Brian Steffen

Things are heatin' up around here, no doubt about it! Cool off at Di Fratelli with liquid refreshments shaken up by hottie hunka hunka bartender Brian Steffen, 38. Not only is he a favorite mixologist among the 20/30 Group, B, as he's called, is a fabulous photographer and an even more fabulous dad to 6-year-old Gracie.

Brian Steffen — B — you are cute, cute, cute, no doubt about it! How does a Chicago fella like yourself get to Paducah?
My parents and my little sisters moved down here a couple of years before I did. The company I was working for was closing down, I was going through a divorce and I really wanted to get out of Chicagoland. This was the first stop on my journey so that I could be closer to my family. When I first moved down here, I lived in Marshall County, then Livingston County, and I finally moved down to LowerTown a couple of years ago.

And you're an artist!
Yes, I have a B.F.A. in illustration from The Art Institute in Chicago. Illustrators are kind of a trade of the past, but I still enjoy drawing and painting. I have plans to write and illustrate some children's books in the near future. That has really become a strong dream of mine!

Children's books! Is that because of your little girl?
Yes, my daughter, Gracie. She 6, and she has changed my life dramatically!

Your photos of her are so beautiful. How did you get interested in photography?
To tell you the truth, I think that I have always been interested in it. If there was one particular point in my life that I could say "got it started," I would have to say way back in middle school. My aunt was interested in photography, and we were close. She gave me my first camera — a Canon AE-1 — and I have been shooting a lot ever since.

When did you realize you had a knack for it?
Definitely in high school. I would shoot all the pictures for the newspaper. I did a lot of sports and editorial photography. I was also that guy everyone wanted to roll their film — yes I had to develop actual film — help print their pictures and show them how to use their camera.

What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
Gracie. But I love to photograph children, in general. That is really my specialty. A few other favorites include live bands and the occasional model.

Like the gorgeous Laura K.?
Shooting beautiful women is such a drag! No, seriously, what guy wouldn't want to have the opportunity to take photographs of pretty ladies? It really is a great time. They are all different in so many ways, and I try to capture those differences in my work. Laura K. is great. She's tall and lean, and she knows how to pose. She's great to photograph.

So how do you get your best portrait shots?
In terms of adults, my best shots usually come toward the end of a shoot. They tend to relax a bit more as time goes on. I can be goofy and sarcastic, and that tends to put them at ease. As far as children go, it's pretty much the opposite. They don't have the attention span that adults do, so I usually get my best shots early in the shoot.

Where does your work appear?
Pretty much all over. I have done magazine shoots, newspaper shoots, modeling portfolios, band promotions, and sports, too. Copies of one of my photographs hang in most sports bars in Chicago. I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time. In 1998, I was at a Cubbies game with my brother, and I happened to photograph Sammy Sosa hitting his 62nd home run. As it turns out, everyone else was covering Mark McGwire, so not too many photos of that moment exist. My little claim to fame I guess?

Rock on! How long have you worked at di Fratelli?
I believe it's going on two years now. It really is a great place to work. I like the people I work with and our customers. The food is awesome. I love the Sausage Peperonata, the shrimp. There's a sea bass special tonight that's awesome.

Do you love the 20/30 Group's Mix @ 6 each Wednesday? The one that really starts more like 8 p.m.?
Oh, yeah! That group is the best thing that happened to this bar on Wednesday nights. All the regulars come in, and new people come in. It's a lot of fun.

OK, B, tell us about your little girl!
Ah! My little Gracie Gabrielle. She is the absolute light of my life! Of course I am being biased, but she is the most wonderful, sweetest, smartest, funniest little lady that anyone could ever hope to have in their life. Just the thought of her makes me smile! She will be 6 this month, and I can't believe how fast the years pass.

She is so curious about everything, and that is so fun to watch. She is also quite the little artist, herself. I am amazed at some of the drawings she does just based on her imagination. I have so many drawings, paintings and sketchbooks from her in my collection. Those are priceless to me.

Are you just crazy about her?
Well, if you haven't noticed…! I can't say enough about her! She makes me the person that I am today. She came to me at the perfect time in my life when I needed something. She has changed my focus. If it weren't for her, I really don't know who or where I would be. One of my favorite sayings is, "She is my Saving Gracie." Pretty much sums it up!

Wow, that's so cool. And you volunteer at her school?
Yes, I read to the kids, I draw and paint with them. I'm teaching them how to play dodge ball and baseball. I'm making them all Cubs fans! I think my calling is to be a teacher. I'm going to get my elementary degree and become a teacher.

OK, so your little girl most definitely has your heart. What are you looking for in a big girl?
Gosh, I don't know. I just would like someone who's confident and secure in her own skin. I'm not shy — I say what I think. I'm a good person. I try and do the right things. I think a lot of beauty comes from within, and I just want someone I can be best friends with.

B, that is so sweet! What else do you do with your time?
I read anything and everything I can get my hands on. I draw, I paint, I craft. I try to walk for an hour or so every day — not only for the health benefits, but also because it really clears my head and refreshes my mind. I am a huge Cubbies fan. It's fun to be one in Cardinals country! I absolutely love live music and going to shows, and I really love to take adventures and see new places and meet new people.

Well, Brian Steffen, you are just the cutest thing ever! And Saving Gracie looks just like you. Do you think you'll have more?
I don't know. I'm getting old! I want to concentrate on the one I have. I just live day by day. I love being a dad. I do.