The Sauce Guru of the Fifth Ward

By Catherine McGarry Miller Dion Willis is something of a rarity in today’s world: he’s happy. Barclay’s Executive Chef is a contented family man who loves his job and is so confident in his own abilities that he’ll take on all comers. Although Barclay Gallery and Garden Café in the “Fifth Ward” (Walker’s Point to some of us) is new to the restaurant scene-and owner John LeBrun’s first-Willis has 20 years of cooking experience under his belt. As a youngster, his first kitchen experiment was preparing a pork chop dinner for his mother. But his “real” culinary career started at 15 with a dishwashing job at Chi Chi’s. “I came up through the school of hard knocks” he says of his culinary education. By 16, he’d moved up to the position of appetizer cook and his interest in food blossomed: “I love just grabbing everything and coming up with anything good.” He puts the emphasis on good. You could call him an excitable boy – he seems electrified by his culinary adventures and inventions. A native Milwaukeean, Willis grew up on the city’s North side in a restaurant family – his mother and father ran a George Webb’s at 91st and Carmen for most of their adult lives. At home, his father ran the kitchen: “Dad was the cook [in the family] – Southern, soul food, ribs, chicken, Midwest, everything.” He graduated from Greendale High School, where he played defensive end for the school’s football team. During this time, he put away a lot of pizza and still considers Italian food his favorite. Training under his hero Bob Zappatelli at Zappa’s Restaurant on Silver Spring was an excellent proving ground for Willis. There, Willis developed his proficiency in Mediterranean cookery and complex sauces. The turning point in his career came when he made a curried chicken dish better than the head chef:  Willis knew then that he was well on his way. After Zappa’s, he has worked in the main kitchen at Potawatomi Bingo Casino, home of the lauded Dream Dance and Bya wi se nek Buffet, and two years ago was the first chef at Swank, “the posh eatery” on Water Street. At Barclay’s, Willis started as Sous Chef, but was promoted to Executive Chef within the first week. “We had faith in him and loved his enthusiasm,” owner LeBrun avers with pride. Willis returns the compliment. “I start with the boss man and if he likes it, I make it.” In his own role as boss, Wills is laid back. In his kitchen of ten chefs, one mistake is not enough to banish the Sous Chef to Siberia. Perhaps that’s why many of his Swank staff followed him to Barclay’s. “I’m always smiling. I have the drive to put out good food. I get high on the positive comments and respect constructive criticism.” Willis enhanced the menu created by Barclay’s owners: Buffalo wings for LeBrun’s daughter Laura; sweet & sour chicken without breading for his daughter Sara’s gluten-free […]

Chronicles, Volume One

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An Elegy

By Frizell Bailey Christmas used to be my favorite holiday. And how could it not? Any holiday where you get loads of gifts and can gorge yourself on platefuls of fatty food is all right by me. Besides, this festival of gluttony is a great way to cap off the end of the calendar year. But it was more than that. Christmas, for me, was always first and foremost about family. I grew up in a tiny Mississippi town of the sort that most people think of when they think of the South. There were no fast food restaurants or malls or even a Wal-Mart for 30 miles. We had one stop light on Main Street until it was replaced by a stop sign. Much of my family lived right there in town and had lived there all their lives. Those that didn’t came home several times a year from New York, New Orleans, Chicago and California for family reunions and holidays. By far, Christmas was the granddaddy of them all. There’s no place like home for the holidays.Most years saw our little section of town inundated by convoys of extended family. For a solid week just about every member of the Thomas and Bailey family was “home.” Hotel rooms were rarely an option. The mere mention that someone was considering getting a room was sure to offend and be dismissed as sheer nonsense. So kids doubled up in twin beds or slept on the floor. My parents’ three-bedroom house, which usually seemed unable to accommodate the six of us, suddenly seemed spacious enough to hold up to seven additional people. I would gather with groups of my aunts and female cousins in family kitchens to prepare copious amounts of food:  turkey and dressing, glazed ham, potato salad, several cakes and sweet potato pies. We would usually stay up late into the night, and each of the following nights, catching up and generally enjoying one another’s company. On Christmas day, the children would, of course, spend much of the day playing with their new toys while being ushered between Big Momma’s and M’deah’s (my maternal grandmother) house. My father and uncles could usually be found watching football and savoring brews in between munching on turkey and dressing and playing with the kids and their new footballs or radio-controlled cars. Holidays with my family, however, were not entirely like the Waltons. Ours, like most, had its share of dysfunction. There were often arguments and disagreements about one thing or another. And because holidays often meant the consumption of large amounts of alcohol, there were sometimes arguments that escalated into fisticuffs or, worse, gun brandishing. It may sound like a horrifying thing, but if you knew my family it would all seem quite humorous and harmless. These arguments usually ended in lots of apologies and tears, brothers hugging and saying how much they loved each other. But sometimes, you can’t go home again.It has been a number of years since we have […]

The Search for Dare Wright

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Vital Source’s 2004 Holiday Events Guide

The holiday season is upon us and the city is bright with twinkling lights and holiday spirit. Why not take a little time out of your holiday rush to enjoy the city’s many seasonal offerings? Vital Source has gathered together our second annual Holiday Events Guide. From shows to shopping, skating to sightseeing, there really is something for everyone. So take some time to enjoy some seasonal cheer with friends and family during this most wonderful time of the year. For Everyone A Grand Avenue ChristmasCaptain Frederick Pabst MansionThrough Jan. 9www.pabstmansion.com414-931-0808A Victorian Christmas with live music on the weekends. Happy “Hollerdays” 2004Apple Holler – SturtevantThrough Dec. 30www.appleholler.com 800-238-3629 Traditional Breakfast with SantaThe Pfister Hotel, Café RougeSaturdays through Dec. 18, 10 a.m.www.thepfisterhotel.com 414-273-8222Santa and his helpers come down the Pfister’s chimney for a holiday breakfast. Saturdays with SantaShops of Grand AvenueSaturdays through Dec. 1812 p.m. – 2 p.m.www.grandavenueshops.com 414-224-0655 Visits With SantaSouthridge Mall  Through Dec. 24, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.www.shopsouthridge.com414-421-1108 A Season of WonderMilwaukee Public Museum  Through Dec. 24, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.www.mpm.edu 414-278-2728See the “European Village” and turn-of-the-century “Streets of Old Milwaukee” decorated for the holidays.  From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy live hands and craft activities. Milwaukee Holiday Lights Downtown Parks and StreetsThrough Jan. 2 www.milwaukeeholidaylights.com 414-220-4700 Come see downtown dressed up for the holidays. A Schooner ChristmasPier Wisconsin Through Dec. 31www.pierwisconsin.org 414-276-7700Free.  Enjoy stories about the Schooner Christmas Trees, arts, crafts and refreshments. Candy Cane Lane92nd – 96th  Streets from Oklahoma to MontanaDec. 1 – 30 414-456-5830Holiday lights display for MACC Fund and children with cancer. Christmas In The Ward Historic Third WardDec. 3 and 4www.historicthirdward.org 414-273-1173Experience the Trinity Irish Dancers, fireworks, carriage rides, musical performances and the Saturday shopping extravaganza. Cedarburg Christmas in the CountryCedar Creek SettlementDec. 2 – 3, 10 a.m.  –  5 p.m.Dec. 4, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.www.christmasinthecountry.org 800-237-2874                                                                                                        Christmas arts & crafts show featuring 75 artists. Holiday Night Lights Milwaukee County ZooFridays and SaturdaysDec. 3 – 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.www.milwaukeezoo.org 414-256-5412See the Zoo lit up with thousands of twinkling lights courtesy of WE Energies, along with holiday activities and musical performances. Christmas by LamplightOld World WisconsinDec. 3 – 4 and 10 – 11 www.wisconsinhistory.org262-594-6305Celebrate traditions of our immigrant ancestors in this after-hours lamplight tour. Children’s Holiday FestivalUWM Union BallroomDec. 4, 10 a.m. to noonwww.uwm.edu/events414-229-5538Stories, songs and traditions from around the world. Cedarburg Festive Friday Eves: “Santa’s Workshop”Dec. 10, 5 p.m – 9 p.m.www.cedarcreeksettlement.com 866-626-7005Santa Claus, magic, balloon sculpture and live music. Children’s projects and cookie decorating, wine tasting, complimentary cider and cookies, plus a winter cookout.  Breakfast with Father ChristmasOld World WisconsinDec. 12, 9 a.m. –  noon www.wisconsinhistory.org262-594-6305Visit with the 19th century version of Father Christmas for breakfast.  Face painting, balloons and old-fashioned goodies for the kids.  Reservations required. Toys for Tots Breakfast with SantaHilton Milwaukee City CenterDec. 4 and 9, 11:30 a.m.414-271-7250Bring a new unwrapped toy or $5 to enjoy breakfast with Santa. Every child receives a complimentary photo with Santa and a special gift. Brunch with […]

The (Not So) Lost Art of the Short

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Radar Love

By Lillith Branwen We live in interesting times. Our schedules are packed, with every minute of our day taken up with something important. At the same time, we are more sedentary than ever before. We are in our cars or in front of our computers for long hours each day. When we have a little “free time” we tend to spend it with family or friends. For many, meeting new people is increasingly difficult. Enter the Internet. As we turn to cyberspace in growing numbers for our shopping, information and entertainment, we are also looking there for social interaction. I’ve met people from all over the world through professional forums and music fan sites, and I count some of them as friends, though we’ve never met in person. Obviously, I’m not alone in this. For better or worse, the Internet has changed the way we meet and interact with others in a profound way. According to a 2003 study by Jupiter Research, online dating sites attract about 20�f the U.S. Internet population, with the market for those sites showing growth of about 19�o far in 2004. Last year Jupiter estimated that 17.2 million people viewed online personals each month and 2.5 million of them paid for online ads. In 2006, Jupiter predicts, 27.4 million will view online personals and 5.2 million will pay for ads. Meeting people the “new” fashioned way.Thirty-eight million Americans can’t be wrong, can they? (Some would say that depends on your politics, but that can be saved for a different story.) Another study by the Bloodhound Network reports that Internet dating is the fastest area of online growth. Its’ estimates for the number of people visiting online dating sites each month is even higher than Jupiter’s, at thirty-eight million. In our hectic lives, it is appealing to be able skip the bars and the blind dates. Meeting people online allows you to anonymously shop for an ideal partner without a large investment of your time or emotions. Most of us know someone who has tried a hand at online dating. Like all forms of the mating dance, it works for some people but not as well for others. Some people give up after a few failed attempts, while others seem to have enough luck right away to keep plugging away for months, or better yet to settle down with a new partner to pursue a lasting relationship. Wedding Rings…Christina and Aaron Ring are one such “success” story. Christina has been meeting people on the Web since the early days of the AOL chat room and has made lots of friends through various political and social bulletin boards. She says she loves the opportunity to meet people from different places and cultures. “There’s really no feeling that you need to censor yourself or ‘dress up’ in order to gain attention… the online public’s opinion of you is based entirely on how you present yourself verbally.” Her openness paid off when she joined SocialNet.com in 2000. As a […]

Nina Simone moves Holly Blue

by Nina Simone 21st Birthday April 5th, 1996 “Do you quiver, from your head down to your liver?” – Nina Simone The weather was beautful today. Cold, but the sun was shining on us like a goddamn hero. My senses were all standing on edge, soaking in every detail as I nearly became part of color and sound. The “synchronicity of life”, which Dad speaks so highly of, was so apparent to me. The intimacy of me I’d almost forgotten if it weren’t for my two best friends, some edible fungus, and Nina Simone. It was the best day ever. We spent the daylight sharing our stories, ugly girl truths and all. We danced to Nina, laughed and moved things with our eyes. And when we were coming down my girl’s sang happy birthday to me, after which we toasted our love for womankind with champagne and strawberry’s. Later that evening I could still feel the drug lingering throughout my body. From the intensity in my chest to the electricity in my toes, I knew I was alive. I knew love was with me even though I’d never been more alone (ie. without a boy) in my entire life. I felt a calm, peaceful understanding of myself that I’d never allowed before today. Fully connected with my beauty and vitality, I realized my need as a woman, to appreciate it all, even the desparation of heartache. The same heartache I hear in Nina’s voice, the voice of every woman, vulnerable and strong.

Technology Gifts for that Special Geek Each year it seems as though the hype for a few products jumps through the roof. Remember Cabbage Patch Kids, Teletubbies and Elmo? And for the over-kindergarten set, Trivial Pursuit, the Star Wars VHS box set and UGG boots have all had their time in the sun. But these days, it’s technology gadgets that make our holiday hearts go pitter-pat. In 2003, techno-gifts topped shopper’s lists. This year that trend is expected to continue, with more products available at better prices. What a relief for those nice moms and aunties who, in the past, have struggled to bond with the geeks they love through gifts of high-end calculators and heavy duty pocket protectors! Depending on your budget for that special nerd in your life, there’s something out there for everyone. In an extremely unscientific poll, we asked at least six people (geeks and regular folks) what they wanted for the holidays, gadget-wise. Here are the three that scored highest on the ole’ coolness chart. Digital Music DevicesHands-down, portable music and their respective hardware devices was the clear leader, with Apple being the favorite brand (based on our “poll,” sales data and various chat rooms we visited). Choose between the regular iPod and the iPod Mini, both of which enable you to carry around more music than you’d find at a jukebox convention.To help you pick a player, check out the features of each. iPod Mini:Price: $249.00 Storage: 4 GB (1,000 songs)Weight: 3.6 ouncesSoftware: Mac and Windows compatibleExtras: Calendar, games, contact lists, notes and other file storage. iPod:Price: $299-$599Storage: 20, 40 or 60 GB (5,000 to 15,000 songs)Weight: 5.6 ouncesSoftware: Mac and Windows compatibleExtras: Everything the Mini has, plus to-do lists and multiple language support. Record voice notes and store up to 25,000 photographs with accessory purchase (40 and 60 GB models only). But wait! Mighty Apple may have some competition in the Rio Carbon. Priced around $225, CNet’s Charles Kim says this is the player that will finally give the iPod a run for its money. With 5 GB of storage (about 1,250 songs), the Rio Carbon is a great choice for those who have a lot of Windows Media files, or don’t want to be restricted to Apple’s online music store. The 3-ounce Carbon bests the Mini in capacity and undercuts its price and weight. ConsumerSearch.com testers squeezed 20 hours of battery life out of the Carbon-more than twice as much as the Mini. They also complimented the player’s sound and sleekness. Blockbuster who?A subscription to Netflix is a great gift for anyone that loves movies. Most who join the service swear they will never step foot into another movie rental store. And with Netflix, you’ll never pay another late fee! If you’re not familiar with Netflix, it’s a subscription-based DVD rental portal on the Internet. You sign-up for a flat fee (try a 15-day free trial), then order as many movies from their website as you’d like, which they send you, three […]