at River Valley Church; and Gina is the first vice president of Apple Valley’s American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 1776. They also volunteer for various fundraising events, supporting veterans and the broader community.
In addition to Minnesota, Behold Insurance Company serves Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin.
SMOOTH SKATING
LAST YEAR’S warm winter shortened the outdoor ice skating season, but two refrigerated rinks in Lakeville and Eagan, set to open in November, will provide more outdoor ice time.
The new Hasse Pavilion Outdoor Rink in Lakeville is a joint project, sponsored by the Lakeville Arenas, Heritage Figure Skating Club, Lakeville Hockey Association and the City of Lakeville.
According to Joe Bergquist, general manager of Lakeville Hasse and Ames arenas, the rink will provide much needed ice time for public skating, figure skating and hockey.
A similar crunch for ice time inspired the refrigerated outdoor rink at Goat Hill Park in Eagan. The rink opened in 2021 with phased improvements adding a roof in 2022 and a new shelter building opening this season.
Both rinks will open around Thanksgiving, depending on weather. Visit affiliated websites for up-to-date information. —Tia Benson
Hasse Pavilion Outdoor Rink, 8525 215th St. W., Lakeville; lakevillearenas.sportngin.com
Public open skating on the weekends is dependent on schedules and will be $5 per person.
Goat Hill Park Outdoor Rink, 4391 Lexington Ave. S., Eagan; cityofeagan.com
Open skating Noon–4:15 p.m. weekdays; 1:30–9 p.m. Saturdays; and 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Sundays. Open skating hours are subject to change; there is no cost to skate at the rink.
MOVE
The ice rink at Goat Hill Park in Eagan.
Reimagined Reality
A Better World
by Sarah Langan
The Farmer-Bowen family is invited to live in a company town of Plymouth Valley, a gated community for the .0001 percent. On a trial basis, Russell Farmer, a math genius, is allowed to bring his wife, Linda Bowen, a pediatrician, and their twin teenagers to this seemingly idyllic town. Plymouth Valley has clean air, plenty of food and excellent schools. The Farmer-Bowens initially have trouble making friends in their new community, but with the outside world falling apart, they feel like they have no choice but to make the best of their new situation. However, they begin to reevaluate their decision to relocate when it becomes apparent that residents of the town are obsessed with a culture called Hollow, which involves various rituals and festivities that may have a darker side. As Hollow’s culminating Winter Festival approaches, dread seems to envelop the town and the Farmer-Bowens.
Erin Holl is an adult services librarian at the Galaxie branch of the Dakota County Library. Read more at dakotacounty.us/library.
Spooky Squash and Goat Cheese Pizza
Haunting Bites
Get inspired this fall with these creative bites. Visit citiessouthmags.com for the complete recipe.
Spooky Squash and Goat Cheese Pizza Halloween has a new favorite treat, and it’s ghoulishly good. This pizza is packed with rich fall flavors and better-for-you ingredients, like butternut squash, fresh herbs, crispy kale and pumpkin seeds. The tangy goat cheese perfectly balances the lightly sweet squash, and prep is spookily simple, too—15 minutes and a
handful of wholesome ingredients are all you need to get this homemade pizza in the oven. (And it has mozzarella ghosts!)
Easy Owl Cupcakes
These cute cupcakes are so easy to make, thanks to a few simple ingredients. Pick up a package of chocolate or white cupcakes. On each cupcake, place two halves of a chocolate sandwich cookie, cream side up. Use brown candy pieces for the eyes and yellow or orange pieces for the beak.
Katie Tomsche is the content manager for Lunds & Byerlys. Taste more at lundsandbyerlys.com.
Photo: Lunds & Byerlys
Happy Trails
The amount of choices for Halloween festivals is abundant, but our family doesn’t like to miss Lakeville’s annual Haunted Forest Festival at Steve Michaud Park. There are hayrides, a playground trick-or-treat maze, a haunted forest trail (enter at your own risk!), petting zoo and kids’ Halloween show. In the past, my kids have had plenty of fun playing on the playground collecting candy from volunteers. This year, our family plans to brave the haunted forest trail— recommended for third graders and older. We’ll also warm up around the bonfire with food from food trucks.
Haunted Forest Festival; 5:30–8 p.m. October 26. 17100 Ipava Ave., Lakeville; lakevillemn.gov
Wristbands for entry are $4/person or $15/family if purchased in advance and $5/person or $20/family at the park.
Melissa Campbell is a Lakeville resident and mother of two. Explore more with Campbell on Instagram @savvysocialfoodie_travel_fam.
Staying organized over the holiday season can be difficult, but with these two tips, you can relax, enjoy the holidays and stay organized every year.
Make time for fun. From trimming the tree to decorating cookies, you need a plan. Make a list of everything you want to do, and add each thing to the calendar. Setting aside time will make everything easier to accomplish.
Declutter and donate. As you unpack seasonal decorations, carefully sort through everything and donate (or toss) any items you aren’t using. If you do this before the holidays, it will be easier and more efficient when you put away the items.
Anne Messerli is the owner of OrgANNEizer. Organize more at organneizer.com
Are you hosting this holiday season? While Hy-Vee dietitians can’t help you clean your kitchen in preparation for your guests, we can help you navigate their food allergies and dietary concerns. There are 33 million Americans with food allergies, including one in 13 children. Start by asking guests to inform you of food allergies as they RSVP. Then, communicate which allergens guests should avoid if they plan to bring a dish to share. Finally, if a guest plans to bring an allergen-friendly option to share, provide them tips on avoiding cross-contamination by preparing their dish using clean utensils on clean surfaces and serving dishes in their home kitchen.
Visit citiessouthmags.com to find Thanksgiving menu suggestions for gluten and dairy allergies.
Melissa Jaeger is a Hy-Vee registered dietitian. Visit hy-vee.com, or follow the dietitians on Instagram @hyveeeietitians.
World Brews
By Liz Potasek
Photos: Chris Emeott
Idioma Coffee Roastery celebrates the culture behind its beans.
AS A MOM, Katherine Thovson knows the best coffee is whatever you have time to get in your mug during a sometimes chaotic morning routine.
And as the owner of Idioma Coffee Roastery, Thovson also knows that every step from seed to cup—where the beans were grown, harvesting practices, roasting technique and brewing setup— plays a key role in the flavor and experience of your morning caffeine fix.
But she’s not one to get too fussy about it. “The best way, I think, to make coffee is what works best for people at home,” Thovson says. “I always tell people, ‘If you have something that works at home, don’t change it. You can just change your beans.’”
Thovson bought Idioma Coffee in July 2023 from its founder, Obed Santos. The roastery first opened in Farmington in 2018 and moved to a larger space in downtown Lakeville about a year ago. Santos, who was originally from Nicaragua, named the roastery after the Spanish word for language.
“No matter where you go in the world, you may speak different languages, culture might be different, but coffee is coffee,” Thovson says, explaining the inspiration behind Idioma.
“[It’s] the language of coffee.”
As a Q Grader, or Quality Grader, Santos spoke the language of coffee.
Becoming a Q Grader, which is a professional certification in the coffee industry, is similar to becoming a sommelier but more challenging and more rare. Santos brought that knowledge,
Katherine Thovson
along with a background in the culinary industry, to the founding of Idioma and to its roasting practices.
Thovson purchased the business from Santos and learned from him during a six-month transition period before he relocated out of state. Santos trained the new roaster at Idioma, and the dedication to creating perfect roasts that bring out ideal flavors and notes suited to each bean remains.
In addition to creating exceptional coffee, Thovson is dedicated to sourcing exceptional beans from small farmers around the world. The goal of sourcing from small farmers is twofold. Working directly with farmers ensures that Thovson is confident in the growing practices and that farmers are being paid a fair, liveable wage for their hard work. The roastery collaborates on annual trips to coffee farms in Latin America, inviting coffee connoisseurs along for the experience of harvesting coffee. “We can confidently say there are no chemicals, there’s no pesticides [and] there’s no toxins there because we are seeing it,” Thovson says. “We work with small farmers that just pay incredible attention to detail.”
Idioma sells its beans to local restaurants and directly to consumers through its website and during limited hours at the roastery. Thovson says it will continue to collaborate with other
Photos: Chris Emeott
Idioma Coffee Roastery sources beans from small farmers around the world.
local businesses and hopes to expand the hours and offerings.
Since moving into the new space in Lakeville, Thovson opens the roastery each Saturday, inviting the public to sample two or three of its current roasts and offering informal coffee education. There’s also often a small bite or two of something from Thovson, who is the executive director of the Grace Filled Table, a nonprofit dedicated to building relationships and community through food. The Grace Filled Table offers catering and cooking classes and free community meals on Wednesdays in Farmington. Thovson says she hopes to expand the Grace Filled Table into Lakeville and other communities.
“This [Lakeville roastery] space really is such a blessing because it’s the first time that people are able to actually come here to try our coffee, to talk about it, to learn about it,” Thovson says. “This space is all about education and experience. This is part of an overall mission to just utilize food to build relationships in community, which obviously coffee does really well.”
Idioma Coffee Roastery, 20769 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville; 952.454.0319; idiomacoffee.com
Idioma Coffee Roastery @idiomacoffeeroastery
ARTS & CULTURE
Spotlight on Makers
In her annual gift guide, a writer connects Minnesota artisans with shoppers.
By Jennifer Pitterle
MICHELLE M. SHARP , though she’s originally from Chicago, is now a bona fide Minnesotan—and she’s devoting her work to celebrating the artisans who make our state so great.
The Eagan resident was a Spanish professor and left the classroom when her children were young (though she kept up her academic research). “I was largely researching women in food and community,” Sharp says. “But when the pandemic happened, talking about practices from 100 years ago felt really out of touch when I was looking at small businesses around me that we really cared about and wondering what we could do beyond our purchasing power as a family of four.”
Michelle M. Sharp
She had a bit of an epiphany while chopping—perhaps not a surprise— veggies from her family’s longtime CSA, Featherstone Farm in Rushford. The brainstorm? A food column for Eagan’s local paper, the Sun This Week, that would feature recipes and humaninterest stories about local producers (many of whom Sharp had met at her favorite farmers markets). The editor
Apple Valley’s Cookies and More by Lisa is one of the local makers that has been featured by Meet the Minnesota Makers.
liked the idea, and Sharp’s column quickly became popular.
So, she expanded her reach and launched Meet the Minnesota Makers on Facebook and Instagram. “Could I create an intentional community on social media of small business owners and people who want to support small businesses?” she wondered. The answer was a resounding yes. She highlighted various makers and events, like art fairs and farmers markets, and offered indepth interviews with many of the producers to help them tell their stories.
In 2023, Sharp developed the Meet the Minnesota Makers website, featuring a directory of more than 100 local farms, artists and artisans. Selecting businesses involves a mix of personal outreach and referrals. The directory is constantly growing as Sharp seeks out new producers. Sharp jokes, “I have agreements with my family [about] when I’m going to actively look for new makers and when I promise we’re just going to wander and only visit with the makers we already know.” She vets each featured business to ensure that they’re genuinely based in Minnesota, handproduce their products and are active members of their communities.
A highlight of Meet the Minnesota Makers is the annual gift guide, a curated collection of local products perfect for holiday shopping. Set to be published the week before Thanksgiving, this year’s guide will be built into the website, making it easy to search and sort.
Sharp ultimately sees herself as a connector and a storyteller. “It’s not that people don’t want to support local businesses; it’s just that it’s not as easy” as buying something from a large retailer, she says. “So, whatever I can do on my end to make it as easy as possible, I want to do. I really just was hooked on the stories and loved being able to talk to the people who were on the ground doing this.”
meettheminnesotamakers.com
Meet the Minnesota Makers @meettheminnesotamakers
THE MENU
From Gala to Gathering
The Eagan Community Foundation creates an inclusive international food-tasting fundraiser.
By Daniel Huss
WORLD FLAVORS that highlight local culture are on the menu at the Eagan Community Foundation’s second-ever International Evening of Eagan this month.
The event showcases international cuisine from local restaurants, as well as a silent auction, raffles and a variety of international activities. Last year, guests had a chance to learn
Latin dance, create Ukrainian head wreaths, make worry dolls and apply henna designs. “You walk in the door, and it’s food, and the energy in the room is amazing,” says Sally O’Keefe, Eagan Community Foundation fundraiser chair.
The evening is designed to highlight the wide depth and breadth of world cultures in Eagan while also raising
“We looked at what we were doing for a fundraiser and wondered how we could change it to make it more inclusive.”
Sally O’Keefe, Eagan Community Foundation fundraiser chair
Photo: Eagan Community Foundation
money for the community foundation. Formed in 1990 with the vision of making Eagan a better place to live, learn, work and play, the foundation provides community connections and grants, as well as a scholarship program that awards approximately $135,000 each year to local students.
In years past, the foundation’s biggest fundraiser was a golf tournament. It has also hosted multiple tastings, festivals and galas. COVID-19, punctuated by the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, gave the foundation pause. “We looked at what we were doing for a fundraiser and wondered how we could change it to make it more inclusive,” O’Keefe says. “It’s how we went from a gala to a gathering.”
The food was the star of the show, and it more than lived up to its billing. “The food was outstanding,” O’Keefe says. “Participants raved about it.”
Last year’s event featured 10 culinary sponsors, and 15 culinary sponsors are expected to participate in this year’s event, including Andiamo Italian Ristorante, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Eagan Arms Public House, Hy-Vee, India Bazaar, Kitchen and Rail, Lost Spur Golf and Event Center, Mediterranean Cruise Cafe and Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill. Last year, some 200 guests attended. This year’s goal is to double that.
“We’re raising money and connecting with all the corners of our community,” says Jamie Hopkins, the foundation's executive director. “As a foundation, the goal is to do good, to do good for the community and to do good to the community.”
Tickets to the International Evening of Eagan are $60. The event is from 5:30–9 p.m. November 14 at Lost Spur Golf and Event Center, 2750 Sibley Memorial Highway, Eagan; 651.243.1198; eaganfoundation.org
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Weaving the Nest
An Apple Valley artist builds a welcoming, creative space in her art-filled home.
Written by Liz Potasek
Photos contributed by JuliAnne Jonker
Just as a canvas is transformed into a work of art through many layers of paint, Apple Valley artist JuliAnne Jonker’s home has become a work of art through many years of living. For 35 years, the home has served Jonker and her family, acting as home base for Jonker’s four children, playhouse for her seven grandchildren, a backdrop for Jonker’s thriving photography business and a studio for Jonker’s paintings. Now that she and her husband, Kurt, are empty nesters, they continue to open their home as a retreat for artists and writers.
When they moved into the Orrin Thompson home in 1989, Jonker wasn’t too enamored with the design, but she had a vision, and it started by adding dormer rooms upstairs. After the dormers, they embarked on a yearlong renovation that added a 2,500-foot studio to the house by digging into the ground, making room for a photography studio, a space for framing, and a dressing room with 300-some professional costumes for photo shoots. A yoga studio and second kitchen in the unfinished basement were additional improvements.
Then came the porch and a deck, facing the pond in the back of their house. “I always wanted a front porch, and I was so bummed when we couldn’t do it,” Jonker says. “But now that it’s here, why would I want to look at the street? So it ended up being awesome.”
The siding was completely torn off the house as a part of the renovations,
and they replaced it with brick, stucco and ivy after being inspired by visits to the East Coast. Outside, Jonker spent years converting a weedy backyard into a landscape fit for photo backdrops, making good use of the mature trees on the lot and adding to them with shadeloving perennials, including hostas, lily of the valley and her grandma’s peonies. In the front yard, a Japanese maple is thriving despite Minnesota’s harsh climate, and a Free Little Library is an invitation for neighbors to browse.
When it comes to decorating the house, Jonker’s decisions are both practical (grayish-green paint on the walls because it makes a great background for portraits) and whimsical. She mixes vintage pieces with industrial, and she’s also incorporated quite a few pieces from India that came via Los Angeles. Jonker frequents Facebook Marketplace and is always on the lookout for pieces that will add aesthetic appeal as well as organization to her studio. “If I had another lifetime, I’d be an antique dealer,” she says.
Sculptures and paintings—both her own and work she’s collected from other artists—are prominently displayed throughout her home. “I collect artwork, even though I sell [my own] art work,” she says. “I have over 60 pieces.”
Of course, Jonker’s house isn’t just for displaying art. It’s also for creating. She fell in love with art as a high school student when she took an art history and criticism class. Her art career began
JuliAnne Jonker’s photography studio is filled with different backdrops and photo props.
JuliAnne Jonker
in junior high, when she sold her first painting to the principal at Nicollet Junior High School in Burnsville.
As a young mother, Jonker mainly focused on calligraphy and watercolor because they were easy to clean up with small children. She launched her photography business while raising young children because the flexibility allowed her to schedule photo shoots around her family’s schedule.
As she built her photography business, Jonker took classes at the Minnesota River School of Fine Art in Burnsville and began to incorporate more painting, drawing and sculpture into her creative life. Jonker’s work has been displayed at galleries throughout the world, and 15 of her paintings were sent to the moon as a part of the Lunar Codex.
She also taught painting and photography classes, which led to in-home classes and workshops. Eventually, the workshops evolved into her concept for The Nest. Writers and artists from around the country have stayed at her house for extended periods, sometimes using the space as an artistic retreat and other times taking classes from Jonker. “I really changed from scheduled workshops to The Nest, so that the classes would be smaller,” she says. “I really love to work one-on-one with people who want to learn.”
juliannejonker.com
JuliAnne Jonker
@juliannejonker_fineart
Top: JuliAnne Jonker designed shadeloving perennial gardens among the mature trees in her backyard.
Bottom: This painting studio/living room/ art gallery is part of the addition that the Jonkers added to their home.
A Pinch of Sugar Dust
A Prior Lake baker designs intricately decorated French macarons.
Written by Jennifer Pitterle — Photos by Chris Emeott
Safeera Inayath
Prior Lake’s Safeera Inayath’s unexpected journey from stay-at-home mom to celebrated macaron artist is a story of resilience, creativity and, most inspiring of all, a quest for personal fulfillment. The founder of Sugar Dust & Sprinkles—a cottage business focused on custom cakes and delicately decorated macarons—overcame isolation to find her passion and turn it into a thriving business.
A New Beginning
Inayath, who grew up in India, moved to Shakopee in 2010 to join
her husband, Mohammed, who had been living in Minnesota since 2000. The couple’s oldest daughter, Rida, was 2 at the time, and combining a global move with caring for a toddler was often overwhelming, Inayath says. “It was a big transition,” she says. “I had no family, no friends here. It was really hard.”
Her husband, a quality analyst in IT, had a strong social circle of friends, but Inayath didn’t truly feel part of things. “I was homesick and lonely,” she says. “I wasn’t driving, so I depended on my husband for everything.”
That same year, she found out she
was pregnant with her second baby, a transition that is challenging for most moms and about which Inayath speaks with refreshing candor. “That transition was really, really bad,” she says. “But we slowly started adjusting.”
In an effort to acclimate to her new environment, Inayath began taking her daughter to Early Childhood Family Education classes. “It was a nice learning curve,” she says. “I met new moms and learned about the school culture here.”
But it was an auspicious visit to the gym that sparked a new passion.
The intricately handpainted designs on Safeera Inayath’s macarons have made them a centerpiece of her cottage bakery, Sugar Dust & Sprinkles.
Safeera Inayath is known for the custom designs she paints on macarons.
“I would watch the Food Network while working out,” Inayath says. “The Pioneer Woman caught my eye with her baking.”
Inspired, Inayath decided to try her own hand at baking. She started experimenting with simple cakes and desserts, much to the delight of her husband and coworkers at a tutoring center, where she’d gotten a parttime job. Most importantly, the baking exercises gave her something to focus on during long days at home with her young children. “Babies eat and sleep and like to look around,” she says with a smile. “It was pretty easy to bake in the background.”
Birth of a Baker
For Rida’s 7th birthday, “I made her a simple cake,” Inayath says. “It wasn’t great, but she loved it.” Inayath had officially been bitten by the pastry bug. She took cake decorating classes at a local craft store and honed her skills through YouTube tutorials.
By Rida’s 8th birthday, Inayath was able to craft a stunning cake, which also included her first attempt at those most challenging French pastries: macarons. Despite the difficulty, her first batch was perfect—maybe a sign from the universe that she was pursuing the right path. “I couldn’t believe it,” she says. “They were so tasty.”
As Inayath’s baking skills improved, her colleagues encouraged her to start selling her creations. “I found out about the Minnesota Cottage Food Law and decided to register,” she says. And in 2016, she officially launched Sugar Dust & Sprinkles. “I started small with orders from friends and word of mouth,” she says.
Her big break came when she began showcasing her creations on Instagram, which significantly boosted her visibility and client base. In 2017, the family moved from Shakopee to their current home in Prior Lake—and found out they were expecting child No. 3, Umair. “I took a little break from orders,” Inayath says. “But then I started back up full time in 2019.”
Mastering Macarons
While Inayath offers a variety of baked goods, macarons have become her specialty. She attributes her success to a combination of passion and meticulous learning. “Macarons are tricky,” she says. “But I love the challenge.” Her bitesized masterpieces are visually stunning (in addition to delicious), often decorated with intricate watercolor designs inspired by her love for art.
“I used to do henna art and always loved drawing and painting,” even as a little girl, she says. This unique skill has become a significant differentiator of
“It’s important to have something for yourself ... For me, baking was therapeutic. It gave me a sense of independence and accomplishment.”
Safeera Inayath
In addition to custom-made, handpainted macarons, Safeera Inayath bakes and decorates elegant cakes for all occasions, including weddings and birthdays.
her business. “Clients loved the custom designs. It’s become a big part of what I do,” she says.
Inayath uses gel food colors, mixed with water, and a watercolor paintbrush to create a tiny “canvas” on each macaron. There are delicate florals, perfect for tea parties or weddings; sweet animal designs for birthday parties; and seasonal specialties, like bunnies for Easter or prayer beads and moons for Ramadan.
Balancing Act
Managing a growing business while raising three children is no small feat. Rida (16), Uzair (13) and Umair (5) often see their mother juggling baking and parenting with grace. “It’s challenging, but I make it work,” she says. “I bake when the kids are asleep or at school. It’s all about finding balance.”
In some ways, it was parenthood itself that sparked Inayath’s new dream to open a bakery. She now shares that perspective with other young moms who might be feeling isolated: Find something you are passionate about. “It’s important to have something for yourself,” she says. “For me, baking was therapeutic. It gave me a sense of independence and accomplishment.”
Inayath dreams of expanding her business into a commercial kitchen and focusing more on craft and farmers’ markets in addition to custom orders. “I want to provide my products to other bakeries and focus on holiday markets,” she says. And if anyone can make the next leap, it’s this supermom.
CREATE. LAUGH. LEARN.
Your child will grow and develop through a research-driven, relationship-oriented, play-based learning curriculum. Serving infants through Pre-K children. Family- and Locally-owned since 1976.
www.EspeciallyforChildren.com | 952.857.1100
Sugar Dust & Sprinkles; sugardustandsprinkles.com @sugardustandsprinkles_
Written by Hailey Almsted — Photos by Chris Emeott
Homemade Happiness
Let’s Dish! brings the ease of cooking back to your table, so you can savor the moments that truly matter.
Welcome to Let’s Dish!, where your love for home-cooked meals meets the convenience of ready-to-cook perfection. With over 20 years of Minnesota roots, co-founder and CEO Darcy Olson says that Let’s Dish! has evolved from its origin—which welcomed customers to participate in sessions to assemble their meals—into what it is today. With five locations across the Twin Cities, Let’s Dish! now offers a wide selection of ready-to-cook meals made with fresh ingredients that can be easily stored in the freezer and prepared when you’re ready.
Traci and Jeff Petschl started using
Let’s Dish! shortly after its inception. The Petschl family has since expanded, with the addition of daughters Addi (16) and Josie (15), and Let’s Dish! is still an integral part of their mealtime. “Let’s Dish! has transitioned as I’ve transitioned with my life,” Traci Petschl says, noting everyone in the family favors the meals. “We even had our daughters say, ‘I was craving Penne alla Vodka, so we stopped by and got a couple from Let’s Dish! and we’re making them for all of our friends,’” Petschl says. “Then I’ll have a dozen kids at my house making two batches of Penne alla Vodka. These dishes have gotten to
be not just family favorites but friend favorites as well … I don’t know if we’ve ever gotten a Let’s Dish! meal that all members of our family haven’t loved.”
That’s what Olson and the team like to hear. “For all the unpredictable things that happen in the world, it’s great to make dinner a sure thing,” Olson says. Plus, with a variety of options, including gluten- and dairy-free, vegetarian, low sodium and under 400 calories, there’s something for just about everyone.
“It’s ready to cook and ready when you are,” says Katie Suttenberg, vice president of operations and development. “Dinner happens 365 days a
Katie Suttenberg, vice president of operations and development, and Darcy Olson, cofounder and CEO.
year, and our product makes your life so much easier so you can enjoy other things. You don’t have to have the stress and mental load every day of, ‘What’s for dinner tonight?’”
Whether you’re a professional, a parent on the go or simply someone who values quality meals, Let’s Dish! makes it easy to create delicious meals in the comfort of your kitchen. Favorites, such as Family Style Chicken Pot Pie, Sheet Pan Lemon Rosemary Chicken and Potatoes, Skillet Pot Roast and Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta, are available year-round. At the same time, seasonal items are added throughout the year. All options are available in serving sizes of three ($20) or six ($34).
Let’s Dish! prioritizes a successful shopping experience by inviting customers to shop online or in-store at any one of its welcoming locations, including Apple Valley, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Prior Lake and Woodbury.
For Olson, it’s all about providing that homemade happiness. “Life is so busy. We’re running around and doing so many things,” Olson says. “Sometimes that happiness and joy that we’re chasing is right there at home, and we like to make it easy to enjoy that.”
Petschl shares that sentiment and says, “Let’s Dish! has truly become a core part of feeding our family, and we are really thankful to have a local company that cares so much about its customers and provides such quality meals.”
Let’s Dish! @letsdishmn
LEARN MORE AT LETSDISH.COM AND VISIT
LET’S DISH! AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
15052 Gleason Path #103A, Apple Valley; 952.997.2380
16364 Wagner Way, Eden Prairie; *JUST MOVED* 952.208.2163
12187 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove; 763.425.9383
6880 Boudin Street NE, Prior Lake; 952.226.3663
10150 Hudson Road Suite 110, Woodbury; 651.730.6600
BBQ Chicken flatbread features Cry Baby Craig’s aioli and chipotle BBQ chicken.
TASTEMAKERS
Common Bond
Whether it’s a date night, brunch with besties or Sunday supper, The Better Half caters to friends and families.
Written by Meredith Heneghan and Liz Potasek — Photos by Chris Emeott
A PERFECT PAIRING is all about balance, and The Better Half restaurant in Lakeville has this concept baked into its name—an idiom referring to one’s partner or friend. Since its opening in 2022, the restaurant has become known for being polished, yet approachable, from its service to its menu. “I love the small-town feel to it all,” says general manager Heather Liss, who lives close to the restaurant in downtown Lakeville.
Owned and operated by the same four-person partnership group responsible for B-52 Burgers and Brew in Lakeville and Inver Grove Heights, as well as Mac’s Diner in North St. Paul, The Better Half was heavily influenced by the partners’ wives. “All of our wives wanted input on the food and styling,” says co-owner Jason Saji. It’s that influence that inspired the restaurant’s name and the photos of famous couples that grace the dining room walls.
Open from morning until late night, The Better Half seeks to appease every appetite, from morning eggs and coffee to late night drinks and desserts. The menu, which changes seasonally, always offers elevated diner food, like the Asparagus Benedict and Avocado Toast in the morning or the Better Smash Burger (two smash patties topped with Merlot-glazed mushrooms, whipped Hidden Falls cheese from Shepherd’s Way Farms, bacon, garlic and wild onion aioli) and BLTA (bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado, served with garlic aioli) in the afternoon or evening.
Heather Liss
Its lunch menu features a selection of sandwiches, salads, flatbreads and burgers, and the dinner menu stretches well beyond typical diner fare with heartier entrees, including both meat and fish dishes, as well as pastas, in addition to its mid-day offerings.
Across all the menus, Liss says her top three items are the Wedge Salad, Rosemary Honey Buffalo Smoked Wings and Breakfast Tacos.
The restaurant prides itself on offering menu items for everyone, with several options that can be made gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan or vegetarian, and takes special care when it comes to diners with food allergies. “We take allergies very seriously,” says Saji, noting that there’s a careful
review of ingredients from food providers, and most of the menu items are made in-house.
That same careful intention extends to the bar menu, which features a thoughtfully curated offering of craft beers, as well as prosecco, cold press coffee and several house specialty drinks (Old Fashioned and Better Half Mule) on tap. Serving the cocktails on tap provides consistent flavor, Saji explains. But it’s the details—like the housemade ginger beer and sour that make the cocktails and mocktails really shine.
Its strong menu is balanced with its equally strong ambiance and hospitality. Liss, who started her new role as general manager in February, has been
with The Better Half since it opened and was honored with the 2024 Excellence in Customer Service Award from Visit Lakeville. What stands out to Liss is Lakeville’s atmosphere and The Better Half’s unique menu—but she also appreciates the feeling of a place where anyone could become a regular.
“The team really cares for each other, and you can feel it in the store,” Saji says. “Hospitality comes naturally when leadership takes care of staff. Passion and creativity show through.”
The Better Half, 20851 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville; 952.214.7402; thebetterhalfmn.com
The Better Half @thebetterhalfmn Breakfast Tacos are among general manager Heather Liss’s favorite dishes on the menu.
From breakfast to night caps, The Better Half in Lakeville is open all day.
SPIRITED FUN
An annual Halloween party brings the whole community together.
SET THE SCENE for Halloween with the Community Halloween Party in Prior Lake. The annual event, organized by Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Community Education, features a new DJ dance party and North Star Donuts, as well as a haunted house. Make sure to wear a costume to be eligible for the age-based and family costume contests. There will also be lots of games, activities and opportunities to win prizes.
All games are run by student volunteers, including members of the Prior Lake High School Student Council, Junior Optimist Club and National Honor
Society. Volunteers will also collect canned goods and monetary donations for the CAP Agency, an organization dedicated to improving health and well-being for people in Scott, Carver and Dakota counties. —Tia Benson
Community Halloween Party
Ages 1–12. $5 per child ages 1–12, free for infants & adults. 2:30–5 p.m. October 26. Twin Oaks Middle School, 15860 Fish Point Road SE, Prior Lake; priorlakesavagece.com
Dress up in your finest costumes for the Community Halloween Party in Prior Lake.
Compiled by Tia Benson and Findlay Drabant
LOCAL EVENTS
Lakeville Farmers Market
10/02
Soak up the autumn sun, and pick your favorite produce at this market run by the St. Paul Farmers Market. All ages. Free. Noon–5 p.m. Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville; 952.985.4400; stpaulfarmersmarket.com
Amy Grant
10/12
Singer/songwriter Amy Grant, who has earned six Grammy Awards and 26 Dove Awards throughout her career, will perform her new singles and old favorites. All ages. Tickets start at $49. 8 p.m. Mystic Showroom, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake; 952.496.6563; mysticlake.com
Fabulous Fall Boutique
10/24–10/27
Find treasures at this pop-up shopping event, featuring crafts, cottage food items, home and garden decor, vintage wares and more. All ages. Times vary. Barn on the Hill Boutique, 2290 233rd St. E., Prior Lake; 612.747.9665; barnonthehill.com
Since 1986, we have been serving students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. We offer a rigorous curriculum in a safe environment with no hidden agenda, building leaders with a heart to serve their community.
Christian Heritage Academy
7320 175th St. W., Lakeville 952.953.4155 chacademy.com
Halloween Trail Walk
10/26
Dress in a not-too-spooky costume and celebrate Halloween at Viking Lakes. Walk to trick-or-treat stations, dance to the Monster Mash and play Halloween-themed games. Make sure to register in advance. All ages $6/child. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Viking Lakes, 2685 Vikings Circle; discovereagan.com
Trunk or Treat
10/26
Join the Apple Valley community to trunk or treat from decorated vehicles. Be sure to wear your best costume for this event. All ages. Free. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center, 14421 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley; 952.953.2500; applevalleymn.gov
Prior Lake Candy Crawl
10/31
The Candy Crawl is trick-or-treating in
the daytime for the kids of Prior Lake. This crawl starts at Prior Lake City Hall and goes to over 50 local businesses. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Prior Lake City Hall, 4646 Dakota St. SE, Prior Lake; 952.447.9800; priorlakemn.gov
Run the Ritter 11/09
Break out your trail shoes for a 3- 5or 10-mile trail run. All ages. Prices vary. 8 a.m. Ritter Farm Park, 19300 Ritter Parkway Trail, Lakeville; runtheritter.com
Holiday Boutique and Lefse Sale 11/09
Shop for handmade arts and crafts, as well as lefse. All ages. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Grace Lutheran Church, 7800 W. County Road 42, Apple Valley; 952.432.7273; graceofav.org
Lunch and Learn: Pet Enrichment 11/18
Justina’s Pet Sitting Service will provide practical tools to help pets live their best lives by providing interactive tips and tricks. All ages. Free with RSVP.
Lunch and Learn: Pet Enrichment
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Prior Lake Chamber, 4785 Dakota St. SE, Prior Lake; 952.440.1000; business.priorlakechamber.com
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony 11/26
Start the holidays with caroling, cookies, cider and more as the City of Apple Valley hosts its annual tree lighting. All ages. Free. 6:15–7 p.m. Apple Valley City Hall, 7100 147th St. W., Apple Valley; 952.953.2500; ci.apple-valley.mn.us
AREA EVENTS
Twin Cities Film Fest 10/17–10/26
Witness magic on the silver screen with over 70 screenings (and over 20 free films), red carpet interviews and photos, filmmaker Q&A’s, celebrity appearances and more. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Marcus West End Cinema, 1625 West End Blvd., St. Louis Park; 612.615.8233; twincitiesfilmfest.org
Star Party 10/25
Look at the evening sky through highpowered telescopes and attend free planetarium shows on a first-come, firstserve basis. All ages. Free. 7:30–9 p.m. Bell Museum, 2088 Larpenteur Ave. W., St. Paul; 612.626.9660; bellmuseum.umn.edu
Poe: A Rock Musical 10/25–27, 10/30–31
Whether you’re an Edgar Allen Poe fan or not, this musical “unravels the mysterious tapestry of the young poet’s troubled dream life and his poignant awakening as an artist.” All ages. $59. Times vary. Ames Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville; 952.895.4685; ames-center.com
Meet
To have your event considered: email citiessouthmags@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. 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.
Q: How do you like to unwind?
A: I love finding new recipes to try, particularly homemade ingredients such as quick pickles, red pepper flakes and homegrown herb blends.
Q: What’s currently sparking your interest?
A: I’ve been experimenting with growing different herbs with my AeroGarden. I’m well versed with staples like basil and thyme, but currently I’m trying out chervil and marjoram. (Which, of course, also leads to new recipes to try.)
Madeline Kopiecki digital editor
Change in the Weather
An image of fog captured in a moment of clarity.
Kirsten Otting, a hobby photographer in Lakeville, was on her way to a nearby park in October 2022 when she saw the fog settling on Lake Marion and quickly snapped this image. “Through photography, I am able to be more present and aware of so many details in the world around me,” Otting says. “This image is just one example of the moments that others might blink and miss.” —Tia Benson
To view other Focus on Cities South photo contest winners, visit citiessouthmags.com.
Photographer: Kirsten Otting
Title: Meeting of the Seasons
Equipment: Sony A7III camera with a telephoto lens
Location: Lake Marion in Lakeville
Category: Seasons Award: Second Place
Hey America,
Let’s talk...
All over America, strangers with different political views are coming together, two at a time, to talk about their lives—not debate politics—and discovering they actually have a lot in common.
Let’s talk... for a change.
All over America, strangers with different political views are coming together, two at a time, to talk about their lives—not debate politics—and discovering they actually have a lot in common.
All over America, strangers with different political views are coming together, two at a time, to talk about their lives—not debate politics—and discovering they actually have a lot in common.
If you’re among the 9 out of 10 Americans who are tired of our country’s divisions, check out One Small Step, where you can listen to these meaningful conversations and sign up to participate.
If you’re among the 9 out of 10 Americans who are tired of our country’s divisions, check out One Small Step, where you can listen to these meaningful conversations and sign up to participate.
Let’s talk... for a change.
All over America, strangers with different political views are coming together, two at a time, to talk about their lives—not debate politics—and discovering they actually
If you’re among the 9 out of 10 Americans who are tired of our country’s divisions, check out One Small Step, where you can listen to these meaningful conversations and sign up to participate.
If you’re among the 9 out of 10 Americans who are tired of our country’s divisions, check out One Small Step, where you can listen to these meaningful conversations
life. at your summit.
At the core of our care lies the profound understanding that you are on a journey to reach your full potential, to realize your goals and dreams, to reach your summit——no matter what that summit may be. It is this understanding that drives us to provide the highest standard of excellence through every injury or aching joint and muscle that may stand in your way.
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