So, my new favorite place to shop has quickly become Max’s of Excelsior and Grand. Why, you ask? I have yet to find another store where I can sip wine and eat gourmet chocolate while perusing gorgeous jewelry and spectacular hand blown glass pieces (that perfectly compliment my living room, by the way). A friend and I made a night of visiting Max’s during one of their “Girls Night Out” parties – wine and chocolates galore – it was a fabulous night! And of course I couldn’t leave without a bag full of goodies suitable for my tummy and home…
Located at The Shops at Excelsior & Grand in St. Louis Park, Max’s features unique artisan-made fine jewelry, home decor and specialty chocolates, much of which can’t be found elsewhere in the Twin Cities. When owner Ellen Hertz decided to move on from her corporate life of over 20 years to pursue her true passion for jewelry, she thought it would be fun to mix in something unique and unexpected, and the idea of incorporating specialty chocolates came to mind (never mind the fact that Ellen admits to needing to eat a little bit of chocolate every day – now that’s my kind of girl!). As she began to shop for the store, she found beautiful gems for the home, and the unlikely trio of offerings fell into place. Since opening in May 2006, Max’s has become known for bringing several designer jewelry lines into the Minneapolis/St. Paul market for the first time and for its wide selection of chocolate confections from around the world (my personal favorite are the caramels in the teal-colored box! What I manage to restrain myself from eating go out to clients, family and friends as gifts). Max’s has often been featured in both Midwest Home and Minnesota Monthly… Check it out for yourself and prepare to be dazzled! Max’s is located at 3831 Grand Way at The Shops at Excelsior & Grand in St. Louis Park. You can get a preview of their offerings on the website at www.stylebymax.com
— Janelle Mattson
