A Love Affair With Food vBy Chauntelle Wright I am not lying when I say my little sister Erica Wright Kostal was born with a spatula in her right hand, a mixing bowl nestled in her left arm, and a “take charge attitude” complete with fiery red hair. All joking aside, I truly believe she is genetically predisposed to understand and truly love food demonstrating a passion and appreciation for the culinary arts. Getting to write the story of her professional journey and share how she arrived where she is today, an owner and Executive Chef of Willa B’s Bistro and Emporium, has not only been fun but an honor. Erica’s family and friends continually tell her she needs to “taut” her accomplishments and experiences more often, but she remains humble shrugging her shoulders and blushing. So, when I asked her if I could interview her for a story for Her Voice she reluctantly agreed, and I ran with it! Inspired personally by her Grandmother Wilma Bierle (Willa B) and mother Laurie Wright, Erica states “someone was always cooking…our lives and family gatherings centered around good food”. From snacking on appetizers which always (still does) consists of large trays of homemade pickled items, cheeses, and Grandma’s famous clam dip to meals of roasted duck, goose, dumplings and peaches (just to name a few). Food is always homemade, abundant, and wonderful! Encouraged by our mother to create her own dishes Erica remembers Save up to 2550 $ with manufacturer rebates and utility incentives Save Up To 30%* Now with 2019 Federal Tax Credits for All Solar & GEO Thermal Home Comfort Systems *certain restrictions apply HEATING & COOLING 2401 Broadway, Yankton • 605-665-9461 www.larrysheatingandcooling.com Serving the Yankton, Vermillion and Surrounding Areas For Over 36 Years 24vHERVOICEvMARCH/APRIL 2019