Food + Beverage

Minnesota Roots, Pints, and Good Times

A local brew pub pouring bold flavors, community spirit, and handcrafted pride into every glass. Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Lisa Cline Walk into Union 32 Craft House in Eagan, and you’re immediately greeted with the hum of conversation, the scent of something tasty on the grill, and the undeniable pull of a glowing wall of beer taps. For those who love local flavor—literally and figuratively—this place is a Minnesota gem built on friendship, community, and the shared joy of a...

Food + Beverage

Burgers. Family. Fun.

From the State Fair to Vikings Lakes, My Burger is flipping patties—and expectations—with heart, hustle, and hometown flavor. Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Lisa Cline If you've driven by the corner of Dodd and Vikings Lake Parkway lately, your nose probably told you before your GPS did: there’s a new burger joint in town. My Burger , the Twin Cities-born smash burger spot, opened its newest location in Eagan in October 2024—and it’s not just any burger chain. Owned and operated...

Home Services

Bravery Meets Endurance

SERVPRO of Eagan/Apple Valley Brings the Heat as Host of the Midwest Firefighter Challenge Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Provided When most people hear the name SERVPRO, they probably think of burst pipes, house fires, or storm damage. But this June, they’re flipping the script. They’re not just showing up after a disaster—they’re running toward one, fire gear and all. SERVPRO of Eagan/Apple Valley is the proud host of this year’s Midwest Firefighter Challenge League Classic ...

Life + Culture

Leading with Heart and Honor

Jonathan Beltran redefines leadership, loyalty, and legacy through family and service. Article by Matthew Sousa | Photography by Nicole Engstrom & Provided For Jonathan Beltran, service isn’t just a job—it’s a calling, a legacy, and a deeply personal mission. A man whose path has traversed continents and career fields, Jo, as his friends and family call him, has forged a life rooted in discipline, compassion, and purpose. Born in the Philippines and arriving in the United States at age 10, his...

Food + Beverage

Family, Flavor, and Flame

At Ansari’s Mediterranean Grill, fresh food, rare beer, and heartfelt hospitality are traditions across generations. Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Lisa Cline If you’ve lived in Eagan long enough, you probably know where the old Baker’s Square used to be. But since New Year’s Eve 2008, that same spot has been home to something super delectable— Ansari’s Mediterranean Grill . “We took a chance,” says co-owner David Ansari. “The building had been sitting empty for a while, and we...

Fitness

Empowering Every Body, One Move at a Time

InControl and Union Fitness partner to expand adaptive wellness Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Kyle Johnson-MacPherson Step into the bright, welcoming space at Union Fitness in Eagan this summer, and you might just witness something extraordinary. Adults with disabilities will be working out in small-group fitness classes, partnering with exceptional trainers who see more than physical limits—they see opportunity. It’s all thanks to InControl , a local organization dedicated to...

Health + Wellness

Unlocking Longevity

Did you know that regular sauna use can slash your risk of heart disease by up to 66%? Or that a quick dip in a cold plunge could reduce inflammation and boost your mental resilience, helping you live longer? These aren’t just wellness trends—they’re science-backed therapies that can enhance your health and longevity. At Optimum Health in Inver Grove Heights, MN, we’ve brought these transformative treatments together in one state-of-the-art, private wellness center.In this blog post, we’ll dive...

Professional Services

Breaking Barriers: Women Lifting Women Higher

How Two Women Are Changing the Networking Scene in Minnesota Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Nicole Engstrom Creating Community, One Conversation at a Time For years, Lisa Carmichael felt like something was missing. Despite living in the Eagan area for over three decades, she found herself searching for local connections in her field. As a fractional CMO and founder of lisarcarmichael.com, she wanted to get deeper into local SEO but couldn’t find others nearby who shared her...

Life + Culture

Breaking Barriers & Building Success

Sama Ali-Berchem balances family, business, and creativity leading Portkey SEO Solutions. Article by Ann Schreiber | Photography by Nicole Engstrom Sama Ali-Berchem never saw herself as someone who would follow the traditional corporate path forever. With a degree in Economics from Macalester College and a background in IT Security and Medical Devices, she had all the makings of a technical expert. But deep down, she was always a creative at heart.  When she discovered search engine...

Arts + Culture

Senior Portraits You’ll Actually Love

Capture your personality and style with expert photography by Lisa Cline. Article and Photography by Lisa Cline Hey Class of 2026, your senior year is coming up fast, and that means it’s time to book your senior portraits! This is your chance to capture you—your personality, your style, and this exciting milestone. Whether you want something natural and relaxed or bold and stylish, I’m here to make sure your session is fun, easy, and totally you! Summer is the perfect time for senior...