White Bear Press

Page 1

Press Publications 4779 Bloom Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110

“SHOP LOCALLY” FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Co. Rd. E & WB Ave

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 9 CIRCLE PINES, MN

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017

651-770-9622

VOL. 122 NO. 6 www.presspubs.com $1.00

KENNEDY FILES: Judge had role in recent release PAGE 10A

Energyefficient house built inside out

Mystery restaurateur of new burger joint identified as local chef

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS EDITOR

House No. 15, like the 14 constructed before it, took less than a week to build at 118 Maple St. Despite its quick turnaround, the Mahtomedi house is described by the builder as "wildly energy efficient." Walls are made of oriented strand board, or OSB, a studless construction method created in the early 2000s at the University of Minnesota. "The method results in extreme energy efficiency and good indoor air quality because the dew point is outdoors instead of indoors like normal houses. That reduces the possibility of mold issues," explained Paul Steinhauser, a Birchwood resident who co-owns the company that builds small-footprint housing. If his name is familiar, it's because Steinhauser also founded Race2Reduce, a local initiative that educates both children and adults about water conservation. He also co-authored a White Bear Lake residential water use study in 2016. Homes built by Steinhauser's company, Spero Construction, have a vapor barrier and insulation on the outside instead of the inside. The structure of the house is indoors. "That's the game-changer," Steinhauser said. "Most of us have houses where siding is connected to sheathing, which is connected to 2x6s, wicking hot or cold into the house. Normal houses shrink in winter and expand in summer. These houses don't do that.” The construction process was shelved back in '08 when the housing market crashed, noted Steinhauser. SEE UNIQUE FOOTPRINT, PAGE 8A

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Ben Pratt, owner of Ingredients Cafe in white Bear Lake.

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS EDITOR

JIM DELESHA | SUBMITTED

Happy Thanksgiving The White Bear Press wishes everyone a safe and satisfying Thanksgiving Nov. 23. We also want to thank photographer Jim Delesha, who shared this photo of a wild turkey hanging out in his White Bear Lake backyard.

In a collaboration between father and son, a new craft burger and beer restaurant is coming to the downtown area. Owners Len and Ben Pratt felt the city-owned building at 2125 Fourth St. was a perfect spot for a burger joint. It's across from Cup and Cone, after all, and the long lines at the iconic ice cream cottage did not go unnoticed by the local businessmen. Len Pratt is a longtime real estate developer and co-founder of Pratt Homes. He lives in Birchwood. Son Ben is head chef and owner of Ingredients Cafe in downtown White Bear Lake, which recently celebrated its 13th year. Ben lives in Mahtomedi's Echo Shores. Called The Burger Bar, the establishment will be the latest in a long history of eateries that occupied that address. Once a Carbone's pizzeria, the spot became Ursula's Wine Bar for a time and most recently was Red Lantern Sushi, which closed in June. When Ben Pratt heard the sushi lounge was closing, he asked his dad what he thought about the space. “We stood in front of the

building, noticed the lines at Cup and Cone and agreed, this should be a burger place,” said Len. “We think it will complement ice cream and malts.” Both men feel burgers are making a comeback, as long as they're locally prepared. “These will be hands-on, chef-driven hamburgers,” the elder Pratt pointed out. “Ben has designed a menu that will include six or seven chef-garnished burger items and a slow roasted beef sandwich.” The Ingredients' chef is confident the garnishes, sauces and “perfect bun” will produce the perfect burger. “We plan to concentrate on core things on the menu and nail them every time,” Ben said. He also plans to add an ahi tuna burger and fried chicken sandwich; all with hand-cut fries. The concept was an instant hit with the city, added Len, who took a financial risk by ripping off the dilapidated patio to pour concrete before the lease was signed. Crews also started an extensive interior remodel. Every bit of equipment has been removed from the former restaurant. A new mechanical system will be installed, along with SEE BURGER BAR, PAGE 8A

FULL-SERVICE

3001 Hwy 61 N., Maplewood, M-F MN7AM-6PM

SAT 7:30AM-2PM 3001 Hwy 61 • N.,www.venburgtire.com Maplewood 651-483-2601 CLOSED SUN Saturday Nov. 25th 651-483-2601 • www.venburgtire.com

NEWS 651-407-1230 whitebearnews@presspubs.com

ADVERTISING 651-407-1200 marketing@presspubs.com

CIRCULATION 651-407-1234 ppcirc@presspubs.com

CLASSIFIED 651-407-1250 classified@presspubs.com

PRODUCTION 651-407-1239 ppcomp@presspubs.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.