On New Year's Eve 1973, Bernadine Blader and Barbara Wolter had the idea of opening an antique shop in Excelsior. Armed with energy, excitement and a passion for antiques, Antiquity Rose opened in an old livery stable in March 1974. About 18 months later, Bernadine took over the business from Barbara and moved across the street to an old house. After decorating it with help from her husband Bob, Bernie created a tearoom on the main floor and began serving soups, salads, sandwiches, hot dishes and homemade desserts.

 

Over the years, Bernie's four daughters and son grew up in the restaurant, learning to cook, serve and wash dishes. Nearly four decades later, several of the Blader girls are still active in the restaurant, working alongside Bernie and Bob. Of all Bob's many memories, he cherishes the time his daughter Teri came home from a trip to California. She told her dad that her hostess was having trouble with a soup that wouldn't thicken. Teri melted some butter and added flour to make a roux, and then stirred the mixture into the soup, which then thickened nicely. When the hostess asked Teri where she learned how to make a roux, Teri said, "At my mother's restaurant, Antiquity Rose, in Excelsior, Minnesota."

 

Today, Antiquity Rose offers a welcome respite from today's hectic, fast-paced world. As Beverly Robinson wrote in her 1984 article for Lady's Circle, Antiquity Rose offers "the leisurely pace of a time long since past." Diners, as Bernie likes to refer to her customers, flock to the restaurant to enjoy classic menu items from the good old days including Rose's Tea Room Cheese Strata, Chicken Divan and desserts with names like "Better Than Robert Redford," Ting-a-Ling Candy and Raspberry Refrigerator Dessert. While Bernie no longer stocks the attic with furniture, treasure hunters are always stopping by Antiquity Rose to see what's new in the way of vintage china, sparkling rings and other costume jewelry, linens and other collectibles.

 

After lunch at Antiquity Rose, few things are more delightful than strolling around the corner to the shores of Lake Minnetonka and enjoying the view of pleasure boats, beautiful homes and Wayzata across the bay.

 

From there, it's a short walk up the street to the shops and boutiques of Water Street. After enjoying good friends, great conversation and Bernie Blader's delicious homemade food, all is right with the world.