It is with a very heavy heart that we are making this tearful post. Our mentor, inspiration, and most importantly friend—Peggy Magister—has passed away. We are forever indebted to her for her culinary guidance and leadership, which helped us to develop and launch La Dama. This news has been a shock to us all; there is no other news at this time.

Please see the private note from Chef Corona below:

Our heart is broken knowing you’re no longer here; you were a great chef and a wonderful friend. I have spent the last 20+ years of my life working and knowing you; we had become like family. There are no words to describe how sad I am feeling; you taught me a lot, and you inspired me to become the chef that I am today. You were the best. I will always be so grateful to have known you and to have had you as my mentor. You were one of the pioneer chefs in the Milwaukee food industry; Crazy Water was your baby, and you worked so hard every day to run it for so long. I admire you so much; I wish you were still here to call you and chat with you about things like we always did. It is hard to know you’re gone, but you will never be forgotten. I will keep making you proud, Peggy. Thank you for being there for me and my kids; we will love you forever dear Peggy and I already miss you so much. 🥲💔

Mix & Match 3 Tacos + your choice of Mexican beer for $20! Featuring rotating weekly taco specials to spice up your flight every Wednesday.

Emmanuel Corona had been a long time chef and colleague with Crazy Water for 20 years when asked about exploring a Mexican concept. Emmanuel had thoughts on this for quite some time and jumped at the idea – La Dama was finally born! He shared “I look forward to becoming a part of, and growing with La Dama. My goal is to see us create a Mexican restaurant that Milwaukee has never seen.”

Emmanuel, originally a local of Puebla and Mexico City, garnered his culinary skills from various sources. His first introduction into the food world took place at a young age with his grandmother and mother where he learned the art of making mole poblano and mole negro among other traditional favorites from the area.

Emmanuel and Peggy Magister began working together at her first restaurant in Cedarburg, The Fork Café. After 5 years he followed her to Crazy Water where he continued to hone his skills learning American fusion cuisine. Emanuel slowly incorporated many of his flavors into the Crazy Water menu. After 20 years he and Peggy worked together to create La Dama Mexican Kitchen and Bar.