Passion is the heart of nearly every conversation we entertain on the FoodCrush podcast. But few guests come to the proverbial table with a more passionate stance than Chef Luke Zahm, co-owner of Driftless Cafe in Viroqua, Wisconsin and host of "Wisconsin Foodie."
From his upbringing in a small town in Vernon County, Wisconsin to the series of events that inspired him to open Driftless Cafe, Zahm shares not only his story but his fervor for the agricultural roots that make the State of Wisconsin an epicenter for food-based industry.
Along the way, he shares stories of his development as a local food champion, the inspiration he gleaned from hometown heroes like Butch Vig, producer of the diamond-selling Nirvana album "Nevermind," his experience as a James Beard semi-finalist and his reluctant path to hosting the Emmy Award winning television show.
If that weren’t enough, you’ll hear Zahm share both his hopes and optimism for the Dairy State on its journey to recovering from the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Listen in!
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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.
