Media personality Jason DeRusha discusses taking on new challenges and expanding his audience OPPORTUNITY
KNOCKS
From the Classroom to the Trail
A former teacher launches retreats and coaching sessions to help clients find fulfillment.
10
Conveniently Delicious
Let’s Dish celebrates two decades and expands its ready-to-bake options.
12 Opportunity Knocks
Media
20 Books and Bows
Open
24 Mix and Match
Grant
4
The
Photo: Chris Emeott
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from the EDITOR
The months of November and December are all about celebrating—from sharing gratitude to ringing in the New Year, there’s so much to be thankful for. This season, I’m particularly thankful for you, dear Readers. I have made many wonderful connections, discovered hidden gems and become so familiar with this blossoming city.
I am grateful to have been the editor of this long-standing community publication for several years. However, this issue will be my last as the editor of Maple Grove Magazine. Although I am stepping out of this role, I will continue to serve as Local’s managing editor and editor of one of our sister publications, Woodbury Magazine
I am excited to introduce you to Madeline Kopiecki, who will now serve as the editor of Maple Grove Magazine. I have had the pleasure of working alongside Madeline for several years, and she will continue to serve as our digital editor and the editor of Plymouth Magazine. Madeline brings a wealth of creativity, heart and knowledge to this position. Join me in welcoming Madeline to these pages!
I also welcome you to get to know several notable faces, including media personality Jason DeRusha (page 12), Khâluna bar manager Grant Lavrenz (page 24) and former Osseo Area Schools-District 279 teacher Ryan Hennessey (page 8), all of whom are making an impact on the community. And, in the spirit of giving, managing creative director Renée Stewart-Hester rounds up dozens of book picks, which are perfect for wrapping up and gifting to those on your holiday gift list (page 20).
Readers, there is so much to be thankful for this holiday season. Tag us on Instagram @maplegrovemag to share what you’re grateful for.
Cheers,
On the Cover: Jason DeRusha, page 12
Hailey Almsted hailey@localmedia.co
Photo: Chris Emeott
Photo by: Chris Emeott
VOL. 20 NO. 2
November/December 2025
PUBLISHER
Susan Isay
EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
DIGITAL EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
COPY EDITORS
Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt
STAFF WRITERS
Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Jennifer Pitterle and Paige Udermann
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Gabrielle Clark, Sharon Noble, Nikki Steele, Laurie Stieg, Katie Tomsche, Kira Vanderlan and Kate Wodtke
DIGITAL INTERN
Claire Krieger
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Diane Meyer 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
For Olivia Rocha, an 11th grader at Maple Grove Senior High School, stepping on to the stage with youth choir Angelica Cantant (angelicacantanti.org) fuels her purpose. The choir will celebrate its 45th season at the Ordway at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. December 7. In her own words, Olivia shares her experience with the choir.
What drew you to Angelica Cantanti, and how has singing with the choir shaped your identity as a young artist?
I started in Angelica Cantanti my eighth grade year when I was strongly encouraged by my family to join a choir … Although at first, I was scared out of my mind to join a community of strangers, it has become my community. When I started, I was very insecure in my vocal skill, but I was always pushed to do better. This pushing not only increased my confidence as a singer but also as a person. Learning difficult music involves uncertainty and self-doubt, however, it’s so rewarding to see our hard work pay off. There’s so much pride in knowing you persevered to create something beautiful together as a group. The skill of sticking with it through the struggle and self-doubt is a lesson I’ll keep with me for the rest of my life. Also the standard of high professionalism in Angelica has encouraged me to take music seriously because it’s not just a hobby, it’s a passion and it has purpose.
What are you looking forward to most for your upcoming performance at the Ordway?
I’m looking forward to experiencing singing at the Ordway again but this time with our amazing new director, Dr. Joseph Kemper.
A Spiritual Connection
“Painted entirely by emotion, mostly frustration, I smeared acrylic paint, and I wet down my canvas in an angry fashion. I worked quickly,” says fine artist Stefanie Schmidt. “When I took a step back, I saw Banff National Park. I have never been there, nor have I used a photo reference. I believe art is a spiritual process, and sometimes my hand takes over and the magic happens.”
Title: Failing Visibility
Artist: Stefanie Schmidt
Scale: 48”x36”
Medium: Acrylic paint on canvas
Teri Iverson is the gallery director at the Maple Grove Arts Center. View more at maplegroveartscenter.org.
Maple Grove High School student Olivia Rocha (seen on the bottom row, third from the left) sings with Angelica Cantanti, a youth choir, which is set to celebrate its 45th season with two shows (4:30 and 7:30 p.m. December 7) at the Ordway.
On one hand, it’ll be familiar, but on the other, it will be totally new. I’m excited to showcase our new music and show everyone that we’re still the same Angelica. No matter the director, we’re all just people who love to make music and do it well. —Hailey Almsted
Photo: Steven Garcia
The Anti-Social Season
This cute romance novel by Adele Buck is a fun read for the holiday season and provides a good look into our social media world. Additionally, one of the main characters is a librarian, so naturally I’d like to think of it as a list topper.
You’ll be charmed by the leads and enjoy how they connect, along with their own baggage of personal upheaval and a latent high school crush. This is a romance and—fair warning!—there is spice.
Gabrielle Clark is a librarian at Maple Grove Library. Read more at hclib.org.
Maple Pound Cake
This recipe is light and fluffy, filling the kitchen with the dreamy scent of maple syrup. And that buttery Maple-Rum Glaze? It forms a golden, almost butterscotch-like crust, taking this cake to the next level. It’s an outstanding make-ahead hostess gift that can be enjoyed as a midnight snack or breakfast the next day. Plus, this recipe makes two loaves—one to keep and one to gift. Find the recipe at maplegrovemag.com.
Katie Tomsche is the content manager for Lunds & Byerlys. Taste more at lundsandbyerlys.com.
Photo: Lunds & Byerlys
From the Classroom to the Trail
A former teacher launches retreats and coaching sessions to help clients find fulfillment.
By Jennifer Pitterle
When Ryan Hennessey walked away from teaching in the middle of the 2024–25 school year, it wasn’t an impulsive decision—it was a carefully orchestrated “escape plan” that set an example for his beloved students: “It’s okay to walk away from something you once loved,” Hennessey says. After a decade of teaching science in Maple Grove schools, Hennessey had found himself at a kind of crossroads. The birth of his daughter, Stella, in April 2024 sparked one realization. “All of a sudden … my time became precious,” he says. He’d also attended a retreat for entrepreneurs in Los Angeles, where he says he had a “line in the sand” moment. “It really solidified for me that I wasn’t able to get what I needed anymore from my career in teaching,” he says. “I have these gifts to share with the world.”
Hennessey has always been something of a polymath; he’s renovated camper vans, received his pilot’s license and explored science experiments in and out of the classroom. His new chapter, he says, will focus on helping others achieve the same kind of personal growth and fulfillment he’s experienced over the past few years. He’s launched a three-pronged business model: individual coaching services, tutoring and wellness retreats. “I’m creating a space that’s what I needed when
Left: Ryan Hennessey
Right: Bennett LeVander, Ryan Hennessey and Justin Baker hiking above Lake Louise in Banff, Alberta, during the Re(Align) Retreat.
I was going through those darker times,” Hennessey says.
His first (Re)Align Retreat, held in Canada’s Banff National Park this August, was designed for men and focused on personal growth, skill-building and selfdiscovery. “I love traveling and hiking,” Hennessey says. “In times when I felt stuck or was navigating grief, going on hikes and challenging myself let me figure out what I was capable of.” The retreat featured hikes above Lake Louise, fishing lessons with local guides, mindfulness practices and other activities. Hennessey orchestrated every detail, letting participants simply show up with an open mind.
In the coming months, Hennessey will lead a second retreat—this time to the Island of Hawai’i (the “Big Island”)—that’s open to anyone. “Hawai’i has this way of making you feel the magic,” Hennessey says. “You’ll be watching rocks form as lava cools, swimming in a volcano and seeing the Milky Way galaxy—it’s one of the most magical places I’ve ever been.”
His new coaching services complement the retreats, offering one-on-one support for individuals who are navigating challenging life transitions or questions. Drawing from his personal experiences, including a difficult divorce, Hennessey helps clients set goals and build more fulfilling lives. “Those painful moments can be the best thing that ever happened to you if you approach them with a growth mindset,” Hennessey says. “It’s getting really clear on your goals. What do you want to bring into your life? Where are you feeling stuck? What areas are drawing or sucking your energy?”
Through all of his new ventures, the fingerprint of Hennessey’s background as a teacher is still visible. Fittingly, the third branch of his new business model is tutoring high school students. “It’s my way to continue teaching and to engage with math and science,” Hennessey says. He works with students one-on-one or in small groups as they work through challenging concepts or prepare for tests.
“Stepping away from teaching was aligned with my integrity,” Hennessey says. “I want to be able to make an impact and lead people to positive outcomes— and to continue to set that example for my students.”
Ryan Hennessey ryan-hennessey.com @iamryanhennessey
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Massage
Acupuncture
Conveniently Delicious
Let’s Dish celebrates two decades and expands its ready-to-bake options.
By Jennifer Pitterle
Enjoy the coziness of the season with Swedish Meatballs With Egg Noodles—a Midwestern mainstay that will keep you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
When the holiday season kicks into high gear, the heat is on—especially in the kitchen. Meal preparation can feel like it’s on a never-ending rotation. Cooking food for a celebration here or there is manageable, but when faced with the deluge of other holiday preparations, even making daily meals can be overwhelming. Having extra help in the kitchen is invaluable. Let’s Dish launched in 2003 with a handful of meal-preparation locations. Co-founder and CEO Darcy Olson has seen two generations of families enjoy Let’s Dish. “We get to hear so many stories,” she says. “People have said our
meals have made it much easier for their kids to help out in the kitchen or for them to grow in their careers because making dinner is an equal partnership.”
More than two decades later, Let’s Dish has adapted to families’ changing needs. Instead of assembling meals themselves, customers can shop in the stores or order online to pick up fully prepped kits (over 100 appetizers, mains and desserts), and many can go from “freezer to cooked in 30 minutes,” Olson says.
In addition to perennial favorites (like the beloved Cheese Curd Crusted Chicken Ranch Bake), Olson says popular
items include Midwestern standbys Swedish Meatballs With Egg Noodles and Skillet Pot Roast and global dishes, featuring Burrito Bowls with barbacoa beef, shredded chicken or vegetables and Chicken and Vegetable Pad Thai.
All of this goes to getting three square meals on the table during busy work weeks or preparing for the holidays. “We want to offer a variety of classic comfort foods that you can make really easily,” Olson says. In addition to classic dinners, like Family Style Chicken Pot Pie, Let’s Dish offers breakfast and lunch options, featuring Cinnamon Rolls With Cream
Photo: Chris Emeott
Cheese Icing, Sausage and Hashbrown Breakfast Bake and a variety of sandwiches and wraps. (Grabbing an extra 30 minutes of sleep while your teenagers bake a pan of gooey cinnamon rolls or prep an early lunch? Priceless.)
Apart from daily meals, hosting duties can get a boost. Olson recommends stocking up on easy-to-heat appetizers, including Baked Ham and Swiss Sliders, Bourbon-Glazed Wild Rice Meatballs, Pulled Pork Sliders on Pretzel Buns and Shredded Beef Wellingtons.
Gift-giving has become another significant part of Let’s Dish’s service, offering delivery across five states and free, handwritten gift messages with each order. Olson says delivery boxes have also become a popular option for supporting parents with new babies, families dealing with illness or elderly individuals who struggle with cooking—something her own family knows well. “My mom isn’t able to cook anymore, so my dad, at 89, does all of their cooking,” Olson says. “Let’s Dish has been a big help with that.”
While Olson witnesses the importance of convenient meal preparation in her own family, she has spent her entire career in the food industry and loves seeing the impact of wholesome, easyto-make food for busy families. “I’ll see women who were young moms back when Let’s Dish started, and now they’re buying meals for their new grandkids or their college students,” she says.
This summer, a new partnership between Target and Let’s Dish brought the company’s beloved meals to the freezer aisles of Metro Target locations. When Target reached out about the collaboration, Olson and her team leapt at the opportunity to expand the reach of their accessible meals. “It’s pretty surreal and has really meant a lot to the company,” she says.
As of this writing, nine of Let’s Dish’s popular three-serving-size meals are in 25 Target locations. “We’re really excited to continue to grow with Target,” Olson says.
Find Let’s Dish at your local Target location and more at target.com.
Let’s Dish letsdish.com
Let’s Dish!
Jason DeRusha laughs as he recalls how clear his career path always was. “I was obsessed with game shows, local news and talk radio,” he says. “I was walking around the playground in suburban Chicago, doing interviews with the other kids. You can imagine how popular I was.”
For more than two decades, the Maple Grove resident was a fixture in local media, serving as a news anchor and morning show host for WCCO. Three years ago, DeRusha switched gears, leaving his position at WCCO to try his hand at something new—radio and podcasting. “I wasn’t learning and growing like I wanted to,” he says. “So, the question was, ‘Do I tread water, or do I go out there and learn some new skills?’”
DeRusha chose the latter, and he’s happy he did. “It’s really fun and really hard, but I wanted something hard,” he says. “I’m so glad I made the leap.”
A CURIOUS CREATURE
DeRusha credits curiosity as his driving force. “Curiosity is what drives everything. It can open lots of doors,” he says.
For DeRusha, his natural curiosity led him to study political science and broadcast journalism at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “My parents always tried to talk me out of it, but I feel
so lucky my passion and interests aligned with my talent,” he says.
After graduation, DeRusha embarked on a successful career in broadcast journalism, interning at ABC News in New York, then logging time at stations in Davenport, Iowa; Rockford, Illinois; and Milwaukee, before landing at WCCO in the Twin Cities.
For 20 years, DeRusha graced local television screens at WCCO while simultaneously helping the station evolve with the advent of social media and digital operations. “I was the first person to start a blog at the station,” he says. “And I had a webcam going at my desk 24/7. I called it the Jason Cam. Some of my colleagues hated it so much they moved their desks.”
DeRusha has long been a fan of letting people get a view of the inner workings of media. “I believe my work and life is always richer, the wider a net I cast,” he says. “I always just want to be where the audience is.” In June 2022, DeRusha cast a new net, leaving a job he loved in television to take on a drive-time radio talk show on WCCO-AM and start a podcast called DeRusha Eats. “I loved the ability to have longer conversations and share my opinions,” he says.
Now, each weekday, DeRusha’s voice fills three hours of radio time without a script. “I love the freedom I get with radio,” he says. “It’s incredible freedom.”
A PASSION FOR FOOD
DeRusha sees reason for optimism when it comes to modern media. “There’s never been more outlets for storytelling and journalism,” he says. “We’re in the golden age of storytelling and content creation.”
DeRusha appreciates how the advent of the internet has allowed people to follow their passions. For him, that’s food. So, when he’s not talking on the radio, DeRusha is talking on his podcast, DeRusha Eats. The podcast is a natural evolution of a Twitter (now known as X) account he once started to document a trip to California’s wine country, including Napa and Sonoma. “I realized that people did care what I had for lunch,” he says. DeRusha quickly adapted the focus to a broader food account and later turned it into the podcast where he regularly talks with local chefs, reviews restaurants and interviews celebrities with ties to the food world. “I’ve been covering food for 15 years,” he says, noting his long
Written by Mollee Francisco
Photos by Chris Emeott
“Curiosity is what drives everything. It can open lots of doors.”
Jason DeRusha
connections as a contributing food editor with various area magazines.
But there was never any grand plan to carve out a foodie niche for himself, DeRusha says. “I’m just someone who loves to go out to eat,” he explains. That’s why DeRusha will never turn down a restaurant recommendation. “Send me all the recommendations,” he says.
When asked about the current state of restaurants in the Twin Cities, DeRusha says things are “in transition.” “It’s an uncertain phase,” he says, noting a retreat by diners who once loved going out to eat in favor of taking food home. On the bright side, DeRusha says the “variety of options, cuisines and price points has never been better.”
Among his favorites right now are Gus Gus in St. Paul, which DeRusha calls “phenomenal,” and Olieo in Bayport— “best Italian in the state.” When asked which restaurants he’d love to see reopen their doors, DeRusha says The Strip Club in St. Paul and Saffron in Minneapolis’s Warehouse District.
Closer to home, DeRusha loves Lotus in Maple Grove, where his son, Sam, was a server. He’s also a fan of Malone’s Bar & Grill, The Lookout Bar and Grill and Three Squares Restaurant. “Those are the places the kids want to go to,” he says. “They’re all about service, heart and memories.”
Those looking for an under-the-radar restaurant recommendation in Maple Grove won’t get much out of DeRusha. He’s not gatekeeping but says, “In Maple Grove, there are no hidden gems. All of the restaurants are busting at the seams.”
THE NEXT CHAPTER
DeRusha and his wife, Alyssa, whom he met in college, moved to Maple Grove in 2003 when he landed his job at WCCO. They’ve been there ever since. “Same house, same block,” he says. “We love our neighbors, and we love the schools.”
They’ve raised two boys—Seth and Sam—in Maple Grove. Seth is a student at New York University, and Sam, a 2024 Maple Grove High School alumnus, started at the University of Southern California in the fall, making DeRusha an empty nester. That frees up some time for trying new restaurants, but it also means
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“I believe my work and life is always richer, the wider a net I cast. I always just want to be where the audience is.”
Jason DeRusha
he can hit the bike trails. “The network of bike trails in Maple Grove is unbelievable,” he says.
DeRusha and his wife have plans for more date nights, too. “I love the theater,” he says. “And we’re definitely going to catch more live music.”
While DeRusha has no plans to leave Maple Grove, he has at least one more entry on his career bucket list he’d like to cross off. “I would love to do something that goes national,” he says. “That would be sort of the cherry on top.”
In the meantime, DeRusha wants people to know that they shouldn’t be shy when they see him. “I love it when people say hi when I’m at Cub or Lunds & Byerlys,” he says. “The most amazing thing in my life is to have random people come up and say they appreciate my work.”
Listen to DeRusha Eats on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
jasonderusha.com @derushaj
Written by Renée Stewart-Hester — Photos by Chris Emeott
Books and Bows
Open up a world of experiential gifting, learning and living.
Make gift giving easier this season by leaning into a specialty theme or carefully curated focus. With experiential gifting maintaining its holiday footing and the inclination to eliminate clutter remaining strong, the gift of books, which can be shared with others to enjoy or repurposed into topshelf decor (Think: “bookshelf wealth” and coffee and end table styling), can easily wrap up your holiday shopping endeavors.
To provide a starting point for your book selections, we’ve included titles that have received appreciative nods in our Noteworthy sections in Maple Grove Magazine and a few of our sister publications across the Metro.
Children’s
Easter on the Farm by Minnesota author Phyllis Alsdurf and illustrated by Lisa Hunt features a girl who visits her aunt and uncle’s farm and helps prepare for her family’s annual Easter celebration.
Sarah Nelson’s Firefly Galaxy, illustrated by Estrellita Caracol, celebrates the magic of fireflies on a summer night. Many of Nelson’s heartfelt books center on nature themes and are a pleasure to read for children and adults.
Known for his whimsical stories, David LaRochelle’s book, Go and Get with Rex, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka, follows Jack, Jill and Rex as they play a game with some very silly outcomes.
Our Planet! There’s No Place Like Earth by Stacy McAnulty is the sixth installment of the Our Universe series.
Plant a Pocket of Prairie by Minnesota author Phyllis Root and illustrated by Betsy Bowen highlights how native prairie plants help recreate food and habitat for birds, butterflies and other animals.
Tyrannosaurus Tsuris: A Passover Story by Susan Tarcov, illustrated by Elissambura and released by a Minneapolis-based publisher is about a dinosaur attempting to host a Passover Seder.
Fiction
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (author of Daisy Jones & The Six) follows Joan Goodwin, a physics and astronomy professor. When a position opens to join NASA’s Space Shuttle program, Goodwin applies and is selected.
Debut novel Banyan Moon by Thao Thai features a woman who reconnects with her estranged mother. The second and third generation Vietnamese-American women deal with family secrets, their fractured relationship and more.
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston features Evie, a swindler deep in the depths of the perfect con, but she begins to suspect that she might be the one being deceived.
Best-selling author Mia Sheridan’s Heart of the Sun, set in the California orange groves, includes childhood friends Emily Swanson, a rising pop sensation, and Tuck Mattice, who is just out of prison. The duo is brought together when Swanson hires Mattice as her bodyguard.
James: A Novel by Percival Everett is a bold retelling of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry from the perspective of Jim, transformed into James, offering a searing exploration of freedom, identity and survival.
Love & Other Words by Christina Lauren pairs Macy and Elliot, childhood sweethearts who reconnect after years of separation to navigate a second chance at their love.
Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra is a nail-biting, locked-room thriller that can make readers think twice about staying home alone in the dark. Yikes!
Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy features Inti Flynn, part of a team of biologists who come to Scotland to reintroduce wolves to the landscape. This novel has conflict, mystery, romance and an intriguing cast of characters to keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
So We Meet Again by Suzanne Park tells the story of a relatable young woman, working to find her place in life. A charming cast of characters and a budding romance with Daniel Choi, her childhood nemesis, add to this comforting, romantic read.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins follows the 50th annual Hunger Games. In honor of the Quarter Quell, there are twice as many tributes, including District 12’s Haymitch Abernathy. Torn from his family and love and brought to the Capitol, Haymitch understands that he has something to fight for—and he wants to fight.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is about a local midwife who knows the truth behind the body found entombed in ice, but it is the 1700s, and women are seen, not heard.
The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County by Claire Swinarski includes a hotshot chef who arrives in a small town, and a group of Wisconsin church ladies, coming together to create a cookbook.
The Paris Gown by Christine Wells is a light read for all who love Paris, fashion and the power of female friendships. Claire (an aspiring Parisian chef), Margot
Left: For the lifelong learner, there’s no better gift than a great nonfiction book.
Right: Consider giving the children in your life the gift of a good story— one that sparks imagination and encourages curiosity.
(an Australian, hiding from her husband) and Gina (an aspiring American novelist) became friends, bonding over Dior.
The Rehearsals by Annette Christie includes Tom and Megan who have reached the night of their wedding rehearsal. What should be a magical weekend turns into a disaster and ends with the happy couple calling the whole thing off—until they wake up the next morning!
Nonfiction
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver sees the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and her family embark on a monumental journey—living one calendar year subsisting on food grown by themselves or within 100 miles of their home in Appalachia.
Birding to Change the World by Trish O’Kane is a heartfelt memoir of an “accidental ornithologist.” O’Kane artfully weaves personal stories with scientific knowledge and social justice commentary to chronicle the powerful connections that can be forged from a shared love of birds.
Bite by Bite by Aimee Nezhukumatathil explores the way food and drink evoke our associations and remembrances. It is a lyrical book of short essays about food, offering a banquet of tastes, smells, memories, associations and marvelous curiosities from nature.
Eating from Our Roots: 80+ Healthy HomeCooked Favorites from Cultures Around the World by Maya Feller offers delicious recipes for folks interested in expanding their healthy meals repertoire.
Houses That Can Save the World by Courtenay Smith and Sean Topham shows how creative thinkers are embracing new challenges in building and design, and readers take a tour of ingenious homes. Along with practical ideas, the dreamy, gorgeous visuals are ideal to serve as a coffee table book.
In Pack Light: A Journey to Find Myself, author Shilletha Curtis traces her Appalachian Trail thruhike from Georgia to Maine while facing her traumatic upbringing, depression and the fallout from an international pandemic.
After a Crohn’s disease diagnosis and years of unsuccessful treatments, Emily Maxson landed upon a solution that brought her back to the kitchen: the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. In Real Food. Every Day.,
the Medina food blogger features easy-to-follow recipes made with whole food with an emphasis on fiber.
Each of the books in The Forest Feast series by Erin Gleeson is a work of art by itself, combining Gleeson’s photographs and watercolor illustrations. The all-vegetarian recipes are delicious and simple, often using ingredients typically found at home.
From Sharon McMahon comes The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement. Dubbed America’s government teacher, McMahon is a Minnesota author and host of the podcast Here’s Where It Gets Interesting. This book beautifully shares the stories of 12 Americans who left a lasting impact on the country.
In her newest memoir, Where Rivers Part: A Story of My Mother’s Life, Hmong-American author Kao Kalia Yang continues her family’s powerful story from a refugee camp in Thailand to life in America. This is a retelling of her mother’s life—a beautiful and haunting story of the human spirit and extraordinary love.
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS OFFERED BY:
Hailey Almsted, a bibliophile in her own right, serves as managing editor for our community lifestyle magazines and the editor of Maple Grove and Woodbury magazines.
Ashley Christopherson is the owner of Niche Books in Lakeville. Read more at nichebooksmn.com.
Gabrielle Clark, Sharon Noble and Molly Rivard are librarians, serving the Maple Grove, Long Lake and Wayzata branches of the Hennepin County Library system. Read more at hclib.org.
Madeline Kopeicki, editor of Plymouth Magazine and digital editor, regularly showcases local authors.
Casie Leigh Lukes is a writer, editor and owner of Cocoa & Champagne, creator of custom library curations. Find her on Instagram @cocoaandchampagne.
Rima Parikh is the owner of Wayzata’s Thinking Spot, which focuses on STEM-related books and games. Discover more at thethinkingspot.us.
Raela Schoenherr works in marketing at a publishing company and is a lifelong lover of books and reading.
Amy Sundet and Katie Timcho are local book reviewers and bloggers. Find them at @overbookedmoms on Instagram.
Give families more time together this
Nov. 23-30
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Fuzzy socks or winter hat
MIX &
Written by Mollee Francisco
Photos by Monique Chaisavan Sourinho
Grant Lavrenz talks about the fine art of cocktails.
Grant Lavrenz describes himself as “the world’s okayest bartender,” but don’t let his humility fool you. Lavrenz is always reaching for the stars in his quest to give his customers an unforgettable experience. “I’m still learning,” he says. “I like to be challenged.”
What began as a one-night bartending gig in college, making pitchers of margaritas at a Mexican restaurant, has since evolved into nearly two decades of mixology for Lavrenz, including his latest stint as the bar manager of the acclaimed Minneapolis-based Laotian restaurant Khâluna. It’s a role the Maple Grove resident has held for the past three years, during which time Khâluna was named one of the 15 best new restaurants in the country by Eater. It’s also a role that has allowed Lavrenz to expand his repertoire and flex his creativity. “Khâluna has been perfect for thinking outside the box,” Lavrenz says.
FALLING FOR FLAVORS
It didn’t take long for Lavrenz to get hooked once he started mixing drinks. That one-night gig at the Mexican restaurant outside of Des Moines, Iowa, became a four-year stay. “It led to me making more creative drinks,” he says. “I was having so much fun learning and thinking of flavors.”
Lavrenz moved to the Twin Cities in 2011, where he continued to hone his skills and flavor profiles, primarily using the agave plant. “I really felt a sense of community here,” he says. “Minneapolis is a small, big city.” Then, three years ago, Lavrenz landed his job at Khâluna, where he dove right into learning what encompassed the flavors of Southeast Asia. “The more I researched, the more I learned, and the more doors opened,” he says.
It didn’t take long for Lavrenz to fall in love with the unique spirits behind Khâluna’s bar and the drinks that could be made using them. From martinis to cosmopolitans, the restaurant offers its take on several classic cocktails using the flavors of Southeast Asia. “You want to find that bridge between the flavors and the spirits on hand,” Lavrenz says.
MATCH
Among his favorites on the bar menu are Khâluna’s Old Fashioned with its top-shelf Japanese whisky alongside a peanut liqueur, pu-erh (fermented tea) and a pair of Japanese bitters. Lavrenz also likes Khâluna’s Kanpai Martini with its lemongrass-infused gin, Honkaku Jigaden Shochu (a Japanese distilled spirit made from rice), Casa D’Aristi Xtabentún (a honey and anise liqueur based on an ancient Mayan drink), dry vermouth, tobacco and Thai spice bitters. “It’s a savory martini to sip on during dinner,” he says. “It has these tobacco bitters for smokiness.”
“I really like a savory cocktail or a drink that delivers multiple sensations,” Lavrenz says. “I want there to be multiple layers in every sip.” The goal is to give diners a unique experience. “People like to explore and get something they can’t have at home,” he says.
And for those who don’t drink alcohol, Khâluna has several nonalcoholic options. “It’s nice to have a whole section of nonalcoholic beverages,” Lavrenz says. These aren’t your runof-the-mill mocktails, but instead beverages that sound just as appealing as their spirited counterparts, like the Five Spice Martini with a smoked chili pepper-infused nonalcoholic agave spirit, Chinese five spice syrup, Polynesian Kiss bitters, acidified pineapple and lime; or the Bitter Mekong Negroni with Phony Negroni, calendula syrup and cucumber lavender bitters. “We put in just as much work and time with infusions and syrups to give people that experience, but also make sure they leave here safely,” he says. “People really like that.”
A SPIRITED STUDENT
“People always ask if I studied this much in school,” Lavrenz says. “I didn’t.” But given the right subject matter, Lavrenz has realized that he has plenty of capacity for learning. When he’s
not chasing around his 7-year-old son, Grant Jr., Lavrenz says he spends a lot of time studying flavors, whether it’s eating food and breaking down its components to figure out what works together or talking to chefs and asking for their feedback. “I’m always asking, ‘How can I turn this into a drink?’” he says. “There’s a lot of trial and error.”
Khâluna has given Lavrenz the freedom to get creative with the bar menu. And while not everything works, Lavrenz is always open to suggestions. “I take the feedback, adjust and make it better.” Someday, Lavrenz hopes to turn all of this experience into a bar of his own. “The goal for the future is to have my own place,” he says. “I’m an industry lifer for sure.”
Khâluna khâluna.com
@grantlavrenz
Maple Grove resident Grant Lavrenz serves as the bar manager at Khâluna, an acclaimed Laotian restaurant in Minneapolis.
GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT
When it comes to cocktails for hosting a party, Grant Lavrenz recommends shopping your home bar first. “Use stuff you have at home,” he says. “Just open a cupboard, and play around with what you have.” He recommends freezing fruits or vegetables and making infused vodkas or gins. “Then, just add soda water,” he says.
Lavrenz says syrups are a great way to offer guests a tasty beverage with or without alcohol, and he loves making his own syrups, using things from his kitchen.
Considering which bottle of liquor will satisfy most taste palates? Lavrenz recommends tequila. “A nice clean blanco,” he says. “It’s people pleasing and the most versatile and familiar.”
Lavrenz says there’s no need to buy a lot of alcohol before hosting. “Less is best,” he says, noting that when it comes to mixed drinks, “One bottle is more than enough to go around. Never buy more than is needed.”
Creating a signature drink for your party gets the thumbs up from Lavrenz. “Everyone likes a themed drink,” he says, recommending Instagram and TikTok for ideas. But if you’re short on time or creativity, Lavrenz says you can never go wrong with a good ol’ Rum Punch— or, consider batching Khâluna’s Old Fashioned. Find the recipe on maplegrovemag.com.
ILLUME WAREHOUSE SALE
Discover a new scent, or shop current favorites at this annual event.
Maple Grove-based Illume is hosting its annual Warehouse Sale on November 7 and 8 at 10501 Elm Creek Blvd. N. The event includes candles, home and personal fragrances made for retailers such as Anthropologie, Madewell, West Elm, Williams Sonoma and more.
“We’re truly humbled by the growth this event has seen since we brought it back in 2022 after a nearly
20-year hiatus,” says Nikki Wallace, digital marketing manager. Products will be up to 90 percent off, and samples are available to test or smell prior to purchasing.
“It’s a rare opportunity for customers to learn about Illume, and the beautiful home and personal care products we create right in Minnesota,” Wallace says. Learn more about the Warehouse Sale at illumecandles.com.
—Hailey Almsted
Illume welcomes visitors to its Maple Grove warehouse on November 7 and 8 for its annual sale.
11.08
Holiday Craft Boutique
Shop for the perfect holiday gift from the 65 vendors at the annual boutique, hosted by the Maple Grove Lions Club and the Maple Grove Seniors Craft Committee. maplegrovelions.org
11.08
Tonka Brew Fest
Ages 21 and older can enjoy live music while celebrating the unique flavors of local breweries. Funds raised by the event support a variety of humanitarian causes and community projects supported by the Mound-Westonka Rotary Club. tonkabrewfest.com
11.09
Forest Bathing
Experience a Japanese forest bathing experience at Eastman Nature Center, hosted by David Motzenbecker of Motz Studios. Motzenbecker is certified through the globally recognized Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides. motzstudios.com
11.09
Spirit and Renewal
The Wayzata Symphony Orchestra performs an energetic program of music by Ferrac, Copeland and Schumann. thewso.org
11.19
Nerf Blaster Battle
Play various Nerf games like capture the flag and adults vs. kids, and give back to your community by donating toys to Toys for Tots. aprojectmyneighborhood.org
11.29–12.01
Jingle Bells Trolley
Take a ride with family and friends on the picturesque Excelsior streetcar, enjoying a taste of small-town history and holiday spirit. trolleyride.org
12.06
Candlelight Memorial
Attend a short memorial ceremony held annually at the Angel of Hope statue. Honor your loved ones and bring a white flower to leave in front of the statue in their memory. maplegrovemn.gov
12.06
Breakfast With Santa
Eat a delicious breakfast, play fun games and visit Santa at the Maple Grove Community Center. Don’t forget to bring nonperishable food items for the CROSS food shelf. mgco.org
12.06
Santa at the Shoppes
Join Santa and experience a magical afternoon of caroling, riding in horse-drawn carriages, shopping at the Christmas market and more. shoppesatarborlakes.com
12.13
Santa at the Loop
Enjoy an evening of skating, holiday music and the Maple Grove Rotary holiday light display, and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Skate rentals are available. maplegrovemn.gov
12.14
Sensory Santa Register for this inclusive event to meet Santa in a low-stress, sensory-friendly environment. The event is free, but attendees are encouraged to donate toys to Toys for Tots. maplegrovemn.gov
12.18
Dance of the Muses
The Maple Grove Arts Center celebrates the opening of its winter show, Dance of the Muses. It honors the timeless relationship between creativity and inspiration. maplegroveartscenter.org
Compiled by Diane Meyer and Avery Vrieze
To have your event considered: email maplegrovemag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.
November 20, 2025 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM
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Backyard Visitor
“I took this photo in my backyard this past winter,” says Debra Bernard. “It was during a pretty big snowfall, and this beautiful pheasant was just perched in our tree! I quickly grabbed my camera and took a few shots.” Learn more about Bernard’s photography at maplegrovemag.com. —Hailey Almsted
To view other Focus on Maple Grove photo contest winners, visit maplegrovemag.com.
