Food + Beverage

Where's the Beef?

Explore three local meat markets that are a cut above the rest Article by Emily McKeever Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. We meet three passionate and committed meat providers in our community, each with a dedication to quality that sets them apart. Once you hear their storied histories and plans for the future, you’ll know the answer to the age-old question, Where’s the Beef? It’s in our community. And it’s really, really good.    Gongoll Beef Father and son team Fred and Dave Gongoll not...

Food + Beverage

Winter's Coming. Got Your Vitamin D?

We ask the experts at Ridgeview how to keep your Vitamin D levels up as the days get shorter Article by Lutie Ronglien Ah, fall. The days are shorter than a month ago, the kids have somewhat settled back into their school routines, and the Halloween decor is up. We've swapped out our shorts and Birkenstocks for cozy sweaters and boots. These crisp fall mornings are beautiful, especially if you're up early enough to watch the sun come up, showing the beautiful shades of pink and orange. This...

Food + Beverage

What’s New in Waconia

Wickedly good Halloween treats from Bakery on Main Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Jamie Joos Photography This month, you might think the most excited humans live in  your  house, planning costumes and cobwebbing up the front yard, but perhaps you haven’t met Courtney Blount, pastry chef at Bakery on Main. Over the years, Halloween has gone from homemade costumes (white sheet ghost, anyone?) and the trusty pillowcase-turned-candy-bag to high-tech decorations and themed parties...

Food + Beverage

Feast Your Way to Winter

Fall’s best cookbooks for perfect cold season prep Article by Emily McKeever Crisper air and shorter days call for cozy nights, whipping up a homemade meal in soft slippers and your favorite robe. Staying home on a Friday night in the fall doesn’t mean you’re giving up — quite the opposite! Think of it as carb loading before the championship game or a prep session before that major test. You’re practicing your winter hibernation skills, stretching those lounging muscles, and getting ready to...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

What's for dinner? Article by Jen Fortner Aretha Franklin was once interviewed about her biggest challenges. She replied, “The biggest challenge is, for me, figuring out what to cook for dinner. Nightly, you know, just night after night.” R.E.S.P.E.C.T Aretha. I feel that.  I am a sufficient home cook. I might be on the edge of being considered a good home cook. I’m a well above-average baker, but we can’t subsist on cookies and cinnamon rolls alone, which is disappointing for so many...

Food + Beverage

Savor the Flavors 

Bring the joy and essence of home-cooked meals to your table with The Wooden Skillet Article by Emily McKeever | Photography by Erin Jensen Cable knit sweaters and crackling fires aren’t the only snug pleasures required for this cozy season. A dish made from savory ingredients to indulge in when the sun sets earlier than we’d like or a soothing cocktail rich in everyone’s favorite fall flavor–apple–will heat even the coldest of autumn-weary hearts. Erin Jensen, owner and founder of The Wooden...

Auto + Marine

Welcome to Paradise

Set sail in style and experience the luxury and charm of Paradise Charter Cruises Article by Emily McKeever Who doesn’t like a party? Ask around, and you’ll likely find very few people in the ‘no’ column on that survey. Elements that contribute to the perfect shindig where loved ones gather and memories are made include decorations, food, libations, entertainment… and, don’t forget, ambiance. What’s better than toasting Tom and Sue in a swanky hotel’s gala room as they celebrate their 50th...

Life + Culture

Life Minded

No Shirt. No Shoes. Still Service. Article by Jen Fortner My mother is something of a fashion icon. Everyone who knows her knows this. Even some people who don’t know her feel this way. If I ever lost her in a department store, it was because she was busy telling strangers in dressing rooms what suited them best. They ask, and she does not disappoint. She holds little back in her style opinions, and she is always right. Her eye is so legendary I had a childhood friend say she manifests my...

Style + Beauty

Fall into Fashion

We gather great pieces from local boutiques to create a few fantastic fall looks Article by Nattacia Bailey When it comes to Waconia women... they sure know how to shop! The peaceful and peppy little city of Waconia is home to a handful of local boutiques that offer exclusive clothing brands as well as stylish home decor. With the seasons changing and the air becoming more brisk (thank heavens!), it’s time to start thinking about transitioning our closets again. What better way to inspire...

Life + Culture

Hurray! It’s Nickle Dickle Day!

Support local businesses (and snag a great deal!) on Waconia’s favorite day of the year Article by Emily McKeever A fun little riddle for you… what brings tens of thousands of people to Waconia, features an exciting race of costumed rubber ducks, has been known to showcase all things pickled, boasts a park full of arts and crafts and food vendors, and is easily one of the community’s (and beyond) favorite days of the year? You guessed it– It’s Nickle Dickle Day! For over six decades, this...