.jpeg)
The Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water St., has been named the nation’s best public market in the 2024 “USA Today’s” 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards.
“Billed as ‘a gathering place where great taste is always in season,’ Milwaukee Public Market offers local baked goods, cheeses, meats, produce, and prepared eats,” notes the article. “Choose goodies from nearly 20 vendors and enjoy your selection in the Palm Garden seating area on the second level. Or learn how to make your own fare at Madam Kuony's demonstration kitchen, where cooking classes are offered multiple times weekly.”
The Milwaukee Public Market, a local social hub for both locals and visitors, was among 20 market nominees from across the country. Among them, the Eastern Market in Detroit and the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia were awarded second and third place, respectively.
Known for both its role as a community gathering place and events like the free Riverwalk Commons Concert Series and annual Harvest Festival, The Milwaukee Public Market also supports initiatives like the Milwaukee Public School’s 'School to Work' program, which provides practical career training to special needs students within the market, as well as other community-focused initiatives.
"This distinction as the nation's top public market speaks volumes about our wonderful community," added Schwartz.
"It's truly a city-wide achievement that is reflective of the spirit and strength of Milwaukee as a whole. On behalf of our vendors, who are the driving force behind this recognition, we are beyond grateful for this acknowledgment!"
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.
