Milwaukee Specialty Food and Coffee

Editorials: Reminding Me That I Have So Much To Be Thankful For

The pastor who married my sister and brother-in-law sixteen years ago took his own life last month. I have to admit that I know next to nothing about him firsthand, other than that he was a handsome, earnest young minister. Word spread of a mustache coming and going and of a divorce, as those are the sorts of things suburban ladies like my Mom talk about.

Tonight at the coffeehouse, I read online about his life and passing. He was not some loser. He was popular and beloved and left behind two darling girls that everyone adores. He killed himself as a result of his depression. I won't editorialize other than to say that this stuff is real and deadly. I think it behooves us as a society to be a little more honest and open about such issues.

R.I.P.: Borders

I was dismayed at the news that Borders has finally given up the ghost, and especially at the news that their customer list has been acquired by Barnes & Noble. This paradigm shift makes me a little sad sometimes. On the other hand, however, dying booksellers are flogging Twilight books and other products of a worldview that I believe to be completely insidious. So maybe the shift can't happen quickly enough.

Last night, I was walking around Downtown Milwaukee and walked past the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel building. Its architecture proclaims: "This is where reality lives." And I so miss that reality. Would they dare publish anything nowadays--not as a rare feature, but on an everyday, bread-and-butter basis--that didn't tickle the vapid fancies of some target demographic?

Store Closings: R.I.P.: Harry W. Schwartz

More on this later, but absolutely devastating, devastating news.

I'll never set foot in a Barnes & Noble or Borders again.  If anything happened to Anodyne, Stone Creek or Alterra, I'd never set foot in a Starbucks again either.

R.I.P.: Great Harvest Bread (Whitefish Bay)

I was saddened to hear that Great Harvest on E. Silver Spring Dr. in Whitefish Bay has closed.  While walking past a couple weeks ago, I noticed that it was closed temporarily.  It since reopened, only to then close for good, save for a fundraiser being held late this month, the Journal Sentinel reports.  I'll look forward to the opportunity to hopefully pick up a last loaf of their delicious multigrain bread.  (Great Harvest is a franchise, but the other locations are not in places that I ever get to.)

R.I.P. Paul Newman

I was saddened to read of the passing of Paul Newman, legendary actor and founder of Newman's Own, not only a line a superb products but also the ultimate example of giving back.

R.I.P.: Riverbrook Restaurant

Riverbrook restaurant in Shorewood closed earlier in this month.  As far I as have gleaned from the media, Shorewood basically master-planned it out and the property was bought by a developer who will turn it into an assisted-living facility (link). I don't have very distinct memories of the family restaurant portion.  It was better than (affiliated) Ma Fischer's but not in a league with Omega.  Despite this, the Greek family restaurant parameters are relatively narrow. 

What does stand out in my mind is the burger and custard portion, which opened in--1999 maybe?  It was a nice change of pace from Kopp's when I was going to the latter regularly.

This sign looks like some kind of scrawled, half-crazed rant from the street.  I was rather disappointed it was so polite--I had expected it to say "Death to the Turk!" or something.

Say Goodbye to Brady Street's Fat Cat

If you don't already think the whole world is goin' to pot, then this news may finally convince you: Bella's Fat Cat is closing their original location on Brady Street.

Yes, I know Bella's doesn't serve up the healthiest of fare, what with their jumbo sized sandwiches and fried Cheddar Cheese Curds, but my hubby and I have been loyal patrons from the time it opened in 2000 and it's some of the best diner/comfort food around. And it's only a couple of blocks from our house.

Oh, man... I gotta go lay down.

Link

NOTE FROM MIKE: I believe they have a relationship with Anodyne.

UPDATE: OnMilwaukee.com is reporting that Mazen Muna, owner of Dogg Haus, has bought the building and is going to open his own burger place there some time 'round May 1.

R.I.P.: Becky James

I was distraught to learn yesterday that a high school classmate (Dominican Class of 1990), Becky James, passed away last June.  I'm not aware of the circumstances.  If anyone has any information, please E-mail me at mike@milwaukeespecialtycoffee.com.

Death Notice (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

In Memoriam: Dr. Ernesto Illy, 1925-2008

It was with a heavy heart that I learned yesterday of the death of Dr. Ernesto Illy, honorary chairman of Illycaffè and specialty coffee industry giant. With his training and expert knowledge of chemistry, Dr. Illy worked tirelessly to develop the science of coffee and create a greater understanding of that science within the industry at large.

Dr. Illy was born in Trieste, Italy on July 18, 1925, the son of Francesco Illy, founder of Illycaffè in 1933 and inventor of today’s espresso machine precursor, the compressed air coffee machine.

Trained as a chemist, Dr. Illy began his own coffee research laboratory, generating a myriad of industry altering inventions and patents, and actively establishing cooperation agreements with universities and other research centers. In addition, he served as president and founder, and later as senior vice president, of ASIC (Association Scientifique International du Café Paris), the international body that studies the biological, chemical and physical aspects of coffee.

Amongst his many noted awards and citations, Dr. Illy was granted the title of Cavaliere del Lavoro (Knight of Industry) by Italian President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro on June 2, 1994. In April of 1997, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Specialty Coffee Association of America.

Dr. Illy became chairman of his father’s company in 1963, eventually stepping down from that position and handing the helm to his son, Dr. Andrea Illy, in 2005.

Dr. Illy passed away on February 3, 2008 at the age of 82. My sincere condolences and sympathies go out to his family and friends, who I hope can find comfort in the fact that Dr. Illy’s long and extraordinary life was marked by great accomplishments that touched countless millions.

Anyone who would like to leave a message of condolence may do so on Illycaffè’s web site.

R.I.P.: Alfred Peet — Roast In Peace

http://chris.pirillo.com/2007/09/01/alfred-peet-roast-in-peace/