From Maple Grove and Plymouth to the west metro and beyond, Saint Therese of Corcoran is closer than many families realize.
Set on 13 beautiful acres, our community blends modern apartment living with compassionate, personalized support. Assisted Living is designed for those who want help with daily tasks while maintaining privacy, independence, and a full life.
Care is tailored to individual needs and available day and night, so residents feel confident, comfortable, and truly at home.
Stop in during Walk-In Wednesdays to tour the community, explore available apartments, and talk with our team about what the right level of support could look like.
Walk-In Wednesdays at Saint Therese of Corcoran. No appointment necessary.
FROM THE EDITOR
Growing up, when my brother and I spent the weekend at my grandparents’ house, at least one morning started at dawn. My grandpa would take us out to the garden compost pile, and we’d sift through the topsoil for nightcrawlers, which we deposited into an old coffee tin.
After we’d collected a respectable amount of worms, we would leave the tin on the front steps of the porch and head off to the local bakery for donuts. Thus, fortified by sugary treats—“chocolate jobbies,” as my grandpa termed them—we’d return for our can and fishing rods and set out to his favorite fishing spot, a little pond where the sunlight spilled thickly over the trees.
I wasn’t very good at fishing, but I had the nascent luck of someone who didn’t know enough to overthink things. My grandpa would hook my bait (I was squeamish.), I’d add my bobber and sinker, cast my line and when I reeled in a palm-sized sunnie or crappie, he’d be the one to pin down the spiny fins and set it loose again.
When I read Mollee Francisco’s story about Throwback Baits (page 22), a lot of these memories came flooding back to me. Business owner Kyle Buchholz carved his initial retro swimbait in 2020 just for fun. What started as a block of wood and an Instagram account that detailed his process grew into a robust company now based out of Maple Grove.
Buchholz’s lures remind me of my grandpa’s tacklebox and our quiet mornings spent at the pond. In this homes and outdoor living issue, many of the people in our pages embody a passion for outdoor living that I hope permeates into your own spring and summer activities. I invite you to tour the home gardens of Heidi Heiland, owner of Heidi’s GrowHaus & Lifestyle Gardens (page 6), and discover outdoor dining inspiration from designer Mary Brueske, owner of Bisque Boutique (page 14).
What does outdoor living look like for you? Let me know how you’re embracing nature this May and June at madeline@localmedia.co.
All the best,
Madeline Kopiecki madeline@localmedia.co
On the Cover:
by: Chris Emeott
Photo
Photo: Chris Emeott
VOL. 20 NO. 5
May/April 2026
PUBLISHER
Susan Isay
EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
DIGITAL EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
COPY EDITORS
Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt
STAFF WRITERS
Kassondra Burtis, Ashley Cardona, Findlay Drabant, Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Alexandra Tostrud and Paige Udermann
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Gabrielle Clark, Sharon Noble, Katie Tomsche and Kate Wodtke
DIGITAL INTERN
Danielle Gallus
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Abigail Larson, Diane Meyer, Kate Thompson and Avery Vrieze
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Anne Anderson, Experience Maple Grove ; Abbigail Ciesynski, I-94 West Chamber of Commerce ; Roee Hecht, City of Maple Grove ; Carol Morris, City of Maple Grove ; and Kate Wodtke, Maple Grove Historical Preservation Society
Learn how to create a garden that nurtures community and self by incorporating personal and edible elements into your landscape. Garden Wonderland by Leslie Bennett and Julie Chai features practical how-to information alongside examples from 19 gardens. With chapters on edibles, florals, gathering and healing, these gardens honor a variety of cultures and families of all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s a place to host elegant garden parties, a playground for kids, an outdoor pantry or a sanctuary to rest and relax, Garden Wonderland helps unlock gardens’ potential to become a space of abundance, belonging, connection and inspiring natural beauty.
Sharon Noble is a librarian at Maple Grove Library. Read more at hclib.org.
Your Wedding, Our Pages
This beautiful time of year brings coral bells and wedding bells! And, as you know, every wedding celebration starts with a special announcement. We are pleased to announce that plans for our stunning, annual wedding issue are currently underway.
We’re ready to showcase your extraordinary nuptials in our special wedding issue, which will be published in January 2027. Your celebration could be featured alongside articles highlighting other premier wedding industry members and details important to other couples planning their upcoming ceremonies and receptions. Our pages brim with artfully and intentionally curated weddings that stand out and inspire.
Was your wedding (or one you coordinated, hosted or photographed!) an elegant celebration? Were guests treated to a black-tie affair, a lavish destination event or a curated soirée? Bespoke décor. Breathtaking venues. Couture fashion. One-of-a-kind touches. We’re interested in all of it!
To be considered, wedding gallery submissions are accepted now through September 1, 2026, for weddings that took place from September 1, 2025, onward.
Visit maplegrovemag.com to learn more about how you can submit wedding galleries for consideration.
Photos: Tim Larsen Photography; Maple Grove Historical Preservation Society
One in 10,000
If lakes could talk, what stories would Maple Grove’s lakes tell?
Eagle Lake, with a maximum depth of 37 feet and a span of 285 acres, once had three resorts near Mi-No-Ka-Mi Point—now Eagle Point—as well as the popular Chubb’s Ballroom. The venue’s permanent pavilion and anchored raft were big draws. When The Trashmen visited in 1963 to play their newest song, Surfin’ Bird, it was such a sensation that police reports noted, “[The] crowd was nearly out of control.” Yes, the chorus, “bird is the word,” premiered publicly right here in Maple Grove. Now good luck getting that tune out of your head!
Learn about the history of Fish Lake and Weaver Lake at maplegrovemag.com.
Kate Wodtke is a research and inventory specialist with the Maple Grove Historical Preservation Society and a Minnesota Author Project judge. Discover more at maplegrovehistory.org.
Late 1930s: Harter Kulseth and friends enjoying a picnic at Eagle Lake. Picnics were elaborate courting opportunities for Maple Grove’s young, complete with neckties and straw boater hats!
Photo: Heidi Heiland
Growing a Legacy
Heidi Heiland takes us on a tour of her home gardens.
By Paige Udermann
Heidi Heiland, founder of Heidi’s GrowHaus & Lifestyle Gardens in Corcoran, is a passionate lifelong gardener. For her, gardening isn’t just a hobby; it’s a healing connection with nature. She was raised in a family of gardeners, and both her mother and grandmother shared the same deep love for it. “Gardening is in my roots. It’s my legacy. I’m meant to do this,” Heiland says.
At 17, Heiland began laying the foundation for her future career after her first job at a townhome development company. The company’s garden designs were overly simplistic, and Heiland saw the need for a business that provided fine gardening services to expand the potential of residential landscapes.
That vision inspired her to start her own gardening service with a partner. By 2016, the budding business had bloomed into Heidi’s GrowHaus & Lifestyle Gardens. “The GrowHaus widened the demographic of people we could serve,” Heiland says. “Not everyone needs a professional gardener, but I think everyone can benefit from a garden center.”
Gardening can be a healing and everchanging art form. Heidi Heiland encourages gardeners to start small, observe, adapt and have fun. The true joy comes from experimenting and connecting with nature.
Photo: Heidi Heiland
When Heiland isn’t helping clients connect with nature, her passion for horticultural therapy spills over into her own backyard. Her gardens serve as a personal laboratory and are designed for enjoyment and experimentation. She takes a blended approach, mixing edible and medicinal plants, nativars, native species and ornamentals. “I believe that the people and plant connection is a strong bond we need to honor,” Heiland says. “Gardening is the slowest-moving performance art that is always evolving. My philosophy is that we need to observe, interact, observe again and repeat.”
Heiland’s focus on sustainability accentuates this philosophy, and permaculture has led to her adopting specific practices like chop and drop, where plants and foliage are cut back and left in place to create natural mulch; fair share, the practice of sharing the space fairly with deer and rabbits; and bee lawns that support pollinators. She avoids using synthetic chemicals and focuses on naturally nurturing her plants and soil.
Over time, Heiland’s gardens have evolved dramatically. She has moved from more lawn to more garden, creating a space that is lower maintenance with plants like perennials, shrubs and trees. A personal highlight of her outdoor space exemplifies Heiland’s deep connection and love for the serene garden landscape. “My favorite part of the garden is the view out my bathroom window,” she says. “That’s where I go first thing when I wake up, so that view is the first thing I see. It’s where my day begins.”
Come late spring, Heiland is busy planting annuals, fertilizing, mulching and succession planting. She loves the joys that each new season of planting brings. She also appreciates sharing her garden and knowledge with others, inspiring them and sharing successes and challenges. Heiland has offered garden tours in the past, so keep an eye out for potential 2026 tour dates on growhausmn.com to experience her sprawling gardens firsthand.
A national service offers local dog owners extended outing options.
By Renée Stewart-Hester
Keeping dogs entertained can expand beyond running zoomies around the kitchen table or taking leashed loops around the neighborhood. Sniffspot is to dogs what Airbnb is to people—but for playtime, not sleep time.
Similar to other online marketplaces, connecting property owners with guests in search of long- or short-term stays, Sniffspot links hosts with dog owners who are searching for
spaces for playing and running; trails suited for hiking; private lakes, ponds or pools ideal for swimming; and indoor venues for agility or general exercise.
Sniffspot, founded by David Adams in 2018 while he was living in Seattle, was inspired by his dogs Soba (black labrador and pit bull mix) and Toshii (basenji, husky, Pomeranian and Rhodesian ridgeback mix).
Photo: Sniffspot
“It was really difficult to get my dogs the exercise they needed,” says Adams, who was living in a high-rise at the time.
Other dog owners can sympathize; it’s not always easy to get dogs the exercise and sensory experiences they require. Sniffspot, available via its website and a mobile app, allows dog owners to search for and reserve desired sites. Interested parties on either end of the arrangement should note that prices are set by the hosts. “We’re basically a marketing platform for our hosts,” says Adams, noting that Sniffspot does establish some boundaries. Locations can’t be parts of shared or public property and must be devoid of hazards. “If you have a pond full of alligators, not allowed. If you have an open well, not allowed. It’s basic stuff,” he says.
Today, Sniffspot has marked its territory in every state in the nation, Australia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and South Africa. “It’s grown organically,” Adams says, noting that 90 percent of the business is in the United States. At the time this article was written, of the 30,000 host spots, 665 are in Minnesota, including the Maple Grove area and the Metro. “It’s still not enough coverage,” says Adams of the Minnesota market. “We are focused on expanding our current network.” As the business grows, he’s resolute in maintaining Sniffspot’s original mission: make the world a more dog-friendly place.
To that end, pet owners and their canine charges certainly benefit from rented spaces, the hosts are also on the receiving end of positive outcomes. Adams notes that acting as a Sniffspot host offers passive income. (Some make as much as $3,000 a month.) Unlike running an Airbnb, Sniffspot doesn’t require washing bedding or cleaning out the fridge. Hosts have some basic obligations to prepare the venue, but it’s a decidedly light lift. Earning income is certainly an incentive, but Adams is most impressed by another motivation of many of the hosts; they are simply “dog lovers helping other dog lovers.”
Sniffspot sniffspot.com
@sniffspots
THE WORLD YOU LIVE IN
RAINBOW IS YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER IN CARING FOR YOUR PROPERTY’S UNIQUE ECOSYSTEM
Interested in booking a playcation for your four-legged friend?
Learn more about Sniffspot guest etiquette at maplegrovemag.com.
Summer Soirée
It’s the perfect time to deck out your patio (and wardrobe).
Written by Madeline Kopiecki
by Chris Emeott
When Mary Brueske plans a backyard fête, her gatherings follow one important rule: “When [guests] come over, I want them to feel special,” she says. For Brueske, this means cloth napkins (an extra touch she says is making a comeback), greenery and candles. For an outdoor event, she’ll mix in LED candles. “They flicker like a real candle, but they can go all night long without the fire worry.” On top of that, she adds lots of texture. “I love rattans and naturals,” Brueske says. And, her pièce de résistance: “Whatever the meal is, put a sprig of that herb on their napkin or a flower from the table arrangements,” she says.
Mary Brueske loves to play with height using various candleholders including a metal arch lantern and a set of antique brass candle holders. Houseplants (real and faux) also add interest to the table.
Photos
Over her almost three decade-long career as an interior designer, Brueske has had plenty of time to refine her décor palette, and her tastes reflect a timeless approach. “I like classic, modern, clean lines,” she says, and this appetite is readily apparent at her Osseo shop, Bisque Boutique. “The overall aesthetic of my boutique is pretty neutral,” she says, while also noting the occasional pop of black and green. “Usually, even the colors are a neutral base … so that they are classic.
When [customers] buy something, it’ll last; it’ll stand the test of time,” she says.
On the heels of attending a summer décor and lifestyle market in Atlanta, Brueske has also gleaned some insight on what trends the upcoming season holds. Naturals and neutrals were warmed with rich swirls of cream. “On the other end of it, I would go to another showroom, and everything is color, just beautiful colors,” she says. Pastels are vibrant rather than soft, and Brueske notes
Left: Embrace the ease of the season with a summer dress like the washed denim button down shirt dress by Bluivy ($69) or a tan, mixed-media striped-skirt midi dress by Blu Pepper ($59). Adding a belt similar to the brown, braided vegan leather FAME belt ($20) instantly elevates the look.
Right: Mary Brueske sets the scene by layering natural textures such as woven fringe boho placemats, linen dinner napkins and a jute table runner (page 16), accented by a tassled strand of wood beads.
Trend Traveler
Kimarr Gerard’s default summertime staple is as simple as it is elegant: a mid-length dress. “You don’t have to think,” Gerard says. “Just throw it on, and go.” This sentiment encapsulates the ethos of Gerard’s Trend Traveler Boutique, which supplies clothing collections for brick and mortar stores, including Bisque Boutique. “Trend Traveler has always been classic, chic, high-quality items; things that are easy for women to just grab and go and feel confident and comfortable in their day-to-day life,” Gerard says.
that bright gold is out right now. “It has to be subdued, antique gold,” she says.
As we enter the season of outdoor dining, Brueske paints a vision for a bucolic backyard setting. “You have the trees, the grass, you have all the outside elements, and I would definitely work with those because they could be in addition to what you’re doing,” she says. Trees offer shade, and branches can serve as the framework for string lights; flowerbeds create a picturesque backdrop while also providing bouquets for your table. If fresh florals aren’t on hand, Brueske recommends investing in high-end faux greenery. “You can preserve them; you can use them in [other] areas of your house; put them on your porch when you’re done with your dinner party,” she says.
Play with layers with the white, cotton eyelet tank top by Wishlist ($62) paired with a high rise, wide leg jean from Lovervet by Vervet ($79).
When planning for an outdoor gathering, it’s important to keep in mind that the elements might make unwelcome guest appearances. “For outdoors, you can do rattan [elements] because it’s going to be heavy enough not to blow in the wind,” Brueske says. “I would do away with anything too light and flimsy.” Different metal and ceramic elements can serve as an anchor as well as a centerpiece. Layered tablecloths and runners add stability to structure. “Plus, it’s beautiful to layer the different fabrics,” she says. On the note of layered textiles, Brueske also recommends a rug, especially on stable surfaces. “If you are on a patio, definitely I would use a rug—a large one. It anchors the space and adds so much,” she says.
As far as entertaining don’ts, Brueske recommends considering how the guests are going to move around the space. “Don’t have it cluttered with so much stuff that people can’t move or they’re afraid to bump into something,” she says. “Keep it clear and open.”
Bisque Boutique
bisqueboutique.com
@bisque_boutique_
Trend Traveler
@trend_traveler_boutique
Plan ahead for chilly summer evenings with the sage green, boat neck crop sweater by Wishlist ($55) (left); or Keep it classic with the white, scalloped, lace cap sleeve top by Staccato ($45) and the tan ruffled eyelet maxi skirt by Bluivy ($75) (right).
Landing the Big One
carves out a unique niche in Maple Grove.
Throwback Baits
Written by Mollee Francisco
Photos by Chris Emeott
For eight years, wedding photography paid the bills and kept a roof over Kyle Buchholz’s head. Together with his wife, Nicholette West, Buchholz ran Stills ‘N’ Motion as a photographer/videographer team. Then came COVID-19. “Everything came to a halt,” Buchholz says. “There were zero weddings, and most of my income was gone. Everything was up in the air.”
Buchholz was determined to figure out an alternative source of income to support his growing family, so he took on some freelance video work. In the meantime, he began to toy with the idea of carving his own fishing lure, just for fun. “It was very
innocent-minded,” he says.
“In August of 2020, I bought a block of wood off of Amazon,” Buchholz says. He wanted to make his own swimbait, a specialized fishing lure that mimics the appearance and movement of a bait fish. So, Buchholz headed to his garage and started carving, launching the Instagram page @throwbackbaits to chart his progress along the way. He posted a picture of his work every day, declaring successes while also noting his failures.
When Buchholz finished, he dubbed the lure the Wake Walker. After watching his process come to fruition, Buchholz had amassed
a healthy following of fans who were hooked and couldn’t wait to get their hands on it. “People were messaging me and asking me when it would be available,” he says.
Buchholz decided to give the people what they wanted and got to work on that first drop. He says it was only eight or 10 lures, but, even priced at $140 a pop, they were gone in minutes. The second drop was twice as big and went twice as fast. “By the third drop, I started to think we could make a business out of this,” he says.
Buchholz set up shop in his Monticello garage, continuing to refine the designs and test the components until he was happy with
each lure. Hours were spent dragging the lures back and forth in the bathtub and even in the swimming pool at his alma mater, Becker High School. Once his designs passed muster, he created silicone molds that could be filled with epoxy resin to make the lures. “I only carved that first one out of wood,” he says.
Advanced training and certification from the “Spine Research Institute of San Diego” for treatment of injuries sustained
Left: Kyle Buchholz sporting the “Boot’ Scoot’ Bassin” Corduroy Shirt.
Right: Throwback Baits’ merch mirrors the retro aesthetics of its swimbaits. Buchholz says a line of rods is also in the works.
The one that started it all. Kyle Buchholz carved his first swimbait by hand.
A mini version of the Metro Glide, the Minne Glide is 5 inches and designed to chop and burn.
Big City Talent, Small Town Vibe
Creating Collectables
These days, Buchholz has brought his two best friends—Billy Giles and Doug Stuart— on as business partners and moved out of his garage and into a warehouse in Maple Grove. There, the team has 10 lures in production at any given time, from the Flee Shad to the Minne Glide and the Mob Walker to his biggest success, the Metro Glide. Current prices for each lure range from $100 to $200. Buchholz regularly offers the lures in different colors and styles, causing a frenzy with each drop. “There’re a lot of collectors,” he says.
With 10 molds for every type of bait, Throwback Baits’ 10 employees can make up to 70 lures a day. But Buchholz isn’t content with selling just lures. “I want this to be a cohesive brand,” he says. “We have tons of cool offerings outside of baits.” The merch section on the Throwback Baits website offers branded apparel including hats, hoodies and T-shirts. “We also have a line of rods coming,” Buchholz says.
The growth has been so explosive that Buchholz is planning to build a new Throwback Baits facility in Rogers next year.
Lured In
Has turning a hobby into his livelihood diminished any of the enjoyment of fishing for Buchholz? Not at all. “I dedicate one day a week to fishing now,” he says. “There’s always excitement to use a [new] lure.”
And seeing others have success with something that he’s created is the ultimate source of pride and satisfaction, Buchholz says. He regularly gets pictures from anglers who have caught some impressively large fish with his baits. “They’re designed for largemouth bass,” he says. “But we have people catching barramundi off the coast of Australia and snook and tarpon in Florida.”
Designing lures has now become an obsession for Buchholz. “Every time I come up with a new lure, it’s all I think about for like two weeks,” he says. Luckily for him, swimbait fans are always anxiously waiting for his next drop. “I was lucky to get into the industry when it was very hot,” Buchholz says.
Flip Side
A Crystal Kitchen + Bath remodel transforms a house into a sophisticated home.
Written by Laurie Junker — Photos by Spacecrafting
The prospect of being closer to their two grandsons was a powerful motivator for South Dakotans Jeff and Kendall Jones to find a second home in the Twin Cities. They felt lucky to find a light-filled, 1986 contemporary home in Minnetonka that features a large wooded backyard and is within walking distance to their grandchildren.
When they purchased the home unseen, the Joneses liked the home’s asymmetrical facade and layout—unfortunately, they
discovered that many of the interior finishes were low-quality, the kitchen lacked functionality and the main floor had poor sightlines despite the abundance of natural light. Plus, the style wasn’t quite their own. “I suspect it may have been a flip,” says Amber Weekley Elioff, general manager of Crystal Kitchen + Bath. “I didn’t even recognize some of the plumbing fixture brands.”
The Joneses asked Weekley Elioff to help rethink their home to suit their tastes and
lifestyle better. “Kendall and Jeff are a fun couple, and they really like midcentury style, which is also one of my favorites,”
Weekley Elioff says.
Step one was to replace all the flooring. For the dining room, kitchen and laundry room, they chose an easy-to-clean 12x24 metallic black tile from Fray Atlas Concord featuring a coppery sheen and a bit of texture. For the entryway and staircase treads, a soft, natural white oak was the pick. “We also brought in
a structural engineer to shore up the safety of the stairs,” Weekley Elioff says.
Weekley Elioff worked with the existing kitchen peninsula as it holds a post with critical electrical runs. However, the appliances were relocated to improve the sink-refrigerator-stove work triangle and minimize steps while cooking. A small prep island was added, which also serves as a grocery landing spot. The kitchen is chock-a-block with personalized storage
via custom, rift-sawn white oak cabinets. There’s a modern appliance garage with bifold doors, large drawers for pots and pans, a slotted knife drawer and another for organizing spices. Striking walls of dark turquoise tile with matte and glossy parts break up the cabinet massing and infuse the space with personality. “The tile has color, texture and sparkle but isn’t too busy,” Weekley Elioff says. The adjacent laundry room received similar treatment, with crisp white-painted cabinets, the same Cambria Smithfield countertops as the kitchen, and a rod for air-drying clothes, per Kendall’s request.
A wall between the front door and the dining room, which the Joneses hoped to remove to open up sightlines, had to stay because of existing HVAC lines. Weekley Elioff cleverly addressed the problem by opening up a large pass-through in the center of the wall, with puck lights at the top. Now the Joneses can see who’s at the front door without having to walk around. “We say hello through the window feature,” Kendall says. “It’s also a great
spot for plants, and helps spread natural light no matter which side of the house the sun is on.” In the dining room, floating shelves, a midcentury-esque white oak buffet and wall tile that matches the kitchen make the two rooms feel connected and purposeful, especially for entertaining.
Upstairs, the primary bathroom—also the victim of a slapdash makeover—needed attention. It had a good layout, plenty of light and vaulted ceilings; so Weekley Elioff focused on updating the finishes and improving function. A custom vanity with one sink, per the Joneses’ wishes, and plenty of counter space and storage to fit snugly between the walls (adding a new half shower wall on one side) was installed. The space was polished off with Corian shower sills, glossy Zelligeinspired herringbone tile, retro single-globe sconces and water-resistant brushed nickel fixtures that are low maintenance. A bench, grab bar and handheld showerhead, along with nonslip floor tile, address safety and age-in-place considerations.
After seeing how things were shaping up
upstairs, Kendall and Jeff decided to add the basement to the project. This is where Weekley Elioff’s favorite feature is. “The bar. I adore this piece,” she says. What looks like a freestanding piece of furniture is actually built-in, trimmed out in white oak, with matte black cabinets and two types of lighting (undercounter and spotlights). It’s definitely a moment with brass cabinet pulls, gold strips between the backsplash tile and a subtle metallic gold swirl in the countertops. “Jeff enjoys whiskey and wine and wanted a bar, not a mini-kitchen,” Weekley Elioff explains.
Now, the lower level, as does the rest of the house, reflects its owners. And the Joneses are enjoying all of it. “The kitchen is amazing. We can host and feed 20 people very easily and proudly,” Kendall says. “The whole house turned out beautifully, and we love living so close to our daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons.”
A chef details how to make heads or tails of cooking lobster.
Lobster is a decadent ingredient that poses a quandary for some when it comes to preparing it at home. In the realm of seafood, the maxim is “fresh is best.” Maple Grove’s Lunds & Byerlys delivers live lobsters via special order, while also supplying packaged tails for a less fussy but no less elevated dinner engagement.
Whichever way you want to crack it, Lunds & Byerlys executive chef of product research and development, Anthony Leonhardi, shares nearly three decades worth of culinary know-how just in time to help us celebrate National Lobster Day on June 15.
For live lobster, Leonhardi advises that the fiestier, the better. When taken out of the tank, “if they try and get their claws out and they’re arching a tail, and they’re moving around, 100 percent that’s a good sign,” he says. Packaged lobster tails, which are usually frozen after processing, pose a different set of criteria. “Any sign of freezer burn—yellowing or orangeish [discoloration]— would be a sign that you want to avoid it,” he says. In both cases, Leonhardi recommends avoiding cracked or punctured shells.
As far as how to store a live lobster, Leonhardi’s response is immediate. “In a bin,” he says. “They will escape. They will move around.” For the home cook, he recommends an open plastic container with layers of damp paper towels as a blanket, stored in the refrigerator. “The colder, the better,” Leonhardi says. “Just not frozen.” But the freezer can have a part to play in this culinary foray, especially for those who have trepidations about dispatching their lobster. “You can basically put [lobsters] to sleep by putting them in the freezer for a couple of hours ahead of time,” Leonhardi says.
The next step varies based on cooking method and personal preference. For a grilled or stuffed lobster, Leonhardi recommends using a chef knife to split it in half, starting with the head. For a boiled or steamed lobster, he recommends a dip in boiling water, “salty like the sea,” replete with desired aromatics, such as garlic, lemon, onion, peppercorn and seafood seasoning packets. “It should have depth of flavor,” Leonhardi says.
Homecooks can avoid the notorious rubbery texture of overcooked lobster by using an instant read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the tail. “I would target 145 [F],” Leonhardi says. “They don’t take that long.” Once the target temperature is achieved, Leonhardi says he starts breaking down the lobster while it’s still warm to avoid carry-over cooking.
Processing cooked lobster can take some finesse, but Leonhardi eschews dedicated seafood crackers in favor of his tried and true method: “The back end of a chef knife. It will do the job,” he says. “You have to be careful because it’s a chef knife, but you don’t need all the gimmicky tools.”
Most of the lobster meat will twist out and separate easily. If the tail is posing a problem, Leonhardi advises to roll it on its side and apply gentle pressure—you should hear a crack. Claws also take an extra bit of effort—get them started with the measured whack of a mallet or back end of a chef knife. And, if you’re looking to get the kids involved, Leonhardi recommends giving them a rolling pin to squeeze out the leg meat. “They get a giggle out of it,” he says. “Then they’re more apt to [eat] it because it was fun.”
Learn additional culinary techniques at maplegrovemag.com.
Anthony Leonhardi
LOBSTER MAC & CHEESE
Recipe courtesy of Katie Tomsche, content manager for Lunds & Byerlys.
• 1 ½ lbs. lobster
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 tsp. dry mustard
• pinch cayenne pepper
• pinch nutmeg, freshly grated
• kosher salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• 1 lb. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• ½ lb. macaroni or elbow pasta, uncooked
For the lobster: Fill a large pot with salted water, bringing to a boil over high heat. Plunge the lobster into water; cover the pot. Cook for 8–10 minutes or until it’s bright red. Check the doneness by pulling an antenna; if it comes off without resistance, the lobster is done. Remove the lobster to a bowl; allow it to cool. Once cool, crack the lobster claws and tail over the bowl; remove the meat,
reserving all liquid that comes out of the lobster. Roughly chop the lobster meat; set aside. For the pasta and cheese: Heat the oven to 375 F with a rack in the upper third of the oven. Use 1 Tbsp. of butter to grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. In a blender, purée the cottage cheese, milk, mustard, cayenne and nutmeg; lightly season with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl; add grated cheese and uncooked pasta. Stir well to combine. Pour into the prepared pan, cover tightly with foil and bake for
Photo: Lunds & Byerlys
30 minutes. After 30 minutes, uncover the baking pan; gently stir in lobster meat and up to 2 Tbsps. of the reserved lobster juices, then dot with remaining tablespoon of butter. Bake for 30 minutes, uncovered, until browned on top. Let cool for 15–20 minutes before serving.
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Maple Grove, MN
Written by Elizabeth Millard
BIGGEST MYTHS ABOUT BARIATRIC SURGERY
A medical expert shares common misconceptions about weight loss procedures.
Weight loss is a top conversation topic, but there are still misconceptions that can leave many people feeling overwhelmed, according to Kim Bleasdale, physician assistant in bariatric surgery at Park Nicollet Bariatric Surgery and Weight Loss Center in Maple Grove.
“Weight gain is not due to a lack of willpower or a series of poor choices,” Bleasdale says. “Obesity is a chronic neuroendocrine disorder that’s complex and requires a multilayered strategy to address. For some, that may include a bariatric surgery procedure.” Misconceptions about this surgery are common as well, she notes. Here are the three biggest myths, along with the real facts.
1. Surgery is the “easy way out.”
There’s rarely moral judgement about other types of surgery—you wouldn’t call a cardiac bypass a “shortcut” compared to lifestyle changes—but bariatric procedures can prompt comments about how it’s an easy fix compared to “eat less, move more” tactics.
“That’s just old-fashioned stigma, and a very unhelpful mentality,” Bleasdale says. “Many people who choose bariatric surgery have been weight cycling since childhood, or they’ve done diets and other approaches. Why should they struggle when they don’t have to?” She adds that bariatric surgery is far from a simple fix. It requires diligent management, eating changes and monitoring for better outcomes.
2. Anyone is a candidate for bariatric surgery. If you’ve put on a few pounds during the holiday season, bariatric surgery isn’t a fit for your needs, Bleasdale says. Instead, the procedure usually has a body mass index (BMI) recommendation of 40 or higher, and may be advised if your BMI is 35 or above and you have a weight-related medical condition such as fatty liver disease, high cholesterol, sleep apnea or type 2 diabetes.
“Even with these [conditions], you would be screened to ensure this is the right choice for you, because there are some factors where it’s contraindicated, such as cancer, pregnancy and breastfeeding, or an active eating disorder,” she says.
3. Once the surgery is done, you’re on your own. Some patients worry that once a procedure is done, they’ll be adrift and unsupported. But the opposite is true, Bleasdale explains. Patients at Park Nicollet work with a dietitian, a nurse clinician, a physical therapist and a bariatric psychologist both before and after a procedure.
“It’s so important that patients know they have a strong support system that addresses not only their physical health but also their emotional wellbeing,” Bleasdale says. “There is an entire bariatric team that’s on your side, every step of the way. We’re here to cheer you on.”
Boulevard
Beautification
Enjoy the fruits of your labor all summer long.
Join your neighbors for the largest local planting event of the year. This May, the medians of Weaver Lake Road and Elm Creek Boulevard will be abloom thanks to the annual Boulevard Planting event. Recreation coordinator Roee Hecht says he generally sees a lot of businesses use the Weaver Lake Road planting from 9–11 a.m. May 7 as a team-building opportunity. “Then, on Saturday, we see a variety,” he says. From families with young kids to retirees, everyone’s welcome from 9–11 a.m. May 9 to dig into the flowerbeds of Elm Creek Boulevard. “It’s Mother’s Day weekend, so we see people come out to plant with their mom,” Hecht says. “It’s very fun, and everyone really enjoys it.” Hecht says that, while the City of Maple Grove provides safety vests and hand trowels, green thumbs are encouraged to bring their own gardening equipment, including gloves and knee pads. “If it’s hot, make sure you bring plenty of water,” he says. City staff will also be on hand to distribute water bottles and light snacks. Those interested in getting their hands dirty this spring can sign up on the volunteer page at maplegrovemn.gov. —Madeline Kopiecki
The flowers on Weaver Lake Road and Elm Creek Boulevard are sourced from Lynde Greenhouse & Nursery.
05.02
A Walk to Remember
Starting at 9 a.m., residents are welcome to walk at their own pace from the Maple Grove Arboretum to Rice Lake Park while reflecting and honoring lost loved ones. maplegrovemn.gov
05.07
Farmers Market
The newly located Maple Grove Farmers Market returns this spring and will be open from 3–7 p.m. in Maple Grove’s Community Center parking lot. maplegrovefarmersmarket.com
05.16
Spring Into Summer
Celebrate the start of summer with family and friends, food and more. Drop by noon–5 p.m. at Central Park of Maple Grove to enjoy entertainment and activities for all ages. maplegrovemn.gov
05.21
The Mixed Media Show
This art exhibition will have an official opening from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Maple Grove Art Center. maplegroveartscenter.org
06.04
Sustainable Safari
Alligators, foxes and kangaroos are just
Photo: Max Haynes
MAMA’S HAPPY
some of the animals that will be a part of this interactive and informative show. Learn about conservation and animal care from 6–7 p.m. while experiencing wildlife firsthand at the Town Green. maplegrovemn.gov
06.13–06.14
Chalkfest
The largest chalk festival in the Midwest makes its triumphant return! Residents are welcome to enjoy Main Street’s colorful chalk creations from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. maplegrovechalkfest.com
06.19
Juneteenth Celebration
Celebrate Juneteenth with the community while enjoying live performances and music. Activities, food trucks, kid activities and vendors will be available from 5–9 p.m. at Town Green. maplegrovemn.gov
Compiled by Abigail Larson and KateThompson
Exceptional Beginnings Start Here
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Spring Assemblage
Photographer Tracy Walsh says she loves the colors and shapes of the Jack-in-the-pulpits and bleeding heart flowers in her award-winning photograph Spring Woodland Garden. “Noticing and photographing the small details of plants is a peaceful practice that helps me move through the world with mindfulness,” Walsh says. —Madeline Kopiecki
FOCUS ON MAPLE GROVE
Photographer: Tracy Walsh Title: Spring Woodland Garden
Equipment: Canon EOS R5, 24–105mm lens, f/13, 1/200
Category: Abstract Award: Second Place
To view other Focus on Maple Grove photo contest winners, visit maplegrovemag.com.
