Rochester Magazine | February 2024

CELEBRATING OUR 25TH YE AR

FEBRUARY 2024

You picked ‘em!

ROCHESTER’S

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

25th Year!

2024 Financial Dont’s Part II FIVE DECADES ON THE MISSISSIPPI

Stories from a riverboat captain

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FEBRUARY 2024

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CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2024

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36 26

Features 26 Five decades on the Mississippi Lake City resident Lee Hendrix has spent 51 years working on Mississippi River towboats and tugboats and steamboats. And, yeah, he’s got stories.

36 Rochester’s Favorite Restaurants You voted. We tallied. Let’s eat. Here are our 25th—25th!—annual Best Restaurants results.

66 Your Financial Don’ts for 2024

Don’t make unrealistic resolutions. Don’t put off creating your estate plan. Don’t invest with your heart. Rochester’s top financial experts pass along their DON’Ts for 2024.

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Junk Drawer

11 Shortcuts

Social-ICE (Ice bars! Ice sculptures! Ice Fam Jam!); The area’s newest (old) ski hill; Three Ways You Can Help ...; more.

12 Oddchester

14 Random Rochesterite

Jennifer Harveland tells us about her fashion sense (including “as much sparkle as I can get my hands on”), her military service (“the Army and I were not well suited for each other”), and the advice she gives her kids (“The worst experiences make the best stories”).

25 Three Ways You Can Help One group doing good in Rochester. And how you can help.

76 The Walk Through

Inside one cool home you could own right now.

80 Rochester, Retro 82 Ten (or so) questions

Hal Sundt, ‘08 Mayo High grad and recently-published author of “Warplane,” talks about his favorite high school teachers, his favorite “Top Gun” line; and “Warplane” (“It’s a book about the Forrest Gump of airplanes.”).

On the cover: Shelby Schwab at Cafe Steam. You voted her your favorite barista. See our Best Restaurants story on page 36.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

FEBRUARY 2024

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Junk Drawer

25 things you didn’t know about this month’s issue.

Until now.

THE POST BULLETIN COMPANY Publisher FORUM COMMUNICATIONS CO.

It’s our 25th annual Best Restaurants issue! And we’re pretty proud of that.

Here are a few of our favorite Best Restaurants covers through the years...

Editor STEVE LANGE 507-285-7770 slange@rochestermagazine.com Advertising Director TESSA OLIVE 507-281-7469 tolive@rochestermagazine.com Advertising ADAM GEHLING LISA SCHELL advertising@rochestermagazine.com Graphic Designers MOLLIE BURLINGAME BETH KROHN Associate Editor JENNIFER HAUGEN KOSKI Contributing Writers ALEXA ANDERSON HADLEY LANGE ELLIOT MANN Photo Supervisor JOE AHLQUIST Contributing Photographers MAYA GIRON KEN KLOTZBACH OLIVE JUICE STUDIOS

GET HOME DELIVERY!

For $29.95, you’ll get a year’s subscription to Rochester Magazine.

Or $50 for two years. $65 for three years.

Just call 507-285-7676.

Volume twenty-five I Number two Rochester Magazine is produced monthly by the Rochester Post Bulletin, and distributed throughout Rochester, MN. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.

Editor, Rochester Magazine, 1700 Greenview Dr. SW, Rochester, MN 55902 or SLange@rochestermagazine.com. Call 507-285-7676 for home delivery ($29.95 for 11 issues).

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FEBRUARY 2024

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FEBRUARY 2024

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er t n i W+ ing r p EN ENTERTAINMENT S AT MAYO CIVIC CENTER

Wednesday | Feb 14

Sunday | Feb 25

Tuesday | Mar 05

Thursday | Mar 14

Friday | Mar 15

Saturday | Mar 16

Sunday | Apr 07

Wednesday | Apr 10

Friday | Mar 29

Scan for a complete listing of shows and tickets or visit,

mayociviccenter.com

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Best in Snow

>>> SOCIAL-ICE IS COOLER THAN EVER <<<

BY HADLEY LANGE

Social-ICE–Rochester’s annual winter weekend celebrating all things social, and all things ice–turns Peace Plaza into a winter wonderland on Feb. 23-24.

ICE Sculptures. Since 2008, with a two-year COVID hiatus thrown-in, Social-ICE has been a place for ice carvers to show off their skills. Past sculptures have included Star Wars characters, a piano, dragons, and even Rochester’s own ear of corn water tower (do other people not call it Giant Corny?).

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Snapping selfies with the sculptures not enough? Check out the Wall of ICE, specially made for photos.

ICE-cold Drinks (and Warm Food). Social-ICE features

several bars, run by Rochester bars and restaurants, each featuring a signature, handcrafted drink. Feeling hungry?

The Downtown Rochester Alliance, which puts on this event, is expanding the already great food selection even further this year.

ICY Fun for the Kids. From 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, SocialICE transforms into Social-ICE

FAM JAM, a fun-for-all ages event complete with activities for the kids. Our fingers are crossed that they’ll bring s’mores back again this year.

Turning to ICE? Huddle up by one of the firepits, grab a hot chocolate, or get your groove on. Live, local DJs will be spinning records (maybe not literally) both nights.

Social-ICE runs Friday, Feb. 23 from 4-10 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 24 from 1-10 p.m. at Peace Plaza. No tickets required! For info, check out www.downtownrochestermn. com/events/socialice.

FEBRUARY 2024

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oddchester

Best Restaurants. Weirdest votes.

BY STEVE LANGE

Here are some of the best—read: weirdest—answers we’ve received over these 25 years of our Best Restaurants Ballot.

Best Bartender: “Isaac from ‘The Love Boat.’” “Sam Malone.” “That octopus from ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit?’”

Best Place To Eat Outside: “No! My husband always wanted to eat outside and it drove me crazy! It’s always SO windy!”

This marks the 25th Best Restaurants issue of Rochester Magazine.

We had, in preparation for this, gathered a lot of facts and stats to celebrate this milestone.

Like the more than 50,000 total voters (at 2K per year) who have cast maybe 1 million— MILLION!—votes in the various categories over these past 25 years.

We had gathered a number of moving anecdotes touching stories.

But instead, we decided to compile the ultimate collection of our Best, Worst, and Weirdest Answers In Our 25 Years Of Best Restaurants Voting.

Every year, the vast majority of the 2,000-plus voters (and now 30,000-plus votes) take the contest seriously.

But, every year, more than a few of you, when filling out your ballot for Best Italian Dish, write in “Sophia Loren.”

Or “Fabio.”

Or “Gina Lollobrigida” or “Isabella Rosselini” or “Claudia Cardinale” or “Mona Lisa” or “Valerie Bertinelli.”

For maybe a dozen years, on and off, we called our best coffee category “Best Cup Of Joe.” And, more than a few of you answered “Joe Powers.” Every single year. ( Joe Powers, incidentally, owns and runs Powers Ventures and the Canadian Honker, among other things.)

Anyway.

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FEBRUARY 2024

Best Sandwich: “Callaway Chrome Mack Daddy 4.” (We had to look this up, and discovered it is a golf club. A sand wedge. That’s four minutes we’ll never get back.)

Best Place For A Post-Work Happy Hour: “Doesn’t apply. No one at work likes me.”

Best Place For Steak: “In Edward’s heart!” (This took us a while, but we think they meant the vampire from Twilight.

And ‘stake.’)

Best Place For Wine: “My in-laws’ house when we have to visit my in-laws.

My father-in-law really dislikes me.”

Best Brunch: “I only eat linner and dupper.”

Best Catering: “The gold hoops that dangle off their feline ears.” (Could they be talking about cat earrings?)

Best Fine Dining: “When you eat right after you get a parking ticket.”

Best Barista: “Edmund Bartley-Denniss.”

We had to Google this. He was actually a famous barrister.

Best Server: “IBM’s AS400.”

Best French Fries: “Freedom Fries!”

Best Nachos: “Freedom Nachos!”

Best Restaurant For Kids: “Any restaurant at which I am not.” “Kids should never be at any restaurant.” “Don’t know. I don’t eat kids.”

Best Seafood Dish: “Daryl Hannah in that mermaid movie.” “Rose at the end of the Titanic movie.”

Best Burger: “Burgermeister Meisterburger.” (He is the villain in the animated ‘Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town’ from 1970). “Warren.” “Lim.” Best Barbecue Joint: “Something rolled

by Cheech and Chong and then cooked by John Hardy.”

Best Place For A Girls Night Out: “This is sexist AND offensive! Come on! Really?”

Best Place For A Guys Night Out:”Oops!

Sorry! (See above). I’ll say Brothers for both.”

Best Chef: “Remy from ‘Ratatouille.’ He made all that stuff and he was a rat.”

Best Bar: “MSBA.” (We had to look this up. It stands for Minnesota State Bar Assoc.

That’s four minutes we’ll never get back.)

“Candy.” “Space bar. It’s probably the key I use the most.”

Coolest vibe: “The one with Beyonce on the cover.” (Then we realized they meant Vibe magazine.). “The 2008 model, in silver.” (Then we realized they meant the Pontiac Vibe.)

Best Chicken Dinner: “For them, probably a nice mealworm with some cracked corn and seeds on the side.”

Best Place For A Post-Work Happy Hour: “I hate my co-workers, and they never invite me out after work. One time I walked into Chester’s by myself, and they were all there at 5:01 on a Friday.”

“For them, probably a nice mealworm with some cracked corn and seeds on the side.”

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FEBRUARY 2024

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RandomRochesterite

One resident, numerous anecdotes | By JENNIFER KOSKI Photo by JOE AHLQUIST Name: Jennifer Harveland Age: 53 Occupation: Media systems analyst for Mayo Clinic Where we found her: In our email You reached out to me about an old Jen’s World column, and I asked to interview you. Did you think about saying no? I did. But there’s a feature I loved in the PB that was sort of on these lines. It was the fashion icon feature.

I secretly aspired to do that.

Well, then. Let’s talk fashion. How would you define your style? I think what I aspire to and what happens in real life are two different things. I aspire to quirky and, ideally, I have a ‘50s retro vibe. I like classic pieces, classic patterns, classic colors, but I like a twist. I’m into pink and periwinkle and aqua mermaid colors and as much sparkle as I can get my hands on.

What might I be surprised to learn about you? I’m an Army veteran. My military career was short and illustrious only in its sheer mediocrity. I was not a great soldier, so the Army and I were not well suited for each other.

Why did you join the Army? My origin story is that I was born on the 10th of February, baptized on the 15th, and my dad left for Vietnam on the 17th. It’s an unusual way to come into the world. And my dad is a biker dude who has a hunger for all of the manly things. One of my friends in high school once commented on him, saying, “Dave? Dave who eats nails for breakfast?” I’m not a super physical person. I didn’t want any part of hunting.

So I think that joining the Army was a way for me to make a connection with my dad.

And I was looking for an adventure.

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FEBRUARY 2024

Five things you love? My 1966 Ford Fairlane convertible. I love books. I love lots of kinds of music—and I live for Bruce Springsteen. I love the creative process, whether writing, crafting, decorating, cooking, redoing furniture. And I love the outdoors, under certain conditions.

Certain conditions?

April to October in Minnesota is my outdoor time. I am a girl who will go hop on a tube and float down the river, probably with a big umbrella attached and often with a beverage of an adult variety. Then I want a shower and a real dinner with the possibility of prepping it in a kitchen before I apply fire. And I would really like my husband to apply the fire. So my outdoors has to be in season and there has to be access to certain amenities!

How did you meet your husband? He was infamous in our small town in North Dakota as the smartest boy at one of the other elementary schools. His mom was his dad’s secretary for an insurance agency.

My mom worked for a CPA in the same little office building. Our moms shared a copier and they both smoked, so eventually they realized they had kids the same age.

They had a camper outside of town, and invited us out one night. The kids played and the parents talked. That night’s clear in my mind, because of the trauma: I didn’t like Jimmy and Bobby Harveland because they were mean. We went to high school together and ended up in kind of the same friend group freshman year. We were just pals, just always together. And then I ran away and joined the Army. When I came back, everything fell into place.

Scariest moment? A stroke my husband had at age 46. I’ve known Rob for a long time, and he rarely takes a sick day. I’ve never known him to come home from work early. He came home early, complaining of a headache. He went upstairs and took a nap—unheard of !—and when he came downstairs, I wanted to take him to the ER. Now, he’s not a snappish person. There’s only room for one jerk in a marriage, and I’m it. But he said, “I haven’t had dinner yet and they won’t let me eat there!” So I said, “OK, fine.” We were eating dinner, and I thought maybe his mouth was drooping a little. And then I realized he was eating with his left hand, awkwardly bringing his peas to his mouth.

I said, “Why are you eating with your left hand?” and he said, “My right hand doesn’t work very well.” I said: “GET IN THE CAR!” He’s fine now. But that was scary.

Advice you give your kids? I tell them, “The worst experiences make the best stories.” My middle child, at barely 18, took a spring break trip on a motorcycle with two friends. It was end of March, early April, and they went to Green Bay, then up the U.P. and around Lake Michigan and then back to Rochester in a week. It snowed, predictably. My kid was recovering from mono. One of the other kids was not feeling so great. My son called from a gas station in the U.P. one morning. He said, “It’s freezing.

It’s snowing.” I thought, “What have I done? What kind of mother am I?!”

Did you go get them? No. They got picked up by a school bus driver who let them park their bikes in the school bus garage and then dropped them at a hotel.

He told them he’d pick them up the next morning. And he did. Picked them up and brought them back to their bikes. He did a good thing for three dumb kids. I think about that trip now and I’m really glad I let him take it. Because you find yourself in that. You find your own strength and resilience. You find the goodness in other people. And when the worst stuff happens, that’s when you get a good story.

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Bleu Duck Kitchen. Photo by Joe Ahlquist

Winners, winners

25 YEARS OF ROCHESTER MAGAZINE’S

BEST RESTAURANTS This issue marks our 25th year of Rochester Magazine, and the 25th year of our annual Best Restaurants issue.

We’re pretty proud of that.

It’s the original. It’s the most read. It’s the most respected.

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FEBRUARY 2024

And it’s a great way to give you a chance to support local restaurants.

Congrats to Bleu Duck, which has now been voted Rochester’s Best Restaurant for six straight years.

Which, historically, puts the restaurant in rare company.

In the 25 years of Rochester Magazine’s Best Restaurants results, only 7 restaurants have won our top category.

Only one other restaurant, Chester’s, has six Best Restaurant wins.

Rochester’s restaurant royalty—the long-missed Michael’s—won five times.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

HERE’S A LOOK BACK AT 25 YEARS OF YOUR WINNERS IN OUR BEST RESTAURANT CATEGORY: 2000: Henry Wellington 2001: Michael’s 2002: Michael’s 2003: Michael’s 2004: Michael’s 2005: Michael’s 2006: City Cafe 2007: City Cafe 2008: City Cafe 2009: Prescott’s 2010: Chester’s 2011: Chester’s

2012: Prescott’s 2013: Pescara 2014: Pescara 2015: Chester’s 2016: Chester’s 2017: Chester’s 2018: Chester’s 2019: Bleu Duck 2020: Bleu Duck 2021: Bleu Duck 2022: Bleu Duck 2023: Blue Duck 2024: Bleu Duck

AND TOTAL WINS IN OUR BEST RESTAURANT CATEGORY:

Bleu Duck: 6 Chester’s: 6 Michael’s: 5 City Cafe: 3 Pescara: 2 Prescott’s: 2 Henry Wellington: 1

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Chester’s Kitchen and Bar.

Michael’s Restaurant closed in 2014.

FEBRUARY 2024

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FEBRUARY

SUNDAY

4 PET THE PETS. It’s time for Pet the Pelts at Oxbow Park. Learn what Minnesota native animals, like deer, bear, and lynx feel like by getting to feel their pelts. You can also walk the trails and see the animals at the nature center. olmstedcounty.gov, 507-328-7340

11 A FILM YOU WON’T SEE ANYWHERE ELSE. It’s the last

FEBRUARY 2024

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SHOVEL SNOW. AND FEEL GOOD ABOUT IT. Rochester

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BRUNCH AND A SHOW.

LEARN TO SKI AT QHNC.

Eastern Minnesota Youth Orchestra (SEMYO) is at John Marshall High School for their Winter Concert. The concert will feature all five of SEMYO’s orchestras (Concert Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra, Chamber Strings, Bravura Strings, and Prelude Winds) semyo.org, 507-218-2160

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HIT THE SLOPES. (FIGURATIVELY, WE HOPE.)

first Monday of the month means it’s a nibs and nobs night at LTS Brewing. (Read: a cribbage tournament). Show off your cribbage skills (or at least play cribbage). ltsbrewing.com, 507-226-8280

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YOUNG VIRTUOSOS. The South

TUESDAY

Take a road trip to Welch Village for a day of skiing or snowboarding.

Not a seasoned snow bunny? No worries. The ski and snowboard destination, located about an hour outside Rochester, offers lessons for all ages and abilities. welchvillage.com, 651-258-4567

DON’T GET SKUNKED. The

Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN), a program of Family Service Rochester, matches older adults with volunteers who provide services from snow shoveling to simple household chores. familyservicerochester. org, 507-287-2010

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day of Winona’s eight-day Frozen River Film Festival (Feb. 4-11). The festival features 50-plus films, including dozens of independent documentaries, as well as workshops, speakers, and music. frff.org, 507-494-8224

Celebrate Valentine’s day in style with the Rochester Girls. This “Beauties & Beaus” show will be held at CRAVE and features performances from Allota Shots, Jayda Clyne, Sidonia Dudval, and more. craverochestermn.com, 507-512-3800

2024

MONDAY

FIND SECRETS IN THE SNOW. Snowshoe through

Whitewater in search of historic features that are only visible in the winter (when the trees are bare). dnr.state.mn.us, 507-312-2300

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With more than eight miles of trails, Quarry Hill Nature Center is the perfect place to try cross-country skiing. QHNC staff will even give you pointers before you head out on your rental skis to glide (and, most likely, fall) through the 320-acre park. 507-328-3950, qhnc.org

FEBRUARY MADNESS! It may not be March, but it is time for some basketball madness! Catch two of the Rochester girls’ teams (Mayo Spartans and Century Panthers) face off at Century High School tonight! mshsl.org, 763-560-2262

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is hosting their annual Tourism Conference at the Mayo Civic Center.

This two-day conference focuses on bringing tourists to Minnesota (and keeping them happy, fed, and housed!). Hear all about the new and exciting ideas for doing so. mn.gov, 888-847-4866

TAKE A HIKE. Park near the

MINNESOTA, A TOURIST DESTINATION. Explore Minnesota

old-timey downtown of Historic Forestville—with its turn-of-the20th century-buildings—then climb SandbankTrail to Overlook Trail.

It’s a moderate climb, but then you’re downhill all the way back. dnr.state.mn.us, 507-352-5111

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

WEDNESDAY

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THURSDAY

BLIND DATE GONE BAD ...

LIKE REALLY BAD. Meddelin

Chan accidentally killed her blind date. Can she, her mom, and her four aunties save the day? Find out in Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto, Rochester Public Library’s Feel Good Fiction Book Club book of the month. rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

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FRIDAY

SATURDAY

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HOPE IT DON’T SNOW SHOW.

Rochester Area Builders Home Show starts today. Hurry out to the Mayo Civic Center for a rundown of the latest trends! rochesterareabuilders. com, 507-282-7698

It’s the annual Hope it Don’t Snow Show held by the Zumbro Valley Scale Modelers. This event, held at the Rochester Empire Event Center, features model airplanes, boats, and cars along with less traditional Star Wars, sci-fi, and armor figure models. Ipmsusa.org

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SCOPE OUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT. The 45th annual

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ROAR! Some brave explorers have

CURL UP WITH A GOOD BOOK.

PARTY HEARD AROUND THE WORLD. Lonestar has been playing

country hits for more than 30 years and has 10 albums and 9 number one singles to show for it! Catch the band, and songs like “Amazed,” “Mr. Mom,” and “I’m Already There,” at Treasure Island. ticasino.com, 800-222-7077

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. If you’ve never jumped into icy water, you don’t know what cold is. You can fill that void while fundraising for Special Olympics at The Polar Plunge, a Winterfest staple held at Foster Arend Park. plungemn.org, 763-270-7119

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MAN IN BLACK. Johnny Cash:

TAKE A TRIP TO THE MIA. Head

is hosting their Valentine’s Hike by Candlelight. For adults 21 and older, this walk through the candlelit Animal Kingdom trivia trail is followed by what Valentine’s is all about… chocolate! (In both drink and candy form.) qhnc.org, 507-328-3950

GET BOCK TO BASICS. It’s the

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gone prehistoric, meeting Triceratops, Giraffatitans, Tyrannosaurus rex, and more in Dinosaur World Live!

Join them at the Sheldon Theatre for a show and a meet and greet. sheldontheatre.org, 651-388-8700

The Official Concert Experience takes videos of Cash singing on the Johnny Cash TV Show and combines them with a live onstage band and singers performing “A Boy Named Sue”; “I Walk the Line”; and “Ring of Fire.” mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040

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Become a member of the Friends of Rochester Public Library to access the Friends Winterfest book sale a full day early! Not a member? Pick up your books, movies, and CDs at the sale this weekend! rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

to the Chatfield Center For The Arts and catch their Art and Architecture Bus Tour that will land you at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Here you can see works by Van Gogh, John Singer Sargent, and Monet. chatfieldarts.org, 507-884-7676

HEDWIG’S LAMENT (NOT THE OWL). Hedwig and the Angry Inch

to support the RCTC Yellowjackets men’s basketball team as they face off against the Anoka-Ramsey Community College at home. rctcyellowjackets.com, 507- 285-7210

follows Hedwig, a rock singer who abandoned her life in East Germany to find her “other half” in the west. The musical features botched operations, emotional breakdowns, stolen songs, and more at the Rochester Civic Theatre. rochestercivictheatre. org, 507-282-8481

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GETCHA HEAD IN THE GAME. Wear your blue and yellow

THE DIVORCE COLONY. Join the Rochester Public Library’s Real Reads Nonfiction Book Club to read and discuss a hot new nonfiction book.

This month’s book is The Divorce Colony: How Women Revolutionized Marriage and Found Freedom on the American Frontier by April White. rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

COLD NIGHTS AND CANDLE LIGHTS. Quarry Hill Nature Center

third annual Bock Fest at Purple Goat celebrating bock, a German style of beer. Here mugs are available for purchase, refills can be bought, and bocks can be poked (caramelizing the beer by putting a hot poker into it).

Creativecuisineco.com, 507-361-5144

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A CHAIR AFFAIR. Bid on one-

SOCIALIZE AT SOCIAL-ICE.

Social-ICE is back for its 16th year!

Head to Peace Plaza to see handcarved ice sculptures, grab a signature drink at one of the event’s several ice bars, and groove to music from live DJs. downtownrochestermn.com

of-a-kind chairs handcrafted by local artists at the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester’s biggest fundraiser of the year ... A Chair Affair! This fundraiser, held at the Hilton, helps support the Club’s programs focused on nurturing relationships and providing a safe environment for kids. bgclubroch.org, 507-287-2300

Sponsored by

CELEBRATE LOCAL BUSINESS! WITH DUELING PIANOS! The Rochester Area

Chamber of Commerce hosts their Annual Celebration, a toast to the area’s growing business community, with a keynote speaker, programming, networking opportunities, and the Fun Pianos Show at the Mayo Civic Center. business. rochestermnchamber.com, 507-288-1122

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FEBRUARY 2024

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Rochester Main 507.280.0621 Stewartville 507.504.1060

EAGLEROCK.BANK

Lunch + Dinner + Happy Hour + Event Space. Voted Minnesota’s Best Thai Restaurant 2023, Rochester Magazine’s Best Ethnic Restaurant 2023 + Best New Restaurant 2022. We serve unique cocktails and cuisine on historic 3rd Street in downtown Rochester.

Open Monday - Saturday.

Green-n-Fresh 507-512-3419 20 1st St SW (Peace Plaza) Rochester

507.285.2516 120 Elton Hills Dr NW Rochester blueplatedinermn.com

Discover the diverse menu at Green-n-Fresh, located in Rochester, MN Peace Plaza.

We specialize in salads but also offer delectable fried southern chicken. Our chicken and waffles dish is a must-try, with its perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Enjoy it with our fluffy signature waffles and choose from refreshing beverages like fresh fruit smoothies or Greek yogurt parfaits. If you prefer lighter options, our salads are made with only the freshest ingredients, including classic Caesar salads and seasonal creations. Whether you need a quick bite, a healthy meal, or a satisfying indulgence, Green-n-Fresh is ready to serve you. Experience our fresh and delicious cuisine today.

507.226.8885 2280 Superior Dr NW 507.206.6799 4576 Maine Ave SE Rochester roostersbarngrill.com Swing by Rooster’s for a delicious breakfast 7 days a week starting at 7am.

Try our daily lunch specials or order off our great menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, wraps, broasted chicken and so much more. Weekday happy hour 11 am to 6 pm. We’re home of the GOLIATH 34 oz. draft beer mug on special every weekend.

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Day-Brightening Eats, Smooth Brew. Serving fresh, locally sourced comfort food favorites, quesadillas, sandwiches, soups, salads, and all-day breakfast. Dine-in, order online, and delivery available through Waiters Express. Visit blueplatedinermn.com to order online.

507.536.4748 212 1st Ave SW Rochester creativecuisineco.com Voted Rochester’s Best Deli and Sandwiches. A bustling, urban deli set in the heart of downtown Rochester, featuring big New York style sandwiches, filled with large portions of fresh sliced meats, gourmet cheeses, crisp vegetables, and one-of-a-kind spreads on bakeryfresh breads. Signature salads and soups with quick and easy delivery service. Catering as well as box lunch delivery.

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the local table {where we eat}

244 Soldiers Field Dr SW 507.516.1050

towniesubs.com Best Philly in Rochester! Stop in for our signature Grill’d Philly, a Grill’d Bowl or one of our delicious Smash’d Burgers. There is something for everyone to enjoy. We are open year-round at Soldiers Field Golf Course. Dine in or carry out. Voted Best Sandwich Place 2023 & 2024.

1155 16th St SW, Rochester 507.516.0641 Sorellinasmn.com Open Mon-Sat at 11AM Open Sunday at 10:30AM Cousins Nadia Victoria and Jordan Victoria are excited to introduce you to: Sorellina’s Italian by Victoria’s. The latest Italian kitchen next to Apache Mall. You will find classic Victoria’s Italian dishes, as well as a few modern takes. Scratch pizzas, our famous sauces, cheesecakes and craft cocktails.

Enjoy dining on the pizza counter side, the enclosed four-season patio, the swanky dining room, or sit at the bar and enjoy the view!

507.361.1208 10 East Center St Rochester skyway level benedictsrochester.com

507.361.5144 3708 N Broadway Ave Rochester creativecuisineco.com Chef inspired Casual American restaurant that is family friendly. Some menu features include our Rotisserie Chicken, Kranz Smash Burger, Sheet Ton Chicken Nachos, or Chipotle Salmon Rice Bowl. Dine next to our 16 foot fireplace, or on our patio during the summer that includes fire pits, an outdoor bar, kid play area, and yard games. We also feature plenty of screens inside and out to catch your favorite games!

507.346.7300 78757 State Highway 16 Spring Valley fourdaughtersvineyard.com Visit Four Daughters Winery, Loon Juice Cider, and The Traditionalist Bourbon Distillery in one spot! Wine, cider and bourbon flights available 7 days a week, plus wines by the glass/bottle, a full cocktail bar, and a restaurant. Spend time inside the spacious tasting room or outside on the large patio bordering the vineyard at the largest winery and cidery in Minnesota. Rated as the #2 Winery Restaurant in the country by USA Today!

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Benedict’s is the place for warm, approachable food with new takes on familiar dishes and killer morning cocktails (it’s never too early).

Great food and hospitality shouldn’t be relegated to dinnertime, and at Benedict’s, we are ready to champion the morning. Bring your family, become a part of ours. Open 6:00am - 3:00pm daily.

507-322-5041 161 13th Ave SW Rochester Saintson2nd.com We are located in the Courtyard by Marriott across from Saint Marys Hospital.

Whether you are a visitor or a lifelong resident of the city, we hope to embody everything that Rochester has to offer. Enjoy our “Minnesota Nice” hospitality while eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Chef Lela Tweed has crafted a menu sure to please – try our legendary sticky chicken sandwich!

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the local table {where we eat}

507.258.4184 332 Broadway Ave S Rochester marrowmn.com Marrow offers a seasonal, ingredient and chef-driven menu - utilizing classic French technique, with a touch of humor and fun. Stop by to enjoy a quick bite and a drink or stay longer to visit with friends and family over dinner and wine.

Scan the QR Code to make a reservation or just come on through.

Walk-ins are always welcome! We are open Tuesday - Saturday from 5 - 10 pm. Happy Hour at the Bar Tuesday - Friday from 4 - 6 pm.

507.281.2978, 300 1st Ave NW Rochester creativecuisineco.com Rustic comfort food, hand-crafted cocktails, and an intimate, romantic ambiance define this hidden gem of a restaurant.

Live local music every night makes this a top-notch date night spot for any day of the week. Make the Redwood Room your new go-to!

Voted Most Romantic Ambiance and finalist for Best Fine Dining.

2043 Superior Dr NW Rochester 507.288.5283 zenfusionmn.com

507.258.9064 808 Broadway Ave S Rochester TacoJed.com

Zen presents a globally accented American, Mexican, Asian, and Sushi menu that draws upon the vibrancy and culinary genius of all of its chefs, creating a menu as culturally diverse as Rochester itself. Our live Hibachii chefs give the flare to any meal, creating a fun, entertaining dining experience for everyone. Voted Best Place For Seafood 2024 by Rochester Magazine Readers!

507.282.6572 1203 2nd St SW Across from St Marys Hospital

Rochester

Celebrating 40 years! Since 1984, the Powers family and the Canadian Honker Restaurant have taken great pride in serving fresh, home-cooked meals to you and your family. Whether you enjoy our award winning Eggs Benedict, Walleye Sandwich, or Filet Mignon, one thing is for sure, you will not leave hungry! Stop by today, and don't forget to order a piece of our world famous Bunnie Cake.

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Voted Best Taco 2020 & 2021. Live Music Friday & Saturdays. Great Brunch Sat & Sun 11-2. We believe that good food and friendly faces bring a community together. We are locally-owned and love living in Rochester!

Hours: Wed & Thur 11am–1:30pm & 5–7:30pm; Fri 11am–1:30pm & 5–9pm; Sat 11am–9pm; Sun 11am–7:30pm; Closed Mon and Tues.

507.258.4663 14 Fourth Street SW Rochester bleuduckkitchen.com Host your daytime breakfast or lunch meetings with us. Our private event space is a great place for business meeting, presentations, team-building events, and more. Use our AV equipment at no extra charge to really get your audience engaged.

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the local table {where we eat}

507.424.7800 130 5th St SW Rochester pnpizza.com

507.206.3019 1625 South Broadway Ave Rochester crookedpint.com/rochester

Little Italy Marketplace. Shop Pasquale’s quality Italian Ingredients direct from Italy. Everything from frozen meals, amazing sauces, scratch-made pasta, and our farm-to-table Olive Oil. Our products are available at Pasquale’s or Hyvee Stores.

507.424.1227 247 Woodlake Drive SE Rochester whistlebinkiespub.com Situated in a business district on a small lake with beautiful patio views, two private dining spaces, a large dining room, and an extensive menu with something for everyone, and a beer list to impress. WBOTL is thankful for their guests, friends, and family that make us a destination that all love and enjoy.

507.258.4550 1635 Highway 52 N Rochester PappysPlaceRochester.com Locally owned by the Pappas family; same family as former owners of Michaels and Hubbel House. Whether it’s our salad bar, onion ring appetizer, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, steaks ribs, seafood, cocktails or craft beers there’s something for everyone. Daily lunch and dinner specials on Facebook or PappysPlaceRochester.com. Now serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2pm.

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Crooked Pint Ale House is a nouveau urban pub with the feel of a local neighborhood restaurant. The menu includes classic pub fare with nearly 60 choices for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch as well as kids’ menu selections. We feature the best Lucys in town and you will be back again and again for our Pub Pot Pies, Pub Tacos, and our Jumbo Tator Tots. At Crooked Pint, we are known for our beer list, but we don’t forget about the wine and spirits! Open Monday - Sunday!

507.635.2331 502 N Main St Mantorville hubbellhouserestaurant.com The Hubbell House has been Rochester Magazine’s Best Restaurant within 30 minutes for the past fourteen years. Our extensive menu includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, choice steaks, prime rib every day, chops, & seafood. Just a short drive from Rochester, whether you’re looking for a formal experience in one of our dining rooms, or a more relaxed setting like the Stagecoach Bar, the Hubbell House is the place for you.

Ristorante & W ine Bar

507.280.6232 7 1st Ave SW Rochester victoriasmn.com Locally owned for 25 years. Specializing in traditional Italian. All sauces are scratch made. Victoria’s has four private dining rooms for all your events.

Looking for a quick lunch? Victoria’s Express (Grab and Go) is adjacent to the restaurant and is open Mon through Fri from 10 am to 1:30 pm.

Join us Wednesdays for Bottomless Wine.

FEBRUARY 2024

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the local table {where we eat}

507.288.0206 401 6th St SW Rochester twigstavernandgrille.com After many months and many trials and errors, we finally mastered our Gluten-Free Chicken & Waffles recipe! I’ll bet you can’t even tell that it’s gluten-free! In addition, come try our Waffles & an Omelet, Waffle Sandwiches, and Melts. WE GET IT. BECAUSE WE LIVE IT. Rochester’s only restaurant with a separate dedicated GLUTEN-FREE kitchen.

Seasonal Cocktails & Desserts | Small Plates | Bowls.

507.361.3636 300 1st Ave NW Rochester TildasPizzeria.com Tilda’s Pizzeria is a locally owned one-of-a-kind wood-fired pizza restaurant in Downtown Rochester.

Unique flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone!

We offer dine-in, online ordering, and delivery.

Mon-Sun 4 pm - 9 pm.

South- 1201 S Broadway North- 5231 E Frontage Rd NW Express- Downtown Skyway 15610 English Ave, Apple Valley creativecuisineco.com

A local tradition since 1980, is the only place for great burgers and cold beer. Hand pattied fresh burgers, grilled to perfection, piles of nachos, tasty sandwiches, loaded bloody mary’s and much more!

507.361.7910 217 14th Ave SW Rochester redcowmn.com/rochester Family owned and locally operated since 2013, Red Cow provides a sophisticated twist on the classic neighborhood tavern. We celebrate finely crafted eats and drinks with a focus on gourmet burgers, craft beers and fine wine. #Followtheherd to Red Cow!

PROUD SPONSOR OF LOCAL TABLE— SUPPORTING LOCAL RESTAURANTS.

magazine

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

2024

507.424.7800 130 5th St SW Rochester pnpizza.com

Chef Pasquale Presa is serving the food he grew up with....authentic NY style pizza along with simple, traditional Italian food including fresh salads and amazing desserts. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Dine-in or carry out. To place orders call 507.424.7800. Voted Best Pizza Place 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 by Rochester Magazine readers.

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Locally Owned. Locally Managed. Local Decisions.

Rochester Main 507.280.0621 Stewartville 507.504.1060

EAGLEROCK.BANK

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3 Ways YOU CAN HELP

Salt & Light Partners

BY ALEXA ANDERSON With their assembled team of board members, advisors, and chaplains, Salt & Light Partners strives to provide emotional and spiritual support through workplace chaplaincy in the community. The organization brings years of experience in developing relationships that ensure a support network of care when needed.

From left: Chaplain Abe Kamara, Sheriff Kevin Torgerson, and Executive Director George Beech.

Here’s how you, too, can help Salt & Light Partners: SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE. The organization aids in creating a community where care for the spirit and heart are part of workplace wellness programs. Salt & Light Partners encourages community members to show love towards their neighbors and to support chaplains as they help others heal from their emotional and spiritual wounds.

“We serve our first responders, their families, and potentially any member of Olmsted or Winona Counties on perhaps the worst day of their lives by giving them comfort and hope,” says George Beech, Salt & Light Partner’s Executive Director. “We will serve anybody from any faith or no faith at all.”

JOIN THE MARCH 1 CELEBRATION! Salt & Light Partners wishes for everyone to join them on March 1 at the Rochester International Event Center for their 2024 Heart for Heroes Gala. Come hear incredible stories of resilience. Tickets are available for purchase at saltandlightpartners.org.

DONATE. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, Salt & Light Partners is largely funded by the amazing generosity of the community. Without your support and generosity, the organization could not continue being responsive to the cares and concerns of our neighbors.

The area’s newest (old) ski hill Two dozen runs. Four chair lifts.

172 acres.

In early 2001, Steeplechase Ski and Snowboarding opened its doors (and hills) on 700-plus acres in Mazeppa.

It was billed as the area’s fourth ski hill, along with Welch Village, Coffee Mill, and Mount Frontenac.

Mount Frontenac closed in 2003.

Steeplechase shut down after its 2007 ski season.

“While the area may remain closed for the 2007-08 season, it is our commitment to see new owners in place as soon as possible,” an announcement on the Steeplechase website read in late 2007.

The snow tubing hill was dormant until 2021, when new owner Justin Steck opened the 750-foot run.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Anyone interested in supporting Salt & Light Partners, in any of the ways listed above, can find more information at saltandlightpartners.org.

In January of 2023, Steeplechase’s chair lifts and ski hills were opened for the first time in 16 years.

3 WAYS YOU C AN HELP IS SPONSORED BY:

And this year’s ski season (2023-24) kicked off in December with two dozen runs and four chair lifts.

At Eagle Rock Bank, formerly ONB Bank, we’re proud to give back to our community. As a locally owned and managed bank, it is so important to us to support our local non-profit organizations through sponsorships and hundreds of volunteer hours through our employee volunteers.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

For info, check out steeplechaseevents.com.

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FIVE DECADES ON THE MISSISSIPPI

By E L L I OT M A N N

Lake City resident Lee Hendrix has spent 51 years working on Mississippi River towboats and steamboats.

And, yeah, he’s got stories.

e Belle end’s son pilot th Hendrix helps a fri . oto ph ed itt 92. Subm of St. Louis in 19

The American Queen has bee

n called “the largest paddlew

heeler ever built.”

On Oct. 9, 1972, Lee Hendrix stepped aboard a towboat on the Mississippi River for the first time at age 21.

At that point, he wasn’t thinking about a lifelong career. He wasn’t, he says, thinking about his future much at all. He was thinking about a conversation he had with a friend who worked on a boat for 30 days, and saved up enough money to travel around Europe.

Hendrix thought, “Why not? I don’t have enough money to go to Europe.”

“I wanted to get out of town,” recalls Hendrix, in his Lake City home. “I wasn’t much of a star in school. I wasn’t the star quarterback or a valedictorian. I didn’t have a lot of choice, and the river was there. It seemed like an alluring escape.”

Hendrix, 74, recently wrote “Peep Light,” a book documenting his 51 years working on the Mississippi River. The book captures Hendrix’s first days on the water, to some of his most harrowing incidents. He details some of his most personal, intimate moments, weaving through both the anxieties of youth, and the wistfulness of age and experience.

He brings you the details: the cigarette brand he would have lit up on a dark night many moons ago, Lucky Strike; or in more recent years, the Sirius XM radio station he picks on particularly quiet nights, Willie’s Roadhouse (songs from Willie Nelson and friends). Hendrix has a gift for turning a phrase, like when he describes the loneliness of piloting a towboat, pushing large barges up and down the river for weeks at a time.

“There’s not a word in the English language for the loneliness felt while piloting a towboat by yourself. It’s a trinity of danger, fatigue and loneliness,” Hendrix says. “It’s like a burning lance through your soul. But yet, it’s hard to give up.”

These days, he works as a “riverlorian,” telling stories, answering questions, and leaning on his history and expertise of the Mississippi River for the passengers aboard the 420-foot long American Queen, reportedly the largest steamboat ever built.

Hendrix has worked as a deckhand, first mate, pilot, and ship captain over his five decade career.

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The American Queen steamboat docks at Levee Park for passengers to visit Red Wing.

his hometown, it was more of an industrial vehicle.

The Mississippi banks there were not “that kind of party.” As Hendrix quotes the words of writer T.S. Eliot, the Mississippi River was thought of more as a: “strong, brown god, sullen, untamed, and intractable.”

“Every day I say it’s the last day I’m going to do it, and then I change my mind,” Hendrix jokes.

Hendrix’s mother told him as a child to avoid the river at all costs, to respect the power of the river and to be scared of it.

His father tried to talk the son out of that first job back in 1972.

While the “American Queen” is more of a ride of leisure for its guests, when Hendrix began working the Mississippi River near St. Louis in

But there the 21-year-old was, walking aboard his new temporary home, pacing through the boat’s smoky lounge to the

FEBRUARY 2024

room with his bunk. His new roommate, startled from sleep, leapt from bed and immediately cut his foot, bleeding all over the room’s peeling floor. Jumping up, screaming and swearing in pain—call “cursing like a sailor” a cliche, but it got that way for a reason—here’s your introduction to life on the river, kid.

Hendrix thought maybe this was all a mistake. Had his father driven back home yet?

“I looked, he was gone, and I thought, ‘Well, I better go through with this.’ All that night, I felt like (the other sailors) just kept bumping into stuff. It was like ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ I really thought I was going to die in my bunk. I thought the river was

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

going to come right through the bulkhead.”

And yet, Hendrix stayed on that first boat for 43 days, almost two weeks extra. The Europe trip that served as the original inspiration? That would come, but not for some 11 years.

Working on the river originally appealed to Hendrix out of a sense of adventure, “something off of the beaten path,” a departure from his job with the street department in University City, Missouri.

But what kept him there?

Hendrix said the Mississippi River is somewhat of an emotional vortex.

You can be transported not just to

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

different places on the river, but if you let your imagination run, you can be transported back in time.

So many memories from three and four decades ago will flash back, he said, recalling travails on a particular stretch of the river.

The River calls to him, enough so that moving to Lake City four years ago made a lot of sense. The Mississippi is rarely out of view.

“The chief engineer (on that first job) told me that if I ever wore a pair of boots out on the deck, the river would be in my blood forever,” Hendrix says. “And now it’s been 51 years.”

“There’s not a word in the English language for the loneliness felt while piloting a towboat by yourself.

It’s a trinity of danger, fatigue and loneliness.

It’s like a burning lance through your soul. But yet, it’s hard to give up.”

—Lee Hendrix

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The American Queen features 222 staterooms and can hold 436 guests and 160 crew.

“Perhaps I am overly optimistic”

By L e e H e n d r i x , f r o m “ P e e p L i g h t: S to r i es o f a M i s s i s s i p p i R i v e r B oa t Ca p ta i n .”

As a child, I remember going with my father to Hall Street in north St. Louis, across the railroad tracks, through areas of broken glass and debris, and down to the river. Years later, I found work as a deckhand on a towboat.

“I discovered the beauty of the Upper Mississippi River. Its islands, sloughs, and storybook towns were like a dream.“ —Lee Hendrix

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My job was to mop and sweep decks and to carry heavy things on my back and shoulders. It was dirty, sweaty work and dangerous at that, slipping on icy winter decks, risking frostbite and hypothermia.

In the summer, the same steel barges would burn holes in my jeans. To a young, single man searching for adventure, towboats were the perfect place.

For 11 years, I worked as a deckhand, mate, and pilot. Some of the work I dreaded.

At times, I was engulfed by isolation and loneliness. However, in total, I had found a place, a way of life that was my own.

I found something else in those years, too.

I discovered the beauty of the Upper Mississippi River. Its islands, sloughs, and storybook towns were like a dream.

I wished that those trips would never end, that we would keep going past Dubuque, Iowa; LaCrosse, Wis., Red Wing, past the locks and dams at Minneapolis to where the waters of this river begin.

One summer, I took my canoe and lived on the Upper Mississippi, exploring its backwaters, catching its panfish, watching its sunsets, sharing coffee and Leinenkugels with its residents in places like the Trempealeau Hotel and the Dam View in Alma, Wis. I want the river to have clean water.

I want those fish to still be there and worth catching. I want those islands and sloughs to still be places for heron, egret, pelican, and eagle. I am concerned with my environment. I drink the water of the Mississippi every

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day of my life. And I still want there to be towboats! I do not think that towboats and a healthy environment have to be mutually exclusive.

Towboating is part of my heritage, part of who I am.

But above that, it is part of what this country is, too.

People were using water to transport themselves and cargo before any of our ancestors (excluding Native Americans) came to this political entity we call the United States.

People I have ridden towboats with, sharing adventures, hard work, rich and delicious meals, and marvelous 3 a.m. stories are a part of the treasures I know as life. I named my son after a towboat captain. I would never support any program that would call for the elimination of towboats on the river.

Perhaps I am overly optimistic, but I see a river in which towboaters and

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environmentalists can work together. There have been numerous studies done concerning costs to taxpayers and the environment, labeling river maintenance as a “subsidy” to the towing industry. I am not a political expert and do not have the time nor inclination to read studies in their entirety.

However, I know that a 15-barge tow of coal or grain carries the equivalent tonnage of between 700 and 800 tractor trailers. Anyone would be hard-pressed to convince me that I would be better off with 800 more trucks on the highway.

This is simply one man’s opinion based on a life of living with the river, accepting it on its own terms. I love it, I want others to love it, and I want it to always be there and be clean. I think we can have a river that supports wildlife, fishermen, recreational boaters—and towboats. The river can give its gifts to all of us.

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“Ain’t no such thing as a purty bridge”

By L e e H e n d r i x , f r o m “ P e e p L i g h t: S to r i es o f a M i s s i s s i p p i R i v e r B oa t Ca p ta i n .”

The American Queen, shown here in Red Wing, was christened in 1995 using a four-foot tall bottle of Tabasco sauce, rather than the traditional champagne.

A few months back, I was honored to tell some yarns at the Lake City Arts Council. Afterwards, during Q and A, a lady asked me what bridge I thought was the most attractive on the river. I was left momentarily speechless due to the fact that ‘attractive’ is not an adjective I associate with bridges, normally thinking more in terms of scary, heinous, challenging, or, better yet, ones I’d like to see blown out of the water.

Historically speaking, rivermen are not usually fond of bridges since they can all hinder safe navigation. I finally offered that the new bridge in Red Wing is not too unpleasing to the eye, if you aren’t coming down on it with a tow. Like all other bridges, it is much more picturesque when viewed astern.

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Some of this is written tongue in cheek.

Bridges, of course, are a necessity to modern life. When I write about destroying one, I am squarely in the realm of wistful hyperbole. Some bridges have collapsed after an allision with a river craft, and that is a devastating event that no one wants. Many of the heinous bridges on the river were constructed so long ago that the builders did not envision the size of the tows that we push today.

in my 20s, I wasn’t always given to wise decisions. I asked if I could stick the tow up in the 160-foot-wide span and sit there until she could open it up. With stacked covers sticking high over the cargo box of the coal loads, that would work as long as she swung the trestle upstream, which I asked her to do. I should never have stuck the tow in the bridge in the first place, then shouldn’t have said anything to confuse her about which way to swing the bridge. Double fault!

The weirdest experience I ever had with a bridge came at the Sabula, Iowa, Railroad Bridge one night at about 1 a.m. I was northbound with 15 loads of coal and called the bridge tender for an opening. She told me that a train was approaching, and I would have to wait for a few minutes. Being

Screech!! A swinging steel bridge wins against fiberglass barge covers every time. At least she told me she was sorry. Of course, I still had to fill out the accident report. It was in the “cowboy” days before you had to pee in a cup after a boo-boo, so we were both spared that inconvenience.

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Be unstoppab ble.

Pelvic Health & Specialty Care You’re always there for the people in your life. The OMC Women’s Health Pavilion is here to see you, hear you, and support you — and help you be there for you.

For easy-to-access care, visit olmstedmedicalcenter.org/women or call 507.529.6605.

© 2023 Olmsted Medical Center

Hendrix, left, pilots the Delta Queen (circa 1998) while pretending to read a book on riverboats. Submitted photo.

“One good deckhand can pull a dead man from the river”

By L e e H e n d r i x , f r o m “ P e e p L i g h t: S to r i es o f a M i s s i s s i p p i R i v e r B oa t Ca p ta i n .”

When I first started, a big event was tow work, which consisted of taking individual barges and lacing them together in a steerable conglomeration of metal. The mate hated tow work. Therefore, he made it hard on the rest of us.

When we were climbing around on those barges and lifting ratchets (that felt like Refrigerator Perry was hanging on the other end), wires (or “wahrs” as most of the boys called them), and slings, we were all dumb in the mate’s not-too-modest opinion. I must admit that I was the most hapless member of the deckhand cache.

One day, I had somehow gotten left on watch by myself, and the mate

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was mercifully sleeping, I hoped like Rip Van Winkle. The pilot rang down in the galley for me to come up to the pilothouse. I walked in, and he said, quite nonchalantly, “Boy, git yor spike pole out an’ fish that deadman outta the river. I know yo’re by yorself, but a good deckhand kin pull a deadman out by hisself.”

He said what? There’s a dead body floating in the river out there—and I have to pull it out? I stood in stunned disbelief for close to a minute thinking,“How often does this event occur?”

“You hear what I said, boy?”

“Shouldn’t we call the police first?”

I offered in weak response. Left

momentarily speechless, he analyzed the depths of my ignorance.

“Boy, a goddamn deadman is a f—n’ shore wahr. Git that f—n’ mate up ta larn ya somethin’!”

So, a deadman is not a waterlogged homicide victim, rather a shore cable anchored into the bank and used to secure barges with. Imagine that.

A couple of weeks later, I had completed my first hitch and was relieved by another green hand. I went home and told everyone I knew about all of the wonderful lessons I had learned on a towboat.

Fifty years later, I am still learning things and somehow muddling along through other ‘imagine thats.’

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Same great local bank.

One new name.

On February 1, we officially changed our name to Eagle Rock Bank (after 28 years as ONB Bank).

Here’s what didn’t change: Our local ownership.

Our passion for our community.

Our hope is that you’ll join us—and keep your money invested locally—when you set up your next bank account or look for your next loan.

By The Numbers 122: Number of shareholders—almost all local—of Eagle Rock

Bank. Being locally owned, we believe in supporting our communities, and our shareholders do, too.

104: Number of non-profits Eagle Rock Bank supported— through monetary donations and volunteering—in 2023.

Stewardship is a Core Value of our team.

58: Number of suggestions we got for our new name when we surveyed our shareholders and employees. Some of the names we didn’t choose? SKOLNation Bank, Talon Bank, and Gray Duck Bank.

28: Number of team members at Eagle Rock Bank today.

We had 5 when the bank opened in 1996.

293: Combined number of years our lending team has been helping businesses, non-profits, and individual clients meet their lending needs.

1: Number of 20-foot-tall inflatable eagle named Ca$h that we own.

Now we just have to get him a logo with our new name.

507-280-0621: The number to call to join us, and to start investing your money right here in your community.

975 34th Ave NW, Rochester • 507-280-0621 | 1960 1st Ave NE, Stewartville • 507-504-1060 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

FEBRUARY 2024

35

ROCHESTER’S

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS You voted.

We tallied.

Let's eat.

Here are our 25th—25th!—annual Best Restaurants results.

Photos by Joe Ahlquist, Maya Giron, and ken klotzbach

Best

BREAKFAST PLACE winner:

Benedict’s

10 E Center St. 2nd Floor 507-361-1208 benedictsrochester.com runners-up: Canadian Honker; Hollandberry Pannekoeken; Rooster’s Too!; Brothers Bar & Grill; Five West; Grandma’s Kitchen

Best NEW BAR winner:

Shhh ...

Speakeasy & Lounge 4 Third St. SW (lower level) 507-226-8146 thaipopmn.com runner-up: LC’s Venue

38

FEBRUARY 2024

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Best

BAR FOOD winner:

Purple Goat

3708 N. Broadway Ave. 507-361-5144 creativecuisineco.com/ purple-goat runners-up: Wildwood; Townies Grill’d Philly Subs; Newt’s North; The Tap House; Forager; Whistle Binkies; Red Cow

Best

HAPPY HOUR winner:

Wildwood Sports Bar and Grill

1517 16th St. SW 507-226-8380 wildwoodsportsbarandgrill.com runners-up: Townies Grill’d Philly Subs; Rooster’s Barn and Grill; Whistle Binkies; The Tap House; Pittsburgh Blue; Red Cow

Best

SANDWICH PLACE winner:

Townies Grill’d Philly Subs and More 244 Soldiers Field Dr. SW 507-516-1050 towniesubs.com

runners-up: City Market Downtown; Great Harvest Bread Co.; Old Abe Coffee Co.; Jersey Jo’s; Firehouse Subs; Chester’s

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

FEBRUARY 2024

39

Coolest LOOKING RESTAURANT winner:

ThaiPop

4 Third St. SW 507-226-8146 thaipopmn.com runners-up: Boxcar Hippie; Our Paladar; Bleu Duck Kitchen; Bebap Korean Eats; Marrow; Latitude 44

Best

BEST SUSHI winner:

Ootori Sushi

runners-up: Zen Fusion Hibachi & Lounge; Ichi Tokyo; Kumo Sushi; Crave American Kitchen & Sushi Bar; Wabi Sabi

40

FEBRUARY 2024

Photo by Choochoo-ca-Chew.

2665 Commerce Dr. NW #100 507-258-7888 ootorisushi.com

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

magazine

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

2024

FOR VOTING US

BEST PIZZA PLACE SEVEN YEARS IN A ROW!

! e c a l p t e k r a M y Little Ital SHOP PASQUALE’S QUALITY ITALIAN INGREDIENTS! ALSO AVAILABLE AT: All Rochester HyVee Stores, Fresh Thymes and People’s Food Coop!

FROZEN MEALS, AMAZING SAUCES SCRATCH MADE, PASTAS AND FARM TO TABLE OLIVE OIL!

130 5th St. SW | 507.424.7800 | PNPIZZA.COM

Best

PLACE FOR WINE winner:

Victoria’s Photo by Olive Juice Studios

7 First Ave. SW 507-280-6232 victoriasmn.com runners-up: Marrow; Tessa’s Office Wine Shop & Spirits; Sorellina’s Italian; Bleu Duck Kitchen; The Redwood Room; Terza

Best

STEAK PLACE winner:

Pittsburgh Blue Steakhouse

10 E. Center St. 507-361-2560 p ittsburghbluesteak.com runners-up: Chester’s Kitchen & Bar; Zen Fusion Hibachi & Lounge; Pappy’s Place; Crave American Kitchen & Sushi Bar; Canadian Honker

42

FEBRUARY 2024

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Cheers to our Morning Heroes! d t o be n

a m

p

u ro

ed

B E BREAKST F 2024AST ste

i

n

oc

e

in R

he

r M

z aga

This year we’ll be spreading joy, happiness, and coffee buzzes to more new friends than ever with our additional seating and private dining space!

10 E CENTER ST — 2ND FLOOR ROCHESTER, MN 55904 (507) 361-1208 · benedictsrochester.com

REDEEM for a mimosa on us!

ROCHESTER MAGAZINE · ROCHESTER LOCATION EXCLUSIVE

Best

Best

winner:

winner:

FOOD TRUCK Bleu Duck Truck

14 4th St. SW 507-258-4663 bleuduckkitchen.com runners-up: Taco Lab; Corona’s Tacos; Flapdoodles Ice Cream; Taco JED; Firebrick Bread WoodFired Pizza; El Samurai Japanese Teppanyaki Cuisine

44

FEBRUARY 2024

BARISTA

Shelby Schwab at Cafe Steam three locations steam.coffee

runners-up: Will Forsman at Cafe Steam; Emily Thomas at Spyhouse Coffee Roasters; Andrew Meissner at Bravo Espresso; Gina Haugen at Cafe Steam; Madison Kelly at Cafe Steam; Emm Sathrum at Cafe Steam; Lauren Pavelko at Starbucks; Lucia Rivas at Spyhouse Coffee Roasters

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

WINNER! Best Restaurant Service

ROCHESTER

WINNER! Best Italian Dish – Chicken Rosa Verde RUNNER-UP: Best Place For Wine Best Dessert Best Salad Place Best Restaurant

FRESH, NEW SALADS!

217 14th Ave SW, Unit 100 Rochester, MN | (507) 361-7910 To view the full menu visit redcowmn.com!

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

FEBRUARY 2024

45

Best

DESSERT winner:

Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake at Mr. Pizza North 4040 28th St. NW 507-252-9400 northmrpizza.com

runners-up: Bunnie’s Coconut Cake at Canadian Honker; Tiramisu at Terza; Danish Donuts at Marrow; Tiramisu Cheesecake at Sorellina’s; Pavlova at Our Paladar; French Fries and Ketchup at Purple Goat

46

FEBRUARY 2024

Best

OUTDOOR DINING winner:

Twigs Tavern & Grill

401 Sixth St. SW 507-288-0206 twigstavernandgrille.com runners-up: Whistle Binkies on the Lake; Tap House; Hot Chip; Our Paladar; Purple Goat

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Worth EveryTime.

Time.

Worth the the Drive Every

Thank you!

Thank you!

For voting us For voting us Best Restaurant Best within Restaurant 30 within minutes!

30 minutes!

502 N Main Street, Mantorville I 507-635-2331 I hubbellhouserestaurant.com Hours: Wed. & 502 Thurs. | Fri.Mantorville 4pm-8:30pm I| Sat. 11:30am-8:30pm | Sun. 11:30am-7:30pm | Closed Mon. & Tues.

N 4pm-8pm Main Street, 507-635-2331 I hubbellhouserestaurant.com

Hours: Wed. & Thurs. 4pm-8pm | Fri. 4pm-8:30pm | Sat. 11:30am-8:30pm | Sun. 11:30am-7:30pm | Closed Mon. & Tues.

Best

ITALIAN DISH winner:

Chicken Rosa Verde at Sorellina’s 1155 16th St. SW 507-516-0641 sorellinasmn.com

runners-up: Gnudi at Our Paladar; Mechi’s Chicken at Victoria’s; Butternut Ravioli at Twigs; Gnocchi at Terza; Gnocchi at Latitude 44; Chicken Milanese at Redwood Room

Best

SALAD PLACE winner:

Victoria’s Photo by Olive Juice Studios

7 First Ave. SW 507-280-6232 victoriasmn.com runners-up: Saladworks; Salad Brothers; Five West; Purple Goat; Sorellina’s; Whistle Binkies

Best

PLACE FOR SEAFOOD winner:

Zen Fusion Hibachi & Lounge 2043 Superior Dr. NW 507-288-5283 zenfusionmn.com

runners-up: Ootori Sushi; Red Lobster; Ichi Tokyo; Bleu Duck Kitchen; Canadian Honker; Victoria’s

48

FEBRUARY 2024

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

VICTORIAS AWARDS AD 1 13 24_Layout 1 1/13/24 12:22 PM Page 1

THANK YOU

FOR YOUR SUPPORT We’re honored to serve the Rochester Community!

WINNER BEST PLACE FOR WINE: VICTORIA’S

WINNER

BEST SALAD PLACE: VICTORIA’S

RUNNER-UP

ROCHESTER’S BEST RESTAURANT: VICTORIA’S

RUNNER-UP BEST RESTAURANT SERVICE: VICTORIA’S

RUNNER-UP BEST ITALIAN DISH: VICTORIA’S

RUNNER-UP

BEST PLACE FOR SEAFOOD: VICTORIA’S

7 1st Ave SW I Rochester, MN 55902 I 507.280.6232 I victoriasmn.com I Connected to the skyway/subway

Thank you!

VOTED BEST HAPPY HOUR

be wild about

wildwood Mouthwatering

NEW SPECIALS Posted Monthly

Two Locations: Rochester & Byron | WildwoodSportsBarAndGrill.com ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

FEBRUARY 2024

49

Best

SIDE DISH winner:

Cauliflower at Our Paladar 20 Fourth St. SE 507-206-0483 ourpaladar.com

runners-up: Hibachi Nachos at Zen Fusion Hibachi & Lounge; Za’atar Spiced Carrots at Marrow; Fried Cheese Balls at Terza; Cheesy Hash Browns at Chester’s; Black Truffle Fries at 507 Pub(lic) House

Best

BREWERY winner:

Little Thistle

2031 14th St. NW 507-226-8014 littlethistlebeer.com runners-up: Forager Brewery and Cafe; Thesis Beer Project; LTS Brewing Company; Kinney Creek Brewing

50

FEBRUARY 2024

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

LET THE

BURGER

LOOSE! Photos for Hot Chip. Use which ones you think are best.

Tagline: Let the Burger Loose!

Cool. Hip. Burgers to die for.

That is about all I got.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST BURGER PLACE! 1190 16TH ST. SW ROCHESTER | 507-424-0080 | HOTCHIPBURGERBAR.COM

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

FEBRUARY 2024

51

Most

ROMANTIC RESTAURANT winner:

The Redwood Room 300 First Ave. NW 507-574-7431 creativecuisineco.com

runners-up: Our Paladar; Terza; Marrow; Bleu Duck Kitchen; Zen Fusion Hibachi & Lounge; Twigs Tavern and Grille

Best

PIZZA PLACE winner:

Pasquale’s Neighborhood Pizzeria 130 Fifth St. SW 507-424-7800 pnpizza.com

runners-up: Mr. Pizza North; Tilda’s Pizzeria; Mr Pizza South; Forager Brewery and Cafe; Pi Pizza; Rosati’s

Best

COFFEE SHOP winner:

Cafe Steam three locations steam.coffee

runners-up: Cafe Aqui; Moka; Mezza9 Cafe & Desserts; Spyhouse Coffee Roasters; Dunn Brothers Coffee; Bravo Espresso & Gourmet

52

FEBRUARY 2024

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

magazine

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

2024

Thank you for voting Little Thistle Brewing as Rochester’s favorite!

Thank you for 5 wonderful years of serving great beer to great people! It’s an honor and a pleasure.

BE HUMBLE DRINK LOCAL

507-226-8014 2031 14T H ST. NW LIT TLETHISTLEBEER.COM

TASTE AD 1 13 24_Layout 1 1/13/24 12:21 PM Page 5

TASTE 7. (tast) To eat or drink a small amount.

“If you can reach this fork, you can have a taste of my pesto sauce (add chicken and zucchini) over cavatappi pasta.

#insidersecrets

Sabrina, Host and in-house light bulb changer

DISHESWELOVE ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

FEBRUARY 2024

53

Best

RESTAURANT SERVICE winner:

Sorellina’s

1155 16th St. SW 507-516-0641 sorellinasmn.com runners-up: Our Paladar; Purple Goat; Bleu Duck Kitchen; Marrow; Victoria’s; Terza; Canadian Honker; Mr. Pizza North

Best

MEXICAN PLACE winner:

Los Arcos Kitchen & Cantina

7386 Airport View Dr. SW 507-206-0302 3539 22nd Ave. NW 507-322-6047 losarcoskitchen.com runners-up: Boxcar Hippie; Taco JED; El Carambas; Corona’s Tacos; La Poblana; El Super Gallo #1 Photo by Lindsay Zubay.

Best BURGER PLACE winner:

Hot Chip Burger Bar 1190 16th St. SW 507-424-0080 hotchipburgerbar.com

runners-up: Townies Grill’d Philly Subs and More; Red Cow; Rooster’s Barn & Grill; Newt’s; Saints On 2nd Bar and Grill; Beetle’s

54

FEBRUARY 2024

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Best

ASIAN PLACE winner:

ThaiPop

4 Third St. SW 507-226-8146 thaipopmn.com runners-up: Zen Fusion Hibachi & Lounge; Bebap Korean Eats; Mango Thai; First Meeting Noodle; Pho Chau; Ootori Sushi

Best OTHER

ETHNIC PLACE winner:

Nupa

1035 Civic Center Dr. NW 507-206-5044 412 Crossroads Dr. 507-218-3130 eatnupa.com runners-up: Al Madina; India Garden; The Hyderabad Indian Grill; Royal Indian Cuisine; Francisco’s Restaurant

Best

PLACE FOR VEGETARIAN FOOD

Best BAR SERVICE

winner:

winner:

1190 16th St. SW 507-258-4463 boxcarhippie.com

18 Third St. SW (lower level) 507-322-6320 bitterandpour.com

Boxcar Hippie

runners-up: Old Abe & Co.; Twigs Tavern and Grille; Thai Pop; Forager; Crave American Kitchen & Sushi Bar; Zen Fusion

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Bitter & Pour

runners-up: Purple Goat; The Workshop; Bowlocity; Glynner’s; Beetle’s; Wildwood

FEBRUARY 2024

55

Best BAR winner:

Bitter & Pour

18 Third Street SW (lower level) 507-322-6320 bitterandpour.com runners-up: Tap House; Wildwood; Rooster’s Barn & Grill; Taco JED; Purple Goat; Townies Grill’d Philly Subs

56

FEBRUARY 2024

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

THANK YOU ROCHESTER Voted Best New Restaurant & Best Side Dish Runner-ups (Black Truffle Fries)

+ Wednesday Date Nights + Happy Hour M-F 3:30-6 + Sat & Sun Brunch 10-2 + Catering

THANK YOU!

Voted Rochester’s Best Bar Service winner: Bitter & Pour Best Bar winner: Bitter & Pour bitterandpour.com

304 1st Ave SW, Rochester MN (507) 206-3716 | 507publichouse.com

THANK YOU! Voted Rochester’s Best Place For Seafood!

RUNNER-UPS: Best Side Dish (Hibachi Nachos) Best Sushi Best Steak Place Most Romantic Best Asian Place Best Place For Vegetarian Food

2043 Superior Dr NW, Rochester, MN (507) 288-5283

zenfusionmn.com ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

FEBRUARY 2024

57

Best RESTAURANT

(Outside of Rochester, within 30 Minutes Away) winner:

Hubbell House

502 N. Main St., Mantorville 507-635-2331 hubbellhouserestaurant.com runners-up: Tammy’s Place in Kasson; Wildwood in Byron; Buck Wild in Zumbro Falls; The Pondy Restaurant and Bar in Mazeppa; Hidden Pines in Mantorville; Jac’s in Chatfield

Best RESTAURANT

(More Than 30 Minutes Away) winner:

Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery

78757 MN-16, Spring Valley, Minn 507-346-7300 fourdaughtersvineyard.com runners-up: J&J BBQ in Nelson, Wis.; BJ’s Bar, Grill and Kampground in Theilman; Taqueria Pato Azul in La Crosse; Juniper’s Restaurant in Lanesboro; Nosh Scratch Kitchen in Winona; Harbor View Cafe in Pepin, Wis.

58

FEBRUARY 2024

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Home Financing

View our competitive mortgage rates • Primary residence, second homes, and investment property • Fixed Rate Conventional Mortgages

• Resident Loan Program • Construction Loans • FHA/VA

• Adjustable Rate Mortgages

Apply Today!

mayocreditunion.org Call 507-535-1460 | Text 855-913-3131

Assistance with: Personal Care • Homemaking Meal Preparation • Respite Hospice Support • Dementia Trained Care Flexible Hours with up to 24-Hour Care

BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST WINNER!FINALIST! WINNER! FINALIST! OF THEOF THE

OF THEOF THE

OF THE OF THE

OF THE OF THE

WINNER!FINALIST! WINNER! FINALIST! 20 2021 20 202121 202020 2020 20 20 2021

FOR MORE INFORMATION

507-289-1147 VisitingAngels.com/ /Rochester ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

FEBRUARY 2024

59

Best

NEW RESTAURANT winner:

Our Paladar 20 Fourth St. SE 507-206-0483 ourpaladar.com

runners-up: Marrow; Boxcar Hippie; Bebap Korean Eats; Latitude 44; 507 Pub(lic) House

60

FEBRUARY 2024

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

LUXURY HOMES FOR RENT!

RENT YOUR SINGLE-FAMILY HOME TODAY! Furnished and Unfurnished Options | Short and Long Term Lease Options Two, Three, Four and Five Bedroom Homes with Attached Garages | Finished Basement Options

CALL OR EMAIL TO SCHEDULE A TOUR | (507) 865-5697 | PWC@villagegreen.com

4 2 3 1 H E R I TA G E P L N W | R O C H E S T E R , M N | T H E P R E S E R V E AT W E S TC I R C L E . C O M

Best

RESTAURANT winner:

Bleu Duck

14 Fourth Street SW 507-258-4663 bleuduckkitchen.com runners-up: Sorellina’s; Terza; Victoria’s; Crave; Canadian Honker; Chester’s; Purple Goat

62

FEBRUARY 2024

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Be at home.

NEW Upscale Venue opening June 2024

usSAVE rsTHE W eo du dDATE g e&dd E EExp JaW ot ioneuu aitn rinW ivnetgnEt&OUR voeont Expo FOR Join us JaotiJnooiu r d d g & E v e n x p n u s a t o u r W e d d i n g & E v e n t Expo June 9, 2024 | 11:00 a.m. - 3 p.m.

We can help you find that place where you can relax and enjoy the season...indoors or out. Your new home is closer than you think and we can help make it happen.

June 9, 2024 | 11:00 a.m. - 3 p.m.

June 9, 2024a.m. | 11:00 June Wedding 9, 2024 | 11:00 - 3 a.m. p.m.- 3 p.m. & Event Expo

All Dates AllAvailable Dates Available June 9, 2024 | 11:00 a.m.

- 3 p.m.

A ll Dates Available Join us at our Wedding & E v e n t E x p o ll Dates Available

thinkbank.com

A June 9, 2024 | 11:00 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Join us at our Wedding & Event Expo

1-800-288-3425

June 9, 2024 | 11:00 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Dates Available AA ll ll Dates Available 507-696-2572 | copperfieldterrace.com 507-696-2572 | copperfieldterrace.com 24371 550th24371 Street | Plainview, 550th Street |MN Plainview, MN 507-696-2572 | copperfieldterrace.com

$1000 off

24371 550th Street | Plainview, MN 696-2572 | copperfieldterrace.com

Any wedding booked for 2024.

371 550th Street | Plainview, MN||Plainview, 24371 550th Street Plainview, MN 24371 550th Street MN

All Dates Available

507-696-2572| copperfieldterrace.com | copperfieldterrace.com 507-696-2572

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

NMLSR ID 440195 Member FDIC

FEBRUARY 2024

63

Your Financial Partner We believe successful relationships are built on partnerships Holly is dedicated to working with your business to customize financial solutions to reach your unique business goals.

Customizable Business Solutions To help streamline your business operations, we provide cash management and deposit services in addition to local business lending.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR BUSINESS SOLUTIONS OR SCHEDULE A NO-OBLIGATION BUSINESS ANALYSIS WITH HOLLY.

Holly Gronholz Business Development, Rochester Branch hgronholz@mbtbank.bank (507) 226-8460

4 4 0 8 W F R O N TAG E R D N W | R O C H E S T E R , M N | W W W. M B T B A N K . B A N K | M E M B E R F D I C

Financial

N'TS DforO2024 >Don’t make unrealistic resolutions. >Don’t put off creating your estate plan. >Don’t invest with your heart.

Rochester’s top financial experts pass along their DON’Ts for 2024.

RETRO >> ROCHESTER, The paper chain TRAVEL | FOOD | ADVENTURE

WALK-THROUGH >> THE Inside a 1.4M home in Cook, MN

on't D

make unrealistic resolutions.

Don’t put off creating your estate plan.

Don’t invest with your heart.

Rochester's top financial experts pass along their DON'Ts for 2024.

66

FEBRUARY 2024

THE EXPERT: DAN EDWARDS, CPA, DIRECTOR OF ESTATE PLANNING >THE BUSINESS: Carlson Capital Management >THE TIP: Don’t make unrealistic resolutions.

Get SMART. “A financial resolution you should not make is one that is too difficult to achieve.

Research suggests only 9% of Americans that make resolutions complete them, and 43% quit by the end of January. By setting a smaller, achievable goal you are more likely to meet it, but more importantly, hopefully you will develop a habit that sticks with you for life. Any business coach will tell you your goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. An example of saving more for retirement might start by increasing your 401(k) contributions by 1% each year until you are contributing the maximum. Increasing it more than that might create a goal you can’t keep. If a resolution is too challenging or requires drastic lifestyle changes, you may feel overwhelmed and give up entirely.”

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Emerald Financial Group

Invested in a meaningful journey At Thrivent, we believe money is a tool—not a goal. As a holistic financial services organization, and a membership-owned fraternal organization, providing financial advice, investments, insurance, banking and generosity programs, we are committed to helping you achieve financial clarity. We are here to help provide the guidance you need to live the life you want.

Let’s connect Eric Funk, Financial Consultant Colin Aldis, Associate Andy Roberts, Associate

thrivent.com/emerald emeraldfinancialgroup@thrivent.com 507-289-1682 116 Elton Hills Ln. NW, Ste. 200 Rochester, MN 55901 5349667.1

THE EXPERT:

THE EXPERT:

CRYSTAL HUGHLEY, ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT – PERSONAL & REAL ESTATE LENDING

DAVID FOCHS, CPA, PARTNER

>THE BUSINESS: Eagle Rock Bank (formerly ONB) >THE TIP: Don’t focus solely on interest rates.

“While interest rates are important, don’t solely focus on them. Consider the overall terms of the mortgage, including fees, points, and the lender’s reputation for customer service.

Your individual financial situation and goals should guide your mortgage decision. Consider your short-term and long-term financial plans, including potential changes in income, job stability, and lifestyle.”

>THE BUSINESS: Hawkins Ash CPAs >THE TIP: Don’t take your financial advice from social media.

“Don’t jump right into the next big, bright, and shiny stock/investment/insurance policy/etc. that you’ve learned about through Twitter or TikTok. As the old adage goes, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. It’s okay to be cautious and protective of your financial future.

Be sure you’ve reached out to a professional to discuss any new investment opportunities that you aren’t well-versed on. We want to help you avoid making any of these very costly mistakes.”

>THE TIP: Don’t trust unverified lenders and websites.

“Deciding to trust contacts claiming to be from your lender without verifying their identity can lead to falling victim to impersonation scams.

Always confirm the legitimacy of the contact through known and official channels.

Make a resolution to NOT click on any link in an email or text message without verifying its legitimacy can expose you to phishing attempts.

Fraudsters often use deceptive links to gain access to your personal and financial information.

Resolve to NOT freely share personal information, such as Social Security numbers or financial details, over the phone or on websites without verifying the legitimacy of the lender can lead to identity theft.

Reach out to a trusted local lender to protect yourself against fraud.”

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FEBRUARY 2024

"If a resolution is too challenging or requires drastic lifestyle changes, you may feel overwhelmed and give up entirely."

—Dan Edwards, Carlson Capital Management

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

You have countless options.

We have one responsibility: To serve as your financial steward and help you use your wealth to accomplish your goals.

Visit carlsoncap.com/steward and we’ll take it from there.

See Carlson Capital Management’s Form ADV Part 2A for a complete summary of services and a discussion of the limitations on services.

THE EXPERT: KRISTINA KOVACEVIC, OFFICE MANAGER >THE BUSINESS: Altra Federal Credit Union >THE TIP: Don’t open credit cards to pay off other credit cards.

“As a new year starts some folks try to get out of debt by opening credit cards to pay off other cards and doing balance transfers.

This, in many cases, won’t work because you are just kicking the debt tin can down the road and will keep incurring interest.

The best thing to do is decide how you are going to pay off the debt quickly, so you don’t have to live underneath it for the rest of the year. Payments should be more than the minimum balance and don’t utilize the card again until you’ve paid it off. Another option is to meet with a financial coach or financial services representative to evaluate where all your money is going and then create a budget for savings and expenses.

This will help you develop a healthy financial plan.”

>THE TIP: Don’t add more without subtracting first.

“Purchasing subscriptions, or ‘memberships,’ to various businesses has become the new habit for many individuals because we believe there is money to be saved. In the new year, review all of your subscriptions, memberships, apps, and other expenses that are not necessary and you can save that money each month. Many individuals are surprised by how much they actually spend each month on these types of services.”

70

FEBRUARY 2024

"No one should delay creating or updating their estate plan, under the notion that it is either too complicated or costly."

—Ryan P. Laughlin, Hawkins ASH CPAs

THE EXPERT: RYAN P. LAUGHLIN, CPA – TAX PARTNER >THE BUSINESS: Hawkins ASH CPAs >THE TIP: Don’t take your financial advice from social media.

“No one should delay creating or updating their estate plan, under the notion that it is either too complicated or costly.

Similarly, financial and estate planning is a continual process that does not end when a set of documents is signed. Your life, family, health, and finances change continually. External factors such as economic and market conditions, politics, world events, and tax laws and regulations change continually. As a result, your plan should continue to adapt to fit your personal needs and objectives.”

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

THE EXPERT: ERIC FUNK, FINANCIAL CONSULTANT >THE BUSINESS: Emerald Financial GroupThrivent, Rochester >THE TIP: Don’t listen to your heart when it comes to financials.

“Don’t make emotional decisions based on your finances. Seek out trusted advice, develop a plan, and review that once a year.”

THE EXPERT: MAXWELL HAYDON, MARKETING SPECIALIST >THE BUSINESS: Continuum Financial Group >THE TIP: Stay focused on you, not your neighbors.

“Avoid resolutions that have you comparing yourself and your financial situation to that of your friends or family. Your financial situation is unique to you. Making financial decisions based on the spending habits or social media reels of people you follow could result in making decisions for the wrong reasons. Staying focused on your personal plan is important.”

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

FEBRUARY 2024

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THE EXPERT:

THE EXPERT:

SOKHA YOUS, FINANCIAL WELLNESS COUNSELOR

JILL MINETTE, CDFA, FINANCIAL PLANNER

>THE BUSINESS: Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union

>THE BUSINESS: Prudential Advisors

>THE TIP: Don’t worry about others.

>THE TIP: Take your financial tips from the pros.

“Avoid trying to ‘keep up with the Joneses’ in 2024.

Comparing your financial progress to others can lead to unnecessary stress, overspending, and poor financial decisions. Everyone’s financial situation is unique, and external appearances may not accurately reflect someone’s financial health. Instead, focus on setting personalized and realistic financial goals based on your needs and priorities. Create a budget, save for specific objectives, and build an emergency fund, ensuring your financial decisions align with your values and circumstances. Resist the urge to succumb to societal pressures and prioritize financial choices that contribute to your long-term wellbeing rather than trying to match others’ lifestyles.”

"Comparing your financial progress to others can lead to unnecessary stress, overspending, and poor financial decisions."

—Sokha Yous, Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union

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“One resolution that you should not make is following the investment recommended from friends or coworkers, also known as ‘rear window investing. It is like when a friend tells you how much they won on pull tabs or scratch offs. They always tell you how much they won, but never tell you how much they lost. We know that investors get better returns when they buy and hold and much less when they chance returns.

Another is not to start buying into investment when the market is up.

This is when you have the highest financial risk. Many may think it doesn’t ‘feel right’ to buy when the market is down but if we remember the old adage, ‘buy low, sell high’ you will be on the right track. Have the patience to allow your discipline and strategy to work. Turn off the television, put down the newspaper, and focus on your goals and your plan. If those haven’t changed then it is likely your portfolio shouldn’t.”

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Your personal financial goals deserve a personal approach ...

Honored to be recognized by Forbes as a Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams.

At Continuum Financial Group, we strive to ensure that you are on the right path for not only financial success, but also in your journey of life. So much of financial planning is rooted in your overall life goals, so our job is to build on that foundation with comprehensive financial planning to make sure you are aligned for a life of fulfillment.

ContinuumFinancialGroup@AMPF.com | (507) 289-0737 PROUDLY SERVING SE MINNESOTA IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:

ROCHESTER | 3038 Jeremiah Ln NW Suite 200 | Rochester SPRING VALLEY | 1025 Industrial Dr | Spring Valley WINONA | 122 West 2nd St Suite 14 | Winona

A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC.

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services. LLC. a registered investment advisor. Not FDIC or NCUA Insured No Financial Institution Guarantee. May lose value.

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"You don't have to just go with the first 'yes', be selective in your process."

—Holly Gronholz, MBT Bank

J

.Minette Wealth Advisor

THE EXPERT: HOLLY GRONHOLZ, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT >THE BUSINESS: MBT Bank >THE TIP: Don’t go it alone.

“Business Owners and Entrepreneurs: Avoid going it alone in 2024; having a strong team of trusted advisors is important to your future success. Knowing your ‘team’ EARLY in your business planning stages can really be a huge asset in the long run.

This would include your banking relationship. Seek out a banking relationship in which you feel comfortable and valued. Most of all, work with a bank that wants to get to know you and your goals. You don’t have to just go with the first ‘yes’, be selective in your process. It’s a good idea to interview and get a feel for potential bankers.”

It’s Never Too Early or Too Late to Create a Solid Financial Foundation

Many times, financial planning strategies are put off because individuals just don’t know where to start. We understand, and that’s exactly why we’re here.

www.JminetteWealthAdvisor.com Hello, I am Jill Minette.

I am located right here in Rochester and dedicated to building and maintaining long-term relationships founded on trust, respect and integrity. No matter what stage of life you find yourself in, as a Financial Planner I can help you find solutions to your financial challenges. Let’s start a discussion about your path.

Phone: (507) 361-3051 Email: jill.minette@prudential.com Jill Minette offers financial planning and investment advisory services and programs through Pruco Securities, LLC (Pruco)(Member SIPC), under the marketing name Prudential Financial Planning Services [PFPS], pursuant to a separate client agreement. Offering insurance and securities products and services as a registered representative of Pruco, and an agent of issuing insurance companies. J. Minette Wealth Advisor is not affiliated with The Prudential Insurance Company of America and its affiliates, including Pruco. Other products and services may be offered through a non-Prudential entity. 1-800-778-2255. My compensation may be based on a combination of fees and commissions.

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Serving the dental needs of Rochester.

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Discover personalized treatments, flexible hours and outstanding patient satisfaction at any of our three Rochester locations.

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Call 507-285-1700 or visit Rewarding Careers ✓ Call 507-285-1700 or HomeInstead.com/500 visit Care ✓ Compassionate HomeInstead.com/500 to learn about Start your next chapter withour us. services and to learn about our opportunities career Call 507-285-1700 or visit services and career HomeInstead.com/500 opportunities to learn about our services and career opportunities

1801 Greenview Dr SW Suite 101 | 507-281-3659 greenviewdentistry.com

3000 43rd St NW 507-287-8320 apollodentalcenter.com

When was your last

financial checkup?

Now is the perfect time to meet with a Financial Advisor or Registered Representative to review your portfolio.

Call today to schedule a complimentary, no obligation review of your investment holdings and retirement plan.

Call 507-293-8090 to schedule an appointment Located at: Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union | 507-535-1460 Neither Cetera Advisor Networks LLC nor any of its representatives or agents give legal or tax advice. For complete details, check with your tax consultant or attorney. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC is located at Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union, 130 - 23rd Avenue SW, Rochester MN 55902. Phone: 507-535-1460. *Martha Macken Elliott, CWS, *Donald J. Christenson, *Gary J. Reiland and Michelle E. Kennedy are Registered Representatives of and offer securities and *investment advisory services through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a brokerdealer and a Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC and Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union are not affiliated companies.

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Investments are: • Not NCUSIF Insured • May Lose Value • No Financial Institution Guarantee • Not a Deposit • Not insured by any Federal Government Agency

FEBRUARY 2024

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The Walk-Through: INSIDE A 1.4M HOME IN COOK, MN

kitchen showcases stainless appliances with oak cabinets, granite countertops, and a copper island. Enjoy the bluewater view from the dining room and open living room. The main floor bedroom has a walkout glassed porch. Upstairs is a catwalk with copper The info: This is a gorgeous, year-round, Lake Vermilion timber stiles and two lakefront bedrooms, each with their own bathroom frame home with cedar siding! The private, gradual lot is centrally and walk-in closet, and one with a private waterfront deck. The walk-out beach level offers a rec room, bedroom, bathroom, and located on beloved Fraser Bay just 12 miles to town, and includes laundry, and has room for a sauna. Solid oak doors and pewter a swimming beach behind the islands and out of the wind. The knobs throughout. In-floor heat is included on the main and lower two-story great room has natural light pouring in through Loewen levels and the two stall garage. Also included is a whole house windows and a glowing oak floor. Open the glass doors to the lakefront deck and screened porch to enjoy the lake breeze. The backup generator and a dock. Enjoy the exterior fireplace on the

The home: 3,129 SF, 4 Bedroom, 4 Bath 1 acre, 175 feet lakeshore

Local Professional Expertise Global Network | Unrivaled Personal Service | Ethics Committee Members

We listen to our clients and make buying or selling a straight-forward, transparent experience. Give us a call or send us an email and let’s get started today!

Improve your space with beautiful hardwood floors Sanding | Installation | Refinishing Custom Designs | Free Estimates

to be Proud wned o y famil ted for ra e p and o 0 years.

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507.280.6282 • creativehf.com • 3532 Hwy 63 South, Rochester

lakeside decks and the grape arbor. The two stall wet boathouse features a two bedroom guest quarters over the water!

The price: $1,495,000 3D tour: https://my.matterport.com/ show/?m=ejVovUTs5VC&mls=1 Address: 7331 Frazer Bay Road, Cook, MN 55790

NE Minnesota & Lake Superior

Lake Vermilion - Ely - Giants Ridge 218-780-6644 info@janischrealty.com ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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Beautiful Smiles Best Best Fee Fee Guaranteed Guaranteed Save $1000 over any Save $1000 over any other orthodontist’s other orthodontist’s fee for full treatment fee for full treatment

• No referral needed • No referral needed • Free consultations & 2nd opinions • Free consultations & 2nd opinions • Children, teens & adults • Children, teens & adults • Clear and multi-color braces • Clear and multi-color braces • Invisalign provider • Invisalign provider • Over 20 years experience • Over 20 years experience • Fast, fun & friendly team • Fast, fun & friendly team • Flexible payment plans • Flexible payment plans

Dr. Darrin King Dr. Darrin King Certified Specialist Certified Specialist

KingBraces.com KingBraces.com 2769 Superior NW 2769 Superior Dr. NW Drive Rochester 2769 Superior NW 2769 Superior Dr. NW Drive Rochester 507-424-3632 507-424-3632 507-424-3632 507-424-3632

Make Your Next Move with Me

Stop in & see our fresh new look!

VALENTINES SPECIALS February 13-15

Over 20 years of Real Estate Sales Experience JILL BAILEY, REALTOR ® 507.990.6042 jillbailey@edinarealty.com edinarealty.com/jill-bailey-realtor

SCAN FOR SPECIALS

A Pappas Family Restaurant EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES GROUP ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

1635 Highway 52 North • (507) 258-4550 pappysplacerochester.com FEBRUARY 2024

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ROCHESTER

RETRO (ONE IMAGE, ONE MOMENT IN THE CIT Y ’S HISTORY)

The paper chain In 1898, five-year-old Lucy Gray was brought from Illinois to St. Mary’s Hospital. She had a high fever and was in great pain. Dr. Charlie Mayo immediately performed an emergency appendectomy—if the surgery had been delayed by one hour, according to Mayo Clinic historical records, Lucy would not have survived. But Lucy was not recovering. An infection had set in. Lucy needed two more surgeries and a long stay in the hospital. Sister Wahlberger, the youngest nurse at St. Mary’s, sat next to Lucy day-after-day, and created a paper chain—one ring for every day Lucy spent at the hospital until the rings covered the wall behind her bed. Lucy recovered, and lived to the age of 96, attributing the Mayo brothers’ surgery skills and the faith of the Sister of St. Francis for her healing. sources: Post Bulletin; Mayo Clinic; and the documentary “Mayo Clinic: Faith-Hope-Science”

by Ken Burns

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ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

MARKETPLACE a selection of shops & services SPECIALTY STORES Galleria.

111 Broadway S. Shoppers will find a range of unique gift items, home decor, housewares, men’s apparel, games, and fashions for all ages. Clothing stores include: Hers, Poppi, Counterpoint, The Nordic Shop, and others.

Gift items and housewares can be found at The Nordic Shop, Counterpoint Home, and Games by James.

Tyrol Ski & Sports.

1923 Second St SW. Selling quality outdoor gear since 1965.

Featuring ski and snowboard equipment, snowshoes, winter clothing and footwear. Online at tyrolskishop.com. Winter Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-8; Friday 10-6; Sat 9:30-5:30; Sun 11-5.

507-288-1683.

DELI & SANDWICH SHOPS Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches.

The Kahler Inn & Suites, 9 Third Ave. NW; Marketplace Mall, 2986 41st St NW; Crossroads Plaza, 90 14th St SW. Jimmy John’s is unlike any sub shop in the industry; no games or gimmicks, just old-fashioned, homemade sandwiches made from freshbaked bread, all-natural meats and vegetables that are sliced daily. Downtown hours: 10:308; 507-289-9900. NW hours: 10:30-10; 507-424-0100. SW hours: 10:30-10; 507-424-2000.

Catering and delivery available.

Order online at jimmyjohns.com.

V, M, D, and AE accepted.

ENTERTAINMENT Rochester Civic Theatre.

20 Civic Center Dr SE. Just off Broadway in downtown Rochester, the Civic Theatre delivers a yearround slate of musical, drama, comedy, and young people’s theater productions. For a schedule of events, go to rochestercivictheatre.org, or call the box office at 507-282-8481.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Treasure Island.

Just minutes north of Red Wing. Whether you’re looking for great food and drink, big cash drawings, a new car or free weekend entertainment—odds are you’ll find it at The Island. For more information call 800-222-7077. treasureislandcasino.com. The Island is calling! (See ad page 5)

BANKING Home Federal Savings Bank.

When it comes to your personal, everyday banking needs, Home Federal has you covered. Ask us about the great advantages of our personal checking accounts. Start saving smart with a savings account, IRA, CDs, and more. Finance any of the larger purchases in your life with a customized personal loan.

Manage your accounts at any of the four convenient locations in Rochester or in the comfort of you own home via your smartphone or computer—24 hours a day, 7 days a week—with Home Federal’s mobile banking. All of the amenities of a national chain, along with the personalized, friendly service you expect from a community bank. Local bankers.

Local service. Local decisions.

Bring your banking home. Find out more at JustCallHome.com. Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC. Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union.

We are dedicated to helping members achieve their financial goals. 100% financing to qualified borrowers, first-time home buyer programs, fixed rate conventional mortgages, FHA and VA financing, competitive rates and fair fees, up to 100% home equity financing, residential loan program. Apply at mayocreditunion.org.

507-535-1460. (See ad page 5) Eagle Rock Bank.

Formerly ONB Bank.

Where community banking means more than a new account; we build relationships!

Offering a wide variety of banking products for both your personal and business needs.

Two convenient locations with

experienced bankers to assist you with your financial journey.

Call us today at (507) 280-0621! www.eaglerock.bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

(See ad page 20, 35)

WHERE TO WORSHIP First Presbyterian Church.

512 Third St SW. Worship Sunday: 10 a.m., 507-282-1618, fpcrochester.org.

Please visit our website for up to date information.

Grace Lutheran Church.

LCMS 800 East Silver Lake Dr NE. Worship services: Wednesday 6 p.m.; Saturday 6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. Sunday School and Bible Class 10:30 a.m.

“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith...” Eph.2:8 NIV. We welcome you by God’s grace, will help you grow with God’s love, and prepare you to do His work. In addition to many mission projects in Rochester, Grace supports Lutheran Hour Ministries and is a member of Rochester Central Lutheran School Association. 507-289-7833, gracebythelake.org. Email: office@gracebythelake.org.

Redeemer Lutheran Church.

869 7th Ave SE. Saturday: Worship 5:30 p.m.

Sunday: Worship 8 and 10:40 a.m.

Sunday School & Education Hour: 9:20 a.m. Welcome to Redeemer Lutheran Church where you’ll find a small neighborhood church atmosphere of friendship and fellowship. Redeemer’s members are dedicated to doing the Lord’s work. Our mission and purpose at Redeemer are to glorify God through the gifts of the Holy Spirit and to provide opportunities for spiritual growth. 507-289-5147, redeemer-rochester.com. Email: office@redeemer-rochester.com.

Interested in being included in our Marketplace call Tessa at 507-281-7469 or email tolive@rochestermagazine.com.

ADVERTISERS INDEX 507 Pub(lic) House.......................... 57 Altra Federal Credit Union................. 4 Benedicts...................................21, 43 Bitter & Pour................................... 57 Bleu Duck........................................ 22 Bloom Acai ...................................... 31 Blue Plate Diner .............................. 20 Canadian Honker ............................ 22 Carlson Capital Management.......... 69 Carpet One ........................................ 6 Chanhassen Dinner Theatres........... 59 City Market...................................... 20 Continuum Financial........................ 73 Copperfield Terrace......................... 63 Creative Hardwood.......................... 77 Crooked Pint.................................... 23 Eagle Rock Bank.........................20, 35 Edina Realty...................................... 2 Experience Rochester...................... 10 Four Daughters................................ 21 Green-n-Fresh................................ 20 Hawkins & Ash................................ 73 Home Instead.................................. 74 Hot Chip........................................... 51 Hubbell House............................23, 47 Huber Eyecare................................. 13 Janisch Realty............................76-77 Jill Bailey/Edina Realty.................... 79 Jill Minette - Prudential................... 74 King Orthodontics............................ 79 Little Thistle Brewing...................... 53 Marrow............................................ 22 Mayo Federal Credit Union................ 5 MBT Bank........................................ 64 Newts.............................................. 24 Nita Khosla/Edina Realty................. 15 Olive Juice Studio............................ 78 Olmsted Medical Center.................. 33 Pappy’s Place..............................23, 79 Park Dental...................................... 74 Pasquales Pizzeria................ 23, 24, 41 Pittsburgh Blue.................................. 3 Poppi............................................... 31 Preserve at Mayowood.................... 83 Purple Goat..................................... 21 Rochester Downtown Alliance........... 9 Red Cow.....................................24, 45 Redwood Room............................... 22 Rooster’s Barn & Grill...................... 20 RW Baird.......................................... 71 Saints on Second............................. 21 Shorewood Senior Campus............. 77 Sorellina’s...................................21, 45 Taco Jed.......................................... 22 Thai Pop.....................................20, 63 The Preserve at West Circle............. 61 Think Bank....................................... 63 Thrivent/Emerald Financial Group... 67 Tilda’s Pizzeria................................. 24 Townies Grill’d Philly Subs............... 21 Treasure Island Resort and Casino.... 5 Twig’s Tavern & Grill..................24, 81 Victoria’s Ristorante & Wine Bar .......................... 23, 49, 53 Visiting Angels................................. 59 Whistle Binkies on the Lake............. 23 Wildwood Sports Bar & Grill............ 49 Zen Fusion..................................22, 57

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BY STEVE LANGE

10 (or so) questions with ... Hal Sundt, 2008 Mayo High School grad and author of “Warplane: How the Military Reformers Birthed the A-10 Warthog”

Rochester Magazine: I’m going to give you some names. Tell me the tie.

RM: Ian Cameron, Jordan Hicks, Avinash Nehra, you, Amber Hesse, Kaylee Kurth, Adrienne Pompeian, Whitney Thompson, Cassidy Ties ...

HS: That was the Mayo homecoming court for 2007. Our homecoming king was Mario Butler.

RM: If I was going to ask Ian Cameron, Jordan Hicks, Avinash Nehra, etc., what clique would they say you were in as a high schooler?

HS: Oh my goodness. Well, I guess I was both sort of a jock but also a bandy because I was in the marching band.

RM: What’d you play in marching band?

HS: I played the trumpet. I wasn’t very good.

I wasn’t bad, but I was just really down the middle. My best friends were probably folks who were in the band but also were playing sports as well, so there’s a little bit of overlap.

RM: Favorite teacher from Mayo?

HS: Oh, yeah. Well, Ms. Monson. Amy Monson was my English teacher and played a huge role in getting me interested in writing.

She’s probably my absolute favorite teacher that I had. Oh, Jacob Giesen, Mr. Giesen. He was awesome. So I had a great time in his classes.

Those are the two that just immediately come to mind. I’m sure I’m forgetting someone that I’ll kick myself for forgetting later.

RM: Here’s your blatant Johnny Carson plug— that may be a little bit before your time, so I’ll say the Conan O’Brien plug—but tell me about your new book, “Warplane: How the Military Reformers Birthed the A-10 Warthog.”

HS: It is a book about the Forrest Gump of airplanes, and its story connects all these major moments in history and aviation and design.

I was trying to understand how something so old and low-tech has managed to stick around for so long. I got to spend time with the people who helped design it or were the guiding spirit of it. And a lot of A-10 pilots and so many folks. It was really fun for me to spend about 4 years just getting obsessed with a topic I was already obsessed with, which is airplanes.

RM: Where did the airplane obsession start?

HS: As a kid, I would always watch Top Gun with my dad [Dr. Thor Sundt III]. Lines from Top Gun are part of the language of how we 82

FEBRUARY 2024

Hal reading to his goddaughter, Suvi Swanson

Hal Sundt: OK.

speak to one another.

RM: What’s your favorite Top Gun line?

HS: There’s a line where they get up in the air and Maverick and Goose are flying with Hollywood and Wolfman. And Wolfman says, “Holy shit, it’s Viper.” Then Maverick says, “He’s probably saying ‘Holy shit, it’s Maverick and Goose.’” And I love that. I love that as an approach to when you’re afraid of something, to be like, “I bet they’re afraid of us.”

RM: Have you seen the 60 Minutes program featuring your grandfather [Dr. Thor Sundt Jr., } who the New York Times described as “a pre-eminent brain surgeon at Mayo Clinic”?

HS: A few times, actually. That was a remarkable thing to see. The number of people who have these incredible stories to tell me about my grandfather, it is really stunning.

He was just such a unique person. He had the right stuff. He had that ‘it’ factor about him.

RM: How long have you been teaching at Oberlin [College, in Ohio]?

HS: This is my seventh year teaching. I teach literary journalism, and I went here for undergrad many years before.

RM: Speaking of Oberlin, tell me about the 8 points you scored against Wabash.

HS: Yeah. I had a torturous college basketball career [at Oberlin]. We were not very good, but that was actually one of the few times I actually had fun playing in college. I think we lost by 17, which was good for us.

One of the most helpful things I heard from a therapist explaining anxiety in particular is that it’s something you have to stand up to.

RM: You have written a few very cool articles describing your OCD and anxiety. I appreciate these kinds of things when people talk about this because there’s a ton of people going through what you went through ...

HS: One of the most helpful things I heard from a therapist explaining anxiety is that it’s something you have to stand up to. When you are experiencing anxiety, you can feel very powerless and feel like there’s nothing that you can do. To face it head-on is really helpful.

RM: How have you dealt with it?

HS: Some things that helped for me were mindfulness and meditation, where I try and slow down and think about what is happening in my immediate surroundings. Focus on my breathing, that sort of thing. I used to feel a great degree of shame about my anxiety. I used to think I was not very mentally tough.

And mentally tough was a thing I always wanted to be. Then I realized that it wasn’t an issue of toughness, and that it’s okay to say, “Oh, my anxiety is really acting up right now. I need to address it.” That it’s okay to be anxious and to struggle with working through that. To face it head on.

RM: So that anxiety is probably saying, “Holy shit, it’s Hal Sundt.”

HS: Exactly. Exactly. That’s great.

RM: That was pretty good. I may end the interview there.

HS: As a fellow writer, I would appreciate that ending. I would end it there as well.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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