Lake Minnetonka Book, Wine and Music Reviews

Photo: Courtesy of Hopefamilywines.com

Troublemaker

Read

Charles Frazier became an international sensation in the late 1990s with the publication of his first novel, Cold Mountain. His newest novel, Nightwoods, contains the same brilliant writing that made Cold Mountain such a success. But instead of historical fiction, Frazier transports us to a more contemporary time—North Carolina in the 1960s—to tell us the story of Luce, a young woman who becomes the guardian of her sister's troubled twins.

Before the children, Luce was content with the reimbursements of the rich Appalachian landscape, choosing to live apart from the small community around her. But the coming of the children changes everything, cracking open her solitary life in difficult, hopeful, dangerous ways. –Charlie Leonard

THE BOOKCASE

607 E. Lake St.

Wayzata

952.473.8341

Besides being the owner of the Bookcase in Wayzata, the Twin Cities’ oldest independent bookstore, Charlie Leonard has been at various times a writer, editor and teacher, and is currently the founder and executive director of Blue Water Theatre Company in Plymouth.

Drink

The month of January is my favorite time to open a big red blend from California. These blends are extremely popular and with a winemaker like Austin Hope, you’ll be swept away to the temperate climate of Paso Robles. Troublemaker—a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah and Mouvedre—will warm you up with just a glass or make your next stew dreamy. The dark, rich complex flavors of blackberry, plum and fig are dominant on the nose. Spices such as clove and cinnamon also hit the palate, making the harmony between fruit and spice extremely well balanced. Enjoy this with roasted or grilled meats, strong cheeses, or on its own with friends and family on these cold winter nights!  –Ryan Sadowski

THE WINE SHOP

17521 Minnetonka Blvd.

Minnetonka

952.988.9463

Ryan Sadowski is the owner of The Wine Shop. Sign up for his weekly recommendations by e-mailing him, and read his best seasonal wine pick on this page each month.

Listen

For those who live in perpetual fear of Radiohead's breakup, simply listen to the restless experimentation at the core of The King of Limbs. This band isn't going anywhere but forward. Couple that with a shift away from the guitar-based sounds of In Rainbows and this is a return to Kid A/Amnesiac form for Radiohead, emphasizing tone and color more than hooks. The looping pulse that starts "Bloom" sets the hallucinatory style for the record; "Lotus Flower" is the danciest thing Radiohead has ever produced; and the one-two combo of "Codex" and "Give Up The Ghost" strip down to beautiful, haunting ballads as impressionistic as lucid dreams. The King of Limbs was the best album of 2011, and it sits high within Radiohead's stellar catalog. –Jack Kentala

FIND THE ALBUM AT:

Barnes & Noble

13131 Ridgedale Dr.

Minnetonka

952.546.2006

Jack Kentala, a local freelance writer/filmmaker/musician, haunts most Twin Cities indie rock shows. He’s the tall guy blocking your view of the stage. He also recently directed his second feature film, which will hit the festival circuit this year.

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