Chefs are always fun to interview. They’re artists like no other because their “canvas” is the dinner plate and their output is meant to be totally consumed. And kitchens are fun to visit as well. Over the years, via profiles and restaurant reviews, I always ask to see a chef’s kitchen. Combine a submarine’s space with the pace of a fire drill and you’ve got the visual picture and vibe.

Executive Sous Chef Dakota Weiss comes from one of the culinary hotbeds in the U.S.: the desert southwest— melding point of native American, Spanish, Mexican and international. We didn’t talk chile, however. Now that Florida, specifically the kitchen of the Ritz-Carlton’s Beach Club Grill, is her current home, Dakota is into seafood and already knows her grouper from her cobia.

Her star will rise quickly so before she’s called to other kitchens on other shores, have a Ritz-Carlton condo owner or hotel guest take you to dinner at the Beach Club Grill on Lido. And, btw, Dakota’s kitchen is spacious, sleek and very orderly.

The Arts are Upon us
As this is our annual salute to the arts, we’ve got some of the many area arts’ calendars for you to enjoy—so many that we’ll have part two in December. John Wilkes, I feel, is the right guy for the tough job of keeping the Van Wezel hopping and on budget. He’s got probably his most creative season coming up and one not without some controversy—or not? From WCW’s perspective, it’s exciting to see so many female performers at the VW—Lily Tomlin, Natalie Cole, Donna Summer, Linda Eder, Cyndi Lauper, Roberta Flack, Liza Minnelli and Jane Fonda. The latter is a bold move.

Women Build—what a project!
I was fortunate enough to attend the kickoff for Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build project on October 13. It was so heartwarming from start to finish. First of all, there were more volunteers than expected—a good sign—from all over the area. Some represented groups like the Young Mothers Club in Lakewood Ranch or the University Park Women’s Club, or businesses like Pulte Homes and Holland & Knight to name just a few.

They all gathered and quickly took hammer to nail and started to build a house for single mom Jessica Garcia and her daughter, Victoria. You can still volunteer and get in on the great energy. Call Laurie Colton at Habitat for Humanity at 365-0700.

Want to Help?
Do you like to send and receive letters? If so, Senior Friendship Centers invites you to participate as a “Friendly Pen Pal,” writing weekly friendship letters to isolated elders in its Friendship at Home Faith in Action program. A friendship letter can brighten someone’s day and let him or her know they are not forgotten.

Here’s how it works: Indicate your interest by contacting coordinator Natalie Van Kirk. You will be asked to provide your full name, address, phone number, email address, and a list of your hobbies/interests. All information, except first names, is kept confidential. You will be matched with a Friendship At Home client who shares your interests and also likes to send and receive letters.