By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Jul 29, 2020 at 6:01 PM

The Bartolotta Restaurants have built their reputation on their dedication to offering guests memorable dining experiences. In fact, many have looked to them as exemplars, viewing Bartolotta-trained staff as some of the most valued in the industry.

But these restaurants, like so many others, have not been immune to the uncertainty and financial strains presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. This week on the podcast, we engage in a candid conversation with Chef Paul Bartolotta, two-time James Beard award winner and co-founder of the Bartolotta Restaurants. During our chat, he shares the insights gleaned from over 30 years in the restaurant industry as he talks about the process of reimagining the Bartolotta dining experience. Along the way, we glean insights into Bartolotta’s personality, his love for the industry and the tenacity that keeps restaurants going in an unprecedented age.

Listen in!

Find us and love us

The FoodCrush podcast is available via a variety of platforms from iTunes and Google Play to Spotify, Stitcher and more. Search for us on your favorite podcast platform, subscribe for notifications about each new episode, and – better yet – help us out by sharing the love by writing a review on iTunes.

Got an idea for a topic we should consider for FoodCrush? Want to offer feedback on our latest episode? Email me at lori@staff.onmilwaukee.com. You can also give @FoodCrushPod a follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  for additional tidbits, live tastings and more.   

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

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 each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, 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.