March/April 2019

The VHEDC Awards Banquet at Jimmy’s Event Center featured Liwanag Ojala, CEO of CaringBridge, as the keynote speaker. The dinner celebrates the Northeast Metro’s economic vitality and commitment to the community, says executive director Ling Becker.  

 
Hockey Paws hockey mittens

Almost everyone who lives in Minnesota knows that when it comes to keeping your hands warm in the freezing winters, mittens work better than gloves.

 
Vine Lab Wine & Spirits Academy in-home wine tasting

If you’d like to become more familiar with different wine regions, varietals and qualities of wine, as well as the vocabulary of wine, an at-home wine tasting can help you become more knowledgable about wine in a fun, relaxed environment.

 
Prairie Restorations, Minnesota native plants, Minnesota invasive species

Over the past few decades, Prairie Restorations has restored more than 25,000 acres of prairies, wetlands and woodlands.

 
A root beer float from the 4 Seasons restaurant

The 4 Seasons is a throwback diner-style restaurant serving up home cooking in generous portions.

 
Valerie’s Asian Cuisine

The Willernie restaurant is a one-woman show run by Valerie Thao.

 
First Presbyterian Church rummage sale

For the 115th year of their 155 years serving the White Bear area, First Presbyterian Church in White Bear Lake will be holding a spring rummage sale.

 
A dog daydreams in 2018 Lens on the Lake photo "Dreamer"

“Dreamer” is our pick for this month’s Last Glance. “Dreamer” took third place in our 2018 Lens on the Lake photo contest

 
Cindy Controneo of Controneo Wine & Spirits

This article originally appeared as part of the story Pour, Swirl and Sip in the March/April 2019 issue.

 
Easter pierogi prepared by Ingredients Cafe's Ben Pratt

Ever wonder what chefs at your favorite restaurants cook at home for the holidays?

 
Frank Hinck of Walnut Street Woodworking works on a custom kitchen item.

Making custom kitchen items, with sustainable, locally found wood is Frank Hinck’s craft.

 
A painting of a yellow lab, "Murray," by White Bear Lake High School senior Anika Dahl

In this issue, we’re happy to share “Murray,” the work of Anika Dahl, a White Bear Lake High School senior.

 
Podcast microphone

Writer and disability activist Tiffiny Carlson is the creator of the blog Beauty Ability and the podcast True Wheelchair Life: SCI (Spinal Cord Injury) Life Uncovered.

 
Book recommendations, the Bear and the Nightingale

The Bear and the Nightingale is stuffed with Russian folklore, medieval social hierarchies, the vagaries of rural Russian life, and the conflict between the Orthodox Church and ancient folk religion.

 
Irish coffee, Drink, WineStreet Spirits

Irish coffee is not just a great St. Patrick's Day cocktail, it's a perfect winter warmer as well.