Kayla Larsen spent 25 years working in the restaurant industry before stepping into photography. For the winter edition of Door County Living magazine, Larsen turned her eye toward her old industry, providing a glimpse into the restaurant and food world that most diners never see. She joins Myles Dannhausen Jr. to talk about the project and their love for the rhythms and banter of the restaurant world, including some of the pranks bartenders pulled on each other.

"One time, for a very special customer who I thought deserved a little extra, I put in a sauce called Dead Heat instead of Tabasco," she recalled. "This man spent about an hour in the Husby's bathroom running his mouth underneath the faucet. I had a moment of like, what if he's allergic to habaneros or something?"

These stories not only offer a glimpse into the vibrant bar culture but also highlight the camaraderie and unexpected moments that make bartending such a unique profession. 

Pour yourself a drink, sit back, and dive into the world behind the line.

Behind the Line with Photographer Kayla Larsen

Last month, celebrated poet and author Mark Turcotte was named the sixth Poet Laureate of Illinois, joining the ranks of literary icons like Carl Sandburg and Gwendolyn Brooks. Even early in his career, Turcotte’s powerful voice was drawing attention, particularly through his books Road Noise (1998) and Exploding Chippewas (2002) – works he published during his decade living in Door County. In this conversation, Debra Fitzgerald speaks with Mark about his journey from the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Reservation in North Dakota to his current role as Poet Laureate. They also reminisce about his years in Door County. 

Mark Turcotte Named Illinois Poet Laureate

It will probably come as no surprise to anyone that Door County’s robust music scene includes world-class chamber music. Allyson Fleck, executive director of Midsummer’s Music, and a talented violist herself, talks with Debra Fitzgerald about the organization’s roots, its mission, what chamber music means and the musicians who bring their music to the Door County community. Stay tuned: she also brought along her viola and plays a short piece by Bach.

Midsummer’s Music With Allyson Fleck

The Door County Pulse Podcast is dedicated to bringing you the news and stories of Door County, Wisconsin.
Hosted by Myles Dannhausen Jr. and Debra Fitzgerald, the podcast brings you interviews with artists, musicians, and business owners who make Door County what it is, hear from journalists from the Peninsula Pulse, and catch up on the news that's shaping our community. 

For Door County news, events and more stories visit www.doorcountypulse.com

Behind the Line with Photographer Kayla Larsen

Door County Pulse Podcast

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