Maple Grove Recommendations: Vintage Music, Books and Wine

January is a month meant for looking towards the future, but this year indulge in some memories and travel back to the past. We asked some book, wine and music experts to share some of their favorite “forgotten classics”, so you can sit back, relax and let your memory do the thinking!
    
There are so many classic novels that it may be hard to choose just one. Kathryn Zimmerman, senior librarian at the Maple Grove Library, recommends a strong list. One of these favorites is Dracula by Bram Stoker. This well-known tale of a vampire, is told through the letters and diaries of the main characters.
   
Many of us are familiar with Jane Austen, who produced iconic works during her time as an author. “Persuasion, a love story of what might have been, was published in 1817. Pride and Prejudice gets all of the attention, but this calmer, more contemplative novel is my favorite of Austen’s works”, Zimmerman says.
   
Dig that record player up from the basement, and get some tunes spinning. Scott Farrell, general manager and buyer at Down In The Valley, recommends two great records that will make you remember years past. The Mamas and Papas' self-titled record was originally released in 1966, and is still a classic today. Farrell also recommends the Grateful Dead’s Built to Last, as a reminder not to forget Jerry and the rest of the band.
*Both the Mamas and Papas self-titled record ($21.99) and the Grateful Dead’s Built to Last ($29.99) are 180 gram LPs available at Down In The Valley, 13633 Grove Drive.
    
Wine gets better with age, so if you’ve forgotten your favorite brand, fear not. Cole Pederson, owner of MGM Wine and Spirits, recommends two of his favorite classics that you may have failed to remember or simply overlooked.  Robert Mondavi Winery’s Napa Valley wines, which include chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon, will awaken your taste buds. Pederson also recommends Rodney Strong Vineyards’ chardonnay, zinfandel and merlot.
*Robert Mondavi’s Napa Valley wines range in price from $14-30. Rodney Strong Vineyards’ range between $14–40. All are available at MGM Wine & Spirits, 16475 96th Ave. N.