The Greater Milwaukee area is filled with amazing dining experiences and we want to share them with you! Join the OnMilwaukee Squad before Sept. 20, 2024 and you'll be entered into a drawing for a chance to join us in October for an intimate Chef Tasting Event at Union House featuring creative dishes and beverage pairings from Chef Dan Harrell.
The 8th Annual Battle of the Chefs will take place at the Milwaukee Athletic Club, 758 N. Broadway, on Sunday, Oct. 6 beginning at 4 p.m.
Founded by Samantha Starr Events in 2016, Battle of the Chefs is a friendly chef competition and a lush tasting event curated to elevate local chefs and mixologists from Milwaukee's evolving dining scene while supporting local youth culinary and hospitality programs.
"I’m excited to bring Battle of the Chefs to the MAC this year,” notes Mitchell. “I take pride in creating memorable gatherings for our community and the MAC welcomed the event into their space with open arms. This year, our exciting lineup of chefs, pastry chefs, and mixologists will prepare samples bursting with flavor and unique in creativity, providing something for everyone.”
More delicious details
This year’s event will be emceed by TrueMan McGee, owner of Funky Fresh Spring Rolls and will feature special guest DJ Lolo.
Guests can expect a luxe evening filled with food, craft cocktails, music, and the chance to vote on their favorite dishes made by local chefs. They will also have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items donated by the Milwaukee Athletic Club, Brewers Community Foundation, Denizen MKE, The Chef’s Table and more.
All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the Culinary Education Progam, a nonprofit founded by Chef Lisa McKay. The program assists kids and parents in cooking healthy meals and equips young people with essential cooking skills, preparing them for potential careers in the culinary field.
Meanwhile, the tasting portion of the event will be split into four categories with three chefs assigned to each category.
Appetizers
Blake Campbell of Anomaly Catering
Martin Magana of Mezcla Fusión Revolution
Amberlea Childs of Plant Joy
Entrees
Nicolas Ramos of Antigua Latin Inspired Kitchen
Vanna Praseutsack of Sweet Basil MKE
Zakiya Courtney of Vegan Soul
Desserts
Dana Spandet of Everyone’s Ice Cream
Samantha Sandrin of Midwest Sad
Aleitia Williamson of SOS Treat Stop
Mixology
Moonie Swaser of Canni Infusion Bar & Cafe
Rhondi Love of Edith Cocktail Bar
Jon East of Twisted Path Distillery
Food and beverage submissions will be judged by a panel of local celebrity judges including Chef Dane Baldwin of The Diplomat; Chef Yusuf Bin-Rella of TradeRoots in Madison; Courtney Johnson of Mixed MKE; Vivian King of Vivan L. King Connections and Adriana Mendez of TMJ4.
Get your tickets
Tickets for Battle of the Chefs MKE are available for purchase online. General admission is $100 per person and includes 4 p.m. entry to the main tasting event and a glass of complimentary sparkling wine. Cocktail attire is strongly suggested.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
