A self-described "foodie" who loves dining out, Vig said he's been lucky to travel with his band Garbage and eat in some of the world's best restaurants. I want you to start from the very beginning.. ), Viroqua sits in a rare pocket of the Midwest, Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, Rural Voters Shift Democratic in Wisconsin Supreme Court Election, Analysis: Social Capital Key to Recruiting Healthcare Professionals, Bringing Appalachia's Songs of Solidarity to Soldiers in Ukraine, A Rural Calling: 'Hes Served the Lord on Whatever Avenue', Budget Request for More Rural Housing Is Likely to Face Opposition, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Learn more about accessibility at UWMadison. Zahm has been previously featured on Wisconsin Foodie and is known for his ever-changing menu of local foods at Driftless Cafe, which showcases the region with 85% of its food budget using ingredients sourced within 100 miles of the restaurant. The dinner will feature Pleasant Ridge Reserve by Uplands Cheese cheesemaker Andy Hatch, among several exceptional offerings for Foodie fans in attendance. The area has changed since Luke and Ruthie grew up here. The food scene is part of what brings people to Viroqua, but good food can't exist without the people who buy it, Nix said. "Paired with knowing that he could get really great ingredients here and always wanting to kind of come back home, was quite a big push.". (608) 637-7778, TUES-SAT 11A-3PM LUNCH 5PM-9PM DINNERFRI-SAT 11A-3PM LUNCH 5PM-9PM DINNER. Some still do. But Vernon County never fully embraced industrial agriculture, thanks to its independent streak and a quirk of its geological history: The retreating glaciers that flattened much of the Midwest 10,000 years ago had never reached the region in the first place. "As host of 'Wisconsin Foodie' for the past 11 years, it has been a deep and abiding honor to represent my state's food ways through the stories of its farmers, artisans, makers and chefs. But man oh man, theres amazing food culture thats rooted here that is simple, that is based in tradition, people passing down stories from generations. it just wasn't the same home feeling," she said. From his cheesey monologues with over the top pontification on cheese curds to wearing Vilas Communications Hall Become a Cap Times member today and enjoy great benefits. Watch New Episode: Miesfelds (1/16/20) Arthur Ircink January 14, 2020 . At the time, VEDA wasnt looking for a building. A member of the community came to the restaurant early on to ask what they could grow, and Zahm said the one thing they consistently use all year round is salad greens. Silas Zahm and Ilija Ircink Imagine this: Youre navigating Milwaukee traffic late in the day with two nine-year-old boys who have eaten their weight in gelato and custard. The community needed a vibrant place that reeked of soul, said Zahm. Last year its population grew by nearly 1 percent, making it the second-fastest growing county in Wisconsin. But more than anything, if you have an interest in local food, check out the Fairshare CSA Coalition because this is a time where you can put that money into a small farm and buy a vegetable share, a meat share, whatever it may be, and really, really impact that bottom line of the farmer and keepthem on their land, and keepthem farming, and keepthis country moving. Just throwing it out there! As host of Wisconsin Foodie for the past 11 years, it has been a deep and abiding honor to represent my state's food ways through the stories of its farmers, artisans, makers, and chefs. I assumed it was TV magic, like I start a dish and we would have all the finished components and it would be a quick shoot. KAK: What effect is the shutdown having on the small farms that supply many of our state's restaurants? During a period when family farms in neighboring Iowa either disappeared or ballooned into sprawling, highly mechanized endeavors, CROPP allowed Vernon Countys farmland retain its diverse, decentralized charactera must for a good local food scene. Congrats on the new gig! 2023 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Their two children attend a local Waldorf school. Email me at [emailprotected].

Get statewide results for the election. Luke Zahm prepares food for customers at his restaurant Driftless Cafe in Viroqua, Wisconsin. I'm the online content editor at PBS Wisconsin. WebWe found 7 records for Luke Zahm in WI, MN and CA. In fact, the first couple of seasons, I couldnt bear to watch. Find Results|Visit WPR's Politics Section, A bar is empty on St. Patrick's Day, Tuesday March 17, 2020, in Milwaukee. WebI've been watching since the beginning and my wife and I both found Cherak insufferable. The farmers market bustles on a Saturday morning. Get your twice-weekly fix of features, commentary, and insight from the frontlines of American food. Wed love to hear about them. In a town of 4,352, it never fails to surprise and delight me that people are interested in whats happening here. Support PBS Wisconsin and gain extended access to many of your favorite PBS shows and films. And Vig, who lives in Los Angeles, was happy to discuss the amazing food culture that is shaping his hometown. When Im not highlighting our incredible programs, Im pedaling the countryside, hiking at a state park, making soy candles, thrift shopping or hanging out with my husband and miniature schnauzer. It's busy day and night, particularly since its chef and co-owner, Luke Zahm, became a 2017 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest. The number of destination diners drops off and locals fill the tables. It helped me tell the story of the producers in the region, and really gave me an opportunity to become acclimated on camera. In the course of sharing his frustrations, he talked with a retired dairy farmer who had successfully invested in other local businesses. Andrew is the editor of BizTimes Milwaukee. Southeast Wisconsin\'s source for business news, Brewers head of business operations shares outlook on stadium funding, new fan offerings, group sales demand, Potawatomi Casino Hotel celebrates opening of temporary sportsbook location, Reflecting on 30 years of The Bartolotta Restaurants, Two Milwaukee restaurants make James Beard Award short lists, Raising Canes planning location in Greendale. New "Wisconsin Foodie" host Luke Zahm owns Driftless Cafe in Viroqua, which he runs with his wife, Ruthie. . WebWisconsin Foodie artfully blends food, cooking, and travel while showcasing local businesses, restaurants, purveyors, and farmers telling their story and helping to promote a local, Despite reductions in poverty, incomes are below the state average, and there are still several boarded-up storefronts on Main Street. Previous. If you can not see the Reservation tab, please CLICK HERE to MAKE A RESERVATION. Whether you're looking for a place for a quick luncheon or an eatery to sit and linger for awhile, you'll find it at The View. NEW: Dim Sum Give Some (Air Date 1/23/20) Arthur Ircink January 20, 2020. For me to walk through a door correctly might take 10 takes from 10 different angles. The Vig brothers were in Viroqua that day to visit their father, who is 94. All rights reserved. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Zahm took over Driftless Cafe with his wife, Ruthie, in 2013 and was a semifinalist in the best chef: Midwest category of the James Beard Awards in 2017. WebHost Luke Zahm stops by to try some of their hottest of hot sauces. Zahm gives that statistic not just as a restaurant owner who uses organic ingredients, but also as president of Viroqua's Chamber of Commerce. He returned to Viroqua in 2011 to pursue a restaurant that could showcase the bounty of the Driftless region. As Zahm collects and amplifies these stories for the show, he incorporates techniques, ingredients, and origin tales into the menu at the Driftless Caf. For years, the property housed nothing but an abandoned cheese factory. Its this collision of cultures. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The execs didnt go for it not enough advertising, Zahm recalled. Use of this Site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy. My thoughts drift to places Ive been and stories weve shared, things Ive learned and situations that felt real and sometimes complicated. "The people here, they are educated about food. Luke was among the seven chefs nominated for Best Chef Midwest. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Three decades of hard work and creative collaboration. Meanwhile, the tobacco croponce one of the regions agricultural specialtiesbegan to decline in the 1990s and early 2000s, as demand fell alongside federal price supports. Customers indulge in ice cream at Dave's Pizza and Sweet Shop on Main Street in Viroqua, Wisconsin. Named for the Midwests Driftless Region, the Driftless Cafe headed by chef and Wisconsin TV personality Luke Zahm carries on the areas rich tradition of local He's traveled to the nation's capital to lobby for truthful labeling, specifically in regard to GMO products. Wells Fargo. In the four years since the Zahms bought the Driftless Caf, its become a local institution.

They really only knew about beer, cheese and the Packers, he said. Wisconsin Foodie host Luke Zahm cooks with Inga Witscher, of Around the Farm Table February 22, 2022 Luke Zahm Leave a Comment Wisconsin Foodie airs 7 p.m. Thursdays on PBS Wisconsin and is available to watch on-demand on the free PBS Video App. "Ive enjoyed my guest role with Foodie immensely; I cant wait to continue to explore and create broader awareness of the culinary scene with viewers as permanent host of Wisconsin Foodie.".

This sacred corn is older than their creation story Skywoman fell to the earth with the seeds.. You can cancel at any time. Vernon County has, People are moving in from other places, and theyre bringing big ideas here., People here are really intent on supporting each other, and shopping locally is not something you have to drill into peoples heads.. And it's drawing like-minded residents, such as the Minowas, from bigger cities. He describes the fare as affordable farm-to-table. Luke Zahm - Owner and Head Chef - Co-Owner of The Driftless He Kyle Cherek hosted the Regional Emmy Award-winning show for 11 years. We must work together as a community to ensure we no longer teach, or tolerate it. While Lamonde has a P.O. He and his wife Megan had been wanting to move somewhere with a slower pace, and during a visit a few years ago to Minnesota, they took a detour to Viroqua. Luke Zahm co-owner of Driftless Cafe in Viroqua, stands behind the bar there. Website feedback, questions or accessibility issues: web@umark.wisc.edu. A $2 million grant from the Economic Development Administration helped modernize and refit the 40-year-old building, including new doors and windows. More. Host Luke Zahm visits Fairchild restaurant in Madison, owned and operated by Itaru Nagano and Andrew Kroeger. Budweiser promises to bring beer to the red planet, The liquor industry is harshing on legal pots buzz. But those qualities didnt just help preserve the regions agricultural heritage. It is your responsibility to review these Terms prior to each use of the Services and, by continuing to use the Services, you agree to all changes as well as Terms in place at the time of the use. Full Episode: In this episode of Wisconsin Facebook 0 Twitter Pinterest 0 0 Likes. Host Luke Zahm looks ahead to a new season of Wisconsin Foodie. Share This Story Morry Gash/AP Photo, The restaurant industry has been hit hard by the growing spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin following Tuesdays directive from Gov. I enjoy exploring Wisconsin's many lakes and spending the summer months camping around the state. The 2020 season of Wisconsin Foodie, with Zahm as the new host, will begin airing during the first week of January, Ircink said. After they graduated in 2003 Lukes degree is in behavioral science and law, and Ruthies in nursing they got married, and stayed in This was the town that convinced us we could do it, he said. Her organization was able to purchase the property from NCR at a price well below market rate. There was nothing for him to latch onto, no rural identity he found to offer a sense of pride in place. That sealed the deal. WebChristina Allegretti, wife of Chiefs' Nick Allegretti, gives birth to twins on Super Bowl morning La Crosse man accused of stealing, crashing vehicle Steve Cahalan: Non-alcoholic geek They live in a farmhouse outside town where they grow kale, radishes, and medicinal herbs, among other things. Arthur Ircink January 17, 2020. Keep updated on the latest news and information. Uplands Cheese in Dodgeville, Wisconsin is a farmstead creamery. In my free time I do a lot of teaching and learning of my own with a pair of escrima sticks in my hands at a martial arts gym. The promise of space, low costs of living, and good food are increasingly drawing ex-urbanites who dont work in the industry. Door Countys Wickman House a semifinalist for James Beard Outstanding Restaurant award, Exploring COVID impacts on Wisconsins mink industry, Restaurants largely pessimistic over 'return to normal', Conservative wins in Wisconsin's 8th Senate District, securing GOP impeachment power, Janet Protasiewicz takes high-stakes Supreme Court election, flipping Wisconsin court's balance of power, In statewide referendums, voters OK expansion of judges' power to set cash bail, Democratic voter energy powers mayors in Green Bay, Madison, Racine to reelection, Washington County task force proposes merging 2-year UW campus with Moraine Park Technical College. When he got into college in Chicago, Zahm assumed he was leaving for good. A thriving food culture is making Viroqua the place to be. We may change the Terms at any time, and the changes may become effective immediately upon posting. Luke Zahm left Vernon County, a farming region in southwestern Wisconsin, as soon as he could. Kyle was the first face of Wisconsin Foodie, and played an integral role in helping thousands of Wisconsinites fall in love with local food and culinary culture, Ircink said in a news release. Jamie Lamonde worked for Organic Valley for 11 years before leaving to stay home with her children. The new season of Wisconsin Foodie premieres 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20 on PBS Wisconsin. Zahm is the owner and head chef of Driftless Cafe, which he has operated with his wife in Viroqua, Wisconsin since 2013. Please reload the page and try again. Outside the office, you'll likely find me with my nose in a book, outdoors or farming! Best Match Powered by Whitepages You have permission to edit this article. This has been an ideal place to start this kind of business, said Caleb Nicholes, a cofounder of the company. As a chef, I work hard to control as much of the dining experience as humanly possible in the restaurant. That is exactly why Viroqua is home to the Driftless Cafe. Tony Evers to shutter all restaurants and bars and gatherings of more than 10 people in the state.. It teaches me to let go and just be myself on camera, it teaches me to listen, and it pushes me to grow and ultimately share a part of this unique experience with all of you. Required fields are marked *. Several years ago, owners Anna Poplawska and William Scott began working out of their home, which, according to Anna, is a former church, very large and zoned commercial. Their work-- applying labels by hand to trays that hold People travel a long way because they want something that is real and tangible, authentic. The Supreme Court case on same-sex wedding cakes hinges on a single question: Is food art? For me that has been a tremendous relief, to have someone who understands food and is interested in putting her imprint on Wisconsin cuisine through the flavor profiles she loves to cultivate. His writing and directing credits include A Guy Thing and The Godfather of Green Bay. Petes TV writing credits include Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader? as Jeff Foxworthys writer/producer and the sports comedy show Sports Soup. Pete is married with two children and splits time between Los Angeles and the Midwest.

Whats going on back at Driftless Caf while youre out with the Foodie crew? (Chef) Mary Kastman moved to Viroqua last year, from Sarma and Oleana in Boston.

Pete Schwaba is a stand-up comedian, writer, director and host of "Director's Cut" on PBS Wisconsin. These days, Driftless Cafe is the heart and soul of Viroqua, tucked just off Main Street at 118 Court St. The season of rest is upon me and I loathe it. That's how you learn, making that modification to suit what you have and the pallets that you have in the house. Location. On a cold winter day, the menu was filled with hearty, stick-to-your-ribs dishes with an international flair. And asking good questions, its a honed skill! The prevailing wisdom was that family farms had to scale up if they wanted to survive. Wisconsin Educational Communications Board. WebThe Wedding of Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade took place in 19 ABY on Coruscant, shortly after the end of the Galactic Civil War.

Today Viroquas Food Enterprise Center houses 20 food-manufacturing businesses, including Fizzeology Foods, which makes sauerkraut and kimchi from organic vegetables; Nami Chips, a line of veggie crisp snacks; and B&Es Trees, barrel-aged maple syrup producers.

Wisconsin saw a surge in new businesses during the pandemic. I look forward to the next chapter in my role as a food storyteller and focusing on my extraordinary new role as father to my newborn daughter," says Cherek. He was glad to move to Madison for college and try to find his way in an urban setting. In a town of 4,300, the co-op has more than 3,500 members. We will continue to break bread as friends, and he will always be a part of the Foodie family even as we continue to learn, grow and expand our culinary horizons.. Viroqua sits in a rare pocket of the Midwestcalled the Driftless areathat remained unglaciated in the last ice ages. Another was Culver Farms roasted duck cassoulet, Nueskes bacon, navy white beans, Wholesome Harvest sweet potato and kale, Hansons Bakery garlic breadcrumb, and David Miles micro greens.

They switched up their inventory to carry items Walmart didnt. We have an obligation to find people who need their stories lifted up and celebrated. Right now we're going through Vivian Howard's Deep Run Roots and finding recipes that we can adapt and modify to ingredients that we have on hand. He is a two-time winner of the Edible Madison Local Hero Award, and was named a 2017 James Beard Best Chef Midwest semifinalist. Weve been deliberate in trying to find food stories that speak to a different demographic. On Wednesday, Evers announced plans to issue an emergency order that would waive work search requirements and change unemployment benefit rules to address economic fallout from COVID-19. They found Viroqua, the Wisconsin State Journal reported. It felt really great. The producers give you some grace like thats you, thats a nuance, that will translate well on camera or well edit this out. The most frustrating thing is in an industry where we are one of the largest market sectors in the United States for employment, that we can't provide affordable health care for a lot of employees. Host Luke Zahm visits Little Blue Ridge Farm in Kendall. 821 University Ave.

How did you first hook up with Wisconsin Foodie?. The editors, producers and all of the fine folks at Wisconsin Foodie and PBS Wisconsin have worked hard to bring you this slice of us. Get the latest from the Daily Yonder directly in your inbox, twice each week. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1597166322662-mid-article-1'); }); "Kyle [Cherek] was the first face of 'Wisconsin Foodie,' and played an integral role in helping thousands of Wisconsinites fall in love with local food and culinary culture," notes Arthur Ircink, founder and director of "Wisconsin Foodie. When I am not raving about our outstanding education resources, you can find me dancing, reading, playing, and exploring with my two young children while trying to stay awake past nine oclock. Transforming the narrative, that is our role as participants in this culture in this day and age, he said. Zahm and his wife, Ruthie Zahm, have owned and operated the acclaimed Driftless Caf since 2013. Luke Zahm: There's a lot of feelings. Full Episode: In this episode of Wisconsin Foodie, we hit the road, crossing the border into neighboring Minnesota to meet up with Wisconsin native, Chef Yia Vang. But Sue Noble, executive director of the Vernon Economic Development Association (VEDA) saw an opportunity. "As a kid growing up in a small, rural town in Wisconsin, I found my identity in food," Zahm said. The CIA's star students prepared a meal one night and on a list of their sources were four ingredients from the Driftless Region. In addition to several exciting events happening this summer, a special dinner celebrating Chef Luke is planned for Saturday, August 10 in Spring Green. In the end, it would require more than $4 million in upgrades to turn the 100,000-square-foot space into a viable home for food businesses, a build-out Noble financed one grant at a time. Here's what to know. One time many years ago, I was riffling through my grandmother Ruth's box of handwritten recipe cards when I pulled up short at the sight of t. I am the editor of Airwaves, our monthly program guide for members. It generates honesty and sincerity, passion and identity., Zahm moved back to Vernon County in 2011 after cooking in the Madison area at Lombardinos, The Old Fashioned, Kennedy Manor and Epic Systems, where he spent five years. We discuss the news with Luke Zahm, the host of Wisconsin Foodie. We also get tips on cooking at home as authorities urge social distancing. As a kid looking for an identity in a small town, he found meaning in a newly formed You are granted a personal, revocable, limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the Services and the Content conditioned on your continued acceptance of, and compliance with, the Terms. A University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate, he is a lifelong resident of the state. Many of Viroquas challenges remain. The local impact has been transformative, and not just because Organic Valley employs more than 900 people at its headquarters in La Farge, Wisconsin, 15 miles east of Viroqua. It planted a seed, and as Zahm went on to work in Madison restaurants he saw again and again how chefs hungered for the kind of ingredients springing from the Driftless area. Wisconsin Foodie is my medicine. Photo by Pat McDonnell/Wisconsin Foodie. Fifth Season supplies many of the Food Enterprise Centers tenants with the raw ingredients they use to make their products, but theyve also grown big enough to move beyond the local market. His menu is ever changing, but his commitment to Arthur was like, Push all that to the side. Elevated above Main Street, the Viroqua Food Co-op, established in 1995, is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Next. We may also impose limits on certain features and services or restrict your access to parts or all of the Services without notice or liability. Little Blue Ridge Farm | Venison Confit. One way the Driftless cares for the community is on their weekly Thursday burger night. Zahm served as a guest host for the show a few times last year and was so impressive the decision was made to make him the permanent host, said Arthur Ircink, founder and director of Wisconsin Foodie. Now, I am trying to steer and guide conversations with characters that maybe arent as comfortable on camera. By using The Counter (us and we) website or any of its Content (as defined in Section 9 below) and features (collectively, Services), you agree to the terms and conditions of use below and such other requirements that we inform you of (collectively, Terms). Copyright 2023 BizTimes Media, LLC. 4 talking about this. It was nominated for a James Beard Foundation award earlier this year, and his restaurant draws visitors from all over the Midwest. For small towns like mine, this is reassurance that were on the right path, he said. Your email address will not be published. It is one of the seven cheeses celebrated in the Cafes macaroni and cheese. It started in 1988, as local farmers faced a David-and-Goliath problem: Falling prices and rapid market consolidation were driving small farms across the Midwest out of business. Luke Zahm is a James Beard-nominated chef and owner of The Driftless Cafe in Viroqua, Wisconsin. And if it wasn't for (Driftless Cafe), it would be a completely different town.". We have great schools, a nice healthcare system, and a vibrant arts and foodie culture. Over the years locals have formed Waldorf and Montessori schools, in addition to parochial and public schools. Zahm bought the greens he needed, then called around to restaurants and food co-ops to find purchasers for the rest. Zahm sings baritone, and plays guitar, tin whistle, and the bodhran, among other Like the farmland that surrounds it, Viroqua also faced hard times during the 1980s. Instead, local businesses teamed up and adapted. All Rights Reserved. "And that for me was the light bulb," Zahm said. The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. It was too much! Luke Zahm, and his wife Ruthie Zahm (University of Wisconsin Madison alumni 2002) own The Driftless Cafe in Viroqua, WI. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of The Counter. He grew up listening to Jazz and R&B in particular from the record collection of his mother. "When I left here in the '70s and went to UW, it was a dying community and people were moving out.". LZ: It's astronomical. Ircink said Cherek has done a fantastic job, but felt after 12 years the show needed something new. Food fans choose the beloved treat for everything from a quick lunch and family picnic to a favorite snack or a summertime dinner. That community-centered ethos was firmly established as part of the Driftless Cafe in its founding. When recruiting other chefs at the Culinary Institute of America in 2011 in Hyde Park, New York, he cooked at the campus in the evening. Your email address will not be published. The 7,000-square-foot Viroqua Food Coop sells goods from more than 150 local vendors. By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy. Madison, WI 53706 But the keystone tenant, arguably, is the Fifth Season Cooperative, a fruit and vegetable brokerage trying to do for produce what Organic Valley did for dairy and eggs. In trying to establish credibility and luring soon-to-be graduates to the Midwest to cook, Zahm kept emphasizing that this is the area where food comes from. Its roots trace back to the 1980s, as global economic forces started to take a toll at home, battering three industries the region had long relied on: agriculture, tobacco, and manufacturing. Eddy Nix, who owns Driftless Books and Music in Viroqua, likens his "slow media" business getting away from technology and smartphone addiction to the slow food movement. Wells Fargo is part of the Banking industry, and located in California, United States. We realized we could open our restaurant back home, said Zahm. The organization also implemented a micro-grant program modeled after Detroits SOUP program: residents gather, pool small amounts of money, and vote for local projects to fund. He joined BizTimes in 2003, serving as managing editor and real estate reporter for 11 years. This is not just a pasta dish; it is a cultural expression. Like this story? ET.