Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography & Paul Flessland
Welcome to the staff takeover. We at Spotlight Media, the parent company of Fargo Monthly magazine, decided to celebrate 2015 by taking a look back at our favorite foods, events and stories of the year, along with what we’re hoping to see in 2016. Cheers to 2015!
MIKE DRAGOSAVICH
President
As a Chicago transplant, I thrive around urban culture. Downtown Fargo is a natural place for me. The view from my home looks directly at the Fargo Theatre and the view from my office looks at the Hotel Donaldson. I have built my business by connecting with the community of Fargo-Moorhead and being at all the hot events, restaurants and happenings. What a great city!
Favorite Food Discovery
Italian Beef Sandwich – Dempsey’s Public House
Turns out the owners of Dempsey’s have something in common with me. They both have Chicago ties, and our fathers worked together in Chicago as iron workers. So, when I order an Italian Beef Sandwich, I get a little taste of my past and it’s glorious.
Favorite Story
The Tech Issue cover story – February
I loved the layout of this story and the information we found about our tech- business community. Now, it’s fun to see how all of the businesses we featured have since thrived.
Event Highlight
Burgers, Bourbon and Beer Festival
This summer, Fargo Monthly hosted its second annual Burger Festival, but we did it even bigger this year by blocking off an entire city block and adding bourbon and beer samples, with a live performance by the Front Fenders. Seven area restaurants were grilling up a storm for the hundreds of people who were there. Kudos to Drekker Brewing Company, DS Beverages and Republic Distributing for the beer and bourbon samples. It was a perfect day with a great turnout, and we hope to make the event even bigger and better next year.
4 Things To Know:
Best New Restaurant – Herd and Horns
What You Learned About Fargo This Year – The startup and entrepreneurial scene is vibrant and exciting.
Wishful Thinking For 2016 – No flooding.
Fargo New Year’s Resolution – Read a book on business each month. (Or listen to an audiobook.)
ANDREW JASON
Editorial Director
Despite my small frame, I really enjoy food. After starting out as a measly intern during the early days of the magazine, I have worked my way up to the editorial director position and I now oversee the production of Fargo Monthly, Bison Illustrated, Stride and Design & Living magazines. My love of food has been complemented by the fact that the restaurant scene, and, really, the entire arts and entertainment scene, is booming in Fargo- Moorhead. This is an exciting time to be living in one of the greatest cities in the country.
Favorite Food Discovery
Louisiana Saturday Night – Rhombus Guys
It’s a trip down to the bayou from the comforts of Rhombus Guys’s large booths. Cajun marinara, shrimp, sausage, pepperoncini, red pepper, caramelized onion and mozzarella: aka the recipe for perfection.
Event Highlight
TedxFargo
TEDx brought the knowledge of TED talks to the excitement of an arena concert. The unique lighting and video combined with the fun environment that the Fargo Civic Center was transformed into really set the event apart from other TED talks around the nation. AJ Leon’s talk, entitled “This Is Not Your Practice Life” can change your life. Go to facebook.com/ TEDxFargo to watch it.
Favorite Story
A City For Misfits – June
Along with his exceptional TED talk, AJ Leon is the inspirational man behind Misfit, a design and philanthropic company. The story behind this international business really started as a love story. I was honored to tell the adventure of AJ and Melissa Leon.
4 Things To Know:
Best New Restaurant – Barbacoa
What You Learned About Fargo This Year – You can communicate directly with the city of Fargo using their Fargo One app to tell them any issues in the city.
Wishful Thinking For 2016 – People to join the Downtown Fargo Co-Op by going to prairie-roots.coop.
Fargo New Year’s Resolution – Next year, I am going to do the new room at the Fargo Escape Room.
ERICA RAPP
Editor
I’m thankful to call myself the editor of Fargo Monthly magazine and I also dwell in the realms of social media and fargomonthly.com’s online stories. Aside from working magazine magic, I live in Halloween mode year-round, daydream about dinosaurs and I get way too excited when it comes to food.
Favorite Story
The Return of SURGE – February
Boy, I sure do miss the ’90s. When I heard that a local resident, Matt Winans, was at the forefront of a movement to bring back an iconic soda of my childhood, SURGE, I was excited to bring his story to life. Our photographer, J. Alan Paul photography, created this fun photo that has been floating all over the Internet and has even been seen by Coca-Cola. Now that SURGE is actually back for good, I wish more ’90s products could come back on the market (see: Oreo- o’s and 3D Doritos).
Favorite Food Discovery
Cheesy Fried Pickles – The Toasted Frog
If you’re a pickle fan like me, this appetizer from the Toasted Frog, a Downtown Fargo restaurant that opened in January, will send you to pickle heaven. And even if you’re not a fan, don’t knock it until you try it. Dill pickle spears are wrapped in Havarti cheese, deep-fried in a wonton-like wrapping and served with Sriracha-ranch dressing. So long, floppy pickle slices. My heart has been won over by another dill.
Event Highlight
Tom Green at the Fargo Theatre
I had never been to a live comedy show before this past September, when the famous Tom Green did a performance at the Fargo Theatre. The performance was nothing short of a side-splitting good time. His screaming, wild jokes, calling people out in the audience and crazy facial expressions left me in a fit of laughter for nearly two hours. And later on in the night, I spotted him downtown at the Würst Bier Hall eating, you guessed it, sausages.
4 Things To Know:
Best New Restaurant – Pounds (Note: They have awesome themed trivia every Tuesday night!)
What You Learned About Fargo This Year – I learned that beer brewed right here in Fargo-Moorhead (we have four breweries now, and more to come) is my favorite type of beer.
Wishful Thinking For 2016 – I’d like to see Fargo get a bigger music venue. A project this large won’t happen in only a year, but plans for it would be cool to hear about.
Fargo New Year’s Revolution – Shop more at locally-owned boutiques.
SARAH GEIGER
Lead Designer
I am the lead designer at Spotlight Media, aka I make things look pretty. When I am not dreaming of typefaces and color palettes, you can find me enthralled in the world of Harry Potter whilst cooking new recipes and puppy cuddling.
Favorite Drink Discovery
Junkyard Brewing Company
Two words: Sour beers. I have never had tart and tasty beers like those at Junkyard Brewing Company. I am talking sour brews infused with flavors such as blueberry, hibiscus and key lime. (Not all in one beer, of course.) Though it’s off the beaten path in Moorhead, Junkyard is constantly calling my name. And with a tap list that changes often, there is always something new to try.
Event Highlight
2015 Addy Awards
Although I had been invited to the Addy’s in 2014, 2015 was the year where I was able to showcase designs that I have personally worked on for Spotlight Media. Our publications have been a learning experience for me, both professionally and creatively. We took home four silver Addy awards, three of which were for design. I am looking forward to next year’s award ceremony to see if we can top this year’s!
Favorite Story/Photo
Best Burgers Issue – June
With a headline like that, what’s not to love? This article featured the most bodacious burgers that Fargo- Moorhead has to offer. Just thinking of toppings such as pulled pork, a glazed donut or tater tots has my stomach stirring with hunger. I also had the honor of getting a little messy with condiments for the cover design. (Currently adding “Ketchup and Mustard Typographer” to my resume.)
4 Things To Know:
Best New Restaurant – No Bull Country Club
What I Learned About Fargo This Year – Due to flooding along the Red River, there are now close to 25 sites in Fargo-Moorhead that care being returned to their natural environment.
Wishful Thinking For 2016 – More public art locations like the art wall by The Forum building where artists can collaborate and paint up otherwise lifeless spaces.
Fargo New Year’s Resolution – Continue my 2015 resolution of trying a new restaurant each month.
JESSE HOORELBEKE
Head Photographer
I am the head photographer for Spotlight Media, and the owner and operator of J. Alan Paul Photography here in Fargo. I moved here four years ago after retiring from an 11-year career in professional baseball. I love taking pictures and trying to translate the emotion of moments through my photographs. I’m also a nerd who rides a Harley and likes shiny things.
Favorite Food/Drink Discovery
The Cure Burger & Breakfast of National Champions – Herd & Horns
If you are like me and think that breakfast is just fine any time of the day, then you’ll want to give this combination a shot. The Cure is a large burger loaded with hashbrowns and a fried egg, and topped with bacon jelly. It tastes like an amazing hearty breakfast. This thing is fantastic by itself, however, if you want to complete the breakfast-anytime feel, wash it down with a drink called the Breakfast of National Champions. The drink contains Crown Royal Maple, orange juice and some simple syrup, and it’s garnished with a stick of chipotle bacon. You’ll swear that with each sip you had just finished a bite of pancakes with syrup and a glass of OJ. Together, this combination is like enjoying a nice breakfast without having to get up early.
Favorite Story/Photos
The Risk Takers Cover Story – August
My favorite set of photos I’ve done for a story was in the August issue. The “Risk Takers” gave me an opportunity to do composite photography and put people in situations that they would normally never be in. I made someone throw knives around his business partners, someone tightrope walk across downtown, one sit on the edge of a building and another jetski with sharks on the Red River. I had a lot of fun with the editors coming up with the ideas and then photographing the subjects and backgrounds to make it all come together visually.
Event Highlight
Roughrider Ink & Iron Expo
This year, the Iron & Ink Expo expanded and had a great turnout of people wanting to get tattooed up and see some custom-built motorcycles. As an avid rider myself, and someone who is trying to figure out what kind of tattoo to get, it was great walking around and admiring all the creations that those bike builders and tattoo artists came up with.
4 Things To Know:
Best New Restaurant – Izumi Sushi and Hibachi. It’s all-you- can-eat sushi! Need I say more?
What You Learned About Fargo This Year – I’ve learned that there is so much more in this city than I had previously thought. I know that sounds generic, but every day I learn about a new company or business that has either been here or sprung up within the past few months. The growth here is astounding.
Wishful Thinking For 2016 – I’d like to see more expansion on the outskirts of downtown. I love Downtown Fargo, but it is getting a little crowded. I’d like to see the “downtown” area expand a bit and start filtering several blocks in each direction.
Fargo New Year’s Resolution – I want to photograph landscapes of the city from every rooftop downtown.
PAUL FLESSLAND
Photographer
Hi, I’m Paul, the other photographer at Spotlight Media. When I’m not taking photos, you can usually find me hanging out at Moxie Java or eating pizza.
Favorite Food Discovery
The Decoy – Rustica Tavern
I eat a lot of pizza, and when I say a lot, I mean A LOT (they don’t call me Pizza Paul for nothing). So when I heard about Rustica’s wood-fired pizzas, I knew it was something I must to look into. Each pizza from Rustica is unique and delicious, but one in particular, The Decoy, takes the cake. Topped with both duck confit and sweet roasted grapes, this pizza may seem a bit too exotic at first, but it’s definitely worth a shot. Trust me, you won’t be hunting for flavor.
Event Highlight
Taylor Swift at the Fargodome
On October 12, an angel landed in Fargo. I arrived at the Fargodome that evening expecting to photograph Taylor Swift’s performance, but I didn’t expect to fall in love. “Welcome to Fargo,” I thought to myself as I waited in the pit for Taylor to emerge. “It’s been waiting for you.” As the show started and I began shooting, I was suddenly struck with a feeling that I couldn’t shake off. I’ve lived my whole life with a blank space in my heart, but it wasn’t until we locked eyes that I knew I was meant for her. But alas, timing was not on our side. She finished her concert and moved on to the next city. Taylor, you’ll always be the reason for the teardrops on my camera.
Favorite Story/Photos
A Walk On The Wild Side – September
I photograph many people for Spotlight Media’s magazines, but sometimes it’s nice to shoot something other than humans. In September’s issue of Fargo Monthly, we went behind the scenes to find out what it takes to operate the Red River Zoo. After bonding with the otters and ducks, we stumbled across some peacocks roaming around like they owned the place (they basically did). The momma peacock and her babies were so relaxed around humans that I was able to get right up in their grill and snap a couple sweet pics.
4 Things To Know:
Best New Restaurant – Rustica Tavern
What You Learned About Fargo This Year – I learned that Fargo has a lot to offer when it comes to fresh, homemade gelato.
Wishful Thinking For 2016 – I’d like to see a cat cafe happen.
Fargo New Year’s Resolution – To kayak on the Red River.
LYDIA GILBERTSON
Web Editor
I live in Spotlight Media’s family of websites and spend most of my time pouring over Google Analytics data figuring out how to engage readers in our social media channels. When I’m not nerding it up at work, I’m playing video games and hanging out with my corgi, Super Nova, and my cat, Posey.
Favorite Food Discovery
Paneer Makhani – Everest Tikka House
Trying new foods is one of the chief joys of my existence, especially food that has a large range of flavors and spices from countries I’ve never been to. Indian food is my favorite. So naturally, I was excited to hear about the Everest Tikka House opening in Moorhead. Not only did it open the door to sampling Nepalese dishes, it also helped to facilitate my need for Indian food at a much closer range to where I live and work, near Downtown Fargo. When you’re there, try the Paneer Makhani.
Event Highlight
Pure Bathing Culture at Studio 222
Earlier this fall, a band that describes themselves on their Facebook as “New Age/Blue-Eyed Soul/Love Songs” from Portland, Ore., called Pure Bathing Culture, played with Wild Ones at Studio 222 downtown. It was the best show I’ve seen in Fargo this year, and I had a great time at a venue that doesn’t usually host concerts in that genre.
Favorite Story
If Fargo Bars Were Game Of Thrones Houses
My favorite project that I worked on this year was an online piece that compared Downtown Fargo bars to the houses in one of my favorite TV shows, “Game of Thrones.” I am still open to anyone arguing with me about my choices, and for the record, I’m a member of House Stark.
4 Things To Know:
Best New Restaurant – Proof Artisan Distillers
What You Learned About Fargo This Year – I learned that there are a lot of meetups in the area worth attending.
Wishful Thinking For 2016 – A parking ramp downtown.
Fargo New Year’s Resolution – To check out Sky Zone.
PAUL BOUGIE
Sales
Just a local boy who went to high school at Fargo Shanley, then took my talents to North Dakota State University. Then I came to radio and was on the air in the FM area for close to 30 years. It was an honor and privilege to read all those school announcements over the years. I also am part of The Front Fenders, a local band in the area. I love to golf and am not bad at grilling, especially when it comes to Bison tailgating.
Favorite Food/Drink Discovery
Proof Artisan Distillers
As tradition would go, I, for the most part, am a bourbon guy. Give me my Jack or Woodford Reserve, but there are occasions where I’m interested to see what else is out there. That is when I discovered Proof Artisan Distillers. Proof is making their own vodka called 2 Docks and gin called Minions, with whisky to come. When I was introduced to the products by the owner Joel Kath, they where still cooking, but I felt it had something special. When I tasted the finished products, I was right. I would highly recommend that you stop by Proof, try some food and let the mixologists create something wonderful for you. I personally would suggest their Old Fashioned.
Event Highlight
Craig Ferguson at the Fargo Theatre
As far as comedy goes in our area, we are getting more and more big names. NDSU fine arts recently brought in Eddie Izzard, and he was very funny. But on a night where people were waiting outside for a famous weather man, inside the Fargo Theatre was something special. Comedian Craig Ferguson was hysterical. For just over 90 minutes, he had the whole crowd in stitches. Now, this was not just a rehash of his former late night show. This was all Craig. After that night, we all learned that we need to check out the bathrooms in Japan and never make a deal with a judge who is also an agent for bad magicians. So, to both Eddie and Craig, thanks for bringing the fun to Fargo.
Favorite Story
Presenting: Madd Frank – October
Fargo Monthly is always on what is new and hot, but this story took me back. I so vividly remember watching the local show “Madd Frank Presents” on TV, laughing and groaning at the jokes. But the best part is that I knew most of the crew, including Madd Frank himself, Del Dvoracek. He is a great man, and when he was not being Madd, he was helping people with advertising, and I did learn a lot from him back in the day. Erica Rapp did such a great job in the story of capturing everything crazy that is Madd Frank.
4 Things To Know:
Best New Restaurant – Izumi Sushi and Hibachi. Let’s see: good sushi, you can easily introduce people to sushi and it’s all-you-can-eat. Win, win, win!
What You Learned About Fargo This Year – The spirit of North Dakota and Minnesota nice is still alive here regardless of what people think and what’s been happening. We’re all still looking out for each other.
Wishful Thinking For 2016 – A fifth national championship for the Bison football team and I’d love to see the Bison basketball team go to The Big Dance again.
Fargo New Year’s Resolution – Actually try to become a member of a local gym and use a membership to its full potential.
TRACY NICHOLSON
Design & Living Associate Publisher/Sales
I started in ad sales four years ago here at Spotlight Media. As a fun hobby I would spend my off-time copyediting and nagging the editorial team about spelling, commas and odd topics, only I wanted to read. Somewhere along the line, and maybe just to silence my nagging, they made me the associate publisher of Design & Living magazine. So now I do both, selling by day and writing by night. I am originally from Fairmount, N.D. and married with a six-year-old daughter and 19-month-old son.
Favorite Food Discovery
Citrus Crab Cakes – Mezzaluna
As a meal or appetizer, Mezzaluna’s citrus crab cakes are amazing. Grilled corn, bacon, basil and smoked paprika aioli make these cakes melt in your mouth. Add in a side of their creamy polenta for extra carb-loading.
Event Highlight
Corks & Canvas
There is one event I had thought about and wanted to attend for the last three years, but it just never worked out. So as fate would have it, this year, that event landed smack dab on my birthday… Hello Corks & Canvas! I gathered some of my favorite people, enjoyed the local art and shopping, sampled wine, walked, talked and even got pooped on by a bird. Minus the bird droppings, it was a perfect summer night in Downtown Fargo.
Favorite Story
In Search Of Wildness – July
This is the story of Hawley, Minn., natives, Shane Ulven and Nate Haugen, as they trekked across the U.S. on a do-gooding mission to make a difference in people’s lives. I was intrigued by their fresh outlook on life and spent plenty of time following their travels via social media; each story bringing joy to another deserving person and making me cry more times than a Hallmark movie.
4 Things To Know:
Best New Restaurant – Luna Fargo
What You Learned About Fargo This Year – There are so many new and great restaurants in Fargo-Moorhead right now, that I do not have enough stretchy pants and kid-less date nights to even attempt making it to a fraction of them.
Wishful Thinking For 2016 – I want to see more people head downtown and enjoy the shopping, galleries, nightlife and dining. Hopefully in 2016, we’ll see even more exciting historic preservations to downtown living and retail.
Fargo New Year’s Resolution – Get in shape. Then run the Fargo half marathon again…it’s been a while.
GREG TEHVEN
Contributor
Greg Tehven is the co-founder of Emerging Prairie and adjunct professor at Concordia College. He is one of Fargo’s most active ambassadors.
Favorite Food Discovery
Red River Market
I loved discovering the Red River Market each Saturday morning. It felt like Fargo’s town hall, a gathering for artists, musicians and farmers. The produce was amazing each week.
Favorite Happening
The Hammock Initiative
Drew Spooner and the crew from the Hammock Initiative launched an attempt to break the world record for most people hammocking in one place at Island Park. It was a glorious summer day filled with folks from all over the world celebrating a bit of relaxing.
Event Highlight
1 Million Thanks
An evening celebrating the entrepreneurs and risk-takers in our community.
3 Things To Know:
Best New Restaurant – Love the addition of 20 Below Coffee Co. – great coffee and eats.
What You Learned About Fargo This Year – We have a true spirit of belief. Countless people have launched new ventures, passion projects and efforts to share their creativity with the community.
Wishful Thinking For 2016 – I dream of a day in 2016 where I can walk to the Farmer’s Market for incredible produce, take Bike Share to the thriving Prairie Roots Co-Op for fresh produce, and take an Uber ride home. A day where I no longer need a car and I can live in a truly walkable city.
ERIC WATSON
Contributor
I’m a 41-year-old chef and father. I’m your stereotypical former latch key kid; a Gen X guy living among a booming millennial and hipster scene. I often feel that I am a bit boring walking downtown. Then again, we all ultimately want the same from life in Fargo. We want to eat, drink and live well. I think we’re doing well so far.
Favorite Food/Drink Discovery
20 Below Coffee
My favorite new Fargo establishment is 20 Below Coffee Co. The old saying that “you get what you pay for” very much rings true at 20 Below. Their coffee makes me happy.
Event Highlight
Probstfield Farm Dinner
The Probstfield Farm Dinner is a breath of fresh air. Literally. It’s held outside, and all who are in attendance get to enjoy food served up family-style from several area chefs. The majority of the meal is made with local products, and it’s a great way to break away from the typical fundraising dinner event.
Favorite Story
Blueprint For 2015 Cover Story – January
I enjoyed seeing leaders from both sides of the river in an article that promotes some sort of united effort, rather than letting the river/state line continue to create an awkward division between cities.
4 Things To Know:
Best New Restaurant – Luna Fargo. Executive Chef Ryan Nitschke has a passion for good food, and his menus are unique to our area.
What You Learned About Fargo This Year – It was 50 degrees in November. I’m not sure how I feel about it, but I now know that anything is possible.
Wishful Thinking For 2016 – I hope that Fargo residents will reject that massive wave of new cookie cutter restaurants that have opened in the last two years. The more support bad restaurants get, the harder it is for good independent restaurants to survive.
Fargo New Year’s Resolution – My oldest daughter (Olivia) and I are going to run the Fargo Half Marathon in 2016. How’s that for commitment? It’s in writing!
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