Not just brats and beer: Milwaukee chefs earn foodie honors
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee may be known for beer and brats, but a dozen local chefs and eateries have been honored for their skill and creativity with all kinds of ingredients, and they have helped turn the city into a foodie destination.
Since 2002, 12 Milwaukee restaurants or chefs have made it to the final rounds or won honors in the prestigious James Beard Awards — considered the Oscars of the culinary world.
Most diners opt for a tasting menu — small portions of several dishes of the chef's choosing — and the chefs create a meal for them.
A block away from c. 1880 over at Braise, chef Dave Swanson also offers a seasonal menu, which this spring features ramps in dishes like roasted ramp soup and a ramp cracker with chorizo and chimichurri.
Open since 2011, Braise also supports community agriculture through a program that offers weekly home delivery of seasonal vegetables, fruits, dairy, meats and dry goods.
According to the James Beard Foundation, there have been five chef or restaurant winners in Milwaukee since 1996.
Other winners include Watts Tea Shop, which won the Beard Award's American classic category in 2011.
Kristin Settle, spokeswoman for VISIT Milwaukee, the local tourism agency, says requests for restaurant information range from beer, brats and cheese to fine dining and farm-to-table meals.