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 Sisters Bring Tastes of the World Home As young girls growing up in Fort Madison years ago, Karey and Kathy Fish were pretty typical. They loved riding bikes, jumping rope and playing in the mud. But while most kids might have made "mud pies," their mother observed them making mud cakes. "They would make these elaborate little cakes decorated with dandelions or violets," remembers their mother, Phyllis Fish. "They would also make side salads with stuff like grass and clover. I thought it was really cute until they tried to get me to eat them," she laughs. No one would have guessed that from such humble beginnings would come Downtown Fort Madison's newest eatery - "The Wild Whisk Bistro, Bakery & Coffee Bar." Located at 807 Avenue G, the cafe is open 7 am - 4 pm, with lunch service 11 am - 2 pm, and is closed Thursdays and Sundays. The idea for the bistro came after the two sisters had moved to the Salem, Oregon area in 2000. Kathy, co-owner and chef, was ready for a career change. She enrolled in the renowned Western Culinary Institute, which was a three hour commute. To pay her way, she worked two or three part-time jobs, and got a lot of support from her older sister and roommate, Karey. "I paid the rent, did the laundry, bought the groceries and she went to school," says Karey, co-owner and Front House Manager. "Well, you also helped me with my homework a lot of times, too," Kathy reminds her sister. "I especially enjoyed working on your wine project!" Karey laughs. It turned out to be a wise investment for both of them. Kathy graduated from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Program with a 4.0 GPA. She then completed a coveted internship with Moonstruck Chocolate in Portland, Oregon, the same year that the company catered the Academy Awards show. Although she was offered a job with the company, she accepted a position as Sous Chef at a popular Salem restaurant. In the meantime, Karey began working on their business plan. "We originally considered opening the bistro in the Portland area, then we looked at Dallas, Texas and even checked out property in North Carolina," Karey remembers. But things really started taking shape when the women came back to town to visit family. "We came back during rodeo a couple of years ago," Karey says, "And I needed my morning coffee before the parade started. We drove all over and found that there was only one espresso machine in this entire town, and it happened to be not working that day. I started having withdrawal symptoms," she laughs. She remembers telling Kathy that "this town needs more coffee!" It was then that they took a new look at their old hometown. With new appreciation, they saw Downtown Fort Madison's historic charm and all it had to offer. It took them a couple of years to finish their business plan, relocate to the area, and find just the right location. Work finally began on renovating the 807 Ave. G property this past August. More than two tons of flooring were removed to reveal the original hardwood floors. A commercial kitchen and full coffee bar were installed as well as adding two handicap accessible bathrooms. Care was taken to maintain the charm of the original architecture. "It sure was convenient that our brother, Brad, is the 'B' in B & A Builders!" the women laugh. "He catered to our every request, like designing crown molding and floor boards to match the building's original woodwork." With Brad and their father, Ron, doing the construction, the sisters and their mother have helped with refinishing the floors, painting and various other tasks. Over the past two months, more relatives and friends turned out to help whenever they could. Work was finally completed last week. "I really love our location," Karey says referring to their neighboring businesses. "Shoes, jewelry, wine and books... I'm in heaven!" "Everyone has just been so friendly," says Kathy. "Every day we were here working, people would stop in to say 'hello' and 'welcome to the neighborhood', or ask 'what's a bistro?'" "We went with 'bistro' [pronounced "bee-strow"] instead of 'cafe' to reflect the European influence in our food," explains Karey. "Every time I travel, I look for inspirations and flavor combinations to bring home and try," explains Kathy. "I have picked up some great recipes and tips from visiting Paris, London, Rome, Venice, Vancouver - " "Oh!" Karey exclaims interrupting her sister, "Those fantastic crepes you make from the Vancouver cafe - I mean, 'Wow!'" Although you won't find any mud cakes on the menu, you will find changing weekly specials, like: Guinness & Cheddar soup, a Garlic and Rosemary Roasted Pork Loin sandwich, or their signature French Custard Style Quiche. Customers will be able to bring a little something of their own to the table as well. Since the women do not intend to apply for a liquor license, customers can "BYOB" or "bring their own bottle" of wine. (The bottle must be sealed and a small corking fee will be charged.) "We've tried to create a simple, yet sophisticated atmosphere that will be conducive to hosting rehearsal dinners and other private parties," Karey adds. The bistro will also do in-house catering for box lunches and special orders. "We are glad to be back in Fort Madison," says Kathy. "There's so much we didn't appreciate when we were young. The anonymity that city life offered was appealing. But after having 'been there and done that', there is something so comforting about seeing familiar faces everywhere you go." "There are still some disadvantages to living in a small town," Karey admits. "But," she says with a smile, "at least having a hard time finding a great latte won't be one of them!" By Christie Holtkamp, As published in the Fort Madison Daily Democrat
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