When you head to a steakhouse, you know more or less what you’re going to get: quality steaks, probably seafood, and numerous comforting side dishes. All are generally served in a dimly lit environment with a traditional service model. But not at Saint Kate, Milwaukee’s first Arts Hotel, where everything is a bit unexpected.
On this week’s podcast, we chat with Saint Kate Executive Chef Paul Funk about his culinary journey, from his childhood interests in food, to his work in Colorado, France, Italy and Wyoming. We’ll also discuss how these experiences gave him a unique preparation for his role at Saint Kate, and his direction of the hotel’s "secret" steakhouse, The Dark Room (TDR). We discuss what makes the TDR experience unique, from its hidden entrance to its menu of uniquely delicious steakhouse-inspired items.
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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.
