It was ten years ago that Imbibe Magazine launched the very first Negroni Week. The effort was founded as both a celebration of one of the world’s great cocktails (traditionally comprised of gin, vermouth and Campari), as well as an effort to raise funds for charitable causes around the world.
With support from presenting sponsor Campari, as well as Cinzano, Bulldog Gin, and Aviation American Gin, Negroni Week 2023’s featured nonprofit is Slow Food, an organization that “envisions a world in which all people can access and enjoy food that is good for them, good for those who grow it and good for the planet.” Participating bars and restaurants may support Slow Food or another charitable organization.
Here in Milwaukee, a wide range of venues will be participating in Negroni Week. Some will feature special Negroni Week menus. Some will showcase Wisconsin gin from Stateline Distillery. All will donate a percentage of proceeds to charitable organizations that are making a difference in our world.
Negroni Week Bingo
Among Negroni Week events is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Tripper Duval, co-owner of Lost Whale, which encourages guests to support the cause by accruing stamps on a special Negroni Week Bingo Card. A completed card entitles participants to prizes, including a free negroni when they hit BINGO.
“So many things cool things went by the wayside during the pandemic because we were all focused on simply staying alive and in business,” says Duval. “Among them were all the cool collaborations that restaurants and bars used to do, like Negroni Week. So I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to bring that back.”
How to play
If you enjoy a great Negroni and you know the basics of BINGO, you're halfway there. Here's how to play and win great prizes:
- Pick up a Negroni Week Bingo Card from any of the participating bars and restaurants (listed below).
- Purchase a Negroni and you’ll get your first stamp
- Pull together your strategy. Will you play regular bingo? Negroni bingo? X-style bingo? Or Blackout bingo (for the biggest win)? (Each style of Bingo has different spiffs, but every one results in a free negroni for you once completed)
- Continue collecting stamps toward your goal by ordering Negronis at participating venues throughout Negroni Week
- Turn in your card when you hit BINGO and collect your rewards.
But that’s not all. All completed Blackout Bingo Cards will be collected and entered into a random drawing for a grand prize featuring various gift cards and prizes from participating businesses and brands. The grand prize winner will be announced on Friday, Sept. 29 on Lost Whale’s Instagram feed.
Bingo Participants
Aperitivo
311 N. Plankinton Ave., (414) 276-4400
aperitivomke.com
[Read more]
Hawthorne Coffee Roasters
4177 S. Howell Ave., (414) 331-1382
hawthornecoffeeroasters.com
[Read more]
Holey Mackerel!
5401 W. Layton Ave., Greenfield
holeymackerelmke.com
[Read more]
Lost Whale
2151 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 249-3188
lostwhalemke.com
[Read more]
The Pasta Tree
1503 N. Farwell Ave., (414) 276-8867
pastatreemilwaukee.com
[Read more]
The Pharmacy Bar @ Crossroads Collective
2238 N. Farwell Ave., (414) 763-9081
crossroadscollectivemke.com
[Read more]
The Pier Garden @ The Starling
102 N. Water St., (262) 864-3426
thestarlingmke.com
[Read more]
Note: The Pier Garden will feature four negronis, plus negroni-inspired dishes. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m. (kitchen closes at 8 p.m.). Proceeds will support Slow Food and Kinship Community Food Center
PufferFish @ Hotel Metro (6th floor)
411 E. Mason St., (414) 272-1937
pufferfishmke.business.site
[Read more]
Shanghai @ Black Cat Alley
2238 N. Farwell Ave., (414) 763-9081
facebook.com/shanghaimke
[Read more]
Station No. 6
6800 W. Becher St., West Allis, (414) 543-4230
stationno6.com
[Read more]
Sugar Maple
441 E. Lincoln Ave., (414) 509-6035
mysugarmaple.com
[Read more]
Not in the mood for Bingo?
You can still participate in Negroni Week by visiting any one of the following official Negroni Week participants:
The Mothership
2301 S. Logan Ave.
themothershipmke.com
[Read more]
Il Cervo @ The Trade Hotel (9th floor)
420 W. Juneau Ave., (414) 279-6660
ilcervorestaurant.com
Note: Donations will go to Feeding America
[Read more]
Eldr+Rime
2300 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa, (414) 867-9200
eldrandrime.com
[Read more]
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.
