This summer, we brought you the news about Fine & Dandy Fried Chicken, a new concept which is slated to make its debut at the Third Street Market Hall at The Avenue.
The project was initially launched as a collaboration between former SURG executive chef Jarvis Williams and Bass Bay Brewhouse partners Chef Kurt Fogle, Ryan Oschmann, Laurie Oschmann and Andrew Meinen, and local pastry chef Katie O'Neil.
However, in recent months, Williams – who made a name for himself as the longtime executive chef of Carnevor Steakhouse Moderne – says he’s spent time reflecting and has decided to pursue other interests.
"In the end, we each had a different vision for both the operations and longevity of the concept, Williams says. "Right now, I feel so free and content ... I’m taking the time to find what’s in my heart, and that will determine my next steps."
In the meantime, Williams says he plans to continue mentoring at Bay View High School for the MPS ProStart program. It’s work for which he has a passion, and a project which he says is assisting in changing the trajectory for students, giving them real life experience and reconnecting them to learning in a new way.
"I’m leaving Fine & Dandy with the utmost respect for the project," he says. "And I’m looking forward to the next thing, whatever that might be."
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.
