By Dave Begel Contributing Writer Published Nov 20, 2012 at 4:06 PM

We all know that Milwaukee has hopes of growing and becoming a major metropolitan center.

But as we think of things to sell, we may well want to consider what a small town this city is. The truth was driven home over the weekend when my wife and I had a wonderful dinner at Buckley's, a great restaurant on Cass Street Downtown.

I talked with one of the owners, Brit Buckley, about the path to his restaurant.

Buckley's used to be a bar and restaurant on Keefe in Riverwest, where I now live. I visited the place when it was there.

Their present site used to be a restaurant called Benjamin's Too. It was owned by the ex-wife of Werner Benjamin, the legendary owner of Benji's Deli in Shorewood. She got it in a divorce settlement.

Mr. Benjamin and I grew to be friends and many times during his divorce we'd sit at the counter, sharing some of his iconic corned beef and talking about his world, my world and the world around us, including his impending divorce.

Small world.

Dave Begel Contributing Writer

With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.

He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.

This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.

Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.