"If you really want to make a friend, go to someone's house and eat with him...the people who give you their food give you their heart." – Cesar Chavez
In these challenging times, we may not be gathering together for meals. But the level of heart that restaurants are delivering with their dishes every day is still palpable. Just as importantly, there is still joy in the act of trying something new.
If you need a bit of joy in your life (we all do), join us on this week’s podcast during which we talk with Victoria Sithy, co-owner of Sweet Basil, a bold new Lao restaurant which opened in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. During our chat, Sithy shares the story of how her family entered the restaurant business, the thinking that went into their menu of street food inspired Lao cuisine and the spirit that has kept them going during these challenging times.
Even if you’ve never enjoyed FoodCrush before, give this a listen. You’re sure to come away from this episode with a smile on your face, joy in your heart and a hankering for some delicious Lao street food from Sweet Basil.
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Got an idea for a topic we should consider for FoodCrush? Want to offer feedback on our latest episode? Email me at lori@staff.onmilwaukee.com. You can also give @FoodCrushPod a follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for additional tidbits, live tastings and more.
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.
