A Maven’s Guide To Minneapolis
Kelly Bollis is a Maven.
As the owner and creative force behind the event production and design house, Maven, Kelly is always thinking about designing spaces to create the perfect backdrop for a unique shared celebration. It could be anything — a wedding, birthday, or even a Secret Supper — “we just love helping people celebrate,” she says. “Our aesthetic is trend forward, modern, with just a hint of rustic. But, before we even start to think about aesthetic, we’re thinking about guest experience.” She is guided by hospitality first, visuals second.
Any free time Kelly has between events is spent trying new restaurants, getting cocktails from bartenders she works with, and trying to soak up inspiration in beautiful spaces. She finds a wealth of inspiration from her hometown of Minneapolis. Kelly intimately knows the city’s outsized culinary scene. “New restaurants are opening constantly, it’s hard to keep up,” but unlike some bigger cities, it’s never too hard to get a table, even at the buzziest places. “It’s full of artists and creatives here,” Kelly asserts, “people aren’t afraid to try something new.” That infectious creative energy, paired with the city’s well preserved history and the fact that everyone is just really nice, makes Minneapolis a surprisingly wonderful city to visit for a delicious, art-filled weekend getaway.
Stop into this neighborhood bistro (and James Beard Best New Restaurant Winner) for a cocktail and some light bites to start your night.
Bar mananger Will Gobeli curated the cocktail menu for our 2025 Minneapolis Supper, pouring beautiful drinks inspired by art with garnishes plucked straight from their garden. They bring that detail and creativity to everything on the menu.
Kelly has known Diane since she started in a tiny cupcake shop. Now, she’s sharing her Hmong culture with beautiful food and produce sourced from local family-run farms. Even if you can’t fit in a full meal, it’s absolutely worth making the stop for coffee and a pastry.
photo courtesy of Kelly Bolis
Matcha, coffee, and sweet little shop in one, this airy cafe is a great spot to stop whiel wandering through your afternoon. Grab a drink and a miso donut while perusing their beautiful stationary and ceramics, then walk around Bde Maka Ska nearby. The largest lake in Minneapolis has a lovely three-mile walking loop.
photo by Roy Son
The MIA is a foundational part of Secret Supper’s story, as it is one of the first place Danielle discovered the breadth and depth of the world’s beauty outside of her small town. It’s a gorgeous building filled with incredible art from around the world. We especially love the reconstructed Tibetan temple, the Prairie School architecture exhibit, and of course, the impressionists. Kelly offers the important reminder that it is always free to enter, so there’s nothing holding you back!
If you are lucky enough to be in town when it’s open, be sure to book a tour of this stunning example of Prairie School architecture. “I always stand in the back to see where people walk first,” Kelly admits, “I love seeing how people interact with the different spaces.”
photo courtesy of Minneapolis Institute of Art
This dim sum & banchan resturant is swathed in red velvet for a “moody, amazing feel,” according to Kelly. It’s perfect for date night or snacking with friends.
photo courtesy of DDP Media
Just down the street from Minari, head to Nixta for homemade tortillas made with heirloom masa. Pro tip from Kelly: “get a shot of mezcal from a female-owned mezcal distillery while you’re there” — they have an extensive selection to choose from.
photo courtesy of Oro by Nixta
This shop feels like a gallery itself, filled with artisan homegoods and gifts you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. You’ll walk away with a perfect keepsake and plenty of inspiration to take home with you.
photo courtesy of Kelly Bolis
Photos by Kelly Russo unless otherwise noted