By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Feb 22, 2023 at 1:16 PM

Let’s Talk Womxn Milwaukee is hosting its annual International Women’s Day event on March 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. The Milwaukee event will accompany similar events in 14 other markets (from Chicago to Houston, creating a weeklong celebration of women across the U.S.

Let’s Talk & Celebrate will take place at The Starling, 102 N. Water St. in the Historic Third Ward, will feature an evening of amazing food from 24+ woman-owned food businesses, music and entertainment from DJ TruStar, plus gorgeous views of the Milwaukee River at one of Milwaukee’s newest events venues.

All attendees will be welcomed with a special drink, a treat from Cottonmouth Cotton Candy and a goodie bag featuring coupons, discounts and merchandise from Let’s Talk Womxn members.

“We’ve been very intentional in terms of this event,” says Lupe Moreno, Let’s Talk Womxn co-host and co-owner of Modern Maki. “We wanted to put forward a true representation of Milwaukee, including brown and black businesses. We also wanted to invite people who are supportive of our mission to come out, hang out with awesome women and eat great food.”

Check out the recap from last year's festivities!
 

Get your tickets!

Last year's event was a sell-out, so guests are advised to purchase their tickets for this year's celebration early.

Tickets for the event are $80 per person and can be purchased online. Each ticket includes welcome treats, appetizers, buffet and desserts. Vegan and gluten-free options will be available, along with a cash bar. All proceeds from the event will support the participating woman-owned businesses.

Participating businesses include: 

The International Women’s Day event is co-hosted by Dana Spandet of Flour Girl & Flame, Lupe Moreno of Modern Maki, Anomalous Campbell of Anomaly Catering and Valerie Lucks of Comet, Honeypie Cafe, Palomino and SmallPie, with sponsorship from Visit Milwaukee, Sysco and Milwaukee’s woman-owned law firm, Melnick & Melnick, S.C..

Be sure to follow Let’s Talk Womxn MKE on Instagram for updates, giveaways, events and networking opportunities.

Join the movement

Inspired by the action-led movement of the same name which was founded in Chicago during the COVID-19 pandemic (and has now spread to 14 cities around the nation), Let’s Talk Womxn MKE was organized with the goal of supporting female entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry.

Are you a female business owner in food and beverage who feels passionately about supporting, uplifting and advocating for other businesses and giving back to the community?  You are invited to join the movement. Currently, Let’s Talk Womxn is comprised of 40+ local woman-owned businesses. But more are welcome. Your commitment to the organization includes attendance at monthly meetings, currently held either virtually or in person.  To find out more or get connected, email ltwmke@gmail.com

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.