Chef Jerry Garcia -- known for his fabulous food, famous name and high-profile gig dispensing tailgate tips during Brewers and Bucks broadcasts on Fox Sports Wisconsin -- is the new culinary leader at Hotel Metro and Cafe Metro, 411 E. Mason St.

Garcia enters a kitchen that is recognized as 80 percent green-compliant and a menu that plans on expanding the use of local businesses.

"This is a time for businesses to look in our own backyard and see what we need and who we can help," Hotel Metro managing partner Jamie Hummert said. "We already use a variety of local cheese and plan to buy our organic produce and meats locally as well."

In addition to local and organic changes to the menu, Chef Garcia, who is known for his presentation of unique ingredients, will be taking the menu in the direction of American fusion with a Midwest touch. The new menu will be introduced to Café Metro guests in early April.

"I've been fortunate in my career and have worked at some really great restaurants," said Garcia, who has worked at Coast and Heaven City. "But, this is the first time I have joined an environment with a mission.

"Mr. (Jamie) Hummert (the hotel's managing partner) has given me carte blanche to bring my cooking and kitchen philosophies to the table and he sees that I understand the hotel's mission. Guests to Café Metro, as well as our ballroom and Zen on 7, will be enjoying some of my best work to date."