This Urban Life: Jen Knoch
See that beautiful, sprightly woman at Lucia’s? That’s Jen Knoch.
Image credit: Long, Marshall Franklin
While walking the streets of Paris last year, Jen Knoch, 42, and her husband Tim Pearson realized what it is about Minneapolis that they love so much: its walk-ability, close-knit neighborhoods and small venues. That European intimacy is echoed in the local establishments that Knoch, the brains and beauty behindRadar Virtual Concierge Services, frequents. Uptown’s Barbette, where we gabbed over a mid-morning drink, mimics the French atmosphere she loves. Knoch looks the part, too. On this Monday morning, she paired a slouchy hat with a patterned grey scarf, black top and a colorful pop of mustard-colored jeans.
Knoch blends her in-the-know concierge business with nearly two decades of advertising experience. Her pages-long resume includes positions at OLSON, Fallon, Target and a recent stint at Carmichael Lynch. Radar came about in 2007—first as a blog and now as a professional supplement to her freelance project management gigs.
While freelancing pays the bills, Radar allows Knoch to share her local go-to favorites. Her mindset is simple: “If you want local businesses to stay, frequent them. If you love a place, go in any capacity. You don’t have to buy an extravagant meal. Buy a coffee. Just go and support.”
When craving a treasure hunt, Knoch takes her two precocious goddaughters to Hunt & Gather [4944 Xerxes Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.455.0250], where they discover antique and vintage furniture, clothing and home goods. Photo by Marshall Franklin Long.
Instead of organizing closets or managing finances, Knoch books dinner reservations and plans other activities and adventures—whether for a single night, weekend or long-term stay. She’ll even arrange a private cocktail lesson with one of the servers from La Belle Vie if that’s what turns your crank.
Knoch often ventures into Lakewood Cemetery [3600 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.822.2171], a location that inspires provocative conversations and provides a beautiful view. Photo by Marshall Franklin Long.
Though Knoch grew up in Burnsville, she’s now—and says she’ll always be—an urban dweller. Take her further than a 15-minute drive away from her mid-century modern home on the edge of Uptown, and she grows anxious. “My heart rate goes down when I head south,” Knoch jokes.
Jen’s other favorite city stops:
While some women regard their hairstylist as a part-time therapist, Knoch prefers the relaxed vibe ofSalonROX. Owner Roxanne LaQua pairs trimmed tresses with an arm rub and a to-die-for scalp massage—worth the price of a cut and color alone. 3100 W. 50th St., Mpls.; 612.925.3000
Since adding golden retriever Gigi to her family, Knoch views the Cities from the perspective of her four-footed friend. Gigi was trained at Downtown Dogs, a dog daycare and boarding service located near International Market Square. 821 Second Ave. N., Mpls.; 612.374.3647
Reasonable and stylish, casual and fancy? How Cliché. Knoch finds fantastic local fashion at this Uptown boutique. 2403 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.870.0420
“I think everyone should go to Mickey’s Diner [1950 W. Seventh St., St. Paul 651.698.8387]. There’s such nostalgia there.” When visiting the Rice Park neighborhood Knoch also likes to grab a cocktail at theSaint Paul Hotel. 350 Market St., St. Paul; 651.292.9292
Considering the architecture (Gehry), price (free) and personal significance (her wedding venue), Knoch loves roaming the Weisman Art Museum. “You can walk in for five minutes, or you can walk in for hours.” 333 E. River Rd., Mpls.; 612.625.9494
Knoch’s parents grew up in St. Paul, so familial ties attract Jen to the St. Paul Library. “The smell of books just matches that building.” Explore upstairs in the Nicholson Information Commons, where the painted ceiling will distract even the most serious bookworms. 90 W. Fourth St., St. Paul; 651.266.7000
“Lucia’s is a favorite of ours," says Jen. "It feels very European and has a neighborhood feel.” 1432 W. 31st St., Mpls.; 612.825.1572
Keep Reading
|
How one ambitious young couple—Birk Stefan Grudem and Christina Nguyen—survive day after day in a food truck.
|
Carol Connolly, St. Paul’s first poet laureate, knows more than meter and rhyme; she’s a master raconteur, too.
|
Andrew Datwyler doesn’t think he’s interesting enough to be featured in this article.We disagree.
|
Printer-friendly version
Send to friend
Comments
Post new comment