St. Croix Valley - October 2025 by Local.

THE SOUL OF XELAS

Chef

Cristian De Leon brings Mayan-inspired cuisine to Stillwater

Farm to (Thanksgiving) Table

Rising star chef Cory Western draws inspiration from his childhood in East Farmington, Wisconsin. 14

One Mission, Many Uniforms Hometown Hero Outdoors is saving lives through adventures in nature. 16

Finding Balance on the Bluffs Architect Greg Elsner and his family tune into nature at their distinctive home in Taylors Falls.

Open Door to the North Shore

At a Valley family’s second home in Finland, Minnesota, modern design meets rustic charm.

The Soul of Xelas Chef Cristian De Leon brings Mayan-inspired cuisine to Stillwater.

Spacecrafting Photography

Open Door to the North Shore, page 20

Photo:

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by:

from the EDITOR

As we are pulled deeper into the slow, steady rhythm of autumn, so too are we called home. These cold months remind us of the importance of our shelter, which may feel long-neglected after months spent enjoying the sun and sky.

Our food, homes, and entertaining issue brings us to hearths across the Valley and beyond. We head to East Farmington, where Cory Western spent his childhood, to share his journey to chef de cuisine at James Beard Award-winning restaurant Bûcheron (page 12). His delightful recipes for Butternut Squash Pie and Hickory Nut Pie are not to be missed (page 9)!

Then, we head to Stillwater to speak with Chris Tetrault, the founder and president of Hometown Hero Outdoors (page 14). The nonprofit has a mission to bring first responders, law enforcement, military service members and veterans on healing adventures outdoors. The organization has grown to 28 chapters nationwide, meeting the need for mental health support in those who have served.

Later, we enter the home of architect Greg Elsner; it’s a distinct, almost tower-like structure in Taylors Falls that was designed and built by Stillwater designer Mike McGuire (page 16). Elsner and his wife, Kadie Fredell, worked tirelessly to renovate the cabin to its former glory and accommodate their growing family yearround. Their commitment to stewarding the land through the seasons is inspiring, to say the least.

’Tis the season of crackling fires, layers of blankets and holiday festivities. Whatever home looks like for you, I hope it exudes love, peace and safety.

Until next time,

Zoe Yates zoe@localmedia.co

Photo: Chris Emeott

Photo

Chris Emeott

VOL. 10 NO. 4

October/November 2025

PUBLISHER

Susan Isay

EDITOR

Zoe Yates

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

Tricia Christiansen, Ben Thietje and Lori Schaefer

DIGITAL INTERN

Claire Krieger

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Ellie Heyerdahl, Diane Meyer, Emma Souza and Avery Vrieze

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Heather Logelin, St. Croix Valley Foundation ; Rosetta Peters, Brookside Bar & Grill; Stacey Robertson, Bellmont Partners ; Kristin Rohman Rehkamp, La Vie Est Belle ; and Jennifer Sayers, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce

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 and Sara Johnson

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Rochita Chatterjee and Gina Neumann

PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson

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SECONDARY SUCCESSION

Only 72 days after opening, the Natural Heritage Art Centre in Osceola, Wisconsin, was destroyed by a fire in January 2023. The destruction of the building left founder Jessica Turtle uncertain about the next step. “I was looking for a way to do art ecology with more direct access to the environment itself,” she says. “Rather than sitting in a classroom painting trees, let’s go actually be in them.”

After touring the 360-acre campus of The Acreage at Osceola and collaborating on some events, Turtle became interested in a vacant 1,200-square-foot space on the property. Treehaus Studio opened this summer, bringing refreshing

art ecology opportunities to the Valley. Programming includes community events, outdoor adventures, workshops and youth programs.

These activities are often in collaboration with Paddlefish Adventures, an adventure outfitter founded by Turtle and her partner, David Aichinger, that provides daily rentals and guided ecotours on and around the St. Croix River.

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Treehaus Studio treehausstudio.org

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Hickory Nut Pie is a staple of chef Cory Western’s holiday tradition.

“This pie is special to me because of my Grandma Barb and Grandpa Jerry,” Western says. “They like to collect hickory nuts in the fall and shuck them in the winter, then gift them to me and other family members. This recipe also works well with other nuts, especially black walnuts—if you’re brave enough to try and shuck them!” —Zoe Yates

» 1 cup sugar

» 1 ½ cups light corn syrup

» 4 eggs

» ¼ cup butter

» 2 tsp. vanilla

» ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg

» 2 cups hickory nuts

» 1 tsp. salt

» 1 raw pie crust, premade or from a recipe of your choosing

Heat the sugar and corn syrup in a pot on the stove until the sugar is dissolved. Cool slightly. Whip the eggs until they’re light and fluﬀy, then slowly drizzle in the sugar mixture while whisking; take your time so you don’t scramble the eggs. Mix in the butter, vanilla and nutmeg until the butter melts and emulsifies. Last, fold in the nuts and salt. Pour the mixture into your raw pie crust. Bake at 350 F until fully set, usually 45–60 minutes.

To learn more about Cory Western, an East Farmington, Wisconsin, native—now at the helm of James Beard Award-winning restaurant Bûcheron—head to page 12. Visit stcroixvalleymag.com for Western’s Butternut Squash Pie recipe.

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A Legacy of Loving Kindness

Metta Belisle lived her name. In Sanskrit, metta means loving-kindness—a philosophy she carried into every part of her life, from rescuing animals to planting flowers and trees.

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A third grade teacher for nearly 30 years, Metta believed that how we treat animals and the Earth says everything about who we are. She and her husband, Jon Belisle, a retired research chemist, created a donor-advised fund through the St. Croix Valley Foundation to support their shared values.

Since her passing in 2024, Jon continues their legacy. “While her voice has been silenced, her kindness, compassionate care and environmental interests continue,” he says. Living on their farm with their companion animals greatly influenced their acts of giving. Metta didn’t seek recognition— only to plant seeds of compassion.

Jon encourages others to do the same. “You don’t need to be wealthy. You just need a story, a purpose and a heart for something bigger than yourself,” he says. Their purpose is best summed up by a favorite Alan Jackson lyric: “Might as well share, might as well smile. Life goes on for a little bitty while.”

Missy Austreng is a content creator with the St. Croix Valley Foundation. For more information, visit scvfoundation.org.

Photo: Jon Belisle

Jon and Metta Belisle

Magic at the Musical

Memorable characters abound in the Phipps Center for the Arts’ production of Little Shop of Horrors, but the real star of the show is the one that has vines, teeth and an appetite for destruction—otherwise known as Audrey II.

Behind the scenes of this monstrous musical, there’s one challenge that looms large for every producing organization: creating Audrey II. Known for being one of the most complex puppetry tasks in musical theatre, Audrey II doesn’t just sit there looking scary. She grows. She sings. She eats people.

Luckily, the Phipps has Madeline Achen, an incredible puppet designer, at the helm. Achen and team have spent months designing and constructing Audrey II. These puppets are a perfect blend of artistry, engineering and old-school stage magic. Watching them come together on stage is truly incredible.

If you’re a longtime fan of the show or just in the mood for something thrillingly silly this fall, Little Shop of Horrors is the perfect pick for Spooky Season. Just try not to feed the plants.

Ben Thietje serves as the executive director of the Phipps Center for the Arts. To learn more, visit thephipps.org.

Farm to (Thanksgiving) Table

Rising star chef Cory Western draws inspiration from his childhood in East Farmington, Wisconsin.

By Jennifer Pitterle

In the rolling hills of East Farmington, Wisconsin, just east of the St. Croix River, chef Cory Western’s culinary story began. Growing up on a small hobby farm, he spent his childhood gardening and raising pigs, a few cows and sheep (“once”)— experiences that would ultimately shape his approach to cooking.

After graduating from Osceola High School, Western first enrolled in the mechanical engineering program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“After three and a half years, I realized I didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life, and I dropped out,” he says. He got a job at The Old Fashioned, a supper club on Madison’s Capitol Square, and pretty quickly fell in love with the kitchen. Western worked his way around Madison’s food scene, including at restaurants like Graze, which had a focus on hyper-local and seasonal ingredients,

something that piqued Western’s interest.

In 2016, Western moved to the Twin Cities and entered the kitchen at Gavin Kaysen’s Spoon and Stable in Minneapolis. After three years, he moved to Demi, another restaurant by Kaysen. “I was doing all the bread baking, the pasta, the sauce, the technical prep stuff,” Western says. “It was a very fun and rewarding job—probably the most educational experience I’ve ever had in the kitchen.”

Now, Western is the chef de cuisine at Bûcheron, a French-inspired bistro in South Minneapolis co-owned by his mentor and frequent collaborator Adam Ritter. The restaurant, which opened in early 2024, was recently honored with a prestigious James Beard Spirit Award for Best New Restaurant. “We were very surprised and humbled,” he says. “We’ve been getting a lot more press, a lot more

people coming into the restaurant.” Western’s cooking philosophy reflects lessons from his rural upbringing and professional experiences. “Quality comes first,” he says. “If I can get a local product that’s amazing, I will 100 percent use it.” He designs the Bûcheron menu to balance traditional French dishes with modern, unstuffy twists, highlighting fresh fish, gorgeous vegetables, regional cheeses, seasonal fruits and Wagyu beef. When it comes to planning holiday meals, you can take the chef out of rural Wisconsin, but—well, you know the rest. Western highlights one of his grandmother’s unique contributions: “Cherry Jell-O with cranberries and hickory nuts that she gathers and shucks herself,” he says. “It’s just not Thanksgiving without two or three whipped cream and Jell-O salads.” On a more serious note, Western says he loves making pies—butternut squash and

Photos: Chris Emeott; Destiny Western

hickory nut are favorites—and a whole roasted goose or turkey. “I also love cranberry sauce made from fresh cranberries. Cook it down with some star anise, wine and a little orange peel.” Western goes for classic dishes with as many fresh, highquality ingredients as possible. “It’s a hot take, but I despise marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes,” he says with a laugh. “Instead, go for garlicky mashed potatoes with gravy made from your turkey drippings. And of course, an array of pies.”

Find Western’s family recipe for Hickory Nut Pie on page 9.

Bûcheron bucheronrestaurant.com @bucheronmpls

Left: Cory Western

Right: A selection of Bûcheron menu items: Culotte Steak with Potatoes, Rapini and Bordelaise; Summer Beans with Octopus, Secreto and Miso Bagna Cauda; and Roasted Turnips with bone marrow, cherry and ginger.

One Mission, Many Uniforms

Hometown Hero Outdoors is saving lives through adventures in nature.

By Zoe Yates

Stillwater resident Chris Tetrault spent decades serving his country in the National Guard and as a law enforcement officer. Now, he’s continuing his service as the president of Hometown Hero Outdoors (HHO), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports firefighters, first responders, law enforcement, military service members and veterans through outdoor experiences in Minnesota and beyond.

Tetrault joined the Minnesota Army National Guard as a junior at Forest Lake Area High School in 2001; he was deployed to Bosnia in 2003 and Iraq in 2005. “Life happens. Everyone goes their own directions,” Tetrault says of life after service. “… Nothing easy about coming home after a war.” As he pursued a career as a Federal Reserve law enforcement officer and, later, a Minnesota conservation officer, the outdoors became a lifeline through which Tetrault found camaraderie and a renewed sense of purpose.

In 2017, Tetrault and a group of fellow law enforcement officers founded HHO to address the often invisible challenges faced by people whose careers put them in consistently traumatic situations. HHO is dedicated to easing the transition of life after service and breaking the cycle of isolation. “The outdoors is really the conduit

Bottom: Hometown Hero Outdoors has expanded to 28 chapters nationwide.

Photos: Hometown Hero Outdoors; Dave Crist

Top: Dave and Sadie Crist enjoy a fishing excursion on Lake Mille Lacs with Hometown Hero Outdoors.

or the vehicle for us to help people with healing and connection,” Tetrault says.

The adventures are an access point for individuals across the country to have new experiences with no cost barrier. All trips are fully funded; participants need only cover their travel expenses and licenses. Past area experiences have included waterfowl and turkey hunts, and sturgeon fishing on the St. Croix River.

Stillwater police officer and former U.S. Navy submariner Dave Crist reconnected with his 10-year-old daughter, Sadie, on an HHO fishing trip to Lake Mille Lacs in 2024. The two spent a day crafting a fishing rod and fishing with a guide. “It was crazy the amount of connection we made in just 24 hours,” Crist says.

Mike Hendricks, a former Hennepin County deputy and crime scene investigator, says the adventures have been invaluable to his mental health healing.

“I’ve been through hell, and I’m starting to see the light on the other side,” Hendricks says. “Unfortunately, some people don't make it that far.”

Conversations come naturally, whether it’s in a fishing boat, trekking through the woods or sitting in a duck blind. “We want people to come together and … organically just talk about where you’ve been and what you’ve done,” Tetrault says. “And it comes out in time.”

HHO has grown beyond the Metro area to 28 chapters in as many states. More than 10,000 heroes have been impacted on more than 1,200 adventures since 2017. Each chapter is led by a director and supported by trip coordinators and area volunteers, many of whom are Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training-certified. Programming has expanded from hunting and fishing to camping, hiking and barbecues.

“It’s a long road, and it’s an uphill battle … but you’re not alone, so let us help you,” says Hendricks, who is now on HHO’s Surviving Our Service team. “If nothing else, let us just walk beside you during that journey.”

Hometown Hero Outdoors hometownherooutdoors.org

Hometown Hero Outdoors

TATTOO

FACIAL

SCAN ME WITH YOUR CAMERA

with your camera

Greg Elsner and Kadie Fredell play with their two sons outside their year-round abode in Taylors Falls.

Photos: Chris Emeott

Written by Jennifer Pitterle

Finding Balance on the Bluffs

Architect Greg Elsner and his family tune into nature at their distinctive home in Taylors Falls.

Greg Elsner brings a uniquely Minnesotan sensibility to his work. “I love embracing the seasons here that don’t happen elsewhere,” Elsner says. “I love water skiing and swimming in the summer, but it’s also great to be out in the winter, out on the ice, and to experience that full spectrum.”

That contrast, Elsner says, brings an exciting challenge to his work in architecture.

Elsner grew up in Coon Rapids and worked as a framing carpenter after high school and during college. He received his master’s degree in architecture from North Dakota State University in Fargo and says his carpentry background still informs his designs. “Being a craftsman makes you a better designer, and being a

First floor

designer makes you a better craftsman,” he says. “Architecture is like art and science. You need to get a good feeling of the space, but then, how do you technically keep the rain out?”

Now, Elsner is a principal architect for Minneapolis-based Shelter Architecture, where his project mix is about 50/50 residential and commercial. He works on family home renovations, new builds and unique spots like the Minnesota Opera’s Luminary Arts Center.

But the project nearest to Elsner’s heart is his family’s home in Taylors Falls, a 1970s structure that sits atop a bluff overlooking the St. Croix River and Interstate State Park. Elsner and his wife,

From the entrance of Greg Elsner and Kadie Fredell’s Taylors Falls home to the top floor, a vertical span of windows brings in light and natural views. Along with the primary bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor, there’s also the home’s centerpiece: a spiral staircase, robed in local stone, that wraps around a chimney. If you head down, you’ll find the children’s bedroom/playroom with its own bay of windows.

Second floor

The second level is the family’s primary living space with the dining room, the kitchen and the living room, along with a deck. Greg Elsner and Kadie Fredell have used organic materials and furnishings with simple, clean lines to keep the house feeling tranquil and connected to the natural setting.

Third floor

Up in the treetops, the home’s third level is part deck and part enclosed sunroom where Greg Elsner keeps his home office and the family’s TV space. “When the eagles are flying over the St. Croix River, you’re at their actual height,” Kadie Fredell says. “I love that so much.”

ON THE ROCKS

Inspired by Scandinavian sauna culture, Greg Elsner and Kadie Fredell built their own unique experience: the Löyly, a floating pontoon sauna that can be easily trailered between the water and dry land for use all year round. “Kadie spent some time in Norway in college and participated in floating saunas on a much bigger scale,” Elsner says. “This combines Minnesota pontoon culture with the sauna.” He tracked down a 1979 pontoon in rough shape and stripped it to its frame. Carpenter friends helped along the way with the tongue and groove cedar siding and installing the custom woodstove that creates the sauna’s trademark steam heat. Perhaps the most fun feature? A trapdoor in the floor that allows bathers to hop right into the chilly water below when they’re ready to cool down. Elsner has leveraged his expertise to design interior saunas for several clients over the years (though, to date, his is the only one that floats).

Kadie Fredell, purchased the home in 2017 and were able to meet the original designer, late Stillwater architect Mike McGuire. “He even sent me a set of plans to review and talked through his design process about the whole project,” Elsner says. “It was really meaningful to have that discussion with him.”

The home needed a lot of work when Elsner and Fredell took the reins, having been on the market for nearly four years before the couple came across it. Renovations were made to accommodate their growing family. “It was designed as a seasonal cabin, and now we’re a family of four living here year-round,” Elsner says. “We made some changes but really kept

the spirit of the initial design.”

The family spends a lot of time outdoors, exploring their 30-acre property. They tap maple trees to make syrup in the spring, tend gardens in the summer, go bow hunting in the fall and enjoy observing wildlife all year long. “We try to raise our kids with an idea of stewardship of land and water,” Fredell says. “We are a blip in the time of people who have lived on this piece of land, and we try to do well by it for the people coming after us.”

The house is also well-designed for passive heating and cooling, Elsner says. “The overhangs and orientation are right, so we get really great winter light, and it stays cool in the summer. If you open the

right windows, you get a naturally ventilated stack effect.” He enclosed a portion of the top floor, which had been a kind of deck, to make an outlook where his own desk sits. “It’s a sweet spot and a really inspiring place to work with a view,” Elsner says.

For more about this Taylors Falls gem, check out Kadie Fredell’s glimpses into her family’s home and seasonal rhythms on Instagram at @saintcroixcollective.

shelterarchitecture.com @shelterdesigns

Written by Zoe Yates — Photos by Spacecrafting Photography

OPEN DOOR TO THE NORTH SHORE

At a Valley family’s second home in Finland, Minnesota, modern design meets rustic charm.

Baytown Township residents Dave and Heidi Hove weren’t in the market for a second home, but when they found their dream setting—42.5 acres on the Baptism River in Finland, Minnesota—everything fell into place.

It was a sun-drenched day in midSeptember when the pair set out to view the property for the first time. As soon as the Hoves turned onto the lane, where golden leaves swirled down from birch trees under a deep blue sky, they were sold. “I joke and say, ‘I think [Dave] set me up with this,’” Heidi says. “We were looking for a place to build a garage, and we came across this property.”

The Hoves already had strong roots on the North Shore. Heidi’s parents, longtime cabin-goers, permanently relocated to Beaver Bay from Afton in the 2010s,

The kitchen showcases a modern take on a cabin aesthetic. The soft white cabinets (SherwinWilliams Pure White) and island (Corian Quartz Valene Pearl) center the space, while rustic elements, like the natural wood on the island and black light fixtures with leather straps, invite a classic North Shore look. Handpainted tile from Tabarka Studio in Los Angeles brings interest to the cooktop and beverage center backsplash. “We customized [the color] just to bring in a really soft look but have a pop of pattern to break up the white,” Amy Leferink says.

The main living space features natural materials and a subtle color palette to draw the eyes outdoors and create a relaxed feeling. The hearth, made from HanStone Quartz in Uptown Grey, contrasts with a chiseled reclaimed wood mantel. Above, wood beams add a rustic feel that extends throughout the home. “I think the key to elevating the look is layering textures and also keeping a softer color scheme,” Amy Leferink says. “We’re not throwing really bold, strong colors into the room, which lets the outdoors [in].”

In the laundry room, warmth is introduced with a wall of custom-colored Tabarka Studio tile and brushed brass hardware. The floor’s porcelain herringbone tile, made to resemble old-world brick, extends into the hallway. “Real brick sheds little pebbles all the time. This is a smooth porcelain that’s easy to clean [with] zero maintenance,” Amy Leferink says. A dog-washing station is mounted at the perfect height for the Hoves to care for their dog, Oscar, and is finished with white shiplap.

THE HOVES’ GUIDE TO THE NORTH SHORE

Heidi and Dave Hove have enjoyed visiting the North Shore for decades, long enough to solidify their go-to spots. “We get to be creatures of habit … You can go on the same hike, the same trail, but different seasons, and you see very different things,” Heidi says.

For first-timers, Heidi suggests checking out Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Palisade Head. But don’t miss some of the hidden treasures along the way. Heidi shares that many bridges and overpasses are home to epic, easily accessible waterfalls and streams.

“There are activities and things to do for people of all abilities,” Heidi says. “There are hikes that are very accessible for people who can’t walk, and one of our favorite ones is 0.2 miles round trip, and that’s lllgen Falls [located in Tettegouche State Park].”

Other suggestions include Cascade River State Park, Caribou Falls and Temperance River State Park. “We love sharing the beauty of the North Shore with other people,” Heidi says.

and her father, Kent Shamblin, even served as the city’s mayor. Following his passing in 2015, the Hoves purchased the Beaver Bay property and began using it as a “blessing house” for their community, offering up stays for respite and to raise funds for local causes. “As we were looking toward more full-time retirement for my husband, we didn’t want to let go of that. We still wanted to use that property as a blessing house to others, but yet we wanted to spend time up on the North Shore,” Heidi says.

It was their first experience working with a builder and interior design team to create a custom home, but the two-year process was well worth the wait. Interior Impressions lead designer Kierstyn Timmers and owner Amy Leferink worked alongside Mike Hoops at MD Hoops Construction & Contracting

The screened porch includes an Eze-Breeze window system, allowing paneled vinyl windows to stack and shift to make the most of the weather in all seasons. The space’s furnishings, including a bistro table and chairs, feature woven rope detailing. Organically shaped wood nesting tables add a fun element to the room. “It’s a great place to have coffee in the morning. The sun comes through, and you look out at the river flowing … I could stay all day,” Heidi Hove says.

Brewster Parliament Charcoal Owl wallpaper adds interest to the powder room. “I love doing wallpaper in powder bathrooms or toilet rooms just because it's a fun little surprise,” Amy Leferink says.

on the four-bed, three-and-a-half bath home.“We couldn’t even have imagined how great it would turn out,” Heidi says.

The 4,160-square-foot dwelling, nestled on a curve of the Baptism River, exudes serenity. A muted color palette of greens, blues and creams blends with cozy textures and natural materials, ensuring each room feels like an extension of the home’s picturesque setting. When asked about her favorite part, Heidi says, “Oh, where do you even begin? Wherever I am is currently my favorite place.”

The space is designed for the Hoves’ daily life, welcoming the couple and their Pembroke Welsh corgi, Oscar, in all seasons. “Winter is my favorite time to be there,” Heidi says. It’s also an ideal setting for entertaining guests, with a walk-out lower level that features guest rooms, a living area and a bar. On the main floor, the spacious kitchen—with a roomy center island and custom dining table by Dusty Lyle at Resurrected Furniture & Cabinetry—is well-suited to Heidi, a self-described “foodie” who loves to host friends and family for dinner.

The balanced design of the space makes it a sanctuary for the Hoves.“[It’s] beyond our wildest imagination. We’re just so very pleased with it,” Heidi says. “… We’re up there as much as we can.”

Now, they’re working with Interior Impressions on a refresh of their Baytown Township home. “We want to love our place down here as much as we love our place up there,” Heidi says.

Interior Impressions

interiorimpressions.org

@interiorimpressions

Resurrected Furniture & Cabinetry resurrectedfurniture.com

@resurrectedfurniture_cabinetry

In the primary bathroom, the walk-in shower is the pièce de résistance. A colorful patterned tile on one wall of the shower makes a statement. “I just love how big [the shower] is and how that pattern makes it almost feel like wallpaper in there,” Amy Leferink says.

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The Soul of Xelas

Written by Jennifer Pitterle

by Chris Emeott

In an unassuming storefront on the Highway 36 frontage road in Stillwater, chef Cristian De Leon is crafting some of the most innovative Latin food in the Metro—and doing it all with a commitment to detail and authenticity. “All of our sauces are made in house. Our tortillas are made in house,” Cristian says. “It’s

very labor intensive. We look for all the little details that we can do differently.”

Cristian has been working in various restaurant kitchens around the Twin Cities for more than 20 years, learning from mentors and honing his skills and creativity. “Eventually, I wanted to do something on my own,” he says. “I was looking for my freedom.” In 2022, he and his wife and business partner, Karen De Leon, opened a takeout taco

spot, El Sazon Tacos & More, in an Eagan gas station. “We grew really fast,” Karen says. “We opened our second location, El Sazon Cocina & Tragos, in South Minneapolis at the end of 2023.” It, too, became rapidly popular with neighbors and visitors alike, and the De Leons and their team were able to add a small patio and a full bar.

Still, Cristian itched to do more. “We wanted to bring in his Guatemalan

Photos

Chef Cristian De Leon brings Mayan-inspired cuisine to Stillwater.

Cristian and Karen De Leon

roots and do some Mayan cuisine with a modern twist to it,” Karen says. “We had to find the right place to do it.” The couple visited Stillwater several times to feel out the vibe. “We walked around and got to know the town,” Karen says. “People seemed close and welcoming.” They moved into the former Thai Basil space in early 2024 and spent nearly a year on a thoughtful remodel, wanting to get every detail right. Xelas by El Sazon opened in January.

The new restaurant is bright and airy, with comfortable rattan furniture that evokes warmer climes, plus plentiful greenery. A large patio offers fresh air and sunshine during the summer. Artsy cutouts in the wall behind the bar frame colorful bottles of tequila and spirits. Murals by local artist Jimmy Longoria illustrate the Mayan calendar and figures from Mayan folklore, including a colorful quetzal bird in honor of Cristian’s hometown, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. (The town is affectionately nicknamed “Xelas,” the name the De Leons chose for their new eatery.)

“In every culture, when you remember something happy or sad or anything—the memory is about food, right?” Cristian says. “I remember especially Sunday suppers with my family, when everyone was at home, and we were just eating. I cook from my memories.” He fuses traditional Guatemalan dishes with French techniques, born of years in formal kitchens. Although the menu evolves seasonally, some popular dishes so far include Sikil Pak, a Mayan dip with frijoles, pepitas and chirmol, served with tostadas; a Black Tiger Shrimp Taco; and Calabaza, a roasted pumpkin dish with a verde sauce. In keeping with Xelas’s focus on detail, almost every element is made from scratch, from the Guatemalan Sausage to the Masa Cakes to the creamy Elote Panna Cotta. Although there isn’t an official kids’ menu, Cristian and Karen— themselves parents of three kids—welcome families and young diners, and can help identify simpler dishes, like a Classic Quesadilla, for less adventurous palates.

Like the food, the bar program is also thoughtfully curated by director Zoilo

From left to right: Aguachile, Caldo de Res, Sikil Pak, Mole Negro and Hilachas

Ruacho, the De Leons’ third partner in Xelas. Ruacho and his bar staff offer unique cocktails that pair note-for-note with each plate on the menu and showcase fresh ingredients (all garnishes and syrups are prepared in house) and interesting spirits. “Even our brands of tequila and other alcohol aren’t the ones you’ll find in other restaurants,” Cristian says; most are sourced from small-batch producers in Central America or the Upper Midwest. Mocktails are made with just as much love without the buzz—including the Tamarind Punch with zero-proof rum, a house-made tamarindo shrub and citrus oleo.

As Xelas welcomes returning guests and new visitors this fall, Karen hopes diners will come away with a better understanding of the nuances of Latin American cuisine. “Many people have this mindset that Latin food is big portions, big burritos or big chimichangas, and we’re trying to change that perspective,” she says. “We are Guatemalan and Mayan food.”

Xelas by El Sazon elsazonmn.com @xelas_mn

A PARTY FOR THE PUMPKINS

Hudson’s Hilltop Pumpkin Party and Rotary Halloween Parade is an autumn mainstay.

It’s been 72 years since the first annual Rotary Halloween Parade—and the event just keeps getting better. For the past three years, Hudson Daybreak Rotary and Rotary Club of Hudson, Wisconsin, have collaborated with the Hudson Chamber of Commerce to combine the costume parade and contest with a Hilltop Pumpkin Party. The event now draws more than 400 attendees each year.

“By combining these two community events, it just made one bigger opportunity for people,” says Tyler Warwick-Mick, Hudson Chamber events and marketing coordinator and Hudson Daybreak Rotary member.

The free, family-friendly festivities will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. October 18 at YMCA Camp DayCroix. Visitors will enjoy food and treats, games and activities, horse-drawn wagon rides, a petting zoo and pumpkin decorating. The costume contest and parade is open to all ages and will start at 1:15 p.m. outside the Royal Credit Union Discovery Center. There will be cash prizes for the best costumes in four categories, with a $150 Best of Show prize.

Warwick-Mick says that seeing kids’ excitement about the pumpkins is their favorite part. “It’s a great opportunity to be able to come decorate [a pumpkin] for free, have fun with your kids and then get to take your pumpkin home at the end,” Warwick-Mick says. Visit hudsonwi.org for additional details. —Zoe Yates

Event attendees will receive a free pumpkin to carve and have the opportunity to enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides and a costume contest.

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10.03

Cinnamon Bun Day

The Gammelgården Museum of Scandia invites visitors to enjoy free cinnamon buns while exploring the beautiful museum grounds, celebrating Swedish culture and the 45th anniversary of the beloved Cinnamon Bun Day in Scandia. gammelgardenmuseum.org

10.19

Vintage Market

Welcome the Twin Cities’ best vintage accessories, clothing and home goods vendors to downtown Stillwater’s JX Venue. Registration is required. mplsvintagemarket.com

10.26

Trick or Treat Trail

Local Afton businesses will supply festive Halloween flavors and fun along the St. Croix Trail, plus enjoy a costume competition and a scream for ice cream contest at Selma’s Ice Cream Parlor. exploreafton.com

11.08

Bird Hike

Get outdoors and wander while listening to the sounds of nature, guided by the Washington County Parks

Service, at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Participate in citizen science data collection as you learn how to identify various birds. discoverstillwater.com

11.21–11.23

Hudson Christmas Tour of Homes

Gorgeously decorated homes, as well as the historic Octagon house, offer tours that inspire the holiday spirit and showcase the best of unique and timeless holiday ornaments and trimmings. hudsonwi.org

11.28–12.21

It’s a Wonderful Life

Attend this heartfelt stage adaptation of Frank Capra’s holiday classic at the Phipps Center for the Arts. thephipps.org

Compiled by Diane Meyer and Avery Vrieze

To have your event considered: email stcroixvalleymag@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.

Bird Hike

Taste of the Valley

Hudson Daybreak Rotary shared a dynamic selection of artisan food and wine at the Taste of the Valley event in Lakefront Park in Hudson, Wisconsin. This year, guests voted on their personal favorites with Los Habaneros Mexican Grill & Bar receiving top nods as a food vendor and Fowler Wine for favorite beverage vendor. Proceeds benefit the Hudson community through grants from Hudson Daybreak Rotary. The group has raised more than $1.5 million to enhance opportunities for youth and create a better community for all. —Tricia Christiansen

To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to stcroixvalleymag@localmedia.co.

Photos: Hudson Daybreak Rotary

Your Cozy New Home This Fall! At Saint Therese of Woodbury: Where Independent Living Meets Everyday Luxury

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, there’s no better time to discover the warmth, comfort and peace of mind that come with independent living at Saint Therese of Woodbury. Nestled in one of Minnesota’s most vibrant communities, our campus is a welcoming retreat where seniors can enjoy the beauty of the season without the burden of home maintenance.

Step outside your door and into a vibrant community offering:

• A warm saltwater pool and fitness center

• On-site bistro, library and Club Room

• Chapel and spiritual support

• Salon, barber shop and boutique

• Serene gardens and a therapeutic labyrinth

If your health needs change, a full continuum of care is available within the same familiar campus.

Come see why Saint Therese of Woodbury has been a trusted choice for nearly 10 years.

Autumn at Arcola Mills

After enjoying a fall hike at Arcola Bluffs, Stillwater resident Maribeth Lundeen stopped at Arcola Mills to capture this image of a small stream meeting the St. Croix River. “The view looking north up the river is beautiful any time of the year,” Lundeen says. She calls herself an “enthusiastic” photographer who most enjoys capturing landscapes and environmental portraits. Her photos have appeared in St. Croix Valley Magazine numerous times through the years. —Zoe Yates

To view other Lens on St. Croix Valley photo contest winners, visit stcroixvalleymag.com.

LENS ON ST. CROIX VALLEY

Photographer: Maribeth Lundeen

Title: Fall Hike

Equipment: OMSystem

mirrorless camera

Location: Arcola Mills

Category: Seasons Award: First Place

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