When news happens and it’s cool and culinary related, it just may end up on This Bites (on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee). That’s the case with the recent James Beard Award nominations. The list of semifinalists is out, and there are several Wisconsin chefs in the lineup. They include the two Milwaukee chefs – Karen Bell of Bavette and Dane Baldwin of The Diplomat – up for Best Chef: Midwest. We also talk about a few other categories, where the nominees include restaurateur Paul Bartolotta and the Racine supper club The HobNob. We have a bit of time before the finalists are announced (March 25), and the awards will be presented on May 3 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
MilMag’s March issue is out on newsstands. The cover story, “Chefs Dish,” features eight local chefs – from Ca’Lucchenzo’s Zak Baker to Heaven’s Table BBQ’s Jason Alston – chatting about issues they face in their industry. It’s a little like being a fly on the wall. They also share which restaurants they like to go when they want a casual bite to eat. Tarik and I spend a little time dissecting some of their convo. But the choice bits are in the feature and you can read the story here.
And concluding This Bites is a new restaurant in the works. Apparently, the owner of the Malaysian restaurant Asian Papayoyo (2020 W. Wisconsin Ave.) is looking to sell, and the individual taking over this space near the Pabst Mansion is opening a place specializing in East African cuisine. Hear more on our podcast.
Listen to “Wisconsin’s James Beard Award Nominees, Milwaukee Magazine feature and more” on Spreaker.
