According to a notice in the Milwaukee Journal, Dave Baldwin, founder and long-time operator of Milwaukee’s spy-themed bar and restaurant Safe House, has died.
Baldwin – who retired this summer at age 85 after over 50 years running the iconic Milwaukee venue – passed on Sunday, leaving behind a James Bond-filled legacy in the form of passwords, secret doorways and creative cocktails.
Because of Baldwin’s retirement, the Safe House was sold to the Marcus Corporation in June. Under its management, the restaurant has seen the beginnings of changes to its menu as well as the introduction of additional craft cocktails and other beverages.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
